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Well, this time I will be talking about places where you are supposed to drink primarily: there is a couple of popular pubs in Downtown Frederick: Bushwaller's American/ Irish Pub and Patrick's Irish Pub. The third place in this installment is actually a winery and not a restaurant. But it has a tasting room, and the place has some good reputation in Frederick. So, I though it could be a good idea to group all three together based on "drinking" nature common to all of them.

Bushwaller's American/ Irish Pub

Address: 209 North Market Street. Frederick, MD 21701
Bushwaller's American/ Irish Pub on map

It's an old restaurant in Frederick, I think about 30 years - somehow it managed to survive all bad times in Frederick throughout all these years when many establishments had to close their doors. Many people like Bushwaller's - one of popular places in Frederick where you can find beer on tap. But there are not that many places where you can find good Guinness.

I think owners market Bushwaller's quite wisely as Frederick's only American - Irish Pub: at least nobody can write in a review that this is not an Irish pub. But American - Irish Pub might be just about right. And the feeling of an Irish pub is certainly there with dark wood decor and some Irish dishes offered such as Shepherds Pie, Bangers and Mash, Fish and Chips. According to owners/managers, the pub celebrates "the best of both worlds; Irish warmth and American pride."

You will either love this pub or hate it. If you love it, you will close your eyes on everything obnoxious that may happen to you in this pub. I am not talking the strong smell of smoke you will notice immediately once inside. No, smoking is prohibited now, but this place used to be one of the places to smoke, and after many years it seems like the whole bar, its furniture and even walls are soaked with tobacco smoke. I am not even talking about the cleanliness of the place which can be undoubtedly improved. In the first place, I am talking about service which I would define as casual: nice and relaxed when the pub is semi-empty, as well as often slow and intolerable when the pub gets busy.

But if you enjoy the atmosphere and the ride - who cares. Get your pint or two or more of Guinness and have fun! Almost forgot - live music is on the menu as well. It does help see only the best in Bushwaller's.

Bushwaller's - Frederick's Only American/Irish Pub	Bushwaller's offers Irish pub atmosphere	Bushwaller's inside - dark with a very strong smell of smoking	Bushwaller's - wooden floors and well worn decor give the place a nice character
Bushwaller's - details of the decor	At Bushwaller's you will find a good selection of beers on tap: Guinness, Harp, Bass, Boddington's Ale, Brimstone Big Ale, Blue Ridge Porter, Woodpecker Cider, etc.

Patrick's Irish Pub & Restaurant

Address: 16 E Patrick St, Frederick, MD
Patrick's Irish Pub & Restaurant on map
Web site: http://www.patricksirishpubandrestaurant.com/

On the surface, Patrick's Irish Pub & Restaurant looks cleaner and more organized than Bushwaller's. Perhaps, because of authentic Irish bar imported from the old country (that's what they say) as well as the reputation of Patrick's of Pratt Street Irish Pub in Baltimore (934 W. Pratt Street Baltimore, MD 21223) advertized as the America's oldest Irish Pub. I do not about you, but when I hear Irish pub, I am thinking about Irish food offered in addition to Irish beers. Unfortunately, such food is not on the menu at both locations.

What's the deal then? Well, the bar at Patrick's pub is well stocked, but as far as beer is concerned, nothing extraordinary. Actually, I would recommend the bar not for beer but for excellent (but very expensive) port and whiskey. As far as food is concerned with its rather strange international mixture - I would eat it if I am really hungry. If I am not, I would go to other places in Frederick.

What about the service? I've been thinking how to define it - how about the word "detached"? Yes, you will get your glass and ration of French fries. Unfortunately, what you will not get is a smile or just a welcoming gesture. I noticed that most often the bar person will not even look at you while handing out that glass. I would say that Patrick's Irish Pub is still a newcomer in Frederick and perhaps needs time to define itself. Let's hope that it will happen rather sooner than later.

Patrick's Irish Pub & Restaurant - entrance. In Baltimore, visit Patrick's of Pratt Street claimed by owners to be America' oldest Irish Pub.	Patrick's Irish Pub & Restaurant - proceed to the Pub' premises.	Patrick's Irish Pub & Restaurant - that is how it looks inside. In the background you can see a stage - live music is offered on some days.	Patrick's Irish Pub & Restaurant - decor is simple but pleasing and creates the right atmosphere
Patrick's Irish Pub & Restaurant: beers on tap. Apart from that, they have a selection of some quality alcohol stuff - good but expensive.	Patrick's Irish Pub - on the back wall you can see a poster of the "10 Day Pub Crawl of Ireland" organized by both, Patrick's Irish Pubs in Baltimore and Frederick MD

Frederick Cellars, Winery and Tasting Room

Address: 221 N East St, Frederick, MD 21701
Frederick Cellars, Winery and Tasting Room on map
Web site:http://www.frederickcellars.com/

I have to admit that Frederick Cellars does not advertize itself any food serving type of establishment. It's a real winery located in an old brick warehouse, originally built in 1904 as the Crystal Ice House on North East Street in Frederick in an area known as Everedy Square and Shab Row. In fact, when you enter winery's premises, you will immediately see the production facilities with huge stainless steel fermentation vessels. Since vineyards are usually not found in cities, they should be located elsewhere. It's a bit unusual for a winery to grow grapes in a different location; nevertheless, Frederick Cellars operates two vineyards - one is located in southwestern Frederick County and another in Anne Arundel County. I guess an opportunity for having a tasting room that could attract city citizens was one of the factors for organizing production the way Frederick Cellars has done. So, if you in Frederick and have this wish of trying wine made in Maryland - you have a chance.

At this point, I need to make it clear that this brief review is not about wine produced by Frederick Cellars. With all due respect, I find it neither entertaining nor serious to write about wines made in Maryland or Virginia or for that matter in any place on Easten coast of the United States. I have read that before Prohibition era, many such locations used to produce decent wine. Could be. But today, in 2009, they are still very far from what traditional wine producing regions in the world can offer. Thus, let's stay focused on the tasting room part of the winery.

And I will continue by saying that the tasting room is mostly what it is - a room for tasting. Meaning that you cannot get food. Well, you get what they call light fare food: "gourmet cheese plate" and "Anti pasta Sampler." Yes, anti pasta. Obviously, that was supposed to be antipasto sampler - why would they have anything against pasta? Anyway, what you get is quite in line with the "anti pasta" part.

Interestingly, one of the attractions in Frederick Cellars, Tasting Room is live music, at least for now. Every week on Fridays or Saturdays, there is someone performing on stage, and if you are interested, check the schedule on Frederick Cellars Web site. Some of this local singers and music performers are really talented. So, if you want to taste a little more than just red wine made in Frederick and enjoy an evening in a friendly atmosphere listening to live performance, Frederick Cellars may be the place to try.

Frederick Cellars, Winery - it is located separately from two vineyards in an old brick structure, originally built in 1904 as the Crystal Ice House.	Frederick Cellars, Winery - stainless steel fermentation vessels for wine making is right on premises.	Frederick Cellars, Winery in the evening - this location is now known as Everedy Square and Shab Row	Frederick Cellars, Winery - you may call it tasting room (the space is also available for rent). Decor is simple as well as food.
Frederick Cellars, Winery - view from inside the tasting room towards its entrance.	Frederick Cellars, Winery - we were not enthusiastic about the quality of wine produced. However, on Fridays and Saturdays there is live music (go to web site for schedule) and the overall experience can be relaxing and pleasant.

To be Continued...