When Nicole and I first moved to the Frederick area, we lived close to an establishment called Wilcom’s Inn which looked like a very old bar. We drove by it frequently, but it looked like a place you’d be hesitant to go in.
But something kept bringing the place to our attention. Its small parking lot was always full, especially on weekends.
We started hearing locals talk about the place. We specifically heard many people say “how good the food is at Wilcom’s Inn”. This was quite confusing. Wilcom’s Inn’s exterior appearance was not a place that said “We have great food”. Were these people talking about the same ‘Wilcom’s Inn’?
Wilcom's Inn First Impressions: Dive Bar Vibes
Fast foward to today, and Wilcom’s Inn is one of our go to restaurants. Its still true today, the exterior gives off a very different impression from the inside dining experience.
If the place looks like a dive bar from the exterior, you can’t really blame it – that’s exactly what it used to be. For years it was a bar that catered to the fans visiting the 75-80 Dragway, closed since 2013.
The building today still has a dull facade and an unsophisticated sign. You’d hardly know that it’s a restaurant, much less a place that serves prime steaks and worldly wines.
Wilcom's Inn History
Before I talk more about the stellar menu, food, and wine at Wilcom’s, let me talk a little about the history because it does add a little to the alure of the place.
Wilcoms Inn is located about 15 minutes east of Frederick in Monrovia. It is not merely a restaurant, it is a significant part of Monrovia history.
The establishment dates back to the mid-19th century when it served as a stagecoach stop along the historic National Road. Throughout the years, it has undergone various transformations and renovations, preserving its historical charm.
For years when the dragway was open, it was a bar that catered to those racing crowds. In fact, it preserves some of that history with interesting color photos on the walls of the restaurant of various drag racing cars.
Its owned today by a Peruvian family who have turned Wilcom’s into a fine dining restaurant that focuses on steaks, Peruvian-inspired dishes, and a great wine list.
Food That Keeps Admirers Coming Back
After hearing many people rave about the food at Wilcom’s, Nicole and I eventually tried the place, and let me tell you it does not disappoint. There are fabulous Peruvian dishes like ceviche, lomo saltado, and Peruvian chicken with yuca fries. There are also several pasta dishes which I’ve enjoyed many times.
But the star of the menu is the steaks. Wilcom’s serves up filets, New York strips, and ribeyes that are steak house quality. Pair one with a crab cake or scallop and you’ll be raving about Wilcom’s like all the other locals.
Wilcom's Inn Hard To Believe and Amazing Wine List
Nicole and I are wine lovers and we tend to gravitate to Frederick restaurants with great wine menus. Once again the unassuming Wilcom’s Inn surprises as it has one of the best wine menus in the area.
The variety of the wines is impressive as while it’s a one-sheet list, there are wines from all over the world. The servers at Wilcom’s are all wine knowledgeable, and we usually let them help us pick one of their favorites. Often they choose something that isn’t on the menu, “but just came in and is sitting in the back”.
In fact Wilcom’s has been awarded the Wine Spectators Award of Excellence many years.
Brunch at Wilcom's Inn
If I haven’t convinced you by now to visit this charismatic establishment for a top-quality meal, there’s more. What Wilcom’s probably does better than anything is brunch. In fact, brunch is the busiest time at the place and when you most need a reservation.
Brunch at Wilcom’s is a prime rib-oriented affair but with so much more. The ‘all you can’ format allows you to indulge in virtually the entire Wilcom’s menu: soups, apps, pasta, egg dishes, and more. Don’t sleep on their desserts either, the tres leches cake is legit, as is the brownie a la mode.
What Else You Need to Know About Wilcom's Inn
- Parking: free out front, can get crowded and tight!
- Take Out: available via curbside pickup
3 Responses
Thank you for such a great review. It’s truly appreciated.
Owner
Wilcoms Inn
Wow! Just so wow and COOL 😎
Preserving Wilcom’s as it once was but cleaning up the outside and remolding the inside was genius. When you ate there you were within walking distance to Bill Wilcom’s home. The locals get it. I have lived here since 1977 and went to the drag strip as a kid. He and his father built the restaurant to feed farm hands and Bill was born on the farm across the street. He is in his 80’s and a local legend here. The food is 5 star and just as good is the atmosphere and service. The owners truly care about Monrovia and take much pride in serving unique quality food. Its like home…