Showroom — Restaurant in Frederick

Yet another update, March 2022: Upping the rating this time.

First, this is our go-to place to eat outside (which is a requirement for us) because of their covered patio. We are extremely happy that they've kept it open and you can use itduring cold weather on days when the temperature is acceptable.

Secondly, the menu has still some of the same dishes as usual but also additions that are delicious, such as the BBQ pork belly and the duck breast.

Lastly, the wait staff has been very attentive and nice.

≠============== Update Sept 2021: I have to keep the rating at 3 stars . . . In the past few weeks, we've been back twice to the restaurant. Once for dinner and once for lunch.

For the dinner, one of our dishes was the hanger steak, which comes with bearnese sauce. The bearnese had separated . . . they should know how to fix this and they should do it before it gets to the customer.

For the lunch, I ordered one of my favorites, the fried chicken. The biscuits were sooooo salty!!!!! What a shame, because I usually love them.

Is there anybody doing quality control?????

I've downgraded the rating from 4 to 3 stars. We have visited the restaurant several times now, and like that there's a covered patio (outdoor seating is a must for me--that's why 3 stars and not 2). However, the food is not that great, and the menu shows a huge lack of imagination ... Plus it's expensive for what you get.

This last time, our waitress was really annoying. Rushing people is not good service. Don't push customers to order the second they sit at the table! (Example: husband goes to restroom; waitress asks if we want something to drink; I say probably husband will order beer, and waitress asks me if I know what he'll order ... Before we even have seen a menu ... And why do I need to know what my husband will order? BAD SERVICE). Also, don't bug customers constantly to ask if they need anything!!! Pay attention to customers if they are signaling they want something. (BTW, we still left 20%+ tip, so doubt she will get a clue, so please train wait staff on proper service.)

I really like chef Voltaggio and want to be supportive, but if food and service are not good,...

Our server was excellent. He understood my unusual allergy and was nonplussed and was able to accommodate it without fuss (thanks also to the kitchen staff). He remained attentive even after the kerfluffle we experienced with his manager.

The trouble was the manager’s attitude when I showed her that the chicken served with waffles was undercooked. She argued with me! Never in all my years have I sent food back to the kitchen. I was not nasty, not raising my voice, not calling attention to disrupt other diners, not making a public spectacle. I was simply and quietly reporting, “This chicken is pink.” She stood by my chair, pointed at the chicken and tried to convince me that this is the way air-fried chicken looks: pink and oozing pink juices.

How easy it would it have been for her to apologize and offer to bring a properly cooked dish. Instead her decision was to argue with her guest.

My rating also reflects the excessive heat our party endured with the glaring sunshine on the side porch. You’d think sunshine after days of dreariness would have been welcome but we were drenched in perspiration as we left to go out in freezing temperatures.

Overall, we were uncomfortably hot and peeved at being scolded over our refusal to accept and eat undercooked chicken.

Edited after owner response: Thank you for your timely response and offer for me to call. What I appreciated the most about your response was the fact that you took my concerns to your staff. I am still puzzled as to why your manager scolded me about the way chicken only LOOKS raw after “air frying.” I checked my memory and two other diners clearly heard her declare the chicken was air fried. Why lie? And why argue about raw chicken? At any rate, don’t live in Frederick and was visiting relatives for the holidays so I won’t have an opportunity any time soon to give Showroom another chance. To those reading this review, I think the owner has taken appropriate steps to address...

There’s something magical about Showroom. Time after time, you walk in, and the whole place feels like it’s waiting for you. For several years, my friends and I have hosted a weekly Queer hangout here, and every event feels like a reunion with family. The owners have crafted a truly special space, not just by serving incredible food, but by living their values—championing diversity and inclusion in every aspect of their business.

My personal favorite dishes are the Deviled Eggs, Sriracha Wings, Roasted Salmon, the Double Stack Burger, and Biscuits & Gravy, all of which bring comfort with every bite. The care and attention make every meal a delight, no matter how many times we order them.

Showroom would not be what it is without its people. Sage, our dedicated waitress, has become part of our weekly ritual. She remembers our names, our "usuals," and she always greets us with a warmth that makes everyone feel a little special. I also want to shout out Val, Matt, and Cheyenne—each of them brings their own kindness and care. They’re the heart of the place, and it shows in every interaction.

Showroom’s overall support of the LGBT community clearly goes beyond lip service. We feel embraced and valued in this place. To the staff, managers, and owners—thank you for your dedication and support. Thank you for sharing a part of your facility and allowing our group to transform it into a space where we can be ourselves. You’ve given us years of unforgettable memories. We are forever grateful, and I know we don’t say it...