Frederick Social - Frederick, Maryland

Shar S. (.

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 for parents.

Melissa K.

Awesome! Want to try a beer, wine, or cocktail but not sure you'll like it? Perfect! You can get just one sip and find out! Only pay for what you pour.

Food was surprisingly good - didn't expect that since it's a "theme" place. Delicious flatbreads... pictured here are Straight Shooter and Okie Dokie Artichokie. Mmmmmmmmm.

The staff is super friendly and helpful. There are board games, cards, etc. - just ask to use them. We saw parents with their kids for a play date 😜.

Mildred S.

Staff is very nice. You walk in and open up a tab, they give you a card and you can use it to purchase yourself wine or beer from the taps machine. They have about 50 taps! The food is reasonably priced, but took a while to come out, about 30 minutes for the eggs and kids Cheeseburger sliders. They send you a text when your food is ready and you go pick it up. I like the atmosphere, they open the garage doors when it's nice weather out. They also have a small kids area. It's a great place for drinks.

Milay L.

Too expensive for what it is, terrible food, is bad bar food and it's not good quality or taste. Limited beer and wine selection. Actually we came because it said it's locally source and farm to plate which is far from truth. Not coming back.
Also this is not the employees fault, but they expect a 20% tip when it's self yourself

Ed V.

Stopped by the Frederick Social tonight for a event. It was my first time visiting here.

Large open space with tables and seating to enjoy your food and beverages. There is even a kids play area!

The set up here is very cool. Sign in and get a card that you use to do all your purchasing. Use the card to get your beverages. All of the taps allow you to purchase in 1 ounce increments as much as you would like. The amount is added to your card. The screens identifying what the beverages can be touched to get a further description of the item. Same goes for food. Go to the counter and order your food, and it will be added to your card. At the end of the evening just bring your card to the front desk and return it and check out. Very simple.

Nate did an outstanding job of walking me through all the areas of the restaurant and explaining to me how the card worked, and how to order food. Very professional and extremely helpful. Understood that this was my first time and made sure that I felt comfortable with everything. Great service!

Our group of about 30 people had a great time. Some ordered food, like the pretzel bites and jalapeño fondue sliders shown below. They were excellent.

A large parking deck is relatively close, so parking here is not an issue. The restaurant sits on the canal, and the lighted boats were still here. Very cool.

Overall a great experience. A great atmosphere, and again great service by Nate. I will be back.

Colleen B.

Came for a class mixing drinks and healthy vegan food . It was amazing , I learned so much and the food was delicious.

Trouvaille B.

Came here on a Saturday afternoon and this place was hopin'! They give you a card that is linked to your credit card and this is how you pay for drinks- insert into the card holder and pour. This is a great way to try different drinks but the price catches up to you quickly! They did offer food but it will take a while to come out. We ordered chips and dip and after 40 minutes, we ended up canceling our order; they were cool about it.

There was indoor and outdoor seating and you have to find parking on the street/parking garage.

Thomas P. K.

Finally made my way over from the local breweries to give this place a try.
Friendly and helpful staff....GREAT beer wall loaded with choices that apparently rotate frequently to keep things fresh.
Beer wall is simple...attach your credit card to the "beet card" and off you go !!!
They do warn you that if you overdo it, your beer card will be cut off and you'll have to see the staff. I thought it was funny that after 3 beers I was cut off 😂.
That's OK I was done 😂.
Food choices are decent...more than the typical bar food so that was a plus. Basically wall up to a counter, place order and wait for them to call your name.
All and all a good positive experience in an upbeat atmosphere.
The only thing I found on was the finish. Upon exiting, they give you 2 choices to turn in your beer card. That's the way to pay the bill. You either throw it in a jar that says 20% tip or you throw it in a jar that says 25% tip Honestly I usually think twice about how much I tip on a self serve beer wall and food choices where you walk up place to order and have to walk back up to receive the food. No table service at all besides staff clearing some empty cups.
If you're someone that is turned off by the pay kiosk that they turn around and try to embarrass you to giving a tip in front of everybody, you might be a little put off 😂.
But I won't let that determine the total package. I did enjoy myself. And I will be back to give it another shot at the beer wall 😂.