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Fire & Oak Culinary Tavern (@fireandoakrestaurant) · Frederick, MD
Reviews
We were fortunate to have Laura as our bartender and she was not only attentive, she could answer all our questions and made excellent recommendations. The espresso martini she made was delicious. Also tried the grilled orange old fashioned and the gingerbread martini and both are worth coming back for!
The food was also delicious, the Fire and Honey Meatballs and Brussel Sprouts are going to be must orders from now on! The flavor of the Crabby Eggs was super yummy.
I’ll be back often and will recommend to everyone!
The recent renovation was hard to notice, as there’s no new decor or furniture. The menu reflects the same thoughtful approach, offering an expanded and well-balanced selection designed to complement the bar program.
Particularly noteworthy is the inclusion of six mocktail options, a rare and commendable offering in the Frederick area that demonstrates attention to inclusivity and evolving dining preferences.
The starters leave a strong impression. The buttermilk wings are expertly prepared, the fire honey meatballs deliver a satisfying balance of heat and sweetness, and the Brussels sprouts—elevated by an apple cranberry chimichurri—stand out for their depth of flavor and creative presentation.
I’d recommend skipping the truffle parmesan fries—they arrived soggy, topped with cold shredded cheese, and were missing the rosemary listed in the description, with the cheese not even melted. I also can’t recommend the chicken wrap, as it was missing several listed ingredients and was overly seasoned.
The most disappointing moment came when my espresso martini arrived. It was poorly executed and served with multiple ice cubes, which was unusual for this cocktail. Its appearance was unappealing, and the flavor was equally underwhelming—the cream was overpowering, resulting in a drink that resembled a dessert cocktail rather than a true espresso martini.
Overall, Fire & Oak successfully blends respect for tradition with a modern culinary vision, establishing itself as a refined yet approachable addition to downtown Frederick’s dining scene. It’s definitely more of a spot for drinks and light bites rather than a place I’d choose for a full sit-down dinner or make a reservation.
We went on a busy Saturday night right after Christmas, but only waited about 30 min before getting a table upstairs. The place looks pretty much the same as it did when it was Firestones, and retains the charm of the stamped tin ceilings, wooden floors and big picture windows. The bar was crowded and loud, which makes upstairs table areas loud too. It is not their fault, just don’t expect a quiet dinner.
Food: we ordered the mushroom truffle appetizer and were disappointed. $14 for a small piece of bread with Boursin cheese, roasted and pickled mushrooms and spring mix salad, served cold, no dressing.
Dinner was mostly very good – the blackened shrimp pasta was perfection, the fish and chips was crispy and non-greasy with a fantastic tartar sauce. We asked for extra bc it’s a tiny cup and so delicious. The crab bisque and Caesar side salad were good if tiny. However, the Fire Chicken sandwich was a bit strange. Huge piece of chicken, twice the size of the bun, juicy with a nice crispy breading, piled with tons of tiny green peppers, hot sauce, curry mustard and jalapeños. It sounded like an exciting combination but mostly tasted like hot sauce. The bun was dry and crumbly and not nearly substantial enough for the huge piece of chicken so it immediately fell apart and the delicious breading slid right off the chicken.
Our server was pleasant enough but before we even finished eating our entrees, he dropped our check on the table without a word, didn’t ask about dessert or how our meals were. We tried to call after him bc we wanted to order apple crisp, but couldn’t catch his eye, and after another 10 min of him rushing by, we gave up and went elsewhere for dessert. We were in and out in less than an hour, so it wasn’t like we were taking up his table on a busy night, but he made us feel uncomfortably rushed and like he didn’t care about our experience.
Bathrooms- soap dispenser broken off wall and toilet was badly in need of attention. Again, a busy night, but just something for them to keep an eye on.
We do hope to return at some point, we always root for local non-chain places to succeed, and the blackened shrimp pasta and fish and chips with that tartar sauce were memorable. Wishing them the best!
The Vibe: Rustic Chic
First impressions? The place is gorgeous. The aesthetic is “rustic chic meets modern comfort,” the kind of place where the lighting is moody and the furniture makes you feel cooler just by sitting on it. It set the stage for what I hoped would be a meal to match.
The Good: Squash Goals
My eldest daughter and I ordered the Butternut Squash, and let me tell you, it was the MVP of the meal. It was flavor perfection, autumn in a bowl. My youngest opted for the flatbread pizza, and since I heard zero complaints and saw the plate disappear, I’m marking that down as a win.
The Not-So-Good: The Rubber and The Desert
We started with the deviled eggs. The filling? Delicious. A solid performance. The egg whites? They had the texture of a stress ball. They were so overdone I was worried they might bounce off the table if I dropped one.
But the real tragedy was my main course: the Half Chicken. I don’t know what this chicken did to offend the chef, but the punishment was severe. It was overcooked to the point of dehydration. It was less “succulent poultry” and more “chicken jerky.” I needed a glass of water just to help the poor bird find its way down.
The Verdict
Fire and Stone Tavern is a beautiful spot with a kitchen that has a split personality. If you go, order the Butternut Squash and the flatbread, and enjoy the lovely atmosphere. But for the love of moisture, approach the chicken with caution, or perhaps bring a bottle of hydration serum for the meat.
Pro Tip: Come for the aesthetic and the squash; stay away from anything that requires precise timing to cook.