Hands down my favorite restaurant. Reasonably priced, creative, delicious dishes! The menu changes seasonally but some of the best things I've had are: the artichoke beignet appetizer, whiskey duck nacho appetizer, grilled caesar salad, lamb shank with mashed sweet potato dinner. Atmosphere is upscale casual. I've been for birthdays, anniversaries, and quick lunches on the patio.
(5)
Gabriela C.
I went here for my birthday brunch with a friend and I will not be going back ever. I left disappointed and sad. Don't go there if you want to ask for a side of scrambled eggs -- this is indicative of how inflexible the kitchen and the management seems to be. Also, note that you want to ask a lot of questions about the menu and prices because half-price wine is listed as what looked to me like full-price so I thought the bill would be smaller. Frederick has a lot of places where people will welcome you and provide a great dining experience. SKIP this place with shabby decor and overpriced food. Also, beware that I had no cell phone reception while sitting there so getting in touch with all my party members was a pain since texting barely worked and I could not make any calls.
(1)
Scott D.
Monocacy Crossing has never disappointed me. The food is always fabulous, the staff attentive and friendly, and the owners offer a menu that should satisfy any pallet. The layout is a little different, but I am here for the food and drinks. Yes, yes, yes. So it has a tiny men's room and the decor is a little outdated. Get over it.
(5)
CATHY M.
Lovely anniversary dinner. Food was excellent and service was excellent. Relaxed and casual place, where you can sit inside or outside on the patio. We arrived early and they seated us right away. I like the menu , good variety. I like the fact they suggest which wine goes with your meal. I got the special which was a white fish from Iceland. Fresh and cooked perfectly!
(5)
Marley D.
Cute little place in between Urbana and Buckeystown. My sister and I made reservations for a Friday night and were seated immediately upon arrivals by friendly staff members. The restaurant seems very outdated and could deff use some renovation to spruce it up but I'm really here for the food. :-) I'm on a part-time vegetarian kick so my choices were limited. For appetizers we ordered the crab dip which also had spinach and fresh corn in it. It was simply delicious, the corn was fresh and juicy. There deff could've been much more crab meat in the dip for the price. For entrees I ordered the Summer Vegtables over Tallegate with pesto. The vegetables (zucchini and squash) were fresh and cooked to perfection, not soggy and styrofoam-y. The only bad thing was how much parsley there was as a garnish, the little pieces kept getting stuck in my throat and made for an almost dangerous meal. My sister ordered the BBQ Gulf shrimp and Grits, she had great remarks on her entree. I tried the grit and they were great, nice and creamy without being thick. The star of our meal was deff the dessert. Oh my, we ordered the flan and baby it was AMAZINGGGG. The caramel was perfectly sweet, not overpowering and the custard was creamy and rich without being dense.. It was stuff but still held up a nice fluffy texture. Just amazing. I would deff come here again. Hopefully they renovate soon so it can become a nice and fun environment!
(4)
Ben T.
So this review has me puzzled. The restaurant felt very "towny" and dated. Honestly, I would expect to eat burgers and grandma's meatloaf here. THE FOOD WAS FABULOUS! I was stunned by the delicious french cuisine and the spectacular menu. It was a BIG menu, It's just strange to me how the upscale food was paired with a run down almost dreary restaurant. My wife and I were on a date and some college kids in sweatpants came in... it just was a strange mixture of elegant food in an almost divey place that appeared to be trying to be upscale... I just don't get it. I think the food that most typifies this place was the Duck Nachos... They were ok, to me they just were nachos with DUCK on them. Nice quality ingredient on NACHO's... Weird.
(3)
Cynthia L.
Food is generally good but some things are inconsistent. Service is A+. Ambience lovely. Enjoy having lunch here
(3)
Kara S.
I love this place! Every time we come the food and service are great! I've never been disappointed in this place. Don't let the location and outside fool you, this is one of the greatest gems in Maryland!
(5)
Mike K.
Lovely place, attentive staff, great wine choices, good food. Went because if a Trop Advisor promotion. Will be back. Frederick is a nice place to enjoy an eve and this spot deserves a try. Tell them Michael sent you!
(5)
Eric L.
A favorite place for lunch. Cannot go wrong with anything on the lunch menu. Really a spectacular bargain and nice outdoor seating in good weather. Dinner is expensive. Only went once, if that tells you anything.
(5)
Lauren V.
Really solid continental food, interesting specials featuring local & seasonal fare, great lunch menu....surprisingly found in an incongruously outdated building. I hate judging a book by it's cover, but I have to admit we'd probably come here more often if it were a little more appealing to sit inside. The bar is better (though small) and the patio is the way to go if the weather is nice.
(4)
Guv M.
Really, Really Good. Sat outside on a perfect day, but since you go for the food, know this: well prepared food at more than reasonable prices, seriously meals for two, with a shared appetizer, and dessert, (no drinks) for under $50.00. WOW, if you want to eat at a chain, go ahead you'll pass several on your way there, but if you want to get a well made meal this won't disappoint. Wife had the scallops, I had the pork (a bit overdone, hence the four stars) also they don't devein the peas, but beyond that no complaints. Ok a final complaint: since they are right on Urbana Pike there is a considerable amount of traffic, and traffic noise, but beyond that it's a BUY! GET THE WHISKEY DUCK NACHO'S!!! omg SOO GOOD
(4)
Jason H.
Have to give 3 stars because I expect more from a fine dining restaurant. My wife and I had the pork tenderloin and filet. They were both good but the filet came out undercooked. Also, the wine was very good and our server was friendly. However we had the duck nachos which were not very good. The chips were stale and it came out luke warm. At least our server was nice enough to take it off our bill. We did like the cozy atmosphere and eating by candlelight. Overall I would say it was average but would give them another chance.
(3)
Lauren K.
My husband and I went here for our first date after our daughter was born. The food was fabulous and our server was prompt and attentive. We didn't have a reservation, but we were seated quickly. We thought we might have a problem having not made a reservation for a Friday night, but it worked out well. I'm just waiting for the next time we can dine here!
(5)
M. K.
This place is awesome...I've been here 4-5 times and the food is AMAZING, consistent, and always delicious. My personal favorite is the buttermilk chicken dinner which comes with a large portion of mashed potatoes and snow peas on the side. I could eat that dinner every day for the rest of my life....*DROOL*. Also love the crab and spinach dip appetizer and great dessert selection. I would give the wham-bam 5-star review for this place but like some others have mentioned, I feel that some attention needs to be put into the actual restaurant. I appreciate the homey, Grandma's-house-feeling in the dining room but there must not be much insulation in there because it can get absolutely frigid in there in the winter (at least, it was last year) and extremely noisy if there are other parties close by. I've also been in the private dining section to the left of the bathrooms and don't recall being as cold in there. Will definitely be back soon, probably while wearing a puffy sweater and long johns if it's past October.
(4)
Irene F.
Hello middle of nowhere... The scallops appetizer was quite delicious. Tender (I hate that word- bleh), not heavy in oil, good piece of bacon. And the price at $10 was very reasonable for 6 large pieces of scallop. The reason they get 3 stars is their unimaginative take on salad. For $8 my salad consisted on nothing except spinach and chopped tomatoes with balsamic dressing. Let's give it some perspective here- last night I had an Alpine Chicken Salad at Bugaboo Creek (similar decor) which was massive, had blackened chicken, cucumbers, cranberries, blue cheese, and 2 kids of greens -- for $10. Then came dessert- we were on a diet so we asked if they could give us some fresh fruit instead of the standard creme brulee. Their desserts were all in the $6-8 range. They gave us 2 tiny flutes of strawberries- and charged $12. Really? We basically paid $2 per strawberry. We were sitting there chatting and catching up but I guess they wanted us out of the seats because they stopped refilling our water. Finally we had to ask someone to give us more. Lastly, we were sitting almost on top of another group. They had our 2 person table next to a rail, and one step down, another table of 4 directly on the other side of the rail. I was literally almost shoulder to shoulder with the guy next to me- except I was about 5 inches higher than him. For a person with personal space issues- that was just a bit too close for comfort. Anyway, maybe when I'm no longer on a diet I'll come back and try something else on their menu. Avoid their salads at all costs.
(3)
Angela S.
Bearing an uncanny resemblance to the Olney Ale House (even has an outdoor patio!), but offering higher-priced food. Everything was good, borderline great, but not quite at the 5 star mark. For me, 5 stars is "when can I come back and eat here again?", vs. "well, that was good". I had the veggie pasta, which, for $18, made me regret the things I said about Madrone's $14 veggie pasta. Same portion size, and while completely different dishes, I didn't think either was better than the other. My husband's steak was huge ($24) and came with two sides. The bread seemed homemade, based on the denseness, but I thought it was just ok. Tried part of an appetizer and dessert, both good. Service was excellent.
(4)
R S.
Good creative menu. We likes the artichoke biegnets appetizer, the scallops, and even the fish and chips! I think those were rosemary fries. Very attentive staff. Nice patio. Outside if town so it's a nice drive and a nice country setting, near the Monocacy National Battlefield.
(4)
Talisha R.
This place is the reason we decided to move here. We are foodies and it's nice to know that dc doesn't corner the market when it comes to great food. The food is amazing. I like the wood burning stove in the dining room and it adds to the ambiance in the winter. The outdoor patio is nice in the summer. I liked this place so much, we had our wedding dinner here. They have a fairly decent wine list too. I do wish they had cupcakes on the menu for dessert, but I guess you can't have everything.....
(5)
Abbi O.
Absolutely delicious. It's not especially romantic, but they have a nice patio and the food is amazing.
This is by far my favorite restaurant in the greater Frederick, MD area. Everything about this place says "divine pleasure" from the location and quaint exterior to the formal interior and relaxed courteous staff. But if you come the food is what will bring you back. Today i had the dried seared sea scallops sauteed with caramelized onion and bacon, a restaurant favorite. The scallops were so tender and flavorful it was like a bite of heavenly delight in my mouth. It was so good i used my remaining bread to sop up the remains from my plate. I love coming here whether it be for lunch, dinner or happy hour. The place can't be beat and with numerous lunch items for under ten dollars it's awesome that one can eat like a king on a servants budget.
(5)
Jennifer C.
We have eaten here every valentine's day for the last 7 years, and an occasional birthday celebration. One of Fredericks best kept secrets! People rarely know where this is if I mention it. The food is outstanding and the staff is friendly. Filet mignon is my favorite! Highly recommended
(5)
Carla B.
I went on Sunday for lunch. I got the hangar steak with the fries and arugula salad. The steak was cooked perfectly. I didn't have any leftovers. As suggested by other fans I got the coconut pound cake to go....and it was absolutely DELICIOUS. I plan to take my husband with me next time.
(4)
John F.
Nice little restaurant in the Frederick area. Food was good made from fresh ingredients, with some polish the dishes would be 5 star. The restaurant is in need of a makeover. Our waitress was very friendly and helpful. Will try it again in 6 months or so.
(4)
Michael C.
Love this hidden gem. The food is off the charts and the service is outstanding. Do yourself a favor and try the duck nachos if available. Enjoy!
(4)
Tom B.
My wife and I had our second trip to this warm, friendly and unique spot. They have a decent wine selection and are priced fairly. We had the fillet special with crab, and it was excellent, along with the fish special in phyllo dough, really good. The servings are very generous and we were very satisfied with only ordering an entree. Service is really good, just extremely casual. This place needs a makeover in a big way. We would recommend for those wanting a relaxing, casual atmosphere with creative and inventive dishes.
(4)
Justa D.
This is a small out of the way restaurant. The parking lot is gravel so women with heels need to be careful. The food is very good and the menu changes fairly frequently. The wait staff are great. It normally pretty quiet. There is a small bar out front and they have tables outside for when its warmer. Its not cheap, but its worth it.
(5)
Erica R.
Very nice, quaint little restaurant which is good for a date night. We purchased a travelzoo deal so we basically got a 2 for 1 meal for dinner and that made it affordable for us. The food was very delicious, however, the service to me was not very good at all. Our waiter was nice but it felt like it took all night for him to finally warm up to us. I hope he didn't think we were going to only tip him on the discounted price from the beginning but when he saw we tipped him on the full value of the meal, he was very nice after that. It was like pulling teeth to get him to say more than a few words to us or even to smile. I still don't even know what his name was. They may need to work on getting their staff to lighten up, have fun and smile! Sheesh
(3)
Dana Z.
Monocacy Crossing has been on my list of places to go ever since I moved here! Shame on me for having it take so long! Such a great experience. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is the area, or even not in the area because it is the kind of place that is worth the drive. Just make sure you make a reservation! The waitress (I believe her name was Cheryl) was really knowledgeable about the history of the building. The building itself is about 100 years old. They of course use all local and fresh ingredients. The chef's name is Ronald Reagan (no kidding) and they have a separate pastry chef. Funny thing is, their signature dessert is made by the owners mother (more on that later) who won't give out the recipe to even her own family members. The "wine guy" here is the same person that does the wine for Volt, down the road a bit. In fact, the waitress mentioned that Voltaggio has eaten there in the past too. As for the food, every night they have a different appetizer special, a soup special, a fish special, and a meat special. They start each table out with a whole loaf of bread and butter. Why do I mention this? A) Because even the bread is good! You could taste that they brush it with olive oil and season it well. and B) to warn you: don't eat too much bread! You have to save room for all the awesome food! My group decided to order the Whiskey Duck nachos. This is not your typical run of the mill nachos. These are the kind of nachos you will fight to the death over! The duck was not oily as duck tends to be. It was shredded over the nachos and actually does remind you of pork. The entrees are all very decently priced I think for the quality and amount of food. I can personally recommend the pork dish with sage-cider sauce. (Which was not even something I ordered but tried a piece of and was in heaven) If you are super hungry try the meatloaf with cabernet-tomato marinara. The slice of meatloaf they give you is probably about 3lbs. My last piece of advice: Don't even look at the desserts. Just get the coconut pound cake (as mentioned in a few other reviews.) Just get it and you can thank me later. ------------ Went back and wanted to mention a few more things: Crab cakes = amazing Mozzarella/Tomato app = also amazing Got the duck nachos again = still wonderful Damn, that's good bread. And... The coconut pound cake is still the best dessert ever.
(5)
Ti T.
Good food, a bit expensive but definitely worth it for a nice dinner. Big portions. Kinda in the middle of nowhere but pretty easy to find. Good service
(5)
Rachel S.
This place is amazing! The scallops are extremely tasty and the mussels were excellent, as well. Each appetizer plate was only $10 and the portions were very generous. My steak was seasoned very well and the mushroom "bread pudding" AKA stuffing was done just right. I would have given this place 5 stars but I ordered my steak medium and it came out RARE - I mean the cow was still breathing. That is inexcusable whether I'm paying $15 or, in this case, $30 for a steak. I have since returned and only ordered the scallops as dinner!
(4)
Michelle R.
I visited this restaurant some time ago (maybe two years) and the memory still lives on. From the outside it doesn't look like much, but don't be fooled! The food was DELICIOUS. There were four in our party, and everybody's meal was perfect. What a wonderful spot for great food!
(4)
Phill Y.
You just don't get enough bang for your buck here. The food tastes good but it's way over priced which makes it not worth it to me. The building is an old house converted into an eating establishment so I felt like I was at somebody's great grandmother's house badly in need of an update. My third issue is that there wasn't much of a selection on the menu to choose from. I would recommend that you don't waste your time and money on this place.
(2)
Matthew W.
We went there for Valentine's Day on short notice the food was fantastic especially the shrimp and grits and the wine was perfect thank you guys for a great holiday
(5)
J. M.
Came back for our anniversary and had a fantastic dinner. Great food and service. Had the salmon and swordfish and both cooked to perfection and very well presented. Looking forward to getting back.
(5)
Amy T.
My husband and I came here one night for a nice dinner. We were not disappointed at all. My husband had a great steak, and I chose the lamb. The portions are HUGE so though it's a bit pricey, it's not like you're getting tiny portions at all. The waitress was great, and had good suggestions for wine for each dish. I can't remember the wine I had, but I absolutely loved it. My husband wasn't sure which wine to pair his steak with, so went with the suggested one and was very pleased with it. The food was fresh and well prepared. The ambiance could use some sprucing, but the food makes up for it.
(4)
Christina H.
After living in Urbana for over two years, we finally stopped in for dinner last night! It was gorgeous out, so we opted to sit on the patio. Overall, it was very good. Scallops appetizer was delicious, scallops were cooked perfectly. The grilled romaine salad was not my favorite...rather than being slightly charred, it just got kind of wilted. The pork tenderloin with the apple-sage sauce was out of this world...so so good! Beer prices are good, great wine selection, but the pours were lacking. I got two glasses, because I honestly think my first pour was barely 3 oz. The bread they give you is eh...skip it. Service was decent...we were hoping to get dessert, but they brought the bill without evening offering a dessert menu, so at that point we just decided to forget it. We will be back, though.
Monocacy Crossing has been popping up on my Yelp searches for good restaurants for awhile now and I am mad at myself for not going there any sooner. The food was exquisite, everything is made fresh and they only use the highest quality of ingredients. They even grow their own vegetables and herbs. I really liked how the menu suggested what wine was to go best with your entree choice as there were many wines to choose from. By the way, the portions were huge, so don't fill up on teh appetizers and great bread! The service was great, the server was friendly and very knowledgeable about the restaurant and its 100 year history. She did great at describing items on the menu to help us make a decision. My absolute favorite moment of the meal had to be the dessert. I can't even describe to you how good the coconut pound cake is. Thank God for another Yelper to introduce us to this, every bite was amazing and I think I would be happy living off of it for the rest of my life. I would love to ask for the recipe, but it's made my the owner's mother and she won't even tell him the secret!
(5)
Mark G.
Wonderful place to eat and or bring a date. I eat out a lot and recently tried Monocacy Crossing. I'll definitely eat there again. My girlfriend and I love this place.
(5)
andy k.
My wife and I have a wonderful dinner the oyster appetizer was fantastic the grilled Romaine salad was extremely tasty and the crab cake diviner was good but not great. I guess being a Marylander I can be very picky about my crab cakes. this is our third visit and I will be going again. Andy,
(4)
Kaimana C.
Hidden on the leafy outskirts of Frederick, MD, Monocacy Crossing appears out of nowhere on Urbana Pike and at first glance is reminiscent of a country cottage that may have had a cameo in a childhood nursery rhyme. The unpaved parking lot and a poignant patio littered with a few umbrella covered tables is inviting with a sort of unpretentious elegance. Our party of four was promptly greeted and offered beverages. The server reviewed the drink and food specials and I quickly ordered the Organic Blueberry Lemon Drop. The menu is extensive with a diverse selection of mouthwatering appetizers; we ordered four starters to share, and they did not disappoint. Panko crusted Oysters with a homemade cocktail sauce, Whiskey Duck nachos with corn and black bean salsa, Tequila marinated shrimp quesadillas and Yuzu infused Tuna Tartar with avocado and wonton chips were our selections. The oysters were fried to a perfect crisp yet remained moist and delectable with each bite. The whiskey marinated duck and the tequila infused shrimp were both seasoned perfectly and added unique flavor dimensions to two Mexican staples. However, the shining star of our first round was the Tuna Tartar seasoned with the Japanese Yuzu fruit combined both savory and sweet flavor profiles that danced on your palette. After an amazing round of appetizers, I sat in anticipation of our entree selections. I teetered back and forth between Bacon-wrapped Beef Medallions and the Miso glazed salmon. My decision to go with the salmon was grounded in the fact that in my salmon is often overcooked and this would put Monocacy Crossing truly to the test. The rest of my party chose the following: Crabcakes with Old Bay Aioli, Pork Tenderloin with a Sage-Cider sauce and scalloped potatoes, and Hangar Steak with chipotle Polenta Fries. To say that each of the entrees were amazing would be like saying the North Pole is sort of cold. The quality and freshness of each ingredient was immediately obvious with each bite. The Hangar steak was both tender and flavorful and complemented perfectly with nuggets of crispy polenta and spicy chipotle. The crabcakes were as good as any I have ever had in Maryland and the Old Bay Aioli offered a creamy reprieve to savory seasonings of each cake. The Sage-Cider sauce that enveloped the sliced pork tenderloin sent this entree over the top. However, the winner of this round was definitely the salmon. Masterfully seasoned with red miso on a bed of purple sticky rice and broccolini, the dish offered a variety of textures and a complex flavor profile. The salmon was cooked with a perfect translucent center making this dish Monocacy's culinary masterpiece. I could offer another round of compliments about the Creme Brulee, Coconut Pound Cake, Chocolate Flan Cake and the Blueberry Tart, but I'll leave all that to your imagination. After four extraordinary appetizers, four superb entrees, you can only guess that the dessert selections provided closure to a beautiful evening of food, wonderful friends and full tummies. You can bet I'll be coming back to try every single item on the menu. Make your reservations now, you will not be disappointed.
(5)
Robert V.
I decided to take my wife there for our anniversary. We've made a habit out of trying the smaller for private restaurants in the area. When you arrive you walk in a side door that leads directly into the bar area where you're greeted by 5 or 6 unpleasant stairs from the patrons at the bar. Almost as if they were interrupted by your arrival (again, it was the main entrance). The hostess/bar tender seemed almost as annoyed. We were then taken to your seats with some slight opinion differences by two staff on to where to seat us. There were plenty of empty tables including a separate room not being used. Our server was pleasant but did not seem to interested in making sure we had a pleasant experience. From my experience, small intimate restaurants usually devote more attention to their customers. We ordered our drinks, appetizer and meals and slipped into our own little world which was nice. That being said, there was some uncomfortable vibe with the waitstaff. They all seemed a little grumpy for lack of a better term. The young girl who kept refilling our water was the lone exception. She was very nice, on top of our needs and even sparked conversation. The food was great and portions were perfect, however it was slightly overpriced. Overall, I'm glad we tried it so we could check it off our list but we probably won't be going back. The combination of locals at the bar seeming annoyed and the grumpy wait staff put a damper on what was supposed to be a romantic evening with my wife.
(2)
Efrain R.
Excellent place, great food, good service Waitress was very accomodating with our wine selection. Portions were generous. I will defintely recommend this restaurant to my friends.
Had dinner here with a large group which the servers handled extremely well and somehow managed to keep up with everyone ordering drinks, apps, and dinners. I ordered the Pork Tenderloin with Sage-Cider Sauce and Scalloped Potatoes which was incredibly good. It felt like Sunday dinner at mom's house good. Everyone in my party raved about their dinners. For dessert, I ordered Duclaw's Sweet Baby Jesus Chocolate Peanut Butter Porter. OMG, it was heaven! The restaurant itself was a very quaint, old home set back from the road on a wooded lot. Overall, very charming. On a side note, they have THE cleanest bathrooms of any restaurant I've visited...well done!
(5)
Deejai B.
Really delicious, wonderfully prepared, smart service, cozy woodstove-warmed setting in the beautiful woods of Frederick. I wouldn't it very expensive at all considering the quality, in fact I think it's quite a great bargain if you don't order lame stuff like salmon or steak (that can be easily made at home). My favorite is actually the jambalaya - which comes with an absurd amount of crawfish, shrimp, scallops, mussels, sausage, chicken, etc. atop some masterfully flavored rice. $22 for this amount of such high quality food is a great deal - I never thought I'd find something like this dish in Western Maryland so shame on me. Sinfully soft pork tenderloin ($18) is a close second. The serving sizes are really generous, so maybe plan on taking a lot of food home. The food can take a little while to come out so be patient (munch on the delicious loaf of bread while you wait) - and be aware that it comes out REALLY PIPING HOT. Personally, I'd rather wait then receive pre-fab bs quickly like at other places I won't mention. Also, there's a table for two they often use that has I think a sort of undesirable location - right next to where wait staff organize cutlery, etc. so there's constant clanging. That said, it's just about touching the woodstove, so it's nice when it's cold outside. It's in a historic structure, so not the sexiest "scene" - probably better for a low-key dinner. Def. try that coconut cake! Moist with bold flavor. Ridiculous. Flying dog on tap for only $4 - unheard of at a restaurant of this caliber. Hefty pours of wine. Plenty of parking and a nice patio for warmer days. One of my favorite restaurants ever!!
(5)
Dustin H.
First time to M.C.for my girlfriends birthday..No need for a story or fancy words leading up to the review here! Spicy Garlic and Mint BBQ Pork Ribs with Sesame-Peanut Dressed Rice Noodle Salad was ordered for an appetizer....three ribs were included and we were able to pull them apart with a fork with ease. Probably the best ribs I've had (Black Hog is my favorite Frederick restaurant) it's hard to find ribs that have good favor, tender and a decent amount of meat on them TOGETHER! Didn't really care for the salad (just not my style) She had the Tuna and loved it I had the special with was pork chop stuffed with mozzarella and salami!! Same as the ribs, best pork chop I've ever had. Very lean, tender and plenty of flavor. The serving didn't skimp either. For dessert we had some ice cram with cinnamon sponge cake type thing with caramel drizzled on top, like everything else..PERFECT! Long story short, the food is very well priced for the quality that you get and I will be going back! Also, if you think it's fancy there was a guy in shorts and sandals across the room while I was eating!
(5)
Charlie T.
Jan 19, 2012. We are so dismayed to leave a negative review after years of it being a favorite. I ordered the special a fish with some Asian sauce. It was totally dried out and the sauce was cold and clumpy. The double whammy was that the unannounced price was the highest of any of the entrees. My wife had the steak salad. It had way too my much dressing and the steak was grizzly. Try cutting steak on a salad in the very dark room! Unfortunately the very good waitress came and asked about the meal before we had a chance to taste. Otherwise I would have complained which I rarely do. They did make a good bourbon old fashion, but based on other recent reviews....avoid! Sorry.
(1)
Marie L.
My husband and I ate at MC for the first time today (since regularly passing it commuting to and from work). So here's a summary of our experience: Let's start with the employees- polite! The atmosphere- cozy and excellent taste in music! FOOD- MELT IN YOUR MOUTH! I definitely plan in going back... SOON! We were both beyond satisfied and VERY IMPRESSED by the overall experience!!!
(5)
Gigi C.
Dafuq did I just eat???? My whole dang family went in around noon on Sunday. They have a fairly large patio area for outdoor dining with your stinkbug friends. We were promptly seated.....INSIDE. The decor is very much like that of Normandie Farm. We received 2 menus each. 1 lunch menu, and 1 brunch menu. My son and I ordered from the brunch menu. He had the french toast with a side of bacon, and I had the twin petite filets over hash(the potato kind) and 2 poached eggs with hollandaise sauce. My steak, poached eggs and hollandaise sauce were all very good. The hash, I could have done without. The potatoes were petite diced and kinda dried out. As a matter of fact, they looked as if they had been cook twice. That would explain why the potatoes were dry. My son seemed to be enjoying his french toast.....and then I noticed that he was mostly focused on devouring his bacon *high5*!!. He took just a few bites of the french toast itself. Needless to say, we ended up boxing up his french toast. Here's where I start getting a wee bit upset. Later that Sunday, I snuck to the fridge like a ninja after a week long fast, to have a nibble of the french toast. I cut off a piece and I notice that the entire underside was BLACK BLACK BLACK. tisk tisk tisk. How in the hell does not 1 person in the kitchen notice that? Oh right, they obvi just didn't care. That's just wrong, and they KNEW it was for a kid because our waitress went to the kitchen and told them to hold the walnuts on the KIDS french toast. Jerks. Anyways, my husband had the scallops. The scallops were very good.....and then you have the accompaniments. The white rice was cooked well, but way too much oil. Not even olive oil, I think they used vegetable oil....no flavor. It also came with a side of snap peas. They were ok, but a bit on the overcooked side. Then, things start getting a lil bit cray cray. My 5 year old daughter, who fancies dining on oysters, sashimi, and caviar.....just to wash it all down with a bottle of San Pellegrino, did not touch her food. Wait whaaaaaa???? Someone call the paramedics!!! This girl eats all day long, even normal kid food like nuggets and shit......you know, when oysters aren't available. Her spidey senses must have been tingling that day. Read on, please. She ordered the potato gnocchi in a pork and veal bolognese. Boxed that shit up too. Once again, hunger strikes at the Barnes residence later that Sunday evening. HOLY. SHIT. I am happy that my daughter didn't eat her food. It was so salty! Not like "gee, I think I'll use less salt next time", salty. It was like "woah, time to spit this ish out before my tongue shrivels up like a slug on a hot summer day", salty. Gross. I do want to give Monocacy Crossing another chance. I have read in some of these reviews that their dinner menu is much better. I hope it's true. Oh yeah, drinks were good. I had the Peach Blossom martini and the hubs had the Bloody Mary. I will update soon on their food situation. Until then, happy nom-nom-nom-noming!!!
(2)
Kathryn W.
Quiet, quaint restaurant with very good food and service. In a location that's easy to overlook but well worth remembering and keeping on your radar for nicer dinner engagements. The menu varies enough to satisfy your basic meat/potato diner to someone with a slightly more sophisticated palate. There is a patio in the summertime if you want a more casual al fresco experience. I have always enjoyed my meals here and recommend it to everyone who wants a good meal and a change from the downtown frederick dining scene.
(5)
Shannon D.
This place is great! The food is great and service is too. It's a wonderful dinning experience. Duck nachos are awesome. And the specialty drinks are treat as well.
(5)
Junipa C.
Nice place to take your grandparents. Food is good with decent portions and flavors plus the service is prompt and informative, but the atmosphere is so outdated that it gives a first impression that it isn't current on the food either. Even if this isn't 100% the case, it needs an update. As one who eats with all my senses, this visual throws me off every time I go. For not freshened paint, carpet and curtains, I recommend with an "outdated" label.
(3)
Chabeeb D.
My wife and I drove 45 minutes to go here for our anniversary. Found the restaurant on Yelp and was not disappointed. Atmosphere, service, timeliness, and quality were all excellent. Would highly recommend and definitely go back.
(5)
Slick S.
This restaurant is straight out of the Hudson Valley. That area is populated by high quality restaurants in old house run by graduates of the Culinary Institute of America. That whole formula has been transferred to south Frederick. The building is one of the least appealing you'll ever see, and you'll be tempted to drive right past. But inside is one of the finest restaurants in the area. Chef Rich Regan is a graduate of CIA, one of the few in the area, and it shows. Monocacy Crossing is the best combination of high quality food and relaxed dining atmosphere in Frederick. It's our go-to restaurant for special occasions.
(4)
Meca S.
We had a lovely lunch and really good service. The duck nachos are delicious and the patio is very cool and shady. They also have a great bar and big wine list with many affordable choices.
(4)
Alan H.
Came up for lunch on a whim and left with a very great experience. The food was excellent, well presented, and the taste was surprising--excellent. I know I will be back to enjoy a big portion of good ole home cooking!
(5)
Karl M.
My favorite restaurant in Frederick, the food has always been excellent. I love the duck nachos. The only reason I don't go more often is the price, so it's reserved for special occasions.
(5)
Orlangela A.
She said..."So my sister recommended this place, so my husband and i tried it on a Friday afternoon for lunch. Very cute little outside seating, however, only one waiter was working at the time we went. I guess you could say they were a little understaffed for how busy they were that day. The lunch menu is okay...i think i would have liked their dinner menu better. I got the crab dip and chicken Caesar salad...which wasn't what i expected. The Caesar salad was not like a typical Caesar salad., it tasted a little weird, I only really ate the chicken in it. I don't want to cut on this place too bad because i actually did like it, just not the lunch menu....ill go back for dinner though." He said..." Well this place was okay...I mean they have a weird menu in that, they don't specialize in anything. I had a chicken sandwich and it was alright. It was supposed to have cheese sauce but that didn't happen. The waiter was overworked; he took the orders of three tables, then came back and forgot ours. I don't know, it's a nice quiet place, but it will stay quiet for us. I don't want to go back, there was nothing on the menu worth eating. "
(3)
Michael y.
My compliments to the chef and Maryland based yelpers for their great taste! calamari aiolii basil marinara and bruschetta chorizo tapas 16oz rack of lamb In a special reduction sauce with corn cake and broccoli rabe Fresh baked bread. Dessert was a decaf cup of smooth Joe to complement the fresh baked coconut melt in your mouth pound cake!!!!! Check out my pics, they speak louder than words. My colleagues agree this was one of the best damn meal, we've had in a long time. I did not feel stuffed, even though the portions were hearty. I guess it was the p90x yoga routine and stretching my stomach muscles from my previous review of the yuraku Japanese sushi restaurant. The location and service is impeccable. Arrive early or make reservations. The drive to this place is cool, through tree tunnels on the country farm road. If you are in the Frederick, Germantown or Gaitehrsburg and Rockville area. This is a must Eat. Praise to the Allah of Per Diem.
(5)
James M.
A solid 4.5 stars. Many of the reviews I read here before we went are spot on. Here's my take... Decor: The restaurant is quaint and cozy. The wood paneling could stand to be replaced, but otherwise no major complaints. Tables are spaced out nicely so you don't feel like you're sitting on top of strangers; one of my pet peeves against some high-end places like Volt and Tasting Room. The patio seating looked lovely and we will be sure to try it next time if the weather cooperates. Also of note, it was definitely an older crowd. Could be because we went on a Wednesday evening, but it did feel like we were the teenagers going to a nice restaurant for prom and being a good 10 or 20 years younger than the other diners, and we are in our 30s. Made for a good laugh. Service: No complaints. Our server, Cheryl, was friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive. She was happy to ask the chef for us what herbs were on the yummy warm potato salad that came with my wife's salmon dish. The staff kept our water glasses full throughout the meal without being overly intrusive. Food: Almost everything was outstanding, with the exception of the salmon, which was average. Nothing wrong with it, but compared to how great everything else was it was underwhelming. After we were seated we were brought a basket of homemade sourdough bread. Very tasty. Based on the reviews here, we did the duck nacho appetizer. Outstanding. The meat was similar to a shredded pork BBQ. The sauce was sweet and delicious but not overpowering. We sopped up every last drop of it with a piece of bread after we devoured the nachos. For dinner I had the shrimp & grits. The sauce was also subtle and tasty and the shrimp were plentiful. Also, I can't recall the last time I've been served a dish that came out so hot! Definitely a plus. As I mentioned, my wife's salmon was just average, but the warm horseradish potato salad that came with it was top notch. Very flavorful. Both dishes came with the vegetable of the day, asparagus, which was perfectly cooked. For dessert, also based on reviews here, we went for the coconut poundcake. OMG! My wife bakes a lot, and it is extremely rare that I have dessert at a restaurant that outdoes anything she makes. It was also served piping hot. Highly recommended.
(4)
Joan V.
Went there on Friday night. Perfect night to eat outside. Food was excellent. Calamari was great as was the seared tuna. Coconut pound cake was to die for! Sea scallops appetizer was also to die for. Would go back again.
(4)
Nichole D.
The scallops are...wonderous! The shrimp and grits were good to. But really--the service made it. Our waitress was FANTASTIC!
(5)
Neal Gone Daddy H.
Found this place on Yelp. ordered the mussels, which were good, and a big lamb shank, also good. got the pineapple pound cake on recommendations from other reviewers here; it def had a special kind of flavor going on, but it was too rich and sugary for my subtle tongue. aksi the place is kind of expensive. a lot of patrons are aristocrat/gentry types from the surrounding area or lawyer/doctor motorists hungry from their weekend driving inspections of MD's charming rural regions.
(3)
Bill M.
The service and food were outstanding. The Maryland crab soup was thick and flavorful. The pork tenderloin was tender and could be cut with a fork. Great for a date night dinner and also a place to take mom on Sunday.
(5)
Braden S.
This place was GREAT! Went here for my birthday on a beautiful April evening and was seated outside. The waiter was kind of awkward, but very nice and helpful. You could tell he was kind of a "bro" who was trying to be polite to make good tips. Best bread I have ever had at any restaurant. My dad and I split the mussels for an appetizer and they were delicious. I got pork tenderloin with scalloped potatoes and broccoli which was absolutely amazing. I highly recommend all of the above. Finished with the chocolate "turtle" cake. Best. Cake. Ever. I don't have much time to write this review or else I would go into more detail, but long story short, this place is amazing and you definitely should go.
(5)
Frankie M.
Just returned from an 80 mile round trip to visit this place from our home outside Aldie, Va. I think it was worth the trip just to try something out of the norm. My wife and I both had great food. She had shrimp and grits and I had the beef medallions. We agreed that it was very good, but not fantastic. The seating was cramped and the dining room was very noisy, with waiters constantly running around. Our waitress was not very warm, but at least did the job. The menu is great, with many innovative dishes. We will go back for sure, just to explore the menu and to try and land a table in the "nicer" dining room and a waitress with a smile. I took off a star for ambiance, and one for customer service. Food carries it.
(3)
See D.
For my dollar, hands down the best place to eat in Frederick!! I could write a book about how good this place is, but I'll give you the abridged version. Yes, it's a little expensive, but totally worth it! The food is fantastic, and the portions are great! The atmosphere is wonderful with a business casual attire. The place isn't pretentious or snooty! The staff are laid back, very nice, and extremely attentive. I've been to every place in Frederick, and this place is tops!
(5)
Richard T.
We sought this place out after a hike in the park, bypassing such familiar reliables as Volt and Danielle's, and we were not disappointed. Both the mahi mahi special and the petit filet were done to a turn. The dessert tray could not be passed up and can be paid no higher compliment than that it was worth the calories. The service was friendly and efficient. The weather was perfect and the outdoor garden setting ideal. We arrived about 2:00 on a Tuesday afternoon and the parking lot was still nearly full. This place is obviously not a secret, in spite of its relatively isolated location.
(4)
Whitney M.
Tucked away in the woods near the Monocacy River, Monocacy Crossing is not to be missed!! It definitely makes my top 10 list (a very coveted list indeed that is populated by the likes of the Coronodo Hotel in San Diego and privately catered meals at the Hotel Bel-Air in Los Angeles). I had the sauteed BBQ shrimp with lobster infused cheese grits. Nothing down-home about this specialty! The BBQ sauce was light, fragrant, and just a tiny bit sweet. The lobster infused cheese grits were literally to die for! A fresh garden veggie (that evening snow peas) accompanied the dish and was steamed to perfection. Their wine list is extensive and excellent. I would certainly go back again.
(5)
suzanne u.
My husband found Monocacy Crossing quite by accident. After years of eating in old town Frederick, he was looking up hours for one of our favorite restaurants and came across Monocacy Crossing. We decided to give it a try...after our first bites we kept saying.."how did we not know about this place!" We spend most of our Sunday and Monday afternoons riding all around the Virginia, Maryland and DC area looking for new and interesting restaurants. We've been to many local restaurants -- two of our favorites are Marcel's (DC) and FarmersFishers Bakers.(DC) ( we are a little picky) Monocacy Crossing will now be added to that short list of favorites! It has 3 very important things going for it: excellent food, excellent value and excellent staff. Their menu items are inventive and sure to please discerning foodies yet their prices are very reasonable ( an unusual combination) We've tried many of their sandwiches and entrees and are always impressed. And their fries....you must try their fries! I don't often eat fries but a couple of times a year my husband and I go to the Ritz Carlton bar in Tyson's to have their Parmesan truffle fries. Monocacy fries are the only ones that have ever rivaled the Ritz! I know that Monocacy fries are freshly made ...but there is something more to it than that...they are perfectly and deliciously done and are impossible to resist! Believe me...I have tried! However, I have since given up on that ...instead I now tell my husband that one of us must always order a dish with fries! The coffee is very good, as are their desserts. I must put in a good word for the wait staff and bartenders...some of the best we have encountered. Helpful, knowledgeable and warm! They know their stuff that's for sure. My husband is not shy about asking to have things done his way and they are always accommodating in the most gracious manner. One of the things I love most about Monocacy Crossing is that it meets all expectations--you can go there for a night out on the town or celebration (white tablecloth dining) or you can sit in the bar (fun and cozy) or you can sit on the patio and dine al fresco! Ok what more can I say??? Love Love Love this place!
(5)
Scott R.
This was our first date night in quite a while. We wanted someplace worthy of the somewhat rare occasion, but not into luxury atmosphere (or luxury pricing) range. MC delivered. MC is more or less traditional/continental style fare. My wife had a filet, and I had a sage/cider sauced pork loin. Both were upscale meat-potato-veggie plates but it was all very nicely done, and quite delicious. Even the green beans were perfectly crisp-tender. We also had scallops in a tangy bacon-shallot dressing and a tomato-chorizo bruschetta to start. For us, it's definitely in the "big night out" rather than "family meal" category, but still not terribly expensive. Even though we ordered on the "high side" of the menu, we got out for $100 after appetizers, wine and tip. We've been to mid-Maryland restaurants in this range where the menu read more ambitious and innovative than the chef could deliver. We've also been to mid-Maryland restaurants in this range that we're coasting on tired reproductions of what they served 30 years ago. There was none of that at MC - the traditional menu was executed well enough to seem fresh and appealing. The wine list is modest, but ample - including a nice selection by the glass (maybe half dozen each white, red), and a few pages of adventurous choices by the bottle. Last night they were featuring Italian wines by the glass, so every entree on the menu (9-12 I think) had a suggested match from the list. I stuck with Italian blend (Primitivo, Cab, and Negromaro from Puglia if I remember right) recommended for my entree - and it was a nice match; in fact, required the match because it wasn't showing much before food arrived, but really blossomed with dinner. Recommended. But judging from the crowds that fought their way through some treacherous road conditions to get there last night, that's not much of a revelation ...
(4)
Janice P.
The people who gave this restaurant a 4 and 5 star rating must be friends and family members! Food and drinks are way over prices. Management at this restaurant are rude and obnoxious and unaccomodating.
(1)
M E.
I had the shrimp and grits, which were the worst that I ever had. The grits weren't done, the shrimp tasted like sea water, and the bbq sauce didn't work well with the dish. DH had the steak which was just ok. The overall service and ambiance was good. I will go again and try another dish and if it is better then I will update my review.
(2)
Chanda D.
We have been going to this wonderful restaurant for years. The selection is always unique and the service is outstanding. You will not be disappointed! Make reservations tonight!
(5)
Lisa B.
I absolutely love this place. One of my favorite restaurants in MD for Continental fare. It's in a cute little farmhouse with a nice woodstove and feels very homey. They also have a bar when you enter. Everything on the menu is great. I've had shrimp with grits, scallops wrapped in bacon, Asian shrimp, open-faced ravioli (with crab), salads and meat and fish dishes here and I can recommend it highly. Sometimes we get appetizers and share. The waitstaff is friendly and helpful and know the menu inside and out. The weekends can get crowded, so I would recommend calling ahead. My only complaint would be that they don't change their menu as frequently as I would like. Other than that, five stars!
(5)
Amy S.
We often drive through Frederick and have tried many of the eateries. On this occasion we decided to try something new and based on our Yelp search we selected Monocacy Crossing and two dishes from the Yelp recommendations. We found the service to be friendly, efficient and attentive. The food however was universally disappointing. The duck nachos were presented as if we were in a sports bar. The flavors were smothered under a mass cheese. The chips were crisp and thin but the heaviness of the dish overwhelmed them. The basket of bread contained bread that without butter would have been totally tasteless. Our shared dish of shrimp and grits was entirely too salty and otherwise unremarkable. There are many nicer places to eat in Frederick.
(2)
Charles C.
Nice little place. Excellent service. Try the duck nachos. They are awesome!
(4)
Audrey W.
The outside patio is perfect for date night, girls night out, impromptu happy hour, etc!
(4)
Susan E.
Well worth the drive to get to this gem! The food is wonderful and the atmosphere is very cozy and romantic. I've recommended this restaurant to quite a few friends and family and EVERYONE has enjoyed it. Save room for the dessert, too -- the homemade ice cream is delish!
(5)
Emily W.
I typically am very fond of monocacy crossing and have been going there for years. But the last two times I have gone there, my meals have been terrible. The waitress recommended the veal short ribs that were the special that night and it was so bad I couldn't even eat it. It was nothing but fat and the sauce was bitter and very bad. Everyone at my table tried it (if they were able I find a piece of meat that wasn't just fat) and agreed it was one of the worst things they've ever tried and had no redeeming qualities. Luckily, after the waitress saw that I hadn't eaten any of my meal, she took it back to the chef and he was mortified that he had served such a disgusting meal and took it off our bill. The next time I went I ordered the lamb shank and it was the exact same taste and experience as the veal. I was incredibly disappointed. My boyfriend got the pork loin though and it was fantastic. I also know that the fried chicken never disappoints, so I would stick with that or any seafood options... If I ever decide to go back.
(3)
Jim M.
We made a last-minute decision to go out for a nice dinner and were happy to find this restaurant, off the beaten path but still relatively close to home. Except for the strange amalgam of disco and rock music playing a little too loudly for the waning late-evening crowd, the atmosphere was cozy and appropriate for a nice and simple romantic meal. Our waitress was perfect: friendly but not overly familiar, attentive, efficient, and very knowledgeable and articulate about the dishes. Our appetizers included a mozzarella, prosciutto and basil pinwheel served with sliced tomatoes, and artichoke beignets served on a tomato coulis. Both were beautifully presented, but we found the mozzarella to be quite firm and the tomatoes a little underripe (especially for Maryland in July). The beignets, on the other hand, were lovely - the delicious sauce was dotted with feta and perfumed with bay leaf. Our entrees were both very good. Salmon with tri-color peppers and balsamic glaze was accompanied by rice and deliciously sweet snow peas. The seared tuna was cooked just as I hoped - definitely seared on the outside while still pink throughout - and the black tea and five-spice seasoning was assertive and intriguing. Although the tuna's garnish of "crispy" quick-fried spinach leaves had lost their crisp by the time the plate had reached our table, they still provided a nice whimsical counterpoint to the tuna's strong statement. The wines we selected - Commanderie de la Bargemone Cuvee Marina Rose and Selection Laurence Feraud Seguret - were outstanding. The menu suggested each of these wines to accompany a few of the entrees, and both were available by the glass. (As of this writing, the list published on the restaurant's Web site doesn't include either of these wines - it may be need to be updated.) When dessert time finally rolled around I think we were both too full to really enjoy anything. Nevertheless, we tried the creme brulee and a grilled pound cake, which were both served with fresh berries and whipped cream. The top of the creme brulee looked good, but the sugar topping had been overcaramelized and had a slightly burnt aftertaste. (The custard itself was fine.) The cake was flavored with a fruit liqueur which we had a hard time tasting. Monocacy Crossing may be a little out of your way, but it's well worth the trip. We will be back!
(4)
Joe W.
Good food, nice atmosphere and outdoor seating in the warm weather. Worth the short drive. Just south of the Monocacy river on Rt. 355 as you head toward Urbana.
(4)
Jerry G.
Had a late Sunday lunch at Monocacy Crossing on Sunday. I believe this is the old Blue Fox Tavern but can't be certain. The restaurant is "quaint" to say the least and in some ways a little on the "old" side. We arrived early but scored a table anyway. They do make a killer Bloody Mary.!! Wow.!! No scrimping on the vodka and the horse radish really brings it all together. Crab dip appetizer.. Skip it.!! Not much crab and a huge calorie bomb.!! Salad of pecans, field greens and raspberry vinaigrette was absolutely wonderful. Main of fish & chips was good. Large piece of very fresh cod and the most delicious chips imaginable.!! Other main was BBQ Shrimp and Grits.. Very nice.. Shrimp were on the small side but still nicely prepared and paired with the cheese and bacon grits perfectly. Desert of apple crisp left a little to be desired and while touted as "home made" (shouldn't that be "house made" or maybe the chef lives in the restaurant and so it's his home? But I digress.!) but tasted more like pre-fab. The lunch portions were more than enough to fill one up and the prices were very reasonable. Prices are a little on the higher side but certainly a better value than one would find as they get closer to DC. Chef is very good; excellent prep and presentation. I'd definitely go back and would recommend it as a good place for a nice, quite meal.
(4)
S J.
Was recommended to us by a couple at my wifes work. Seems to be getting more popular, so we decided on reservations since we were looking at a Friday night. Called a couple of days in advance and were not able to get our first choice, but got 7:30 which was reasonable. So, if you can plan in advance, you may want to book more than a few days in advance. :) In short, this was one of the best meals I'd had in a while. I had the whisky duck appetizer, my wife had the tuna roll. Both were outstanding with subtle flavoring. They were also large enough that we could have easily split one, so be forewarned if you're looking at a big meal. We both decided on the filet which was very good as well, and prepared exactly as we had asked. The wine list is fairly large and eclectic for this area, a lot of South American selections in addition to the traditional Cali, French and Italian varieties. Bottle prices range from $20 to $70, we splurged for a Chateau Laroque St Emilion Grand Cru (2000) which was good but not great for the $70 bottle price. In retrospect, I'd probably be a little more adventurous and try one of the South American wines which are probably better values. (Markup on the wines looks to be the standard 100%.) Since I was stuffed, I had the creme brulee for dessert and my wife had the apple crisp, both were very good as well. We'll definately be back....
(5)
Tim N.
This place is average at best. However, still one of the better options for the small town of Frederick. I've been a few times, and all the dishes I've tried are average. The atmosphere and service is also average at best. The seating feels slightly cramped, and the building a bit rundown. All this would be forgiven though if the food was great, which it is definitely not.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Kirsten L.
Hands down my favorite restaurant. Reasonably priced, creative, delicious dishes! The menu changes seasonally but some of the best things I've had are: the artichoke beignet appetizer, whiskey duck nacho appetizer, grilled caesar salad, lamb shank with mashed sweet potato dinner. Atmosphere is upscale casual. I've been for birthdays, anniversaries, and quick lunches on the patio.
(5)Gabriela C.
I went here for my birthday brunch with a friend and I will not be going back ever. I left disappointed and sad. Don't go there if you want to ask for a side of scrambled eggs -- this is indicative of how inflexible the kitchen and the management seems to be. Also, note that you want to ask a lot of questions about the menu and prices because half-price wine is listed as what looked to me like full-price so I thought the bill would be smaller. Frederick has a lot of places where people will welcome you and provide a great dining experience. SKIP this place with shabby decor and overpriced food. Also, beware that I had no cell phone reception while sitting there so getting in touch with all my party members was a pain since texting barely worked and I could not make any calls.
(1)Scott D.
Monocacy Crossing has never disappointed me. The food is always fabulous, the staff attentive and friendly, and the owners offer a menu that should satisfy any pallet. The layout is a little different, but I am here for the food and drinks. Yes, yes, yes. So it has a tiny men's room and the decor is a little outdated. Get over it.
(5)CATHY M.
Lovely anniversary dinner. Food was excellent and service was excellent. Relaxed and casual place, where you can sit inside or outside on the patio. We arrived early and they seated us right away. I like the menu , good variety. I like the fact they suggest which wine goes with your meal. I got the special which was a white fish from Iceland. Fresh and cooked perfectly!
(5)Marley D.
Cute little place in between Urbana and Buckeystown. My sister and I made reservations for a Friday night and were seated immediately upon arrivals by friendly staff members. The restaurant seems very outdated and could deff use some renovation to spruce it up but I'm really here for the food. :-) I'm on a part-time vegetarian kick so my choices were limited. For appetizers we ordered the crab dip which also had spinach and fresh corn in it. It was simply delicious, the corn was fresh and juicy. There deff could've been much more crab meat in the dip for the price. For entrees I ordered the Summer Vegtables over Tallegate with pesto. The vegetables (zucchini and squash) were fresh and cooked to perfection, not soggy and styrofoam-y. The only bad thing was how much parsley there was as a garnish, the little pieces kept getting stuck in my throat and made for an almost dangerous meal. My sister ordered the BBQ Gulf shrimp and Grits, she had great remarks on her entree. I tried the grit and they were great, nice and creamy without being thick. The star of our meal was deff the dessert. Oh my, we ordered the flan and baby it was AMAZINGGGG. The caramel was perfectly sweet, not overpowering and the custard was creamy and rich without being dense.. It was stuff but still held up a nice fluffy texture. Just amazing. I would deff come here again. Hopefully they renovate soon so it can become a nice and fun environment!
(4)Ben T.
So this review has me puzzled. The restaurant felt very "towny" and dated. Honestly, I would expect to eat burgers and grandma's meatloaf here. THE FOOD WAS FABULOUS! I was stunned by the delicious french cuisine and the spectacular menu. It was a BIG menu, It's just strange to me how the upscale food was paired with a run down almost dreary restaurant. My wife and I were on a date and some college kids in sweatpants came in... it just was a strange mixture of elegant food in an almost divey place that appeared to be trying to be upscale... I just don't get it. I think the food that most typifies this place was the Duck Nachos... They were ok, to me they just were nachos with DUCK on them. Nice quality ingredient on NACHO's... Weird.
(3)Cynthia L.
Food is generally good but some things are inconsistent. Service is A+. Ambience lovely. Enjoy having lunch here
(3)Kara S.
I love this place! Every time we come the food and service are great! I've never been disappointed in this place. Don't let the location and outside fool you, this is one of the greatest gems in Maryland!
(5)Mike K.
Lovely place, attentive staff, great wine choices, good food. Went because if a Trop Advisor promotion. Will be back. Frederick is a nice place to enjoy an eve and this spot deserves a try. Tell them Michael sent you!
(5)Eric L.
A favorite place for lunch. Cannot go wrong with anything on the lunch menu. Really a spectacular bargain and nice outdoor seating in good weather. Dinner is expensive. Only went once, if that tells you anything.
(5)Lauren V.
Really solid continental food, interesting specials featuring local & seasonal fare, great lunch menu....surprisingly found in an incongruously outdated building. I hate judging a book by it's cover, but I have to admit we'd probably come here more often if it were a little more appealing to sit inside. The bar is better (though small) and the patio is the way to go if the weather is nice.
(4)Guv M.
Really, Really Good. Sat outside on a perfect day, but since you go for the food, know this: well prepared food at more than reasonable prices, seriously meals for two, with a shared appetizer, and dessert, (no drinks) for under $50.00. WOW, if you want to eat at a chain, go ahead you'll pass several on your way there, but if you want to get a well made meal this won't disappoint. Wife had the scallops, I had the pork (a bit overdone, hence the four stars) also they don't devein the peas, but beyond that no complaints. Ok a final complaint: since they are right on Urbana Pike there is a considerable amount of traffic, and traffic noise, but beyond that it's a BUY! GET THE WHISKEY DUCK NACHO'S!!! omg SOO GOOD
(4)Jason H.
Have to give 3 stars because I expect more from a fine dining restaurant. My wife and I had the pork tenderloin and filet. They were both good but the filet came out undercooked. Also, the wine was very good and our server was friendly. However we had the duck nachos which were not very good. The chips were stale and it came out luke warm. At least our server was nice enough to take it off our bill. We did like the cozy atmosphere and eating by candlelight. Overall I would say it was average but would give them another chance.
(3)Lauren K.
My husband and I went here for our first date after our daughter was born. The food was fabulous and our server was prompt and attentive. We didn't have a reservation, but we were seated quickly. We thought we might have a problem having not made a reservation for a Friday night, but it worked out well. I'm just waiting for the next time we can dine here!
(5)M. K.
This place is awesome...I've been here 4-5 times and the food is AMAZING, consistent, and always delicious. My personal favorite is the buttermilk chicken dinner which comes with a large portion of mashed potatoes and snow peas on the side. I could eat that dinner every day for the rest of my life....*DROOL*. Also love the crab and spinach dip appetizer and great dessert selection. I would give the wham-bam 5-star review for this place but like some others have mentioned, I feel that some attention needs to be put into the actual restaurant. I appreciate the homey, Grandma's-house-feeling in the dining room but there must not be much insulation in there because it can get absolutely frigid in there in the winter (at least, it was last year) and extremely noisy if there are other parties close by. I've also been in the private dining section to the left of the bathrooms and don't recall being as cold in there. Will definitely be back soon, probably while wearing a puffy sweater and long johns if it's past October.
(4)Irene F.
Hello middle of nowhere... The scallops appetizer was quite delicious. Tender (I hate that word- bleh), not heavy in oil, good piece of bacon. And the price at $10 was very reasonable for 6 large pieces of scallop. The reason they get 3 stars is their unimaginative take on salad. For $8 my salad consisted on nothing except spinach and chopped tomatoes with balsamic dressing. Let's give it some perspective here- last night I had an Alpine Chicken Salad at Bugaboo Creek (similar decor) which was massive, had blackened chicken, cucumbers, cranberries, blue cheese, and 2 kids of greens -- for $10. Then came dessert- we were on a diet so we asked if they could give us some fresh fruit instead of the standard creme brulee. Their desserts were all in the $6-8 range. They gave us 2 tiny flutes of strawberries- and charged $12. Really? We basically paid $2 per strawberry. We were sitting there chatting and catching up but I guess they wanted us out of the seats because they stopped refilling our water. Finally we had to ask someone to give us more. Lastly, we were sitting almost on top of another group. They had our 2 person table next to a rail, and one step down, another table of 4 directly on the other side of the rail. I was literally almost shoulder to shoulder with the guy next to me- except I was about 5 inches higher than him. For a person with personal space issues- that was just a bit too close for comfort. Anyway, maybe when I'm no longer on a diet I'll come back and try something else on their menu. Avoid their salads at all costs.
(3)Angela S.
Bearing an uncanny resemblance to the Olney Ale House (even has an outdoor patio!), but offering higher-priced food. Everything was good, borderline great, but not quite at the 5 star mark. For me, 5 stars is "when can I come back and eat here again?", vs. "well, that was good". I had the veggie pasta, which, for $18, made me regret the things I said about Madrone's $14 veggie pasta. Same portion size, and while completely different dishes, I didn't think either was better than the other. My husband's steak was huge ($24) and came with two sides. The bread seemed homemade, based on the denseness, but I thought it was just ok. Tried part of an appetizer and dessert, both good. Service was excellent.
(4)R S.
Good creative menu. We likes the artichoke biegnets appetizer, the scallops, and even the fish and chips! I think those were rosemary fries. Very attentive staff. Nice patio. Outside if town so it's a nice drive and a nice country setting, near the Monocacy National Battlefield.
(4)Talisha R.
This place is the reason we decided to move here. We are foodies and it's nice to know that dc doesn't corner the market when it comes to great food. The food is amazing. I like the wood burning stove in the dining room and it adds to the ambiance in the winter. The outdoor patio is nice in the summer. I liked this place so much, we had our wedding dinner here. They have a fairly decent wine list too. I do wish they had cupcakes on the menu for dessert, but I guess you can't have everything.....
(5)Abbi O.
Absolutely delicious. It's not especially romantic, but they have a nice patio and the food is amazing.
(5)Casey K.
Came here late for dinner on Saturday night because our day was jam packed with shopping. It was a bit of an awkward first start because I set our reservation for 9:30 pm. Looked on yelp and the restaurant said they close at 10:00 pm. I called just to be sure we were good. The hostess who answered said they stopped serving at 9:30 pm (my exact reservation time), I told about my reservation and then the story changed to we take our last reservation at 9:30 but the kitchen stops serving at 10:00. It was just really confusing and like I could not get a straight answer out of the girl. Anywho, we arrive and were seated immediately. The bread that comes out is your white bread and butter, no frills. Our server was very nice, just a little easy to confuse. Everyone at the table gave me their water and I was putting my lemon wedges in an empty glass, she kept coming over confused and ended up filling my leftover lemon wedge glass. Not a big deal, just made me chuckle how she actually stopped and confusingly looked all around the table at the water glasses. We started with the Saute Dry Sea Scallops with Shallot and Bacon Vinaigrette. I highly recommend this appetizer. It came with four scallops and in the center was the shallot and bacon vinaigrette. The scallops were melt in your mouth and the warm bacon vinaigrette was just the right amount of a delicious bacon flavor. That says a lot coming from me because I am not a big bacon eater or fan of it and usually I find anything having to do with bacon to be too salty, but this was really nice. My dad had the Sautéed Gulf Shrimp with Sweet Corn Succotash and White Grit Cake. I had a bite that incorporated all the components of the dish and it was quite delicious. My dad absolutely loved this dish, said he had never had succotash that was that fantastic. My mom had the Pork Tenderloin with Sage-Cider Sauce and Scalloped Potatoes. This one was a bit surprising because the hearty and huge portion of pork on her plate was really too tough. We were both a little put off by it, especially considering the upscale restaurant we were having it in and the $20.00 price tag. The scalloped potatoes were very good, they had a crispy bottom that was a little hard to get through, but we both like burnt or caramelized cheese, so we liked this aspect of it. The pork had an ok flavor, but trying to saw through the thing was a bit perplexing. She would not order this again, and after my taste test, I do not blame her. I had the Horseradish and Green Apple Gastrique topped Salmon over Warm Potato Salad. I opted for veggies instead of the warm potato salad (didn't really sound that appealing to me). I was given a serving of snow peas and asparagus in place of the potato salad. The snow peas were nice, they were seasoned well and had a nice crisp snap, the asparagus was also very well cooked, not too overdone and wilted while also not too crisp or under cooked. The piece of salmon was just ok, I was not sure about the horseradish and green apple topping, it just kind of killed the taste of the salmon and the flavors didn't really play off of each other well at all. The salmon itself was tender and juicy, but i would not order this dish again. We finished it all off by sharing a dessert. We had the turtle chocolate cake that they had on the dessert tray. This was fabulous, the turtle aspect of it was this coconut caramel pecan chunky mixture that hey put on top of a rich piece of chocolate cake. I loved it because it wasn't the average caramel sauce over some chocolate cake with some pecans thrown on top. This was like caramel hash and chocolate cake. Overall, I would recommend this restaurant, it seems like it is a place that has a lot of regulars, it's quiet and tucked away and so polar opposite of say a restaurant you experience downtown, which can sometimes get a little cramped and just too loud.
(4)Rodney P.
This is by far my favorite restaurant in the greater Frederick, MD area. Everything about this place says "divine pleasure" from the location and quaint exterior to the formal interior and relaxed courteous staff. But if you come the food is what will bring you back. Today i had the dried seared sea scallops sauteed with caramelized onion and bacon, a restaurant favorite. The scallops were so tender and flavorful it was like a bite of heavenly delight in my mouth. It was so good i used my remaining bread to sop up the remains from my plate. I love coming here whether it be for lunch, dinner or happy hour. The place can't be beat and with numerous lunch items for under ten dollars it's awesome that one can eat like a king on a servants budget.
(5)Jennifer C.
We have eaten here every valentine's day for the last 7 years, and an occasional birthday celebration. One of Fredericks best kept secrets! People rarely know where this is if I mention it. The food is outstanding and the staff is friendly. Filet mignon is my favorite! Highly recommended
(5)Carla B.
I went on Sunday for lunch. I got the hangar steak with the fries and arugula salad. The steak was cooked perfectly. I didn't have any leftovers. As suggested by other fans I got the coconut pound cake to go....and it was absolutely DELICIOUS. I plan to take my husband with me next time.
(4)John F.
Nice little restaurant in the Frederick area. Food was good made from fresh ingredients, with some polish the dishes would be 5 star. The restaurant is in need of a makeover. Our waitress was very friendly and helpful. Will try it again in 6 months or so.
(4)Michael C.
Love this hidden gem. The food is off the charts and the service is outstanding. Do yourself a favor and try the duck nachos if available. Enjoy!
(4)Tom B.
My wife and I had our second trip to this warm, friendly and unique spot. They have a decent wine selection and are priced fairly. We had the fillet special with crab, and it was excellent, along with the fish special in phyllo dough, really good. The servings are very generous and we were very satisfied with only ordering an entree. Service is really good, just extremely casual. This place needs a makeover in a big way. We would recommend for those wanting a relaxing, casual atmosphere with creative and inventive dishes.
(4)Justa D.
This is a small out of the way restaurant. The parking lot is gravel so women with heels need to be careful. The food is very good and the menu changes fairly frequently. The wait staff are great. It normally pretty quiet. There is a small bar out front and they have tables outside for when its warmer. Its not cheap, but its worth it.
(5)Erica R.
Very nice, quaint little restaurant which is good for a date night. We purchased a travelzoo deal so we basically got a 2 for 1 meal for dinner and that made it affordable for us. The food was very delicious, however, the service to me was not very good at all. Our waiter was nice but it felt like it took all night for him to finally warm up to us. I hope he didn't think we were going to only tip him on the discounted price from the beginning but when he saw we tipped him on the full value of the meal, he was very nice after that. It was like pulling teeth to get him to say more than a few words to us or even to smile. I still don't even know what his name was. They may need to work on getting their staff to lighten up, have fun and smile! Sheesh
(3)Dana Z.
Monocacy Crossing has been on my list of places to go ever since I moved here! Shame on me for having it take so long! Such a great experience. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is the area, or even not in the area because it is the kind of place that is worth the drive. Just make sure you make a reservation! The waitress (I believe her name was Cheryl) was really knowledgeable about the history of the building. The building itself is about 100 years old. They of course use all local and fresh ingredients. The chef's name is Ronald Reagan (no kidding) and they have a separate pastry chef. Funny thing is, their signature dessert is made by the owners mother (more on that later) who won't give out the recipe to even her own family members. The "wine guy" here is the same person that does the wine for Volt, down the road a bit. In fact, the waitress mentioned that Voltaggio has eaten there in the past too. As for the food, every night they have a different appetizer special, a soup special, a fish special, and a meat special. They start each table out with a whole loaf of bread and butter. Why do I mention this? A) Because even the bread is good! You could taste that they brush it with olive oil and season it well. and B) to warn you: don't eat too much bread! You have to save room for all the awesome food! My group decided to order the Whiskey Duck nachos. This is not your typical run of the mill nachos. These are the kind of nachos you will fight to the death over! The duck was not oily as duck tends to be. It was shredded over the nachos and actually does remind you of pork. The entrees are all very decently priced I think for the quality and amount of food. I can personally recommend the pork dish with sage-cider sauce. (Which was not even something I ordered but tried a piece of and was in heaven) If you are super hungry try the meatloaf with cabernet-tomato marinara. The slice of meatloaf they give you is probably about 3lbs. My last piece of advice: Don't even look at the desserts. Just get the coconut pound cake (as mentioned in a few other reviews.) Just get it and you can thank me later. ------------ Went back and wanted to mention a few more things: Crab cakes = amazing Mozzarella/Tomato app = also amazing Got the duck nachos again = still wonderful Damn, that's good bread. And... The coconut pound cake is still the best dessert ever.
(5)Ti T.
Good food, a bit expensive but definitely worth it for a nice dinner. Big portions. Kinda in the middle of nowhere but pretty easy to find. Good service
(5)Rachel S.
This place is amazing! The scallops are extremely tasty and the mussels were excellent, as well. Each appetizer plate was only $10 and the portions were very generous. My steak was seasoned very well and the mushroom "bread pudding" AKA stuffing was done just right. I would have given this place 5 stars but I ordered my steak medium and it came out RARE - I mean the cow was still breathing. That is inexcusable whether I'm paying $15 or, in this case, $30 for a steak. I have since returned and only ordered the scallops as dinner!
(4)Michelle R.
I visited this restaurant some time ago (maybe two years) and the memory still lives on. From the outside it doesn't look like much, but don't be fooled! The food was DELICIOUS. There were four in our party, and everybody's meal was perfect. What a wonderful spot for great food!
(4)Phill Y.
You just don't get enough bang for your buck here. The food tastes good but it's way over priced which makes it not worth it to me. The building is an old house converted into an eating establishment so I felt like I was at somebody's great grandmother's house badly in need of an update. My third issue is that there wasn't much of a selection on the menu to choose from. I would recommend that you don't waste your time and money on this place.
(2)Matthew W.
We went there for Valentine's Day on short notice the food was fantastic especially the shrimp and grits and the wine was perfect thank you guys for a great holiday
(5)J. M.
Came back for our anniversary and had a fantastic dinner. Great food and service. Had the salmon and swordfish and both cooked to perfection and very well presented. Looking forward to getting back.
(5)Amy T.
My husband and I came here one night for a nice dinner. We were not disappointed at all. My husband had a great steak, and I chose the lamb. The portions are HUGE so though it's a bit pricey, it's not like you're getting tiny portions at all. The waitress was great, and had good suggestions for wine for each dish. I can't remember the wine I had, but I absolutely loved it. My husband wasn't sure which wine to pair his steak with, so went with the suggested one and was very pleased with it. The food was fresh and well prepared. The ambiance could use some sprucing, but the food makes up for it.
(4)Christina H.
After living in Urbana for over two years, we finally stopped in for dinner last night! It was gorgeous out, so we opted to sit on the patio. Overall, it was very good. Scallops appetizer was delicious, scallops were cooked perfectly. The grilled romaine salad was not my favorite...rather than being slightly charred, it just got kind of wilted. The pork tenderloin with the apple-sage sauce was out of this world...so so good! Beer prices are good, great wine selection, but the pours were lacking. I got two glasses, because I honestly think my first pour was barely 3 oz. The bread they give you is eh...skip it. Service was decent...we were hoping to get dessert, but they brought the bill without evening offering a dessert menu, so at that point we just decided to forget it. We will be back, though.
(4)Allison D.
Monocacy Crossing is my favorite restaurant in Frederick. The food and service are 5 stars. I have never had anything on their menu that I didn't absolutely love and they have a fantastic wine list. They have this potatoes au gratin side that comes with some of their entrees that is one of the best things I have ever put in my mouth. I got duck breast the last time that I went and was given a choice of the way that I wanted it cooked; I chose "medium" and it was absolutely perfect. The best thing I ever got was a piece of arctic char wrapped in shredded phyllo dough and deep fried. It looked like a crazy, hairy mess, but it was in the top 3 of the best fish dishes that I've ever had. I wish it was always on their menu... Now that I got that out of the way, here is what I DON'T like...The servers' uniforms are just plain awful. They consist of jeans and a white button-down shirt. They look like they're getting ready to go outside and shovel manure. The décor is pretty bad too. The bar area is nice and the side dining room is OK, but the front dining room looks like a farmhouse dining room. I guess this makes it feel more homey, but the classy menu and great service does not deserve the country bumpkin treatment. My only word of advice is watch out for the specials. If you are on even a little bit of a budget, ALWAYS ask how much the specials cost if you're thinking about getting one of them. I got a pork chop once that was huge and very good, but it also set me back almost $40. I never would have ordered it had I known. Every time that I've gotten one of the specials it's been more expensive that most of the items on their regular menu; even the things that you wouldn't expect to be.
(5)Victoria Z.
Monocacy Crossing has been popping up on my Yelp searches for good restaurants for awhile now and I am mad at myself for not going there any sooner. The food was exquisite, everything is made fresh and they only use the highest quality of ingredients. They even grow their own vegetables and herbs. I really liked how the menu suggested what wine was to go best with your entree choice as there were many wines to choose from. By the way, the portions were huge, so don't fill up on teh appetizers and great bread! The service was great, the server was friendly and very knowledgeable about the restaurant and its 100 year history. She did great at describing items on the menu to help us make a decision. My absolute favorite moment of the meal had to be the dessert. I can't even describe to you how good the coconut pound cake is. Thank God for another Yelper to introduce us to this, every bite was amazing and I think I would be happy living off of it for the rest of my life. I would love to ask for the recipe, but it's made my the owner's mother and she won't even tell him the secret!
(5)Mark G.
Wonderful place to eat and or bring a date. I eat out a lot and recently tried Monocacy Crossing. I'll definitely eat there again. My girlfriend and I love this place.
(5)andy k.
My wife and I have a wonderful dinner the oyster appetizer was fantastic the grilled Romaine salad was extremely tasty and the crab cake diviner was good but not great. I guess being a Marylander I can be very picky about my crab cakes. this is our third visit and I will be going again. Andy,
(4)Kaimana C.
Hidden on the leafy outskirts of Frederick, MD, Monocacy Crossing appears out of nowhere on Urbana Pike and at first glance is reminiscent of a country cottage that may have had a cameo in a childhood nursery rhyme. The unpaved parking lot and a poignant patio littered with a few umbrella covered tables is inviting with a sort of unpretentious elegance. Our party of four was promptly greeted and offered beverages. The server reviewed the drink and food specials and I quickly ordered the Organic Blueberry Lemon Drop. The menu is extensive with a diverse selection of mouthwatering appetizers; we ordered four starters to share, and they did not disappoint. Panko crusted Oysters with a homemade cocktail sauce, Whiskey Duck nachos with corn and black bean salsa, Tequila marinated shrimp quesadillas and Yuzu infused Tuna Tartar with avocado and wonton chips were our selections. The oysters were fried to a perfect crisp yet remained moist and delectable with each bite. The whiskey marinated duck and the tequila infused shrimp were both seasoned perfectly and added unique flavor dimensions to two Mexican staples. However, the shining star of our first round was the Tuna Tartar seasoned with the Japanese Yuzu fruit combined both savory and sweet flavor profiles that danced on your palette. After an amazing round of appetizers, I sat in anticipation of our entree selections. I teetered back and forth between Bacon-wrapped Beef Medallions and the Miso glazed salmon. My decision to go with the salmon was grounded in the fact that in my salmon is often overcooked and this would put Monocacy Crossing truly to the test. The rest of my party chose the following: Crabcakes with Old Bay Aioli, Pork Tenderloin with a Sage-Cider sauce and scalloped potatoes, and Hangar Steak with chipotle Polenta Fries. To say that each of the entrees were amazing would be like saying the North Pole is sort of cold. The quality and freshness of each ingredient was immediately obvious with each bite. The Hangar steak was both tender and flavorful and complemented perfectly with nuggets of crispy polenta and spicy chipotle. The crabcakes were as good as any I have ever had in Maryland and the Old Bay Aioli offered a creamy reprieve to savory seasonings of each cake. The Sage-Cider sauce that enveloped the sliced pork tenderloin sent this entree over the top. However, the winner of this round was definitely the salmon. Masterfully seasoned with red miso on a bed of purple sticky rice and broccolini, the dish offered a variety of textures and a complex flavor profile. The salmon was cooked with a perfect translucent center making this dish Monocacy's culinary masterpiece. I could offer another round of compliments about the Creme Brulee, Coconut Pound Cake, Chocolate Flan Cake and the Blueberry Tart, but I'll leave all that to your imagination. After four extraordinary appetizers, four superb entrees, you can only guess that the dessert selections provided closure to a beautiful evening of food, wonderful friends and full tummies. You can bet I'll be coming back to try every single item on the menu. Make your reservations now, you will not be disappointed.
(5)Robert V.
I decided to take my wife there for our anniversary. We've made a habit out of trying the smaller for private restaurants in the area. When you arrive you walk in a side door that leads directly into the bar area where you're greeted by 5 or 6 unpleasant stairs from the patrons at the bar. Almost as if they were interrupted by your arrival (again, it was the main entrance). The hostess/bar tender seemed almost as annoyed. We were then taken to your seats with some slight opinion differences by two staff on to where to seat us. There were plenty of empty tables including a separate room not being used. Our server was pleasant but did not seem to interested in making sure we had a pleasant experience. From my experience, small intimate restaurants usually devote more attention to their customers. We ordered our drinks, appetizer and meals and slipped into our own little world which was nice. That being said, there was some uncomfortable vibe with the waitstaff. They all seemed a little grumpy for lack of a better term. The young girl who kept refilling our water was the lone exception. She was very nice, on top of our needs and even sparked conversation. The food was great and portions were perfect, however it was slightly overpriced. Overall, I'm glad we tried it so we could check it off our list but we probably won't be going back. The combination of locals at the bar seeming annoyed and the grumpy wait staff put a damper on what was supposed to be a romantic evening with my wife.
(2)Efrain R.
Excellent place, great food, good service Waitress was very accomodating with our wine selection. Portions were generous. I will defintely recommend this restaurant to my friends.
(4)Dennis H.
After being hung up on when I tried to make reservations- I should have went somewhere else but we did not. My wife and I went there for our anniversary. We ate on the patio. Patio was messy. Wait staff not knowledgeable about food, sent our entrée back because it was under cooked. "House Specialty" Coconut pound cake should have been listed on their drink menu- saturated with so much alcohol it was inedible. Steer clear= drive another 5-10 miles in to Frederick for better choices...
(1)Connie M.
Had dinner here with a large group which the servers handled extremely well and somehow managed to keep up with everyone ordering drinks, apps, and dinners. I ordered the Pork Tenderloin with Sage-Cider Sauce and Scalloped Potatoes which was incredibly good. It felt like Sunday dinner at mom's house good. Everyone in my party raved about their dinners. For dessert, I ordered Duclaw's Sweet Baby Jesus Chocolate Peanut Butter Porter. OMG, it was heaven! The restaurant itself was a very quaint, old home set back from the road on a wooded lot. Overall, very charming. On a side note, they have THE cleanest bathrooms of any restaurant I've visited...well done!
(5)Deejai B.
Really delicious, wonderfully prepared, smart service, cozy woodstove-warmed setting in the beautiful woods of Frederick. I wouldn't it very expensive at all considering the quality, in fact I think it's quite a great bargain if you don't order lame stuff like salmon or steak (that can be easily made at home). My favorite is actually the jambalaya - which comes with an absurd amount of crawfish, shrimp, scallops, mussels, sausage, chicken, etc. atop some masterfully flavored rice. $22 for this amount of such high quality food is a great deal - I never thought I'd find something like this dish in Western Maryland so shame on me. Sinfully soft pork tenderloin ($18) is a close second. The serving sizes are really generous, so maybe plan on taking a lot of food home. The food can take a little while to come out so be patient (munch on the delicious loaf of bread while you wait) - and be aware that it comes out REALLY PIPING HOT. Personally, I'd rather wait then receive pre-fab bs quickly like at other places I won't mention. Also, there's a table for two they often use that has I think a sort of undesirable location - right next to where wait staff organize cutlery, etc. so there's constant clanging. That said, it's just about touching the woodstove, so it's nice when it's cold outside. It's in a historic structure, so not the sexiest "scene" - probably better for a low-key dinner. Def. try that coconut cake! Moist with bold flavor. Ridiculous. Flying dog on tap for only $4 - unheard of at a restaurant of this caliber. Hefty pours of wine. Plenty of parking and a nice patio for warmer days. One of my favorite restaurants ever!!
(5)Dustin H.
First time to M.C.for my girlfriends birthday..No need for a story or fancy words leading up to the review here! Spicy Garlic and Mint BBQ Pork Ribs with Sesame-Peanut Dressed Rice Noodle Salad was ordered for an appetizer....three ribs were included and we were able to pull them apart with a fork with ease. Probably the best ribs I've had (Black Hog is my favorite Frederick restaurant) it's hard to find ribs that have good favor, tender and a decent amount of meat on them TOGETHER! Didn't really care for the salad (just not my style) She had the Tuna and loved it I had the special with was pork chop stuffed with mozzarella and salami!! Same as the ribs, best pork chop I've ever had. Very lean, tender and plenty of flavor. The serving didn't skimp either. For dessert we had some ice cram with cinnamon sponge cake type thing with caramel drizzled on top, like everything else..PERFECT! Long story short, the food is very well priced for the quality that you get and I will be going back! Also, if you think it's fancy there was a guy in shorts and sandals across the room while I was eating!
(5)Charlie T.
Jan 19, 2012. We are so dismayed to leave a negative review after years of it being a favorite. I ordered the special a fish with some Asian sauce. It was totally dried out and the sauce was cold and clumpy. The double whammy was that the unannounced price was the highest of any of the entrees. My wife had the steak salad. It had way too my much dressing and the steak was grizzly. Try cutting steak on a salad in the very dark room! Unfortunately the very good waitress came and asked about the meal before we had a chance to taste. Otherwise I would have complained which I rarely do. They did make a good bourbon old fashion, but based on other recent reviews....avoid! Sorry.
(1)Marie L.
My husband and I ate at MC for the first time today (since regularly passing it commuting to and from work). So here's a summary of our experience: Let's start with the employees- polite! The atmosphere- cozy and excellent taste in music! FOOD- MELT IN YOUR MOUTH! I definitely plan in going back... SOON! We were both beyond satisfied and VERY IMPRESSED by the overall experience!!!
(5)Gigi C.
Dafuq did I just eat???? My whole dang family went in around noon on Sunday. They have a fairly large patio area for outdoor dining with your stinkbug friends. We were promptly seated.....INSIDE. The decor is very much like that of Normandie Farm. We received 2 menus each. 1 lunch menu, and 1 brunch menu. My son and I ordered from the brunch menu. He had the french toast with a side of bacon, and I had the twin petite filets over hash(the potato kind) and 2 poached eggs with hollandaise sauce. My steak, poached eggs and hollandaise sauce were all very good. The hash, I could have done without. The potatoes were petite diced and kinda dried out. As a matter of fact, they looked as if they had been cook twice. That would explain why the potatoes were dry. My son seemed to be enjoying his french toast.....and then I noticed that he was mostly focused on devouring his bacon *high5*!!. He took just a few bites of the french toast itself. Needless to say, we ended up boxing up his french toast. Here's where I start getting a wee bit upset. Later that Sunday, I snuck to the fridge like a ninja after a week long fast, to have a nibble of the french toast. I cut off a piece and I notice that the entire underside was BLACK BLACK BLACK. tisk tisk tisk. How in the hell does not 1 person in the kitchen notice that? Oh right, they obvi just didn't care. That's just wrong, and they KNEW it was for a kid because our waitress went to the kitchen and told them to hold the walnuts on the KIDS french toast. Jerks. Anyways, my husband had the scallops. The scallops were very good.....and then you have the accompaniments. The white rice was cooked well, but way too much oil. Not even olive oil, I think they used vegetable oil....no flavor. It also came with a side of snap peas. They were ok, but a bit on the overcooked side. Then, things start getting a lil bit cray cray. My 5 year old daughter, who fancies dining on oysters, sashimi, and caviar.....just to wash it all down with a bottle of San Pellegrino, did not touch her food. Wait whaaaaaa???? Someone call the paramedics!!! This girl eats all day long, even normal kid food like nuggets and shit......you know, when oysters aren't available. Her spidey senses must have been tingling that day. Read on, please. She ordered the potato gnocchi in a pork and veal bolognese. Boxed that shit up too. Once again, hunger strikes at the Barnes residence later that Sunday evening. HOLY. SHIT. I am happy that my daughter didn't eat her food. It was so salty! Not like "gee, I think I'll use less salt next time", salty. It was like "woah, time to spit this ish out before my tongue shrivels up like a slug on a hot summer day", salty. Gross. I do want to give Monocacy Crossing another chance. I have read in some of these reviews that their dinner menu is much better. I hope it's true. Oh yeah, drinks were good. I had the Peach Blossom martini and the hubs had the Bloody Mary. I will update soon on their food situation. Until then, happy nom-nom-nom-noming!!!
(2)Kathryn W.
Quiet, quaint restaurant with very good food and service. In a location that's easy to overlook but well worth remembering and keeping on your radar for nicer dinner engagements. The menu varies enough to satisfy your basic meat/potato diner to someone with a slightly more sophisticated palate. There is a patio in the summertime if you want a more casual al fresco experience. I have always enjoyed my meals here and recommend it to everyone who wants a good meal and a change from the downtown frederick dining scene.
(5)Shannon D.
This place is great! The food is great and service is too. It's a wonderful dinning experience. Duck nachos are awesome. And the specialty drinks are treat as well.
(5)Junipa C.
Nice place to take your grandparents. Food is good with decent portions and flavors plus the service is prompt and informative, but the atmosphere is so outdated that it gives a first impression that it isn't current on the food either. Even if this isn't 100% the case, it needs an update. As one who eats with all my senses, this visual throws me off every time I go. For not freshened paint, carpet and curtains, I recommend with an "outdated" label.
(3)Chabeeb D.
My wife and I drove 45 minutes to go here for our anniversary. Found the restaurant on Yelp and was not disappointed. Atmosphere, service, timeliness, and quality were all excellent. Would highly recommend and definitely go back.
(5)Slick S.
This restaurant is straight out of the Hudson Valley. That area is populated by high quality restaurants in old house run by graduates of the Culinary Institute of America. That whole formula has been transferred to south Frederick. The building is one of the least appealing you'll ever see, and you'll be tempted to drive right past. But inside is one of the finest restaurants in the area. Chef Rich Regan is a graduate of CIA, one of the few in the area, and it shows. Monocacy Crossing is the best combination of high quality food and relaxed dining atmosphere in Frederick. It's our go-to restaurant for special occasions.
(4)Meca S.
We had a lovely lunch and really good service. The duck nachos are delicious and the patio is very cool and shady. They also have a great bar and big wine list with many affordable choices.
(4)Alan H.
Came up for lunch on a whim and left with a very great experience. The food was excellent, well presented, and the taste was surprising--excellent. I know I will be back to enjoy a big portion of good ole home cooking!
(5)Karl M.
My favorite restaurant in Frederick, the food has always been excellent. I love the duck nachos. The only reason I don't go more often is the price, so it's reserved for special occasions.
(5)Orlangela A.
She said..."So my sister recommended this place, so my husband and i tried it on a Friday afternoon for lunch. Very cute little outside seating, however, only one waiter was working at the time we went. I guess you could say they were a little understaffed for how busy they were that day. The lunch menu is okay...i think i would have liked their dinner menu better. I got the crab dip and chicken Caesar salad...which wasn't what i expected. The Caesar salad was not like a typical Caesar salad., it tasted a little weird, I only really ate the chicken in it. I don't want to cut on this place too bad because i actually did like it, just not the lunch menu....ill go back for dinner though." He said..." Well this place was okay...I mean they have a weird menu in that, they don't specialize in anything. I had a chicken sandwich and it was alright. It was supposed to have cheese sauce but that didn't happen. The waiter was overworked; he took the orders of three tables, then came back and forgot ours. I don't know, it's a nice quiet place, but it will stay quiet for us. I don't want to go back, there was nothing on the menu worth eating. "
(3)Michael y.
My compliments to the chef and Maryland based yelpers for their great taste! calamari aiolii basil marinara and bruschetta chorizo tapas 16oz rack of lamb In a special reduction sauce with corn cake and broccoli rabe Fresh baked bread. Dessert was a decaf cup of smooth Joe to complement the fresh baked coconut melt in your mouth pound cake!!!!! Check out my pics, they speak louder than words. My colleagues agree this was one of the best damn meal, we've had in a long time. I did not feel stuffed, even though the portions were hearty. I guess it was the p90x yoga routine and stretching my stomach muscles from my previous review of the yuraku Japanese sushi restaurant. The location and service is impeccable. Arrive early or make reservations. The drive to this place is cool, through tree tunnels on the country farm road. If you are in the Frederick, Germantown or Gaitehrsburg and Rockville area. This is a must Eat. Praise to the Allah of Per Diem.
(5)James M.
A solid 4.5 stars. Many of the reviews I read here before we went are spot on. Here's my take... Decor: The restaurant is quaint and cozy. The wood paneling could stand to be replaced, but otherwise no major complaints. Tables are spaced out nicely so you don't feel like you're sitting on top of strangers; one of my pet peeves against some high-end places like Volt and Tasting Room. The patio seating looked lovely and we will be sure to try it next time if the weather cooperates. Also of note, it was definitely an older crowd. Could be because we went on a Wednesday evening, but it did feel like we were the teenagers going to a nice restaurant for prom and being a good 10 or 20 years younger than the other diners, and we are in our 30s. Made for a good laugh. Service: No complaints. Our server, Cheryl, was friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive. She was happy to ask the chef for us what herbs were on the yummy warm potato salad that came with my wife's salmon dish. The staff kept our water glasses full throughout the meal without being overly intrusive. Food: Almost everything was outstanding, with the exception of the salmon, which was average. Nothing wrong with it, but compared to how great everything else was it was underwhelming. After we were seated we were brought a basket of homemade sourdough bread. Very tasty. Based on the reviews here, we did the duck nacho appetizer. Outstanding. The meat was similar to a shredded pork BBQ. The sauce was sweet and delicious but not overpowering. We sopped up every last drop of it with a piece of bread after we devoured the nachos. For dinner I had the shrimp & grits. The sauce was also subtle and tasty and the shrimp were plentiful. Also, I can't recall the last time I've been served a dish that came out so hot! Definitely a plus. As I mentioned, my wife's salmon was just average, but the warm horseradish potato salad that came with it was top notch. Very flavorful. Both dishes came with the vegetable of the day, asparagus, which was perfectly cooked. For dessert, also based on reviews here, we went for the coconut poundcake. OMG! My wife bakes a lot, and it is extremely rare that I have dessert at a restaurant that outdoes anything she makes. It was also served piping hot. Highly recommended.
(4)Joan V.
Went there on Friday night. Perfect night to eat outside. Food was excellent. Calamari was great as was the seared tuna. Coconut pound cake was to die for! Sea scallops appetizer was also to die for. Would go back again.
(4)Nichole D.
The scallops are...wonderous! The shrimp and grits were good to. But really--the service made it. Our waitress was FANTASTIC!
(5)Neal Gone Daddy H.
Found this place on Yelp. ordered the mussels, which were good, and a big lamb shank, also good. got the pineapple pound cake on recommendations from other reviewers here; it def had a special kind of flavor going on, but it was too rich and sugary for my subtle tongue. aksi the place is kind of expensive. a lot of patrons are aristocrat/gentry types from the surrounding area or lawyer/doctor motorists hungry from their weekend driving inspections of MD's charming rural regions.
(3)Bill M.
The service and food were outstanding. The Maryland crab soup was thick and flavorful. The pork tenderloin was tender and could be cut with a fork. Great for a date night dinner and also a place to take mom on Sunday.
(5)Braden S.
This place was GREAT! Went here for my birthday on a beautiful April evening and was seated outside. The waiter was kind of awkward, but very nice and helpful. You could tell he was kind of a "bro" who was trying to be polite to make good tips. Best bread I have ever had at any restaurant. My dad and I split the mussels for an appetizer and they were delicious. I got pork tenderloin with scalloped potatoes and broccoli which was absolutely amazing. I highly recommend all of the above. Finished with the chocolate "turtle" cake. Best. Cake. Ever. I don't have much time to write this review or else I would go into more detail, but long story short, this place is amazing and you definitely should go.
(5)Frankie M.
Just returned from an 80 mile round trip to visit this place from our home outside Aldie, Va. I think it was worth the trip just to try something out of the norm. My wife and I both had great food. She had shrimp and grits and I had the beef medallions. We agreed that it was very good, but not fantastic. The seating was cramped and the dining room was very noisy, with waiters constantly running around. Our waitress was not very warm, but at least did the job. The menu is great, with many innovative dishes. We will go back for sure, just to explore the menu and to try and land a table in the "nicer" dining room and a waitress with a smile. I took off a star for ambiance, and one for customer service. Food carries it.
(3)See D.
For my dollar, hands down the best place to eat in Frederick!! I could write a book about how good this place is, but I'll give you the abridged version. Yes, it's a little expensive, but totally worth it! The food is fantastic, and the portions are great! The atmosphere is wonderful with a business casual attire. The place isn't pretentious or snooty! The staff are laid back, very nice, and extremely attentive. I've been to every place in Frederick, and this place is tops!
(5)Richard T.
We sought this place out after a hike in the park, bypassing such familiar reliables as Volt and Danielle's, and we were not disappointed. Both the mahi mahi special and the petit filet were done to a turn. The dessert tray could not be passed up and can be paid no higher compliment than that it was worth the calories. The service was friendly and efficient. The weather was perfect and the outdoor garden setting ideal. We arrived about 2:00 on a Tuesday afternoon and the parking lot was still nearly full. This place is obviously not a secret, in spite of its relatively isolated location.
(4)Whitney M.
Tucked away in the woods near the Monocacy River, Monocacy Crossing is not to be missed!! It definitely makes my top 10 list (a very coveted list indeed that is populated by the likes of the Coronodo Hotel in San Diego and privately catered meals at the Hotel Bel-Air in Los Angeles). I had the sauteed BBQ shrimp with lobster infused cheese grits. Nothing down-home about this specialty! The BBQ sauce was light, fragrant, and just a tiny bit sweet. The lobster infused cheese grits were literally to die for! A fresh garden veggie (that evening snow peas) accompanied the dish and was steamed to perfection. Their wine list is extensive and excellent. I would certainly go back again.
(5)suzanne u.
My husband found Monocacy Crossing quite by accident. After years of eating in old town Frederick, he was looking up hours for one of our favorite restaurants and came across Monocacy Crossing. We decided to give it a try...after our first bites we kept saying.."how did we not know about this place!" We spend most of our Sunday and Monday afternoons riding all around the Virginia, Maryland and DC area looking for new and interesting restaurants. We've been to many local restaurants -- two of our favorites are Marcel's (DC) and FarmersFishers Bakers.(DC) ( we are a little picky) Monocacy Crossing will now be added to that short list of favorites! It has 3 very important things going for it: excellent food, excellent value and excellent staff. Their menu items are inventive and sure to please discerning foodies yet their prices are very reasonable ( an unusual combination) We've tried many of their sandwiches and entrees and are always impressed. And their fries....you must try their fries! I don't often eat fries but a couple of times a year my husband and I go to the Ritz Carlton bar in Tyson's to have their Parmesan truffle fries. Monocacy fries are the only ones that have ever rivaled the Ritz! I know that Monocacy fries are freshly made ...but there is something more to it than that...they are perfectly and deliciously done and are impossible to resist! Believe me...I have tried! However, I have since given up on that ...instead I now tell my husband that one of us must always order a dish with fries! The coffee is very good, as are their desserts. I must put in a good word for the wait staff and bartenders...some of the best we have encountered. Helpful, knowledgeable and warm! They know their stuff that's for sure. My husband is not shy about asking to have things done his way and they are always accommodating in the most gracious manner. One of the things I love most about Monocacy Crossing is that it meets all expectations--you can go there for a night out on the town or celebration (white tablecloth dining) or you can sit in the bar (fun and cozy) or you can sit on the patio and dine al fresco! Ok what more can I say??? Love Love Love this place!
(5)Scott R.
This was our first date night in quite a while. We wanted someplace worthy of the somewhat rare occasion, but not into luxury atmosphere (or luxury pricing) range. MC delivered. MC is more or less traditional/continental style fare. My wife had a filet, and I had a sage/cider sauced pork loin. Both were upscale meat-potato-veggie plates but it was all very nicely done, and quite delicious. Even the green beans were perfectly crisp-tender. We also had scallops in a tangy bacon-shallot dressing and a tomato-chorizo bruschetta to start. For us, it's definitely in the "big night out" rather than "family meal" category, but still not terribly expensive. Even though we ordered on the "high side" of the menu, we got out for $100 after appetizers, wine and tip. We've been to mid-Maryland restaurants in this range where the menu read more ambitious and innovative than the chef could deliver. We've also been to mid-Maryland restaurants in this range that we're coasting on tired reproductions of what they served 30 years ago. There was none of that at MC - the traditional menu was executed well enough to seem fresh and appealing. The wine list is modest, but ample - including a nice selection by the glass (maybe half dozen each white, red), and a few pages of adventurous choices by the bottle. Last night they were featuring Italian wines by the glass, so every entree on the menu (9-12 I think) had a suggested match from the list. I stuck with Italian blend (Primitivo, Cab, and Negromaro from Puglia if I remember right) recommended for my entree - and it was a nice match; in fact, required the match because it wasn't showing much before food arrived, but really blossomed with dinner. Recommended. But judging from the crowds that fought their way through some treacherous road conditions to get there last night, that's not much of a revelation ...
(4)Janice P.
The people who gave this restaurant a 4 and 5 star rating must be friends and family members! Food and drinks are way over prices. Management at this restaurant are rude and obnoxious and unaccomodating.
(1)M E.
I had the shrimp and grits, which were the worst that I ever had. The grits weren't done, the shrimp tasted like sea water, and the bbq sauce didn't work well with the dish. DH had the steak which was just ok. The overall service and ambiance was good. I will go again and try another dish and if it is better then I will update my review.
(2)Chanda D.
We have been going to this wonderful restaurant for years. The selection is always unique and the service is outstanding. You will not be disappointed! Make reservations tonight!
(5)Lisa B.
I absolutely love this place. One of my favorite restaurants in MD for Continental fare. It's in a cute little farmhouse with a nice woodstove and feels very homey. They also have a bar when you enter. Everything on the menu is great. I've had shrimp with grits, scallops wrapped in bacon, Asian shrimp, open-faced ravioli (with crab), salads and meat and fish dishes here and I can recommend it highly. Sometimes we get appetizers and share. The waitstaff is friendly and helpful and know the menu inside and out. The weekends can get crowded, so I would recommend calling ahead. My only complaint would be that they don't change their menu as frequently as I would like. Other than that, five stars!
(5)Amy S.
We often drive through Frederick and have tried many of the eateries. On this occasion we decided to try something new and based on our Yelp search we selected Monocacy Crossing and two dishes from the Yelp recommendations. We found the service to be friendly, efficient and attentive. The food however was universally disappointing. The duck nachos were presented as if we were in a sports bar. The flavors were smothered under a mass cheese. The chips were crisp and thin but the heaviness of the dish overwhelmed them. The basket of bread contained bread that without butter would have been totally tasteless. Our shared dish of shrimp and grits was entirely too salty and otherwise unremarkable. There are many nicer places to eat in Frederick.
(2)Charles C.
Nice little place. Excellent service. Try the duck nachos. They are awesome!
(4)Audrey W.
The outside patio is perfect for date night, girls night out, impromptu happy hour, etc!
(4)Susan E.
Well worth the drive to get to this gem! The food is wonderful and the atmosphere is very cozy and romantic. I've recommended this restaurant to quite a few friends and family and EVERYONE has enjoyed it. Save room for the dessert, too -- the homemade ice cream is delish!
(5)Emily W.
I typically am very fond of monocacy crossing and have been going there for years. But the last two times I have gone there, my meals have been terrible. The waitress recommended the veal short ribs that were the special that night and it was so bad I couldn't even eat it. It was nothing but fat and the sauce was bitter and very bad. Everyone at my table tried it (if they were able I find a piece of meat that wasn't just fat) and agreed it was one of the worst things they've ever tried and had no redeeming qualities. Luckily, after the waitress saw that I hadn't eaten any of my meal, she took it back to the chef and he was mortified that he had served such a disgusting meal and took it off our bill. The next time I went I ordered the lamb shank and it was the exact same taste and experience as the veal. I was incredibly disappointed. My boyfriend got the pork loin though and it was fantastic. I also know that the fried chicken never disappoints, so I would stick with that or any seafood options... If I ever decide to go back.
(3)Jim M.
We made a last-minute decision to go out for a nice dinner and were happy to find this restaurant, off the beaten path but still relatively close to home. Except for the strange amalgam of disco and rock music playing a little too loudly for the waning late-evening crowd, the atmosphere was cozy and appropriate for a nice and simple romantic meal. Our waitress was perfect: friendly but not overly familiar, attentive, efficient, and very knowledgeable and articulate about the dishes. Our appetizers included a mozzarella, prosciutto and basil pinwheel served with sliced tomatoes, and artichoke beignets served on a tomato coulis. Both were beautifully presented, but we found the mozzarella to be quite firm and the tomatoes a little underripe (especially for Maryland in July). The beignets, on the other hand, were lovely - the delicious sauce was dotted with feta and perfumed with bay leaf. Our entrees were both very good. Salmon with tri-color peppers and balsamic glaze was accompanied by rice and deliciously sweet snow peas. The seared tuna was cooked just as I hoped - definitely seared on the outside while still pink throughout - and the black tea and five-spice seasoning was assertive and intriguing. Although the tuna's garnish of "crispy" quick-fried spinach leaves had lost their crisp by the time the plate had reached our table, they still provided a nice whimsical counterpoint to the tuna's strong statement. The wines we selected - Commanderie de la Bargemone Cuvee Marina Rose and Selection Laurence Feraud Seguret - were outstanding. The menu suggested each of these wines to accompany a few of the entrees, and both were available by the glass. (As of this writing, the list published on the restaurant's Web site doesn't include either of these wines - it may be need to be updated.) When dessert time finally rolled around I think we were both too full to really enjoy anything. Nevertheless, we tried the creme brulee and a grilled pound cake, which were both served with fresh berries and whipped cream. The top of the creme brulee looked good, but the sugar topping had been overcaramelized and had a slightly burnt aftertaste. (The custard itself was fine.) The cake was flavored with a fruit liqueur which we had a hard time tasting. Monocacy Crossing may be a little out of your way, but it's well worth the trip. We will be back!
(4)Joe W.
Good food, nice atmosphere and outdoor seating in the warm weather. Worth the short drive. Just south of the Monocacy river on Rt. 355 as you head toward Urbana.
(4)Jerry G.
Had a late Sunday lunch at Monocacy Crossing on Sunday. I believe this is the old Blue Fox Tavern but can't be certain. The restaurant is "quaint" to say the least and in some ways a little on the "old" side. We arrived early but scored a table anyway. They do make a killer Bloody Mary.!! Wow.!! No scrimping on the vodka and the horse radish really brings it all together. Crab dip appetizer.. Skip it.!! Not much crab and a huge calorie bomb.!! Salad of pecans, field greens and raspberry vinaigrette was absolutely wonderful. Main of fish & chips was good. Large piece of very fresh cod and the most delicious chips imaginable.!! Other main was BBQ Shrimp and Grits.. Very nice.. Shrimp were on the small side but still nicely prepared and paired with the cheese and bacon grits perfectly. Desert of apple crisp left a little to be desired and while touted as "home made" (shouldn't that be "house made" or maybe the chef lives in the restaurant and so it's his home? But I digress.!) but tasted more like pre-fab. The lunch portions were more than enough to fill one up and the prices were very reasonable. Prices are a little on the higher side but certainly a better value than one would find as they get closer to DC. Chef is very good; excellent prep and presentation. I'd definitely go back and would recommend it as a good place for a nice, quite meal.
(4)S J.
Was recommended to us by a couple at my wifes work. Seems to be getting more popular, so we decided on reservations since we were looking at a Friday night. Called a couple of days in advance and were not able to get our first choice, but got 7:30 which was reasonable. So, if you can plan in advance, you may want to book more than a few days in advance. :) In short, this was one of the best meals I'd had in a while. I had the whisky duck appetizer, my wife had the tuna roll. Both were outstanding with subtle flavoring. They were also large enough that we could have easily split one, so be forewarned if you're looking at a big meal. We both decided on the filet which was very good as well, and prepared exactly as we had asked. The wine list is fairly large and eclectic for this area, a lot of South American selections in addition to the traditional Cali, French and Italian varieties. Bottle prices range from $20 to $70, we splurged for a Chateau Laroque St Emilion Grand Cru (2000) which was good but not great for the $70 bottle price. In retrospect, I'd probably be a little more adventurous and try one of the South American wines which are probably better values. (Markup on the wines looks to be the standard 100%.) Since I was stuffed, I had the creme brulee for dessert and my wife had the apple crisp, both were very good as well. We'll definately be back....
(5)Tim N.
This place is average at best. However, still one of the better options for the small town of Frederick. I've been a few times, and all the dishes I've tried are average. The atmosphere and service is also average at best. The seating feels slightly cramped, and the building a bit rundown. All this would be forgiven though if the food was great, which it is definitely not.
(2)