Reddit's Top 20 Affordable Date Night Spots in Downtown Frederick, MD
A Frederick couple asked Reddit where to go for date night without dropping $300. The thread exploded with 20+ recommendations. Here's the complete list.
A post in the Frederick subreddit this week captured something a lot of couples are feeling right now: the desire for a good date night out without the financial hangover the next morning.
"Usually when we have a date night we go crazy," the poster wrote. "Wine Kitchen, cocktails after at Hooch and Banter, and the evening ends up spending us 250-300 bucks. We're trying to tighten up our purse strings a little bit but still want to go out somewhere downtown."
The thread exploded with recommendations. Here's where Frederick locals actually go when they want a quality night out without the premium price tag.
The Crowd Favorite: White Rabbit
White Rabbit Gastropub
White Rabbit dominated the thread with the most upvotes, with multiple commenters calling it out as the go-to affordable date spot downtown.
"If you haven't been to White Rabbit, it's a great choice. Upstairs has an almost speakeasy kinda vibe. Great pizza and extensive beer list."
"The pizza and the chicken parm were out of this world. Staff was also very nice."
"The Detroit Pizza is fantastic."
"100% on the staff. I've had a different server every time and they're always super jovial."
Several commenters specifically praised the Detroit-style pizza. The upstairs space offers a more intimate atmosphere if you're looking to extend the evening.
The Budget King: Olde Towne Tavern
Olde Towne Tavern
If price is your primary concern, one commenter had a clear winner.
"Olde Towne Tavern! It's so cheap. Like. It's insane how cheap it is. It's downtown and the food is surprisingly good."
When someone says "insane how cheap" about a downtown restaurant with good food, that's worth checking out.
The "Cheers of Frederick": Wags
Wags
For couples who want good food without any pretense, Wags came up as the quintessential Frederick neighborhood spot.
"Wags is a good cheap place downtown that has really good burgers."
"That's where I go with my wife if we just want to get out and not necessarily spend $200. 100% the Cheers of Frederick. You will fit in there in sweatpants or a suit."
That last line says it all. Wags is the kind of place where the focus is on each other, not on the scene.
Best Smash Burger in Town: 50/50
50/50 Burgers
If you're willing to spend slightly more for what one commenter called the best burger they've ever had, 50/50 is the move.
"50/50 Burgers is a little expensive but it's also attached to a brewery and they may have the best smash burger I've ever had."
The brewery connection means you can pair your burger with local craft beer. Still well under the $300 Wine Kitchen experience.
The Thursday Special: Brewers Alley
Brewers Alley
One commenter dropped some insider knowledge for the budget-conscious.
"Shockingly Brewers Alley still has their whole lobster special or NY strip special on Thursday for $19 that includes the sides."
A $19 lobster dinner or steak dinner with sides in downtown Frederick? That's the kind of local intel that makes these threads valuable.
Pro Tip from the Thread
"Go out for dinner, or go out for drinks, but not both. This would bring just about every place under $150 if not $100." One commenter also noted that Costco frequently has $100 Wine Kitchen gift cards for $80.
More Local Favorites
Sumittra
"Sumittra is a great spot and usually end up spending around $100 or so for dinner, apps and drinks with my partner."
At roughly a third of the Wine Kitchen budget, Sumittra offers a proper date night atmosphere without the sticker shock.
River Bar & Grill
"I'd suggest trying River Bar & Grill next time, they have amazing service, food is always wonderful, and the drinks are great!"
Showroom
"Have you been to Showroom? A bit more affordable than WK but decent food still."
For couples who want the nicer restaurant experience at a lower price point, Showroom threads the needle.
Bloom Asian Haus
"Bloom Haus was really tasty."
One commenter noted it may be "one of the prettiest restaurants in Frederick." Opinions on the food were mixed, but the atmosphere is undeniable.
The Orchard
A staff member from The Orchard popped into the thread with an invitation.
"You can come visit us at The Orchard!! 💕"
Sometimes the best recommendation is someone proud enough of their workplace to personally invite strangers.
Pho 52
"Pho 52!! No alcohol there but it's phenomenal and a bargain."
If you're fine skipping drinks, or grabbing a bottle for after, Pho 52 delivers outstanding food at prices that leave room in the budget.
The International Options
One detailed commenter listed several spots where most menu items, including drinks or apps, come in at reasonable prices even on weekends:
JoJo's Restaurant & Tap House
For Drinks & Entertainment
Tenth Ward Distillery
"Tenth Ward Distillery!"
For couples prioritizing drinks over dinner, Tenth Ward offers craft cocktails made from their own spirits. Grab food elsewhere and end the night here.
Cellar Door
"If you love horrible comedy, check out Cellar Door on Tuesdays."
The self-deprecating pitch aside, comedy night is a different kind of date. Memorable, cheap, and something to talk about afterward.
The Complete List
Best Affordable Date Night Spots in Frederick (Summary)
- White Rabbit — Detroit pizza, speakeasy upstairs (most upvoted)
- Olde Towne Tavern — "Insane how cheap it is"
- Wags — Burgers, "Cheers of Frederick"
- 50/50 Burgers — "Best smash burger I've ever had"
- Brewers Alley — $19 Thursday lobster/steak special
- Sumittra — Thai, ~$100 for two with drinks
- River Bar & Grill — Amazing service, great drinks
- Showroom — Wine Kitchen vibes, lower prices
- Bloom Asian Haus — Prettiest restaurant in Frederick
- The Orchard — Local, family-owned
- Pho 52 — Vietnamese, bargain pricing
- Il Porto — Italian
- Sabor de Cuba — Cuban
- Cucina Massi — Italian
- Pistarro's — Italian
- Bentztown — American
- Gladchuk Bros — American
- JoJo's — American
- Tenth Ward Distillery — Craft cocktails
- Cellar Door — Comedy Tuesdays
As for the original poster? They settled on Plaza Mexico for "wintery margaritas." Sometimes the best date night is just getting out of the house together.
Have a Frederick spot we missed? Send it our way.
