Warm up this winter by discovering the coziest restaurants in Montgomery County, Maryland and delight in hearty, flavorful dishes that are just right for the season. Whether you’re indulging in small plates at Hip Flask in Bethesda or enjoying a comforting meal at The Comus Inn in Dickerson, we’ve put together a list of must-try eateries and their signature offerings.
1: Book a cozy spot by the fire at Windridge Vineyards, where you can also enjoy delicious bites from their kitchen. Savor specialty cheese paired with exquisite wines or small plates. The Windridge Kitchen serves up seasonal delights like their famed Short Rib & Cheddar Handheld featuring chambourcin-wine braised short ribs, as well as the Twin Savory Sausage and Mushroom Crepes available during brunch. Don’t forget to sample the 2021 Seneca wine, which boasts a full-bodied profile with flavors of cherry, spices, and vanilla, among others.
2: Embark on a unique winter experience at Lone Oak Farm Brewing Company, where you can rent a tent and enjoy smokeless fire pits. While roasting isn’t an option, you can warm up with a pint of Kodiak or Honey Bear. Treat yourself to a pulled chicken slider drizzled with BBQ sauce and topped with coleslaw. Alternatively, visit Fallen Oak Distilling and step into the Whispering Speakeasy for a delightful Apple Pie Martini, alongside a Rustic Roasted Chicken served with a hot honey BBQ sauce and sides of mashed potatoes and honey-glazed carrots. Waredaca Brewing Company provides a similar experience with a warming fire pit and a satisfying pint of Geedie, which showcases hints of clove and coriander.
3: Pay a visit to Zinnia, located within the historic Mrs. K’s Toll House. Explore a variety of dishes, including the Blackened Catfish served with a rich crawfish etouffee sauce, buttered rice, and scallions. Another highlight is their Hunter’s Stew, made with slow-braised pork shoulder, beef brisket, andouille sausage, gold potatoes, kale, and cabbage kraut. For brunch, don’t miss the BBQ Gulf Shrimp & Grits or the wholesome Mediterranean Bowl.
4: Enjoy a stunning skyline view from Hip Flask, Bethesda’s only rooftop bar. Situated in the Marriott Bethesda Downtown adjacent to the Marriott International headquarters, you can rent an igloo for an unforgettable outdoor experience. Relish the Smoked Brisket Tacos topped with cojita cheese and pickled red onion, paired with a refreshing Tiger Vogue cocktail.
5: At The Grove Bar & Grill in Potomac, dive into their French Dip sandwich served with horseradish aioli and crispy shoestring fries or enjoy a hearty Jambalaya Pasta accompanied by a toasted baguette. Don’t forget to try their Razz Blackberry Fizz, a delightful mix of Crown Royal Blackberry, champagne, amaretto, and lemon, or the indulgent Vanilla Espresso Martini featuring Tito’s Vodka, coffee liqueur, and housemade vanilla syrup.
6: Tatte Bakery & Cafe is well-known for its freshly baked goods and made-to-order dishes. With two locations in Bethesda and one in North Bethesda, you can savor the Roasted Salmon Winter Vegetable Rice Bowl, which includes acorn squash, marinated charred kale, caramelized red onions, and mint sautéed with jasmine rice and Aleppo chili oil. For dessert, try the double-crusted traditional Apple Pie made with Granny Smith apples, paired with an Iced Tahini Pumpkin Oatmilk Latte featuring housemade spiced pumpkin and tahini syrup.
7: Head to rio Lakefront for a meal at Copper Canyon Gaithersburg. Enjoy Eastern Shore Style Crabcakes paired with Iron Skillet Cornbread, or opt for the Wood-Fired Rotisserie Chicken and BBQ Pork Ribs. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the Peach Smash cocktail made with Woodford Reserve Bourbon, fresh lemon, peach, and muddled mint. For those who can brave the chill, you can sit outdoors at The Lake House and select from a special Barge menu.
8: For a refined dining experience, visit Clyde’s Chevy Chase or Tower Oaks Lodge in Rockville. Enjoy a delicious plate of their Nashville Spiced Crispy Mushrooms drizzled with buttermilk goddess dressing. For seafood lovers, a dozen freshly chilled or Rockefeller oysters are a must-try. At Tower Oaks, indulge in the Icelandic Cod served with capers, green bean almondine, and Carolina gold rice.
9: Located in Damascus, Stone Silo Brewery offers a charming rustic atmosphere where guests can enjoy quality brews. Sample their Copper Cowbell, which features a sophisticated blend of malts, creating notes of toasted cracker and sweet caramel. To get into the festive spirit, indulge in their Cranberry-Orange sour that combines tart cranberries with sweet candied orange peel. If you’re hungry, visit The Silo Kitchen food truck on site.
10: Enjoy a meal with breathtaking views of the Agricultural Reserve at The Comus Inn. This historic establishment specializes in farm-to-table dishes, including their famed Allen Brothers Dry Aged Steak served with brandied peppercorn sauce and French fries. If you’re looking for something lighter, try the Butter Lettuce salad made with pear, red oak, pecans, and stilton, tossed in a cider vinaigrette. After dinner, head to Comus Beer Garden to enjoy a Sandbar IPA with its unique cashmere and sabro hops, or a light American pilsner called MoCo Light.
11: Experience culinary artistry at Laperaux French Bistro, your local neighborhood bistro serving the finest French cuisine. Don’t miss their dish of the week from the Plats du Jour menu, showcasing seasonal specialties. Louie’s Bar, open Tuesday through Saturday, invites you to sample casual ‘gastro bar’ fare, such as Camembert baked in pastry and drizzled with honey and hazelnut crumble.
12: At Founding Farmers, everything is prepared from scratch in-house. The chefs here also handle bar duties. Indulge in their Chicken Fried Steak and Waffle paired with seven-cheese macaroni and green beans. Alternatively, try the Blackened Chesapeake Wild Blue Catfish served with parmesan grits, green beans, and a zesty mango Pico de Gallo. Enjoy a cocktail crafted from their own farmer-owned distillery featuring Vodka, Rum, and Tequila.
13: All Set Restaurant & Bar focuses on seafood and American cuisine inspired by traditional New England recipes. Savor their Crispy Skin Salmon served with Celery & Onion Stew, Tomato Brown Butter, and Lentils. For those seeking gluten-free options, the Bleu Cheese House salad or the Tuva Nicoise with mixed greens, string beans, olives, a soft-boiled egg, and rosemary potatoes are both excellent choices.
14: Discover Java Nation, a unique café and restaurant experience. Locations are available in North Bethesda, Kentlands, Silver Spring, and Kensington. Start your meal with a Beef Empanada accompanied by green tomatillo sauce or a hearty Crab Dip served with a toasted baguette and vegetable sides. For something bold, try their Java Glazed Ribs featuring a rich BBQ sauce infused with Java. To unwind, don’t miss their popular Margarita Flight or the Bramble cocktail made with Beefeater gin, St. Germain, Chambord, cranberry, and raspberry foam.
15: At True Food Kitchen, with locations in Gaithersburg and Bethesda, you can experience dishes crafted with locally sourced ingredients. Sample the Wild-Caught Tuna Poke Bowl, made with regenerative black rice, roasted mushrooms, and citrus ponzu, or enjoy a Grilled Chicken Ranch Wrap loaded with avocado and organic roasted red pepper. Don’t forget to sip on their expertly crafted cocktail, the Crime of Passion, a blend of organic vodka, passionfruit, lime, and elderflower-rhubarb foam.
