Downtown Frederick, Md has grown into a hot spot for local dining and foodies alike.

While many residents have their favorites, some restaurants may be overlooked when people are hesitant to branch out of their comfort zone.

After some exploration of what Downtown has to offer, a list of some underrated restaurants, ranked by category, has been compiled.

Best Breakfast:

The most popular breakfast dishes are the eggs Benedict with two variations: eggs Chesapeake with added jumbo lump crabmeat, and then eggs Rockefeller with fried oysters and spinach.

The inside of Up on Market is decorated in a retro French cafe style and is beautifully furnished with many antiques.

Linganore frehsman Chase davis said, “The decoration style [at Up on Market] is very charming and catches your eye.”

Best Coffee:

In search of a good coffee? Look no further.

Cafe Nola offers a wide variety of options for any coffee lover. From regular coffee and espresso to house lattes.

The most popular lattes ordered are the Ninja, the Clydesdale, and the Velvet Lounge–named after a beloved downtown Frederick boutique.

The Ninja is a mixture of hazelnut, caramel, and chocolate; the Clydesdale is white chocolate and caramel; and the Velvet Lounge is a smooth and creamy latte with vanilla and delicious hints of lavender.

“Cafe Nola has the best coffee I have ever drank in my entire life. [I would give it a] 10/10 would recommend,” said freshman Hannah Zirk. 

The coffees and lattes are good both hot for the winter and cold for the summer. The service was quick and the baristas were polite. 

Cafe Nola has an extremely homely and relaxing atmosphere. It is located at 4 East Patrick Street.

Best Lunch:

Tsunami is perfect for lunch. The servers were extremely polite and quick, making this a good spot for professionals short on time.

The restaurant serves Japanese cuisine, and their most popular dishes are Bang Bang shrimp, Red Curry ramen, and spicy tonkatsu (pork).

Tsunami caters to all different taste palettes. The sushi is always fresh and wonderfully prepared. Portion sizes are perfect for a light lunch.

“The dumplings are crispy and absolutely delicious,” said freshman Brandon Neff.

The inside of the restaurant features a modern decorative style with an energetic feel. It is located at 20 N Market St.

Best Dinner:

Bushwallers is an Irish pub located at 209 N Market St. It serves the perfect comfort food with friendly service.

Their most popular ordered dishes are the Reuben Sandwich, the Fish and Chips, and the Reuben Egg Rolls. Their menu stretches from lighter fare like salads and soups, down to delicious mini sliders.

They get more busy during the night because it is more popular as a nighttime bar spot but their food is not something to miss out on.

The ambiance of the restaurant really feels homely and radiates a warm energy during the day and a fun energy at night.

“Bushwaller’s has an inviting atmosphere with authentic food,” said freshman Alex Thomas.

Best desserts:

North Market Pop Shop is not exactly a restaurant, but it earned its place on the list for its desserts.

The Pop Shop features the East Coast’s largest soda collection with over 400 varieties of soda. They also offer vegan ice cream and hotdogs.

Their variety of ice cream desserts and flavors is astounding.  The ice cream is very thick and smooth, and patrons can make an ice cream float with any soda flavor offered in the building. 

Some of their most popular icecream flavors include Blueberry Cheesecake, Banana Crepe, and Double Chocolate.

North Market Pop Shop is known for its retro design and decoration. Stepping through the door instantly transports vistors back to the 20th century.

“The Pop Shop is really cool looking and they have a lot of options that are priced really well,” said freshman Lily Tressler.

North Market Pop Shop is located at 241 N Market St.

Best Vegan:

Hippy Chick Hummus is home to many different plant-based entrees and sides.

They are most well-known for their acai and smoothie bowls. Some of the other most popular items are the Ricotta grilled cheese, and the cauliflower wrap, which are commonly ordered with the soup of the day.

Another delicious choice is the Hippy Sampler. It comes with three different types of hummus, three falafel and some pita bread.

The spicy pumpkin hummus contains just the right amount of spice, making it perfect for fall weather. Another popular option, the Old Bay hummus, is a top choice for the Maryland native.

Entrees were arranged nicely and service was helpful.

“The food is honestly really delicious. Everything has been fresh and well-prepared every time I have gone,” said freshman Maddie Praybe.

Hippy Chick Hummus is located at 237 N Market St, Frederick, MD. 

Best Pizza:

If you are hungry for pizza, Pistarro’s is your place!

Pistarro’s is located just a little outside of the heart of Downtown Frederick at 221 N East St.

With their tasty Italian cuisine, Pistarros is definitely worth the extra walk. Some of their most famed menu items include the Margherita, Bianca, Donatella, and Versace pizza.

Of course, they offer more than just pizza. They also offer penne alla Vodka, eggplant fries, and chocolate Budino. 

Another special thing about Pistarro’s is that every morning before they open, and throughout the day, they prepare homemade meatballs and marinara sauce.

The servers were extremely kind and welcoming, and the varied menu makes Pistarro’s an overall family-friendly restaurant. 

Best Burgers:

If you are hungry for a hearty burger and fries, then Boxcar is your place.

The burgers are tender and juicy with an interesting twang from the seasoning. Patrons can choose from grass-fed beef or Impossible burger patties.

Visitors can create their own burgers or choose from one of the featured burger options such as the Frederick County burger or the Raymond XL. 

The most popular burgers are the specials. New customers, as well as lovers of Boxcar, are drawn to the interesting combinations created.

The fries are simple with salt but they are fried to perfection and once you start eating them you can not stop. The restaurant–or food truck– also serves chicken sandwiches and hotdogs.

Just like Pistarro’s reaching Box Car might be a little bit more of a walk than wanted but once you try it you won’t turn back. It is located at 503 N East St.

“It is a really nice restaurant in a place you wouldn’t expect,” said freshman Clay Frazier.

Best Fries:

Brewer’s Alley is a delicious place for any meal of the day, but there is one item that tops the rest.

The Shoe String fries are the best option downtown. They are crunchy, perfectly salted and seasoned.

The fries pair perfectly with commonly loved entrees such as fish and chips, the Alley burger, and the crab cake sandwich.

Not only are the meals enjoyable and the fries next level, but so is the service. Hosts and servers were very polite and eager to help.

Brewer’s Alley is located at 124 N Market St.