Cozy Up This Winter by Discovering Montgomery County, Maryland’s Warmest Restaurants and Enjoying Hearty, Flavorful Dishes Ideal for the Season. Whether You’re Diligently Relishing Small Plates at Hip Flask in Bethesda or Indulging in a Comfort Meal at The Comus Inn in Dickerson, We Have Assembled an Essential List of Eateries and Signature Dishes for You to Explore.
1: Secure a spot around a warm wood-burning or gas fire pit at Windridge Vineyards while enjoying a bite from their welcoming kitchen. Delight in a selection of specialty cheeses expertly paired with their wines or choose from small plates. Windridge Kitchen offers seasonal delights like their Short Rib & Cheddar Handheld, featuring chambourcin-wine braised short ribs, and the Twin Savory Sausage and Mushroom Crepes, available during brunch. Don’t forget to sip on a glass of their 2021 Seneca, known for its full-bodied flavor and notes of cherry, spices, and vanilla.
2: Seek a unique winter experience at Lone Oak Farm Brewing Company with their tent rentals and smokeless fire pits. While you won’t be roasting anything directly, you can enjoy the warmth while sipping on a pint of Kodiak or Honey Bear. Pair your drink with a pulled chicken slider coated in BBQ sauce and topped with coleslaw. Alternatively, venture to Fallen Oak Distilling, head into the Whispering Speakeasy for an enticing Apple Pie Martini along with Rustic Roasted Chicken accompanied by hot honey BBQ sauce, mashed potatoes, and honey-glazed carrots. Waredaca Brewing Company provides a similar cozy vibe with their inviting fire pit alongside a warming pint of Geedie, characterized by clove and coriander notes.
3: Discover the charm of Zinnia, nestled within the iconic Mrs. K’s Toll House. Sample dishes throughout various sections of the restaurant, such as the Blackened Catfish paired with a crawfish etouffee sauce, buttered rice, and scallions, or indulge in their Hunter’s Stew, featuring a hearty medley of slow-braised pork shoulder, beef brisket, andouille sausage, along with gold potatoes, kale, and cabbage kraut. Enjoy brunch in the Café with a comforting bowl of BBQ Gulf Shrimp & Grits or a savory Mediterranean Bowl.
4: Take in a stunning city view at Hip Flask, the exclusive rooftop bar in Bethesda, situated at the Marriott Bethesda Downtown, right next to Marriott’s international headquarters. Reserve a heated igloo and enjoy a starry night with Smoked Brisket Tacos topped with cotija cheese, pickled red onions, and cilantro, alongside a refreshing Tiger Vogue cocktail.
5: Head to The Grove Bar & Grill in Potomac. Relish their French Dip sandwich paired with horseradish aioli and crispy shoestring fries, or indulge in Jambalaya Pasta served with a toasted baguette. Don’t miss trying the Razz Blackberry Fizz, which combines Crown Royal Blackberry, champagne, amaretto, lemon, and black raspberry, or treat yourself to the Vanilla Espresso Martini, crafted with Tito’s Vodka, coffee liqueur, and their housemade vanilla syrup.
6: Tatte Bakery & Cafe is celebrated for its freshly prepared baked goods and from-scratch cuisine. With two locations in the Bethesda area and another in North Bethesda, you should try the Roasted Salmon Winter Vegetable Rice Bowl—boasting acorn squash, marinated charred kale, caramelized red onions, sautéed jasmine rice, and Aleppo chili oil. For a sweet fix, indulge in a slice of their traditional double-crusted Apple Pie made with Granny Smith apples, accompanied by an Iced Tahini Pumpkin Oatmilk Latte bursting with spiced pumpkin and tahini syrup.
7: Venture to rio Lakefront and dine at Copper Canyon Gaithersburg. Indulge in their Eastern Shore Style Crabcakes served with Iron Skillet Cornbread, or opt for the Wood-Fired Rotisserie Chicken or BBQ Pork Ribs. Treat yourself to a Peach Smash crafted with Woodford Reserve Bourbon, fresh lemon, peach, and muddled mint. If you’re up for braving the chilly air, consider dining outdoors at The Lake House from their special Barge menu; for extra warmth, request seating by the fireplace.
8: Immerse yourself in an elegant dining experience at Clyde’s Chevy Chase & Tower Oaks Lodge in Rockville. Savor their Nashville Spiced Crispy Mushrooms topped with a buttermilk goddess drizzle. Don’t miss their fresh oysters served either chilled or Rockefeller style. At Tower Oaks, enjoy the Icelandic Cod complemented by capers, green bean almondine, and Carolina gold rice.
9: Over in Damascus, Stone Silo Brewery welcomes visitors into a rustic space to enjoy flavorful beers. Sample their Copper Cowbell, which features a sophisticated blend of malts with notes reminiscent of toasted crackers and caramel. Embrace the holiday spirit with their Cranberry-Orange sour, boasting tart cranberry flavors, sweet candied orange peel, and a hint of salt. Don’t forget to grab a bite from The Silo Kitchen food truck located on the premises if hunger strikes.
10: Dine with a breathtaking view of the Agricultural Reserve at The Comus Inn. This historic venue offers farm-to-table delights like their Allen Brothers Dry Aged Steak served with a rich brandied peppercorn sauce and crispy French fries. For those preferring a lighter bite, the Butter Lettuce salad features tasty pear, red oak, pecans, stilton, and cider vinaigrette. After your meal, unwind at Comus Beer Garden, where you might enjoy a Sandbar IPA infused with cashmere and sabro hops or a refreshing MoCo Light, a light American pilsner.
11: Immerse yourself in the ambiance at Laperaux French Bistro, your locale for top-notch French dishes. Be sure to sample their dish of the week from the Plats du Jour menu, featuring seasonal offerings. Louie’s Bar, open from Tuesdays to Saturdays, is a great stop for experiencing Germantown’s sophisticated casual ‘gastro bar’ vibe. Don’t miss the Camembert in Pastry, served warm with a house jam, honey, and a hazelnut crumble.
12: At Founding Farmers, everything is made fresh in-house, reflecting their commitment to quality food. Try the Chicken Fried Steak and Waffle paired with seven-cheese macaroni and green beans. Alternatively, the Blackened Chesapeake Wild Blue Catfish comes with creamy parmesan grits, green beans, and zesty mango pico de gallo. Enhance your dining experience with a crafted cocktail from their distillery, featuring vodka, rum, tequila, and more.
13: Experience the seafood and American culinary traditions at All Set Restaurant & Bar. Treat your taste buds to the Crispy Skin Salmon, served alongside Celery & Onion Stew, Tomato Brown Butter, and lentils. For those mindful of gluten, the Bleu Cheese House salad or Tuva Nicoise, made with mixed greens, string beans, olives, a soft-boiled egg, and rosemary potatoes, are excellent choices.
14: Enjoy the unique atmosphere that blends café and restaurant at Java Nation. They proudly operate locations in North Bethesda, Kentlands, Silver Spring, and Kensington. Start your meal with a Beef Empanada complemented by green tomatillo sauce or a Creamy Crab Dip paired with toasted baguette and fresh vegetables. For something bold, sample their Java Glazed Ribs, coated in a rich Java-infused BBQ sauce. Don’t forget to try their popular Margarita Flight or a refreshing Bramble featuring Beefeater, St. Germain, Chambord, cranberry, and raspberry foam.
15: At True Food Kitchen locations in Gaithersburg and Bethesda, meals are made from locally sourced ingredients, ensuring freshness with each bite. Savor the Wild-Caught Tuna Poke Bowl with regenerative black rice, roasted mushrooms, and citrus ponzu, or opt for a Grilled Chicken Ranch Wrap filled with avocado, organic roasted red pepper, and hatch chili ranch. Enhance your experience with their crafted cocktail, Crime of Passion, combining organic vodka, passionfruit, lime, and elderflower-rhubarb foam.
