When married couple Sherif Salem and Cherie Nearman opened Hootch & Banter in November 2015, they created something Frederick had been craving — an upscale yet laid-back New American restaurant with French influence. 🍽️
This couple-owned establishment on Market Street quickly became one of Frederick’s most sought-after dining destinations, where the brunch menu draws weekend crowds eager to experience sophisticated metropolitan dining in Historic Downtown Frederick.
How Hootch & Banter won Frederick’s hearts
Hootch & Banter captured Frederick’s affection through Sherif’s warm, personable nature paired with Cherie’s designer’s eye that pulled together every elegant touch throughout the intimate space.
The restaurant’s commitment to seasonal items made fresh in-house demonstrated their dedication to quality over convenience, with the menu changing frequently to showcase peak ingredients.
Their expansion to include the upstairs Hootch Lounge in August 2018 doubled the dining options while maintaining the sophisticated atmosphere that transported guests from quaint Frederick to a lively metropolitan hotspot.
By offering weekend brunch service from 11 am to 2:45 pm on Saturdays and Sundays, they filled a critical niche for Frederick brunch lovers seeking elevated morning dining experiences. 🥂
Food Highlights
Crab Walker: This thick-cut brioche toast topped with house-made crab dip, cheddar cheese, and two fried eggs served with breakfast potatoes delivers Maryland seafood excellence at Frederick brunch. 🦀
- Old Bae Crab Benedict: Frederick brunch reaches new heights with house-made crab cakes on English muffins topped with poached eggs and Old Bay spice hollandaise alongside breakfast potatoes — a must-try according to enthusiastic diners.
- Smoked Turkey Sandwich: The smoked turkey with cheddar and Swiss, lemon garlic aioli, bacon, lettuce, and tomato on a baguette with hand-cut fries offers a lighter yet satisfying Frederick brunch option.
- Breakfast Prime Burger: The indulgent 8-oz prime burger with cheddar, bacon, toasted shallot aioli, a sunny-side egg, lettuce, tomato, and fried shallots on a brioche bun with breakfast potatoes proves that brunch burgers can be gourmet. 🍔
- Nuts & Berries: Thick-cut brioche French toast with Nutella and fresh berries topped with Chantilly cream and served with bacon satisfies sweet tooth cravings at this Frederick brunch hotspot. 🍓
- Carne y Huevos Rancheros: This bold creation features two fried blue corn tortillas with sunny-side-up eggs, beef tenderloin strips, chorizo, bell peppers, onions, pico de gallo, guacamole, feta, and creme fraiche with breakfast potatoes — a flavor explosion that guests rave about.
Banter in the Morning: The signature house-cured corned beef with poached eggs on English muffins smothered in hollandaise sauce and served with breakfast potatoes brings their famous Banter sandwich into brunch territory.
Shrimply The Best: Showcasing blackened shrimp over cheddar poblano grits with roasted red pepper sauce, this dish brings Southern comfort to Frederick brunch with a spicy kick.
Steak & Eggs: A classic done right with 5 oz NY strip, two poached eggs, breakfast potatoes, and rosemary garlic oil that proves simple preparations with quality ingredients win hearts.
Day Trippin: The vegetarian favorite features mixed wild mushrooms tossed in tarragon cream sauce served over baguette toast with poached eggs and breakfast potatoes — comfort food that happens to be meat-free. 🍄
- Chicken Empanadas: The gouda cheese, roasted chicken, bell peppers, jalapenos, and cilantro empanadas with Thai chili aioli, pickled red onions, and pico de gallo remain crowd favorites from appetizers to late-night bites.
The Banter: Available at brunch, this house-cured corned beef with Swiss cheese, house thousand island dressing, and sauerkraut on black Russian bread with hand-cut fries became the signature sandwich that Visit Frederick highlights as a must-try.
Filet Wellington Minis: Starting brunch right with three mini filet wellingtons featuring ribeye, truffle duxelle, house steak sauce, balsamic glaze, and horseradish cream sets a luxurious tone. 🥩
Atmosphere
The intimate restaurant on South Market Street creates a sophisticated space that makes it hard to believe you’re in Frederick — tables are situated close together like Manhattan dining, with a lively but not overwhelming energy.
Cherie’s decorator’s eye shows in every thoughtful touch throughout the space, from elegant finishes to artistic details that create an upscale yet approachable ambiance perfect for Frederick brunch.
The downstairs bar serves the full menu on a first-come, first-served basis, while the upstairs Hootch Lounge offers appetizers and small plates with a full bar for a more casual vibe.
The restaurant operates without reservations except for special occasions like Mother’s Day Brunch and Father’s Day Brunch, creating an inclusive atmosphere where everyone has equal access to Frederick’s hottest tables. 🎵
Bottom Line
Visit for the sophisticated New American brunch featuring house-cured corned beef and house-made crab creations, the couple-owned dedication to seasonal ingredients made fresh in-house, the elegant yet laid-back atmosphere in Historic Downtown Frederick, the legendary cocktails like Spanish Coffee and Bloody Banter, and the weekend brunch that’s worth any wait. ✨
Address:
49 South Market Street, Frederick, MD 21701
📞 (301) 732-4971
🕔 Open Tue-Thu 4 PM–9 PM, Fri-Sat 4 PM–10 PM, Sun 4 PM–8 PM; Brunch Sat-Sun 11 AM–2:45 PM (closed Mon)