Kenzie Kramer
Google
I would definitely recommend making a reservation at The Tasting Room, as it’s a popular choice for fine dining in downtown Frederick, where options are somewhat limited.
For parking, the Church Street garage is your best bet, though if you’re lucky, you might find parallel street parking nearby.
I’ve dined here twice for dinner, and while the food is quite good, the atmosphere didn’t fully resonate with me. Both visits were for date nights, but I found the seating arrangements to be a bit too cramped, with tables placed very close together. The noise level was quite high, making it difficult to have a quiet conversation. Being right downtown, sirens frequently sounded outside, adding to the distraction. At times, I could overhear conversations from neighboring tables, and we had to repeat ourselves to hear each other clearly. That said, this was on a busy Saturday night, so weekday experiences might be more subdued.
On the bright side, their happy hour is fantastic—though it’s bar-only—and the cocktails are delicious. While I’m not the biggest fan of the espresso martini, the Lily Pad is my go-to, and their old-fashioned is consistently solid.
Overall, The Tasting Room is a great spot for a quick drink or a more casual outing, and with a reservation, it’s well worth a visit.