I’m always on the lookout for a great place to have dinner with friends and family.  Market Street in Frederick, MD has several fantastic dining options, but for this visit, I traveled to the north end of that busy street for a taste of French cuisine at Up on Market Bistro.

As the name implies, the bistro (and attached inn) is styled in the classic décor and furnishings of a typical French bistro or brassiere found all over Paris.  Brass railings, tiled floors, tables festooned with white linens and small lamps set the stage for a classic French bistro experience.  Our party sat at a table in the front window, where we could also view the pedestrian traffic moving up and down the sidewalk.  After being greeted by the seating host/maître d’, we were given our menus by the white shirted and tie wearing server, completing the ambience of a typical French establishment.  French music softly playing in the background also set the tone of the room.

The owners, Francis and Michele, are highly involved in the production.  Francis is in charge of the bar, churning out hand-crafted cocktails, while Michele is in charge of the kitchen.  Francis stopped by the table on more than one occasion to make sure we had everything we needed, as well as taking the time for introductions and to get to know his customers.  It was a nice touch.  He was also happy to share stories on the extensive history of the property and its renovation into an inn and restaurant, which is also provided with the menus.

We started with cocktails which ranged from Whiskey Sours (with real egg whites), Old Fashioneds, and Manhattans, all lovingly and expertly prepared behind the bar, while we perused the menus.  These are traditional French bistro offerings, so while my mother opted for oysters on the half-shell, my wife and I sampled the soups, she opting for French Onion while I chose the Cream of Mushroom.  The oysters were fresh and came with a wonderful vinaigrette for dipping, while both soups were excellent, the mushroom soup being the table favorite, featuring a light and flavorful broth that was completely satisfying.

For mains, my mother chose the pan-seared scallops on top of creamy sautéed garlic spinach and leeks, my wife chose the pasta primavera, while I opted for a farm-raised venison tenderloin, finished with a VSOP brandy cream sauce and accompanied by simple boiled potatoes tossed with parsley.  The portion sizes were typical French bistro (meaning not too big and not too small), the cooking handled expertly, and all of the flavors were wonderful and satisfying.  The venison was some of the best I have ever encountered.  My wife and I also sampled the extensive wine list (offerings by the glass or bottle) and being that the bistro prides itself on being a “scratch” kitchen (everything is made in-house and by hand), the pacing of the meal allows for abundant conversation at the table between courses.  Understand, that in typical French style, a bistro meal is not a “turn and burn” event, but an outing to savor and enjoy, so if you’re in a hurry, you may be better served elsewhere.  I relished the experience.

For desserts, we opted for a slice of ricotta cheesecake, a custard-filled pastry shell, and mixed berries with house-made whipped cream.  There was not a speck of food left on any plates and everything was lovingly prepared, well presented, and tasty.

Service was attentive and highly professional, but not overbearing.  I really admire a restaurant that knows exactly what it wants to be and then delivers on that promise, and Up on Market is definitely on-point in that regard.

Overall, I can’t recommend Up on Market Bistro enough.  It is a great place for a relaxing evening of great food, cocktails, and a relaxing atmosphere that I’ll be happy to stop back and sample again and again.  If you’re on the northern end of Market Street in Frederick, you should check them out.

Up on Market Bistro Review:

Ambience: 4 out of 5

Food: 4 out of 5

Price: $$$ – $$$$ (out of $$$$$)

Service: 4 out of 5

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The Details

Up on Market Bistro

301 North Market Street

Frederick, MD  21701

P: 240-831-4847  

Website: uponmarket301.com

Hours:

Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu – 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Fri, Sat – 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM

Sunday – 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM

• Weekend Brunch menu available

• Full dinner menu available all day

• Menus available online

• Local Street parking is available along with nearby Public Parking (garages)

• Reservations accepted, but not required.