Frederick Social — Restaurant in Frederick

If you’re coming for anything other than drinks, skip it. There are too many good options in the area.

We had our first and last visit to this place today. Every time we pass, people seem to be enjoying themselves in the outdoor seating. Partner wanted something “American” (burger and wings type), so we decided to try it out.

First, if you’ve never been, the directions aren’t clear when you enter. There’s a “check in” counter you can go if you plan to drink (we didn’t). That line was stupid long just for us to find out we needed to be in a different line to order food anyway and could’ve skipped it since we weren’t drinking.

At the food counter, I asked about the breading on the cauliflower bites due to allergy concerns (corn) and was told they aren’t breaded, despite menu description. Okay, items get updated. I also ordered the bison burger in a bowl. I appreciate the bowl concept because I’m a bunless eater anyway but my partner was mildly irritated because this is not how it was portrayed when we previewed their options on google. No big though. Order food, give over number and full government (not comfortable with that — can’t figure out how to remove it from their system), take number and take a seat. Most of the seating is uncomfortable but they have some cute lounge-style tables. Partner ordered tots, the squeeze my brisket bun sliders, and monkey bread (which he was most looking forward to). We picked up our own food, even though the man made a big deal about a woman leaving her number behind — “it’s how we find you!” Find for… what? Not sure. You get a text and pick up the food. Don’t wait for it to be brought to you or you’ll be waiting a while.

The sliders were not appropriately named — they were mostly slaw and the brisket was approached like a condiment. The slaw was still hard — not quite fresh but not quite cooked. Just cabbage. My bison bowl was similar in proportions — predominantly lettuce and mustard and ketchup and very minimal amount of the bison. The cauliflower bites were also very much breaded. The monkey bread: we were told it came with blueberries, strawberries, a strawberry compote, and powdered sugar and cinnamon. Cool, he’s happy — except when it was provided, the blueberries just rolled around the plate and there were no strawberries or compote. He asked for them to be added and they returned it with a strawberry syrup drizzled on it. Still no strawberry. It wasn’t worth what was spent.

Also, even though they’re called “nuggs,” (my partner considered chicken nuggets), the man behind the register referred to them as thug nugs, which was weird.

Everything is self service except making the food, which would’ve improved the situation. I wish I hadn’t bothered to tip because I assume everyone is making a regular wage since there’s no serving, no bussing, no waiting, and apparently not much being spent on meat (or cleaning bathrooms often…), so there’s no way this place can get away with paying anyone like they’re servers.

I can see how the appeal of pouring your own drink (think soft serve counter) would be fun but if you’re coming for food or the restaurant experience, consider going around the corner. This was an overpriced, bourgeois cafeteria at best as a restaurant (but they do have what look like vegan options and what are at least surely vegetarian).

Redemptions: view of the river, indoor/outdoor space, music wasn’t super loud, veggies used were fresh, vegetarian options, some lounge seating to make up for the metal chairs that are otherwise kind of terrible. Also, there’s a kid play area and there are step stools in the bathroom so I’d say it looks to be the more kid-friendly of places a person could grab a drink, so I imagine this is maybe more ideal...

Cool place to sit and chill or hang out with friends. Many beers, wines and cocktails on tap and at the full service bar. Nice limited menu including limited weekend brunch menu. They also have items for kids to eat on the main menu as well as the brunch menu. There is a kids play area as well as longer chairs and table and chairs. You can sit indoors or outdoors during the warmer months. Here is how it works: Upon entering you give your credit card and ID if you want to drink. They scan both. If you are 21 or older they give you a card that you insert into a slot by the tap/s. Glasses are self serve and under each tap. You can touch the screen above the tap for additional information about that tap. You then pour a small or large glass. The ounce and dollar amount will show on the screen above the tap. If you want something from the bar to be made by the bartender just give your card to the bartender. In-between the taps and the bar is the area where you can order food. Again, everything goes on your card. When you are ready to leave, go back to the entrance cashier and give them your card/s to settle everything on your credit card. It's really simple like 1,2,3. If you have any questions, everyone is super friendly and helpful. The place is clean and has signs telling you to clear your own table. Everything is well labeled where trash, trays and glasses go. The restroom is in the building hall outside of Frederick Social entrance. Restrooms are clean and fresh smelling. Inside and outside are also very clean. Parking is best at the Court Street deck. Cost for parking is $1.00/hour. The parking deck is located at the rear of the building that Frederick Social is in. Frederick Social faces Carroll Creek. Happy hour is Monday through Friday 4...

The least presumptuous spot on the Creek. I lived right across from them, so I got to see how creative they are with festivities and this place ROCKS most days of the week.

I also worked here, so I can address whether things are canned or premade: they are neither. Like any restaurant they order fresh and packaged goods. The menu is the creation of Audi, and I've had most of it. It's varied and offers many tasty items. A little weak on the vegan & gluten free side, but they cater mostly to the beer crowd. She very much cares about the cleanliness of the entire establishment. So you can rely on that.

You won't go wanting for selection. There are also hard teas house made with local teamakers. To me that is a great example of community loyalty and supporting fellow local business. And the tea is EXCELLENT. They also work with local breweries if you want to support. If you can talk to Mike, he will definitely guide you to a choice you'll like.

Seating is great - especially outdoor. It's right by the crosswalk and police station (you can park near the courthouse or the park and walk) so easy to find.

If you're considering a job here: it's queer friendly. They had multiple opportunities to empower me as a Trans person and did so. The owners asked for my input on making their space more and more queer friendly, which made me feel valued and like I could suggest this to others. Like most food service, staffing is a challenge and they rely on their best employees to pick up the slack. Overall I enjoyed working with the staff.

I found this to be one of the most welcoming establishments...