When envisioning our restaurant, the team at Visitation Hotel knew we’d need to craft something truly special; a welcoming space where guests and locals alike could enjoy locally sourced cuisine, inspired cocktails, and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
The result is Wye Oak Tavern.
A fitting addition to Frederick’s rightly renowned gourmet landscape, Wye Oak (helmed by acclaimed celebrity Executive Chef Bryan Voltaggio) is a distinctive locavore restaurant where the ever-evolving menu is inspired by the season, landscape and bounty of the region. Timeless favorites share space with surprising plates, and curated cuisines of undeniable excellence. Each course is served within warm elegant surroundings that encourage community and goodwill.
Anne
My partner took me here for my birthday. Our server was friendly and knowledgeable. We absolutely adored the layout and the food. We had the lobster periogies, crab cake and brussel sprouts. We finished our night with the lemon meringue dessert (it was exquisite). This restaurant is definitely more than dining, it’s an experience.
… moreRobert Cardoni
Wow. Stunning food, service and ambiance. Set in a former church- this steakhouse nails it. The bar sits on the former alter. Service is prompt and friendly. Food is out of this world. We tried many menu items – appetizers: cheese ravioli, caddies , savory pumpkin pie, and the beets (which was the dish of the night for me. I don’t like beets or Ruben’s – but this dish was amazing)
Entrees – rockfish, chicken, salmon and pot roast. Pot roast paired with the mash was amazing. Other sides we had were broccoli and Brussel sprouts.
Didn’t stop there – has the wye oak cake, apple crisp and cookie for a sweet. Cookie was the most lack luster part of the meal (and that’s not saying much)
… moreJ Clayton
There is nothing about the experience that was negative. I went to Wye Oak Tavern for dinner with a small group. The waitress, Ashley was great – helpful and friendly without being intrusive. We had the Ms Edison Ham and fries for appetizers. The prime rib was perfectly cooked. I tried my partner’s swordfish which was equally good. Brussels sprouts and the mashed potatoes were excellent. Everything beginning to end was perfect. Only recommendation is to be prepared for the bill because you definitely pay for perfection.
… moreChip H
How lucky we are to have the Wye Oak Tavern in close proximity. When you enter the restaurant you’re overtaken by the environment. You’re eating and drinking in a deconsecrated church. Major architectural details remain, including the stained glass and the marble alter. The cocktails, both special cocktails and standards are perfectly made. There’s something unique about being served drinks facing an alter.
The service was impeccable. Our server, Dan, took excellent care of us from start to finish, and had a full knowledge of the menu and the wine list, allowing him to make excellent suggestions.
The menu is small and manageable. The portion are large and sharing is highly encouraged. The ingredients are locally sourced and their origins are well noted.
The beet pastrami was our first appetizer and as unusual as it sounds, it’s a must try. Literally it tastes like a vegetarian Reuben. Our second app was a cold, fried, chicken liver pate. Again, sounds unusual, tastes delicious.
For entrees, we had the local rockfish, perfectly cooked with crispy skin, and the NY strip, also locally sourced and perfectly cooked.
The wine list is extensive but manageable with an adequate selection of wines by the glass at reasonable prices.
Chefs Michael and Brian Voltaggio have created a gem of a restaurant in Frederick.
… moreChris Chamberlin
AMAZING MEAL! Awesome space with unbelivable food and atmosphere. Started at the bar for a drink and then went to our table. Very professional service without feeling stuffy. While perusing the wine list a gentleman (not our server) stopped at our table and simply had a conversation about the wine options – no pressure or even asking us to select. Flagged him down a few min later once we made up our mind (just wasnt ready yet at servers last visit to table) and it was an exceptional suggestion he made (didnt try to up sell us). For dinner we started with the crudo and sweet potato pie, and then had the brussel sprouts, pasta, and prime rib. All PERFECT! Cant wait to go back!
… moreJim Proeller
Wye Oak Tavern, inside the historic Marriott’s Visitation Hotel, offers a beautiful and comfortable dining space with an open, airy feel. The food is excellent and a cut above the norm, with highlights like the Pot Roast (though premium at $52) and the Turkey Dish, as well as standout desserts. Service (Andrew) was great—attentive and knowledgeable. It’s important to note the dining experience is premium; a meal for two with one entree, one dessert, an alcoholic drink, and coffee approached $200 before tax and tip. The historic hotel setting, with its antiques and comfortable lobby seating, enhances the overall experience.
… morePeter
We had the Pot Roast, New York Strip with Brussel Sprouts, and the Tavern Burger for the main course, then the Apple Dumplings and Lemon Meringue for dessert. Everything was incredibly tasty and the meats were all very juicy! We were very lucky that it was nearly empty for the second half of our meal, so it was very peaceful inside. We will be going back again when we’re in Frederick!
… moreLexx Katarah
10/10! Group of 6 for a work dinner easily accommodated with a quick reservation call. Beautiful atmosphere as soon as you step in! You can’t help but notice the beautiful details of this building. Victoria was a delightful waitress that explained everything in lovely vivid detail. She elevated our experience with her suggestions. Our meals exceeded our expectations. A very well tight ship is running here and it was absolutely the highlight of a long work week. We will be back soon!!
… moreCheryl Stolz
The food and the experience was everything we thought it should be. We started with an appetizer of smoked beet pastrami. Dinner, I had the roasted chicken(with perfect skin) and Swiss chard (some were crunchy tempura on top) and my husband had the pot roast with carrot and onions. Dessert was over the top on all counts. My husband had lemon meringue which hand perfect meringue and lemon curd that looked like lemons. I had Slice of Wye Oak which had dark chocolate bark creating the veins of an oak leaf over top hazelnut ice cream and a cinnamon hazelnut mousse. Not too sweet and was beautiful to look at! Excellent meal all around.
… moreKenzie Kramer
Wye Oak Tavern is a stunning restaurant housed within the former chapel of the long-closed Visitation Academy. The interior is truly beautiful, featuring stained glass windows and vaulted ceilings that create a unique and memorable atmosphere. I first visited a few months ago for drinks with friends and absolutely loved it. Although the bar seating was limited, the cocktails were delicious and skillfully crafted. They even accommodated my request to substitute vodka for whiskey in a specialty drink, which I appreciated.
I returned this past Sunday evening for dinner and, unfortunately, the experience didn’t quite match my first visit. Despite reserving a booth a month in advance, we were initially seated at a half-booth/half-table setup that felt cramped, with neighboring diners practically in our space. The hosts were able to move us after I brought it up, but the mix-up was confusing and gave the impression of some disorganization. They did offer a complimentary taste of champagne as an apology, which was a thoughtful gesture, and our server was attentive throughout the meal.
Wye Oak Tavern is well-known for its chef’s the Voltaggio brothers, which naturally sets high expectations for inventive, flavorful dishes. Unfortunately, none of the food stood out or showcased any unique flavors. Two of us ordered steak with broccoli and a side of cauliflower, and everything was excessively salted. The broccoli had a rubbery texture, and the steak—ordered medium rare—was not as moist or flavorful as expected. On the positive side, the ravioli appetizer was delicious. The cucumber cocktail, however, was not to my taste; it was essentially straight vodka served with elderflower on the side, more like a shot than a crafted cocktail.
Additionally, the noise level was quite high, making it difficult to carry on a conversation and detracting from any sense of intimacy. While I would gladly return for drinks or happy hour to enjoy the gorgeous setting and creative bar offerings, the food quality and pricing leave much to be desired. For a more consistent dining experience, I personally prefer Wine Kitchen on the Creek.
… more