The cocktails at Hootch & Banter were the highlight of our visit. We tried a couple of different drinks, and each one had a good balance of flavors without being overly sweet. We also ordered some small plates to share, which paired nicely with the drinks. The atmosphere was lively but still comfortable enough to sit and talk, making it a fun spot for a relaxed evening out. read more

Kimberly took care of serving my wife and I today and it couldn't have gone better! My wife ordered the huevos rancheros and I had the stuffed French toast, and some local black coffee. All of it was amazing! "I can't remember the last time I had a breakfast this good", she said. The fast and efficient service really enhanced the atmosphere Absolute perfection! read more

Epic food and a great waiter. Nice cozy outdoor seating while watching the night life of the city roll by. The drinks were custom made and extraordinarily rich and tasteful. Located right next to the riverfront park. read more

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I've been coming to Hootch & Banter on and off since I moved to Frederick, and it's definitely a spot worth visiting. I usually come for brunch, and it's consistently good. The restaurant has a great vibe, and you can tell a lot of attention went into the design and overall atmosphere. The staff can be a bit hit or miss. Our servers have always been friendly and attentive, but the host has been a little off-putting on a couple of visits. The food is still very good, although I've noticed a slight decline in quality over my last two visits. That said, it hasn't been enough to keep me from coming back. Overall, it's a great restaurant and one I'd still recommend to anyone visiting or living in Frederick. read more

Hootch & Banter - Mini beef wellingtons. - New American Near Me - Frederick, Maryland

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I really wanted to like this place, but unfortunately it did not live up to my expectations. The food was overpriced and incredibly salty. There's a lot of potential here, but when your wagyu burger costs more than Le Diplomate's iconic burger in DC, I'm expecting something amazing. Every ingredient was very seasoned on its own, but when combined, the burger was overwhelmingly salty. I could barely taste anything besides salt. The cocktails were also overly sweet, and I regrettably had to send them back a couple of times. That said, our waiter's service was excellent. But this place needs a lot of improvement. Way too salty, too greasy, and overpriced. read more

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A little pricey and very loud on a Saturday night but amazing service with a fun menu and delicious cocktails. read more

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Don't miss this gem. Great brunch and atmosphere, the burger and steak and eggs were delicious. And the service was amazing. read more

Hootch & Banter - Bloody Mary - New American Near Me - Frederick, Maryland

Great food and amazing staff. While the prices are on the premium side, they are worth it. The bar is a fun place to sit and have top quality cocktails. read more

We dined here for a family dinner and had Cindy as our waitress. absolutely PHENOMENAL service from her, and the food was absolutely amazing as well. Cindy took her time to recommend and explain not only dishes but also helped us through the drink menu, was patient and kind, and has a great sense of humor as well. Almost everyone sitting at the table has been a waitress before and we were over the moon with her service. The food here speaks for itself but Cindy made our experience all that much better, and I would request her as my waitress if I dined here again. read more

Was in Frederick, Maryland for a work trip and a coworker suggested hooch and banter. It's a small restaurant, but they were able to accommodate us without a reservation. The server was great very attentive and patient as we ask lots of questions about the menu. They have a new burger item every week so we all tried that it was a Smashburger with crab on top pretty good and very big. They had an option to upgrade the truffle fries which we did and the fries were great. Would definitely come back if I was ever in town again to try something new. read more

Hootch & Banter - Smash burger with crab - New American Near Me - Frederick, Maryland

Food, service and atmosphere was amazing. Would highly recommend. Plan to visit again soon. read more

Celebrated a birthday at Hootch & Banter and had a lovely time. We started with the Gouda tots, and had the pork chop and Short rib entrees. Everything tasted delicious. Our server was amazing, very helpful and attentive. I hear they have a great brunch, so I can't wait to go back! read more

Hootch & Banter - Lil" Peppa - Pork chop, roasted squash, and parmesan risotto. - New American Near Me - Frederick, Maryland

I love that a lot of things like the pickles and the sauce are homemade. Everyone that works there was incredibly nice. The inside of the restaurant was freezing, food was pretty good but nothing amazing. My burger was raw even though I ordered medium. Just a few small things but overall it was ok. read more

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Delicious food! Lots of gf options, including fried pickles. Fantastic service. Nice ambiance.

I love this place! We came here on a lazy snowy Saturday right as it opened, and we got a great table right by the window. It filled up fast, and there was a lively bar crowd, and also an engagement party celebration upstairs. All of the servers were so friendly, and happy to share their favorite dishes and beers, etc. We started with the wings, which were great, and then we had the house salad with salmon and the burger and fries. OK, I did not order the burger and fries, but my boyfriend did, and I ate half the fries on his plate, they were that good! Great, friendly, with generous pours for wine, and just a really friendly, great place with perfect food for a winter day. I wish I could find a place like this in Washington, DC. read more

Was really excited to go to brunch here but it sadly left me slightly underwhelmed. Chicken empanadas were great, but the Wellington minis fell flat; wasn't a solid chunk of filet in there, was bits and pieces, and overcooked to boot. And the old bae Crab Benedict could have used more hollandaise. Server was super friendly. read more

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We've been here a couple of times and the service has been great each time. We've sat at the bar and at tables - same great service. We prefer their brunch menu personally, but the dinner menu also draws a huge crowd, and I like that their menu rotates to fit seasonal cuisine. I love the bloody banter and the crab Benedict on the brunch menu. The cream of crab soup is one of the best I've ever had - I'd certainly return for this! The truffle fries are incredible - I love that they taste like potatoes not cheap fries. My husband liked the wings, but said he personally prefers wings from pubs. The broccolini was very good, but I wouldn't get the Gouda tots again, personally. read more

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This place is solid! Located in the downtown area of Frederick and is a solid sit down option if you are looking for one. My friend and I split the Wagyu burger, the Wellington bites, and the mussels and everything had great flavor! Admittedly, this was a little heavy and the portions were big. Service was slightly slow but I think that was because they were preparing food for larger parties. read more

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Everything....food was so amazing and unique. The atmosphere and decor was confortable and relaxed, and felt intimate. Loved Day Trippin' with the perfect mushrooms and poached eggs on top. The mini Wellingtons were a burst of that familiar beefy expectation! My friend enjoyed her Juevos Rancheros. An all-in-all good time. Our server was excellent. I cannot recall her name but I believe she was also of Asian decent, had great recommendations! Thank you! I can't wait titi try ya'll again for a second visit, and bring my other half. (Sorry no other pics) read more

Hootch & Banter - Day Trippin' - New American Near Me - Frederick, Maryland

Cute spot! I'm glad we only had a party of two because anything longer was told about a 30 minute wait. I had their canned cold brew and it was tasty. I also had the French toast and it was delicious. Friendly service. Park in the deck around the corner and walk over and check them out! read more

Came here on a whim one Saturday evening and it was a solid choice. Sam, our server, was exceptionally friendly and accommodating. He is a great value to the spot. We sat at the "bar" area upstairs. Ordered a cocktail (passion fruit was in the ingredients) but I can't remember the name. Beautiful presentation and tasted nice. Ordered the crab dip and gouda tots. Both were really tasty. I especially enjoyed the gouda cream that it is served on top... so much so, that I requested and received a very hefty side portion of it for extra dipping lol. I'd definitely like to return to try the rest of the menu when I'm back in town. read more

I ended up trying the shrimp and grits after seeing it on a nearby table, and I'm glad I did. The shrimp were cooked well, the grits were creamy without being too rich, and the menu had enough variety that I'd have a hard time ordering the same thing twice. It was an easygoing spot to enjoy a long lunch without feeling rushed. read more

Always love coming here. It is our go-to for a nice dinner out. Absolutely the best trained staff in Frederick with the most delicious food. Cozy, always bustling atmosphere. Highly recommend! read more

absolutely phenomenal beef wellington! my server was super sweet and attentive. would def recommend read more

Hootch & Banter - beef wellington minis - New American Near Me - Frederick, Maryland

Let me just say this!!! Hootch and Banter is a vibe!!! Everything about this restaurant is simply awesome. I knew it was going to be great, when I saw a line forming 20 minutes before the restaurant opened. It was my first time dining here and it was worth the 1 hour drive from Arlington, Virginia. I loved it so much that I would drive back and forth again. First impressions are everything and upon entering, the host sat us at a nice table by the window. It was perfect. The host was very friendly. Now on to our waiter Corey H. Shout out to Corey. He was personable, friendly and offered great recommendations for drinks, entrees and desserts. I ordered a Moscow Mule and the Mediterranean Salad with chicken. My friend had the Carne Y Huevos Rancheros. The drinks and food were grrrrrreeeaaattt! For dessert Corey recommended the beignets and they were fantastic. I honestly can't wait to return. The menu is amazing, ambience is cute and quaint, staff are friendly and it's a great atmosphere. Tips: Get there early. The restaurant is first come/first served. Street and Garage Parking are available. read more

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I have grown to enjoy this spot. It took a few tries and a new chef but over the last few years I enjoy coming here more and more. My husband and I like sitting at the bar. Peter provided excellent service today and crafted perfect cocktails. Enjoyed a sandwich and the ambiance sitting at the bar. read more

Hootch & Banter - It's About Time (old fashioned) - New American Near Me - Frederick, Maryland

This place is so good! It was actually my second time being there, but I didn't remember until I walked through and remembered the inside of the restaurant. I actually chose this restaurant based off of other yelp reviews, not remembering I have been there before, and was not disappointed. The staff is great. Even your neighbors are great. We stroke up conversations with the people left and the right of us! So much so that, I was too busy socializing and I forgot to grab pictures of the food when it was delivered. Especially, when the group of guys next to us started hating on my Florida Gators, who just won the 2025 NCAA championship. They saw my UF shirt and immediately had something to say . good times! If I lived in Frederick, I would frequent this place often. read more

Hootch & Banter - I can't remember what this was! But it was delicious. - New American Near Me - Frederick, Maryland

Great time. Wznt with friend and couod not have asked gor a better expieriece. Looking foewars to our next visit. Tell a frzinfnlllll bj po

This was a wonderful little spot for a dinner date. We had a wonderful server who took great care of us and gave awesome advice on the best things to order. We enjoyed a steak and cheese sandwich and a salmon dish. Both were delicious. After dinner we had the most amazing beignets fresh from the fryer and covered in powdered sugar. The drinks were also very tasty. read more

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Upscale bar. We were driving north and got hungry and we lucked out and found this place. Fortunately, we arrived before the crowd. Centered in the charming downtown Frederick. The service was great! The food was great! Prices were high! Couldn't visit often with a family of 7, but makes for a great date night. read more

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The wagyu burger was the absolute best burger I've ever had!!! I honestly can't even explain what made it so good. The brioche bun was toasted perfectly. The beef was juicy. The sauce and cheese paired perfectly together. Clearly, I truly enjoyed my meal. Oh the menu had super cute entree names like "Every Day I'm Brusseling" or "Filet Me Down". If I had any constructive criticism, it would be the fries. They were tasty, but I up charged for the truffle fries. In my opinion, I don't think it was worth the added expense. Fries were fries. Nonetheless, I will definitely be returning soon as I have my eye on a few other items. read more

Hootch & Banter - Wagyu Burger w/truffle fries - New American Near Me - Frederick, Maryland

This is the second year in a row we have celebrated my *early* birthday here for brunch. The service and friendliness of all staff members is unmatched. The food is always top tier and the vibes are so cute. It's no reason it's always busy, it's consistent every time. read more

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From the moment we sat down, the playlist set the perfect tone for a memorable brunch experience of good vibes all around. To start off my day I ordered a Spanish coffee and my husband ordered the Bloody Mary with the Banter add-on--which could've passed as an appetizer. With salami, celery, tomato, house pickle, shrimp, bacon, and 3 blue cheese stuffed olives. It was too decadent to classify as a garnish. We tried the Breakfast Burger and The Banter, both of which were impressive. The Breakfast Burger was a hearty treat with an 8 oz prime burger, cheddar, applewood smoked bacon, a sunny-side egg, lettuce, tomato, fried shallots, and toasted shallot aioli on a brioche bun. It came with tasty breakfast potatoes on the side. The Banter was a twist on a classic sandwich, featuring house-cured corned beef, Swiss cheese, house thousand island dressing, sauerkraut, all served on black Russian bread. It came with hand-cut fries and house-made ketchup. While the pickles were crisp and crunchy, they leaned towards the sweeter side with their bread and butter flavor. Although they were a nice compliment to the sandwich, I wish I didn't ask for a whole bowl on the side. I should have asked first. Hooch & Banter offers tasty food, a relaxed atmosphere, and friendly service. It's a great spot for a satisfying brunch experience. read more

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As soon as we entered, we were greeted warmly and made to feel very comfortable. We arrived just after 5 and there was a couple seated outside and a small group was just before us so we had lots of seating options! The bar is full service and a number of folks chose to eat there. We had a lovely little table in the window and enjoyed the people watching. Our server was outstanding, reviewing the menu and even letting us know what his personal favorites were. We had the butternut squash soup(excellent) the smoked turkey sandwich (very good and the KIDD burger (very good). The servings were generous and tasty. The only note...the homemade ketchup is quite spicy! A great stop on our road trip! read more

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The food and service are exceptional. We were told that portions were generous so we decided to split dishes. The Caesar Salad has a house made dressing that was fantastic. It was a non--vinegar type that tasted rich with egg and cheeses. The next dish was one of the best seafood pasta we have ever had. Very rich and begging for a dip of the small garlic bread slices into the sauce at the end. We had room for Tres Leches cake and coffee to finish our wonderful experience. Only rom for improvement was the decaf coffee, not strong and rich as it should have been. Our waiter was very friendly, helpful and pleasant. All-in-all a great one that WILL be repeated on the future. read more

We came here for a Saturday lunch after running some errands in Frederick. After a quick search of restaurants nearby and some recommendations from my brother, we decided to check them out. Upon arrival, we were promptly seated by the host. The table we were at was a bit cramped, with folks struggling to get in and out of the booth table that was adjacent to us. However, the restaurant isn't all too big so it's understandable. Our server greeted us shortly afterwards and took our drink orders and brought out waters. My wife got the Spanish Coffee and I got the Hootch's Bloody Banter. The Spanish Coffee was delicious while the Bloody Banter was literally a spicy, cold, alcoholic soup in a cup lol (which is awesome IMO). Both drinks were fantastic! My wife ordered The Banter 2.0 and I ordered the Breakfast Prime Burger. The food didn't take very long to come out and any wait was worth it. The Breakfast Prime Burger was perfectly cooked. The sunny side up egg could've been cooked a bit longer, but everything else about the burger made up for it. The potatoes that came with the burger were perfectly cooked, cripsy on the outside and soft, almost mashed potato on the inside. Overall, super delicious and just what I wanted! The Banter 2.0 is also very tasty! While the sandwich itself is quite simple, ingredient wise, it is all that is needed to make this a great meal. The corned beef was flavorful and not too salty. The bread was soft and hearty. The fries were a bit al dente if I'm being honest, but that's more a personal preference as my wife enjoyed them. An awesome lunch that isn't too heavy, but still checks all the boxes! Overall, my wife and I thoroughly enjoyed this restaurant. The service was great, the food was delicious and the drinks were on point. We will definitely be back next time we are in the neighborhood. read more

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Friendly, prompt, professional service. Delicious branzino and fish n chips. The menu items were named something else though, for humor, I guess. Music not too loud. Bathroom clean. Thank you. read more

After days of looking into the best restaurants in Frederick it came down to the wire to choose a brunch spot for Father's Day. Hootch and Banter unfortunately does not take reservations but if you read the fine print on their website you will see that there are some exceptions for certain holidays (Father's Day being one of them). I was excited to celebrate my father but also have a good meal. It took a little bit to get our table set up but we had no problem. Our host was FANTASTIC, extremely considerate and kept the energy high. She was a gem. My family shared a bunch of appetizers such as the empanadas, crab dip, and wings. The crab dip stood out the most. I got the burger and it was awesome. The home fries were a great touch. My family loved their dishes. We brought a cake for my dad's birthday and they helped to cut and serve the cake. What an experience. They treat us like family as soon as we walked in. Look forward to going back. read more

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Second stop on our anniversary cocktail crawl and the one where we had dinner. We shared a kidd prime burger and the gouda mac & cheese. I ordered the Hooch hot toddy and my husband had something hot with bourbon in it (looking at the website menu, I don't think what he ordered is on there. Sorry!). My drink was pretty good (very lemony though), his was not to my taste at all but he liked it. I don't like bourbon so this is on brand. The burger was very good, which has been actually fairly difficult to find in MD. Very good meat. The mac & cheese was also very good, and very rich; even between us we couldn't finish it. I didn't really care for their fries, they're a bit soft. I like crispy fries. But this is a personal taste thing. If you like soft fresh cut fries you might like them. Our server Manda was great, service was fast even though the place was pretty packed. We were unfortunately too full for dessert. I hope to come back sometime when it's not freezing outside so I can try some of the not-hot cocktails, but we were ice cubes when we came in so gravitated to the hot stuff. read more

Came here a couple of times over the past month, twice to eat food. This place doesn't miss, IMO the best all around restaurant in all of Frederick. Want brunch? H&B. Want dinner or a late dinner? H&B. Casual drinks? H&B. You cannot go wrong coming to Hootch. read more

Hootch & Banter - Day Trippin - New American Near Me - Frederick, Maryland

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