Popular Frederick, Maryland Instagram account @TheFrederickFeed has narrowed down some of the best steaks you can find in Frederick, and the list highlights a mix of classic steakhouses, chef-driven restaurants, and value standouts across the city. With so many of our readers living in or frequently visiting our neighbor to the north, we decided to put together a quick write-up inspired by their list.

Calling it no easy task, The Frederick Feed noted that “the stakes were high and the decisions were well-done,” with Frederick “bringing the heat” when it came to high-quality steaks. After sorting through countless contenders, they landed on five standouts that delivered on flavor, execution, and overall experience.

Topping the list is Wye Oak Tavern, where a 10-ounce filet mignon priced at $68 earned top honors. The Frederick Feed described the steak as expertly cut, melt-in-your-mouth tender, and all about the meat itself. “No frills, just meat,” they wrote, calling it a show-stopping steak and declaring that the hype is real.

Coming in second is The Wine Kitchen, which offers a 7-ounce Roseda Farms filet mignon for $54. Locally sourced and butchered in-house, the steak stood out for its freshness and rich flavor. The Frederick Feed called it “dangerously addictive” and said it was an immediate yes, highlighting the restaurant’s commitment to quality ingredients.

Third on the list is Hootch & Banter, where diners can find the “Filet Me Down,” an 8-ounce filet priced at $50. This pan-seared steak is topped with lobster béarnaise and served alongside Yukon gold mashed potatoes and sautéed asparagus. While it may come with more accompaniments than others on the list, The Frederick Feed said the filet itself was buttery soft and juicy from end to end, noting that it’s a special that won’t be around forever.

Fourth is The Tasting Room, a Downtown Frederick favorite known for its refined menu and upscale atmosphere. The Frederick Feed highlighted the restaurant’s 10-ounce filet mignon, priced at $68, praising it for being perfectly seared, umami-packed, and consistently melt-in-your-mouth tender.

Rounding out the top five is Madrones American Grill, which earned praise for offering a 7-ounce filet mignon at $38. Wood-fired and cooked to perfection, the steak was described as bold, beef-forward, and beautifully balanced, making it one of the best values on the list.

 

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Lucky Strike is closing its location at Westfield Montgomery Mall, with its final day of operation set for Sunday, January 4, according to a representative who confirmed the upcoming closure to The MoCoShow on Friday evening.

The entertainment venue first opened at the mall in March 2017, offering bowling, arcade games, food, and drinks as part of Montgomery Mall’s push to expand experiential attractions. The representative shared that the closure is due to the lease expiring, and that it will not be renewed.

The Montgomery Mall closure comes during a period of broader change for the company. In 2024, Bowlero Corporation announced a rebrand to Lucky Strike Entertainment, which included a change to the company’s legal name and a switch of its stock ticker symbol from NYSE: BOWL to NYSE: LUCK, marking a new chapter for the brand.

Locally, the first of those rebrands launched at Lucky Strike Rockville, located at 15720 Shady Grove Rd. in Gaithersburg. Other Lucky Strike locations remain open in Montgomery County, including Lucky Strike Gaithersburg at 1101 Clopper Rd. in Gaithersburg and Lucky Strike Bethesda at 5353 Westbard Ave. in Bethesda.

As 2025 comes to a close, our very own “Mr. MoCo” Alex Tsironis is looking back on a year full of memorable meals across Montgomery County (photos available below). After countless restaurant visits, pop-ups, and takeout orders, narrowing the list down was no easy task. While there were dozens of dishes worth mentioning, these ten stood out as the ones that immediately came to mind when reflecting on the year.

Before sharing the list, Alex wanted to thank everyone who followed along throughout the year on The MoCo Show, MoCoSnow, and Taste MoCo. The continued support, engagement, and enthusiasm from the community have meant a great deal. And as he noted with a laugh, photo quality aside, this list comes straight from the heart. Just a guy, a phone, and a lot of great food.

Darband in Rockville delivered one of the most impressive platters of the year with its Combo 2, featuring Chenjeh beef, Kubideh ground beef, and boneless chicken. Each skewer was packed with flavor, and the chicken in particular was a surprise standout, changing Alex’s usual skepticism about grilled chicken at restaurants.

At iL Pizzico in Rockville, a ribeye special earned its place on the list. While the ribeye itself was excellent, the bigger takeaway was a lesson learned. If there’s a meat special on the menu at iL Pizzico, order it and pair it with their pasta. Recent lamb chops only reinforced that strategy.

Little Island Kitchen in Montgomery Village brought bold comfort with its oxtail Alfredo. The dish delivered deep, rich flavor and was incredibly satisfying, blending soulful slow-cooked oxtail with creamy pasta in a way that lingered long after the meal ended.

The Nibbler in Gaithersburg cracked the list late in the year thanks to its steak sandwich. Alex tried it for the first time just days ago, and it instantly earned a spot among his favorites, a testament to how strong first impressions can be.

O’Donnell’s in Potomac made the cut with its crabcakes. While they come at a premium price, they were ordered during a family dinner and proved to be well worth it. Sometimes, classic dishes done right still shine the brightest.

Phowheels in Burtonsville showcased one of the most creative dishes of the year with its oxtail cheesesteak bánh mì. It’s a mashup that sounds unconventional but works perfectly, combining tender oxtail with bold flavors in a sandwich that delivers on every level.

Sardi’s, with locations in Gaithersburg, Rockville, and Takoma Park, earned recognition for its Bang Bang Chicken. The chicken thighs were exceptionally flavorful, and as always, Sardi’s sauces elevated the dish. Alex noted that this one isn’t for everyone. If you’re not into chicken thighs, it might not be your favorite, but for those who are, it’s a 10 out of 10.

Thai Tanium in Gaithersburg revived Alex’s love for soft shell crab. He had mostly stopped ordering it altogether, but this version pulled him right back in and reminded him why the dish can be so special when done correctly.

Vignola Gourmet, located in Rockville and North Bethesda, landed on the list with a pappardelle Alfredo with added mozzarella. This was a delivery order plated at home, which explains the less-than-restaurant-style presentation, but the flavor more than made up for it. Rich, comforting, and memorable.

Rounding out the list is Yuxa Flame in Rockville with its Uyghur lamb kebab served over bread. Though the restaurant is closed for the season until spring, the dish remains unforgettable. For those craving it now, their food is still available through Hulu Skewers on delivery apps.

These ten dishes capture just a snapshot of the incredible food scene across Montgomery County in 2025. From longtime favorites to new discoveries, they highlight the diversity, creativity, and quality that continue to make MoCo such a great place to eat.

 

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