The Tasting Room

The Tasting Room is excellent. We made reservations. Our server Molly was so attentive and gave great recommendations for appetizers and entrees. We had the Spanish octopus and the PEI mussels. The broth for the mussels was amazing. The octopus was delicious. For entrees, would highly recommend the Stone Bass. The taro croquette with it paired perfectly. The lamb was also very tasty. I can’t wait to go back. We had a great evening at this establishment.

- Alyssa James -

Great experience but not the best food-wise, considering the price. The day after Christmas I brought my boyfriend here on my treat. Very nice location, beautiful Frederick scenery with the local lights and boat show/canal walk. The drinks were great, if you didn't like one thing I recommend you try something different. They brought us and a few other couples to the 4-person tabletops rather than the 2 person couches... I made this reservation in advance and almost asked to be moved as I was mildly chilly by the windows. Despite this, the interior was great and beautifully decorated. I loved the warm, dark atmosphere. Staff was very polite and kind. The manager/host brought out some wine at the end while I debated desserts, which I found to be incredibly sweet and charming and overall ended my experience on a great note. The steak was severely underwhelming and honestly not worth the $65 price. Notably the 10 oz filet mignon which had a tasty/salty blackened crust, but was slightly more dry/overcooked than the juicy medium rare I like (due to the size?). Probably because it's also served on a sizzling plate. However, not a lot of butter or garlic/seasonings/notable flavorings - made me wish I had brought my own garlic clove. My date later agreed that a 16oz steak from Texas Roadhouse was better. This filet mignon came with a slab of potatoes au gratin and a white sauce that was best described as "optional" by the manager and "vinegary" by the waiter-- it was supposed to be a bearnaise sauce. I thought it was some type of ranch and started eating it with my potatoes, as it was the plate it was served on (my mistake--also not good). My potatoes were also cold... perhaps because I was too busy scarfing down the filet before it got too overcooked. The sauce is supposed to be paired with the steak, but I found that the salty steak paired with the ranchy-vinegary bearnaise sauce to personally to taste foul. I like salt and vinegar chips so when the waiter described it as "vinegary" I thought I would like it. I had a Cabin in the Woods with this meal which is syrupy sweet. My partner's meal was delicious and perfectly cooked. Rack of lamb which was served with a trifecta of sauces and hummus, and something very cinnamony which was perfect. He also got a side of brussel sprouts. He loves any vegetables, whereas I'm very picky. These were pretty good, I liked the smaller burnt ones a lot--the whole thing was perfectly cooked and the sauces accompanying it were tasty. I plan to return to try their boar and a few more drinks one of these weekends as a treat to spoil myself.

- Jaydin -

Tommy at The Tasting Room was exceptional. From creative drink recommendations to thoughtful menu guidance, he took amazing care of us and made us feel completely welcomed. His warm personality — and yes, his handsome charm — added to an already wonderful experience. He recommended the Lilly Pad made with gin for me, and it was outstanding. The presentation was gorgeous, and the flavor profile was beautifully balanced — light, refreshing, and still delightfully punchy. The mint oil garnish truly set it apart, adding a subtle, almost floral note that completed the whole “lilly pad” vibe. A must-try cocktail. We also sampled the John Ward, an excellent choice for anyone who enjoys a sweeter profile. It tasted like the holiday season served in a tiki glass — festive, cozy, and fun. For dessert, we indulged in the house-made Pumpkin Crème Brûlée paired with their signature Black Martinis — an ultra-smooth espresso martini, shaken vigorously for that perfect frothy finish. It was the ideal nightcap. Our small plates did not disappoint. • Octopus — perfectly charred and plated with romesco, fingerling potatoes, harissa chermoula, frisée, golden raisins, and almonds. Beautifully executed and balanced. • Crab Dip — rich and flavorful with jumbo lump crab, aged cheddar, and Old Bay, served with crostini. Classic and comforting. • Pear Salad — the standout. The cider vinegar dressing tied everything together and balanced the Gorgonzola perfectly. The mix of arugula, frisée, pine nuts, and pear was fresh, bright, and harmonious. Overall, The Tasting Room delivered an elevated, memorable evening — from the cocktails to the cuisine to the exceptional service from Tommy. Highly recommend for a refined night out.

- Phillip Michael Whitley (Mr Phab Photos) -

My wife and I were celebrating our 10-year anniversary. They gave us a complimentary glass of champagne to celebrate. We started off with the pear salad and brussel sprouts, which were absolutely incredible. For dinner we had the scallops and the dry aged burger. I think it was probably the best burger I had in my life. I highly recommend it! For dessert, we had the pumpkin creme brulee. It was delicious! I can't recommend this place enough. The prices were very fair, especially when you consider how amazing everything tasted.

- Bobby Mozafari -

Everything was absolutely delicious and the service is always top notch! I forgot how much I love the Tasting Room - both the food and cocktails. We started with the burrata appetizer - Very refreshing with the peach and frisee. For our entrees we got the rack of lamb and stone bass. Absolutely loved the taro croquette that came with the stone bass. Husband really enjoyed the lamb. We ended the night with the matcha strawberry Creme brûlée and the molten butter cake (SO GOOD). For drinks, I got the espresso martini (best in town) and husband had the refresa. Highly recommend for a nice dinner downtown!

- Christee H -

Really nice spot downtown. Wednesday is half priced bottles of wine, so I went with the chablis. It was delicious. Paired well with my meal. The mussels were delicious. They were cooked and served in a curry sauce that was drinkable, it was so good. The bread they give you for dipping has a nice flavor, as well. Toasted but still soft. The scallops were in another, totally different curry. Lacked a little bit of luster compared to the mouth full of flavor with every bite like the mussels, but still tasty. The scallops were nice and soft. Not chewy at all. I ended with the white lava cake for dessert. Topped with their house made vanilla bean ice cream, and a lemon sauce on the bottom thay was amazing. Overall, it was a really delicious meal. I highly recommend it, and i will definitely return.

- Camerons Culinarium -

Everything from start to finish was fantastic. Cocktails were tasty. Wine selection was amazing & a nice size pour. Scallops were huge & the steak melted in your mouth. Staff was super friendly & helpful and even brought over glasses of rose since they felt our food took a little longer than expected. We ordered the coffee cheesecake for dessert and they also came out with the best homemade ice cream surprise with a candle in it for my birthday! Highly recommend for a special night out & make sure you have a reservation (there was a line out the door at 4pm before they opened!)

- Katelyn Campion -

We had an early dinner on Saturday and were seated right away. The service was excellent, and the food overall was delicious. That said, the crab cakes were a little too dry for my liking. I wouldn’t order them again and would likely opt for the smoked duck next time—it was juicy and perfectly seasoned. The Spanish octopus was also excellent.

- H D -