Liver pate was good, house salad was not, the dressing was not good at all. Rockfish was good, accompanying hush puppies were dry and flavorless. Crab cakes were fine. Mashed potatoes were delicious. Shells and cheese were good, but needed pepper. Deserts were ok. Service was great. The dining room was very loud. read more

I swear, we kept saying "it's so good" every time we took a bite of our meals to include the desserts. Service was top notch, the restaurant itself is beautifully decorated and the food was A++. This was a former Catholic Church that has since been converted to a restaurant. The altar and the original organ remain in place. Chef Bryan Voltaggio truly shows his passion for food and service at The Visitation. read more

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My wife and I recently went to Wye Oak Tavern for a weekend dinner with high hopes for a delicious dinner, but were very disappointed. We received fantastic service from start to finish, from being seated right at our reservation time to our server answering our dietary needs questions to our dishes coming out in a timely and well-paced manner. Wye Oak's ambiance being set in a former church/religious institution is unique, providing an interesting ambiance. However, the food left much to be desired. While the presentation on every dish ranged from good to amazing, out of the seven dishes we shared only 1.5 of them were delicious. Some of the dishes were bland and one note; others were overcooked or overseasoned. We shared the following dishes: Coddies: While the cod was perfectly cooked and breaded, it had no flavor. The cauliflower tartar sauce added nothing to the dish; the cauliflower giardiniera at least added some nice crunch and acid. Savory Parmesan Cheesecake: The cheesecake had no flavor; the acid and freshness of the cherry tomatoes of the arugula pesto could not elevate or salvage this dish. Cheese Ravioli: By far the best dish of the evening. The ravioli tasted fresh, were nicely cooked, and the cheeses and sauce were delicious. Smoked Beet Pastrami: The beets were well-cooked and fantastically seasoned, complemented perfectly by the dressing. However, there needed to be more beets and a better beet-to-funnel cake ratio; while the funnel cake added some nice crunch, there was way too much of it and did not do much for the dish. Brussels Sprouts: Well-seasoned, although very greasy and overcooked. Broccoli di Ciccio: Perfectly cooked, but very salty. It did have good heat. House Rolls with butter: Warm and fine, but nothing distinct. I would try elsewhere if you are looking to dine out in Frederick, especially given Wye Oak Tavern's prices. read more

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I've been to Wye Oak Tavern three times now and have had a pretty mixed experience each time. First, the positives: the atmosphere is awesome. The restaurant sits inside the beautifully restored Visitation Hotel, which I believe was once a hospital. They've done a great job incorporating elements of the historic building into the decor. It's not white-tablecloth formal, but it definitely feels like an upscale, contemporary dining experience. The challenge is the inconsistency with the food and service. Each time I've visited, the meal has included a few things I loved and a few things I really didn't. On my first visit, the oysters were good and the savory cheesecake appetizer was excellent. The ribeye, however, was disappointing -- not a great cut and lacking a proper sear. I've also found that the menu descriptions sometimes miss key flavor components. For example, the spiced sweet potato side had an extremely strong curry flavor, but curry wasn't mentioned anywhere in the description. Curry is a dominant flavor, and diners should know it's there. That said, the spicy rigatoni was nearly perfect. The second visit was much better. I had the burger and fries, a pastrami beet appetizer, and the shells and cheese. The burger was phenomenal -- super meaty, juicy, cooked medium with a perfect pink center, and incredibly flavorful. Service was a bit slow that night, but the food made up for it. Tonight's visit was again a mix of hits and misses. The food took quite a while to come out. The savory pumpkin pie appetizer was unfortunately a miss -- bland overall, with the only noticeable flavor again being curry. The prime rib came out lukewarm, and the burger (which I know is supposed to be served medium) was cooked well done with no pink. On the positive side, the Brussels sprouts were excellent, the cheesecake was decent, and the cookies were fine. Overall, I'd describe Wye Oak as a place with a fantastic atmosphere and some standout dishes, but also a lot of inconsistency. At around $200 for two people (two apps, two entrees, one side, two desserts, no alcohol), I think it's simply too expensive to have this many shortcomings. It's honestly a shame, because some dishes -- especially the burger -- are truly outstanding. But overall, the experience has been too hit-or-miss to justify the price. I probably won't return, and if I do, it would likely be just for the burger (and I'll make sure to specify medium). read more

Wye Oak Tavern - Burger and fries - Bars Near Me - Frederick, Maryland

The restaurant has been beautifully repurposed from a 19th-century Catholic convent and girls' school chapel, and the atmosphere is unmatched. The culinary experience completely lived up to the ambiance. We tried the cocktail recommendations from Chaz, and he hit it out of the park. What really sets this place apart is the team. Chaz was incredibly attentive, knowledgeable, and accommodating throughout our meal. A special shout-out to Joe, the GM, who went out of his way to show us true hospitality and make us feel welcome. We are visiting from Nashville for the first time, and my twin sister lives here locally. She is a loyal patron of Wye Oak Tavern, and after tonight, we completely understand why this is her go-to spot. We cannot wait to return the next time we are in town! Follow me on Instagram - @thecannyadventurist for a deeper dive into my reviews. read more

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My girlfriend and I made a 6:30 reservation for the main dining room floor. We were promptly seated after walking into the hotel. The main dining room is absolutely gorgeous with the stonework and architecture. The bar area was very busy as we were on the tail end of their happy hour. Our server walked us through the menu. We started with the ravioli appetizer. It had shaved truffles on top and egg yolk covered in Parmesan cheese. They almost had a little crunch to them and the inside was filled with ricotta cheese. The sides are à la carte as is most of the menu. I ordered the tavern burger. It came with beef fat glaze among other spreads and was very well seasoned. The side of beef fat fries were also well seasoned and crispy. The best dish was the pot roast. It was so tender and the gravy was so flavorful. This paired perfect with their creamy mashed potatoes. The service was decent but the food and atmosphere was absolutely amazing. They have a huge variety of cocktails and wine. It's a bit more formal Dining. It doesn't require a jacket or anything. read more

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Wye Oak Tavern is a lovely new restaurant from chefs Bryan and Michael Voltaggio located in the Visitation Hotel in downtown Frederick. The dark wood furniture, cream walls and low lighting give the restaurant and warm and cozy feel. You can still see remnants of the venue's former life as a church in the pipe organ in the balcony and the stained glass windows at the bar. Even some of the seating looks like pews. The service is excellent. The staff is very attentive and willing to answer all of your questions. I was happy with my food selections. Everything arrived relatively quickly and was very flavorful. Like all Voltaggio restaurants, the drink menu is extensive with a wide array of wines, beers, cocktails and non-alcoholic mocktails. You can easily find inexpensive parking in the nearby parking garage on Church Street. I strongly encourage making reservations since the restaurant is new and popular. If you don't make reservations, you can hang out in the bar and small lounge areas while you wait for a table. Overall, I enjoyed my experience at Wye Oak Tavern and look forward to visiting again soon! read more

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Overall this was a fun experience! They have valet parking but street and garage parking is readily available and cheaper than valet. The place is HUGE (a converted church) and it's attached to a hotel but there's signs all over to help you find the dining space! The interior is beautiful, they kept a decent amount of the church aspects that make the place still historic but functional for a restaurant. I wasn't sure if there was a kids menu (couldn't find it on-line or other photos, so I posted one up for y'all). The kids menu has a good section and good price for what you get! Kids loved the Mac and cheese (made from scratch and real cheese) and the kids burgers were good! Let's start off by what was good, the fries! Wow the beef fat fries were great, good crunch and flavor just not enough!!! Wish the portions were larger for something as small and cheap like fries! But 5/5! The crab cake was so good! I wish that there was more than one for the price but wow, the sauce and the crab were fantastic, nice sear on the top and didn't skimp on the crab meat!! 5/5 just wish it came with two as most places do. The bone-in pork chop was....okay, probably wouldn't order again tbh. - little tough, decent flavor but a tad on the salty side. 3/5 The prime rib. Man I really wanted to like this a bit more. I had asked the server if I could get it seasoned and seared but she didn't understand my question and only explained about how a prime rib is cooked (which I know and not a newb...but alas) I tried to explain what I meant but she didn't get it. Unfortunately, my ribeye cut had very small rib cap to it (honestly that's the best part of the ribeye so I kind of missed out on the tastiest part) it's an 80/20 cut with the 20% fat. The ribeye was good not the best I've had but good....could be better3.5/5 Overall, good with the kids and was accommodating for our kids allergies. The server was a bit lacking and slow (couldn't find her most of the time). Half of our food was just okay but others amazing, still willing to go back and try more dishes. Just not the pork chop or prime rib read more

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Wye Oak is a relatively new steakhouse from Bryan Voltaggio inside the Visitation Hotel in Frederick. You can entire from the front on East Second street or the back at the hotel entrance off of Church Street. They do have valet parking which is off the Church St entrance but there is also street parking and garages nearby. The restaurant itself is gorgeous, with stained glass windows and an old organ upstairs. The service is excellent - the drinks are well made, even basic drinks like a margarita or mojito. The appetizers and fun and inventive and delicious. The chicken liver pate is my favorite thus far - served in the shape of a chicken leg with waffles and topped with a bacon jam. Each element compliments the others and it is an excellent bite. The shrimp and grits cocktail is also excellent, with large shrimp and a play on shrimp toast made with grits. The steaks are each served with your choice of sauce as well as a popover. The tiger sauce is excellent as well as the chimichurri and brown butter béarnaise. The swordfish picatta was a stunner as well. For desserts, the lemon meringue dish was incredible as well as the cheesecake. Overall, this was an excellent meal with wonderful service! read more

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This place is absolutely gorgeous inside. It makes for a really lovely dining experience with the high ceilings and old fashion but modern look and feel. It's elegant, yet cozy. The service was amazing. Our server was incredibly friendly and attentive. Overall, I loved all the drinks and would love to try more. The oysters were fantastic and I loved the uniqueness of the cheese ravioli. The main dishes were okay to me, I still enjoyed them but for the price point, I'm unsure if it was worth it. Here is what we ordered: DRINKS: - The in crowd: tart and sweet like skittles, has egg foam. LOVE this drink. - Hype train: espresso martini. Amazing, I love it. There's a hint of spice to it and it bites you in the aftertaste. Slightly bitter bite with some tart acidity. Lovely unique take on the espresso martini. - Lady bug: ginger honey. sweet and sour. But not too sweet. Very delicious. Good drink for anyone that likes subtly sweet. FOOD: - Cheese ravioli: delicious! Not what you'd expect, but very very flavorful and unique. It's a cheese ravioli with cooked veggies. The flavor was amazing and the surprise of the dish were the earthy greens (Swiss chard, and arugula). It was all seasoned very well and a very well put together dish, but just don't expect it to be a super cheesy creamy one! - Ribeye with chimichuri: very delicious and cooked perfectly. Chimichuri wasn't too flavorful (have had better), it was light and fresh. - Popover: served with the ribeye. It was stale and cheesy. They missed on this one. - Rockfish: very delicious with the sauce! It was a tiny bit rubbery. Hush puppy with delicious with the sauce. - Mashed potatoes: perfectly smooth and creamy. - Lemon merengue: this was a deconstructed dessert with it was like tart gelatin and very light whip and some crunch. Also FYI, the still water costs money. Overall, I enjoyed my time here but i am giving four stars because this is a pricey and high end establishment and the food was good but wasn't on par with how much we paid. I would love to come back to the bar for some drinks! read more

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Our first time visiting this establishment. We came to celebrate a birthday. Tried the Cruda over the oysters off the cold bar. Wanted something different. It was good but the oysters looked great. Next was the steak tartar with a horseradish creme. It's the best I've had. I'll definitely order that again. Dinner was a la carte. I ordered the prime rib which was very good. My wife ordered the Rockfish in a cioppino broth. The crispy skin and broth made it. There were a wide variety of shareable sides including some pasta dishes. We opted for the broccoli with chili oil and the beef fat fries. The fries were ok, the broccoli with that kick were amazing. Instead of dessert we went to the bar for some after dinner cocktails. Both our server/bartenders offered great suggestions and provided great service. read more

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It's easy to make reservations here. This place is nestled in the middle of a Marriott hotel. With a church feel to the place and the high ceilings this place is breathtaking. We were sat upstairs by the piano/organ with a top down view of the restaurant. We ordered the 45 day aged prime angus shell steak and the rockfish. The steak had a selection of sauces so we tried the tiger sauces and chimichurri sauce. Both were very mild sauces. I prefer my chimichurri to be on the punchier side but honestly the steak can standalone without any additional flavors. The rockfish - hands down- stole the show. The skin crispy. The fish moist. The sauce mouthwatering. The hushpuppies... omg. I'd be back just for the rockfish again and again. read more

Wye Oak Tavern - 45day aged prime rib shell steak and rockfish - Bars Near Me - Frederick, Maryland

The ambiance is amazing and the service is impeccable. We sat on the mezzanine right beside the organ overlooking the main dining area. Now that that's out of the way let's get to the food. We split the Parmesan Cheesecake, Benton's Ham, Tavern Burger, shells & cheese, and the apple dumpling. It was the saltiest meal I've ever had in my life. The amount of salt on the fries, cheesecake, and pesto that was served with the cheesecake was unbearable. We were even getting salt from the apple dumpling. Never tasted anything like it. It's a shame because everything else was spectacular about the place. I would give it another shot to see if it was an off-night or a new chef or something of that nature. read more

Wye Oak Tavern - View from our table on the mezzanine - Bars Near Me - Frederick, Maryland

Omg I died and was reborn when I dined here! Good thing the restaurant is based in an old church. The ambience is gorgeous and the restaurant kept the stained glass windows which aids in the warm environment. The restaurant was packed when I arrived, but I managed to snag a seat at the bar. I was immediately greeted by helpful bartenders. I enjoyed the yacht rock and a fresh aperol spritz for my beverages. Both were perfectly crafted. For my meal I got the smoked pork loin chop, grits, and a side of broccoli rabe. The pork chop was cooked and seasoned to perfection and the grits were divine (this is coming from a true southerner). The broccoli wasn't something I would order again. I also indulged in dessert- I got the strawberry sorbet cheesecake. It was good, but I would definitely venture to try something new next time. read more

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The ambiance is great, sometimes I bit on the noise side but good the the food is excellent I had the pork chop, very tasty and so were the red jimmy grits, the service is above and beyond! Very attentive always a smile, I'll be back for sure, btw the valet parking is great! Definitely worth the price read more

Stopped here after booking a reservation for 8:45pm. I haven't watched Top Chef or anything like that, so hearing that the chefs were TV celebrities didn't really move me one way or another - it's whether the plate tastes good or not. Located in the Visitation Hotel in downtown, there are several parking options. We settled on street parking behind the building - which after 5pm is FREE. There is also valet parking. Former church sanctuary turned restaurant, the former altar is where the bar is located. I don't know - the former church thing kind of makes me feel weird but - that's just me, didn't take away from my experience. However, it is obscenely LOUD in the restaurant. I mean so loud that I HAVE TO YELL TO ASK WHAT WE ARE GETTING AS A STARTER!!! I SAIDDDDDDDDD WHAT ARE WE GETTING FOR A STARTER!!!! Might be wise to get some noise canceling items to quiet the acoustics. We were sat at 8:45 in the usual half chair/half booth option. I ordered a Four Roses old-fashioned to start which was good. We shared the savory Parmesan cheesecake which is served with pesto and tomatoes. This wasn't bad -- but I'll stick to sweet cheesecakes from here. I ordered a 10oz filet - cooked medium and added tiger sauce. For a side dish I ordered the asparagus. The steak was good - nice grill to it and the inside was done to temp. The steak came with this weird bread roll which was soft in the middle. Was impressed there. The tiger sauce was a horseradish and was very very tasty. The asparagus was good - served on green sauce and stracciatella. Tasted good there. For dessert, I ordered the slice of wye oak which was ok - the hazelnut and chocolate rolled and sliced to look like a wood cut was cool to look at and the presentation was very nice - but the chocolate/hazelnut really lacked flavor- was bland to me. Our waiter was good, things slowed considerably around dessert and stalled us wrapping things up-- but he did a good job explaining the menu, specials, and sauces. I would recommend trying this - I SAIDDDDD I WOULD RECOMMEND TRYING THIS PLACE!!! read more

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Beautiful space and generous seating with a touch of melted wax from the candles. The staff are presentable and pleasant. I had a french Chablis and Stag Leap Chardonnay by the glass they were both good! For dinner we ordered cheese ravioli, smoked beet pastrami and fluke crudo. Very curious about those mixed reviews. We dined at many B. Voltaggio led establishments, the wine program is always good and this place showed a great amount maturity and complexity in flavors! The cheese ravioli with freshly made pasta with the wilted greens that had such a umami flavor, I said it was almost reaching salty but stop short, giving it such restraint which is perfect. The beef tartare was delicious with the hashbrowns. The fluke crudo had very nice sprinkle of spices that worked perfectly and seasoned well! The last minute add was the smoked beet pastarami, and it was really worth trying - the complexity of the smoked beet went well with the funnel cake and dressing! Loved this dish. The main course aged 18 oz Roseda beef was executed well and the peppercorn sauce was perfect. The swordfish was also delicious! The sides we had were the broccoli rabe - very good with the spices, the fries with beef fat - crispy perfect but the most unexpected dish was the arrabiatta rigatoni. The pasta was just perfect sauce coated and brown butter added another layer of complexity. We ended dinner with Wye Oak chocolate. It was one of the best chocolate desserts I had in a while. Overall the food was balanced in seasoning and depths of flavors, it was very delightful. We loved it and looking forward to have these dishes again! B Voltaggio took time to greet us at the table. Thanks for a great experience! read more

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We had a milestone birthday reservation for a mezzanine table. Instead we were seat at table next to the doorway to the hostess and reception area. When we mentioned our reservation was for the mezzanine, the hostess stated that was "very popular" and we would have to wait longer for a table, despite there being open tables. The bartender staff were great especially considering how busy the bar area was at the time. Food was good, not great and the presentation lacked. Service is where the experience falters. The waitress lacked attention to our needs. There were severs, runners, a GM, and at least 2 maitre d's on the floor. All seemed overwhelmed and preoccupied with other tables. The restaurant is also very noisy. Conversations were difficult and the restaurant should address the issue. Will we be back, yes, to if service and the ambiance improves. read more

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We were thrilled to finally be visiting Frederick when it was convenient to try Wye Oak Tavern. We had a lovely meal, but the overall experience gets mixed reviews. The space is stunning. The bar area was hopping and the restaurant bustling. We were happy to be seated at a booth in the back, as the main area is quite noisy. Seats were comfortable and the tables nicely set. Two of us tried the Hat Trick cocktail and were wowed. The mix of bourbon, spices, grapefruit and rosemary made for a refreshing and cozy winter drink. The house cabernet we ordered with our steaks was quite lovely and smooth. Appetizers were generally excellent. The crab cakes got rave reviews. The shrimp and grits were very good - large, perfectly cooked shrimp and delicious grits cakes. The green cocktail sauce was a bit too bracing but overall a very good bite. The tavern ham and rolls were a hit with our granddaughter; the rolls were fluffy and lightly sweet. So good! All portions very generous. The house salad, however, didn't wow - the dressing was oddly bitter. The main courses were quite good, and the sides were hit or miss. The aged rib eye steaks and filet mignon were on point, and the sauces (tiger, chimichurri, béarnaise) excellent. The prime rib was gorgeous and perfectly cooked; the au jus was too salty and I wish I had skipped it. Our table was mixed on the cheddar popovers. Three of us thought they were overdone and almost burnt, and two of us loved them. I grew up eating light and fluffy popovers from my grandmother, so I was in the overdone camp. The shells and cheese and creamed spinach were luxurious, and the Brussel sprouts ok, but not better than what we make in our air fryer at home. The beef fat fries had mixed reception - some loved them, some thought they tasted odd; we all agreed they came out of the kitchen cold, and none of us loved the BBQ ketchup. Our granddaughter ordered the apple tart for dessert and loved every bite. For the food I would have given 4 stars, but the service was quite inattentive and a bit snooty. Our daughter had to ask multiple times for a water refill, we had to flag our server down to order wine with dinner, and we sat a long time after finishing our meal before being asked about dessert. For the price point, we expected better service. read more

I am giving them an overall five because the food was delicious and the drinks were very tasty. We knew what the prices were before we went there so it's hard to say anything about the $500 check for a party of four. Two of us ordered the most expensive item on the menu which was the 45 day aged 18 oz ribeye ($84). When they came out, one was noticeably smaller than the other one. Attention to detail, you shouldn't do that if they're going to the same table. I ordered the fat fries. 2/3 of them were the hard nubs that you would find in the bottom of the basket. For the prices they charge those nubs should be dumped in the garbage and should never be served.... drop a fresh batch. I think we could have had the same experience somewhere else for half the money. Brian and Michael would not have served those fries or brought to completely different looking steaks in the same table. read more

If I could give this a 10 star review, I would! From the minute you walk in to the main dining room until you get your last bite of dessert, it is an experience like none other. We came here as fans from Volt from way back. Our dinner club of 11 was seated in one of the private dining rooms. The book of cocktails and wine list were waiting for us at our table. Once we ordered our wine and cocktails, we were given our main menus. Part of what we do is we order a bunch of appetizers so we all get to taste of them. We had the oysters, the cheese ravioli, the beet padtrami, baby romaine salad, the crab cake, and Serrano rolls. Everything was fantastic and one of a kind. We each order our own entrées and enjoyed the filet mignon -it was cooked to perfection, the pot roast was tender, the salmon under the pancake was said to be some of the best salmon that my dinner mate ever had! Don't forget the prime rib with a popover! The sides were excellent as well. The sweet potatoes, brussels sprouts and french fries were all a favorite. We were slightly disappointed in the desserts, but felt that the rest of the meal and the experience were worth the drive from Pennsylvania! The service was excellent as we had many servers coming into our room to deliver the food, clear the plates and make sure that all of our needs were taken care of. Thank you Voltaggio Brothers for bringing an amazing fine dining experience back to Frederick! read more

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Wye Oak Tavern delivers one of the best dining experiences in Frederick. The building itself is unforgettable, a former church with soaring ceilings and stained glass that creates a warm, elegant atmosphere. Service was outstanding. Our server, Stephanie G, was amazing - friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable about the menu. She struck the perfect balance between professionalism and warmth, and she really elevated our experience. For dinner, my wife ordered the cedar-planked salmon ($34) with a side of broccoli rabe ($8). The salmon came out perfectly cooked, moist with just the right amount of smoky flavor from the cedar, and the broccoli rabe added a great balance of freshness and bitterness. I went with the tavern burger, medium rare ($23) and added the beef-fat fries ($8). The burger was spot on - juicy, flavorful, and cooked exactly as requested. My only critique was that the fries, while crispy and rich, were a bit heavy on the salt. Drinks were excellent: my wife enjoyed two crisp sauvignon Blancs ($13 each), and I had a well-made Old Fashioned with Jameson ($15) that struck the perfect balance of spirit and sweetness. Overall, Wye Oak Tavern nails it ! Thoughtful food, great drinks, beautiful surroundings, and staff who make you feel welcome. The kind of place you leave already planning your next visit. read more

5-Star food, service and experience that you would expect from chefs Bryan and Michael Voltaggio. All part of the unique Visitation Hotel developed from the former Catholic school, the Visitation Academy. We showed up a bit early having less traffic than usual and quickly getting parking in the garage down the block. They sat us at the bar before food service began. The bar is "blessed" being stationed at the church's old pulpit stage. Great list of wines, cocktails and beers. For dinner we were taken upstairs to where the old church organ is. We started with Shrimp and Grits Cocktail. Large shrimp dusted in old bay with a green cocktail sauce and grits toast. All very tasty but extra creative points for forming grits into a toast shape and lightly frying it. For mains we had the grass fed 16oz ribeye perfectly med rare and with a nicely garlic forward chimichurri sauce. There are other sauce options. I really want to try the sherry green peppercorn next time. They have a tiger sauce if you want to be a Maryland homer. We also had the roasted half chicken with garlic-mustard pan drippings and smoked braised swiss chard. I'm a big chard fan and the slight bitterness of those greens paired perfectly with the richness of the chicken and the sauce. Finished with the Slice of Wye Oak. A dark chocolate and hazelnut cake with chocolate bark and a hazelnut ice cream. An exception dessert! Everything was perfect. And the price point was reasonable given the exception quality of the dishes and the outstanding service. Looking forward to going back soon. read more

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Earlier this summer we drove out to Fredrick for a Saturday night out as we had heard great things about Wye Oak. Definitely glad we did, what an incredible dinner! We had a reservation and were seated promptly when we checked in. The restaurant is divided into different rooms and we were seated near the beautiful bar area. Started with a Wye Oak martini and loved the presentation (extra of the drink is served on ice to keep it cold). We shared a few small plates and a steak. Everything we ate was delicious! The dry aged ribeye steak for sure was the highlight-it was cooked perfectly with a crispy char on the outside. We also ordered several of the side sauces and I particularly enjoyed the brown butter bearnaise, black garlic steak sauce, and the peppercorn sauce. Yum! For dessert we had the lemon meringue and wow... so good! It was one of my favorite desserts this year. Already planning our next trip out to try new seasonal dishes this fall! read more

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The ambiance really makes this restaurant top tier. What a cool concept. Cocktail was the mirepoix which was exactly as advertised and presentation was *chefs kiss*. We split the 45day dry aged shell steak and honestly was a little disappointed in the overall cut of meat. Mac and cheese was recommended by our server and that helped redeem the overall meal, as well as the Maryland crab cakes. read more

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Fans of Top Chef will remember the Voltaggio Brothers (Bryan and Michael). Wye Oak Tavern is their first joint venture in their hometown of Frederick, Maryland. I had dinner at Wye Oak Tavern last week with my husband and his aunt and uncle, and we had a wonderful meal. First things first - the restaurant is located in the new Visitation Hotel. The building was originally a 19th century convent and Catholic school for girls. The restaurant is inside the church. It's almost impossibly beautiful for a restaurant - stained glass windows, high ceilings, an organ, the most beautiful blues everywhere. Be prepared for your jaw to drop when you take your first step inside. But on to the food and drinks, because I didn't just come for that stunning restaurant interior. Drinks first, because I have too much to say about the food. My husband tried and really enjoyed their Hat Trick cocktail (bourbon, spiced rum, urfa chile-infused honey, grapefruit, lemon, and rosemary); his aunt enjoyed an N/A cocktail/mocktail - the Grove Path (Seedlip Grove, kumquat, honey, verjus, lemon, tonic, and basil) and a glass of white wine; his uncle enjoyed a beer (their menu has lots of local and regional beers on draft); and I tried two drinks myself. I started with a martini, because they have several on the menu (all of them with a twist, none exactly classic) and I had to have one. I chose the Mirepoix Martini (carrot-infused vodka, gin, dry vermouth, espelette pepper, celery bitters, and pickled mirepoix), which was like a martini for a bunny rabbit in the best way. (Our server told us that some people call it the salad martini!) With dinner, I had a wonderful glass of Blanc de Blancs from Oregon. Their beverage program has something for everyone. For dinner, we tried and shared quite a bit of their menu: Maryland crab cake (with shishito emulsion, blue corn tortilla, and buttermilk lime crema); savory Parmesan cheesecake (with cherry tomatoes, whipped ricotta, and arugula pesto); smoked beet pastrami (with Gruyere cheese funnel cake and thousand island dressing); swordfish piccata (with sage, capers, lemon, and brown butter); cedar planked salmon (ramps, verjus blanc, and popped sorghum); rockfish (with East Coast cioppino broth, fennel pollen hushpuppies, and bronze fennel); rigatoni (with arrabbiata sauce, smoked Parmesan, and brown butter); asparagus (with dill parsley butter, stracciatella, and pistachio); spiced sweet potatoes (with pomegranate molasses and lime yogurt); and apple dumpling (cinnamon-toast custard and cereal granola). We all had our favorite dishes, but the food overall was really wonderful: inventive yet familiar, playful but technical and traditional. Some of the dishes are really going to stick with me - I'll be thinking about them for a while. That East Coast cioppinio broth? The smoked beet pastrami? The spiced sweet potatoes? All incredibly memorable to me. Delicious food and drinks in a gorgeous setting? And to top it all off, the service is superb. This restaurant would be a welcome addition to any city, but Frederick is lucky to have it. We're just glad to have another reason to visit Frederick more often! read more

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Wye Oak Tavern - A Hidden Gem Worth the Wait After eagerly anticipating a visit to Wye Oak Tavern, we finally snagged a later reservation--and it was absolutely worth the wait. Arrival & Atmosphere: Street parking was surprisingly easy to find (and free!), though valet is available for convenience. Upon entering, you head upstairs and navigate around the initial reception area to reach the hostess stand. Once inside, the ambiance hits you: immaculately clean, thoughtfully upgraded, and tastefully decorated--every corner feels intentional and inviting. Service: Our server was on point all evening. There was only one brief lull, likely due to the team-based service model (different staff for orders vs. food runners), but it didn't detract from the experience. Attentive, efficient, and friendly--exactly what you want. Food & Drinks: We kicked things off with the Tomato Mozzarella Cheesecake--a creative and delicious starter. I could've eaten seven. The lemon was a bit bold, but still a standout dish. For the main course, I had the steak, which was cooked beautifully and paired with a brown butter béarnaise that was absolutely top-notch. I couldn't finish the whole 10 oz., and the last piece was a touch underdone for my taste, but overall, it was fantastic. The beef fat fries sounded intriguing but ended up being a bit too crunchy and underwhelming. On the flip side, the asparagus with pistachio and dill was a surprising hit--fresh, flavorful, and unique. To drink, I ordered the Yacht Rock--a nod to my favorite music channel and now my favorite cocktail at Wye Oak. Pineapple-forward and perfectly balanced. Dessert: The grand finale? Warm, freshly baked chocolate chip cookies with milk. Pure joy. I'd go back just for that. (Seriously--do they DoorDash?) Final Thoughts: Wye Oak Tavern has officially earned a spot on our 2025 favorites list. From the ambiance to the inventive menu and stellar service, it's a must-visit in Frederick. Can't wait to return. read more

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My wife and I are Top Chef fans, and when we heard that Bryan Voltaggio had opened up a new spot in town with Michael, we decided to check it out for an early Valentine's dinner. It's a little tucked away inside the Visitation Hotel, so if you're going, just know you need to go in through the main reception room on the second floor. The atmosphere in the main dining room looked very cool, but we were seated in the side room which was still stylish and a bit more secluded. Very nice spot for a fancier date in Frederick. The service was good; the server explained everything well and was attentive to our questions and requests. The pace of the food coming out of the kitchen was also pleasant; we never felt like we were waiting on anything for long. I was a little concerned that the prices were going to be on the high end for what you actually receive, but I was pleasantly surprised to be proven wrong. Everything that came out was extremely tasty and the portion sizes were generous. We ordered a few appetizers, a few sides, and one entree; we split everything and left completely stuffed. Stand-outs were the steak tartare, specifically the slices of rosti that come with it, as well as the deconstructed lemon meringue. Not given their own photo are the Brussels sprouts, which we loved the sauce for and I will be attempting to mimic at home. We will be back, and will probably come back just to sit at the bar and have a drink with an app too. read more

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Loved the food, atmosphere and the service was superb!!!! I had rockfish and others had prime rib, pork chop, and swordfish. All were very good but most of all we were crazy about the appetizers. All were delicious except crab cake was only ok ( too much filler and little flavor for our taste). read more

The Voltaggio brothers deliver yet again with this delicious take on a steak house @ an iconic setting. The cocktails were on point, the appetizers were delicious, most importantly the beets. Attentive and friendly staff combined with delicious meals make this for a great new addition to Frederick's rising gourmet scene. You will not be disappointed. read more

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Visited three times. The ambiance is... odd. Particularly the bar area is giving "Eyes Wide Shut" vibes. It's loud. Something about being in an area that was a Catholic Church, deconsecrated or not, still feels a bit wrong. The food is expensive and just OK. Portion sizes are small-ish. Does everything have to be deconstructed? The drinks are also small. But the area in Frederick, the history of the building and the service of the staff are all reasons you should go at least once. But don't be surprised if you're underwhelmed given the $$$. read more

Expectation: A celebration dinner (made reservations) for 14 people at an upscale restaurant- with ambience and great food. This was exactly what we were looking for-- it is a uniquely renovated monastery that is now a trendy (and much needed) boutique -y hotel in the heart of downtown Frederick. An impressive interior - when you walk in, you feel like you are in one of DC's more elite spots. The backdrop of the bar is a preserved altar with stained glass and dramatic lighting. It really is beautiful. They have valet parking - that is a plus if you don't feel like hunting for a spot. We tried almost half the menu items and would order almost all of it again minus the creamed spinach and the macaroni pasta. Some highlights: The pork chop (which is never something I order) was one of my favorites- juicy and full of flavor. The Cedar plank salmon was fresh and flakey- but I don't think the "pancake" is necessary- the texture is off putting. The rigatoni and ravioli were fan favorites at the table. One hundred percent- order those. The mashed potatoes were whipped to a buttery perfection. I really could go on ... I think this will be a staple in our downtown. (If you are still reading, we ordered every dessert - and all were decadent, but the giant warm chocolate chip cookies were surprisingly my favorite. ) Cocktails were fresh and unique and staff were friendly and attentive. We did wait about an hour for the food to arrive, but it was busy and we had a big group with plenty to sip on... read more

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We flew in just to try the Voltaggio brothers' new restaurant, so our expectations were high--and we were excited. We were seated immediately, which was great, but unfortunately at what was easily the worst table in the house: a cramped two-top right by the entrance, adjacent to the marble railing of the bar. Honestly, this shouldn't even be considered a dining table--more fitting as a bar table, if anything. Within minutes, we felt like we were stuck in the middle of rush hour. The table was right in the path of foot traffic from both guests entering the restaurant and servers coming out of the kitchen. Add to that the people seated at the bar and along the railing, and it felt chaotic and exposed. I asked to be moved right away, but our server came back saying no tables were available. Moments later, a group sat down on the railing, making for an awkward dining experience with people essentially having their butts at eye level to our table. I asked again to be moved, especially since we hadn't ordered yet and saw other two-tops being seated elsewhere, but was told again that nothing was available. At that point, I wanted to leave but since we flew in just to eat here I decided to suck it up and just said ok I guess I'll just write a yelp review later to the waitress. Was it snarky? Sure. Did I care? Not really. Lo and behold--right after I said that, a better table suddenly became available. Funny how that works. As for the space itself--it's visually interesting but not well designed. The acoustics are particularly bad, and even after being moved, we had to raise our voices all night just to hear each other. The bar area is the most striking design element, and I wish they had leaned into that aesthetic more. The candelabras are a nice touch too. The booths seem to be inspired by church pews, but paired with the modern square trellises above, it gives off a confusing vibe like you took them out of Retro in LV and it doesn't quite land. Stained glass might've added some charm or cohesion. The artwork is oddly small for the scale of the space and feels like something you'd pick up at HomeGoods--disconnected from the overall atmosphere. The lighting fixtures are attractive, but the overall lighting is far too bright, lending the space an unfortunate cafeteria feel. Dimmer lighting and darker wall treatments could not only improve the vibe but also help with the acoustics. I expected more from the Voltaggio brand. Now to the most important part: the food. Overall, it was solid. We had the fluke crudo, smoked beet pastrami, steak tartare, prime rib with tiger sauce, rigatoni, and mashed potatoes. For dessert, we tried the apple dumpling and lemon meringue. The beet dish, while delicious, came with barely any beets--just a couple slices. Everything else was enjoyable, but I hoped for a bit more creativity or boldness in flavor. The lemon meringue was a standout, though I would have loved some crispy meringue added for texture. Service-wise, things were hit or miss. Our first server wasn't particularly warm, and the second was better but hardly around. The food runners quickly dropped plates without much explanation--often mumbling what each dish was. A man who seemed like the manager made laps around the room but looked disengaged and uninterested in interacting with guests. A woman did speak to us about switching tables, but overall, the staff didn't seem especially friendly or welcoming. Long review, I know--but considering we made the trip specifically for this dining experience, I felt it deserved a full and honest breakdown. The food was good, but the service, atmosphere, and overall experience left a lot to be desired read more

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Incredible experience here. The restaurant is beautiful and everything we ordered was perfect. They also served one of the best martinis I've ever had. Highly recommend it you enjoy an amazing dining experience or if you are looking to celebrate something special. read more

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This was a last minute decision to dine here. After reviewing the reviews, we decided to give it a try. First impression last, the hostesses were impersonal due to the fact we didn't have a reservation. There were tons of empty table that were reserved. However, we ask to if the bar was available and they said yes which was the highlight with our interaction with the staff. After sitting down at the bar, we asked about two small table that didn't seemed to be reserved. We were told that those table are for bar customers. We should have been offered one of those table, since the bar was also empty at that time. A big shout out to JW for the entertainment of his mixology skills. Although we don't drink alcohol, the drinks looked appealing. JW was focused, while still keeping an eye on the patrons at the bar and interacting with us. Great bartending skills. I did like how that bar staff worked as a team. The restaurant's ambiance was impressive, with high ceilings and an expansive space. Loved the stained glass. This restaurant is inside a hotel that was previously a historic cloistered monastery. However, due to expansive area, high ceilings and being a historic buildings, you can hear a lot of noise. The acoustic of sounds was not good. The manager was hovering around the bar area during our visit, and never once engaged with us or anyone at the bar. For the level of restaurant, I expected more from a manager, especially that it wasn't busy at first. Now for the food: The presentation of the food was excellent. The savory cheesecake (whipped ricotta filling) was served with cherry tomatoes, marinated in a balsamic vinaigrette, and arugula pesto. The cherry tomatoes added a bright burst of acidity that balanced the mild cheese. And the arugula pesto that tied the dish together. This was a well-composed plate. The presentation of our entrees outshined their tastes. If eating with our eyes was the only thing of the enjoyment of our entrees, then it would have been great. The smoked pork loin chop was a thick-cut, charred nicely. The smoke was not very pronounced, and not juicy. The saving grace of the meat was the bbq caramel drizzled over meat that gave a glossy lacquered, and the Jimmy Red corn grits that was rustic and coarser than the more refined grits. The grits did compliment the chop. As for the rockfish dish: the taste was a big disappointment. It was underwhelming. The fish was flaky, but lacked seasoning. I had to keep smothering it into the cioppino broth that was placed on. The fennel hushpuppies were very dry. Prices were not cheap, if the taste of the food was better, then I would understand the cost. But the atmosphere and food presentation alone does not constitute the menu prices. read more

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So noisy it was was unpleasant. My partner and I had to yell at each other to have conversation. We had an undesirable table too even though we advised them it was a special occasion. Not a good start . The meal experience was a mixed bag. Our starter drinks sounded better on paper. The fluke crudo was amazing, the steak tartare was fabulous, the $82 rib eye underwhelming. The lemon meringue dessert was a deconstructed type of thing with spoonfuls of lemon curd, meringue and coconut ice cream. Overall the expectations of a superlative meal were not met . At this price point one expects to be dazzled and we were merely ok. Too bad. read more

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Came to Wye Oak Tavern for my birthday and had a wonderful experience. The place is beautiful and very spacious--it almost feels like a church that's still in use! The food was amazing, and the staff were all friendly and attentive. Our waiter gave great recommendations, and everything she suggested was spot on. read more

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Hands down one of the top 5 most remarkable meals in my life! Growing up watching Top Chef, it was an honor to finally taste dishes curated by two chefs I loved watching on tv. Each plate was carefully crafted with every aspect of each ingredient. I thoroughly enjoyed every single bite from beginning to end. The service was impeccable and comfortable. Dan was personable, attentive, and helpful with all questions and recommendations. We didn't have to wait long for anything ordered, drinks included, even with sitting upstairs. The whole restaurant is absolutely stunning and an experience in and of itself. I doubt I'll want to sit in the main dining area after being on the mezzanine. Truly worth waiting to get a reservation for one of those tables. To say we'll be back again soon, would be an understatement! Truly fantastic, well worth the drive from Gaithersburg! read more

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The place is really beautiful. It's in the Visitation hotel in downtown Frederick. My friends and I started at the bar while we waited for our table. The service was warm, quick, and welcoming. The food was very good and the steak was cooked at the right temperature. It is a bit pricey, but you get what you pay for so treat yourself! read more

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We were a party of 8 and got to sit in a private room. The room was really nice with enough room if you needed to get up from the table. Our waitress was very nice and told us the chiefs recommendations for that day. She also gave us her opinions on dishes she enjoyed. Our overall experience was really good. The reason for the 3 stars was we all thought the food was good but not worth the prices. The ribeye was very thin for $74 and the cream spinach was not cream but dry. Those are just some examples. I'm glad we got to experience the restaurant, but I don't think that I will go back. read more