Food was good but the set up and ordering was just nuts. They really should simplify the whole ordering process. Place and order here but then go here oh and then back here. For a new customer it's like a maze. There was a free coupon for there potato salad which was cool and it was very good aswell.
(3)
Shannon D.
American roadhouse but with gourmet food. San Francisco theme is in the menu, the food and the attitude. Mostly sandwiches but with some entrees. Lots of emphasis on chicken but meats as well. Steak salad more of a sandwich with greens on the side. SF fatboy is their Italian. Both with fresh ingredients and big. Have to mention the exploded potato. Awesome cpmbonation of potato salad and mashed potatoes. Fully loaded. Served hot. The medium is big; enough for two and still some for home. Hard to find. It's past the Flying Dog brewery (reservations required for tours). Just keep going and you'll see it.
(4)
Lisa R.
Really good food. So much to choose from. We got the beef BBQ and the wings. Both were amazing. When I am back in this area I am going to make sure I stop there again!
(5)
Rachel A.
First time here. Food was great. Very cute little place. I felt like I had a nice lunch get away. I will definitely be back
(5)
Nick Y.
Superb service, food, veggie options (though I could resist the wonderful meat sandwiches they had), and a wide selection of craft beers that they have each personally tried. Add the vibe and this is a gem of a find. Wow, why aren't there more of these type places? I paid $18 for lunch (high for me) (lg sandwich, extra toppings, chips and craft beer) and didn't ask questions. Worth it now and then.
(5)
Frank N.
I'm always a fan of simple and delicious places like this... It's busy for a reason!! I tried an exploded potato and an Alcatraz sandwich... Both were fresh and delicious! I can see why so many local people recommended the exploded potatoes!! Not overdone, just basic goodness.... They offer a Yelp check-in special. I discovered that too late, but I'll be back
(4)
D N.
Best sandwiches anywhere... and I've been doing some traveling over the last few years.. Nationally and abroad... Still the best sandwich shop.
(5)
Rodney S.
Best damn sandwiches I have ever had. The Trans Am is unbelieveable. The soups? Amazing. The exploded potatoes? To die for. The skirt steak dinner over a salad with the potatoes? Can't be beat. Eat at this place every chance you get. You get every single pennies worth of your money spent on a quality meal. One of kind place
(5)
Jason J.
Cool little place. Tons of interesting sandwich options, and really good exploded potatoes. Decent small beer selection to boot. Why only 3 stars? Their hoagie rolls suck. Dense, spongy, and bland.
(3)
William M.
I visited a.k.a. Friscos on the way back from Western Maryland with a few friends. It's in a very random location, in a warehouse surrounded by a number of other warehouses. I was confused why they called themselves a.k.a. Friscos, until I realized that it started as a catering company. The restaurant has a big open floor plan. You walk in a there's an island/mini kitchen with a bunch of people working, with a big board above them to determine what you want to order. I ordered the Skinny Green Pizza. A bunch of my friends ordered a couple different baked potatoes. The pizza was amazing. I had never had pizza crust made of spinach and pesto, but it was perfect. So thin yet SO flavorful. The blend of different cheeses and fresh ingredients made this one a winner. I would definitely return to a.k.a Friscos if I find myself in Frederick again!
(4)
Maya C.
I just had the most unfortunate experience since I stopped eating meat in 2010. I asked at the counter which from the two sandwiches listed as "vegetarian" would be the best. Worker asked with avocado or without. I said "with", he then said then The Golden it is. The sandwich was great until I opened the second half...to my horror there were pieces of unidentifiable meat! I brought the second half sandwich to one of the workers to ask what it was, he said looks like meat. I said this is disgusting! I asked for a vegetarian sandwich, I do not eat meat!! he called the manager and I went to the bathroom in horror to throw up whatever pieces of roast beef from the half a sandwich I had in my stomach. Then I found it is extremely hard to throw up!! My throat was sore and my tears would not stop making my eyes puffy and red. I could not stop crying! I have been a pescetarian since March 9 of 2010 and no land animals have been in my system am very careful always asking if any broth is in the rice or animal products used at restaurants. The manager was extremely apologetic and insisted to give me back $10. Said that he was on duty until closing. I wanted my stomach pumped!!! Regardless of the most awful experience of my pescetarian life the manager definitely felt bad and I hope he reprimanded the culprit who did not understand the making of a vegetarian sandwich. My friend tried to help me and got me cookies, the cashier gave her cookies for free. My order was: two sandwiches, two beers, and the free exploded potato that my friend had because she said it had ham at $29.94 I added a $4.35 tip even though was a self serve place. I paid and trusted the establishment!! Vegetarians, Pescetarians, beware of this place that feature two vegetarian options and workers think it's fine sticking pieces of roast beef carcass! Still disgusted and I will never return!
(1)
Lorena B.
Okay, so it's definitely above any sandwich chain but not nearly as good as the reviews lead you to believe. I ordered the Trans Am, which is basically a turkey club on steroids. The packet of bacon it was topped with was artery clogging goodness but the turkey was the packaged kind not oven roasted. Had a bite of the bf's Embarcadero which was roast beef (I think) and cheddar and it was good but again, I didn't think it was better than any decent deli's. Then again, I have seen any delis in Frederick besides the Italian one downtown come to think of it. The exploded potatoes were pretty good but I'd stick with the small if you're ordering one of the giant sandwiches. They have a few picnic tables outside and a bar so it seems like a cool out of the way spot for happy hour maybe. Also, the tv inside was on HSN (Home Shopping Network) which I very much appreciate as a shopaholic.
(3)
Dave B.
This place is hidden but locals seem to know about it. Definitely a shell industrial building that was retrofitted into a restaurant. Not really a sports bar as it is saved in yelp as the only tv was set permanently to CNN. Sandwich building station in the middle is unusual and no one really told us where to pay which is at the bar. They came and had to ask us to pay instead of them coming to us as it isn't obvious where to pay. The menu is really good and great vegetarian options (do exploded potatoes have bacon in them though?) I had a flat iron steak sandwich which was spectacular. The guys that work here seem really friendly and motivated. They could us a few tweaks but great unique place that I would come back to.
(4)
Linda L.
Fantastic find, the Exploded Potatoes are unusual and just terrific. We heard about this place on flight from Oakland to BWI. So glad we tried it. Met the owner and she is a former Californian. Knew there was a reason the food was great.
(5)
Mari B.
Decent place. A little tricky to find. Ended up going after visiting the flying dog brewery. Not much as far as vegetarian options , but what we got was pretty good and affordable. The staff was friendly and helpful trying to accommodate our dietary needs.
(4)
Wang C.
This place is always stellar. Great beer, and more importantly great food. I am truly going to miss the place once I move out of the dreaded DMV. The only negative I have is they close way too early. I work long hours and this makes it challenging to hit up this awesome place.
(4)
Liv C.
I had high hopes for this place after reading the raving reviews but I left unimpressed. We ordered sandwiches and they were all over-seasoned. The exploded potatoes were good though, and the servers were friendly and helpful.
(3)
Paul M.
Stopping here is a must if you are in the area. The food is unique, fresh, and delicious. If you like potatoes, this is your place. An excellent take out craft beer and wine store directly adjacent.
(5)
Brandon W.
I was recommended to go here because my girlfriend told me to. If I didn't listen to her, I would have missed out on one of the best places that I have ever been to. The building is located in an industrial/office park and also has its own beer and wine store next door. When you go into the building you are greeted with a stall and a huge menu board on top of it. I didn't know what I wanted to order at first so I asked the order taker what I should get. He immediately recommended the BBQ sandwich which comes with a small exploded potatoe. I ordered it, took my ticket to the cashier, got a beer, and got my food a few moments later. The BBQ sandwich was tasty, tender, and HUGE. I can put food away, but this sandwich put me in my place. The exploded potatoe was like a baked potatoe with bacon except for no skin and that it was already mashed for you. All in all, this place had great customer service, the staff is friendly, the location is weird (BUT) the food makes up for that and more. I can see why this place has regulars and loyal customers. I will be back for more MUWHAHAHA! ! !
(5)
Sarah J.
Shared the Alcatraz (turkey, avocado, sprouts, honey mustard) and BBQ sandwich (beef, beef, beef) with exploded potatoes. Quite a fine meal for a great price. Exploded potatoes (potato salad) are a must-try. Worker said BBQ sandwich is a favorite, but the meat drenched in BBQ was a little too much for me. Alcatraz was lighter but still filling, healthy and good. Casual atmosphere, great food, friendly service. Notes: - If you use Yelp on your phone, you can get a free exploded potato with a meal for a check-in! - Closes at 7PM M-TH and 4PM on Sunday. 9PM for Fri and Sat.
(4)
Ashwin M.
Vegetarians don't have many choices. Just one in each category. But the exploded potatoes and their veggie pizza were quite good.
(3)
Beata K.
Came here based on yelp reviews and really enjoyed it. I was overwhelmed by the menu since there is so much on it so I would suggest taking a look at it online prior to coming here. The sandwiches are really good and the selection is great! Also got the exploded potato by checking in on yelp and it's a warm potato salad with lots of bacon. There is also a nice beer selection. Will definitely come back since there is so much to try.
(4)
Michael C.
A nice hidden gem Frederick. Everything on the menu that I've had is good. I want to give it 5 stars but everybody that works on the food side has extreme amounts of arrogance. I've never understood this because its the exact opposite on the wine store side.
(4)
Alexander B.
SO MANY SANDWICH OPTIONS- and the potato salad is awesome. I'm not from the Frederick area but my girlfriend and I visit there a couple times a year. If we lived in the area, Frisco's would be a biweekly thing.
(4)
Travis M.
Horrible experience except when we first came in. We came in, and they greeted us with answers to our questions and a sample. Awesome customer service there, but the awesome service ends there too. I had one other person in my party. I ordered a steak salad and the other person in my party ordered a pulled pork sandwich. When I was waiting at the counter for drinks, A kitchen staff member walked into the middle of the restaurant and yelled the dish name and her name. I said "over here". He slammed down the food on the counter in the middle of the restaurant which was in a to-go tin container. He then immediately went right back to the kitchen and did not acknowledge me at all. When the other person in my party came back from the restroom, we found a spot to sit and I waited 10 minutes for my food while she and I sat there and stared at her food getting cold. Restaurant basics 101: meals come out at the same time no matter what the cooking time is. It's called a warmer! You don't force your customers in an awkward situation with one person having food in front of them and the other person hungry with nothing in front of them. Her food got cold while we waited for my meal to come so we can both eat. This restaurant violated basic restaurant serving manners and etiquette. I will be honest ....The food was really good, but I recommend you get it to go. That is the only way I will ever order from here again. Unless you like your food cold while waiting for the other people in your party to get their meal, then I recommend sitting in and hearing your name called like you are the next person to make your final walk on death row. That was harsh but honesty do not yell out customer's names in the center of the restaurant and quickly put the food down at a random location and walk away.
(1)
Jill H.
Man, being from Frederick, I'm sad I didn't find this place sooner! It is delicious! Tucked away in an industrial park, you wouldn't expect it there. The menu is a great variety of subs, salads, soups, baked potatoes. The subs are huge, so be ready! The "exploded potatoes" that everyone raves about are great, similar to a twice backed potato. Love the beer selection.
(5)
Candice J.
Great food here! I had the Oakland giant sandwich and it was fantastic ! It almost had too much meat! It consists of good stuff like pesto, thick cut turkey, SMOKED GUDA, (the best part), etc. etc. The clincher was the sprinkled Romano cheese. It really pulled the whole thing together! My friend got the Golden Gate a vegetarian sandwich where the main event were the loads of avocado. We weren't as impressed with this one but I don't think it's the sandwich's fault; I think the avocado was just too lacking in flavor@. Which is unusual. So all in all I think today's lunch was a win! Not to mention they have an awesome collection of beer, including that root beer beer . :)
(4)
Jordan G.
Been here a couple times. Good but not great, especially for the $$, which is not cheap for sandwiches. If I'm paying $9 for a turkey sandwich i want like some high quality deli turkey, and it really ain't. Seems like the cheap stuff you'd get at the local Giant. Underwhelming.
(2)
Derek C.
Place is out of the way and kind of hard to find. Besides that this place rocks. Great little spot for sandwiches for lunch. Got the trans-am and the exploded potatoes, delicious. Would come back.
(4)
Casey K.
Ok, so I'd give this place 10 stars if I could. My one tip off the bat is, look at the menu online before you go. It's daunting to stand there and read the entire board of everything they have. It's made a bit more stressful if you have someone waiting there to take your order. We came here on Valentine's Day because we were looking for a place that accommodates a late work night and not flooded with V-Day lovebirds. We walked in, placed our order (food is prepared in the center covered area), and went to order our drinks at the bar (which is also where you pay for your food). Before I get to the food, you know those people in life, who have a passion for something, and the way they explain it, makes you want to take up that same hobby. Well, on this night, that was the bartender. After, we sampled and ordered our glasses of beer, he told us to go take a look at the wine and beer shop while our food was being prepared. He even walked our glass of beer through the kitchen area (abiding by the MD open container law) while we walked across the open patio area to the shop. He handed the beer back to us and proceeded to explain the wine and beer they carry. They taste all the beer so they can be experts in providing the beer that is best suited to your needs, palette, etc. You are able to assemble your own six pack made up of different beers for you to try before you commit to a whole pack. They have a great wine selection that really covers the whole spectrum. This has to be a list format for my food reviews, we went all out with our ordering... -Alcatraz (Sliced turkey breast, California avocado, sprouts & tomato, drizzled with honey mustard & served on sliced sourdough bread): really a great sandwich, I thought the top of the roll was a bit much, it just made for too much bread, I asked for a different bread but due to winter storm Pax (bastard) their bread options were sparse. This sandwich was fabulous, the ingredients tasted very fresh and the sprouts made this sandwich. They were crisp and mixed with the tanginess of the honey mustard perfectly. There were big chunks of avocado, not just a spread which I loved, especially since I am an avocado fanatic. I highly recommend this sub. -I had a bite of the Glen Park (Sopressata, Italian genoa salami, Friscos olive relish, provolone cheese, shredded lettuce, tomato, Bermuda onion, special dressing & seasoning. Served on a Traditional Crusty French bread): This sub was also bread heavy but overall had a great flavor. The olive relish had such a wonderful savory quality that merged perfectly with the cold cuts. Again, this is one you cannot go wrong with. -Juan Lobo baked potato (Baked potato under chili, topped with melted Wisconsin cheddar cheese sans onion Bermuda onion): This was a meal all in its own, it was a nice side for the three of us to share in addition to our subs. Overall, this was a very run-of-the-mill chili dish to me. I would not recommend this, it was not nearly spicy enough and the chili was not in any way memorable. Not meant to be a negative review,this just was not my cup of tea and not anything I was expecting from the Juan Lobo. -Exploded Baked Potatoes: This is like Friscos version of German potato salad. However, this is unlike any German potato salad I have ever tasted. Plus, I usually am not a fan of bacon in my food or in general (call me crazy, my family does often), but these exploded baked potatoes were on point. If there is one thing that I HIGHLY recommend you order here, it is this. They are warm cheesy mashed potatoes (with skins) with bacon. Come to Friscos ASAP. You will not be disappointed at all. They make you feel extremely welcome while their food is wonderful. Plus, one of our food preparers came to check on how we liked our food and if we needed anything else, just so nice. It's a hidden must visit gem and I CANNOT wait to go back.
(5)
Lauren V.
There are so many things going on at Friscos that I'm not sure how best to review it, but I feel like I should make a stab at it. First and most importantly, the adjacent wine shop is reason enough to wander over to this remote business park. All of their wine is under $15 a bottle, and they manage to have both a great selection and extremely competitive pricing. On Fridays, everything is $1 above cost. This side of things gets unlimited stars and undying loyalty from me. I may be the most unpopular person in Frederick for saying this, but I'm kind of "meh" on the restaurant side of things. About a third of the things I've had there were really and truly great, another third were only ok, and the rest were fairly terrible, could have picked up something better at 7-11 quality. Really weird to have that range of experiences in the same restaurant, and I usually don't recommend a place where I wouldn't feel confident ordering anything on the menu. I'm just not a fan of the "Restaurant ___ is the best.....but don't order the chicken whatever you do" type of review. The ordering setup is weird and chaotic. I don't go there often enough to remember the song and dance from one time to the next, but it seems to be working for them. I'd give the restaurant 2-3 stars and the wine shop 5+, hence the overall of 4.
(4)
Laurie K.
The food is excellent. My first impression sitting down was not favorable, however, because the table was dirty. When you come in, you place your order from an overhead menu at a central station. You're given a ticket that you take to the "bar" to pay and order your drinks. Then, you find a table yourself, and they deliver the food. The music is extremely loud, but that's probably to keep turnover on the tables. My husband and I really like the music from the 60s and 70s. The vibe is a biker bar.
(3)
Ben W.
This place has some tasty sandwiches and good portion sizes. The service is usually pretty quick. The staff is friendly and can answer any questions you may have about the menu.
(4)
Travis P.
Love this place!!!!!!!! Food doesn't get much better than this. The exploded potatoes are the best and the varieties of smothered potatoes is top notch.
(5)
Christine R.
I went to this place when I worked on Crestwood Blvd in high school (year:2000) and I still love eating here in 2015! AKA Friscos does it right and they do it right every time. Over the past 15 years I have tried almost everything on their menu, sandwiches, subs, loaded bakers (those are baked potatoes), salads, soups/chili, flat iron steaks, wings, etc. Everything is cooked fresh, made fresh to order and the service tops it off to make it a great experience. i have made so many people love this place even my workplace gets their catering when we have food days/events at work. I wish they would show this place on Food Network "DDD" because this dive is such a hidden gem! Pros: awesome food, good variety, good value, great people, beer, wicked wolf sauce and exploded potatoes!!! 'nuff said Cons: location - but hey, once you find it you won't lose it! parking sometimes can be a hassle when everyone else wants awesome lunch too but again, it's worth the wait and walk.
(5)
John G.
This was my first time here. It's very good food, and I'll come back, but the ordering process is very chaotic. The inside of the place felt noisy. You order food in one place and drinks in another. I felt like I was running all over. The servers sort of aimlessly wandered around looking for the correct table/party to drop off an order. Seems like it could be much more streamlined and efficient. Our order was screwed up twice, and our orders were dropped off repeatedly at someone else's table. The comical part is that the other table thought that they were getting what they ordered, so they just dug in and ate our dinner lol. I can only suspect that they were confused about what they ordered as the long, tedious, complex menu, written in small font, probably intimidated them as much as it did us. Other than that, I very much enjoyed what I ate, and I would return, just not at a time when I'm looking to relax and decompress.
(3)
Foodie C.
Off the main strip but well worth looking for. Food was yummy. Prices were good, service was great. It's in an office park which should not fool you. It's seems like it always has a loyal crowd and for good reason. If you're in Frederick you should make this a stop for lunch or a casual dinner
(4)
Kara M.
On point!! Worth the stop--!! Has amazing food, awesome beer selection, fast service with good people :D
(5)
Cinnamon W.
My 9 month old daughter and I met up with a college friend for lunch. As other reviewers have stated, it is in the middle of an industrial park and you will be mildly concerned that you are headed in the right direction. I didn't see any highchairs available, but I didn't really look for one either. The menu is huge, and everything looks so good! I got the redwood baker, and he got the Oakland sandwich with a cup of the day's soup. We both had leftovers. Everything was awesome!! The staff was friendly, helpful, and generous! Samples when deciding at the menu board, half an avocado for my daughter (her favorite food), a heaping cup of exploded potato from John- who also came to check on us and made certain we enjoyed our meals. I can't wait to go back! The outdoor seating looks inviting (for warm days).
(5)
Sarah B.
Nice little place with industrial feel. Sandwich was very large, heavy bread and thick cut meat. Good flavors, but the olive spread made it to salty. Exploded potato was nice, but not much flavor. Bean dip was the same, not much flavor to anything I ordered. But great place for quick bite that has very friendly staff.
(3)
Stephanie H.
Friscos never lets me down! Their menu is to die for, literally... I would eat here every day if I could. I especially LOVE the exploded potatoes. The service is friendly and fast! An order of wings comes out in about 10 minutes!
(5)
Jessica J.
Staff very helpful in helping first time customers decide what to order. (Even the singing guy!) Baja chicken salad was average. Large enough for two people to share. Steak on top of the exploded potatoes was pretty yummy. (Forgot name of dish!) Two people could probably share this as well. A bit off the beaten path of just passing through but possible great for locals.
(3)
GD B.
Ok so it usually takes quite an experience at an eatery for me to leave a review...so take this with that in mind. On new year's day 2015 we were looking for a good place to grab a bite to eat before going shopping. I pulled out my trusty Yelp device and punched in "lunch".... Up came A. K. A. Friscos with great reviews so we decided to give it a go. Upon entering, fella that reminded me of Dave Franco (think 21 jump Street movie) offered us up some samples of the soup of the day. Then more samples of Exploded Potato. Needless to say this worked and had me sold immediately. Food wise you CANNOT beat their sandwiches... The portions were great. The employees were friendly and easy to talk to. Prices were on point for the quality and size of sandwich. I'd give this place 5 stars if I hadn't seen some places around the dining and ordering area that had obviously not been cleaned in a while and we're in desperate need of a good scrubbing (garbage can lids, soda machine back splash were really bad). I'll be coming back... That's for sure!!!
(4)
Victoria C.
Just got back from lunch with friends from Frisco's. I'm a Bay Area native so when I heard of this place I knew I had to check it out. It was a bit hard to find at first, hidden at in an industrial park. A little bit of driving around then we found it. When I walked in, there was the menu displayed. One would be overwhelmed if this was their first time in like me. However I did my research online!! While we decided on what to order, we were handed samples of the soup of the day and exploded potatoes. Both were delicious. I ordered the Trans-AM Sandwich along with a small side of exploded potatoes and a bottle of Root Beer. My sandwich contained turkey, (lots of) bacon, lettuce, tomato, onion, and mayo. My sandwich was big and I was only able to finish half but it sure was tasty. I loved the potatoes too!! The service was great. Quick and very friendly. I can't wait to return again soon!
This is one of the few places I knew I wanted to try when I came to Frederick at the end of last week direct from the SF Bay Area. I was not disappointed. I had the Sausalito Potato and it was fantastic. In fact, I was so smitten with it that I dreamed about eating it the next night and so I knew I would have to eat this again before leaving Frederick. I also enjoyed the spicy chilli. My companions enjoyed the spicy chili, some sort of chicken sandwich, the flat iron steak potato, and the Russian Hill Potato. I will definitely visit this place again if I am in the area again and I loved the play on SF bay area titles for the names of dishes. I know all of those places!
(5)
William C.
For the price and quantity of food, this place is a steal. I checked in through Yelp! and got to try their Explosion Potatoes? - it was tasty. Their Grilled Cheese Sandwich - the buttery taste was there and I got the sandwich to go. But, the sandwich was lukewarm when I took it out of the box, immediately after I got in my car upon exiting the door (about 1 minute?). As for the Alcatraz sandwich - for 8 or 9$, the quality and quantity of ingredients (alfalfa, avocado, turkey, etc.) was awesome. This sandwich lasted me for two meals, as I ate the potatoes and the grilled cheese prior to taking a bite out of the alcatraz. For a total of $12, I was very satisfied with Friscos, and I would frequent this place more, if I lived in the area.
(4)
Vince R.
This little place is what makes Yelp special. If you are surrounded by chains and looking for friendly local flavor this place is perfect. Before i even found the menu the men behind the counter were throwing free sample tastes at me. I went with their favorite - the flatiron steak and potatoes. It was fabulous. Moving to the bar you are immediately overwhelmed by the beer selection. So what do you do - ask the bartender which IPA he prefers. I took his advice and he made sure I would be happy by offering a sample to make sure I would like it. The food was great and I am taking home some wings for the big game tonight - confident they will be on the same level. Last - the price for all of this was more than reasonable. A full meal with premium beer and wings to go for under $25. This place is championship grade.
(5)
Gabriela C.
Love their potatoes. Hearty-food. Good for catering.
(4)
Natalie B.
Good, but not great, food. The exploded potatoes are always a favorite. The chicken curry salad is delicious. This place is a winner in my book--it's local, solid food, great beer selection, and very friendly customer service.
(4)
Chris H.
The menu is extensive and there is definitely a sandwich for everyone. I love the NorCal and SF references and names for menu items. I have yet to have a disappointing experience there. Service speed can be improved. The way orders are taken and executed can be slow at times leading to long wait times.
(4)
Jackie L.
Food is ready super quickly. They always have a sample to eat while you decide what to order. They give you a lot of food. Huge menu with so many great options.
(5)
Angela W.
Kong Lobo over exploded potatoes....extra Wicked Wolf sauce. Just do it. You're welcome in advance.
(5)
Ashley S.
Love everything on the menu! This place is super casual with great food. Only problem is that it's in a industrial area so it's kind of hard to find if you're not paying attention or intentionally looking for it.
(5)
S C.
Everyone that comes in from out of town gets a potato from here when they visit me. The flat iron steak potato and the Santa Fe potato are excellent. One of my guests was very impressed with the Fishermans wharf also. A truly unique place. I'm excited that the weather is warmer - ice cream time !
(5)
Patty P.
The set up is not designed for newbies. You walk in and have to order from a counter that looks like a snack stand, then walk to another counter to pay and get drinks. Overall, I had a good time. Unique atmosphere, good music cranking. Listen up for your food cuz they shout it out and don't care if you're listening. The food was a bit heavy for my taste, but a lot of people love that stick-to-your-ribs style of cuisine. Everything was a bit spicy, but I'm ok with that too. It's right next to Flying Dog, so is highly recommend it for anyone who's been pounding samples at the brewery.
(4)
Clint R.
Great place. Showed up and saw a huge menu. Not feeling like reading I asked (as usual) to the guy working to tell me what his favorite is. He asked, "Cold or hot?" I said hot and he suggested what can best be described as Shepard's Pie with fajita meat and then covered with a pound of cheese. The potato was actually baked but was soft and creamy as mashed potatoes. The meat (I am from Austin, Texas... I know beef) was excellent. Tender and well seasoned. Plating was something my 4 year old would come up with but who cares when you have this kind of tender gooey cheesiness combo. Top it off with a great beer selection and nice seating area and call me impressed. Next door in the beer shop you can make your own six-packs, but not for any up charge. They take 1/6th of the price and that is the bottle price and add them individually. Very cool and makes up for the brewery not having tours today. Nitpicky stuff - Kina in the booneys. Dish was good but needed bread somehow. Have to go menus when your menu is that huge so people can take their time at home to look at it so they don't feel rushed walking in to order. Overall very good and cool off the beaten path place.
(4)
Julie A.
Many other reviewers mentioned that it is in an industrial park. This gave me more than a moments pause, but Yelp convinced me to give it a go. Man, I'm so glad I did. Here's a piece of life-changing advice: get the exploded potato. Don't share it. If you value your relationship, get two. Maybe you are eyeing up that Mac and cheese. Guess what? You can make that at home. Get the potato. You're welcome. The Lombard is awesome. The beef is perfectly cooked and seasoned. Holy moly. Messy and well worth ever stain on my shirt. The Haight Ashbury is really good, too. The sprouts and wolf sauce make it a really interesting cold cut. That isn't code for bad. That's code for I've eaten a million cold cuts and this one is unlike any of those. Finally, the only lackluster part of this was the Mac and cheese. It was unevenly heated and tasted like fake cheese. But you are ordering the exploded potato, so you won't have to worry about that.
(4)
Carajo B.
I've really REALLY tried to like a.k.a. Friscos. Our office orders from here frequently, friends have raved about it. But, after sampling at least 10 different menu items, just think I'll pass next time someone suggests this place. Have never gotten a dish as ordered. Salad is really hard to mess up, right? Not here. Ask for dressing on the side, get swimming greens. No cheese? No problem-we'll give you extra. Bread not toasted-that's okay. Take a bite-it's burnt on the INSIDE! Exploded potato. Dare ya to ask for minimal toppings. All I can think is "kids in the kitchen" and owner could care less. Even if someone else is offering to buy lunch-I'd suggest somewhere else.
(1)
Shannon S.
Stopped by here on the way home from a road trip. Great little find tucked away in a corporate industrial park. I had the Garden State which is a vegetarian winner-fresh avocado and smoked Gouda. Great selection but give yourself time to read the menu. The order counter is right when you walk in the front door and you find yourself staring neck tilted back trying to make a decision. Warning for any kiddos who order the grilled cheese it's more a la garlic bread style vs traditional grilled cheese. Overall great sandwich find!
(4)
c t.
Maybe our expectations were too high given the nearly 5 star review here on Yelp, but our experience was way less than five star. The staff greeted us in a very friendly and energetic way, and offered us samples to try while we looked at the extensive menu. The exploded potatoes were very tasty, and so we thought the rest of the food would follow suit. We were off to a good start. My husband ordered the Presidio and I ordered the Embarcadero. We ordered a Grilled Cheese for our two girls to split. The food was done quickly, and the sandwiches were indeed quite big. But they were B-O-R-I-N-G flavor wise. All I could taste on mine was horseradish (which I enjoy, but not as the main flavor of the sandwich). The bread was on the dry side; nothing to write home about. The shredded iceberg lettuce and pale tasteless tomatoes were fast food joint quality. Each of us finished one half (we were ravenously hungry) and put the others in a box to take home. I don't think I'm going to bother eating my other half. The grilled cheese was indeed grilled, so much so that parts of it were blackened. The cheese was thick and came off in rather large globs, which made my daughter gag on one particular bite. She is three, so this could be partly user error. My 4 year old daughter, who normally eats like a horse, took two bites and abandoned it. Sorry to say, we will not be back. The five star reviews of this place are baffling to us!
(2)
Taylor K.
One of my favorite restaurants in the DMV. They have so many fresh sandwich options and the exploded potatoes are addicting. It is tucked away in an unassuming, warehouse district and AKA does little to no advertising. This is truly a hidden gem in Frederick!
(5)
Kevin J.
Exploded potatoes are all you really need to know. Something for just about any taste. Nice for a change from the norm. Great summertime spot. Definitely worth a try.
(5)
Dave A.
I have been in this area for 15 years.. never even knew this place existed. They explained it is because they do not advertise. I guess they don't need to. My wife had one of the salads. The lettuce is not the king of the salad, the toppings are. About 1/2 an avocado and I would say about 5 slices of bacon chopped up. She did not like the pasta that was on the salad, but that was her only complaint. I had the Redwood potato. I got it on their 'exploded potatoes', which appears to be a version of twice cooked potato. I personally think I should have stayed with the baked spud, but that is my only real complaint. The beef was astounding, the horseradish was nice and mild, and overall was a very satisfying potato dish. IMHO, this salad and potato combo could feed 3 people. The atmosphere is clicky dive, but the staff is cool. An upgraded TV would be nice, rather than the old CRT unit above the fireplace. We will be back again.
(4)
Cynthia L.
We came here on a Sunday afternoon & for a place that is so hidden, there was a steady stream of people. We tried their steak potato loaded potato and grilled cheese (its the most interesting but best grilled cheese i've had...the bread was garlic bread-ish seasoned and they used provolone instead of american cheese). We hopped over to get ice cream ($1.75 for kid twisters was plenty for us)...you could tell it was really good ice cream and not the chemically-water mixed kind. Last, we stopped over to their beer & wine store. I love their $13 & under-unique wine & beers only rule...we ended buying 3 bottles. What made this trip so great was that the owners dropped in and chatted with us, which made us feel really welcomed. I would def recommend a trip here!
(5)
Allyson P.
Five stars for the beer selection alone. I have never seen such an incredible selection at a fast food restaurant. Many of them were beers I hadn't seen before, and I could have happily stayed there all day trying new beers, but I had a Flying Dog tour to get to. The cashier was also quite knowledgeable about the beers, and happy to answer any questions. On to the food, which was really quite great for the price and the setting. My husband and I got essentially the same thing: flat iron steak special for me, and flat iron steak potato for him. The special came with exploded potatoes and salad on the side, and my husband's steak came piled on top of a massive baked potato smothered with cheese. The steak was cooked exactly as ordered (medium-rare for my husband; rare for me), and perfectly seasoned. And there was a ton of it. I couldn't come close to finishing mine, but husband and no trouble finishing both of ours. And I'm not sure what exactly is in the exploded potatoes (definitely bacon, probably sour cream, not sure what else), but they're delicious. Definitely worth a stop if you find yourself in Frederick.
(5)
Amit M.
There's more than a hint of irony in finding this special place in the midst of the most industrial part of an otherwise very charming town. The food is fantastic, and it's a nice space in which to eat. Try one of their large sandwiches, a rich pasta salad (Southwest Chicken is my favorite), or their signature Exploded Potatoes (warning 1: decidedly not vegetarian; warning 2: otherwise, they will become your favorite potato side of all time). In warmer weather, few things are better than grabbing your order and finding a spot on the outdoor patio to enjoy it. ALERT: do not make the mistake of stepping up to order before you have been called, as you will be sent back in line. Offers an eclectic beer menu as well. Down the street from the Flying Dog Brewery.
(5)
Noah K.
This place is a real gem. A funky place in an industrial park, known only through word of mouth, they have great sandwiches, grilled wings, skirt steak, wonderful soups, salads, and a unique side dish called exploded potatoes, which for lack of a better explanation, is a cross between potato salad and mashed potatoes. Everything is made fresh and the prices are borderline giveaway. Better still, they have a wine shop of inexpensive gems attached (nothing over $13; case price on individual bottles on Fridays) and you can drink the wine with your meal without any extra markup. Service is friendly and enthusiastic. It's not lightning quick, but just enjoy yourself with an inexpensive beer or bottle of wine while you wait, because it will be worth it. The owner lives in the nearby neighborhood and is very passionate about what he does. You can chat with him in the wine shop frequently. The dishes are named after San Francisco neighborhoods, but the names have nothing to do with the dish themselves, so don't read too much into it. Sadly, the ice cream shop (best prices in town on home made soft serve) is on hiatus, but they say it will be back. I hope so, since they had the best milkshakes I've probably ever had. Newbies: look online and study the menu first. It will be daunting to try to figure out what you want based on the blackboard (you order at the counter), but once you see how things work, you'll be hooked.
(5)
Kathryn M.
Food is delicious and fresh, but a little pricey for sandwiches. I love the 'Sploaded potatoes!
(4)
G K.
Amazingly huge and freshly made gigantic sandwiches in a low-key almost Florida keys industrial atmosphere, and the prices are completely reasonable. It's quite out of the way, and our GPS had trouble finding it, but find it we did and have no regrets. I'd recommend this place to anyone for lunch, but you probably want skip breakfast first.
(4)
Mary B.
All I can say is- YUM! Vegetarian-friendly and so much fun. It's tucked away in a place you've never just find it "driving by" but once you know about it, you won't forget it! Try one of the baked potatoes. YUM YUM YUM!
(4)
Rachel E.
Came here recently after reading about it on yelp. I suggested it to my group of friends and off we went, as others have remarked, it has a somewhat odd location. We went on a weekend so there wasn't much open around since its in a business park and my friends were a bit skeptical until they saw the place. We walked in and read over the extensive menu. The girls who greeted us when we first walked in the door were a little a bit unfriendly, I don't think I saw them smile once and they seemed a little impatient for us to order but they did offer us samples of their red and white chili's, and also some of the loaded potatoes. Everyone remarked how amazing (need to go back and get those loaded potatoes) the samples were and my boyfriend ultimately decided to get the chili. All of the girls ordered a baker (baked potato), I ordered the redwood with roast beef and cheese. My friend ordered the one with avocado? Not sure what it was called and her daughter ordered a plain. I also ordered a side of macaroni & cheese. My boyfriend ordered the chili (also a side item I can't recall) and my friends son ordered a normal turkey sandwich. Everyone remarked that everything was good and I really enjoyed mine - they do not skimp on the meat or cheese, in fact every bite had a load of roast beef. The macaroni and cheese was decent, not the best ever as advertised (boo) and a bit cold in the middle. The place was a bit loud and become a little crowded in the time we were eating but hey it's good for business. The prices were extremely fair and everything was very filling. A few of us had to take leftovers. If I was just going off the food I would give this a 5, service I'd give a 3 maybe a 2.5 but it really isn't a place that service matters all that much since you sit yourself. The man who was also working there was very friendly in fact, too bad we did not get to deal with him the entire time. All and all it was a good experience with good food and low prices, I'll definitely go back.
(4)
Laylah G.
Love at first bite. This place has several things going for it: affordable prices, good sized portions, plenty of options, and delicious food. The location is a little sketch, but easy enough to find, and the industrial park setting sort of adds to the quirkiness. The first thing I ever ordered here was the Twin Peaks baker. I swear, my mouth hung open for half a minute after my first bite, because I couldn't believe how delicious it was and my brain sort of shut down in a "OMG WHAT DID YOU JUST EAT. YOU MUST EAT MORE" coma. My stomach should be so lucky to have one every day. The thing was huge and filled with deliciousness, tons of broccoli, carrots, and red cabbage, and an indecent amount of cheese. Good G-d. I also have had the Golden Gate sandwich here, which was quite delicious as well. The Wolf Sauce is quite good too- it's worth it to order the sauce with a bowl of chips. It's less than $5 and is practically party-sized. Everyone else I have gone there with have said their sandwiches and bakers were very tasty as well. I really really REALLY want to try the Exploding Potatoes, but alas, I don't eat bacon. I kept greedily sniffing my friend's order during my most recent trip, attempting to live vicariously through her more lax gastronomical choices. (She declared them "Holy Crap Delicious" by the way).
(5)
Daniel A.
Best sandwich shop/small beer/wine market in town bar none. Always enjoy coming here for lunch. This place does not make a bad sandwich and the exploded potatoes are amazing.
(5)
Susan S.
Stopped in after a day at Liberty based on Yelp recommendations. Hidden away in an industrial park, we never would've known this place existed but we will definitely be back. Based on recommendations from staff, we ordered a Trans-Am and a Lombard and wings for our son. The sandwiches were incredible and huge. I would order both of them again and again. And the exploded potatoes are delicious! Service was so warm and friendly. It's a great find and we can't wait to go back!
(5)
Chris J.
Best sandwich shop I have been to in a long time. Great service, prices, selection, and quality. Kind of in the middle of nowhere, tucked in amongst alot of empty newish commercial buildings, it is worth seeking out. They have a sandwich for everyone and two great veggie options (on top of tons of salads. It may seem a bit far from downtown frederick to grab lunch during work, but the service seems fast enough to get in and out. And the icing on the cake is the cheap beer! They had four beers on draft and loads of bottles. They had Flying Dogs Gonzo Porter for only $4 a pint (and they also sell 12 and 20 ounce servings of draft beer which is pretty cool).
(5)
Steve G.
Located in a new industrial park, this place is an unexpected treat. You arrive and immediately ere given free samples of a couple of things, including "exploded potties." Friendly staff takes your order and then you get your drinks (including craft beer on tap) . we had flat iron steak sald, which were quite tasty with good salsa, lettuce and dressing. If you like cement floors, friendly people and a place that only Yelp could turn it o a success this is for you.
(5)
Connie M.
I loved this place and can't wait to go back. Ordered grilled steak special which came on a fresh salad with a potato on the side. The serving of steak was a half pound and was tender and delicious. Lived the beer selection too. My friend and I wandered into the beer store after we ate and chatted with the knowledgeable staff. We were traveling the next day so neither of us was buying beer to go but instead the nice man gave us a free ice cream cone. I can't wait til I'm back in town as this will be my default dinner spot. Healthy food and craft beer. Yep!
(5)
Jose L.
This place has found the perfect formula- tasty food, countless menu selections, friendly staff, comfortable atmosphere and best yet easy on the wallet. This will be one of my go-to stops whenever I'm in Frederick.
(5)
Emilio F.
Great food, huge portions
(5)
Dana Z.
One thing is for sure: you won't leave hungry... Everything is really big and decently priced. I don't think it's quite as amazing as everyone is making it out to be, but that's just my opinion. Pretty good for a sandwich/salad place. I do agree with everyone that the exploded potatoes are pretty amazing. They have a pretty extensive menu and takes a few minutes to read all the descriptions unless you go in knowing what you want already :)
(3)
Derek H.
Crazy bold flavors. Over the top friendly group. We went in expecting a simple lunch. We walked through the door to big smiles and hellos. They offered us samples and were very patient with us. We walked out happy we gave it a try and look forward to trying it again in the future. I don't know about the experiences of others here on Yelp, but I would certainly recommend this place. If you like spicy, ask for some Wicked Wolf sauce.
(5)
L L.
Great food and pleasant, unconventional atmosphere.
(4)
William W.
First time here and all I have to say is wow! Excellent service as soon as we walked through the door. We were greeted with a sample of the exploded potatoes yum! A young man helped us through the menu and suggested the trans am which I had and my wife had the Alcatraz and we both had a side of the potatoes. Than we were pointed to the bar to pay and wow what a beer selection. The gentleman at the bar was very helpful and kind. He let us sample some of the beers on tap and I decided on the burley oak and my wife had a sasparilla. We both loved our subs and potatoes very large portions. I know what I will be having for lunch tomorrow. Defiantly check this place out good food good beer and good music! Found our new favorite spot we'll be back!
(5)
Ben G.
Really good subs... found this place on Yelp driving from Baltimore home to Cleveland. Would recommend! Menu is really big and hard to pick! Like the other reviews said it can be hard to find but once you find it youre golden.
(4)
Carly J.
I hadn't planned on reviewing Frisco's today but it popped up when I was searching for something else so I thought, "Why not?" About five months ago, my teenage son was feeling like crap. NOTHING interested him food-wise. I started driving around and after about 15 minutes, thought that exploded potatoes would hit the spot for him--easy on his throat and he loves them. I got to Frisco's about 7:04 PM and noticed that they closed at 7. I walked back to my car and as I was getting in, one of the employees came running out to me. He had a carry out menu in his hand and gave it to me while telling me the hours were printed on it and that he was sorry I missed them. Then, he said that he hated to think I had wasted a trip there and handed me a serving of...exploded potatoes. Anyone that's going to go that far above and beyond the call of duty to make someone happy who wasn't even upset to begin with deserves mention. Their food is great, the prices can't be beat and their customer service is also wonderful. Mayve a month later, I ordered one of the potato meals and the preparer omitted the dressing. It happened a second time. I wasn't really upset and I didn't make a scene--just made a comment that they might to double check their servings--mistakes happen. However, Mr. Cool Manager comped my next potato. I sing their praises. Any restaurant that is THAT "hidden" and off the beaten path that can not only survive but also thrive is impressive. I hope they're open for another 50 years!!
(5)
Angela S.
AKA Friscos: Home of the 23 minute sandwich. And, I am disappointed in my fellow Yelpers. A measley 1.5 stars. I will try to touch on the points that the other reviews failed to mention. First, when you pull up to the establishment, you have to figure out where to go. There is one part of the building for carryout and catering, another for ice cream, and another which is the restaurant. Now, I was going for carryout, so does that mean I go to the carryout door? I chose the restaurant, and it all went downhill from there. I walked in to find some people preparing food in the middle of the room, and what appeared to be a bartender in the back. No menu anywhere, as I had seen on the Yelp pictures. One of the workers asked if I had been there before. I told her no, and she pointed at the menu board on some random side of the counter that no one would have ever seen. At 4:00 on a weekday afternoon, there was only one person ordering in front of me. She ordered from the 2 people working there, then moved on. I was left standing there. And standing there. Finally one of them said they would be right with me. They weren't. Then someone came from another part of the building and took my order. After taking my order, he offered me a sample of the exploded potatoes, which looked totally unappetizing. Luckily I asked what the red bits were before I tried any (fyi they are bacon, for those of you who don't eat red meat). Seeing as I had just ordered 2 vegetarian sandwiches, you can probably bet that I handed that sample right back to him. Anyway, I took my order note over to the bartender-type guy, who rung me up--now tell me, why can't I just order from this guy? Doesn't make sense. So then I proceeded to wait, get this, 23 minutes for my 2 sandwiches. At 4:00 in the afternoon. With one person in front of me. Better be one hell of a sandwich. It wasn't. The Golden Gate, consisting only of tomato, alfalfa sprouts, avocado, 1 slice of cheese, and no dressing or seasoning, was pretty bad, especially when it was on cheap bread. Reminded me of a hot dog bun., It was pretty much inedible. It was trying to be Jimmy John's veggie sub, but I'd rather go the 1/2 mile down the road and get JJ's, on better bread with better flavor (and cheaper). The other vegetarian sandwich, The Mission, was better, mostly because it was on a higher quality baguette-type crusty-chewy bread. I think the green olive tapenade (that is what that is called for those who were struggling to describe it in other reviews) would have meshed well with the brie had it been a little less salty. All in all, I would probably have this sandwich again, but not from here. Its not worth the hassle. Both sandwiches were a decent size, but for $7-$7.50, they ought to be. Bottom line: If sandwiches are your claim to fame, then they better be damn good. Each and every one should be just as good as the next, with no "misses". And, no, I don't need to try any of the baked potatoes--I can make those at home.
(2)
Victoria R.
Not overly impressed. My husband had the Embarcadero and chips, and also a grilled cheese. His food was delicious and he was happy. I had a steak sandwich, which was terrible, and the exploded potatoes, which are as good as the reviews claim. I was extremely disappointed in my $9 steak sandwich, which I couldn't even bring myself to eat more than half of. Overall, this place fell short of its Yelp reputation.
(3)
Diane W.
Really enjoyed the place. Great food and very friendly staff
(5)
Elisabeth H.
This is a 3 * review that I really hope to go back and change to a 4. After reading all the hype I finally made a trip to AKA Friscos. It seems that AKA Friscos has a cult like following, and is fully illustrated by the fact that the location is in the middle of an industrial park. This is very different from the 4,397 other places to eat in Frederick that find themselves either downtown, or lining 40, 85, 355 in one of the MANY strip malls. I walked in and immediately got the this is 'one of those places' vibe. You know, that place you go when you are craving something great, out of the ordinary that fills a void that no other place seems to. The menu is extensive and can be overwhelming having done some pre-meal research via yelp I knew that there were a couple things I wanted to try but on the top of the list was the baked potato concoctions. So we had two of those Kong Lobo which had bacon, cheese, chili and the hot sauce which was more smokey then spicy and the other was the Santa Fe. They both were great taste wise but here comes the 3 star review part both potatoes came out very quickly which was great almost before we could find seating, but both were cold which wasn't so great. Both were sent back to be reheated and both came back hot on the sides with the middle and most of the actual potato part cold. Which really was a shame both chili was on point, and the Santa Fe tasted great. I think the key is making sure the potato is hot throughout prior to placing all the toppings on it. That really is my only complaint, but no matter how good something is tasting it's not so good cold. We also had the mildly spicy wings which were not really spicy at all and were baked not fried, but were just as good as if they had been prepared the 'yummy but bad for you way' they came with a smokey ranch type of dipping sauce which was great. Last but not least was the exploded potatoes and BBQ sandwich. The BBQ was good not the best I have ever had but it was still good. The highlight was definitely the exploded potatoes they were great! All in all had a good meal, tried a bunch of stuff, and am excited to go back and give Frisco's a second chance.
(3)
Andrew B.
There aren't many places where I'm willing to say I'd recommend literally anything on the menu, but this is one of them. The sandwiches are unique and delicious (recommendation: the embarcadero or flat iron steak), the salads are meals unto themselves, and the sides are great (if you don't love the exploded potatoes, you don't have a soul). They serve beer, they have an ice cream/milkshake attachment and a fantastic -- and inexpensive -- wine selection with a helpful staff. The location is poor, but that's a forgivable (and even understandable when you see the business they do during the week) offense. I've gone here probably at least 50 times and have had one bad experience -- the girl who took my order was offensive in her lack of caring and ended up taking down the order wrong -- but even that was rectified quickly by other staff. Frisco's is just a fantastic, individualistic, casual place. Best lunches in town.
(5)
Dylan K.
Friscos is amazing. I get the flat iron steak potato almost everytime. The steak is better than what I had at The Tasting Room. Everything is insanely flavorful. Really fun atmosphere too. Can't say a bad word about it. Awesome place. I'm so glad I live near Westview so I can go all the time.
(5)
PEZ C.
Food gets a 5 - the exploded potatoes are fantastic; bring your appetite or plan on taking home a doggy bag because it's a lot of food. For the atmosphere, we would rate it a 3 - it is loud and the seating isn't that comfortable.
(4)
Monica P.
The jury is still out on this. I think I need to go back and try one of their signature items that others rave about. I wasn't wild about the Cobb salad. The chicken on it was 2nd rate quality and very salty.
(3)
Jackie G.
We came here for lunch when we were visiting the Flying Dog Brewery based on all of the positive reviews it had online. We enjoyed the food so much, we came back that same day for dinner. Since then, we make sure to hit it up anytime we're even remotely close to it, including going out of our way to go through Frederick when driving from New Jersey to stop in. As everyone else has mentioned, the star really is the buttery scalliony amazing exploded potatoes...pay the extra $0.50 to upgrade the regular potatoes to exploded. Our favorite is probably the Flat Iron Steak (really good steak, homemade steak sauce, cheese and scallions). They also do a couple of specials after 4 and on the weekends. I've had the Grilled Chicken Special, which has really flavorful grilled chicken served with some exploded potatoes, a small salad, and an awesome cilantro sauce. They have a ton of great looking salads and sandwiches, but haven't ventured to that part of the menu....yet.
(5)
Elizabeth L.
I really tried to like Friscos, because I like San Francisco a lot, but I couldn't find anything to eat there that wasn't a disappointment. I have tried their chili (way too much cumin!), some sandwiches (really, I have had much better sandwiches), nachos (double why bother) and have reached the conclusion that I don't like the food at Friscos and it is time to stop trying.
(1)
Colin M.
The real food king of Frederick that most residents surprisingly don't know about because of the location. Full flavor in all the items they serve - I don't know how they already haven't been featured on some sort of Food Network show.
(5)
Heather P.
I'm a Friscos ADDICT! I love everything Friscos!! These recent reviews on here are completely WHACK! These complaints about "bad service" is a JOKE!! Kim E The reason why you couldn't fit through the door, is because obviously Friscos is the BEST! Clearly you should have stopped at a run down McDonald's on some interstate because FRISCOS IS NOT FOR PEOPLE LIKE YOOOOOOOU! The funny thing is, if you would have been a lady, and asked to speak to one of the owners, they would have happily made you something more to your liking upon request. People like you and Mr Glenn, belong at the wawa with all the other stale people in the world. In my final defense, Aka Friscos is definitely NOT for everyone.. That's why they don't advertise.. Most people find out about them by word of mouth. this is a review you can trust! xoxoxo heather ; )
(5)
Roger B.
I liked this place a lot! Good service, great menu and awesome food. The layout can be a bit confusing your first time, but, once you get it down, it's fairly simple. If you tell them it's your first time there, they will make sure you understand everything going on. Once again, great food.
(5)
Kevin L.
Yes, it is small and loud - and sometimes it is hard to get a seat BUT the food is totally worth it!! Every sandwich I have ever ordered have been excellent, the portions are great too. I love the loaded mased potatoes, these alone are worth the trip. A great meal, fair prices.
(5)
Will P.
This place was awesome. The menu is expansive and has a ton of great items. The staff is super helpful and really care about your experience. I can't wait to go back!
(5)
Daniel D.
Heard about this place through word of mouth and I'm glad I stopped flat iron steak on potatoes is a very filling lunch my girlfriend tried there mildly spicy wings and they had a very good taste I will go a 2nd time for sure they also sell beer
(4)
Phil W.
Friendly, helpful service... Very quick and tons of food! Got the fat boy: 4 kinds of meat 2 kinds of cheese! Good eats
(5)
Sooperken S.
Good sandwiches and good food in general... i thoroughly dislike the ordering process, where you stand, wait and hope that one of the kids they have working there notices you and eventually takes your order... it can be frustrating at times... It's like they are doing you a favor by finally taking your order? ... besides that, i don't have many other complaints... The curry chicken salad sandwich with sprouts is great and definitely reminds me of something you might get in San Francisco... i'll go again and would recommend it... Can somebody PLEASE work out a more logical/professional ordering process? i'll give you 5 stars when that happens...
(4)
Ryan N.
Great spot for lunch! So many choices you'll need to come back, again and again to try them all. Love their generous use of avocado and bean sprouts! Atmosphere is fun and great for casual dining.
(4)
Jeff F.
Great for a casual meal. The food was very good, try the exploded potato salad, it is unique. The owner came over to our table and was very friendly, offering up tastes of items on the menu. Overall we were very pleased and will visit again, when in the area.
(5)
Anthony Y.
I read about this place on yelp. I went yesterday, the service is outstanding some of the nicest people you will ever meet. The owner gave me the VIP treatment and the food was outstanding. When you go ask about the exploding potatoes. In the words of Arnold, "I'll be back"
(5)
Chrissy M.
Have you ever gotten a food craving that just can't be satisfied until you have that food again? That's how I feel just thinking about Friscos! Everything I have ever had from them is amazing and I've had a lot. They have an extensive menu so if you're struggling with what to try I recommend 1 - The Bart 2- Exploded Potatoes 3 - Santa Fe Chicken. Yes, you should get all three and it will cost you just over $10. The atmosphere is awesome, the people have always been super friendly to me and the food is amazing! I don't usually like to try new foods once I have a favorite and once I was debating (out loud) trying the Santa Fe chicken vs. sticking with the same thing I always get and the man behind the counter said, "Here, try some and then decide." Best decision ever! I seriously can't get enough of Friscos! Definitely worth a visit if you're in the area or if you're like me and live 40 minutes away it's worth the drive!
(5)
Colleen F.
Nice, family friendly atmosphere with affordable prices. We were greeted at the counter with free samples of their soup to try. The staff is very friendly. Good vegetarian options and beer selection. Their location is in a warehouse type area, so don't turn around thinking you've made a wrong turn. The sandwiches are very tasty. I do miss the outdoor ice cream window.
(4)
Tristan K.
This place is the stuff of legend - back when they had their outpost near Tenleytown in DC, the line was consistently out the door. Although this HQ has been the only Friscos option for about a decade, I still make the 45 minute drive on the weekends to this simple oasis tucked into an industrial park. The subs are great, lots of variety and packed to the gills. Do not forget the Wicked Wolf hot sauce for that added zing. The Oreo cookies are also heavenly, with the right amount of softness. But my go-to is the exploded potatoes. Despite countless attempts I can never recreate the awesomeness that is the Redwood. Would definitely be my choice for a last meal if I ever find myself on death row.
(5)
Jeff S.
Quirky and fun little hidden gem in Frederick. Great sandwiches, exploded potatoes, salads, bakers, etc. They seem to have something for everyone. Prices are reasonable but it does seem like they use pretty cheap quality ingredients.
(4)
Kim E.
Rude customer service and lack-luster food is the fare at AKA Friscos. If you are passing through, please keep on driving. This joint is not made for the family just passing through town. We picked it based on Yelp reviews that usually never lead us astray. We walked in...ok, squeezed in the doorway and tried to read the menu. The counter is right up next to the door with a gigantic billboard style menu with so many options and details that you can't wrap your head around what is available. We step up to order and the guy working the counter is clearly exasperated by the fact that I ask for a grilled chicken sandwich for my daughter. No. Can't do that. Can't? Interesting choice of words. So, I order a kid's grilled cheese and a "what he called the closest thing to a grilled chicken sandwich" for my daughter and I to split. It was called "the Chronicle" My husband got one as well. The grilled chicken was average at best. It was grilled much like you would do at home on your grill. The grilled cheese for my son was...less than appetizing. Pretty bad when a four year old won't eat a grilled cheese. While there were plenty of people there eating, I can't imagine that they are enjoying this less than average meal. Perhaps there is nothing else to choose from in the area. Maybe it is locals who have grown up thinking this is the best food out there. Maybe we just got the wrong things. Here's a hint AKA Friscos...help your customers who don't have a clue pick some of the favorites on your menu if you are going to have a mammoth of a menu!
(1)
Monica K.
exploded potato tastes like heaven.
(4)
Ramona P.
Great place to eat in and carry out. My father is very particular and doesn't like just anyplace. He ordered the roast beef sandwhich and was very pleased that he could only eat half of it because there was so much in it.
(4)
Samuel R.
AKA Friscos: Worth the drive to Frederick Question: How many sandwiches exist that are so good that you would need no other reason to plan a trip to Frederick? Count the number of sandwiches on the menu of AKA Friscos and you will have your answer. Ms. Classy and I visited AKA Friscos a few weeks ago and we could not wait for a return visit. I messaged with my lunch plans while she was stuck at work and she replied, "It is cruel of you to go up there without getting me something. CRUEL." I promised to bring home one of their mouth-watering sandwiches (the Trans-Am) and she quickly retracted her accusation of cruelty. The trip from doorstep to deli took the better part of an hour, but in my food-obsessed opinion, it was worth it. The first thing a newbie customer will notice upon entering the restaurant is the atmosphere. There's no formal greeter, but I got a friendly "Hello!" shout and a sample of their Exploded Potatoes handed to me when I walked in the door. AKA Friscos is the antithesis of formal in the best way possible. It is one part deli, one part sports bar, and one part indoor picnic. Customer and staff conversations are loud, but friendly, and their music selection rocks (80s Def Leppard, Pink Floyd, AC/DC, and Alice Cooper were on the playlist during my visit). You can watch the sandwich magic happen from the open center 'pavillion' where they take your order and assemble your food. Now to my favorite part of all: the food. On the first visit, Ms. Classy and I shared the Embarcadero and the Alcatraz sandwiches and shared a side of the Exploded Potatoes. After the first bite, we made a blood oath to return. For today's visit, I ordered the BBQ Sandwich, which comes with a side of the Exploded Potatoes, for $8.50. As you can see, this sandwich is big and slathered in Sweet Baby Ray's barbecue sauce. The server brought a handful of extra napkins, which is a necessity for a sandwich like this. The roast beef was tender with a nice smokey flavor. If you like your barbecue beef sweet, this is the sandwich for you. Even though the sandwich was large and wonderful, the side of Exploded Potatoes is not to be overlooked. Unlike a traditional cold, mustard/mayonnaise based potato salad, the Exploded Potatoes are served warm, almost mashed, with plenty of butter, bacon, and green onions mixed inside. They are amazing and a must have unless you have some sort of anti-potato political agenda. After my tasty and very filling lunch, I had a nice chat with the owner, John Wolf. He gave me a quick tour of the facilities and showed me where they dry rub, roast, and slice their fresh meats daily. Their breads are delivered bakery fresh every morning. He let me sample a few different meat slices, which made me curse my standard-sized stomach for not being able to take on additional sandwiches at the time. I asked him about the 'off the grid' location and John said it was by design. He's happy with his regular clientele and atmosphere for the deli and attached wine store. He is more than happy to welcome new customers, but cautions the atmosphere isn't for everyone and people have come based on stellar customer reviews and were a little put off by the hyper-casual atmosphere. I assured him that no one really reads my *CENSORED* and he seemed pleased. He followed that up with one of my favorite quotes from a restaurant owner: "We're not going to turn the music down." Will Ms. Classy and I return? As often as we have business in Frederick (sometimes the only business we'll have there is to visit AKA Friscos. Yours, -Someone of the male persuasion who does not like to spend a whole lot of money on things
(5)
Shane E.
Biggest Yelp disappointment to date. Place was packed and the small ordering area left me working the door. The menu is far too large and descriptive for any first timer. From the side you cannot read the many different item descriptions. Naming food items after SF landmarks, for example, is cute and all, but does little to help tell me what the item is. The descriptions underneath are so long they border on run-on sentence. The staff seemed somewhat annoyed by our lack of experience with their complex system. I've read more than a few reviews that mentioned the staff issues. I'm not sure who ever said this is good for kids either. Nothing most kids would eat was on the agenda. Asked for a plain chicken breast...told that wasn't on the menu and to try again. Had to buy an appetizer and an $8.95 sandwich for our two. Sandwich was underwhelming to say the least, especially for 9 bucks. Subway is as good a choice. Grilled cheese and chicken sandwich were nothing more than standard back-yard grill fare. Swapping provolone for American cheese isn't all that avante-garde I'm afraid. Nothing remotely special about our meals. Had the spicy chili. Decent but, again, nothing I will be craving anytime soon. Service is subpar and just getting a plastic fork and napkins required me searching around the restaurant and asking for help. I was 2/3 thru my sandwich when my side of chili came up. This place is loud and lousy, sorry to burst any Yelp! bubbles. My only hypothesis is the fact that the location is in an industrial park-type area and there weren't many options in the immediate area. Yelp! has never let me down but this left me with a horrible taste in my mouth, both literally and figuratively. I generally try to find the bright spots in any visit because I spent so many years in the food-service industry. I felt a lot of optimism heading into AKA Friscos but that quickly turned to all-out frustration and anger. After we left my wife pointed out that they didn't have menus and posted a note that recommends you download it yourself. I won't be back and I hope that for their sake they adjust their "Dick's Last Resort" attitude when it comes to their customers. Gave one star because I couldn't give it zero. Update 6/24/12- I stand by my review, even in light of Owner's comments. Why should I have to defend my opinion?
(1)
Don D.
You'll never find it.. Unless you look for it. Great sandwiches. The service has a hint of the Soup Nazi, for sure. Sammy makers are all business -- a good sign, but no room for yapping. The cashier was really cold...youch! But, who cares. Cool place, great sammies, great variety.
(4)
Monkee C.
This is a great find in an unexpected place (an industrial office park in Frederick, who knew)? Good deal on lunch special too, half of any sandwich and a medium side and drink for $7. I tried the embarcadero which I thought was very good, but it was the white bean chicken chili that I had as my side that really brought it to new levels. No other chili can compare now (seriously). I'll be stopping here whenever I'm hungry and in the area.
(4)
Kelly D.
Wonderful and fresh! Can be made vegan friendly! The place was packed when we got there but food came out quick. I was in town just passing through on my way to NC. Food was delicious, staff helpful and pleasant.
(4)
Ginny S.
12 July 2012 1200 Accessibility:This restaurant while slightly off the beaten path and is easy to get into and it has plenty of parking. 3 Stars Atmosphere: This is a very social, loud and friendly place. Really a great place to go with friends for lunch. It is two floors and enough seating even though a lot of people seem to carry out too. probably should emphasize the loudness in the place. After you order your food and stand to wait for it, you really have to listen hard because they do not yell it out too loud or at least the music and noise overpowers it out. Very "tight" to walk around in where you order and narrow stairs taking you upstairs. 4 Stars Customer service: The customer service consists of talking to the person that you place your order with and then the other person that you pay. Not much interaction with the one we put our orders with, she pretty much never looked up, just took the order and shoved the order slip in front of us and said to give that to the lady at the pay counter. But they do work fast there and there was a line. Now where we paid for the sandwiches/salads, she was very pleasant. 3 Stars Menu Food:Sandwiches and Salads. This place makes a lot of great salads and even more salads! If you have a special type of sandwich/salad, I would bet they have it here. The entire building smells wonderfully of the great foods too! I had thePacific Heights. It is what they call an Italian and Greek salad withSalami, & Prosciutto on Romaine lettuce. It is literally loaded with their homemade "mild" salsa. It slightly more than mild to most, but it is really good I might add. It has an olive relish, pepperonini, sprinkled with a tad of feta cheese. While they are a little heavy on the oil & vinegar, they were overly heavy on the hot peppers. This is a "spicy hot" little salad but if you like it that way, it is a nice little salad. Light and really filling. A small is a fairly large size. So remember the portion sizes here are fairly large and well worth the money for a lunch with some friends. 3 stars Would I come back to this restaurant? For a lunch - absolutely. Or a very late lunch with a bunch of friends.
(3)
Shawn H.
There are probably a few good places to eat in Frederick, but a.k.a Friscos has to be the best for miles and miles. It is immediately obvious that everyone here knows how to run a deli. But it gets better. The sandwich creations are well thought out, excellent and reasonably priced. The same is true for the salads. You get a LOT to eat. There's an ice cream place attached if you just have to have something sweet after (or in place of) your meal. I also saw beer and wine if that's your preference. This is located in the middle of a large office park and I heard they close at 5pm, so it's lunch only. Get there early or be prepared to wait because everyone there knows how awesome the food is!
(5)
Grant M.
I hate to be the wet blanket. But my family went here with high hopes from the stellar yelp reviews and we felt pretty let down. Nothing really to write home about - except the exploded potatoes .Those were pretty good.
(3)
D. C.
Stuck-up servers and cooks that treat you like crap every time without fail. Fabulous food though! Can you say....Soup Nazi lol? The food is phenomenal and the prices have stayed pretty true to what they always were. Cannot fault the owners or the cooks!
(4)
Shane K.
Absolutely great food. Friscos chicken salad was fantastic and the exploded potatoes are phenomenal. Good prices and nice atmosphere.
(5)
John F.
The food here is awesome! The owners and staff couldn't be nicer. I want to eat here every day!
(5)
C F.
This place is great.
(5)
Chef A.
Now if you like to eat maggots, then I suggest going back to MD-85 where the4th st. refugee hookers who are paid in Toblerone go to eat. But for the rest of us who are sick of the Buckeystown Pkl nightmare at lunch time, Friscos is one of the best hidden secrets in town. If you want good food, good booze and a good price, then you want to come here. If you want to sit outside and eat ice cream, well they got that too,. And hell, after eating a stuffed potato, downing a few pints, then head next door drunk for ice cream, you can go next door to that to the wine shop and buy more booze to go. This brings me to my second part of the review, the booze. I had a date and we hit this place up like a high school kegger for her to get silly drunk. they had a decent beer selection, but she chose wine. Personally, I think the effects of getting trashed off of Listerine would be better than wine drunk, but hell, she's the drinker. Anywho, the wine selection was pretty huge. And if that's not enough alcohol for you, a five minute walk or 8 second car ride puts you at the front door of the Flying Dog. So, if you don't like hookers or maggots, then come to Frisco's. If on the other hand you do like the preceding thing, then hit up MD-85/355 where they party near the massage and tattoo parlors. PS- They DO sell Mellow Yellow.
(5)
Julaine N.
Their exploded potatoes are fantastic. I love adding the sausalito toppings to them. You can add any baked potato toppings to the exploded potatoes. It makes an excellent meal! They also have delicious salads and soups. Everything is very filling, delicious, and at a great price. Wine and beer are available as well.
(5)
Sean S.
Good luck finding this place! Its like in Zelda where you had to move a specific rock or burn a specific bush to find your goodies. And im not telling because Im selfish like that. Yums: Exploded potatoes are awesome, great subs, summer wine tastings, excellent selection of reasonably priced wines (we buy it by the case here) and there is no better deal on ice cream in Frederick ( the way cool kiss with the homemade oreos is delish). Pricing: Cheap Atmosphere: beachy, which is awesome for Frederick ( i need the reminder of beaches) Dress: very casual Service: good Food: A Parking: Ample and Free Wait: None Overall Grade: A
(5)
Matthew S.
Fantastic sandwich joint! It's tucked in the middle of an industrial park (down the road from Flying Dog Brewery.The menu is that of a sandwich/salad/soup type of place, but with extra attention on the little things. The meats are of a higher quality, the sub rolls are freshly baked, and the sauces are homemade. Everything is named after a neighborhood in San Francisco - so far I've had the Lombard and Oakland and both were excellent. Very filling as well - the sandwiches are packed with meat. The best item on the menu, in my opinion, is the exploding baked potato. Just check it out - it's delicious. Also, they sell beer including local, national favs, and west coast Anchor Brewing Company. Overall a great meal, both lunch and dinner. They also sell wine and beer next store, so it's a nice place to start the night out at.
(5)
Glenn G.
I'll make this one short and sweet. The food was OK for the most part. The BBQ Beef sandwich was good. A pretty decent portion for the price. I also had the exploding potatoes which were alright, but not exactly amazing, IMO. However, I'm really sorry to say that their customer service was absolutely THE worst I've experienced in some time. The next time I crave a sandwich, I'll go to the Wawa a couple of miles away.
(1)
Hen S.
Service was eh....food was ok. Won't be going back.
(3)
Willie T.
Great place, great price, great staff. Been there dozens of times and have never had a bad meal, sandwich, soup or service. Def. best of Frederick
(5)
Kevin W.
I ate here multiple times a week for almost 2 months straight. This is the best lunch spot in this city in my opinion. The potatoes, soups, and chillies are the best. Order some of their cookies. I prefer the strawberry shortcake.
(5)
Ted W.
Good sandwiches (not spectacular). Exploded potatoes are very good. Odd location in a semi-industrial area.
(3)
Sarah C.
The food gives this place 4 stars. The wait staff? well half of them were decent, and a few were down right rude. But the sandwhich? AMAZING! I had the pesto sandwhich, it was sooo good. The cheese was to die for! The loaded mash potatos were delicous. But the bbq pork had to much pepper for my liking. I'd definitely go there again. $20 for 2 meals, a beer, and soda, was a great price.
(4)
Nazzarena L.
The locatrion is unfortunate, a secluded industrial zone that is the armpit of a town wich is itself an armpit. But if you manage to make it to (armpit)e2, you'll find a trendy and beachy eatery with a delicious american menu of subs and bakers (baked potatoes), including exploded potatoes that goes from the gory (Fatboy, Kong Lobo) to the simple and veg (avo cado rich Sausalito, Alcatraz). Add adjoining wine detailer and ice cream parlor. Visit nearby Flying Dog brewery and make it an excursion.
(5)
BigDaddy A.
Love this place! Incredible food! Highly recommend the chili, the skinny green pizza and the south of Santa Fe salad. We eat here every time we are in Frederick or when we are passing the area. Trying to eat my way through the menu but I keep getting side tracked by repeating my favorites.
(5)
Molly M.
Great beer selection, amazing food and big portions. For $14 I got a giant sandwich, the "Lombard" and a "small" overstuffed exploded potato--both delicious AND I also got a 7% bloodline flying dog (brewed right down the street!). Can you beat this???
(5)
Yashar D.
Two words: exploded potatoes. Sandwiches were good, but not the best I've had. Very hard to find, but worth it.
(4)
R S.
It's in the middle of a business park. Go on a weekend, to avoid the lunch crowd. I had an exploded potatoe and a beer. Delish! it sort of has a street food flair. You will leave satisfied. The soup was primo!
(4)
Walt K.
Great sandwich, eclectic menu, we all very much enjoyed the meal and felt it was a good value. Would definately return when in Frederick.
(4)
Sam C.
This place is awesome. The sandwiches, the potatoes, just everything. The seating is limited, so the food is best enjoyed as take-out. The service is usually fast and friendly. My only complaint is the 7pm closing time on Mondays through Thursdays.
(5)
Brian G.
Great hidden treasure in a warehouse district. The exploded potatoes are worth driving a couple hours. Lots of vegetarian friendly options and good cookies. Nothing fancy here. Just great exploded potatoes.
(5)
Peppermint L.
Definitely worth the going out of the way for. This sandwich shop is as good as it gets. Their location is in a weird area, so you might think you're headed in the wrong direction at first. Best sandwiches I ever had and everything taste so fresh and flavorful. Highly recommend the Exploded Potatoes.
(5)
Rodger C.
Great place to go. Love the service!
(5)
Teresa A.
Overwhelming amount of things on the menu, but the employees are more than welcome to give you delicious samples of everything while you try decide! The exploded potato was amazing, however I don't enjoy watching the grease ooze out of my food and all over my plate while I am eating, I do try to eat healthy but am not opposed to an on occasional really really bad meal, yet delicious, but this was just a little much. I also got the Alcatraz sandwich, that I split with my mom (it was definitely big enough). They were out of the sliced sourdough bread so we get it on a sourdough roll. I can imagine it being better on bread, but it was still good. The dijon mustard was WAY too powerful, I probably would get it without next time, but then again there are so many things on the menu that I most likely would just get something else. I don't like how you wait in line to order, then go into another line to order drinks and to pay.... there is a lot of waiting, and it wasn't that busy!? But it took forever! All in all, the food was really really good, the atmosphere is awesome, and I love the outdoor seating option. Oh, but the TVs are completely pointless. The Redskins game was on and the TVs were so old school and small that I couldn't even read the score. You wont be terribly disappointed coming here, it was definitely satisfying, but it also didn't blow me completely away. I need to try something else next time, and I will still definitely be back.
(3)
Trudy S.
I was skeptical about how good this place was, given its weird location (in the middle of an industrial park) and how hype can often be overrated. Nope. Every bit as good as people say it is. Exploded potato = a must. Sandwiches = delicious. Atmosphere = perfectly cozy without being obnoxious. Definitely coming back.
(5)
Eric Y.
A little bit out of the way but this place has great food. If you're looking for a quick and affordable meal this is the place. They also have a nice beer and wine selection next door. Plenty of seating and great for take-out. Pretty much everything on the menu is yummy but you should definitely get their exploded potatoes!
(5)
Albert S.
Go there!!! Good food and beer/wine store is always a great deal. Unique comfort food here and not a bad choice in the menu.
(5)
A. J.
I was planning a visit to Frederick and perused Yelp looking for a perfect lunch restaurant. a.k.a. Friscos looked interesting. I'm so glad we went there. The food was soooooo good. The menu is extensive and it was difficult to make a decision since everything sounded so good. This restaurant is off the beaten track but absolutely worth the drive. I will definitely be a repeat customer.
(5)
Francisco J.
I see no reason to return. Reviews mislead me. Hard to find place in an industrial park, nothing around commercial. Totally out of place. Hard bad bread, pressed sliced turkey and expensive. Loaded potatoes are good but not good enough to make me return.
(1)
Ray R.
Excellent place for lunch. All the sandwiches are unique creations that fill you up and leave a smile on your face. The exploded baked potatoes are amazing and the gumbo was homemade and wonderfully satisfying. The staff is very friendly...the guy that took our order double checked it when it came out and, of his own accord, sent back my daughter's sandwich that accidentally came back with ranch dressing on it(we would have been fine with it, but it was nice that he remembered) I highly recommend this place for anyone looking for a great lunch experience.
(5)
Tiffany M.
I wish I could eat here more but my husband isn't a huge fan, not because of the food, but because he isn't a big sandwich or salad guy. I have had salads (my favorite is the Santa Fe salad), sandwiches (Chicken salad is delicious) and love their skinny green pizza appetizer. My husband does like their exploded potatoes and get's a chili cheese and bacon baked potato and subs the potato for exploded potatoes. Cookies are amazing (smashed oreo cookie), I just wish Way Cool was still open :( Beer and wine selection next door is awesome!
(5)
Will R.
Great sandwich shop and the manager with the beard exudes pure sexual machismo.
(4)
Victoria Z.
This is one of the few "Why have I never reviewed this?!!" places I will be reviewing tonight. Fun story, I used to visit here a lot with my boyfriend. Now he's my husband and we hadn't been back since we got engaged. So when deciding where to have lunch today, I had a big "Duh! YES!" moment when he mentioned, "Hey, let's go to Friscos!" My favorite things here are the exploded potatoes and the cookies that have crushed up Oreos in them. I could live off of both of those just fine. But, in case those don't suit you (I don't know why they wouldn't!) there is a very extensive list of sandwiches and salads to choose from, too.
(4)
J B.
This is one of my favorite places in Frederick. You can't go wrong with anything on the menu! Exploded Potatoes worth writing home about (unleass you're a vegetarian)....everything that you'd find in a loaded baked potato but mixed perfectly so there's bacon in every bite. Need I say more?! :-). BBQ beef sandwich was another awesome discovery, plus bonus served WITH Exploded Potatoes....I've tasted some of almost every category of food on their menu (vegetarian and carnivorous) and I have been satisfied. I even have family members putting in requests for me to bring "Big Salads" when I visit. It's great casual food at a great price....What more could you ask for?
(5)
Tony M.
And in conclusion... This is a great lunch spot. Good sandwiches and great potatoes.
(5)
Lynn D.
Best chicken salad in Frederick County!!!! I can eat chicken salad or the chicken sandwich 5 times a week....YUMMY!!!!
(5)
Roger S.
Pretty good, though sandwiches are about $1 more than they should be. Definite place that's been discovered, even though its in the middle of an industrial park. Despite the hippie vibe, they use a lot of non-renewable containers, like styrofoam and aluminum containers...
(3)
Nik L.
This place is the jam! Awesome sandwiches, salads, and the exploded potatoes are amazing. Good selection of beer, and every this is reasonably priced. You can get a bangin steak salad for like $10, that would cost you nearly double at most of the restaurants downtown (Brewers alley)
(5)
E R.
This is not only a great little sandwich shop but the wine and beer deals next door are excellent. And you get case price on one bottle or more on Fridays.
(5)
Adrian K.
Love this unique out of the way restaurant. My favorite is the grilled chicken special, a salad with Dijon cilantro dressing and exploded potatoes! Awesome! The chili is good and the sandwiches are great. Tough to try the whole menu when the first few dishes you eat there are so good. I'm a creature of habit.
(5)
Patrick M.
We were in from out of town and looking for a great local place to eat. I was blown away! The food was delicious (I got the Lombard and my son had the chicken Caesar salad), and reasonably priced. If I am ever in town again, this will be my first stop!
(5)
Ben P.
This place has some fantastic sandwiches! It was great to be greeted with some exploded potatoes- a sort of warm potato salad with bacon- upon walking in the door. There is a lot of variety on the menu; it's a shame I'm an out of towner because I'd love to try some of the salads. Two suggestions to improve San Franciscan authenticity: bread selections should include Dutch crunch and sourdough, and the sandwiches should reflect the character of the neighborhoods they represent. A North Beach, for instance, should be an Italian sub or a salami sandwich. I had a great lunch here, and will be happy to return if ever passing back through Frederick.
(4)
Nick C.
I love this place! I have lived in Frederick 7 years but didn't hear about Friscos until last year :( boy did I miss out. I have been back like 10 times since I found it. This place is amazing. Exploded baked potato is a must try! So good. My first time in I believe I met the owner who was very nice and she gave me a free upgrade from small to medium. Steak potato is the Bomb. Flat iron steak over exploded baked potato with extra cheese for $9. So much value here. I have also had the Baja chicken salad, embarcadero, grilled chicken sandwich, tuna sandwich, and Italian sub, all were delicious!!!
(5)
Vincent M.
All of the reviewers raved about the Exploding Potatoes, and they 100% lived up to the hype! Friscos is an absolute gem tucked away on Wedgewood Blvd. I recently went there with a small group and was able to sample a few of the sandwiches; including the Lombard and Fat-Boy. The sandwiches were impressive and delicious, and a very generous portion. You will not leave hungry. The atmosphere is inviting; not too loud, but not quiet either. In addition to a full menu of various sandwich selections, the menu also offers an array of salads and sides. They also offer a decent selection of beers. I will definitely be going back again. Is a great place for lunch if you work nearby, and they also cater.
(4)
Natalie H.
This was my first visit to Friscos and I will not be returning. The only here positive was the service, which was welcoming and friendly, although our order was not entirely correct. They did have an impressive beer selection. I noticed Bells Two Hearted was on the draft list, a personal favorite. I should have gotten beer. We both ordered the special, which was grilled cheese and a side of chili. The chili was barely warm, definitely not hot enough for safely eating. The grilled cheese was a hoagie bun grilled inside out and mostly burned. The white cheese was tasteless and rubbery. It's pretty hard to mess up grilled cheese, but they did it. The experience was disappointing, and if I had eaten at all earlier in the day, I would have sent it back, but it was almost 5 and I needed something in my stomach. I ate it and instantly regretted it. I had read the slightly overwhelming menu online first and had planned to get a baked potato, but the employee suggested the special. I might have had better experience if I had ordered differently, but will not be going back to find out.
(1)
Karri V.
It's been awhile since we visited Friscos but I just had the best lunch I have had from anywhere in a long time so I'm updating my review. Since we are never on this side of town we got way more food than we actually needed. The Curry Frisco salad is just the best thing ever. The Lombard sub was pretty tasty but holy crap that Redwood potato was amazing. I'm miserably happy right now. I love you, a.k.a Friscos.
(5)
Allison L.
We came here yesterday for lunch after having it bookmarked for a year or so. It is in the middle of an industrial park but easy enough to find. The ordering situation is kind of dumb. You order your food in the middle of the restaurant, get an order slip, go over to the bar to pick up drinks and pay. They then call out the menu item but not a name or order number or anything. It wasn't too busy when we were there so this wasn't an issue but since this place has such good reviews I imagine it's packed and confusing sometimes. The food came out super quick. We had the Redwood exploded potato (exploded potato, top round of beef, ranch, cheddar, red onions, chives, and horseradish) and the South of Market sandwich (ham, swiss, mayo, honey mustard, lettuce, onion). Both were delicious. The exploded potato is pretty heavy, I didn't make it through my whole portion and it just felt like it sat in my stomach for the next few hours. It was delicious though and the sandwich was too. The liquor store next door is pretty cool. It says they only carry unique or small batch wines, but there were definitely some I'd see before. The beer selection was pretty standard, a lot of Flying Dog, and some beer from Milkhouse Brewery in Mt. Airy.
(4)
Jolena S.
Have been coming here for years. My favorites are the Friscos Cobb salad (AMAZING!) and the Redwood Baked Potato. Their tomato carrot basil soup is also so yummy.
(5)
Pixie A.
Been eating here since they opened! Never gets old! The exploded baked potatoes are unlike anything I've tried elsewhere. The sandwiches are consistent despite staff turnovers throughout the years. Fantastic place for lunches!
(5)
Sonya P.
Cafe style sandwich place with a wide variety of beers and excellent flavor sandwiches & sides. Ingredients are somewhat simple with a few twists here and there but it's great. My office orders from here for large meetings and it's unanimously a favorite. They have the best veggie options too! And a note, you can try a sample of the soup before purchasing.
(5)
Adam D.
Frisco's is a nice place good ingredients decent food. The dining area is a little small they have a great atmosphere and tons of selection on the menu. The exploded potatoes are great! My only complaint is the bread was not the best and this is important at a sandwich shop. They're friendly and fast and the beer selection is great!
(4)
Laura M.
Whenever I am in town I make sure I stop here for a great exploding potato and a fantastic sandwich! Love love love this out of the way place! Everything is so tasty!!
(5)
Ralph A.
Wonderful local spot in Fredrick not to be missed. Casual and welcoming. Do not miss the Exploded Potato-Yummy! Great selections and sandwiches and Salad. I had delicious steak salad. They make brewed ice green tea that goes with what ever you order!
(5)
Kristi D.
This place was a good find with an overwhelming menu with lots of good sounding sandwiches, salads and potatoes. My husband & I both tried a sandwich & they were both tasty. They only thing I didn't like about the sandwich was the meat was cut really thick. I would have preferred thinner sliced meats with more slices. (Normally thinner sliced meat offers more flavor). Because I checked in on yelp I got free mash potatoes and it was delicious. I will definitely return & next time want to try an awesome baked potatoes.
(4)
Julie W.
So I am ONLY talking about CARRY OUT. I haven't gotten to eat inside yet. I really liked the feel of the place, definitely casual, seemed like a fun atmosphere. In the carry out area, there are a ton of unique beer and wine selections which I thought was really cool. I ordered the SF Big Boy (I think that's the name?) and of course got some exploded potatoes. The potatoes would give this place a 5/5 alone! But the sandwich was somewhat bland and disappointing. My mother and stepdad seemed to like theirs, so I would definitely be willing to give it a second try. It was a huge sandwich with a ton of meat and cheese so it wasn't lacking. The employees in the carryout area were very friendly and helpful! I'll be back to eat inside!
(3)
Amber C.
Not bad for a restaurant located in the middle of an industrial park. They actually have a pretty decent beer selection too. I can't get overly excited about any restaurant where the microwave is their main cook, but the food is decent and prices are fair.
(3)
Ken P.
Sandwiches are nothing special and overpriced. Would be better with fresher bread. I miss the ice cream shop that used to be here. Exploded potatoes are awesome though.
(3)
Meagan G.
Have never had a bad meal here ever. Great food, great service and good prices! Love it here! Exploded potatoes are awesome and their staff is always friendly and has great suggestions if you can't decide what you want to eat.... Soup is always good to and changes daily! Love this place!
(4)
Chanda D.
Great options for vegetarians. It was clean and the service was good. We purchased a mix six pack from the store next door and there is a small but very intense selection of craft beers to chose from.
(4)
Heather A.
This place is off the beaten path... It is actually in an industrial park but WOW the food is great! And the selection of beer and wine is awesome! So glad I found this place.
(5)
Richard G.
Been going to this place for years and it's always wonderful. The exploded potatoes are fantastic and probably the most famous of their menu, but they have terrific salads abs sandwiches as well. I almost always add steak to my entrees. I miss the ice cream though... Can't forget the beer selection which is surprisingly comprehensive. It's nice to see a place in Frederick that has more than Flying Dog and the usual standards.
(4)
Allison D.
Friscos is my favorite lunch place in Frederick. It definitely says something about a restaurant/shop when they are tucked completely out of the way in the middle of an industrial park and they still manage to draw the crowds that they do. They are always packed at lunch time, but the wait is never too long. I just want to mention that the food is brought out or placed on the counter for pickup as it is prepared, so if you get a baked potato and somebody else gets a grilled chicken sandwich, chances are good that you will be halfway done with your lunch before they receive theirs. That's just the way it is... The adjoining liquor store has a great selection of wine at very reasonable prices. They just recently started offering mixed six packs of beer, but the selection isn't great (mostly Flying Dog). I'm a little baffled because they offer single bottles in the restaurant of 30+ varieties, but the same beer isn't available in the store. In between the restaurant and store is an outdoor ice cream shop. This is the only part that I'm not crazy about. It's frequently sloppily prepared and not all that great. I'd rather go to Brusters, Beef and Buns or one of the frozen yogurt joints; depending on what I'm in the mood for.
(5)
Jocelyn B.
Great place, great food, great service! And the fact that you can buy a bottle of wine next door, and have it brought over to your table is a plus!
(5)
Kelly W.
Love this place! Not only is the food delicious but the beer and wine selection is decent. If you want to talk about beer, they know their stuff!
(5)
Don T.
Good beer, good sandwiches, and tasty exploded potatoes. Love the Santa Fe chili, which I sometimes pour over the potatoes. Yum! While you're waiting for your food, walk next door and pick up a few bottles of reasonably priced wine. Also like the folks who work here. Very friendly and helpful.
(5)
Kenneth D.
We were in downtown Frederick with family and was told to head to Friscos since we were going to flying dog! Headed to flying dog and the last tour was sold out. Bummed out and figured let's go try this place out. Looks from the outside another food place in a business park. Boy was I wrong - everything is made to order and the food we all ordered was amazing!!! Portions were so big we needed boxes for leftovers. They also have a cool bar area to order a variety of drinks while waiting for your food. Next time I visit - I am coming back for more!!!
(5)
Kelly S.
I love friscos.This place has survived for 20+ years in a part of town until recently you'd need a gps to find.This place is unique,the portions are over the top.This is THE spot.
(5)
Chris R.
Friendly staff who greet you with free samples as soon as you enter. Wonderful menu with an amazing beer selection (it is connected to a beer/wine store). The portions are huge! Unless you are starving you will need a togo container. I frequent this restaurant and have never had bad food or experience. If you are in the Frederick area this place is off the beaten path but well worth a visit. I wish I could give it 6 stars.. don't forget to try the exploded baked potatoes.
(5)
Jason C.
Good place to stop for a sandwhich. They have some cool things on there menu that are different then most places.
In all if our travels, 180 shows a year in 10 different states, AKA Friscos is probably our favorite place to eat. Healthy choices, good stuff for the guys that eat like pigs. Everything is fresh. Great soups, and one of those menus you want to eat your way through. The people that work there are friendly. One guy is a big meathead, which is a plus. The food comes out really fast and sometimes with free cookies.
(5)
Victoria J.
Fun atmosphere, great food! So many choices, and all of them worth a try. The Trans-am is one of the best club sandwiches I've ever had. The exploded potato is something new-- it's not for everyone but definitely tasty!
(5)
Bern B.
Every time I have been here I have been extremely impressed by the sandwiches and exploded potatoes. This time I had the union square which was big enough for two people and we each had a small exploded potato which was amazing!! This is a perfect lunch spot!!
(4)
Adrian R.
I just got back from San Francisco this morning and needed to stop in. The Lombard sandwich was very good as was the root beer. The exploded potatoes are also a must.
(5)
Angela B.
Tasty surprise! We were passing through and glad we stopped. Santa fe chicken salad was very flavorful as was the hummus-everything was very fish. I loved the exploded potatoe. friendly staff and pleasant environment.
(4)
Chris D.
The food is amazing and I love it...should be on Triple D!
(5)
Ginger W.
Recent frustration: this place is never open anymore. Used to have long hours and serve up to closing, now locks doors before posted closing times. Food is great if you can get it. Recent visits have been characterized by disappointing service.
(3)
Paul S.
Nothing more to add than what alot of others have already said. Their sandwiches are very tasty and huge. Those exploded potatoes are unbelievably good and addictive. If I lived anywhere near Frederick, I'd be a weekly regular for my sandwich fix. Gotta plan more trips out near this place!
(5)
Rob R.
I'm a NYer that's used to having great delis and pizza/italian places in every shopping center. I can go to Friscos and order a great sandwich at a reasonable price. The options are numerous. Not to be confusing with my first sentence, but aka Friscos is not an italian place at all - they have different types of sandwiches with different names but with what I think is a San Franciscan theme. Some choice sides that are delicious. Atmosphere is casual with indoor and even some outdoor seating. Surprising selection of craft beers to have with your sandwich, thanks in part I assume to the mini wine and beer shop abutting Friscos. Not to mention an ice cream place crammed between the two of them which I'm pretty sure is for warm weather only. Anyway, I've been there a handful of times and have never came away regretting it. If what you want is a simple sandwich place that makes a great sandwich then look no further.
(5)
Jonathan C.
The people who work here are impossibly thin. The service is hit-or-miss. More like hit-or-OK. Not usually terrible but the people working in the island actually making the food aren't super into making you feel welcome. Food is great, but very high caloric. Get the Flatiron and/or the chicken salad. Not the Presidio.
(4)
Collin K.
Fun Menu, great food and service. Been several times and I get talked into something new each time, never been disappointed. Keep up the good work.
(5)
Madeline G.
Today I ate the MIssion vegetarian sandwich for lunch and, if you like brie cheese and olives, this is the best sandwich I have ever had. I am not a vegetarian either. Thanks a.ka Friscos!
(5)
Paul S.
I wish I didn't have to give a (STAR) at all . Went to all rude male staff . Stale day old bread . Stale day old bread . Stale day old bread. Stale day old bread . Stale day old bread ... This is an upscale sandwich shop . Stale day old bread . Stale day old bread . I hope you all get the message . Not for kids or business men trying to talk with customers the younger men get there to open and leave the music cranking over the patrons voices . ( not kid friendly )
(1)
Maria M.
The girl behind the counter was rude. I'm sorry, if that is my first impression and your food isn't the best thing that I have ever tasted in the whole entire world, then it already leaves a bad taste in my mouth. But i'm sure she doesn't work there everyday, so other people's experience may be better... but if she does work there all the time - know your order right away or you will get the "stink eye" and she will give you attitude. Oh well... you can't have everything. In any case, there was another girl giving out the exploded potatoes. She was rather pleasant compared to the other girl. These potatoes are... yes... exploding with flavor - bacon, butter, chives, potatoes.. what more do you need. I'm sure there were lots more ingredients in them.. but hey, it was pretty good. I got the grilled chicken ceasar salad and it was ok. Their "croutons" were slightly less crunchy pieces of bread that sort of took up a whole lot of space in my salad. However, the chicken was tasty and the salad itself was just the typical ol' ceasar salad. Not bad... but not the best i've ever tasted. My husband ordered some roast beef sandwich that was quite delicious.. but I was just so disgruntled by the bad service that I didn't really care much for the sandwich. Bottom line, the food is ok. I'd go back for the potatoes.. but not for anything else... and most definitely not for the service. Go ahead, give it a try though... just incase, know what you want to order first ;-)
(3)
Rachel P.
I was surprised the sandwiches weren't better, based on the reviews. The exploded potatoes are indeed awesome (check-in on Yelp to get a free small one!) but the sandwiches were just alright. Definitely not bad, and I might feel different if I got a baked potato.
(3)
Jay R.
This place is wonderful. Great sandwiches, salads and more!
(4)
Justin H.
You wouldn't find this place unless you were looking for it, but it's a great find. Delicious, huge sandwiches. The exploded potatoes are out of this world. The chili was great as well. It's an order at the counter type of place, but the staff was friendly and helpful. The guy let me try a couple of beers and gave some recommendations. Very reasonably priced considering the portions and quality.
(4)
Kevin T.
Good food. Exploded potato was awesome as everyone has already mentioned. BBQ sandwich was really good BBQ. The soup of the was the Austin tomato de pepe and it was very tasty.
(5)
Stephanie K.
Eating the exploded potatoes right now. Yummee ! A great selection of beer. And tasty food. Stopped in the wine store after lunch. Found all kinds of interesting wines and beers
(5)
Erin B.
This is one of my favorite places to eat in Frederick, despite it's remote, tucked out of the way location. It's hidden away in an industrial area that you almost have to know someone to act as a guide to find it. But it's worth it. The staff is always friendly from the moment I walk in the door and I like that they always give out samples of the daily soup so you can have an idea if it's something you'd like or not. The selection of sandwiches is enormous, though I tend to hover around the same favorites (the Oakland is wonderful, like a taste of California). The sandwiches are huge. I generally get two meals out of one. For a while, this was the only place in Frederick that I could get kettle chips, period, and Dirty's in particular, which I'd become a fan of while living in California. I love their chips. The exploded potato salad is amazing, a delicious warm potato salad that I've brought everyone I know to Frisco's to sample. Because each sandwich is made individually, at peak hours, it can be a bit of a wait to get your sandwich, but the portions are so generous and the food so good, I can't help but feel like it's worth it. YMMV.
(5)
Igor D.
Super friendly staff that helped me pick a sandwich in seconds! The food was succulent and scrumptious! The chicken sandwich had a perfect balance in flavor with that slight overtone of a grill. Yum! Prices are fair; between 6-10 bucks for a serving that will leave most with a to-go box.
(5)
Rob H.
This is one of Fredericks Best!!! Surprised to find that a lot of people do not even know about it... I have been going here for years... Maybe 8 or so... I have had many things, and have liked all of them... Have never once had an issue... You will love this place I am sure of it... A little secret is get your food, and then sit upstairs... Much quieter, and cool...
(5)
Nick C.
Was here for lunch with kids. Welcomed at the door with samples of exploded potatoes and chili. Kids had BBQ sandwich that they liked and potatoes that they loved. I had a cold cut with a house hot sauce that was really tasty. The chicken chili was a hit also. Great place that makes you feel very welcomed. The staff is like theme park tour guides, taking the time to explain and navigate the big variety of great eats. This place is a must try. We will definitely be back!
(4)
Gina C.
Huge selection and huge portions. Sandwiches and soup we tried were really good. Can't wait to try the pizza when we go back.
Came to friscos, had an exploded potato and a draught beer. The potato was excellent as far as taste and ingredients, but wasn't very hot. The draught beer was garbage (probably my own fault). The food temperature thing sounds nit-picky but that's how I like my food. Hot. Could be 5 stars
(4)
Megan K.
So we got to the Flying Dog Brewery early, and they told us to go to Friscos. Given we were driving through an industrial park, I assumed the hostess just had some go to deli to send people to, that she didn't want to sit in her waiting area. Turns out, Friscos is the best kept secret hole in the wall joint in the Frederick area. While looking over the massive menu, we got the complimentary exploded potato sample. The exploding potato is amazing. I got the Sausalito (vegetarian) baked potato. The toppings were delish, but the potato was undercooked. I wish I had gotten a sandwich, I watched them make almost a dozen by hand while I waited for my potato. Highly recommend, and if you're traveling through Frederick, it's not too far off I-270.
(3)
CJ B.
What an unexpected surprise! After passing many places on our way to DC, my wife found aka Friscos on yelp. She rarely errs when it comes to picking eateries so we went for it. Not where you would expect a treat like this to be found and unimpressive in decor but you quickly ignore all that when you sample their exploded potatoes and read through their menu. We shared the flat iron steak sandwich and a medium exploded tater. More than enough food for lunch for both of us. Their craft beer selection is awesome and I urge you to try something different. They will not steer you wrong.
(5)
Carl B.
This turned out to be the best Yelp find I have ever come across. The food is fresh and the extra effort shines through. This place is worthy of a Triple D episode! The owner came by and talked with us because the steak for my wife's steak salad was taking a while... Because the steak was being cooked to order from fresh beef they source several times a week from a Pennsylvania farm! It's a little out of the way in one of those new warehouse areas... Count yourself lucky if you stumbled across this one! If your reading this on Yelp, stop reading go straight to the directions button and start driving! Fresh, different, San Francisco vibe. Exploded Potatoes, awesome as all the other reviews say. Sandwiches are great, chili is fantastic, the selection of beers makes a guy feel like a kid in a candy shop. John and the crew, keep it up, we'll be back and spreading the word in the meanwhile. Don't misinterpret the 4 stars, I reserve those for Michelin rated gourmet restaurants, and haven't given out any yet 5 star ratings yet.
(4)
John G.
Awesome. As much as this place is out of the way in an industrial park, you need to find this place and go.
(5)
I W.
Great place! Love small places that's does a great job. Must have exploded potatoes. They give you lots of food. I normally can eat it for 2 meals.
(5)
Christopher F.
Again - the business of business took me to another far-flung berg - the city of Frederick, Maryland. Looking for simple, local fare, I summoned the oracle of Yelp - and was pleasantly surprised. Now it is a little off the beaten path - and yet - and 6pm on a Wednesday, the place had an upbeat and vibrant energy to it, just like the original "Baghdad by the Bay". After entering, I was quickly greeted and given a free sample of their epicurean contribution of greatness - "exploded potatoes". Imagine the best mashed potatoes you have ever had... Yes, they are that good, if not better. Now enter my gripes - the menu is overly cumbersome... I had to read the bulk of the entries (aptly named after San Francisco landmarks and fixtures) in order to find anything of interest. A shortcut menu, or just highlighting the relevant protein of the entree, would go a long way in creating a more "user friendly" dining experience. Also, it was not clearly explained where to pay. I had to get my beverage (I elected to support the local brew-miester of Flying Dog Brewery) at a different station, where I was suppose to pay for the entire order. Okay - I figured it out and moved on... But it seems a little strange in retrospect. The sandwich - an amazing roast beef (they call it the "Embracadero"... I don't see the connection, but I can let that slide) with fresh, lean meat, and great veggies, sandwiched by an as-advertised soft sliced roll. After a long, stressful day - it was an excellent way to reinvigorate. And with the Flying Dog IPA, and a side of Exploded Potatoes, I was on the road to Well-ville... The service was very pleasant and understanding. If and when I return to Frederick again, I will not hesitate in returning - if not just for the potatoes.
(4)
Rene D.
I LOVE THIS PLACE! A friend introduced me to the EXPLODED POTATO 2 yrs ago and I've been hooked ever since!! Imagine...mashed potato, cheeses, onion, bacon, hot yummy flavorful! Free samples walking in the door too. The subs...outta this world over stuffed full of flavor uniquely named after San Francisco area culture ...I just ate the Oakland...turkey, pesto, gouda cheese, chipolte mayo...OMGOSH! Also next door their ICE CREAM SHOP..."WAY COOL" has me turning away from Rita's with their WAY COOLER (Fruit smoothie with vanilla ice cream kinda like a giant parfait) AND AMAZING SOFT SERVE filled to the bottom of the cone and amazing Mud Pie dessert too big for one...coffee drinks and shakes so many things on the ice cream treats menu too many to list! Weird/bad location business industrial area, so unless you know...u won't find it just driving by :( They should definitely be advertising with some flyers or something! Love this place...did I mention that?!?! PS: In reading some of these reviews...my take is those negative comments are not the norm because this place has a following! We're just too stuffed and satisfied after eating to remember to come back to sites like this to review! High School girls can be a little coldish but today everyone was on point with smiles and helpful tone. You order your food and can take a seat and they call out your order and you pick it up at the tiki hut..This isn't a sit down restaurant but great seating with tv and working fireplace in the winter. No actual waiters, just get your order when they call it...so no tipping on top of your bill. SO unless you're expecting to be waited on, then it's a fun beach themed Americana type place!
(5)
Jess R.
OH MY GOODNESS, so far the best meal I have had in Frederick. I had the SanteFe chicken on Exploded potatoes....great comfort food. Just enough spicy to kick-it, but not so much that it over powered the dish. And there is definitely enough to share. Wish I would have found this place on my first day here and not the last one.
(5)
Jjjj S.
Excellent! I had a great sandwich: curry chicken, with alfalfa sprouts and all the fixins on soft wheat bread. They also have wings and a selection of different baked potatoes and some other grilled sandwiches. They've beer (great microbrew selection) and wine as well as an bottle shop next store with a great wine selection and beer. Big open windows, high ceilings and friendly staff make the environment welcoming, they have outdoor picnic tables that look like they'd be great on a sunny day.
(5)
Joe S.
I Love the "South Of Market" sandwich! Great sandwiches, the exploded potatoes are the bomb! 5 Stars all the way! Very fresh food and ingredients I think I want a sandwich now! Go there! You will not be disappointed!
(5)
Alan M.
Frisco's is a great place for lunch. It is located a little bit out of the way but it would be incorrect to call it a "hidden gem" since it is both popular and busy. Stopped by today to meet my wife for lunch and it took me a while to find a parking spot. Just as I was about to enter the building, I got a text from my wife wondering when I would arrive! The sandwiches are the best around. They offer several outstanding vegetarian options in addition to the regular fare; I have tried quite a few menu items and have never been disappointed. Today I opted for the "San Bruno" (curried chicken salad on whole wheat with tomato, alfalfa sprouts, and onion) and I loved it. One of their "signature" items is the Exploded Potatoes. Do yourself a favor and add them to your order. You'll be glad you did.
(5)
Christie V.
Friscos... San Fransisco.. yup. Clearly on the brain as most of the menu items are named after California Bay Area landmarks. Love their potatoes. My favorite is the Sausalito, followed by the flat iron steak potato (easy on the cheese). They used to have a vegetarian sandwich with palm hearts which was totally NOMS (very sad to see it gone). Service is typically quick, ambiance can be a little loud. Cheap wines next door in the wine shop, and an adjacent soft-serve ice cream place. If you are feeling particularly guilty.. go for the exploded potatoes!
(4)
Nick C.
Wow. Like all previous Yelpers said, this place is in the middle of nowhere. It is eccentric as all hell, but has cheap booze, great food, and it is just quirky enough to warrant a return visit. Awesome.
(5)
C R.
I had not been to Friscos for years. wanted to grab dinner, and all the chains had an hour wait. I remember AKA Friscos. (had been to a nearby business a few weeks before) a young women, bubbly and pleasant greeted us and handed us a sample of the exploded potatoes. they were mmmmm mmm good. Explained to us the "process of ordering and paying. I had the flat iron chicken. It was so hard to choose. But what a great choice. Big pile of really tender tasty grilled chicken on fresh, crisp, mixed salad greens, a delish dipping sauce, and the exploded potatoes rounded out the dinner. Later I thought I was supposed to have grilled bread but there were so many menu items, I could be wrong. Lots of beer, but sadly no irish beer :( it was a nice evening and we sat outside. We decide we should taste the ice cream. It was really very good; ice cream not that werid ice milk. A little slow on the service, but it was worth the wait. Boo hoo they were out of strawberry topping, but hot fudge worked out just as well. I am an AKA Friscos fan. I will be back--- Could you get a few irish beers??
(4)
Jase H.
The best subs in the Frederick area by far. Try the Embarkadaro, The Presidio, The Golden Gate, or all of them. The Baked Potatos are excellent and the monterey Chicken Salad is incredible. And no trip is complete without an order of 'sploding potatoes. It is difficult to find, and can be very busy at lunch (quick tip- FAX IN YOUR ORDER!!) but it is so worth it.
(5)
Mark L.
AKA Friscos is the best. Eat a sandwich, have the buffalo wings and the exploded potatoes. EXCELLENT!
(5)
Will M.
Listen I like the concept being a Californian but it is not the go to sandwich shop. My wife's choice called The South of The Market (ham, Swiss, honey mustard, salad aka lettuce, tomato, mayo) was good, but the sandwich I had the Presidio, tasted like salt peter. Other than that the exploded potatoes where good but I came for the sandwiches brother.
(3)
Christa S.
Their food is amazing! I highly recommend the steak sandwich and the exploded potatoes! Good prices on wine, too! Check this place out.
(5)
Tenni W.
Great little restaurant! It is fairly hidden other restaurants and retail stores, but really close to The Flying Dog Brewery. The exploded potatoes are rich and slightly greasy, but they are heaven. My sandwich of choice is The Lombard and it never disappoints. Service is always friendly and quick.
(5)
Ted B.
Absolutely the best sandwich and potatoes i have had in a very long time. we found this place on Yelp as we were driving thru Frederick MD from DC to Pgh. could not have been more satisfied with our lunch. got the Glen Park sandwich, Presidio sandwich, and russian hill exploded potatoes... each bite was more fantastic than the one before. great friendly staff as well. we will make this a stop every time we travel thru this area in the future.
(5)
RG S.
We ate at a quirky Frederick restaurant last night, very casual joint in an industrial park, just south of I-70. The menu was original, the portions big, and everything we got was great. How much can you do with a baked potato? As it turns out, quite a lot! Plus, a good ice cream store next door. I'm spreading the word.
(4)
Linda N.
I have loved this place for years, their salads, sandwiches, soup and exploded potatoes. I was particularly impressed yesterday when one of their managers brought me a small taste of their Tomato Bisque to go with my salad (I hadn't ordered it) and explained that next time, if I want to do soup-salad-drink combo it would have been cheaper than the salad I ordered! Now thats attentiveness!
(5)
B. S.
Went to this place purely based on its Yelp reviews and we were really excited by the place. It is in the middle of a business park and we thought for sure it was closed, but so glad to come in and see that it was open. Food was delicious. Ordering at the entry counter, paying at the bar and then having the food delievered piecemeal was a bit weird. But we forgive the untraditional set-up for the yummy eats. We all loved the exploded potatoes as recommended by other yelpers. The best dishes were the flat iron steak and grilled chicken.
(4)
Liz B.
Best lunch spot in Frederick!
(5)
Mark R.
Great place to grab some great sandwiches! You HAVE to try the Exploded Potato (get the smallest one). Fresh food! Friendly staff!!! Quality food!!!! Make sure you take a tour of the nearby Flying Dog Brewery
(4)
Joe W.
The best place in Frederick for XL sized sandwiches. Prices are good, food is great. Beer selection is the only thing lacking. Fix that and it gets 5 stars. Location is off the beaten path but worth going out of your way for it.
(4)
Angel R.
Cheap wine - soft serve ice cream - and a menu of sandwiches/salads/baked potatoes all named after San Fran locations. How can any of that be bad?!? Great for lunch or dinner. I'd have given them a 5 star rating except the BEST thing on the menu (Exploded Potatoes) is not always consistantly great. It's usually great, but not consistantly. ABSOL better than your average deli :)
(4)
Brendan F.
The ultimate heavy food. I have as yet never tried a sandwich because the DC location shut down and i've been too eager for a Baker the few times i'm able to go to buy anything else. But the Baker alone would turn any single restaurant into my favorite. It is an incredible invention, including either 'exploded' or simply cut up thick potato pieces, and then layers of deliciousness, depending on what kind you get. Those i've tried are as follows: The Kong Lobo: potatoes, chili, cheese, chives and onions, sour cream. Incredible, but very heavy and spicy after you get through about a quarter. The Santa Fe: potatoes, chicken chunks marinated in Frisco's santa fe style, lettuce, cheese, chives, sour cream. My favorite, and essentially my favorite meal ever. The Redwood: potatoes, cheese, horseradish sauce, slices of tender roast beef, sour cream. Very good as well. There are vegetarian bakers as well. I am certain that with such quality food as Bakers, the other things are good, but all I need to say about this place to claim it as the restaurant I crave the most when I want greasy, heavy, just heavenly tasting food is Bakers.
(5)
David H.
Best lunch in Frederick.
(5)
Nadine M.
LOVE FRISCOS! I am moving back to Maryland after living in Las Vegas for the past 3 years and am looking forward to the Oreo Mix Cookie thing and the Baked Potatoes and the Ice Cream...heck...EVERYTHING! I cannot get back fast enough!
(5)
Guy S.
Great huge subs, huge salads, and monster exploded potatoes all inside an eclectic factory building with high exposed ceilings. They also serve beer & wine, cater, and can be rented out for parties.
(4)
Peter J.
We have been going to Frisco's for many years (maybe 10?) When we started going they also had a resturant on Wisconson Avenue in NW DC but I believe their Frederick site is their only store today. The owner has worked tirelessly to make tis a great place to eat. Only downside is finding it as it's in the middle of an industrial park.
(5)
Sheri W.
We love eating at Friscos, either eat-in or take-out. Their sandwiches and salads are fabulous and you can't beat the exploded potatoes. Very casual friendly service. The ice cream next door is great too!
(5)
Audrey W.
You'll have no clue where this place is, so CALL AHEAD. The sandwhiches... the gourmet preparation of everything on the menu... and it's just a take-out, or eat in, catering place!
(5)
michelle l.
This place is by far my FAVORITE place to eat lunch. One of these in a more convenient location would be nice. It isn't often that I'm out toward Buckeystown (off English Muffin Way). I used to work down the road from this place, and you CANNOT GO WRONG. Everything that I've had there has been FANTASTIC!
(5)
Cassie R.
I was looking for takeout near my house and had heard aka Friscos had really good food. The service was confusing and my sandwich was just OK. Upon entering, I went to the ordering stand where one girl was beginning to put things away for the day. She walked over to the bar to help someone else so I went over there to try to place an order. Someone else directed me to the other side of the establishment and when I went over there they told me I had to order at the bar. The particular sandwich I wanted they were "out of" about half the ingredients it contained. The girl making it asked me if she could substitute other things and I said fine (I had already paid). She started making the sandwich and then took it across the entire restaurant back to the kitchen and then carried it back a few minutes later to box it up. Seems kind of odd that sandwiches here require multiple locations to assemble. My sandwich was not warm and when I picked it up to eat it, the contents fell out. I would not agree that this is an XL size sandwich either. I could have been just as satisfied with a $5 footlong from Subway, based on the service and quality of food I received. There are much better places in Frederick to get tasty, quality deli style sandwiches. I like to give places the benefit of a doubt, but sadly I am not a fan of this place and don't understand how anyone could give it higher than four stars.
(1)
Nick C.
I love this place! I have lived in Frederick 7 years but didn't hear about Friscos until last year :( boy did I miss out. I have been back like 10 times since I found it. This place is amazing. Exploded baked potato is a must try! So good. My first time in I believe I met the owner who was very nice and she gave me a free upgrade from small to medium. Steak potato is the Bomb. Flat iron steak over exploded baked potato with extra cheese for $9. So much value here. I have also had the Baja chicken salad, embarcadero, grilled chicken sandwich, tuna sandwich, and Italian sub, all were delicious!!!
(5)
Vincent M.
All of the reviewers raved about the Exploding Potatoes, and they 100% lived up to the hype! Friscos is an absolute gem tucked away on Wedgewood Blvd. I recently went there with a small group and was able to sample a few of the sandwiches; including the Lombard and Fat-Boy. The sandwiches were impressive and delicious, and a very generous portion. You will not leave hungry. The atmosphere is inviting; not too loud, but not quiet either. In addition to a full menu of various sandwich selections, the menu also offers an array of salads and sides. They also offer a decent selection of beers. I will definitely be going back again. Is a great place for lunch if you work nearby, and they also cater.
(4)
Natalie H.
This was my first visit to Friscos and I will not be returning. The only here positive was the service, which was welcoming and friendly, although our order was not entirely correct. They did have an impressive beer selection. I noticed Bells Two Hearted was on the draft list, a personal favorite. I should have gotten beer. We both ordered the special, which was grilled cheese and a side of chili. The chili was barely warm, definitely not hot enough for safely eating. The grilled cheese was a hoagie bun grilled inside out and mostly burned. The white cheese was tasteless and rubbery. It's pretty hard to mess up grilled cheese, but they did it. The experience was disappointing, and if I had eaten at all earlier in the day, I would have sent it back, but it was almost 5 and I needed something in my stomach. I ate it and instantly regretted it. I had read the slightly overwhelming menu online first and had planned to get a baked potato, but the employee suggested the special. I might have had better experience if I had ordered differently, but will not be going back to find out.
(1)
Karri V.
It's been awhile since we visited Friscos but I just had the best lunch I have had from anywhere in a long time so I'm updating my review. Since we are never on this side of town we got way more food than we actually needed. The Curry Frisco salad is just the best thing ever. The Lombard sub was pretty tasty but holy crap that Redwood potato was amazing. I'm miserably happy right now. I love you, a.k.a Friscos.
(5)
Allison L.
We came here yesterday for lunch after having it bookmarked for a year or so. It is in the middle of an industrial park but easy enough to find. The ordering situation is kind of dumb. You order your food in the middle of the restaurant, get an order slip, go over to the bar to pick up drinks and pay. They then call out the menu item but not a name or order number or anything. It wasn't too busy when we were there so this wasn't an issue but since this place has such good reviews I imagine it's packed and confusing sometimes. The food came out super quick. We had the Redwood exploded potato (exploded potato, top round of beef, ranch, cheddar, red onions, chives, and horseradish) and the South of Market sandwich (ham, swiss, mayo, honey mustard, lettuce, onion). Both were delicious. The exploded potato is pretty heavy, I didn't make it through my whole portion and it just felt like it sat in my stomach for the next few hours. It was delicious though and the sandwich was too. The liquor store next door is pretty cool. It says they only carry unique or small batch wines, but there were definitely some I'd see before. The beer selection was pretty standard, a lot of Flying Dog, and some beer from Milkhouse Brewery in Mt. Airy.
(4)
Jolena S.
Have been coming here for years. My favorites are the Friscos Cobb salad (AMAZING!) and the Redwood Baked Potato. Their tomato carrot basil soup is also so yummy.
(5)
Pixie A.
Been eating here since they opened! Never gets old! The exploded baked potatoes are unlike anything I've tried elsewhere. The sandwiches are consistent despite staff turnovers throughout the years. Fantastic place for lunches!
(5)
Sonya P.
Cafe style sandwich place with a wide variety of beers and excellent flavor sandwiches & sides. Ingredients are somewhat simple with a few twists here and there but it's great. My office orders from here for large meetings and it's unanimously a favorite. They have the best veggie options too! And a note, you can try a sample of the soup before purchasing.
(5)
Adam D.
Frisco's is a nice place good ingredients decent food. The dining area is a little small they have a great atmosphere and tons of selection on the menu. The exploded potatoes are great! My only complaint is the bread was not the best and this is important at a sandwich shop. They're friendly and fast and the beer selection is great!
(4)
Laura M.
Whenever I am in town I make sure I stop here for a great exploding potato and a fantastic sandwich! Love love love this out of the way place! Everything is so tasty!!
(5)
Ralph A.
Wonderful local spot in Fredrick not to be missed. Casual and welcoming. Do not miss the Exploded Potato-Yummy! Great selections and sandwiches and Salad. I had delicious steak salad. They make brewed ice green tea that goes with what ever you order!
(5)
Kristi D.
This place was a good find with an overwhelming menu with lots of good sounding sandwiches, salads and potatoes. My husband & I both tried a sandwich & they were both tasty. They only thing I didn't like about the sandwich was the meat was cut really thick. I would have preferred thinner sliced meats with more slices. (Normally thinner sliced meat offers more flavor). Because I checked in on yelp I got free mash potatoes and it was delicious. I will definitely return & next time want to try an awesome baked potatoes.
(4)
Julie W.
So I am ONLY talking about CARRY OUT. I haven't gotten to eat inside yet. I really liked the feel of the place, definitely casual, seemed like a fun atmosphere. In the carry out area, there are a ton of unique beer and wine selections which I thought was really cool. I ordered the SF Big Boy (I think that's the name?) and of course got some exploded potatoes. The potatoes would give this place a 5/5 alone! But the sandwich was somewhat bland and disappointing. My mother and stepdad seemed to like theirs, so I would definitely be willing to give it a second try. It was a huge sandwich with a ton of meat and cheese so it wasn't lacking. The employees in the carryout area were very friendly and helpful! I'll be back to eat inside!
(3)
Jason J.
Cool little place. Tons of interesting sandwich options, and really good exploded potatoes. Decent small beer selection to boot. Why only 3 stars? Their hoagie rolls suck. Dense, spongy, and bland.
(3)
William M.
I visited a.k.a. Friscos on the way back from Western Maryland with a few friends. It's in a very random location, in a warehouse surrounded by a number of other warehouses. I was confused why they called themselves a.k.a. Friscos, until I realized that it started as a catering company. The restaurant has a big open floor plan. You walk in a there's an island/mini kitchen with a bunch of people working, with a big board above them to determine what you want to order. I ordered the Skinny Green Pizza. A bunch of my friends ordered a couple different baked potatoes. The pizza was amazing. I had never had pizza crust made of spinach and pesto, but it was perfect. So thin yet SO flavorful. The blend of different cheeses and fresh ingredients made this one a winner. I would definitely return to a.k.a Friscos if I find myself in Frederick again!
(4)
Linda L.
Fantastic find, the Exploded Potatoes are unusual and just terrific. We heard about this place on flight from Oakland to BWI. So glad we tried it. Met the owner and she is a former Californian. Knew there was a reason the food was great.
(5)
Mari B.
Decent place. A little tricky to find. Ended up going after visiting the flying dog brewery. Not much as far as vegetarian options , but what we got was pretty good and affordable. The staff was friendly and helpful trying to accommodate our dietary needs.
(4)
Maya C.
I just had the most unfortunate experience since I stopped eating meat in 2010. I asked at the counter which from the two sandwiches listed as "vegetarian" would be the best. Worker asked with avocado or without. I said "with", he then said then The Golden it is. The sandwich was great until I opened the second half...to my horror there were pieces of unidentifiable meat! I brought the second half sandwich to one of the workers to ask what it was, he said looks like meat. I said this is disgusting! I asked for a vegetarian sandwich, I do not eat meat!! he called the manager and I went to the bathroom in horror to throw up whatever pieces of roast beef from the half a sandwich I had in my stomach. Then I found it is extremely hard to throw up!! My throat was sore and my tears would not stop making my eyes puffy and red. I could not stop crying! I have been a pescetarian since March 9 of 2010 and no land animals have been in my system am very careful always asking if any broth is in the rice or animal products used at restaurants. The manager was extremely apologetic and insisted to give me back $10. Said that he was on duty until closing. I wanted my stomach pumped!!! Regardless of the most awful experience of my pescetarian life the manager definitely felt bad and I hope he reprimanded the culprit who did not understand the making of a vegetarian sandwich. My friend tried to help me and got me cookies, the cashier gave her cookies for free. My order was: two sandwiches, two beers, and the free exploded potato that my friend had because she said it had ham at $29.94 I added a $4.35 tip even though was a self serve place. I paid and trusted the establishment!! Vegetarians, Pescetarians, beware of this place that feature two vegetarian options and workers think it's fine sticking pieces of roast beef carcass! Still disgusted and I will never return!
(1)
Lorena B.
Okay, so it's definitely above any sandwich chain but not nearly as good as the reviews lead you to believe. I ordered the Trans Am, which is basically a turkey club on steroids. The packet of bacon it was topped with was artery clogging goodness but the turkey was the packaged kind not oven roasted. Had a bite of the bf's Embarcadero which was roast beef (I think) and cheddar and it was good but again, I didn't think it was better than any decent deli's. Then again, I have seen any delis in Frederick besides the Italian one downtown come to think of it. The exploded potatoes were pretty good but I'd stick with the small if you're ordering one of the giant sandwiches. They have a few picnic tables outside and a bar so it seems like a cool out of the way spot for happy hour maybe. Also, the tv inside was on HSN (Home Shopping Network) which I very much appreciate as a shopaholic.
(3)
Dave B.
This place is hidden but locals seem to know about it. Definitely a shell industrial building that was retrofitted into a restaurant. Not really a sports bar as it is saved in yelp as the only tv was set permanently to CNN. Sandwich building station in the middle is unusual and no one really told us where to pay which is at the bar. They came and had to ask us to pay instead of them coming to us as it isn't obvious where to pay. The menu is really good and great vegetarian options (do exploded potatoes have bacon in them though?) I had a flat iron steak sandwich which was spectacular. The guys that work here seem really friendly and motivated. They could us a few tweaks but great unique place that I would come back to.
(4)
Wang C.
This place is always stellar. Great beer, and more importantly great food. I am truly going to miss the place once I move out of the dreaded DMV. The only negative I have is they close way too early. I work long hours and this makes it challenging to hit up this awesome place.
(4)
Brandon W.
I was recommended to go here because my girlfriend told me to. If I didn't listen to her, I would have missed out on one of the best places that I have ever been to. The building is located in an industrial/office park and also has its own beer and wine store next door. When you go into the building you are greeted with a stall and a huge menu board on top of it. I didn't know what I wanted to order at first so I asked the order taker what I should get. He immediately recommended the BBQ sandwich which comes with a small exploded potatoe. I ordered it, took my ticket to the cashier, got a beer, and got my food a few moments later. The BBQ sandwich was tasty, tender, and HUGE. I can put food away, but this sandwich put me in my place. The exploded potatoe was like a baked potatoe with bacon except for no skin and that it was already mashed for you. All in all, this place had great customer service, the staff is friendly, the location is weird (BUT) the food makes up for that and more. I can see why this place has regulars and loyal customers. I will be back for more MUWHAHAHA! ! !
(5)
Sarah J.
Shared the Alcatraz (turkey, avocado, sprouts, honey mustard) and BBQ sandwich (beef, beef, beef) with exploded potatoes. Quite a fine meal for a great price. Exploded potatoes (potato salad) are a must-try. Worker said BBQ sandwich is a favorite, but the meat drenched in BBQ was a little too much for me. Alcatraz was lighter but still filling, healthy and good. Casual atmosphere, great food, friendly service. Notes: - If you use Yelp on your phone, you can get a free exploded potato with a meal for a check-in! - Closes at 7PM M-TH and 4PM on Sunday. 9PM for Fri and Sat.
(4)
Ashwin M.
Vegetarians don't have many choices. Just one in each category. But the exploded potatoes and their veggie pizza were quite good.
(3)
Jill H.
Man, being from Frederick, I'm sad I didn't find this place sooner! It is delicious! Tucked away in an industrial park, you wouldn't expect it there. The menu is a great variety of subs, salads, soups, baked potatoes. The subs are huge, so be ready! The "exploded potatoes" that everyone raves about are great, similar to a twice backed potato. Love the beer selection.
(5)
Candice J.
Great food here! I had the Oakland giant sandwich and it was fantastic ! It almost had too much meat! It consists of good stuff like pesto, thick cut turkey, SMOKED GUDA, (the best part), etc. etc. The clincher was the sprinkled Romano cheese. It really pulled the whole thing together! My friend got the Golden Gate a vegetarian sandwich where the main event were the loads of avocado. We weren't as impressed with this one but I don't think it's the sandwich's fault; I think the avocado was just too lacking in flavor@. Which is unusual. So all in all I think today's lunch was a win! Not to mention they have an awesome collection of beer, including that root beer beer . :)
(4)
Travis M.
Horrible experience except when we first came in. We came in, and they greeted us with answers to our questions and a sample. Awesome customer service there, but the awesome service ends there too. I had one other person in my party. I ordered a steak salad and the other person in my party ordered a pulled pork sandwich. When I was waiting at the counter for drinks, A kitchen staff member walked into the middle of the restaurant and yelled the dish name and her name. I said "over here". He slammed down the food on the counter in the middle of the restaurant which was in a to-go tin container. He then immediately went right back to the kitchen and did not acknowledge me at all. When the other person in my party came back from the restroom, we found a spot to sit and I waited 10 minutes for my food while she and I sat there and stared at her food getting cold. Restaurant basics 101: meals come out at the same time no matter what the cooking time is. It's called a warmer! You don't force your customers in an awkward situation with one person having food in front of them and the other person hungry with nothing in front of them. Her food got cold while we waited for my meal to come so we can both eat. This restaurant violated basic restaurant serving manners and etiquette. I will be honest ....The food was really good, but I recommend you get it to go. That is the only way I will ever order from here again. Unless you like your food cold while waiting for the other people in your party to get their meal, then I recommend sitting in and hearing your name called like you are the next person to make your final walk on death row. That was harsh but honesty do not yell out customer's names in the center of the restaurant and quickly put the food down at a random location and walk away.
(1)
Jordan G.
Been here a couple times. Good but not great, especially for the $$, which is not cheap for sandwiches. If I'm paying $9 for a turkey sandwich i want like some high quality deli turkey, and it really ain't. Seems like the cheap stuff you'd get at the local Giant. Underwhelming.
(2)
Derek C.
Place is out of the way and kind of hard to find. Besides that this place rocks. Great little spot for sandwiches for lunch. Got the trans-am and the exploded potatoes, delicious. Would come back.
(4)
Liv C.
I had high hopes for this place after reading the raving reviews but I left unimpressed. We ordered sandwiches and they were all over-seasoned. The exploded potatoes were good though, and the servers were friendly and helpful.
(3)
Paul M.
Stopping here is a must if you are in the area. The food is unique, fresh, and delicious. If you like potatoes, this is your place. An excellent take out craft beer and wine store directly adjacent.
(5)
Beata K.
Came here based on yelp reviews and really enjoyed it. I was overwhelmed by the menu since there is so much on it so I would suggest taking a look at it online prior to coming here. The sandwiches are really good and the selection is great! Also got the exploded potato by checking in on yelp and it's a warm potato salad with lots of bacon. There is also a nice beer selection. Will definitely come back since there is so much to try.
(4)
Casey K.
Ok, so I'd give this place 10 stars if I could. My one tip off the bat is, look at the menu online before you go. It's daunting to stand there and read the entire board of everything they have. It's made a bit more stressful if you have someone waiting there to take your order. We came here on Valentine's Day because we were looking for a place that accommodates a late work night and not flooded with V-Day lovebirds. We walked in, placed our order (food is prepared in the center covered area), and went to order our drinks at the bar (which is also where you pay for your food). Before I get to the food, you know those people in life, who have a passion for something, and the way they explain it, makes you want to take up that same hobby. Well, on this night, that was the bartender. After, we sampled and ordered our glasses of beer, he told us to go take a look at the wine and beer shop while our food was being prepared. He even walked our glass of beer through the kitchen area (abiding by the MD open container law) while we walked across the open patio area to the shop. He handed the beer back to us and proceeded to explain the wine and beer they carry. They taste all the beer so they can be experts in providing the beer that is best suited to your needs, palette, etc. You are able to assemble your own six pack made up of different beers for you to try before you commit to a whole pack. They have a great wine selection that really covers the whole spectrum. This has to be a list format for my food reviews, we went all out with our ordering... -Alcatraz (Sliced turkey breast, California avocado, sprouts & tomato, drizzled with honey mustard & served on sliced sourdough bread): really a great sandwich, I thought the top of the roll was a bit much, it just made for too much bread, I asked for a different bread but due to winter storm Pax (bastard) their bread options were sparse. This sandwich was fabulous, the ingredients tasted very fresh and the sprouts made this sandwich. They were crisp and mixed with the tanginess of the honey mustard perfectly. There were big chunks of avocado, not just a spread which I loved, especially since I am an avocado fanatic. I highly recommend this sub. -I had a bite of the Glen Park (Sopressata, Italian genoa salami, Friscos olive relish, provolone cheese, shredded lettuce, tomato, Bermuda onion, special dressing & seasoning. Served on a Traditional Crusty French bread): This sub was also bread heavy but overall had a great flavor. The olive relish had such a wonderful savory quality that merged perfectly with the cold cuts. Again, this is one you cannot go wrong with. -Juan Lobo baked potato (Baked potato under chili, topped with melted Wisconsin cheddar cheese sans onion Bermuda onion): This was a meal all in its own, it was a nice side for the three of us to share in addition to our subs. Overall, this was a very run-of-the-mill chili dish to me. I would not recommend this, it was not nearly spicy enough and the chili was not in any way memorable. Not meant to be a negative review,this just was not my cup of tea and not anything I was expecting from the Juan Lobo. -Exploded Baked Potatoes: This is like Friscos version of German potato salad. However, this is unlike any German potato salad I have ever tasted. Plus, I usually am not a fan of bacon in my food or in general (call me crazy, my family does often), but these exploded baked potatoes were on point. If there is one thing that I HIGHLY recommend you order here, it is this. They are warm cheesy mashed potatoes (with skins) with bacon. Come to Friscos ASAP. You will not be disappointed at all. They make you feel extremely welcome while their food is wonderful. Plus, one of our food preparers came to check on how we liked our food and if we needed anything else, just so nice. It's a hidden must visit gem and I CANNOT wait to go back.
(5)
Michael C.
A nice hidden gem Frederick. Everything on the menu that I've had is good. I want to give it 5 stars but everybody that works on the food side has extreme amounts of arrogance. I've never understood this because its the exact opposite on the wine store side.
(4)
Alexander B.
SO MANY SANDWICH OPTIONS- and the potato salad is awesome. I'm not from the Frederick area but my girlfriend and I visit there a couple times a year. If we lived in the area, Frisco's would be a biweekly thing.
(4)
Lauren V.
There are so many things going on at Friscos that I'm not sure how best to review it, but I feel like I should make a stab at it. First and most importantly, the adjacent wine shop is reason enough to wander over to this remote business park. All of their wine is under $15 a bottle, and they manage to have both a great selection and extremely competitive pricing. On Fridays, everything is $1 above cost. This side of things gets unlimited stars and undying loyalty from me. I may be the most unpopular person in Frederick for saying this, but I'm kind of "meh" on the restaurant side of things. About a third of the things I've had there were really and truly great, another third were only ok, and the rest were fairly terrible, could have picked up something better at 7-11 quality. Really weird to have that range of experiences in the same restaurant, and I usually don't recommend a place where I wouldn't feel confident ordering anything on the menu. I'm just not a fan of the "Restaurant ___ is the best.....but don't order the chicken whatever you do" type of review. The ordering setup is weird and chaotic. I don't go there often enough to remember the song and dance from one time to the next, but it seems to be working for them. I'd give the restaurant 2-3 stars and the wine shop 5+, hence the overall of 4.
(4)
Laurie K.
The food is excellent. My first impression sitting down was not favorable, however, because the table was dirty. When you come in, you place your order from an overhead menu at a central station. You're given a ticket that you take to the "bar" to pay and order your drinks. Then, you find a table yourself, and they deliver the food. The music is extremely loud, but that's probably to keep turnover on the tables. My husband and I really like the music from the 60s and 70s. The vibe is a biker bar.
(3)
Ben W.
This place has some tasty sandwiches and good portion sizes. The service is usually pretty quick. The staff is friendly and can answer any questions you may have about the menu.
(4)
Travis P.
Love this place!!!!!!!! Food doesn't get much better than this. The exploded potatoes are the best and the varieties of smothered potatoes is top notch.
(5)
Christine R.
I went to this place when I worked on Crestwood Blvd in high school (year:2000) and I still love eating here in 2015! AKA Friscos does it right and they do it right every time. Over the past 15 years I have tried almost everything on their menu, sandwiches, subs, loaded bakers (those are baked potatoes), salads, soups/chili, flat iron steaks, wings, etc. Everything is cooked fresh, made fresh to order and the service tops it off to make it a great experience. i have made so many people love this place even my workplace gets their catering when we have food days/events at work. I wish they would show this place on Food Network "DDD" because this dive is such a hidden gem! Pros: awesome food, good variety, good value, great people, beer, wicked wolf sauce and exploded potatoes!!! 'nuff said Cons: location - but hey, once you find it you won't lose it! parking sometimes can be a hassle when everyone else wants awesome lunch too but again, it's worth the wait and walk.
(5)
Julie A.
Many other reviewers mentioned that it is in an industrial park. This gave me more than a moments pause, but Yelp convinced me to give it a go. Man, I'm so glad I did. Here's a piece of life-changing advice: get the exploded potato. Don't share it. If you value your relationship, get two. Maybe you are eyeing up that Mac and cheese. Guess what? You can make that at home. Get the potato. You're welcome. The Lombard is awesome. The beef is perfectly cooked and seasoned. Holy moly. Messy and well worth ever stain on my shirt. The Haight Ashbury is really good, too. The sprouts and wolf sauce make it a really interesting cold cut. That isn't code for bad. That's code for I've eaten a million cold cuts and this one is unlike any of those. Finally, the only lackluster part of this was the Mac and cheese. It was unevenly heated and tasted like fake cheese. But you are ordering the exploded potato, so you won't have to worry about that.
(4)
Foodie C.
Off the main strip but well worth looking for. Food was yummy. Prices were good, service was great. It's in an office park which should not fool you. It's seems like it always has a loyal crowd and for good reason. If you're in Frederick you should make this a stop for lunch or a casual dinner
(4)
Kara M.
On point!! Worth the stop--!! Has amazing food, awesome beer selection, fast service with good people :D
(5)
PEZ C.
Food gets a 5 - the exploded potatoes are fantastic; bring your appetite or plan on taking home a doggy bag because it's a lot of food. For the atmosphere, we would rate it a 3 - it is loud and the seating isn't that comfortable.
(4)
Cinnamon W.
My 9 month old daughter and I met up with a college friend for lunch. As other reviewers have stated, it is in the middle of an industrial park and you will be mildly concerned that you are headed in the right direction. I didn't see any highchairs available, but I didn't really look for one either. The menu is huge, and everything looks so good! I got the redwood baker, and he got the Oakland sandwich with a cup of the day's soup. We both had leftovers. Everything was awesome!! The staff was friendly, helpful, and generous! Samples when deciding at the menu board, half an avocado for my daughter (her favorite food), a heaping cup of exploded potato from John- who also came to check on us and made certain we enjoyed our meals. I can't wait to go back! The outdoor seating looks inviting (for warm days).
(5)
Sarah B.
Nice little place with industrial feel. Sandwich was very large, heavy bread and thick cut meat. Good flavors, but the olive spread made it to salty. Exploded potato was nice, but not much flavor. Bean dip was the same, not much flavor to anything I ordered. But great place for quick bite that has very friendly staff.
(3)
Stephanie H.
Friscos never lets me down! Their menu is to die for, literally... I would eat here every day if I could. I especially LOVE the exploded potatoes. The service is friendly and fast! An order of wings comes out in about 10 minutes!
(5)
Jessica J.
Staff very helpful in helping first time customers decide what to order. (Even the singing guy!) Baja chicken salad was average. Large enough for two people to share. Steak on top of the exploded potatoes was pretty yummy. (Forgot name of dish!) Two people could probably share this as well. A bit off the beaten path of just passing through but possible great for locals.
(3)
GD B.
Ok so it usually takes quite an experience at an eatery for me to leave a review...so take this with that in mind. On new year's day 2015 we were looking for a good place to grab a bite to eat before going shopping. I pulled out my trusty Yelp device and punched in "lunch".... Up came A. K. A. Friscos with great reviews so we decided to give it a go. Upon entering, fella that reminded me of Dave Franco (think 21 jump Street movie) offered us up some samples of the soup of the day. Then more samples of Exploded Potato. Needless to say this worked and had me sold immediately. Food wise you CANNOT beat their sandwiches... The portions were great. The employees were friendly and easy to talk to. Prices were on point for the quality and size of sandwich. I'd give this place 5 stars if I hadn't seen some places around the dining and ordering area that had obviously not been cleaned in a while and we're in desperate need of a good scrubbing (garbage can lids, soda machine back splash were really bad). I'll be coming back... That's for sure!!!
(4)
Victoria C.
Just got back from lunch with friends from Frisco's. I'm a Bay Area native so when I heard of this place I knew I had to check it out. It was a bit hard to find at first, hidden at in an industrial park. A little bit of driving around then we found it. When I walked in, there was the menu displayed. One would be overwhelmed if this was their first time in like me. However I did my research online!! While we decided on what to order, we were handed samples of the soup of the day and exploded potatoes. Both were delicious. I ordered the Trans-AM Sandwich along with a small side of exploded potatoes and a bottle of Root Beer. My sandwich contained turkey, (lots of) bacon, lettuce, tomato, onion, and mayo. My sandwich was big and I was only able to finish half but it sure was tasty. I loved the potatoes too!! The service was great. Quick and very friendly. I can't wait to return again soon!
This is one of the few places I knew I wanted to try when I came to Frederick at the end of last week direct from the SF Bay Area. I was not disappointed. I had the Sausalito Potato and it was fantastic. In fact, I was so smitten with it that I dreamed about eating it the next night and so I knew I would have to eat this again before leaving Frederick. I also enjoyed the spicy chilli. My companions enjoyed the spicy chili, some sort of chicken sandwich, the flat iron steak potato, and the Russian Hill Potato. I will definitely visit this place again if I am in the area again and I loved the play on SF bay area titles for the names of dishes. I know all of those places!
(5)
William C.
For the price and quantity of food, this place is a steal. I checked in through Yelp! and got to try their Explosion Potatoes? - it was tasty. Their Grilled Cheese Sandwich - the buttery taste was there and I got the sandwich to go. But, the sandwich was lukewarm when I took it out of the box, immediately after I got in my car upon exiting the door (about 1 minute?). As for the Alcatraz sandwich - for 8 or 9$, the quality and quantity of ingredients (alfalfa, avocado, turkey, etc.) was awesome. This sandwich lasted me for two meals, as I ate the potatoes and the grilled cheese prior to taking a bite out of the alcatraz. For a total of $12, I was very satisfied with Friscos, and I would frequent this place more, if I lived in the area.
(4)
Rachel A.
First time here. Food was great. Very cute little place. I felt like I had a nice lunch get away. I will definitely be back
(5)
Nick Y.
Superb service, food, veggie options (though I could resist the wonderful meat sandwiches they had), and a wide selection of craft beers that they have each personally tried. Add the vibe and this is a gem of a find. Wow, why aren't there more of these type places? I paid $18 for lunch (high for me) (lg sandwich, extra toppings, chips and craft beer) and didn't ask questions. Worth it now and then.
(5)
Frank N.
I'm always a fan of simple and delicious places like this... It's busy for a reason!! I tried an exploded potato and an Alcatraz sandwich... Both were fresh and delicious! I can see why so many local people recommended the exploded potatoes!! Not overdone, just basic goodness.... They offer a Yelp check-in special. I discovered that too late, but I'll be back
(4)
Vince R.
This little place is what makes Yelp special. If you are surrounded by chains and looking for friendly local flavor this place is perfect. Before i even found the menu the men behind the counter were throwing free sample tastes at me. I went with their favorite - the flatiron steak and potatoes. It was fabulous. Moving to the bar you are immediately overwhelmed by the beer selection. So what do you do - ask the bartender which IPA he prefers. I took his advice and he made sure I would be happy by offering a sample to make sure I would like it. The food was great and I am taking home some wings for the big game tonight - confident they will be on the same level. Last - the price for all of this was more than reasonable. A full meal with premium beer and wings to go for under $25. This place is championship grade.
(5)
Gabriela C.
Love their potatoes. Hearty-food. Good for catering.
(4)
Natalie B.
Good, but not great, food. The exploded potatoes are always a favorite. The chicken curry salad is delicious. This place is a winner in my book--it's local, solid food, great beer selection, and very friendly customer service.
(4)
Chris H.
The menu is extensive and there is definitely a sandwich for everyone. I love the NorCal and SF references and names for menu items. I have yet to have a disappointing experience there. Service speed can be improved. The way orders are taken and executed can be slow at times leading to long wait times.
(4)
Jackie L.
Food is ready super quickly. They always have a sample to eat while you decide what to order. They give you a lot of food. Huge menu with so many great options.
(5)
Angela W.
Kong Lobo over exploded potatoes....extra Wicked Wolf sauce. Just do it. You're welcome in advance.
(5)
Ashley S.
Love everything on the menu! This place is super casual with great food. Only problem is that it's in a industrial area so it's kind of hard to find if you're not paying attention or intentionally looking for it.
(5)
S C.
Everyone that comes in from out of town gets a potato from here when they visit me. The flat iron steak potato and the Santa Fe potato are excellent. One of my guests was very impressed with the Fishermans wharf also. A truly unique place. I'm excited that the weather is warmer - ice cream time !
(5)
Clint R.
Great place. Showed up and saw a huge menu. Not feeling like reading I asked (as usual) to the guy working to tell me what his favorite is. He asked, "Cold or hot?" I said hot and he suggested what can best be described as Shepard's Pie with fajita meat and then covered with a pound of cheese. The potato was actually baked but was soft and creamy as mashed potatoes. The meat (I am from Austin, Texas... I know beef) was excellent. Tender and well seasoned. Plating was something my 4 year old would come up with but who cares when you have this kind of tender gooey cheesiness combo. Top it off with a great beer selection and nice seating area and call me impressed. Next door in the beer shop you can make your own six-packs, but not for any up charge. They take 1/6th of the price and that is the bottle price and add them individually. Very cool and makes up for the brewery not having tours today. Nitpicky stuff - Kina in the booneys. Dish was good but needed bread somehow. Have to go menus when your menu is that huge so people can take their time at home to look at it so they don't feel rushed walking in to order. Overall very good and cool off the beaten path place.
(4)
Molly M.
Great beer selection, amazing food and big portions. For $14 I got a giant sandwich, the "Lombard" and a "small" overstuffed exploded potato--both delicious AND I also got a 7% bloodline flying dog (brewed right down the street!). Can you beat this???
(5)
Yashar D.
Two words: exploded potatoes. Sandwiches were good, but not the best I've had. Very hard to find, but worth it.
(4)
R S.
It's in the middle of a business park. Go on a weekend, to avoid the lunch crowd. I had an exploded potatoe and a beer. Delish! it sort of has a street food flair. You will leave satisfied. The soup was primo!
(4)
Walt K.
Great sandwich, eclectic menu, we all very much enjoyed the meal and felt it was a good value. Would definately return when in Frederick.
(4)
Sam C.
This place is awesome. The sandwiches, the potatoes, just everything. The seating is limited, so the food is best enjoyed as take-out. The service is usually fast and friendly. My only complaint is the 7pm closing time on Mondays through Thursdays.
(5)
Brian G.
Great hidden treasure in a warehouse district. The exploded potatoes are worth driving a couple hours. Lots of vegetarian friendly options and good cookies. Nothing fancy here. Just great exploded potatoes.
(5)
Peppermint L.
Definitely worth the going out of the way for. This sandwich shop is as good as it gets. Their location is in a weird area, so you might think you're headed in the wrong direction at first. Best sandwiches I ever had and everything taste so fresh and flavorful. Highly recommend the Exploded Potatoes.
(5)
Patty P.
The set up is not designed for newbies. You walk in and have to order from a counter that looks like a snack stand, then walk to another counter to pay and get drinks. Overall, I had a good time. Unique atmosphere, good music cranking. Listen up for your food cuz they shout it out and don't care if you're listening. The food was a bit heavy for my taste, but a lot of people love that stick-to-your-ribs style of cuisine. Everything was a bit spicy, but I'm ok with that too. It's right next to Flying Dog, so is highly recommend it for anyone who's been pounding samples at the brewery.
(4)
Rodger C.
Great place to go. Love the service!
(5)
Meredith N.
Two words: Exploded Potatoes. (You're welcome.)
(5)
AJ J.
Food was good but the set up and ordering was just nuts. They really should simplify the whole ordering process. Place and order here but then go here oh and then back here. For a new customer it's like a maze. There was a free coupon for there potato salad which was cool and it was very good aswell.
(3)
D N.
Best sandwiches anywhere... and I've been doing some traveling over the last few years.. Nationally and abroad... Still the best sandwich shop.
(5)
Rodney S.
Best damn sandwiches I have ever had. The Trans Am is unbelieveable. The soups? Amazing. The exploded potatoes? To die for. The skirt steak dinner over a salad with the potatoes? Can't be beat. Eat at this place every chance you get. You get every single pennies worth of your money spent on a quality meal. One of kind place
(5)
BigDaddy A.
Love this place! Incredible food! Highly recommend the chili, the skinny green pizza and the south of Santa Fe salad. We eat here every time we are in Frederick or when we are passing the area. Trying to eat my way through the menu but I keep getting side tracked by repeating my favorites.
(5)
John G.
This was my first time here. It's very good food, and I'll come back, but the ordering process is very chaotic. The inside of the place felt noisy. You order food in one place and drinks in another. I felt like I was running all over. The servers sort of aimlessly wandered around looking for the correct table/party to drop off an order. Seems like it could be much more streamlined and efficient. Our order was screwed up twice, and our orders were dropped off repeatedly at someone else's table. The comical part is that the other table thought that they were getting what they ordered, so they just dug in and ate our dinner lol. I can only suspect that they were confused about what they ordered as the long, tedious, complex menu, written in small font, probably intimidated them as much as it did us. Other than that, I very much enjoyed what I ate, and I would return, just not at a time when I'm looking to relax and decompress.
(3)
Monica P.
The jury is still out on this. I think I need to go back and try one of their signature items that others rave about. I wasn't wild about the Cobb salad. The chicken on it was 2nd rate quality and very salty.
(3)
Teresa A.
Overwhelming amount of things on the menu, but the employees are more than welcome to give you delicious samples of everything while you try decide! The exploded potato was amazing, however I don't enjoy watching the grease ooze out of my food and all over my plate while I am eating, I do try to eat healthy but am not opposed to an on occasional really really bad meal, yet delicious, but this was just a little much. I also got the Alcatraz sandwich, that I split with my mom (it was definitely big enough). They were out of the sliced sourdough bread so we get it on a sourdough roll. I can imagine it being better on bread, but it was still good. The dijon mustard was WAY too powerful, I probably would get it without next time, but then again there are so many things on the menu that I most likely would just get something else. I don't like how you wait in line to order, then go into another line to order drinks and to pay.... there is a lot of waiting, and it wasn't that busy!? But it took forever! All in all, the food was really really good, the atmosphere is awesome, and I love the outdoor seating option. Oh, but the TVs are completely pointless. The Redskins game was on and the TVs were so old school and small that I couldn't even read the score. You wont be terribly disappointed coming here, it was definitely satisfying, but it also didn't blow me completely away. I need to try something else next time, and I will still definitely be back.
(3)
Trudy S.
I was skeptical about how good this place was, given its weird location (in the middle of an industrial park) and how hype can often be overrated. Nope. Every bit as good as people say it is. Exploded potato = a must. Sandwiches = delicious. Atmosphere = perfectly cozy without being obnoxious. Definitely coming back.
(5)
Eric Y.
A little bit out of the way but this place has great food. If you're looking for a quick and affordable meal this is the place. They also have a nice beer and wine selection next door. Plenty of seating and great for take-out. Pretty much everything on the menu is yummy but you should definitely get their exploded potatoes!
(5)
Shannon D.
American roadhouse but with gourmet food. San Francisco theme is in the menu, the food and the attitude. Mostly sandwiches but with some entrees. Lots of emphasis on chicken but meats as well. Steak salad more of a sandwich with greens on the side. SF fatboy is their Italian. Both with fresh ingredients and big. Have to mention the exploded potato. Awesome cpmbonation of potato salad and mashed potatoes. Fully loaded. Served hot. The medium is big; enough for two and still some for home. Hard to find. It's past the Flying Dog brewery (reservations required for tours). Just keep going and you'll see it.
(4)
Lisa R.
Really good food. So much to choose from. We got the beef BBQ and the wings. Both were amazing. When I am back in this area I am going to make sure I stop there again!
(5)
Albert S.
Go there!!! Good food and beer/wine store is always a great deal. Unique comfort food here and not a bad choice in the menu.
(5)
A. J.
I was planning a visit to Frederick and perused Yelp looking for a perfect lunch restaurant. a.k.a. Friscos looked interesting. I'm so glad we went there. The food was soooooo good. The menu is extensive and it was difficult to make a decision since everything sounded so good. This restaurant is off the beaten track but absolutely worth the drive. I will definitely be a repeat customer.
(5)
Francisco J.
I see no reason to return. Reviews mislead me. Hard to find place in an industrial park, nothing around commercial. Totally out of place. Hard bad bread, pressed sliced turkey and expensive. Loaded potatoes are good but not good enough to make me return.
(1)
Ray R.
Excellent place for lunch. All the sandwiches are unique creations that fill you up and leave a smile on your face. The exploded baked potatoes are amazing and the gumbo was homemade and wonderfully satisfying. The staff is very friendly...the guy that took our order double checked it when it came out and, of his own accord, sent back my daughter's sandwich that accidentally came back with ranch dressing on it(we would have been fine with it, but it was nice that he remembered) I highly recommend this place for anyone looking for a great lunch experience.
(5)
Tiffany M.
I wish I could eat here more but my husband isn't a huge fan, not because of the food, but because he isn't a big sandwich or salad guy. I have had salads (my favorite is the Santa Fe salad), sandwiches (Chicken salad is delicious) and love their skinny green pizza appetizer. My husband does like their exploded potatoes and get's a chili cheese and bacon baked potato and subs the potato for exploded potatoes. Cookies are amazing (smashed oreo cookie), I just wish Way Cool was still open :( Beer and wine selection next door is awesome!
(5)
Will R.
Great sandwich shop and the manager with the beard exudes pure sexual machismo.
(4)
Victoria Z.
This is one of the few "Why have I never reviewed this?!!" places I will be reviewing tonight. Fun story, I used to visit here a lot with my boyfriend. Now he's my husband and we hadn't been back since we got engaged. So when deciding where to have lunch today, I had a big "Duh! YES!" moment when he mentioned, "Hey, let's go to Friscos!" My favorite things here are the exploded potatoes and the cookies that have crushed up Oreos in them. I could live off of both of those just fine. But, in case those don't suit you (I don't know why they wouldn't!) there is a very extensive list of sandwiches and salads to choose from, too.
(4)
J B.
This is one of my favorite places in Frederick. You can't go wrong with anything on the menu! Exploded Potatoes worth writing home about (unleass you're a vegetarian)....everything that you'd find in a loaded baked potato but mixed perfectly so there's bacon in every bite. Need I say more?! :-). BBQ beef sandwich was another awesome discovery, plus bonus served WITH Exploded Potatoes....I've tasted some of almost every category of food on their menu (vegetarian and carnivorous) and I have been satisfied. I even have family members putting in requests for me to bring "Big Salads" when I visit. It's great casual food at a great price....What more could you ask for?
(5)
Tony M.
And in conclusion... This is a great lunch spot. Good sandwiches and great potatoes.
(5)
Lynn D.
Best chicken salad in Frederick County!!!! I can eat chicken salad or the chicken sandwich 5 times a week....YUMMY!!!!
(5)
Roger S.
Pretty good, though sandwiches are about $1 more than they should be. Definite place that's been discovered, even though its in the middle of an industrial park. Despite the hippie vibe, they use a lot of non-renewable containers, like styrofoam and aluminum containers...
(3)
Nik L.
This place is the jam! Awesome sandwiches, salads, and the exploded potatoes are amazing. Good selection of beer, and every this is reasonably priced. You can get a bangin steak salad for like $10, that would cost you nearly double at most of the restaurants downtown (Brewers alley)
(5)
E R.
This is not only a great little sandwich shop but the wine and beer deals next door are excellent. And you get case price on one bottle or more on Fridays.
(5)
Adrian K.
Love this unique out of the way restaurant. My favorite is the grilled chicken special, a salad with Dijon cilantro dressing and exploded potatoes! Awesome! The chili is good and the sandwiches are great. Tough to try the whole menu when the first few dishes you eat there are so good. I'm a creature of habit.
(5)
Patrick M.
We were in from out of town and looking for a great local place to eat. I was blown away! The food was delicious (I got the Lombard and my son had the chicken Caesar salad), and reasonably priced. If I am ever in town again, this will be my first stop!
(5)
Ben P.
This place has some fantastic sandwiches! It was great to be greeted with some exploded potatoes- a sort of warm potato salad with bacon- upon walking in the door. There is a lot of variety on the menu; it's a shame I'm an out of towner because I'd love to try some of the salads. Two suggestions to improve San Franciscan authenticity: bread selections should include Dutch crunch and sourdough, and the sandwiches should reflect the character of the neighborhoods they represent. A North Beach, for instance, should be an Italian sub or a salami sandwich. I had a great lunch here, and will be happy to return if ever passing back through Frederick.
(4)
Amber C.
Not bad for a restaurant located in the middle of an industrial park. They actually have a pretty decent beer selection too. I can't get overly excited about any restaurant where the microwave is their main cook, but the food is decent and prices are fair.
(3)
Ken P.
Sandwiches are nothing special and overpriced. Would be better with fresher bread. I miss the ice cream shop that used to be here. Exploded potatoes are awesome though.
(3)
Meagan G.
Have never had a bad meal here ever. Great food, great service and good prices! Love it here! Exploded potatoes are awesome and their staff is always friendly and has great suggestions if you can't decide what you want to eat.... Soup is always good to and changes daily! Love this place!
(4)
Chanda D.
Great options for vegetarians. It was clean and the service was good. We purchased a mix six pack from the store next door and there is a small but very intense selection of craft beers to chose from.
(4)
Heather A.
This place is off the beaten path... It is actually in an industrial park but WOW the food is great! And the selection of beer and wine is awesome! So glad I found this place.
(5)
Richard G.
Been going to this place for years and it's always wonderful. The exploded potatoes are fantastic and probably the most famous of their menu, but they have terrific salads abs sandwiches as well. I almost always add steak to my entrees. I miss the ice cream though... Can't forget the beer selection which is surprisingly comprehensive. It's nice to see a place in Frederick that has more than Flying Dog and the usual standards.
(4)
Jason C.
Good place to stop for a sandwhich. They have some cool things on there menu that are different then most places.
(4)
Allison D.
Friscos is my favorite lunch place in Frederick. It definitely says something about a restaurant/shop when they are tucked completely out of the way in the middle of an industrial park and they still manage to draw the crowds that they do. They are always packed at lunch time, but the wait is never too long. I just want to mention that the food is brought out or placed on the counter for pickup as it is prepared, so if you get a baked potato and somebody else gets a grilled chicken sandwich, chances are good that you will be halfway done with your lunch before they receive theirs. That's just the way it is... The adjoining liquor store has a great selection of wine at very reasonable prices. They just recently started offering mixed six packs of beer, but the selection isn't great (mostly Flying Dog). I'm a little baffled because they offer single bottles in the restaurant of 30+ varieties, but the same beer isn't available in the store. In between the restaurant and store is an outdoor ice cream shop. This is the only part that I'm not crazy about. It's frequently sloppily prepared and not all that great. I'd rather go to Brusters, Beef and Buns or one of the frozen yogurt joints; depending on what I'm in the mood for.
(5)
Jocelyn B.
Great place, great food, great service! And the fact that you can buy a bottle of wine next door, and have it brought over to your table is a plus!
(5)
Kelly W.
Love this place! Not only is the food delicious but the beer and wine selection is decent. If you want to talk about beer, they know their stuff!
(5)
Don T.
Good beer, good sandwiches, and tasty exploded potatoes. Love the Santa Fe chili, which I sometimes pour over the potatoes. Yum! While you're waiting for your food, walk next door and pick up a few bottles of reasonably priced wine. Also like the folks who work here. Very friendly and helpful.
(5)
Kenneth D.
We were in downtown Frederick with family and was told to head to Friscos since we were going to flying dog! Headed to flying dog and the last tour was sold out. Bummed out and figured let's go try this place out. Looks from the outside another food place in a business park. Boy was I wrong - everything is made to order and the food we all ordered was amazing!!! Portions were so big we needed boxes for leftovers. They also have a cool bar area to order a variety of drinks while waiting for your food. Next time I visit - I am coming back for more!!!
(5)
Kelly S.
I love friscos.This place has survived for 20+ years in a part of town until recently you'd need a gps to find.This place is unique,the portions are over the top.This is THE spot.
(5)
Chris R.
Friendly staff who greet you with free samples as soon as you enter. Wonderful menu with an amazing beer selection (it is connected to a beer/wine store). The portions are huge! Unless you are starving you will need a togo container. I frequent this restaurant and have never had bad food or experience. If you are in the Frederick area this place is off the beaten path but well worth a visit. I wish I could give it 6 stars.. don't forget to try the exploded baked potatoes.
In all if our travels, 180 shows a year in 10 different states, AKA Friscos is probably our favorite place to eat. Healthy choices, good stuff for the guys that eat like pigs. Everything is fresh. Great soups, and one of those menus you want to eat your way through. The people that work there are friendly. One guy is a big meathead, which is a plus. The food comes out really fast and sometimes with free cookies.
(5)
Victoria J.
Fun atmosphere, great food! So many choices, and all of them worth a try. The Trans-am is one of the best club sandwiches I've ever had. The exploded potato is something new-- it's not for everyone but definitely tasty!
(5)
Bern B.
Every time I have been here I have been extremely impressed by the sandwiches and exploded potatoes. This time I had the union square which was big enough for two people and we each had a small exploded potato which was amazing!! This is a perfect lunch spot!!
(4)
Adrian R.
I just got back from San Francisco this morning and needed to stop in. The Lombard sandwich was very good as was the root beer. The exploded potatoes are also a must.
(5)
Angela B.
Tasty surprise! We were passing through and glad we stopped. Santa fe chicken salad was very flavorful as was the hummus-everything was very fish. I loved the exploded potatoe. friendly staff and pleasant environment.
(4)
Chris D.
The food is amazing and I love it...should be on Triple D!
(5)
Ginger W.
Recent frustration: this place is never open anymore. Used to have long hours and serve up to closing, now locks doors before posted closing times. Food is great if you can get it. Recent visits have been characterized by disappointing service.
(3)
Paul S.
Nothing more to add than what alot of others have already said. Their sandwiches are very tasty and huge. Those exploded potatoes are unbelievably good and addictive. If I lived anywhere near Frederick, I'd be a weekly regular for my sandwich fix. Gotta plan more trips out near this place!
(5)
Rob R.
I'm a NYer that's used to having great delis and pizza/italian places in every shopping center. I can go to Friscos and order a great sandwich at a reasonable price. The options are numerous. Not to be confusing with my first sentence, but aka Friscos is not an italian place at all - they have different types of sandwiches with different names but with what I think is a San Franciscan theme. Some choice sides that are delicious. Atmosphere is casual with indoor and even some outdoor seating. Surprising selection of craft beers to have with your sandwich, thanks in part I assume to the mini wine and beer shop abutting Friscos. Not to mention an ice cream place crammed between the two of them which I'm pretty sure is for warm weather only. Anyway, I've been there a handful of times and have never came away regretting it. If what you want is a simple sandwich place that makes a great sandwich then look no further.
(5)
Jonathan C.
The people who work here are impossibly thin. The service is hit-or-miss. More like hit-or-OK. Not usually terrible but the people working in the island actually making the food aren't super into making you feel welcome. Food is great, but very high caloric. Get the Flatiron and/or the chicken salad. Not the Presidio.
(4)
Collin K.
Fun Menu, great food and service. Been several times and I get talked into something new each time, never been disappointed. Keep up the good work.
(5)
Madeline G.
Today I ate the MIssion vegetarian sandwich for lunch and, if you like brie cheese and olives, this is the best sandwich I have ever had. I am not a vegetarian either. Thanks a.ka Friscos!
(5)
Paul S.
I wish I didn't have to give a (STAR) at all . Went to all rude male staff . Stale day old bread . Stale day old bread . Stale day old bread. Stale day old bread . Stale day old bread ... This is an upscale sandwich shop . Stale day old bread . Stale day old bread . I hope you all get the message . Not for kids or business men trying to talk with customers the younger men get there to open and leave the music cranking over the patrons voices . ( not kid friendly )
(1)
Maria M.
The girl behind the counter was rude. I'm sorry, if that is my first impression and your food isn't the best thing that I have ever tasted in the whole entire world, then it already leaves a bad taste in my mouth. But i'm sure she doesn't work there everyday, so other people's experience may be better... but if she does work there all the time - know your order right away or you will get the "stink eye" and she will give you attitude. Oh well... you can't have everything. In any case, there was another girl giving out the exploded potatoes. She was rather pleasant compared to the other girl. These potatoes are... yes... exploding with flavor - bacon, butter, chives, potatoes.. what more do you need. I'm sure there were lots more ingredients in them.. but hey, it was pretty good. I got the grilled chicken ceasar salad and it was ok. Their "croutons" were slightly less crunchy pieces of bread that sort of took up a whole lot of space in my salad. However, the chicken was tasty and the salad itself was just the typical ol' ceasar salad. Not bad... but not the best i've ever tasted. My husband ordered some roast beef sandwich that was quite delicious.. but I was just so disgruntled by the bad service that I didn't really care much for the sandwich. Bottom line, the food is ok. I'd go back for the potatoes.. but not for anything else... and most definitely not for the service. Go ahead, give it a try though... just incase, know what you want to order first ;-)
(3)
Rachel P.
I was surprised the sandwiches weren't better, based on the reviews. The exploded potatoes are indeed awesome (check-in on Yelp to get a free small one!) but the sandwiches were just alright. Definitely not bad, and I might feel different if I got a baked potato.
(3)
Jay R.
This place is wonderful. Great sandwiches, salads and more!
(4)
Justin H.
You wouldn't find this place unless you were looking for it, but it's a great find. Delicious, huge sandwiches. The exploded potatoes are out of this world. The chili was great as well. It's an order at the counter type of place, but the staff was friendly and helpful. The guy let me try a couple of beers and gave some recommendations. Very reasonably priced considering the portions and quality.
(4)
Kevin T.
Good food. Exploded potato was awesome as everyone has already mentioned. BBQ sandwich was really good BBQ. The soup of the was the Austin tomato de pepe and it was very tasty.
(5)
Stephanie K.
Eating the exploded potatoes right now. Yummee ! A great selection of beer. And tasty food. Stopped in the wine store after lunch. Found all kinds of interesting wines and beers
(5)
Erin B.
This is one of my favorite places to eat in Frederick, despite it's remote, tucked out of the way location. It's hidden away in an industrial area that you almost have to know someone to act as a guide to find it. But it's worth it. The staff is always friendly from the moment I walk in the door and I like that they always give out samples of the daily soup so you can have an idea if it's something you'd like or not. The selection of sandwiches is enormous, though I tend to hover around the same favorites (the Oakland is wonderful, like a taste of California). The sandwiches are huge. I generally get two meals out of one. For a while, this was the only place in Frederick that I could get kettle chips, period, and Dirty's in particular, which I'd become a fan of while living in California. I love their chips. The exploded potato salad is amazing, a delicious warm potato salad that I've brought everyone I know to Frisco's to sample. Because each sandwich is made individually, at peak hours, it can be a bit of a wait to get your sandwich, but the portions are so generous and the food so good, I can't help but feel like it's worth it. YMMV.
(5)
Igor D.
Super friendly staff that helped me pick a sandwich in seconds! The food was succulent and scrumptious! The chicken sandwich had a perfect balance in flavor with that slight overtone of a grill. Yum! Prices are fair; between 6-10 bucks for a serving that will leave most with a to-go box.
(5)
Rob H.
This is one of Fredericks Best!!! Surprised to find that a lot of people do not even know about it... I have been going here for years... Maybe 8 or so... I have had many things, and have liked all of them... Have never once had an issue... You will love this place I am sure of it... A little secret is get your food, and then sit upstairs... Much quieter, and cool...
(5)
Nick C.
Was here for lunch with kids. Welcomed at the door with samples of exploded potatoes and chili. Kids had BBQ sandwich that they liked and potatoes that they loved. I had a cold cut with a house hot sauce that was really tasty. The chicken chili was a hit also. Great place that makes you feel very welcomed. The staff is like theme park tour guides, taking the time to explain and navigate the big variety of great eats. This place is a must try. We will definitely be back!
(4)
Gina C.
Huge selection and huge portions. Sandwiches and soup we tried were really good. Can't wait to try the pizza when we go back.
Came to friscos, had an exploded potato and a draught beer. The potato was excellent as far as taste and ingredients, but wasn't very hot. The draught beer was garbage (probably my own fault). The food temperature thing sounds nit-picky but that's how I like my food. Hot. Could be 5 stars
(4)
Megan K.
So we got to the Flying Dog Brewery early, and they told us to go to Friscos. Given we were driving through an industrial park, I assumed the hostess just had some go to deli to send people to, that she didn't want to sit in her waiting area. Turns out, Friscos is the best kept secret hole in the wall joint in the Frederick area. While looking over the massive menu, we got the complimentary exploded potato sample. The exploding potato is amazing. I got the Sausalito (vegetarian) baked potato. The toppings were delish, but the potato was undercooked. I wish I had gotten a sandwich, I watched them make almost a dozen by hand while I waited for my potato. Highly recommend, and if you're traveling through Frederick, it's not too far off I-270.
(3)
CJ B.
What an unexpected surprise! After passing many places on our way to DC, my wife found aka Friscos on yelp. She rarely errs when it comes to picking eateries so we went for it. Not where you would expect a treat like this to be found and unimpressive in decor but you quickly ignore all that when you sample their exploded potatoes and read through their menu. We shared the flat iron steak sandwich and a medium exploded tater. More than enough food for lunch for both of us. Their craft beer selection is awesome and I urge you to try something different. They will not steer you wrong.
(5)
Carl B.
This turned out to be the best Yelp find I have ever come across. The food is fresh and the extra effort shines through. This place is worthy of a Triple D episode! The owner came by and talked with us because the steak for my wife's steak salad was taking a while... Because the steak was being cooked to order from fresh beef they source several times a week from a Pennsylvania farm! It's a little out of the way in one of those new warehouse areas... Count yourself lucky if you stumbled across this one! If your reading this on Yelp, stop reading go straight to the directions button and start driving! Fresh, different, San Francisco vibe. Exploded Potatoes, awesome as all the other reviews say. Sandwiches are great, chili is fantastic, the selection of beers makes a guy feel like a kid in a candy shop. John and the crew, keep it up, we'll be back and spreading the word in the meanwhile. Don't misinterpret the 4 stars, I reserve those for Michelin rated gourmet restaurants, and haven't given out any yet 5 star ratings yet.
(4)
John G.
Awesome. As much as this place is out of the way in an industrial park, you need to find this place and go.
(5)
I W.
Great place! Love small places that's does a great job. Must have exploded potatoes. They give you lots of food. I normally can eat it for 2 meals.
(5)
Christopher F.
Again - the business of business took me to another far-flung berg - the city of Frederick, Maryland. Looking for simple, local fare, I summoned the oracle of Yelp - and was pleasantly surprised. Now it is a little off the beaten path - and yet - and 6pm on a Wednesday, the place had an upbeat and vibrant energy to it, just like the original "Baghdad by the Bay". After entering, I was quickly greeted and given a free sample of their epicurean contribution of greatness - "exploded potatoes". Imagine the best mashed potatoes you have ever had... Yes, they are that good, if not better. Now enter my gripes - the menu is overly cumbersome... I had to read the bulk of the entries (aptly named after San Francisco landmarks and fixtures) in order to find anything of interest. A shortcut menu, or just highlighting the relevant protein of the entree, would go a long way in creating a more "user friendly" dining experience. Also, it was not clearly explained where to pay. I had to get my beverage (I elected to support the local brew-miester of Flying Dog Brewery) at a different station, where I was suppose to pay for the entire order. Okay - I figured it out and moved on... But it seems a little strange in retrospect. The sandwich - an amazing roast beef (they call it the "Embracadero"... I don't see the connection, but I can let that slide) with fresh, lean meat, and great veggies, sandwiched by an as-advertised soft sliced roll. After a long, stressful day - it was an excellent way to reinvigorate. And with the Flying Dog IPA, and a side of Exploded Potatoes, I was on the road to Well-ville... The service was very pleasant and understanding. If and when I return to Frederick again, I will not hesitate in returning - if not just for the potatoes.
(4)
Carajo B.
I've really REALLY tried to like a.k.a. Friscos. Our office orders from here frequently, friends have raved about it. But, after sampling at least 10 different menu items, just think I'll pass next time someone suggests this place. Have never gotten a dish as ordered. Salad is really hard to mess up, right? Not here. Ask for dressing on the side, get swimming greens. No cheese? No problem-we'll give you extra. Bread not toasted-that's okay. Take a bite-it's burnt on the INSIDE! Exploded potato. Dare ya to ask for minimal toppings. All I can think is "kids in the kitchen" and owner could care less. Even if someone else is offering to buy lunch-I'd suggest somewhere else.
(1)
Shannon S.
Stopped by here on the way home from a road trip. Great little find tucked away in a corporate industrial park. I had the Garden State which is a vegetarian winner-fresh avocado and smoked Gouda. Great selection but give yourself time to read the menu. The order counter is right when you walk in the front door and you find yourself staring neck tilted back trying to make a decision. Warning for any kiddos who order the grilled cheese it's more a la garlic bread style vs traditional grilled cheese. Overall great sandwich find!
(4)
c t.
Maybe our expectations were too high given the nearly 5 star review here on Yelp, but our experience was way less than five star. The staff greeted us in a very friendly and energetic way, and offered us samples to try while we looked at the extensive menu. The exploded potatoes were very tasty, and so we thought the rest of the food would follow suit. We were off to a good start. My husband ordered the Presidio and I ordered the Embarcadero. We ordered a Grilled Cheese for our two girls to split. The food was done quickly, and the sandwiches were indeed quite big. But they were B-O-R-I-N-G flavor wise. All I could taste on mine was horseradish (which I enjoy, but not as the main flavor of the sandwich). The bread was on the dry side; nothing to write home about. The shredded iceberg lettuce and pale tasteless tomatoes were fast food joint quality. Each of us finished one half (we were ravenously hungry) and put the others in a box to take home. I don't think I'm going to bother eating my other half. The grilled cheese was indeed grilled, so much so that parts of it were blackened. The cheese was thick and came off in rather large globs, which made my daughter gag on one particular bite. She is three, so this could be partly user error. My 4 year old daughter, who normally eats like a horse, took two bites and abandoned it. Sorry to say, we will not be back. The five star reviews of this place are baffling to us!
(2)
Taylor K.
One of my favorite restaurants in the DMV. They have so many fresh sandwich options and the exploded potatoes are addicting. It is tucked away in an unassuming, warehouse district and AKA does little to no advertising. This is truly a hidden gem in Frederick!
(5)
Kevin J.
Exploded potatoes are all you really need to know. Something for just about any taste. Nice for a change from the norm. Great summertime spot. Definitely worth a try.
(5)
Dave A.
I have been in this area for 15 years.. never even knew this place existed. They explained it is because they do not advertise. I guess they don't need to. My wife had one of the salads. The lettuce is not the king of the salad, the toppings are. About 1/2 an avocado and I would say about 5 slices of bacon chopped up. She did not like the pasta that was on the salad, but that was her only complaint. I had the Redwood potato. I got it on their 'exploded potatoes', which appears to be a version of twice cooked potato. I personally think I should have stayed with the baked spud, but that is my only real complaint. The beef was astounding, the horseradish was nice and mild, and overall was a very satisfying potato dish. IMHO, this salad and potato combo could feed 3 people. The atmosphere is clicky dive, but the staff is cool. An upgraded TV would be nice, rather than the old CRT unit above the fireplace. We will be back again.
(4)
Cynthia L.
We came here on a Sunday afternoon & for a place that is so hidden, there was a steady stream of people. We tried their steak potato loaded potato and grilled cheese (its the most interesting but best grilled cheese i've had...the bread was garlic bread-ish seasoned and they used provolone instead of american cheese). We hopped over to get ice cream ($1.75 for kid twisters was plenty for us)...you could tell it was really good ice cream and not the chemically-water mixed kind. Last, we stopped over to their beer & wine store. I love their $13 & under-unique wine & beers only rule...we ended buying 3 bottles. What made this trip so great was that the owners dropped in and chatted with us, which made us feel really welcomed. I would def recommend a trip here!
(5)
Allyson P.
Five stars for the beer selection alone. I have never seen such an incredible selection at a fast food restaurant. Many of them were beers I hadn't seen before, and I could have happily stayed there all day trying new beers, but I had a Flying Dog tour to get to. The cashier was also quite knowledgeable about the beers, and happy to answer any questions. On to the food, which was really quite great for the price and the setting. My husband and I got essentially the same thing: flat iron steak special for me, and flat iron steak potato for him. The special came with exploded potatoes and salad on the side, and my husband's steak came piled on top of a massive baked potato smothered with cheese. The steak was cooked exactly as ordered (medium-rare for my husband; rare for me), and perfectly seasoned. And there was a ton of it. I couldn't come close to finishing mine, but husband and no trouble finishing both of ours. And I'm not sure what exactly is in the exploded potatoes (definitely bacon, probably sour cream, not sure what else), but they're delicious. Definitely worth a stop if you find yourself in Frederick.
(5)
Amit M.
There's more than a hint of irony in finding this special place in the midst of the most industrial part of an otherwise very charming town. The food is fantastic, and it's a nice space in which to eat. Try one of their large sandwiches, a rich pasta salad (Southwest Chicken is my favorite), or their signature Exploded Potatoes (warning 1: decidedly not vegetarian; warning 2: otherwise, they will become your favorite potato side of all time). In warmer weather, few things are better than grabbing your order and finding a spot on the outdoor patio to enjoy it. ALERT: do not make the mistake of stepping up to order before you have been called, as you will be sent back in line. Offers an eclectic beer menu as well. Down the street from the Flying Dog Brewery.
(5)
Noah K.
This place is a real gem. A funky place in an industrial park, known only through word of mouth, they have great sandwiches, grilled wings, skirt steak, wonderful soups, salads, and a unique side dish called exploded potatoes, which for lack of a better explanation, is a cross between potato salad and mashed potatoes. Everything is made fresh and the prices are borderline giveaway. Better still, they have a wine shop of inexpensive gems attached (nothing over $13; case price on individual bottles on Fridays) and you can drink the wine with your meal without any extra markup. Service is friendly and enthusiastic. It's not lightning quick, but just enjoy yourself with an inexpensive beer or bottle of wine while you wait, because it will be worth it. The owner lives in the nearby neighborhood and is very passionate about what he does. You can chat with him in the wine shop frequently. The dishes are named after San Francisco neighborhoods, but the names have nothing to do with the dish themselves, so don't read too much into it. Sadly, the ice cream shop (best prices in town on home made soft serve) is on hiatus, but they say it will be back. I hope so, since they had the best milkshakes I've probably ever had. Newbies: look online and study the menu first. It will be daunting to try to figure out what you want based on the blackboard (you order at the counter), but once you see how things work, you'll be hooked.
(5)
Kathryn M.
Food is delicious and fresh, but a little pricey for sandwiches. I love the 'Sploaded potatoes!
(4)
G K.
Amazingly huge and freshly made gigantic sandwiches in a low-key almost Florida keys industrial atmosphere, and the prices are completely reasonable. It's quite out of the way, and our GPS had trouble finding it, but find it we did and have no regrets. I'd recommend this place to anyone for lunch, but you probably want skip breakfast first.
(4)
Mary B.
All I can say is- YUM! Vegetarian-friendly and so much fun. It's tucked away in a place you've never just find it "driving by" but once you know about it, you won't forget it! Try one of the baked potatoes. YUM YUM YUM!
(4)
Rachel E.
Came here recently after reading about it on yelp. I suggested it to my group of friends and off we went, as others have remarked, it has a somewhat odd location. We went on a weekend so there wasn't much open around since its in a business park and my friends were a bit skeptical until they saw the place. We walked in and read over the extensive menu. The girls who greeted us when we first walked in the door were a little a bit unfriendly, I don't think I saw them smile once and they seemed a little impatient for us to order but they did offer us samples of their red and white chili's, and also some of the loaded potatoes. Everyone remarked how amazing (need to go back and get those loaded potatoes) the samples were and my boyfriend ultimately decided to get the chili. All of the girls ordered a baker (baked potato), I ordered the redwood with roast beef and cheese. My friend ordered the one with avocado? Not sure what it was called and her daughter ordered a plain. I also ordered a side of macaroni & cheese. My boyfriend ordered the chili (also a side item I can't recall) and my friends son ordered a normal turkey sandwich. Everyone remarked that everything was good and I really enjoyed mine - they do not skimp on the meat or cheese, in fact every bite had a load of roast beef. The macaroni and cheese was decent, not the best ever as advertised (boo) and a bit cold in the middle. The place was a bit loud and become a little crowded in the time we were eating but hey it's good for business. The prices were extremely fair and everything was very filling. A few of us had to take leftovers. If I was just going off the food I would give this a 5, service I'd give a 3 maybe a 2.5 but it really isn't a place that service matters all that much since you sit yourself. The man who was also working there was very friendly in fact, too bad we did not get to deal with him the entire time. All and all it was a good experience with good food and low prices, I'll definitely go back.
(4)
Laylah G.
Love at first bite. This place has several things going for it: affordable prices, good sized portions, plenty of options, and delicious food. The location is a little sketch, but easy enough to find, and the industrial park setting sort of adds to the quirkiness. The first thing I ever ordered here was the Twin Peaks baker. I swear, my mouth hung open for half a minute after my first bite, because I couldn't believe how delicious it was and my brain sort of shut down in a "OMG WHAT DID YOU JUST EAT. YOU MUST EAT MORE" coma. My stomach should be so lucky to have one every day. The thing was huge and filled with deliciousness, tons of broccoli, carrots, and red cabbage, and an indecent amount of cheese. Good G-d. I also have had the Golden Gate sandwich here, which was quite delicious as well. The Wolf Sauce is quite good too- it's worth it to order the sauce with a bowl of chips. It's less than $5 and is practically party-sized. Everyone else I have gone there with have said their sandwiches and bakers were very tasty as well. I really really REALLY want to try the Exploding Potatoes, but alas, I don't eat bacon. I kept greedily sniffing my friend's order during my most recent trip, attempting to live vicariously through her more lax gastronomical choices. (She declared them "Holy Crap Delicious" by the way).
(5)
Daniel A.
Best sandwich shop/small beer/wine market in town bar none. Always enjoy coming here for lunch. This place does not make a bad sandwich and the exploded potatoes are amazing.
(5)
Susan S.
Stopped in after a day at Liberty based on Yelp recommendations. Hidden away in an industrial park, we never would've known this place existed but we will definitely be back. Based on recommendations from staff, we ordered a Trans-Am and a Lombard and wings for our son. The sandwiches were incredible and huge. I would order both of them again and again. And the exploded potatoes are delicious! Service was so warm and friendly. It's a great find and we can't wait to go back!
(5)
Chris J.
Best sandwich shop I have been to in a long time. Great service, prices, selection, and quality. Kind of in the middle of nowhere, tucked in amongst alot of empty newish commercial buildings, it is worth seeking out. They have a sandwich for everyone and two great veggie options (on top of tons of salads. It may seem a bit far from downtown frederick to grab lunch during work, but the service seems fast enough to get in and out. And the icing on the cake is the cheap beer! They had four beers on draft and loads of bottles. They had Flying Dogs Gonzo Porter for only $4 a pint (and they also sell 12 and 20 ounce servings of draft beer which is pretty cool).
(5)
Steve G.
Located in a new industrial park, this place is an unexpected treat. You arrive and immediately ere given free samples of a couple of things, including "exploded potties." Friendly staff takes your order and then you get your drinks (including craft beer on tap) . we had flat iron steak sald, which were quite tasty with good salsa, lettuce and dressing. If you like cement floors, friendly people and a place that only Yelp could turn it o a success this is for you.
(5)
Connie M.
I loved this place and can't wait to go back. Ordered grilled steak special which came on a fresh salad with a potato on the side. The serving of steak was a half pound and was tender and delicious. Lived the beer selection too. My friend and I wandered into the beer store after we ate and chatted with the knowledgeable staff. We were traveling the next day so neither of us was buying beer to go but instead the nice man gave us a free ice cream cone. I can't wait til I'm back in town as this will be my default dinner spot. Healthy food and craft beer. Yep!
(5)
Jose L.
This place has found the perfect formula- tasty food, countless menu selections, friendly staff, comfortable atmosphere and best yet easy on the wallet. This will be one of my go-to stops whenever I'm in Frederick.
(5)
Emilio F.
Great food, huge portions
(5)
Dana Z.
One thing is for sure: you won't leave hungry... Everything is really big and decently priced. I don't think it's quite as amazing as everyone is making it out to be, but that's just my opinion. Pretty good for a sandwich/salad place. I do agree with everyone that the exploded potatoes are pretty amazing. They have a pretty extensive menu and takes a few minutes to read all the descriptions unless you go in knowing what you want already :)
(3)
Derek H.
Crazy bold flavors. Over the top friendly group. We went in expecting a simple lunch. We walked through the door to big smiles and hellos. They offered us samples and were very patient with us. We walked out happy we gave it a try and look forward to trying it again in the future. I don't know about the experiences of others here on Yelp, but I would certainly recommend this place. If you like spicy, ask for some Wicked Wolf sauce.
(5)
L L.
Great food and pleasant, unconventional atmosphere.
(4)
William W.
First time here and all I have to say is wow! Excellent service as soon as we walked through the door. We were greeted with a sample of the exploded potatoes yum! A young man helped us through the menu and suggested the trans am which I had and my wife had the Alcatraz and we both had a side of the potatoes. Than we were pointed to the bar to pay and wow what a beer selection. The gentleman at the bar was very helpful and kind. He let us sample some of the beers on tap and I decided on the burley oak and my wife had a sasparilla. We both loved our subs and potatoes very large portions. I know what I will be having for lunch tomorrow. Defiantly check this place out good food good beer and good music! Found our new favorite spot we'll be back!
(5)
Victoria R.
Not overly impressed. My husband had the Embarcadero and chips, and also a grilled cheese. His food was delicious and he was happy. I had a steak sandwich, which was terrible, and the exploded potatoes, which are as good as the reviews claim. I was extremely disappointed in my $9 steak sandwich, which I couldn't even bring myself to eat more than half of. Overall, this place fell short of its Yelp reputation.
(3)
Diane W.
Really enjoyed the place. Great food and very friendly staff
(5)
Ben G.
Really good subs... found this place on Yelp driving from Baltimore home to Cleveland. Would recommend! Menu is really big and hard to pick! Like the other reviews said it can be hard to find but once you find it youre golden.
(4)
Jeff F.
Great for a casual meal. The food was very good, try the exploded potato salad, it is unique. The owner came over to our table and was very friendly, offering up tastes of items on the menu. Overall we were very pleased and will visit again, when in the area.
(5)
Anthony Y.
I read about this place on yelp. I went yesterday, the service is outstanding some of the nicest people you will ever meet. The owner gave me the VIP treatment and the food was outstanding. When you go ask about the exploding potatoes. In the words of Arnold, "I'll be back"
(5)
Angela S.
AKA Friscos: Home of the 23 minute sandwich. And, I am disappointed in my fellow Yelpers. A measley 1.5 stars. I will try to touch on the points that the other reviews failed to mention. First, when you pull up to the establishment, you have to figure out where to go. There is one part of the building for carryout and catering, another for ice cream, and another which is the restaurant. Now, I was going for carryout, so does that mean I go to the carryout door? I chose the restaurant, and it all went downhill from there. I walked in to find some people preparing food in the middle of the room, and what appeared to be a bartender in the back. No menu anywhere, as I had seen on the Yelp pictures. One of the workers asked if I had been there before. I told her no, and she pointed at the menu board on some random side of the counter that no one would have ever seen. At 4:00 on a weekday afternoon, there was only one person ordering in front of me. She ordered from the 2 people working there, then moved on. I was left standing there. And standing there. Finally one of them said they would be right with me. They weren't. Then someone came from another part of the building and took my order. After taking my order, he offered me a sample of the exploded potatoes, which looked totally unappetizing. Luckily I asked what the red bits were before I tried any (fyi they are bacon, for those of you who don't eat red meat). Seeing as I had just ordered 2 vegetarian sandwiches, you can probably bet that I handed that sample right back to him. Anyway, I took my order note over to the bartender-type guy, who rung me up--now tell me, why can't I just order from this guy? Doesn't make sense. So then I proceeded to wait, get this, 23 minutes for my 2 sandwiches. At 4:00 in the afternoon. With one person in front of me. Better be one hell of a sandwich. It wasn't. The Golden Gate, consisting only of tomato, alfalfa sprouts, avocado, 1 slice of cheese, and no dressing or seasoning, was pretty bad, especially when it was on cheap bread. Reminded me of a hot dog bun., It was pretty much inedible. It was trying to be Jimmy John's veggie sub, but I'd rather go the 1/2 mile down the road and get JJ's, on better bread with better flavor (and cheaper). The other vegetarian sandwich, The Mission, was better, mostly because it was on a higher quality baguette-type crusty-chewy bread. I think the green olive tapenade (that is what that is called for those who were struggling to describe it in other reviews) would have meshed well with the brie had it been a little less salty. All in all, I would probably have this sandwich again, but not from here. Its not worth the hassle. Both sandwiches were a decent size, but for $7-$7.50, they ought to be. Bottom line: If sandwiches are your claim to fame, then they better be damn good. Each and every one should be just as good as the next, with no "misses". And, no, I don't need to try any of the baked potatoes--I can make those at home.
(2)
Sean S.
Good luck finding this place! Its like in Zelda where you had to move a specific rock or burn a specific bush to find your goodies. And im not telling because Im selfish like that. Yums: Exploded potatoes are awesome, great subs, summer wine tastings, excellent selection of reasonably priced wines (we buy it by the case here) and there is no better deal on ice cream in Frederick ( the way cool kiss with the homemade oreos is delish). Pricing: Cheap Atmosphere: beachy, which is awesome for Frederick ( i need the reminder of beaches) Dress: very casual Service: good Food: A Parking: Ample and Free Wait: None Overall Grade: A
(5)
Elisabeth H.
This is a 3 * review that I really hope to go back and change to a 4. After reading all the hype I finally made a trip to AKA Friscos. It seems that AKA Friscos has a cult like following, and is fully illustrated by the fact that the location is in the middle of an industrial park. This is very different from the 4,397 other places to eat in Frederick that find themselves either downtown, or lining 40, 85, 355 in one of the MANY strip malls. I walked in and immediately got the this is 'one of those places' vibe. You know, that place you go when you are craving something great, out of the ordinary that fills a void that no other place seems to. The menu is extensive and can be overwhelming having done some pre-meal research via yelp I knew that there were a couple things I wanted to try but on the top of the list was the baked potato concoctions. So we had two of those Kong Lobo which had bacon, cheese, chili and the hot sauce which was more smokey then spicy and the other was the Santa Fe. They both were great taste wise but here comes the 3 star review part both potatoes came out very quickly which was great almost before we could find seating, but both were cold which wasn't so great. Both were sent back to be reheated and both came back hot on the sides with the middle and most of the actual potato part cold. Which really was a shame both chili was on point, and the Santa Fe tasted great. I think the key is making sure the potato is hot throughout prior to placing all the toppings on it. That really is my only complaint, but no matter how good something is tasting it's not so good cold. We also had the mildly spicy wings which were not really spicy at all and were baked not fried, but were just as good as if they had been prepared the 'yummy but bad for you way' they came with a smokey ranch type of dipping sauce which was great. Last but not least was the exploded potatoes and BBQ sandwich. The BBQ was good not the best I have ever had but it was still good. The highlight was definitely the exploded potatoes they were great! All in all had a good meal, tried a bunch of stuff, and am excited to go back and give Frisco's a second chance.
(3)
Andrew B.
There aren't many places where I'm willing to say I'd recommend literally anything on the menu, but this is one of them. The sandwiches are unique and delicious (recommendation: the embarcadero or flat iron steak), the salads are meals unto themselves, and the sides are great (if you don't love the exploded potatoes, you don't have a soul). They serve beer, they have an ice cream/milkshake attachment and a fantastic -- and inexpensive -- wine selection with a helpful staff. The location is poor, but that's a forgivable (and even understandable when you see the business they do during the week) offense. I've gone here probably at least 50 times and have had one bad experience -- the girl who took my order was offensive in her lack of caring and ended up taking down the order wrong -- but even that was rectified quickly by other staff. Frisco's is just a fantastic, individualistic, casual place. Best lunches in town.
(5)
Dylan K.
Friscos is amazing. I get the flat iron steak potato almost everytime. The steak is better than what I had at The Tasting Room. Everything is insanely flavorful. Really fun atmosphere too. Can't say a bad word about it. Awesome place. I'm so glad I live near Westview so I can go all the time.
(5)
Carly J.
I hadn't planned on reviewing Frisco's today but it popped up when I was searching for something else so I thought, "Why not?" About five months ago, my teenage son was feeling like crap. NOTHING interested him food-wise. I started driving around and after about 15 minutes, thought that exploded potatoes would hit the spot for him--easy on his throat and he loves them. I got to Frisco's about 7:04 PM and noticed that they closed at 7. I walked back to my car and as I was getting in, one of the employees came running out to me. He had a carry out menu in his hand and gave it to me while telling me the hours were printed on it and that he was sorry I missed them. Then, he said that he hated to think I had wasted a trip there and handed me a serving of...exploded potatoes. Anyone that's going to go that far above and beyond the call of duty to make someone happy who wasn't even upset to begin with deserves mention. Their food is great, the prices can't be beat and their customer service is also wonderful. Mayve a month later, I ordered one of the potato meals and the preparer omitted the dressing. It happened a second time. I wasn't really upset and I didn't make a scene--just made a comment that they might to double check their servings--mistakes happen. However, Mr. Cool Manager comped my next potato. I sing their praises. Any restaurant that is THAT "hidden" and off the beaten path that can not only survive but also thrive is impressive. I hope they're open for another 50 years!!
(5)
Jackie G.
We came here for lunch when we were visiting the Flying Dog Brewery based on all of the positive reviews it had online. We enjoyed the food so much, we came back that same day for dinner. Since then, we make sure to hit it up anytime we're even remotely close to it, including going out of our way to go through Frederick when driving from New Jersey to stop in. As everyone else has mentioned, the star really is the buttery scalliony amazing exploded potatoes...pay the extra $0.50 to upgrade the regular potatoes to exploded. Our favorite is probably the Flat Iron Steak (really good steak, homemade steak sauce, cheese and scallions). They also do a couple of specials after 4 and on the weekends. I've had the Grilled Chicken Special, which has really flavorful grilled chicken served with some exploded potatoes, a small salad, and an awesome cilantro sauce. They have a ton of great looking salads and sandwiches, but haven't ventured to that part of the menu....yet.
(5)
Elizabeth L.
I really tried to like Friscos, because I like San Francisco a lot, but I couldn't find anything to eat there that wasn't a disappointment. I have tried their chili (way too much cumin!), some sandwiches (really, I have had much better sandwiches), nachos (double why bother) and have reached the conclusion that I don't like the food at Friscos and it is time to stop trying.
(1)
Colin M.
The real food king of Frederick that most residents surprisingly don't know about because of the location. Full flavor in all the items they serve - I don't know how they already haven't been featured on some sort of Food Network show.
(5)
Heather P.
I'm a Friscos ADDICT! I love everything Friscos!! These recent reviews on here are completely WHACK! These complaints about "bad service" is a JOKE!! Kim E The reason why you couldn't fit through the door, is because obviously Friscos is the BEST! Clearly you should have stopped at a run down McDonald's on some interstate because FRISCOS IS NOT FOR PEOPLE LIKE YOOOOOOOU! The funny thing is, if you would have been a lady, and asked to speak to one of the owners, they would have happily made you something more to your liking upon request. People like you and Mr Glenn, belong at the wawa with all the other stale people in the world. In my final defense, Aka Friscos is definitely NOT for everyone.. That's why they don't advertise.. Most people find out about them by word of mouth. this is a review you can trust! xoxoxo heather ; )
(5)
Roger B.
I liked this place a lot! Good service, great menu and awesome food. The layout can be a bit confusing your first time, but, once you get it down, it's fairly simple. If you tell them it's your first time there, they will make sure you understand everything going on. Once again, great food.
(5)
Kevin L.
Yes, it is small and loud - and sometimes it is hard to get a seat BUT the food is totally worth it!! Every sandwich I have ever ordered have been excellent, the portions are great too. I love the loaded mased potatoes, these alone are worth the trip. A great meal, fair prices.
(5)
Will P.
This place was awesome. The menu is expansive and has a ton of great items. The staff is super helpful and really care about your experience. I can't wait to go back!
(5)
Daniel D.
Heard about this place through word of mouth and I'm glad I stopped flat iron steak on potatoes is a very filling lunch my girlfriend tried there mildly spicy wings and they had a very good taste I will go a 2nd time for sure they also sell beer
(4)
Phil W.
Friendly, helpful service... Very quick and tons of food! Got the fat boy: 4 kinds of meat 2 kinds of cheese! Good eats
(5)
Sooperken S.
Good sandwiches and good food in general... i thoroughly dislike the ordering process, where you stand, wait and hope that one of the kids they have working there notices you and eventually takes your order... it can be frustrating at times... It's like they are doing you a favor by finally taking your order? ... besides that, i don't have many other complaints... The curry chicken salad sandwich with sprouts is great and definitely reminds me of something you might get in San Francisco... i'll go again and would recommend it... Can somebody PLEASE work out a more logical/professional ordering process? i'll give you 5 stars when that happens...
(4)
Ryan N.
Great spot for lunch! So many choices you'll need to come back, again and again to try them all. Love their generous use of avocado and bean sprouts! Atmosphere is fun and great for casual dining.
(4)
Chrissy M.
Have you ever gotten a food craving that just can't be satisfied until you have that food again? That's how I feel just thinking about Friscos! Everything I have ever had from them is amazing and I've had a lot. They have an extensive menu so if you're struggling with what to try I recommend 1 - The Bart 2- Exploded Potatoes 3 - Santa Fe Chicken. Yes, you should get all three and it will cost you just over $10. The atmosphere is awesome, the people have always been super friendly to me and the food is amazing! I don't usually like to try new foods once I have a favorite and once I was debating (out loud) trying the Santa Fe chicken vs. sticking with the same thing I always get and the man behind the counter said, "Here, try some and then decide." Best decision ever! I seriously can't get enough of Friscos! Definitely worth a visit if you're in the area or if you're like me and live 40 minutes away it's worth the drive!
(5)
Colleen F.
Nice, family friendly atmosphere with affordable prices. We were greeted at the counter with free samples of their soup to try. The staff is very friendly. Good vegetarian options and beer selection. Their location is in a warehouse type area, so don't turn around thinking you've made a wrong turn. The sandwiches are very tasty. I do miss the outdoor ice cream window.
(4)
Tristan K.
This place is the stuff of legend - back when they had their outpost near Tenleytown in DC, the line was consistently out the door. Although this HQ has been the only Friscos option for about a decade, I still make the 45 minute drive on the weekends to this simple oasis tucked into an industrial park. The subs are great, lots of variety and packed to the gills. Do not forget the Wicked Wolf hot sauce for that added zing. The Oreo cookies are also heavenly, with the right amount of softness. But my go-to is the exploded potatoes. Despite countless attempts I can never recreate the awesomeness that is the Redwood. Would definitely be my choice for a last meal if I ever find myself on death row.
(5)
Jeff S.
Quirky and fun little hidden gem in Frederick. Great sandwiches, exploded potatoes, salads, bakers, etc. They seem to have something for everyone. Prices are reasonable but it does seem like they use pretty cheap quality ingredients.
(4)
Shane K.
Absolutely great food. Friscos chicken salad was fantastic and the exploded potatoes are phenomenal. Good prices and nice atmosphere.
(5)
John F.
The food here is awesome! The owners and staff couldn't be nicer. I want to eat here every day!
(5)
C F.
This place is great.
(5)
Samuel R.
AKA Friscos: Worth the drive to Frederick Question: How many sandwiches exist that are so good that you would need no other reason to plan a trip to Frederick? Count the number of sandwiches on the menu of AKA Friscos and you will have your answer. Ms. Classy and I visited AKA Friscos a few weeks ago and we could not wait for a return visit. I messaged with my lunch plans while she was stuck at work and she replied, "It is cruel of you to go up there without getting me something. CRUEL." I promised to bring home one of their mouth-watering sandwiches (the Trans-Am) and she quickly retracted her accusation of cruelty. The trip from doorstep to deli took the better part of an hour, but in my food-obsessed opinion, it was worth it. The first thing a newbie customer will notice upon entering the restaurant is the atmosphere. There's no formal greeter, but I got a friendly "Hello!" shout and a sample of their Exploded Potatoes handed to me when I walked in the door. AKA Friscos is the antithesis of formal in the best way possible. It is one part deli, one part sports bar, and one part indoor picnic. Customer and staff conversations are loud, but friendly, and their music selection rocks (80s Def Leppard, Pink Floyd, AC/DC, and Alice Cooper were on the playlist during my visit). You can watch the sandwich magic happen from the open center 'pavillion' where they take your order and assemble your food. Now to my favorite part of all: the food. On the first visit, Ms. Classy and I shared the Embarcadero and the Alcatraz sandwiches and shared a side of the Exploded Potatoes. After the first bite, we made a blood oath to return. For today's visit, I ordered the BBQ Sandwich, which comes with a side of the Exploded Potatoes, for $8.50. As you can see, this sandwich is big and slathered in Sweet Baby Ray's barbecue sauce. The server brought a handful of extra napkins, which is a necessity for a sandwich like this. The roast beef was tender with a nice smokey flavor. If you like your barbecue beef sweet, this is the sandwich for you. Even though the sandwich was large and wonderful, the side of Exploded Potatoes is not to be overlooked. Unlike a traditional cold, mustard/mayonnaise based potato salad, the Exploded Potatoes are served warm, almost mashed, with plenty of butter, bacon, and green onions mixed inside. They are amazing and a must have unless you have some sort of anti-potato political agenda. After my tasty and very filling lunch, I had a nice chat with the owner, John Wolf. He gave me a quick tour of the facilities and showed me where they dry rub, roast, and slice their fresh meats daily. Their breads are delivered bakery fresh every morning. He let me sample a few different meat slices, which made me curse my standard-sized stomach for not being able to take on additional sandwiches at the time. I asked him about the 'off the grid' location and John said it was by design. He's happy with his regular clientele and atmosphere for the deli and attached wine store. He is more than happy to welcome new customers, but cautions the atmosphere isn't for everyone and people have come based on stellar customer reviews and were a little put off by the hyper-casual atmosphere. I assured him that no one really reads my *CENSORED* and he seemed pleased. He followed that up with one of my favorite quotes from a restaurant owner: "We're not going to turn the music down." Will Ms. Classy and I return? As often as we have business in Frederick (sometimes the only business we'll have there is to visit AKA Friscos. Yours, -Someone of the male persuasion who does not like to spend a whole lot of money on things
(5)
Kim E.
Rude customer service and lack-luster food is the fare at AKA Friscos. If you are passing through, please keep on driving. This joint is not made for the family just passing through town. We picked it based on Yelp reviews that usually never lead us astray. We walked in...ok, squeezed in the doorway and tried to read the menu. The counter is right up next to the door with a gigantic billboard style menu with so many options and details that you can't wrap your head around what is available. We step up to order and the guy working the counter is clearly exasperated by the fact that I ask for a grilled chicken sandwich for my daughter. No. Can't do that. Can't? Interesting choice of words. So, I order a kid's grilled cheese and a "what he called the closest thing to a grilled chicken sandwich" for my daughter and I to split. It was called "the Chronicle" My husband got one as well. The grilled chicken was average at best. It was grilled much like you would do at home on your grill. The grilled cheese for my son was...less than appetizing. Pretty bad when a four year old won't eat a grilled cheese. While there were plenty of people there eating, I can't imagine that they are enjoying this less than average meal. Perhaps there is nothing else to choose from in the area. Maybe it is locals who have grown up thinking this is the best food out there. Maybe we just got the wrong things. Here's a hint AKA Friscos...help your customers who don't have a clue pick some of the favorites on your menu if you are going to have a mammoth of a menu!
(1)
Chef A.
Now if you like to eat maggots, then I suggest going back to MD-85 where the4th st. refugee hookers who are paid in Toblerone go to eat. But for the rest of us who are sick of the Buckeystown Pkl nightmare at lunch time, Friscos is one of the best hidden secrets in town. If you want good food, good booze and a good price, then you want to come here. If you want to sit outside and eat ice cream, well they got that too,. And hell, after eating a stuffed potato, downing a few pints, then head next door drunk for ice cream, you can go next door to that to the wine shop and buy more booze to go. This brings me to my second part of the review, the booze. I had a date and we hit this place up like a high school kegger for her to get silly drunk. they had a decent beer selection, but she chose wine. Personally, I think the effects of getting trashed off of Listerine would be better than wine drunk, but hell, she's the drinker. Anywho, the wine selection was pretty huge. And if that's not enough alcohol for you, a five minute walk or 8 second car ride puts you at the front door of the Flying Dog. So, if you don't like hookers or maggots, then come to Frisco's. If on the other hand you do like the preceding thing, then hit up MD-85/355 where they party near the massage and tattoo parlors. PS- They DO sell Mellow Yellow.
(5)
Julaine N.
Their exploded potatoes are fantastic. I love adding the sausalito toppings to them. You can add any baked potato toppings to the exploded potatoes. It makes an excellent meal! They also have delicious salads and soups. Everything is very filling, delicious, and at a great price. Wine and beer are available as well.
(5)
Shane E.
Biggest Yelp disappointment to date. Place was packed and the small ordering area left me working the door. The menu is far too large and descriptive for any first timer. From the side you cannot read the many different item descriptions. Naming food items after SF landmarks, for example, is cute and all, but does little to help tell me what the item is. The descriptions underneath are so long they border on run-on sentence. The staff seemed somewhat annoyed by our lack of experience with their complex system. I've read more than a few reviews that mentioned the staff issues. I'm not sure who ever said this is good for kids either. Nothing most kids would eat was on the agenda. Asked for a plain chicken breast...told that wasn't on the menu and to try again. Had to buy an appetizer and an $8.95 sandwich for our two. Sandwich was underwhelming to say the least, especially for 9 bucks. Subway is as good a choice. Grilled cheese and chicken sandwich were nothing more than standard back-yard grill fare. Swapping provolone for American cheese isn't all that avante-garde I'm afraid. Nothing remotely special about our meals. Had the spicy chili. Decent but, again, nothing I will be craving anytime soon. Service is subpar and just getting a plastic fork and napkins required me searching around the restaurant and asking for help. I was 2/3 thru my sandwich when my side of chili came up. This place is loud and lousy, sorry to burst any Yelp! bubbles. My only hypothesis is the fact that the location is in an industrial park-type area and there weren't many options in the immediate area. Yelp! has never let me down but this left me with a horrible taste in my mouth, both literally and figuratively. I generally try to find the bright spots in any visit because I spent so many years in the food-service industry. I felt a lot of optimism heading into AKA Friscos but that quickly turned to all-out frustration and anger. After we left my wife pointed out that they didn't have menus and posted a note that recommends you download it yourself. I won't be back and I hope that for their sake they adjust their "Dick's Last Resort" attitude when it comes to their customers. Gave one star because I couldn't give it zero. Update 6/24/12- I stand by my review, even in light of Owner's comments. Why should I have to defend my opinion?
(1)
Don D.
You'll never find it.. Unless you look for it. Great sandwiches. The service has a hint of the Soup Nazi, for sure. Sammy makers are all business -- a good sign, but no room for yapping. The cashier was really cold...youch! But, who cares. Cool place, great sammies, great variety.
(4)
Monkee C.
This is a great find in an unexpected place (an industrial office park in Frederick, who knew)? Good deal on lunch special too, half of any sandwich and a medium side and drink for $7. I tried the embarcadero which I thought was very good, but it was the white bean chicken chili that I had as my side that really brought it to new levels. No other chili can compare now (seriously). I'll be stopping here whenever I'm hungry and in the area.
(4)
Kelly D.
Wonderful and fresh! Can be made vegan friendly! The place was packed when we got there but food came out quick. I was in town just passing through on my way to NC. Food was delicious, staff helpful and pleasant.
(4)
Monica K.
exploded potato tastes like heaven.
(4)
Ginny S.
12 July 2012 1200 Accessibility:This restaurant while slightly off the beaten path and is easy to get into and it has plenty of parking. 3 Stars Atmosphere: This is a very social, loud and friendly place. Really a great place to go with friends for lunch. It is two floors and enough seating even though a lot of people seem to carry out too. probably should emphasize the loudness in the place. After you order your food and stand to wait for it, you really have to listen hard because they do not yell it out too loud or at least the music and noise overpowers it out. Very "tight" to walk around in where you order and narrow stairs taking you upstairs. 4 Stars Customer service: The customer service consists of talking to the person that you place your order with and then the other person that you pay. Not much interaction with the one we put our orders with, she pretty much never looked up, just took the order and shoved the order slip in front of us and said to give that to the lady at the pay counter. But they do work fast there and there was a line. Now where we paid for the sandwiches/salads, she was very pleasant. 3 Stars Menu Food:Sandwiches and Salads. This place makes a lot of great salads and even more salads! If you have a special type of sandwich/salad, I would bet they have it here. The entire building smells wonderfully of the great foods too! I had thePacific Heights. It is what they call an Italian and Greek salad withSalami, & Prosciutto on Romaine lettuce. It is literally loaded with their homemade "mild" salsa. It slightly more than mild to most, but it is really good I might add. It has an olive relish, pepperonini, sprinkled with a tad of feta cheese. While they are a little heavy on the oil & vinegar, they were overly heavy on the hot peppers. This is a "spicy hot" little salad but if you like it that way, it is a nice little salad. Light and really filling. A small is a fairly large size. So remember the portion sizes here are fairly large and well worth the money for a lunch with some friends. 3 stars Would I come back to this restaurant? For a lunch - absolutely. Or a very late lunch with a bunch of friends.
(3)
Shawn H.
There are probably a few good places to eat in Frederick, but a.k.a Friscos has to be the best for miles and miles. It is immediately obvious that everyone here knows how to run a deli. But it gets better. The sandwich creations are well thought out, excellent and reasonably priced. The same is true for the salads. You get a LOT to eat. There's an ice cream place attached if you just have to have something sweet after (or in place of) your meal. I also saw beer and wine if that's your preference. This is located in the middle of a large office park and I heard they close at 5pm, so it's lunch only. Get there early or be prepared to wait because everyone there knows how awesome the food is!
(5)
Grant M.
I hate to be the wet blanket. But my family went here with high hopes from the stellar yelp reviews and we felt pretty let down. Nothing really to write home about - except the exploded potatoes .Those were pretty good.
(3)
D. C.
Stuck-up servers and cooks that treat you like crap every time without fail. Fabulous food though! Can you say....Soup Nazi lol? The food is phenomenal and the prices have stayed pretty true to what they always were. Cannot fault the owners or the cooks!
(4)
Matthew S.
Fantastic sandwich joint! It's tucked in the middle of an industrial park (down the road from Flying Dog Brewery.The menu is that of a sandwich/salad/soup type of place, but with extra attention on the little things. The meats are of a higher quality, the sub rolls are freshly baked, and the sauces are homemade. Everything is named after a neighborhood in San Francisco - so far I've had the Lombard and Oakland and both were excellent. Very filling as well - the sandwiches are packed with meat. The best item on the menu, in my opinion, is the exploding baked potato. Just check it out - it's delicious. Also, they sell beer including local, national favs, and west coast Anchor Brewing Company. Overall a great meal, both lunch and dinner. They also sell wine and beer next store, so it's a nice place to start the night out at.
(5)
Glenn G.
I'll make this one short and sweet. The food was OK for the most part. The BBQ Beef sandwich was good. A pretty decent portion for the price. I also had the exploding potatoes which were alright, but not exactly amazing, IMO. However, I'm really sorry to say that their customer service was absolutely THE worst I've experienced in some time. The next time I crave a sandwich, I'll go to the Wawa a couple of miles away.
(1)
Hen S.
Service was eh....food was ok. Won't be going back.
(3)
Willie T.
Great place, great price, great staff. Been there dozens of times and have never had a bad meal, sandwich, soup or service. Def. best of Frederick
(5)
Kevin W.
I ate here multiple times a week for almost 2 months straight. This is the best lunch spot in this city in my opinion. The potatoes, soups, and chillies are the best. Order some of their cookies. I prefer the strawberry shortcake.
(5)
Ted W.
Good sandwiches (not spectacular). Exploded potatoes are very good. Odd location in a semi-industrial area.
(3)
Sarah C.
The food gives this place 4 stars. The wait staff? well half of them were decent, and a few were down right rude. But the sandwhich? AMAZING! I had the pesto sandwhich, it was sooo good. The cheese was to die for! The loaded mash potatos were delicous. But the bbq pork had to much pepper for my liking. I'd definitely go there again. $20 for 2 meals, a beer, and soda, was a great price.
(4)
Nazzarena L.
The locatrion is unfortunate, a secluded industrial zone that is the armpit of a town wich is itself an armpit. But if you manage to make it to (armpit)e2, you'll find a trendy and beachy eatery with a delicious american menu of subs and bakers (baked potatoes), including exploded potatoes that goes from the gory (Fatboy, Kong Lobo) to the simple and veg (avo cado rich Sausalito, Alcatraz). Add adjoining wine detailer and ice cream parlor. Visit nearby Flying Dog brewery and make it an excursion.
(5)
Rene D.
I LOVE THIS PLACE! A friend introduced me to the EXPLODED POTATO 2 yrs ago and I've been hooked ever since!! Imagine...mashed potato, cheeses, onion, bacon, hot yummy flavorful! Free samples walking in the door too. The subs...outta this world over stuffed full of flavor uniquely named after San Francisco area culture ...I just ate the Oakland...turkey, pesto, gouda cheese, chipolte mayo...OMGOSH! Also next door their ICE CREAM SHOP..."WAY COOL" has me turning away from Rita's with their WAY COOLER (Fruit smoothie with vanilla ice cream kinda like a giant parfait) AND AMAZING SOFT SERVE filled to the bottom of the cone and amazing Mud Pie dessert too big for one...coffee drinks and shakes so many things on the ice cream treats menu too many to list! Weird/bad location business industrial area, so unless you know...u won't find it just driving by :( They should definitely be advertising with some flyers or something! Love this place...did I mention that?!?! PS: In reading some of these reviews...my take is those negative comments are not the norm because this place has a following! We're just too stuffed and satisfied after eating to remember to come back to sites like this to review! High School girls can be a little coldish but today everyone was on point with smiles and helpful tone. You order your food and can take a seat and they call out your order and you pick it up at the tiki hut..This isn't a sit down restaurant but great seating with tv and working fireplace in the winter. No actual waiters, just get your order when they call it...so no tipping on top of your bill. SO unless you're expecting to be waited on, then it's a fun beach themed Americana type place!
(5)
Jess R.
OH MY GOODNESS, so far the best meal I have had in Frederick. I had the SanteFe chicken on Exploded potatoes....great comfort food. Just enough spicy to kick-it, but not so much that it over powered the dish. And there is definitely enough to share. Wish I would have found this place on my first day here and not the last one.
(5)
Jjjj S.
Excellent! I had a great sandwich: curry chicken, with alfalfa sprouts and all the fixins on soft wheat bread. They also have wings and a selection of different baked potatoes and some other grilled sandwiches. They've beer (great microbrew selection) and wine as well as an bottle shop next store with a great wine selection and beer. Big open windows, high ceilings and friendly staff make the environment welcoming, they have outdoor picnic tables that look like they'd be great on a sunny day.
(5)
Joe S.
I Love the "South Of Market" sandwich! Great sandwiches, the exploded potatoes are the bomb! 5 Stars all the way! Very fresh food and ingredients I think I want a sandwich now! Go there! You will not be disappointed!
(5)
Alan M.
Frisco's is a great place for lunch. It is located a little bit out of the way but it would be incorrect to call it a "hidden gem" since it is both popular and busy. Stopped by today to meet my wife for lunch and it took me a while to find a parking spot. Just as I was about to enter the building, I got a text from my wife wondering when I would arrive! The sandwiches are the best around. They offer several outstanding vegetarian options in addition to the regular fare; I have tried quite a few menu items and have never been disappointed. Today I opted for the "San Bruno" (curried chicken salad on whole wheat with tomato, alfalfa sprouts, and onion) and I loved it. One of their "signature" items is the Exploded Potatoes. Do yourself a favor and add them to your order. You'll be glad you did.
(5)
Christie V.
Friscos... San Fransisco.. yup. Clearly on the brain as most of the menu items are named after California Bay Area landmarks. Love their potatoes. My favorite is the Sausalito, followed by the flat iron steak potato (easy on the cheese). They used to have a vegetarian sandwich with palm hearts which was totally NOMS (very sad to see it gone). Service is typically quick, ambiance can be a little loud. Cheap wines next door in the wine shop, and an adjacent soft-serve ice cream place. If you are feeling particularly guilty.. go for the exploded potatoes!
(4)
Nick C.
Wow. Like all previous Yelpers said, this place is in the middle of nowhere. It is eccentric as all hell, but has cheap booze, great food, and it is just quirky enough to warrant a return visit. Awesome.
(5)
C R.
I had not been to Friscos for years. wanted to grab dinner, and all the chains had an hour wait. I remember AKA Friscos. (had been to a nearby business a few weeks before) a young women, bubbly and pleasant greeted us and handed us a sample of the exploded potatoes. they were mmmmm mmm good. Explained to us the "process of ordering and paying. I had the flat iron chicken. It was so hard to choose. But what a great choice. Big pile of really tender tasty grilled chicken on fresh, crisp, mixed salad greens, a delish dipping sauce, and the exploded potatoes rounded out the dinner. Later I thought I was supposed to have grilled bread but there were so many menu items, I could be wrong. Lots of beer, but sadly no irish beer :( it was a nice evening and we sat outside. We decide we should taste the ice cream. It was really very good; ice cream not that werid ice milk. A little slow on the service, but it was worth the wait. Boo hoo they were out of strawberry topping, but hot fudge worked out just as well. I am an AKA Friscos fan. I will be back--- Could you get a few irish beers??
(4)
Jase H.
The best subs in the Frederick area by far. Try the Embarkadaro, The Presidio, The Golden Gate, or all of them. The Baked Potatos are excellent and the monterey Chicken Salad is incredible. And no trip is complete without an order of 'sploding potatoes. It is difficult to find, and can be very busy at lunch (quick tip- FAX IN YOUR ORDER!!) but it is so worth it.
(5)
Mark L.
AKA Friscos is the best. Eat a sandwich, have the buffalo wings and the exploded potatoes. EXCELLENT!
(5)
Ramona P.
Great place to eat in and carry out. My father is very particular and doesn't like just anyplace. He ordered the roast beef sandwhich and was very pleased that he could only eat half of it because there was so much in it.
(4)
Will M.
Listen I like the concept being a Californian but it is not the go to sandwich shop. My wife's choice called The South of The Market (ham, Swiss, honey mustard, salad aka lettuce, tomato, mayo) was good, but the sandwich I had the Presidio, tasted like salt peter. Other than that the exploded potatoes where good but I came for the sandwiches brother.
(3)
Christa S.
Their food is amazing! I highly recommend the steak sandwich and the exploded potatoes! Good prices on wine, too! Check this place out.
(5)
Tenni W.
Great little restaurant! It is fairly hidden other restaurants and retail stores, but really close to The Flying Dog Brewery. The exploded potatoes are rich and slightly greasy, but they are heaven. My sandwich of choice is The Lombard and it never disappoints. Service is always friendly and quick.
(5)
Ted B.
Absolutely the best sandwich and potatoes i have had in a very long time. we found this place on Yelp as we were driving thru Frederick MD from DC to Pgh. could not have been more satisfied with our lunch. got the Glen Park sandwich, Presidio sandwich, and russian hill exploded potatoes... each bite was more fantastic than the one before. great friendly staff as well. we will make this a stop every time we travel thru this area in the future.
(5)
RG S.
We ate at a quirky Frederick restaurant last night, very casual joint in an industrial park, just south of I-70. The menu was original, the portions big, and everything we got was great. How much can you do with a baked potato? As it turns out, quite a lot! Plus, a good ice cream store next door. I'm spreading the word.
(4)
Linda N.
I have loved this place for years, their salads, sandwiches, soup and exploded potatoes. I was particularly impressed yesterday when one of their managers brought me a small taste of their Tomato Bisque to go with my salad (I hadn't ordered it) and explained that next time, if I want to do soup-salad-drink combo it would have been cheaper than the salad I ordered! Now thats attentiveness!
(5)
B. S.
Went to this place purely based on its Yelp reviews and we were really excited by the place. It is in the middle of a business park and we thought for sure it was closed, but so glad to come in and see that it was open. Food was delicious. Ordering at the entry counter, paying at the bar and then having the food delievered piecemeal was a bit weird. But we forgive the untraditional set-up for the yummy eats. We all loved the exploded potatoes as recommended by other yelpers. The best dishes were the flat iron steak and grilled chicken.
(4)
Liz B.
Best lunch spot in Frederick!
(5)
Mark R.
Great place to grab some great sandwiches! You HAVE to try the Exploded Potato (get the smallest one). Fresh food! Friendly staff!!! Quality food!!!! Make sure you take a tour of the nearby Flying Dog Brewery
(4)
Joe W.
The best place in Frederick for XL sized sandwiches. Prices are good, food is great. Beer selection is the only thing lacking. Fix that and it gets 5 stars. Location is off the beaten path but worth going out of your way for it.
(4)
Angel R.
Cheap wine - soft serve ice cream - and a menu of sandwiches/salads/baked potatoes all named after San Fran locations. How can any of that be bad?!? Great for lunch or dinner. I'd have given them a 5 star rating except the BEST thing on the menu (Exploded Potatoes) is not always consistantly great. It's usually great, but not consistantly. ABSOL better than your average deli :)
(4)
Brendan F.
The ultimate heavy food. I have as yet never tried a sandwich because the DC location shut down and i've been too eager for a Baker the few times i'm able to go to buy anything else. But the Baker alone would turn any single restaurant into my favorite. It is an incredible invention, including either 'exploded' or simply cut up thick potato pieces, and then layers of deliciousness, depending on what kind you get. Those i've tried are as follows: The Kong Lobo: potatoes, chili, cheese, chives and onions, sour cream. Incredible, but very heavy and spicy after you get through about a quarter. The Santa Fe: potatoes, chicken chunks marinated in Frisco's santa fe style, lettuce, cheese, chives, sour cream. My favorite, and essentially my favorite meal ever. The Redwood: potatoes, cheese, horseradish sauce, slices of tender roast beef, sour cream. Very good as well. There are vegetarian bakers as well. I am certain that with such quality food as Bakers, the other things are good, but all I need to say about this place to claim it as the restaurant I crave the most when I want greasy, heavy, just heavenly tasting food is Bakers.
(5)
David H.
Best lunch in Frederick.
(5)
Nadine M.
LOVE FRISCOS! I am moving back to Maryland after living in Las Vegas for the past 3 years and am looking forward to the Oreo Mix Cookie thing and the Baked Potatoes and the Ice Cream...heck...EVERYTHING! I cannot get back fast enough!
(5)
Guy S.
Great huge subs, huge salads, and monster exploded potatoes all inside an eclectic factory building with high exposed ceilings. They also serve beer & wine, cater, and can be rented out for parties.
(4)
Peter J.
We have been going to Frisco's for many years (maybe 10?) When we started going they also had a resturant on Wisconson Avenue in NW DC but I believe their Frederick site is their only store today. The owner has worked tirelessly to make tis a great place to eat. Only downside is finding it as it's in the middle of an industrial park.
(5)
Sheri W.
We love eating at Friscos, either eat-in or take-out. Their sandwiches and salads are fabulous and you can't beat the exploded potatoes. Very casual friendly service. The ice cream next door is great too!
(5)
Audrey W.
You'll have no clue where this place is, so CALL AHEAD. The sandwhiches... the gourmet preparation of everything on the menu... and it's just a take-out, or eat in, catering place!
(5)
michelle l.
This place is by far my FAVORITE place to eat lunch. One of these in a more convenient location would be nice. It isn't often that I'm out toward Buckeystown (off English Muffin Way). I used to work down the road from this place, and you CANNOT GO WRONG. Everything that I've had there has been FANTASTIC!
(5)
Cassie R.
I was looking for takeout near my house and had heard aka Friscos had really good food. The service was confusing and my sandwich was just OK. Upon entering, I went to the ordering stand where one girl was beginning to put things away for the day. She walked over to the bar to help someone else so I went over there to try to place an order. Someone else directed me to the other side of the establishment and when I went over there they told me I had to order at the bar. The particular sandwich I wanted they were "out of" about half the ingredients it contained. The girl making it asked me if she could substitute other things and I said fine (I had already paid). She started making the sandwich and then took it across the entire restaurant back to the kitchen and then carried it back a few minutes later to box it up. Seems kind of odd that sandwiches here require multiple locations to assemble. My sandwich was not warm and when I picked it up to eat it, the contents fell out. I would not agree that this is an XL size sandwich either. I could have been just as satisfied with a $5 footlong from Subway, based on the service and quality of food I received. There are much better places in Frederick to get tasty, quality deli style sandwiches. I like to give places the benefit of a doubt, but sadly I am not a fan of this place and don't understand how anyone could give it higher than four stars.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : Yes Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Dogs Allowed : No Waiter Service : No Caters : Yes
Meredith N.
Two words: Exploded Potatoes. (You're welcome.)
(5)AJ J.
Food was good but the set up and ordering was just nuts. They really should simplify the whole ordering process. Place and order here but then go here oh and then back here. For a new customer it's like a maze. There was a free coupon for there potato salad which was cool and it was very good aswell.
(3)Shannon D.
American roadhouse but with gourmet food. San Francisco theme is in the menu, the food and the attitude. Mostly sandwiches but with some entrees. Lots of emphasis on chicken but meats as well. Steak salad more of a sandwich with greens on the side. SF fatboy is their Italian. Both with fresh ingredients and big. Have to mention the exploded potato. Awesome cpmbonation of potato salad and mashed potatoes. Fully loaded. Served hot. The medium is big; enough for two and still some for home. Hard to find. It's past the Flying Dog brewery (reservations required for tours). Just keep going and you'll see it.
(4)Lisa R.
Really good food. So much to choose from. We got the beef BBQ and the wings. Both were amazing. When I am back in this area I am going to make sure I stop there again!
(5)Rachel A.
First time here. Food was great. Very cute little place. I felt like I had a nice lunch get away. I will definitely be back
(5)Nick Y.
Superb service, food, veggie options (though I could resist the wonderful meat sandwiches they had), and a wide selection of craft beers that they have each personally tried. Add the vibe and this is a gem of a find. Wow, why aren't there more of these type places? I paid $18 for lunch (high for me) (lg sandwich, extra toppings, chips and craft beer) and didn't ask questions. Worth it now and then.
(5)Frank N.
I'm always a fan of simple and delicious places like this... It's busy for a reason!! I tried an exploded potato and an Alcatraz sandwich... Both were fresh and delicious! I can see why so many local people recommended the exploded potatoes!! Not overdone, just basic goodness.... They offer a Yelp check-in special. I discovered that too late, but I'll be back
(4)D N.
Best sandwiches anywhere... and I've been doing some traveling over the last few years.. Nationally and abroad... Still the best sandwich shop.
(5)Rodney S.
Best damn sandwiches I have ever had. The Trans Am is unbelieveable. The soups? Amazing. The exploded potatoes? To die for. The skirt steak dinner over a salad with the potatoes? Can't be beat. Eat at this place every chance you get. You get every single pennies worth of your money spent on a quality meal. One of kind place
(5)Jason J.
Cool little place. Tons of interesting sandwich options, and really good exploded potatoes. Decent small beer selection to boot. Why only 3 stars? Their hoagie rolls suck. Dense, spongy, and bland.
(3)William M.
I visited a.k.a. Friscos on the way back from Western Maryland with a few friends. It's in a very random location, in a warehouse surrounded by a number of other warehouses. I was confused why they called themselves a.k.a. Friscos, until I realized that it started as a catering company. The restaurant has a big open floor plan. You walk in a there's an island/mini kitchen with a bunch of people working, with a big board above them to determine what you want to order. I ordered the Skinny Green Pizza. A bunch of my friends ordered a couple different baked potatoes. The pizza was amazing. I had never had pizza crust made of spinach and pesto, but it was perfect. So thin yet SO flavorful. The blend of different cheeses and fresh ingredients made this one a winner. I would definitely return to a.k.a Friscos if I find myself in Frederick again!
(4)Maya C.
I just had the most unfortunate experience since I stopped eating meat in 2010. I asked at the counter which from the two sandwiches listed as "vegetarian" would be the best. Worker asked with avocado or without. I said "with", he then said then The Golden it is. The sandwich was great until I opened the second half...to my horror there were pieces of unidentifiable meat! I brought the second half sandwich to one of the workers to ask what it was, he said looks like meat. I said this is disgusting! I asked for a vegetarian sandwich, I do not eat meat!! he called the manager and I went to the bathroom in horror to throw up whatever pieces of roast beef from the half a sandwich I had in my stomach. Then I found it is extremely hard to throw up!! My throat was sore and my tears would not stop making my eyes puffy and red. I could not stop crying! I have been a pescetarian since March 9 of 2010 and no land animals have been in my system am very careful always asking if any broth is in the rice or animal products used at restaurants. The manager was extremely apologetic and insisted to give me back $10. Said that he was on duty until closing. I wanted my stomach pumped!!! Regardless of the most awful experience of my pescetarian life the manager definitely felt bad and I hope he reprimanded the culprit who did not understand the making of a vegetarian sandwich. My friend tried to help me and got me cookies, the cashier gave her cookies for free. My order was: two sandwiches, two beers, and the free exploded potato that my friend had because she said it had ham at $29.94 I added a $4.35 tip even though was a self serve place. I paid and trusted the establishment!! Vegetarians, Pescetarians, beware of this place that feature two vegetarian options and workers think it's fine sticking pieces of roast beef carcass! Still disgusted and I will never return!
(1)Lorena B.
Okay, so it's definitely above any sandwich chain but not nearly as good as the reviews lead you to believe. I ordered the Trans Am, which is basically a turkey club on steroids. The packet of bacon it was topped with was artery clogging goodness but the turkey was the packaged kind not oven roasted. Had a bite of the bf's Embarcadero which was roast beef (I think) and cheddar and it was good but again, I didn't think it was better than any decent deli's. Then again, I have seen any delis in Frederick besides the Italian one downtown come to think of it. The exploded potatoes were pretty good but I'd stick with the small if you're ordering one of the giant sandwiches. They have a few picnic tables outside and a bar so it seems like a cool out of the way spot for happy hour maybe. Also, the tv inside was on HSN (Home Shopping Network) which I very much appreciate as a shopaholic.
(3)Dave B.
This place is hidden but locals seem to know about it. Definitely a shell industrial building that was retrofitted into a restaurant. Not really a sports bar as it is saved in yelp as the only tv was set permanently to CNN. Sandwich building station in the middle is unusual and no one really told us where to pay which is at the bar. They came and had to ask us to pay instead of them coming to us as it isn't obvious where to pay. The menu is really good and great vegetarian options (do exploded potatoes have bacon in them though?) I had a flat iron steak sandwich which was spectacular. The guys that work here seem really friendly and motivated. They could us a few tweaks but great unique place that I would come back to.
(4)Linda L.
Fantastic find, the Exploded Potatoes are unusual and just terrific. We heard about this place on flight from Oakland to BWI. So glad we tried it. Met the owner and she is a former Californian. Knew there was a reason the food was great.
(5)Mari B.
Decent place. A little tricky to find. Ended up going after visiting the flying dog brewery. Not much as far as vegetarian options , but what we got was pretty good and affordable. The staff was friendly and helpful trying to accommodate our dietary needs.
(4)Wang C.
This place is always stellar. Great beer, and more importantly great food. I am truly going to miss the place once I move out of the dreaded DMV. The only negative I have is they close way too early. I work long hours and this makes it challenging to hit up this awesome place.
(4)Liv C.
I had high hopes for this place after reading the raving reviews but I left unimpressed. We ordered sandwiches and they were all over-seasoned. The exploded potatoes were good though, and the servers were friendly and helpful.
(3)Paul M.
Stopping here is a must if you are in the area. The food is unique, fresh, and delicious. If you like potatoes, this is your place. An excellent take out craft beer and wine store directly adjacent.
(5)Brandon W.
I was recommended to go here because my girlfriend told me to. If I didn't listen to her, I would have missed out on one of the best places that I have ever been to. The building is located in an industrial/office park and also has its own beer and wine store next door. When you go into the building you are greeted with a stall and a huge menu board on top of it. I didn't know what I wanted to order at first so I asked the order taker what I should get. He immediately recommended the BBQ sandwich which comes with a small exploded potatoe. I ordered it, took my ticket to the cashier, got a beer, and got my food a few moments later. The BBQ sandwich was tasty, tender, and HUGE. I can put food away, but this sandwich put me in my place. The exploded potatoe was like a baked potatoe with bacon except for no skin and that it was already mashed for you. All in all, this place had great customer service, the staff is friendly, the location is weird (BUT) the food makes up for that and more. I can see why this place has regulars and loyal customers. I will be back for more MUWHAHAHA! ! !
(5)Sarah J.
Shared the Alcatraz (turkey, avocado, sprouts, honey mustard) and BBQ sandwich (beef, beef, beef) with exploded potatoes. Quite a fine meal for a great price. Exploded potatoes (potato salad) are a must-try. Worker said BBQ sandwich is a favorite, but the meat drenched in BBQ was a little too much for me. Alcatraz was lighter but still filling, healthy and good. Casual atmosphere, great food, friendly service. Notes: - If you use Yelp on your phone, you can get a free exploded potato with a meal for a check-in! - Closes at 7PM M-TH and 4PM on Sunday. 9PM for Fri and Sat.
(4)Ashwin M.
Vegetarians don't have many choices. Just one in each category. But the exploded potatoes and their veggie pizza were quite good.
(3)Beata K.
Came here based on yelp reviews and really enjoyed it. I was overwhelmed by the menu since there is so much on it so I would suggest taking a look at it online prior to coming here. The sandwiches are really good and the selection is great! Also got the exploded potato by checking in on yelp and it's a warm potato salad with lots of bacon. There is also a nice beer selection. Will definitely come back since there is so much to try.
(4)Michael C.
A nice hidden gem Frederick. Everything on the menu that I've had is good. I want to give it 5 stars but everybody that works on the food side has extreme amounts of arrogance. I've never understood this because its the exact opposite on the wine store side.
(4)Alexander B.
SO MANY SANDWICH OPTIONS- and the potato salad is awesome. I'm not from the Frederick area but my girlfriend and I visit there a couple times a year. If we lived in the area, Frisco's would be a biweekly thing.
(4)Travis M.
Horrible experience except when we first came in. We came in, and they greeted us with answers to our questions and a sample. Awesome customer service there, but the awesome service ends there too. I had one other person in my party. I ordered a steak salad and the other person in my party ordered a pulled pork sandwich. When I was waiting at the counter for drinks, A kitchen staff member walked into the middle of the restaurant and yelled the dish name and her name. I said "over here". He slammed down the food on the counter in the middle of the restaurant which was in a to-go tin container. He then immediately went right back to the kitchen and did not acknowledge me at all. When the other person in my party came back from the restroom, we found a spot to sit and I waited 10 minutes for my food while she and I sat there and stared at her food getting cold. Restaurant basics 101: meals come out at the same time no matter what the cooking time is. It's called a warmer! You don't force your customers in an awkward situation with one person having food in front of them and the other person hungry with nothing in front of them. Her food got cold while we waited for my meal to come so we can both eat. This restaurant violated basic restaurant serving manners and etiquette. I will be honest ....The food was really good, but I recommend you get it to go. That is the only way I will ever order from here again. Unless you like your food cold while waiting for the other people in your party to get their meal, then I recommend sitting in and hearing your name called like you are the next person to make your final walk on death row. That was harsh but honesty do not yell out customer's names in the center of the restaurant and quickly put the food down at a random location and walk away.
(1)Jill H.
Man, being from Frederick, I'm sad I didn't find this place sooner! It is delicious! Tucked away in an industrial park, you wouldn't expect it there. The menu is a great variety of subs, salads, soups, baked potatoes. The subs are huge, so be ready! The "exploded potatoes" that everyone raves about are great, similar to a twice backed potato. Love the beer selection.
(5)Candice J.
Great food here! I had the Oakland giant sandwich and it was fantastic ! It almost had too much meat! It consists of good stuff like pesto, thick cut turkey, SMOKED GUDA, (the best part), etc. etc. The clincher was the sprinkled Romano cheese. It really pulled the whole thing together! My friend got the Golden Gate a vegetarian sandwich where the main event were the loads of avocado. We weren't as impressed with this one but I don't think it's the sandwich's fault; I think the avocado was just too lacking in flavor@. Which is unusual. So all in all I think today's lunch was a win! Not to mention they have an awesome collection of beer, including that root beer beer . :)
(4)Jordan G.
Been here a couple times. Good but not great, especially for the $$, which is not cheap for sandwiches. If I'm paying $9 for a turkey sandwich i want like some high quality deli turkey, and it really ain't. Seems like the cheap stuff you'd get at the local Giant. Underwhelming.
(2)Derek C.
Place is out of the way and kind of hard to find. Besides that this place rocks. Great little spot for sandwiches for lunch. Got the trans-am and the exploded potatoes, delicious. Would come back.
(4)Casey K.
Ok, so I'd give this place 10 stars if I could. My one tip off the bat is, look at the menu online before you go. It's daunting to stand there and read the entire board of everything they have. It's made a bit more stressful if you have someone waiting there to take your order. We came here on Valentine's Day because we were looking for a place that accommodates a late work night and not flooded with V-Day lovebirds. We walked in, placed our order (food is prepared in the center covered area), and went to order our drinks at the bar (which is also where you pay for your food). Before I get to the food, you know those people in life, who have a passion for something, and the way they explain it, makes you want to take up that same hobby. Well, on this night, that was the bartender. After, we sampled and ordered our glasses of beer, he told us to go take a look at the wine and beer shop while our food was being prepared. He even walked our glass of beer through the kitchen area (abiding by the MD open container law) while we walked across the open patio area to the shop. He handed the beer back to us and proceeded to explain the wine and beer they carry. They taste all the beer so they can be experts in providing the beer that is best suited to your needs, palette, etc. You are able to assemble your own six pack made up of different beers for you to try before you commit to a whole pack. They have a great wine selection that really covers the whole spectrum. This has to be a list format for my food reviews, we went all out with our ordering... -Alcatraz (Sliced turkey breast, California avocado, sprouts & tomato, drizzled with honey mustard & served on sliced sourdough bread): really a great sandwich, I thought the top of the roll was a bit much, it just made for too much bread, I asked for a different bread but due to winter storm Pax (bastard) their bread options were sparse. This sandwich was fabulous, the ingredients tasted very fresh and the sprouts made this sandwich. They were crisp and mixed with the tanginess of the honey mustard perfectly. There were big chunks of avocado, not just a spread which I loved, especially since I am an avocado fanatic. I highly recommend this sub. -I had a bite of the Glen Park (Sopressata, Italian genoa salami, Friscos olive relish, provolone cheese, shredded lettuce, tomato, Bermuda onion, special dressing & seasoning. Served on a Traditional Crusty French bread): This sub was also bread heavy but overall had a great flavor. The olive relish had such a wonderful savory quality that merged perfectly with the cold cuts. Again, this is one you cannot go wrong with. -Juan Lobo baked potato (Baked potato under chili, topped with melted Wisconsin cheddar cheese sans onion Bermuda onion): This was a meal all in its own, it was a nice side for the three of us to share in addition to our subs. Overall, this was a very run-of-the-mill chili dish to me. I would not recommend this, it was not nearly spicy enough and the chili was not in any way memorable. Not meant to be a negative review,this just was not my cup of tea and not anything I was expecting from the Juan Lobo. -Exploded Baked Potatoes: This is like Friscos version of German potato salad. However, this is unlike any German potato salad I have ever tasted. Plus, I usually am not a fan of bacon in my food or in general (call me crazy, my family does often), but these exploded baked potatoes were on point. If there is one thing that I HIGHLY recommend you order here, it is this. They are warm cheesy mashed potatoes (with skins) with bacon. Come to Friscos ASAP. You will not be disappointed at all. They make you feel extremely welcome while their food is wonderful. Plus, one of our food preparers came to check on how we liked our food and if we needed anything else, just so nice. It's a hidden must visit gem and I CANNOT wait to go back.
(5)Lauren V.
There are so many things going on at Friscos that I'm not sure how best to review it, but I feel like I should make a stab at it. First and most importantly, the adjacent wine shop is reason enough to wander over to this remote business park. All of their wine is under $15 a bottle, and they manage to have both a great selection and extremely competitive pricing. On Fridays, everything is $1 above cost. This side of things gets unlimited stars and undying loyalty from me. I may be the most unpopular person in Frederick for saying this, but I'm kind of "meh" on the restaurant side of things. About a third of the things I've had there were really and truly great, another third were only ok, and the rest were fairly terrible, could have picked up something better at 7-11 quality. Really weird to have that range of experiences in the same restaurant, and I usually don't recommend a place where I wouldn't feel confident ordering anything on the menu. I'm just not a fan of the "Restaurant ___ is the best.....but don't order the chicken whatever you do" type of review. The ordering setup is weird and chaotic. I don't go there often enough to remember the song and dance from one time to the next, but it seems to be working for them. I'd give the restaurant 2-3 stars and the wine shop 5+, hence the overall of 4.
(4)Laurie K.
The food is excellent. My first impression sitting down was not favorable, however, because the table was dirty. When you come in, you place your order from an overhead menu at a central station. You're given a ticket that you take to the "bar" to pay and order your drinks. Then, you find a table yourself, and they deliver the food. The music is extremely loud, but that's probably to keep turnover on the tables. My husband and I really like the music from the 60s and 70s. The vibe is a biker bar.
(3)Ben W.
This place has some tasty sandwiches and good portion sizes. The service is usually pretty quick. The staff is friendly and can answer any questions you may have about the menu.
(4)Travis P.
Love this place!!!!!!!! Food doesn't get much better than this. The exploded potatoes are the best and the varieties of smothered potatoes is top notch.
(5)Christine R.
I went to this place when I worked on Crestwood Blvd in high school (year:2000) and I still love eating here in 2015! AKA Friscos does it right and they do it right every time. Over the past 15 years I have tried almost everything on their menu, sandwiches, subs, loaded bakers (those are baked potatoes), salads, soups/chili, flat iron steaks, wings, etc. Everything is cooked fresh, made fresh to order and the service tops it off to make it a great experience. i have made so many people love this place even my workplace gets their catering when we have food days/events at work. I wish they would show this place on Food Network "DDD" because this dive is such a hidden gem! Pros: awesome food, good variety, good value, great people, beer, wicked wolf sauce and exploded potatoes!!! 'nuff said Cons: location - but hey, once you find it you won't lose it! parking sometimes can be a hassle when everyone else wants awesome lunch too but again, it's worth the wait and walk.
(5)John G.
This was my first time here. It's very good food, and I'll come back, but the ordering process is very chaotic. The inside of the place felt noisy. You order food in one place and drinks in another. I felt like I was running all over. The servers sort of aimlessly wandered around looking for the correct table/party to drop off an order. Seems like it could be much more streamlined and efficient. Our order was screwed up twice, and our orders were dropped off repeatedly at someone else's table. The comical part is that the other table thought that they were getting what they ordered, so they just dug in and ate our dinner lol. I can only suspect that they were confused about what they ordered as the long, tedious, complex menu, written in small font, probably intimidated them as much as it did us. Other than that, I very much enjoyed what I ate, and I would return, just not at a time when I'm looking to relax and decompress.
(3)Foodie C.
Off the main strip but well worth looking for. Food was yummy. Prices were good, service was great. It's in an office park which should not fool you. It's seems like it always has a loyal crowd and for good reason. If you're in Frederick you should make this a stop for lunch or a casual dinner
(4)Kara M.
On point!! Worth the stop--!! Has amazing food, awesome beer selection, fast service with good people :D
(5)Cinnamon W.
My 9 month old daughter and I met up with a college friend for lunch. As other reviewers have stated, it is in the middle of an industrial park and you will be mildly concerned that you are headed in the right direction. I didn't see any highchairs available, but I didn't really look for one either. The menu is huge, and everything looks so good! I got the redwood baker, and he got the Oakland sandwich with a cup of the day's soup. We both had leftovers. Everything was awesome!! The staff was friendly, helpful, and generous! Samples when deciding at the menu board, half an avocado for my daughter (her favorite food), a heaping cup of exploded potato from John- who also came to check on us and made certain we enjoyed our meals. I can't wait to go back! The outdoor seating looks inviting (for warm days).
(5)Sarah B.
Nice little place with industrial feel. Sandwich was very large, heavy bread and thick cut meat. Good flavors, but the olive spread made it to salty. Exploded potato was nice, but not much flavor. Bean dip was the same, not much flavor to anything I ordered. But great place for quick bite that has very friendly staff.
(3)Stephanie H.
Friscos never lets me down! Their menu is to die for, literally... I would eat here every day if I could. I especially LOVE the exploded potatoes. The service is friendly and fast! An order of wings comes out in about 10 minutes!
(5)Jessica J.
Staff very helpful in helping first time customers decide what to order. (Even the singing guy!) Baja chicken salad was average. Large enough for two people to share. Steak on top of the exploded potatoes was pretty yummy. (Forgot name of dish!) Two people could probably share this as well. A bit off the beaten path of just passing through but possible great for locals.
(3)GD B.
Ok so it usually takes quite an experience at an eatery for me to leave a review...so take this with that in mind. On new year's day 2015 we were looking for a good place to grab a bite to eat before going shopping. I pulled out my trusty Yelp device and punched in "lunch".... Up came A. K. A. Friscos with great reviews so we decided to give it a go. Upon entering, fella that reminded me of Dave Franco (think 21 jump Street movie) offered us up some samples of the soup of the day. Then more samples of Exploded Potato. Needless to say this worked and had me sold immediately. Food wise you CANNOT beat their sandwiches... The portions were great. The employees were friendly and easy to talk to. Prices were on point for the quality and size of sandwich. I'd give this place 5 stars if I hadn't seen some places around the dining and ordering area that had obviously not been cleaned in a while and we're in desperate need of a good scrubbing (garbage can lids, soda machine back splash were really bad). I'll be coming back... That's for sure!!!
(4)Victoria C.
Just got back from lunch with friends from Frisco's. I'm a Bay Area native so when I heard of this place I knew I had to check it out. It was a bit hard to find at first, hidden at in an industrial park. A little bit of driving around then we found it. When I walked in, there was the menu displayed. One would be overwhelmed if this was their first time in like me. However I did my research online!! While we decided on what to order, we were handed samples of the soup of the day and exploded potatoes. Both were delicious. I ordered the Trans-AM Sandwich along with a small side of exploded potatoes and a bottle of Root Beer. My sandwich contained turkey, (lots of) bacon, lettuce, tomato, onion, and mayo. My sandwich was big and I was only able to finish half but it sure was tasty. I loved the potatoes too!! The service was great. Quick and very friendly. I can't wait to return again soon!
(5)Harry G.
Passing thru Frederick at lunch, I decided to try and find someplace new and different. I actually liked the location in an industrial park, the décor, and the service. And the menu held great promise with very interesting descriptions of sandwiches, many of which I would like to have ordered. Looked to me to be a great find.... on the surface. But alas, the turkey sandwich I ordered, while sounding like a killer deli turkey sandwich--one of my long time favorites--was built from that pressed, gelatinous manufactured stuff which is NOT a genuine slice of turkey, which for the price, I expected. Don't get me wrong, the prices were not off-putting. But, Frisco, if you're running a high end deli and sandwich shop, AND you say it's turkey, then MAKE it be turkey--not the ersatz translucent slices of something I expect from the cheap eats section of Food Lion. Hell, charge me twice the price for it. I don't care. What I don't like is dishonest food that I cannot even finish, no matter how attractive the menu description, nor how massive the sandwich. I tossed the remains out of the car window and got a better replacement at the Sheetz up the road.
(1)Sarah S.
This is one of the few places I knew I wanted to try when I came to Frederick at the end of last week direct from the SF Bay Area. I was not disappointed. I had the Sausalito Potato and it was fantastic. In fact, I was so smitten with it that I dreamed about eating it the next night and so I knew I would have to eat this again before leaving Frederick. I also enjoyed the spicy chilli. My companions enjoyed the spicy chili, some sort of chicken sandwich, the flat iron steak potato, and the Russian Hill Potato. I will definitely visit this place again if I am in the area again and I loved the play on SF bay area titles for the names of dishes. I know all of those places!
(5)William C.
For the price and quantity of food, this place is a steal. I checked in through Yelp! and got to try their Explosion Potatoes? - it was tasty. Their Grilled Cheese Sandwich - the buttery taste was there and I got the sandwich to go. But, the sandwich was lukewarm when I took it out of the box, immediately after I got in my car upon exiting the door (about 1 minute?). As for the Alcatraz sandwich - for 8 or 9$, the quality and quantity of ingredients (alfalfa, avocado, turkey, etc.) was awesome. This sandwich lasted me for two meals, as I ate the potatoes and the grilled cheese prior to taking a bite out of the alcatraz. For a total of $12, I was very satisfied with Friscos, and I would frequent this place more, if I lived in the area.
(4)Vince R.
This little place is what makes Yelp special. If you are surrounded by chains and looking for friendly local flavor this place is perfect. Before i even found the menu the men behind the counter were throwing free sample tastes at me. I went with their favorite - the flatiron steak and potatoes. It was fabulous. Moving to the bar you are immediately overwhelmed by the beer selection. So what do you do - ask the bartender which IPA he prefers. I took his advice and he made sure I would be happy by offering a sample to make sure I would like it. The food was great and I am taking home some wings for the big game tonight - confident they will be on the same level. Last - the price for all of this was more than reasonable. A full meal with premium beer and wings to go for under $25. This place is championship grade.
(5)Gabriela C.
Love their potatoes. Hearty-food. Good for catering.
(4)Natalie B.
Good, but not great, food. The exploded potatoes are always a favorite. The chicken curry salad is delicious. This place is a winner in my book--it's local, solid food, great beer selection, and very friendly customer service.
(4)Chris H.
The menu is extensive and there is definitely a sandwich for everyone. I love the NorCal and SF references and names for menu items. I have yet to have a disappointing experience there. Service speed can be improved. The way orders are taken and executed can be slow at times leading to long wait times.
(4)Jackie L.
Food is ready super quickly. They always have a sample to eat while you decide what to order. They give you a lot of food. Huge menu with so many great options.
(5)Angela W.
Kong Lobo over exploded potatoes....extra Wicked Wolf sauce. Just do it. You're welcome in advance.
(5)Ashley S.
Love everything on the menu! This place is super casual with great food. Only problem is that it's in a industrial area so it's kind of hard to find if you're not paying attention or intentionally looking for it.
(5)S C.
Everyone that comes in from out of town gets a potato from here when they visit me. The flat iron steak potato and the Santa Fe potato are excellent. One of my guests was very impressed with the Fishermans wharf also. A truly unique place. I'm excited that the weather is warmer - ice cream time !
(5)Patty P.
The set up is not designed for newbies. You walk in and have to order from a counter that looks like a snack stand, then walk to another counter to pay and get drinks. Overall, I had a good time. Unique atmosphere, good music cranking. Listen up for your food cuz they shout it out and don't care if you're listening. The food was a bit heavy for my taste, but a lot of people love that stick-to-your-ribs style of cuisine. Everything was a bit spicy, but I'm ok with that too. It's right next to Flying Dog, so is highly recommend it for anyone who's been pounding samples at the brewery.
(4)Clint R.
Great place. Showed up and saw a huge menu. Not feeling like reading I asked (as usual) to the guy working to tell me what his favorite is. He asked, "Cold or hot?" I said hot and he suggested what can best be described as Shepard's Pie with fajita meat and then covered with a pound of cheese. The potato was actually baked but was soft and creamy as mashed potatoes. The meat (I am from Austin, Texas... I know beef) was excellent. Tender and well seasoned. Plating was something my 4 year old would come up with but who cares when you have this kind of tender gooey cheesiness combo. Top it off with a great beer selection and nice seating area and call me impressed. Next door in the beer shop you can make your own six-packs, but not for any up charge. They take 1/6th of the price and that is the bottle price and add them individually. Very cool and makes up for the brewery not having tours today. Nitpicky stuff - Kina in the booneys. Dish was good but needed bread somehow. Have to go menus when your menu is that huge so people can take their time at home to look at it so they don't feel rushed walking in to order. Overall very good and cool off the beaten path place.
(4)Julie A.
Many other reviewers mentioned that it is in an industrial park. This gave me more than a moments pause, but Yelp convinced me to give it a go. Man, I'm so glad I did. Here's a piece of life-changing advice: get the exploded potato. Don't share it. If you value your relationship, get two. Maybe you are eyeing up that Mac and cheese. Guess what? You can make that at home. Get the potato. You're welcome. The Lombard is awesome. The beef is perfectly cooked and seasoned. Holy moly. Messy and well worth ever stain on my shirt. The Haight Ashbury is really good, too. The sprouts and wolf sauce make it a really interesting cold cut. That isn't code for bad. That's code for I've eaten a million cold cuts and this one is unlike any of those. Finally, the only lackluster part of this was the Mac and cheese. It was unevenly heated and tasted like fake cheese. But you are ordering the exploded potato, so you won't have to worry about that.
(4)Carajo B.
I've really REALLY tried to like a.k.a. Friscos. Our office orders from here frequently, friends have raved about it. But, after sampling at least 10 different menu items, just think I'll pass next time someone suggests this place. Have never gotten a dish as ordered. Salad is really hard to mess up, right? Not here. Ask for dressing on the side, get swimming greens. No cheese? No problem-we'll give you extra. Bread not toasted-that's okay. Take a bite-it's burnt on the INSIDE! Exploded potato. Dare ya to ask for minimal toppings. All I can think is "kids in the kitchen" and owner could care less. Even if someone else is offering to buy lunch-I'd suggest somewhere else.
(1)Shannon S.
Stopped by here on the way home from a road trip. Great little find tucked away in a corporate industrial park. I had the Garden State which is a vegetarian winner-fresh avocado and smoked Gouda. Great selection but give yourself time to read the menu. The order counter is right when you walk in the front door and you find yourself staring neck tilted back trying to make a decision. Warning for any kiddos who order the grilled cheese it's more a la garlic bread style vs traditional grilled cheese. Overall great sandwich find!
(4)c t.
Maybe our expectations were too high given the nearly 5 star review here on Yelp, but our experience was way less than five star. The staff greeted us in a very friendly and energetic way, and offered us samples to try while we looked at the extensive menu. The exploded potatoes were very tasty, and so we thought the rest of the food would follow suit. We were off to a good start. My husband ordered the Presidio and I ordered the Embarcadero. We ordered a Grilled Cheese for our two girls to split. The food was done quickly, and the sandwiches were indeed quite big. But they were B-O-R-I-N-G flavor wise. All I could taste on mine was horseradish (which I enjoy, but not as the main flavor of the sandwich). The bread was on the dry side; nothing to write home about. The shredded iceberg lettuce and pale tasteless tomatoes were fast food joint quality. Each of us finished one half (we were ravenously hungry) and put the others in a box to take home. I don't think I'm going to bother eating my other half. The grilled cheese was indeed grilled, so much so that parts of it were blackened. The cheese was thick and came off in rather large globs, which made my daughter gag on one particular bite. She is three, so this could be partly user error. My 4 year old daughter, who normally eats like a horse, took two bites and abandoned it. Sorry to say, we will not be back. The five star reviews of this place are baffling to us!
(2)Taylor K.
One of my favorite restaurants in the DMV. They have so many fresh sandwich options and the exploded potatoes are addicting. It is tucked away in an unassuming, warehouse district and AKA does little to no advertising. This is truly a hidden gem in Frederick!
(5)Kevin J.
Exploded potatoes are all you really need to know. Something for just about any taste. Nice for a change from the norm. Great summertime spot. Definitely worth a try.
(5)Dave A.
I have been in this area for 15 years.. never even knew this place existed. They explained it is because they do not advertise. I guess they don't need to. My wife had one of the salads. The lettuce is not the king of the salad, the toppings are. About 1/2 an avocado and I would say about 5 slices of bacon chopped up. She did not like the pasta that was on the salad, but that was her only complaint. I had the Redwood potato. I got it on their 'exploded potatoes', which appears to be a version of twice cooked potato. I personally think I should have stayed with the baked spud, but that is my only real complaint. The beef was astounding, the horseradish was nice and mild, and overall was a very satisfying potato dish. IMHO, this salad and potato combo could feed 3 people. The atmosphere is clicky dive, but the staff is cool. An upgraded TV would be nice, rather than the old CRT unit above the fireplace. We will be back again.
(4)Cynthia L.
We came here on a Sunday afternoon & for a place that is so hidden, there was a steady stream of people. We tried their steak potato loaded potato and grilled cheese (its the most interesting but best grilled cheese i've had...the bread was garlic bread-ish seasoned and they used provolone instead of american cheese). We hopped over to get ice cream ($1.75 for kid twisters was plenty for us)...you could tell it was really good ice cream and not the chemically-water mixed kind. Last, we stopped over to their beer & wine store. I love their $13 & under-unique wine & beers only rule...we ended buying 3 bottles. What made this trip so great was that the owners dropped in and chatted with us, which made us feel really welcomed. I would def recommend a trip here!
(5)Allyson P.
Five stars for the beer selection alone. I have never seen such an incredible selection at a fast food restaurant. Many of them were beers I hadn't seen before, and I could have happily stayed there all day trying new beers, but I had a Flying Dog tour to get to. The cashier was also quite knowledgeable about the beers, and happy to answer any questions. On to the food, which was really quite great for the price and the setting. My husband and I got essentially the same thing: flat iron steak special for me, and flat iron steak potato for him. The special came with exploded potatoes and salad on the side, and my husband's steak came piled on top of a massive baked potato smothered with cheese. The steak was cooked exactly as ordered (medium-rare for my husband; rare for me), and perfectly seasoned. And there was a ton of it. I couldn't come close to finishing mine, but husband and no trouble finishing both of ours. And I'm not sure what exactly is in the exploded potatoes (definitely bacon, probably sour cream, not sure what else), but they're delicious. Definitely worth a stop if you find yourself in Frederick.
(5)Amit M.
There's more than a hint of irony in finding this special place in the midst of the most industrial part of an otherwise very charming town. The food is fantastic, and it's a nice space in which to eat. Try one of their large sandwiches, a rich pasta salad (Southwest Chicken is my favorite), or their signature Exploded Potatoes (warning 1: decidedly not vegetarian; warning 2: otherwise, they will become your favorite potato side of all time). In warmer weather, few things are better than grabbing your order and finding a spot on the outdoor patio to enjoy it. ALERT: do not make the mistake of stepping up to order before you have been called, as you will be sent back in line. Offers an eclectic beer menu as well. Down the street from the Flying Dog Brewery.
(5)Noah K.
This place is a real gem. A funky place in an industrial park, known only through word of mouth, they have great sandwiches, grilled wings, skirt steak, wonderful soups, salads, and a unique side dish called exploded potatoes, which for lack of a better explanation, is a cross between potato salad and mashed potatoes. Everything is made fresh and the prices are borderline giveaway. Better still, they have a wine shop of inexpensive gems attached (nothing over $13; case price on individual bottles on Fridays) and you can drink the wine with your meal without any extra markup. Service is friendly and enthusiastic. It's not lightning quick, but just enjoy yourself with an inexpensive beer or bottle of wine while you wait, because it will be worth it. The owner lives in the nearby neighborhood and is very passionate about what he does. You can chat with him in the wine shop frequently. The dishes are named after San Francisco neighborhoods, but the names have nothing to do with the dish themselves, so don't read too much into it. Sadly, the ice cream shop (best prices in town on home made soft serve) is on hiatus, but they say it will be back. I hope so, since they had the best milkshakes I've probably ever had. Newbies: look online and study the menu first. It will be daunting to try to figure out what you want based on the blackboard (you order at the counter), but once you see how things work, you'll be hooked.
(5)Kathryn M.
Food is delicious and fresh, but a little pricey for sandwiches. I love the 'Sploaded potatoes!
(4)G K.
Amazingly huge and freshly made gigantic sandwiches in a low-key almost Florida keys industrial atmosphere, and the prices are completely reasonable. It's quite out of the way, and our GPS had trouble finding it, but find it we did and have no regrets. I'd recommend this place to anyone for lunch, but you probably want skip breakfast first.
(4)Mary B.
All I can say is- YUM! Vegetarian-friendly and so much fun. It's tucked away in a place you've never just find it "driving by" but once you know about it, you won't forget it! Try one of the baked potatoes. YUM YUM YUM!
(4)Rachel E.
Came here recently after reading about it on yelp. I suggested it to my group of friends and off we went, as others have remarked, it has a somewhat odd location. We went on a weekend so there wasn't much open around since its in a business park and my friends were a bit skeptical until they saw the place. We walked in and read over the extensive menu. The girls who greeted us when we first walked in the door were a little a bit unfriendly, I don't think I saw them smile once and they seemed a little impatient for us to order but they did offer us samples of their red and white chili's, and also some of the loaded potatoes. Everyone remarked how amazing (need to go back and get those loaded potatoes) the samples were and my boyfriend ultimately decided to get the chili. All of the girls ordered a baker (baked potato), I ordered the redwood with roast beef and cheese. My friend ordered the one with avocado? Not sure what it was called and her daughter ordered a plain. I also ordered a side of macaroni & cheese. My boyfriend ordered the chili (also a side item I can't recall) and my friends son ordered a normal turkey sandwich. Everyone remarked that everything was good and I really enjoyed mine - they do not skimp on the meat or cheese, in fact every bite had a load of roast beef. The macaroni and cheese was decent, not the best ever as advertised (boo) and a bit cold in the middle. The place was a bit loud and become a little crowded in the time we were eating but hey it's good for business. The prices were extremely fair and everything was very filling. A few of us had to take leftovers. If I was just going off the food I would give this a 5, service I'd give a 3 maybe a 2.5 but it really isn't a place that service matters all that much since you sit yourself. The man who was also working there was very friendly in fact, too bad we did not get to deal with him the entire time. All and all it was a good experience with good food and low prices, I'll definitely go back.
(4)Laylah G.
Love at first bite. This place has several things going for it: affordable prices, good sized portions, plenty of options, and delicious food. The location is a little sketch, but easy enough to find, and the industrial park setting sort of adds to the quirkiness. The first thing I ever ordered here was the Twin Peaks baker. I swear, my mouth hung open for half a minute after my first bite, because I couldn't believe how delicious it was and my brain sort of shut down in a "OMG WHAT DID YOU JUST EAT. YOU MUST EAT MORE" coma. My stomach should be so lucky to have one every day. The thing was huge and filled with deliciousness, tons of broccoli, carrots, and red cabbage, and an indecent amount of cheese. Good G-d. I also have had the Golden Gate sandwich here, which was quite delicious as well. The Wolf Sauce is quite good too- it's worth it to order the sauce with a bowl of chips. It's less than $5 and is practically party-sized. Everyone else I have gone there with have said their sandwiches and bakers were very tasty as well. I really really REALLY want to try the Exploding Potatoes, but alas, I don't eat bacon. I kept greedily sniffing my friend's order during my most recent trip, attempting to live vicariously through her more lax gastronomical choices. (She declared them "Holy Crap Delicious" by the way).
(5)Daniel A.
Best sandwich shop/small beer/wine market in town bar none. Always enjoy coming here for lunch. This place does not make a bad sandwich and the exploded potatoes are amazing.
(5)Susan S.
Stopped in after a day at Liberty based on Yelp recommendations. Hidden away in an industrial park, we never would've known this place existed but we will definitely be back. Based on recommendations from staff, we ordered a Trans-Am and a Lombard and wings for our son. The sandwiches were incredible and huge. I would order both of them again and again. And the exploded potatoes are delicious! Service was so warm and friendly. It's a great find and we can't wait to go back!
(5)Chris J.
Best sandwich shop I have been to in a long time. Great service, prices, selection, and quality. Kind of in the middle of nowhere, tucked in amongst alot of empty newish commercial buildings, it is worth seeking out. They have a sandwich for everyone and two great veggie options (on top of tons of salads. It may seem a bit far from downtown frederick to grab lunch during work, but the service seems fast enough to get in and out. And the icing on the cake is the cheap beer! They had four beers on draft and loads of bottles. They had Flying Dogs Gonzo Porter for only $4 a pint (and they also sell 12 and 20 ounce servings of draft beer which is pretty cool).
(5)Steve G.
Located in a new industrial park, this place is an unexpected treat. You arrive and immediately ere given free samples of a couple of things, including "exploded potties." Friendly staff takes your order and then you get your drinks (including craft beer on tap) . we had flat iron steak sald, which were quite tasty with good salsa, lettuce and dressing. If you like cement floors, friendly people and a place that only Yelp could turn it o a success this is for you.
(5)Connie M.
I loved this place and can't wait to go back. Ordered grilled steak special which came on a fresh salad with a potato on the side. The serving of steak was a half pound and was tender and delicious. Lived the beer selection too. My friend and I wandered into the beer store after we ate and chatted with the knowledgeable staff. We were traveling the next day so neither of us was buying beer to go but instead the nice man gave us a free ice cream cone. I can't wait til I'm back in town as this will be my default dinner spot. Healthy food and craft beer. Yep!
(5)Jose L.
This place has found the perfect formula- tasty food, countless menu selections, friendly staff, comfortable atmosphere and best yet easy on the wallet. This will be one of my go-to stops whenever I'm in Frederick.
(5)Emilio F.
Great food, huge portions
(5)Dana Z.
One thing is for sure: you won't leave hungry... Everything is really big and decently priced. I don't think it's quite as amazing as everyone is making it out to be, but that's just my opinion. Pretty good for a sandwich/salad place. I do agree with everyone that the exploded potatoes are pretty amazing. They have a pretty extensive menu and takes a few minutes to read all the descriptions unless you go in knowing what you want already :)
(3)Derek H.
Crazy bold flavors. Over the top friendly group. We went in expecting a simple lunch. We walked through the door to big smiles and hellos. They offered us samples and were very patient with us. We walked out happy we gave it a try and look forward to trying it again in the future. I don't know about the experiences of others here on Yelp, but I would certainly recommend this place. If you like spicy, ask for some Wicked Wolf sauce.
(5)L L.
Great food and pleasant, unconventional atmosphere.
(4)William W.
First time here and all I have to say is wow! Excellent service as soon as we walked through the door. We were greeted with a sample of the exploded potatoes yum! A young man helped us through the menu and suggested the trans am which I had and my wife had the Alcatraz and we both had a side of the potatoes. Than we were pointed to the bar to pay and wow what a beer selection. The gentleman at the bar was very helpful and kind. He let us sample some of the beers on tap and I decided on the burley oak and my wife had a sasparilla. We both loved our subs and potatoes very large portions. I know what I will be having for lunch tomorrow. Defiantly check this place out good food good beer and good music! Found our new favorite spot we'll be back!
(5)Ben G.
Really good subs... found this place on Yelp driving from Baltimore home to Cleveland. Would recommend! Menu is really big and hard to pick! Like the other reviews said it can be hard to find but once you find it youre golden.
(4)Carly J.
I hadn't planned on reviewing Frisco's today but it popped up when I was searching for something else so I thought, "Why not?" About five months ago, my teenage son was feeling like crap. NOTHING interested him food-wise. I started driving around and after about 15 minutes, thought that exploded potatoes would hit the spot for him--easy on his throat and he loves them. I got to Frisco's about 7:04 PM and noticed that they closed at 7. I walked back to my car and as I was getting in, one of the employees came running out to me. He had a carry out menu in his hand and gave it to me while telling me the hours were printed on it and that he was sorry I missed them. Then, he said that he hated to think I had wasted a trip there and handed me a serving of...exploded potatoes. Anyone that's going to go that far above and beyond the call of duty to make someone happy who wasn't even upset to begin with deserves mention. Their food is great, the prices can't be beat and their customer service is also wonderful. Mayve a month later, I ordered one of the potato meals and the preparer omitted the dressing. It happened a second time. I wasn't really upset and I didn't make a scene--just made a comment that they might to double check their servings--mistakes happen. However, Mr. Cool Manager comped my next potato. I sing their praises. Any restaurant that is THAT "hidden" and off the beaten path that can not only survive but also thrive is impressive. I hope they're open for another 50 years!!
(5)Angela S.
AKA Friscos: Home of the 23 minute sandwich. And, I am disappointed in my fellow Yelpers. A measley 1.5 stars. I will try to touch on the points that the other reviews failed to mention. First, when you pull up to the establishment, you have to figure out where to go. There is one part of the building for carryout and catering, another for ice cream, and another which is the restaurant. Now, I was going for carryout, so does that mean I go to the carryout door? I chose the restaurant, and it all went downhill from there. I walked in to find some people preparing food in the middle of the room, and what appeared to be a bartender in the back. No menu anywhere, as I had seen on the Yelp pictures. One of the workers asked if I had been there before. I told her no, and she pointed at the menu board on some random side of the counter that no one would have ever seen. At 4:00 on a weekday afternoon, there was only one person ordering in front of me. She ordered from the 2 people working there, then moved on. I was left standing there. And standing there. Finally one of them said they would be right with me. They weren't. Then someone came from another part of the building and took my order. After taking my order, he offered me a sample of the exploded potatoes, which looked totally unappetizing. Luckily I asked what the red bits were before I tried any (fyi they are bacon, for those of you who don't eat red meat). Seeing as I had just ordered 2 vegetarian sandwiches, you can probably bet that I handed that sample right back to him. Anyway, I took my order note over to the bartender-type guy, who rung me up--now tell me, why can't I just order from this guy? Doesn't make sense. So then I proceeded to wait, get this, 23 minutes for my 2 sandwiches. At 4:00 in the afternoon. With one person in front of me. Better be one hell of a sandwich. It wasn't. The Golden Gate, consisting only of tomato, alfalfa sprouts, avocado, 1 slice of cheese, and no dressing or seasoning, was pretty bad, especially when it was on cheap bread. Reminded me of a hot dog bun., It was pretty much inedible. It was trying to be Jimmy John's veggie sub, but I'd rather go the 1/2 mile down the road and get JJ's, on better bread with better flavor (and cheaper). The other vegetarian sandwich, The Mission, was better, mostly because it was on a higher quality baguette-type crusty-chewy bread. I think the green olive tapenade (that is what that is called for those who were struggling to describe it in other reviews) would have meshed well with the brie had it been a little less salty. All in all, I would probably have this sandwich again, but not from here. Its not worth the hassle. Both sandwiches were a decent size, but for $7-$7.50, they ought to be. Bottom line: If sandwiches are your claim to fame, then they better be damn good. Each and every one should be just as good as the next, with no "misses". And, no, I don't need to try any of the baked potatoes--I can make those at home.
(2)Victoria R.
Not overly impressed. My husband had the Embarcadero and chips, and also a grilled cheese. His food was delicious and he was happy. I had a steak sandwich, which was terrible, and the exploded potatoes, which are as good as the reviews claim. I was extremely disappointed in my $9 steak sandwich, which I couldn't even bring myself to eat more than half of. Overall, this place fell short of its Yelp reputation.
(3)Diane W.
Really enjoyed the place. Great food and very friendly staff
(5)Elisabeth H.
This is a 3 * review that I really hope to go back and change to a 4. After reading all the hype I finally made a trip to AKA Friscos. It seems that AKA Friscos has a cult like following, and is fully illustrated by the fact that the location is in the middle of an industrial park. This is very different from the 4,397 other places to eat in Frederick that find themselves either downtown, or lining 40, 85, 355 in one of the MANY strip malls. I walked in and immediately got the this is 'one of those places' vibe. You know, that place you go when you are craving something great, out of the ordinary that fills a void that no other place seems to. The menu is extensive and can be overwhelming having done some pre-meal research via yelp I knew that there were a couple things I wanted to try but on the top of the list was the baked potato concoctions. So we had two of those Kong Lobo which had bacon, cheese, chili and the hot sauce which was more smokey then spicy and the other was the Santa Fe. They both were great taste wise but here comes the 3 star review part both potatoes came out very quickly which was great almost before we could find seating, but both were cold which wasn't so great. Both were sent back to be reheated and both came back hot on the sides with the middle and most of the actual potato part cold. Which really was a shame both chili was on point, and the Santa Fe tasted great. I think the key is making sure the potato is hot throughout prior to placing all the toppings on it. That really is my only complaint, but no matter how good something is tasting it's not so good cold. We also had the mildly spicy wings which were not really spicy at all and were baked not fried, but were just as good as if they had been prepared the 'yummy but bad for you way' they came with a smokey ranch type of dipping sauce which was great. Last but not least was the exploded potatoes and BBQ sandwich. The BBQ was good not the best I have ever had but it was still good. The highlight was definitely the exploded potatoes they were great! All in all had a good meal, tried a bunch of stuff, and am excited to go back and give Frisco's a second chance.
(3)Andrew B.
There aren't many places where I'm willing to say I'd recommend literally anything on the menu, but this is one of them. The sandwiches are unique and delicious (recommendation: the embarcadero or flat iron steak), the salads are meals unto themselves, and the sides are great (if you don't love the exploded potatoes, you don't have a soul). They serve beer, they have an ice cream/milkshake attachment and a fantastic -- and inexpensive -- wine selection with a helpful staff. The location is poor, but that's a forgivable (and even understandable when you see the business they do during the week) offense. I've gone here probably at least 50 times and have had one bad experience -- the girl who took my order was offensive in her lack of caring and ended up taking down the order wrong -- but even that was rectified quickly by other staff. Frisco's is just a fantastic, individualistic, casual place. Best lunches in town.
(5)Dylan K.
Friscos is amazing. I get the flat iron steak potato almost everytime. The steak is better than what I had at The Tasting Room. Everything is insanely flavorful. Really fun atmosphere too. Can't say a bad word about it. Awesome place. I'm so glad I live near Westview so I can go all the time.
(5)PEZ C.
Food gets a 5 - the exploded potatoes are fantastic; bring your appetite or plan on taking home a doggy bag because it's a lot of food. For the atmosphere, we would rate it a 3 - it is loud and the seating isn't that comfortable.
(4)Monica P.
The jury is still out on this. I think I need to go back and try one of their signature items that others rave about. I wasn't wild about the Cobb salad. The chicken on it was 2nd rate quality and very salty.
(3)Jackie G.
We came here for lunch when we were visiting the Flying Dog Brewery based on all of the positive reviews it had online. We enjoyed the food so much, we came back that same day for dinner. Since then, we make sure to hit it up anytime we're even remotely close to it, including going out of our way to go through Frederick when driving from New Jersey to stop in. As everyone else has mentioned, the star really is the buttery scalliony amazing exploded potatoes...pay the extra $0.50 to upgrade the regular potatoes to exploded. Our favorite is probably the Flat Iron Steak (really good steak, homemade steak sauce, cheese and scallions). They also do a couple of specials after 4 and on the weekends. I've had the Grilled Chicken Special, which has really flavorful grilled chicken served with some exploded potatoes, a small salad, and an awesome cilantro sauce. They have a ton of great looking salads and sandwiches, but haven't ventured to that part of the menu....yet.
(5)Elizabeth L.
I really tried to like Friscos, because I like San Francisco a lot, but I couldn't find anything to eat there that wasn't a disappointment. I have tried their chili (way too much cumin!), some sandwiches (really, I have had much better sandwiches), nachos (double why bother) and have reached the conclusion that I don't like the food at Friscos and it is time to stop trying.
(1)Colin M.
The real food king of Frederick that most residents surprisingly don't know about because of the location. Full flavor in all the items they serve - I don't know how they already haven't been featured on some sort of Food Network show.
(5)Heather P.
I'm a Friscos ADDICT! I love everything Friscos!! These recent reviews on here are completely WHACK! These complaints about "bad service" is a JOKE!! Kim E The reason why you couldn't fit through the door, is because obviously Friscos is the BEST! Clearly you should have stopped at a run down McDonald's on some interstate because FRISCOS IS NOT FOR PEOPLE LIKE YOOOOOOOU! The funny thing is, if you would have been a lady, and asked to speak to one of the owners, they would have happily made you something more to your liking upon request. People like you and Mr Glenn, belong at the wawa with all the other stale people in the world. In my final defense, Aka Friscos is definitely NOT for everyone.. That's why they don't advertise.. Most people find out about them by word of mouth. this is a review you can trust! xoxoxo heather ; )
(5)Roger B.
I liked this place a lot! Good service, great menu and awesome food. The layout can be a bit confusing your first time, but, once you get it down, it's fairly simple. If you tell them it's your first time there, they will make sure you understand everything going on. Once again, great food.
(5)Kevin L.
Yes, it is small and loud - and sometimes it is hard to get a seat BUT the food is totally worth it!! Every sandwich I have ever ordered have been excellent, the portions are great too. I love the loaded mased potatoes, these alone are worth the trip. A great meal, fair prices.
(5)Will P.
This place was awesome. The menu is expansive and has a ton of great items. The staff is super helpful and really care about your experience. I can't wait to go back!
(5)Daniel D.
Heard about this place through word of mouth and I'm glad I stopped flat iron steak on potatoes is a very filling lunch my girlfriend tried there mildly spicy wings and they had a very good taste I will go a 2nd time for sure they also sell beer
(4)Phil W.
Friendly, helpful service... Very quick and tons of food! Got the fat boy: 4 kinds of meat 2 kinds of cheese! Good eats
(5)Sooperken S.
Good sandwiches and good food in general... i thoroughly dislike the ordering process, where you stand, wait and hope that one of the kids they have working there notices you and eventually takes your order... it can be frustrating at times... It's like they are doing you a favor by finally taking your order? ... besides that, i don't have many other complaints... The curry chicken salad sandwich with sprouts is great and definitely reminds me of something you might get in San Francisco... i'll go again and would recommend it... Can somebody PLEASE work out a more logical/professional ordering process? i'll give you 5 stars when that happens...
(4)Ryan N.
Great spot for lunch! So many choices you'll need to come back, again and again to try them all. Love their generous use of avocado and bean sprouts! Atmosphere is fun and great for casual dining.
(4)Jeff F.
Great for a casual meal. The food was very good, try the exploded potato salad, it is unique. The owner came over to our table and was very friendly, offering up tastes of items on the menu. Overall we were very pleased and will visit again, when in the area.
(5)Anthony Y.
I read about this place on yelp. I went yesterday, the service is outstanding some of the nicest people you will ever meet. The owner gave me the VIP treatment and the food was outstanding. When you go ask about the exploding potatoes. In the words of Arnold, "I'll be back"
(5)Chrissy M.
Have you ever gotten a food craving that just can't be satisfied until you have that food again? That's how I feel just thinking about Friscos! Everything I have ever had from them is amazing and I've had a lot. They have an extensive menu so if you're struggling with what to try I recommend 1 - The Bart 2- Exploded Potatoes 3 - Santa Fe Chicken. Yes, you should get all three and it will cost you just over $10. The atmosphere is awesome, the people have always been super friendly to me and the food is amazing! I don't usually like to try new foods once I have a favorite and once I was debating (out loud) trying the Santa Fe chicken vs. sticking with the same thing I always get and the man behind the counter said, "Here, try some and then decide." Best decision ever! I seriously can't get enough of Friscos! Definitely worth a visit if you're in the area or if you're like me and live 40 minutes away it's worth the drive!
(5)Colleen F.
Nice, family friendly atmosphere with affordable prices. We were greeted at the counter with free samples of their soup to try. The staff is very friendly. Good vegetarian options and beer selection. Their location is in a warehouse type area, so don't turn around thinking you've made a wrong turn. The sandwiches are very tasty. I do miss the outdoor ice cream window.
(4)Tristan K.
This place is the stuff of legend - back when they had their outpost near Tenleytown in DC, the line was consistently out the door. Although this HQ has been the only Friscos option for about a decade, I still make the 45 minute drive on the weekends to this simple oasis tucked into an industrial park. The subs are great, lots of variety and packed to the gills. Do not forget the Wicked Wolf hot sauce for that added zing. The Oreo cookies are also heavenly, with the right amount of softness. But my go-to is the exploded potatoes. Despite countless attempts I can never recreate the awesomeness that is the Redwood. Would definitely be my choice for a last meal if I ever find myself on death row.
(5)Jeff S.
Quirky and fun little hidden gem in Frederick. Great sandwiches, exploded potatoes, salads, bakers, etc. They seem to have something for everyone. Prices are reasonable but it does seem like they use pretty cheap quality ingredients.
(4)Kim E.
Rude customer service and lack-luster food is the fare at AKA Friscos. If you are passing through, please keep on driving. This joint is not made for the family just passing through town. We picked it based on Yelp reviews that usually never lead us astray. We walked in...ok, squeezed in the doorway and tried to read the menu. The counter is right up next to the door with a gigantic billboard style menu with so many options and details that you can't wrap your head around what is available. We step up to order and the guy working the counter is clearly exasperated by the fact that I ask for a grilled chicken sandwich for my daughter. No. Can't do that. Can't? Interesting choice of words. So, I order a kid's grilled cheese and a "what he called the closest thing to a grilled chicken sandwich" for my daughter and I to split. It was called "the Chronicle" My husband got one as well. The grilled chicken was average at best. It was grilled much like you would do at home on your grill. The grilled cheese for my son was...less than appetizing. Pretty bad when a four year old won't eat a grilled cheese. While there were plenty of people there eating, I can't imagine that they are enjoying this less than average meal. Perhaps there is nothing else to choose from in the area. Maybe it is locals who have grown up thinking this is the best food out there. Maybe we just got the wrong things. Here's a hint AKA Friscos...help your customers who don't have a clue pick some of the favorites on your menu if you are going to have a mammoth of a menu!
(1)Monica K.
exploded potato tastes like heaven.
(4)Ramona P.
Great place to eat in and carry out. My father is very particular and doesn't like just anyplace. He ordered the roast beef sandwhich and was very pleased that he could only eat half of it because there was so much in it.
(4)Samuel R.
AKA Friscos: Worth the drive to Frederick Question: How many sandwiches exist that are so good that you would need no other reason to plan a trip to Frederick? Count the number of sandwiches on the menu of AKA Friscos and you will have your answer. Ms. Classy and I visited AKA Friscos a few weeks ago and we could not wait for a return visit. I messaged with my lunch plans while she was stuck at work and she replied, "It is cruel of you to go up there without getting me something. CRUEL." I promised to bring home one of their mouth-watering sandwiches (the Trans-Am) and she quickly retracted her accusation of cruelty. The trip from doorstep to deli took the better part of an hour, but in my food-obsessed opinion, it was worth it. The first thing a newbie customer will notice upon entering the restaurant is the atmosphere. There's no formal greeter, but I got a friendly "Hello!" shout and a sample of their Exploded Potatoes handed to me when I walked in the door. AKA Friscos is the antithesis of formal in the best way possible. It is one part deli, one part sports bar, and one part indoor picnic. Customer and staff conversations are loud, but friendly, and their music selection rocks (80s Def Leppard, Pink Floyd, AC/DC, and Alice Cooper were on the playlist during my visit). You can watch the sandwich magic happen from the open center 'pavillion' where they take your order and assemble your food. Now to my favorite part of all: the food. On the first visit, Ms. Classy and I shared the Embarcadero and the Alcatraz sandwiches and shared a side of the Exploded Potatoes. After the first bite, we made a blood oath to return. For today's visit, I ordered the BBQ Sandwich, which comes with a side of the Exploded Potatoes, for $8.50. As you can see, this sandwich is big and slathered in Sweet Baby Ray's barbecue sauce. The server brought a handful of extra napkins, which is a necessity for a sandwich like this. The roast beef was tender with a nice smokey flavor. If you like your barbecue beef sweet, this is the sandwich for you. Even though the sandwich was large and wonderful, the side of Exploded Potatoes is not to be overlooked. Unlike a traditional cold, mustard/mayonnaise based potato salad, the Exploded Potatoes are served warm, almost mashed, with plenty of butter, bacon, and green onions mixed inside. They are amazing and a must have unless you have some sort of anti-potato political agenda. After my tasty and very filling lunch, I had a nice chat with the owner, John Wolf. He gave me a quick tour of the facilities and showed me where they dry rub, roast, and slice their fresh meats daily. Their breads are delivered bakery fresh every morning. He let me sample a few different meat slices, which made me curse my standard-sized stomach for not being able to take on additional sandwiches at the time. I asked him about the 'off the grid' location and John said it was by design. He's happy with his regular clientele and atmosphere for the deli and attached wine store. He is more than happy to welcome new customers, but cautions the atmosphere isn't for everyone and people have come based on stellar customer reviews and were a little put off by the hyper-casual atmosphere. I assured him that no one really reads my *CENSORED* and he seemed pleased. He followed that up with one of my favorite quotes from a restaurant owner: "We're not going to turn the music down." Will Ms. Classy and I return? As often as we have business in Frederick (sometimes the only business we'll have there is to visit AKA Friscos. Yours, -Someone of the male persuasion who does not like to spend a whole lot of money on things
(5)Shane E.
Biggest Yelp disappointment to date. Place was packed and the small ordering area left me working the door. The menu is far too large and descriptive for any first timer. From the side you cannot read the many different item descriptions. Naming food items after SF landmarks, for example, is cute and all, but does little to help tell me what the item is. The descriptions underneath are so long they border on run-on sentence. The staff seemed somewhat annoyed by our lack of experience with their complex system. I've read more than a few reviews that mentioned the staff issues. I'm not sure who ever said this is good for kids either. Nothing most kids would eat was on the agenda. Asked for a plain chicken breast...told that wasn't on the menu and to try again. Had to buy an appetizer and an $8.95 sandwich for our two. Sandwich was underwhelming to say the least, especially for 9 bucks. Subway is as good a choice. Grilled cheese and chicken sandwich were nothing more than standard back-yard grill fare. Swapping provolone for American cheese isn't all that avante-garde I'm afraid. Nothing remotely special about our meals. Had the spicy chili. Decent but, again, nothing I will be craving anytime soon. Service is subpar and just getting a plastic fork and napkins required me searching around the restaurant and asking for help. I was 2/3 thru my sandwich when my side of chili came up. This place is loud and lousy, sorry to burst any Yelp! bubbles. My only hypothesis is the fact that the location is in an industrial park-type area and there weren't many options in the immediate area. Yelp! has never let me down but this left me with a horrible taste in my mouth, both literally and figuratively. I generally try to find the bright spots in any visit because I spent so many years in the food-service industry. I felt a lot of optimism heading into AKA Friscos but that quickly turned to all-out frustration and anger. After we left my wife pointed out that they didn't have menus and posted a note that recommends you download it yourself. I won't be back and I hope that for their sake they adjust their "Dick's Last Resort" attitude when it comes to their customers. Gave one star because I couldn't give it zero. Update 6/24/12- I stand by my review, even in light of Owner's comments. Why should I have to defend my opinion?
(1)Don D.
You'll never find it.. Unless you look for it. Great sandwiches. The service has a hint of the Soup Nazi, for sure. Sammy makers are all business -- a good sign, but no room for yapping. The cashier was really cold...youch! But, who cares. Cool place, great sammies, great variety.
(4)Monkee C.
This is a great find in an unexpected place (an industrial office park in Frederick, who knew)? Good deal on lunch special too, half of any sandwich and a medium side and drink for $7. I tried the embarcadero which I thought was very good, but it was the white bean chicken chili that I had as my side that really brought it to new levels. No other chili can compare now (seriously). I'll be stopping here whenever I'm hungry and in the area.
(4)Kelly D.
Wonderful and fresh! Can be made vegan friendly! The place was packed when we got there but food came out quick. I was in town just passing through on my way to NC. Food was delicious, staff helpful and pleasant.
(4)Ginny S.
12 July 2012 1200 Accessibility:This restaurant while slightly off the beaten path and is easy to get into and it has plenty of parking. 3 Stars Atmosphere: This is a very social, loud and friendly place. Really a great place to go with friends for lunch. It is two floors and enough seating even though a lot of people seem to carry out too. probably should emphasize the loudness in the place. After you order your food and stand to wait for it, you really have to listen hard because they do not yell it out too loud or at least the music and noise overpowers it out. Very "tight" to walk around in where you order and narrow stairs taking you upstairs. 4 Stars Customer service: The customer service consists of talking to the person that you place your order with and then the other person that you pay. Not much interaction with the one we put our orders with, she pretty much never looked up, just took the order and shoved the order slip in front of us and said to give that to the lady at the pay counter. But they do work fast there and there was a line. Now where we paid for the sandwiches/salads, she was very pleasant. 3 Stars Menu Food:Sandwiches and Salads. This place makes a lot of great salads and even more salads! If you have a special type of sandwich/salad, I would bet they have it here. The entire building smells wonderfully of the great foods too! I had thePacific Heights. It is what they call an Italian and Greek salad withSalami, & Prosciutto on Romaine lettuce. It is literally loaded with their homemade "mild" salsa. It slightly more than mild to most, but it is really good I might add. It has an olive relish, pepperonini, sprinkled with a tad of feta cheese. While they are a little heavy on the oil & vinegar, they were overly heavy on the hot peppers. This is a "spicy hot" little salad but if you like it that way, it is a nice little salad. Light and really filling. A small is a fairly large size. So remember the portion sizes here are fairly large and well worth the money for a lunch with some friends. 3 stars Would I come back to this restaurant? For a lunch - absolutely. Or a very late lunch with a bunch of friends.
(3)Shawn H.
There are probably a few good places to eat in Frederick, but a.k.a Friscos has to be the best for miles and miles. It is immediately obvious that everyone here knows how to run a deli. But it gets better. The sandwich creations are well thought out, excellent and reasonably priced. The same is true for the salads. You get a LOT to eat. There's an ice cream place attached if you just have to have something sweet after (or in place of) your meal. I also saw beer and wine if that's your preference. This is located in the middle of a large office park and I heard they close at 5pm, so it's lunch only. Get there early or be prepared to wait because everyone there knows how awesome the food is!
(5)Grant M.
I hate to be the wet blanket. But my family went here with high hopes from the stellar yelp reviews and we felt pretty let down. Nothing really to write home about - except the exploded potatoes .Those were pretty good.
(3)D. C.
Stuck-up servers and cooks that treat you like crap every time without fail. Fabulous food though! Can you say....Soup Nazi lol? The food is phenomenal and the prices have stayed pretty true to what they always were. Cannot fault the owners or the cooks!
(4)Shane K.
Absolutely great food. Friscos chicken salad was fantastic and the exploded potatoes are phenomenal. Good prices and nice atmosphere.
(5)John F.
The food here is awesome! The owners and staff couldn't be nicer. I want to eat here every day!
(5)C F.
This place is great.
(5)Chef A.
Now if you like to eat maggots, then I suggest going back to MD-85 where the4th st. refugee hookers who are paid in Toblerone go to eat. But for the rest of us who are sick of the Buckeystown Pkl nightmare at lunch time, Friscos is one of the best hidden secrets in town. If you want good food, good booze and a good price, then you want to come here. If you want to sit outside and eat ice cream, well they got that too,. And hell, after eating a stuffed potato, downing a few pints, then head next door drunk for ice cream, you can go next door to that to the wine shop and buy more booze to go. This brings me to my second part of the review, the booze. I had a date and we hit this place up like a high school kegger for her to get silly drunk. they had a decent beer selection, but she chose wine. Personally, I think the effects of getting trashed off of Listerine would be better than wine drunk, but hell, she's the drinker. Anywho, the wine selection was pretty huge. And if that's not enough alcohol for you, a five minute walk or 8 second car ride puts you at the front door of the Flying Dog. So, if you don't like hookers or maggots, then come to Frisco's. If on the other hand you do like the preceding thing, then hit up MD-85/355 where they party near the massage and tattoo parlors. PS- They DO sell Mellow Yellow.
(5)Julaine N.
Their exploded potatoes are fantastic. I love adding the sausalito toppings to them. You can add any baked potato toppings to the exploded potatoes. It makes an excellent meal! They also have delicious salads and soups. Everything is very filling, delicious, and at a great price. Wine and beer are available as well.
(5)Sean S.
Good luck finding this place! Its like in Zelda where you had to move a specific rock or burn a specific bush to find your goodies. And im not telling because Im selfish like that. Yums: Exploded potatoes are awesome, great subs, summer wine tastings, excellent selection of reasonably priced wines (we buy it by the case here) and there is no better deal on ice cream in Frederick ( the way cool kiss with the homemade oreos is delish). Pricing: Cheap Atmosphere: beachy, which is awesome for Frederick ( i need the reminder of beaches) Dress: very casual Service: good Food: A Parking: Ample and Free Wait: None Overall Grade: A
(5)Matthew S.
Fantastic sandwich joint! It's tucked in the middle of an industrial park (down the road from Flying Dog Brewery.The menu is that of a sandwich/salad/soup type of place, but with extra attention on the little things. The meats are of a higher quality, the sub rolls are freshly baked, and the sauces are homemade. Everything is named after a neighborhood in San Francisco - so far I've had the Lombard and Oakland and both were excellent. Very filling as well - the sandwiches are packed with meat. The best item on the menu, in my opinion, is the exploding baked potato. Just check it out - it's delicious. Also, they sell beer including local, national favs, and west coast Anchor Brewing Company. Overall a great meal, both lunch and dinner. They also sell wine and beer next store, so it's a nice place to start the night out at.
(5)Glenn G.
I'll make this one short and sweet. The food was OK for the most part. The BBQ Beef sandwich was good. A pretty decent portion for the price. I also had the exploding potatoes which were alright, but not exactly amazing, IMO. However, I'm really sorry to say that their customer service was absolutely THE worst I've experienced in some time. The next time I crave a sandwich, I'll go to the Wawa a couple of miles away.
(1)Hen S.
Service was eh....food was ok. Won't be going back.
(3)Willie T.
Great place, great price, great staff. Been there dozens of times and have never had a bad meal, sandwich, soup or service. Def. best of Frederick
(5)Kevin W.
I ate here multiple times a week for almost 2 months straight. This is the best lunch spot in this city in my opinion. The potatoes, soups, and chillies are the best. Order some of their cookies. I prefer the strawberry shortcake.
(5)Ted W.
Good sandwiches (not spectacular). Exploded potatoes are very good. Odd location in a semi-industrial area.
(3)Sarah C.
The food gives this place 4 stars. The wait staff? well half of them were decent, and a few were down right rude. But the sandwhich? AMAZING! I had the pesto sandwhich, it was sooo good. The cheese was to die for! The loaded mash potatos were delicous. But the bbq pork had to much pepper for my liking. I'd definitely go there again. $20 for 2 meals, a beer, and soda, was a great price.
(4)Nazzarena L.
The locatrion is unfortunate, a secluded industrial zone that is the armpit of a town wich is itself an armpit. But if you manage to make it to (armpit)e2, you'll find a trendy and beachy eatery with a delicious american menu of subs and bakers (baked potatoes), including exploded potatoes that goes from the gory (Fatboy, Kong Lobo) to the simple and veg (avo cado rich Sausalito, Alcatraz). Add adjoining wine detailer and ice cream parlor. Visit nearby Flying Dog brewery and make it an excursion.
(5)BigDaddy A.
Love this place! Incredible food! Highly recommend the chili, the skinny green pizza and the south of Santa Fe salad. We eat here every time we are in Frederick or when we are passing the area. Trying to eat my way through the menu but I keep getting side tracked by repeating my favorites.
(5)Molly M.
Great beer selection, amazing food and big portions. For $14 I got a giant sandwich, the "Lombard" and a "small" overstuffed exploded potato--both delicious AND I also got a 7% bloodline flying dog (brewed right down the street!). Can you beat this???
(5)Yashar D.
Two words: exploded potatoes. Sandwiches were good, but not the best I've had. Very hard to find, but worth it.
(4)R S.
It's in the middle of a business park. Go on a weekend, to avoid the lunch crowd. I had an exploded potatoe and a beer. Delish! it sort of has a street food flair. You will leave satisfied. The soup was primo!
(4)Walt K.
Great sandwich, eclectic menu, we all very much enjoyed the meal and felt it was a good value. Would definately return when in Frederick.
(4)Sam C.
This place is awesome. The sandwiches, the potatoes, just everything. The seating is limited, so the food is best enjoyed as take-out. The service is usually fast and friendly. My only complaint is the 7pm closing time on Mondays through Thursdays.
(5)Brian G.
Great hidden treasure in a warehouse district. The exploded potatoes are worth driving a couple hours. Lots of vegetarian friendly options and good cookies. Nothing fancy here. Just great exploded potatoes.
(5)Peppermint L.
Definitely worth the going out of the way for. This sandwich shop is as good as it gets. Their location is in a weird area, so you might think you're headed in the wrong direction at first. Best sandwiches I ever had and everything taste so fresh and flavorful. Highly recommend the Exploded Potatoes.
(5)Rodger C.
Great place to go. Love the service!
(5)Teresa A.
Overwhelming amount of things on the menu, but the employees are more than welcome to give you delicious samples of everything while you try decide! The exploded potato was amazing, however I don't enjoy watching the grease ooze out of my food and all over my plate while I am eating, I do try to eat healthy but am not opposed to an on occasional really really bad meal, yet delicious, but this was just a little much. I also got the Alcatraz sandwich, that I split with my mom (it was definitely big enough). They were out of the sliced sourdough bread so we get it on a sourdough roll. I can imagine it being better on bread, but it was still good. The dijon mustard was WAY too powerful, I probably would get it without next time, but then again there are so many things on the menu that I most likely would just get something else. I don't like how you wait in line to order, then go into another line to order drinks and to pay.... there is a lot of waiting, and it wasn't that busy!? But it took forever! All in all, the food was really really good, the atmosphere is awesome, and I love the outdoor seating option. Oh, but the TVs are completely pointless. The Redskins game was on and the TVs were so old school and small that I couldn't even read the score. You wont be terribly disappointed coming here, it was definitely satisfying, but it also didn't blow me completely away. I need to try something else next time, and I will still definitely be back.
(3)Trudy S.
I was skeptical about how good this place was, given its weird location (in the middle of an industrial park) and how hype can often be overrated. Nope. Every bit as good as people say it is. Exploded potato = a must. Sandwiches = delicious. Atmosphere = perfectly cozy without being obnoxious. Definitely coming back.
(5)Eric Y.
A little bit out of the way but this place has great food. If you're looking for a quick and affordable meal this is the place. They also have a nice beer and wine selection next door. Plenty of seating and great for take-out. Pretty much everything on the menu is yummy but you should definitely get their exploded potatoes!
(5)Albert S.
Go there!!! Good food and beer/wine store is always a great deal. Unique comfort food here and not a bad choice in the menu.
(5)A. J.
I was planning a visit to Frederick and perused Yelp looking for a perfect lunch restaurant. a.k.a. Friscos looked interesting. I'm so glad we went there. The food was soooooo good. The menu is extensive and it was difficult to make a decision since everything sounded so good. This restaurant is off the beaten track but absolutely worth the drive. I will definitely be a repeat customer.
(5)Francisco J.
I see no reason to return. Reviews mislead me. Hard to find place in an industrial park, nothing around commercial. Totally out of place. Hard bad bread, pressed sliced turkey and expensive. Loaded potatoes are good but not good enough to make me return.
(1)Ray R.
Excellent place for lunch. All the sandwiches are unique creations that fill you up and leave a smile on your face. The exploded baked potatoes are amazing and the gumbo was homemade and wonderfully satisfying. The staff is very friendly...the guy that took our order double checked it when it came out and, of his own accord, sent back my daughter's sandwich that accidentally came back with ranch dressing on it(we would have been fine with it, but it was nice that he remembered) I highly recommend this place for anyone looking for a great lunch experience.
(5)Tiffany M.
I wish I could eat here more but my husband isn't a huge fan, not because of the food, but because he isn't a big sandwich or salad guy. I have had salads (my favorite is the Santa Fe salad), sandwiches (Chicken salad is delicious) and love their skinny green pizza appetizer. My husband does like their exploded potatoes and get's a chili cheese and bacon baked potato and subs the potato for exploded potatoes. Cookies are amazing (smashed oreo cookie), I just wish Way Cool was still open :( Beer and wine selection next door is awesome!
(5)Will R.
Great sandwich shop and the manager with the beard exudes pure sexual machismo.
(4)Victoria Z.
This is one of the few "Why have I never reviewed this?!!" places I will be reviewing tonight. Fun story, I used to visit here a lot with my boyfriend. Now he's my husband and we hadn't been back since we got engaged. So when deciding where to have lunch today, I had a big "Duh! YES!" moment when he mentioned, "Hey, let's go to Friscos!" My favorite things here are the exploded potatoes and the cookies that have crushed up Oreos in them. I could live off of both of those just fine. But, in case those don't suit you (I don't know why they wouldn't!) there is a very extensive list of sandwiches and salads to choose from, too.
(4)J B.
This is one of my favorite places in Frederick. You can't go wrong with anything on the menu! Exploded Potatoes worth writing home about (unleass you're a vegetarian)....everything that you'd find in a loaded baked potato but mixed perfectly so there's bacon in every bite. Need I say more?! :-). BBQ beef sandwich was another awesome discovery, plus bonus served WITH Exploded Potatoes....I've tasted some of almost every category of food on their menu (vegetarian and carnivorous) and I have been satisfied. I even have family members putting in requests for me to bring "Big Salads" when I visit. It's great casual food at a great price....What more could you ask for?
(5)Tony M.
And in conclusion... This is a great lunch spot. Good sandwiches and great potatoes.
(5)Lynn D.
Best chicken salad in Frederick County!!!! I can eat chicken salad or the chicken sandwich 5 times a week....YUMMY!!!!
(5)Roger S.
Pretty good, though sandwiches are about $1 more than they should be. Definite place that's been discovered, even though its in the middle of an industrial park. Despite the hippie vibe, they use a lot of non-renewable containers, like styrofoam and aluminum containers...
(3)Nik L.
This place is the jam! Awesome sandwiches, salads, and the exploded potatoes are amazing. Good selection of beer, and every this is reasonably priced. You can get a bangin steak salad for like $10, that would cost you nearly double at most of the restaurants downtown (Brewers alley)
(5)E R.
This is not only a great little sandwich shop but the wine and beer deals next door are excellent. And you get case price on one bottle or more on Fridays.
(5)Adrian K.
Love this unique out of the way restaurant. My favorite is the grilled chicken special, a salad with Dijon cilantro dressing and exploded potatoes! Awesome! The chili is good and the sandwiches are great. Tough to try the whole menu when the first few dishes you eat there are so good. I'm a creature of habit.
(5)Patrick M.
We were in from out of town and looking for a great local place to eat. I was blown away! The food was delicious (I got the Lombard and my son had the chicken Caesar salad), and reasonably priced. If I am ever in town again, this will be my first stop!
(5)Ben P.
This place has some fantastic sandwiches! It was great to be greeted with some exploded potatoes- a sort of warm potato salad with bacon- upon walking in the door. There is a lot of variety on the menu; it's a shame I'm an out of towner because I'd love to try some of the salads. Two suggestions to improve San Franciscan authenticity: bread selections should include Dutch crunch and sourdough, and the sandwiches should reflect the character of the neighborhoods they represent. A North Beach, for instance, should be an Italian sub or a salami sandwich. I had a great lunch here, and will be happy to return if ever passing back through Frederick.
(4)Nick C.
I love this place! I have lived in Frederick 7 years but didn't hear about Friscos until last year :( boy did I miss out. I have been back like 10 times since I found it. This place is amazing. Exploded baked potato is a must try! So good. My first time in I believe I met the owner who was very nice and she gave me a free upgrade from small to medium. Steak potato is the Bomb. Flat iron steak over exploded baked potato with extra cheese for $9. So much value here. I have also had the Baja chicken salad, embarcadero, grilled chicken sandwich, tuna sandwich, and Italian sub, all were delicious!!!
(5)Vincent M.
All of the reviewers raved about the Exploding Potatoes, and they 100% lived up to the hype! Friscos is an absolute gem tucked away on Wedgewood Blvd. I recently went there with a small group and was able to sample a few of the sandwiches; including the Lombard and Fat-Boy. The sandwiches were impressive and delicious, and a very generous portion. You will not leave hungry. The atmosphere is inviting; not too loud, but not quiet either. In addition to a full menu of various sandwich selections, the menu also offers an array of salads and sides. They also offer a decent selection of beers. I will definitely be going back again. Is a great place for lunch if you work nearby, and they also cater.
(4)Natalie H.
This was my first visit to Friscos and I will not be returning. The only here positive was the service, which was welcoming and friendly, although our order was not entirely correct. They did have an impressive beer selection. I noticed Bells Two Hearted was on the draft list, a personal favorite. I should have gotten beer. We both ordered the special, which was grilled cheese and a side of chili. The chili was barely warm, definitely not hot enough for safely eating. The grilled cheese was a hoagie bun grilled inside out and mostly burned. The white cheese was tasteless and rubbery. It's pretty hard to mess up grilled cheese, but they did it. The experience was disappointing, and if I had eaten at all earlier in the day, I would have sent it back, but it was almost 5 and I needed something in my stomach. I ate it and instantly regretted it. I had read the slightly overwhelming menu online first and had planned to get a baked potato, but the employee suggested the special. I might have had better experience if I had ordered differently, but will not be going back to find out.
(1)Karri V.
It's been awhile since we visited Friscos but I just had the best lunch I have had from anywhere in a long time so I'm updating my review. Since we are never on this side of town we got way more food than we actually needed. The Curry Frisco salad is just the best thing ever. The Lombard sub was pretty tasty but holy crap that Redwood potato was amazing. I'm miserably happy right now. I love you, a.k.a Friscos.
(5)Allison L.
We came here yesterday for lunch after having it bookmarked for a year or so. It is in the middle of an industrial park but easy enough to find. The ordering situation is kind of dumb. You order your food in the middle of the restaurant, get an order slip, go over to the bar to pick up drinks and pay. They then call out the menu item but not a name or order number or anything. It wasn't too busy when we were there so this wasn't an issue but since this place has such good reviews I imagine it's packed and confusing sometimes. The food came out super quick. We had the Redwood exploded potato (exploded potato, top round of beef, ranch, cheddar, red onions, chives, and horseradish) and the South of Market sandwich (ham, swiss, mayo, honey mustard, lettuce, onion). Both were delicious. The exploded potato is pretty heavy, I didn't make it through my whole portion and it just felt like it sat in my stomach for the next few hours. It was delicious though and the sandwich was too. The liquor store next door is pretty cool. It says they only carry unique or small batch wines, but there were definitely some I'd see before. The beer selection was pretty standard, a lot of Flying Dog, and some beer from Milkhouse Brewery in Mt. Airy.
(4)Jolena S.
Have been coming here for years. My favorites are the Friscos Cobb salad (AMAZING!) and the Redwood Baked Potato. Their tomato carrot basil soup is also so yummy.
(5)Pixie A.
Been eating here since they opened! Never gets old! The exploded baked potatoes are unlike anything I've tried elsewhere. The sandwiches are consistent despite staff turnovers throughout the years. Fantastic place for lunches!
(5)Sonya P.
Cafe style sandwich place with a wide variety of beers and excellent flavor sandwiches & sides. Ingredients are somewhat simple with a few twists here and there but it's great. My office orders from here for large meetings and it's unanimously a favorite. They have the best veggie options too! And a note, you can try a sample of the soup before purchasing.
(5)Adam D.
Frisco's is a nice place good ingredients decent food. The dining area is a little small they have a great atmosphere and tons of selection on the menu. The exploded potatoes are great! My only complaint is the bread was not the best and this is important at a sandwich shop. They're friendly and fast and the beer selection is great!
(4)Laura M.
Whenever I am in town I make sure I stop here for a great exploding potato and a fantastic sandwich! Love love love this out of the way place! Everything is so tasty!!
(5)Ralph A.
Wonderful local spot in Fredrick not to be missed. Casual and welcoming. Do not miss the Exploded Potato-Yummy! Great selections and sandwiches and Salad. I had delicious steak salad. They make brewed ice green tea that goes with what ever you order!
(5)Kristi D.
This place was a good find with an overwhelming menu with lots of good sounding sandwiches, salads and potatoes. My husband & I both tried a sandwich & they were both tasty. They only thing I didn't like about the sandwich was the meat was cut really thick. I would have preferred thinner sliced meats with more slices. (Normally thinner sliced meat offers more flavor). Because I checked in on yelp I got free mash potatoes and it was delicious. I will definitely return & next time want to try an awesome baked potatoes.
(4)Julie W.
So I am ONLY talking about CARRY OUT. I haven't gotten to eat inside yet. I really liked the feel of the place, definitely casual, seemed like a fun atmosphere. In the carry out area, there are a ton of unique beer and wine selections which I thought was really cool. I ordered the SF Big Boy (I think that's the name?) and of course got some exploded potatoes. The potatoes would give this place a 5/5 alone! But the sandwich was somewhat bland and disappointing. My mother and stepdad seemed to like theirs, so I would definitely be willing to give it a second try. It was a huge sandwich with a ton of meat and cheese so it wasn't lacking. The employees in the carryout area were very friendly and helpful! I'll be back to eat inside!
(3)Amber C.
Not bad for a restaurant located in the middle of an industrial park. They actually have a pretty decent beer selection too. I can't get overly excited about any restaurant where the microwave is their main cook, but the food is decent and prices are fair.
(3)Ken P.
Sandwiches are nothing special and overpriced. Would be better with fresher bread. I miss the ice cream shop that used to be here. Exploded potatoes are awesome though.
(3)Meagan G.
Have never had a bad meal here ever. Great food, great service and good prices! Love it here! Exploded potatoes are awesome and their staff is always friendly and has great suggestions if you can't decide what you want to eat.... Soup is always good to and changes daily! Love this place!
(4)Chanda D.
Great options for vegetarians. It was clean and the service was good. We purchased a mix six pack from the store next door and there is a small but very intense selection of craft beers to chose from.
(4)Heather A.
This place is off the beaten path... It is actually in an industrial park but WOW the food is great! And the selection of beer and wine is awesome! So glad I found this place.
(5)Richard G.
Been going to this place for years and it's always wonderful. The exploded potatoes are fantastic and probably the most famous of their menu, but they have terrific salads abs sandwiches as well. I almost always add steak to my entrees. I miss the ice cream though... Can't forget the beer selection which is surprisingly comprehensive. It's nice to see a place in Frederick that has more than Flying Dog and the usual standards.
(4)Allison D.
Friscos is my favorite lunch place in Frederick. It definitely says something about a restaurant/shop when they are tucked completely out of the way in the middle of an industrial park and they still manage to draw the crowds that they do. They are always packed at lunch time, but the wait is never too long. I just want to mention that the food is brought out or placed on the counter for pickup as it is prepared, so if you get a baked potato and somebody else gets a grilled chicken sandwich, chances are good that you will be halfway done with your lunch before they receive theirs. That's just the way it is... The adjoining liquor store has a great selection of wine at very reasonable prices. They just recently started offering mixed six packs of beer, but the selection isn't great (mostly Flying Dog). I'm a little baffled because they offer single bottles in the restaurant of 30+ varieties, but the same beer isn't available in the store. In between the restaurant and store is an outdoor ice cream shop. This is the only part that I'm not crazy about. It's frequently sloppily prepared and not all that great. I'd rather go to Brusters, Beef and Buns or one of the frozen yogurt joints; depending on what I'm in the mood for.
(5)Jocelyn B.
Great place, great food, great service! And the fact that you can buy a bottle of wine next door, and have it brought over to your table is a plus!
(5)Kelly W.
Love this place! Not only is the food delicious but the beer and wine selection is decent. If you want to talk about beer, they know their stuff!
(5)Don T.
Good beer, good sandwiches, and tasty exploded potatoes. Love the Santa Fe chili, which I sometimes pour over the potatoes. Yum! While you're waiting for your food, walk next door and pick up a few bottles of reasonably priced wine. Also like the folks who work here. Very friendly and helpful.
(5)Kenneth D.
We were in downtown Frederick with family and was told to head to Friscos since we were going to flying dog! Headed to flying dog and the last tour was sold out. Bummed out and figured let's go try this place out. Looks from the outside another food place in a business park. Boy was I wrong - everything is made to order and the food we all ordered was amazing!!! Portions were so big we needed boxes for leftovers. They also have a cool bar area to order a variety of drinks while waiting for your food. Next time I visit - I am coming back for more!!!
(5)Kelly S.
I love friscos.This place has survived for 20+ years in a part of town until recently you'd need a gps to find.This place is unique,the portions are over the top.This is THE spot.
(5)Chris R.
Friendly staff who greet you with free samples as soon as you enter. Wonderful menu with an amazing beer selection (it is connected to a beer/wine store). The portions are huge! Unless you are starving you will need a togo container. I frequent this restaurant and have never had bad food or experience. If you are in the Frederick area this place is off the beaten path but well worth a visit. I wish I could give it 6 stars.. don't forget to try the exploded baked potatoes.
(5)Jason C.
Good place to stop for a sandwhich. They have some cool things on there menu that are different then most places.
(4)Heather W.
My husband and I have been coming to this place since 2001 and eat there a minimum of once per week (it is very close to our home). There seems to be very little turnover in the staff which I think is quite telling about the quality of the restaurant and the owner. There are 2 guys who have worked there for at least 5 years and we look forward to seeing them during our weekly dinners at the restaurant. The owner is a consistent fixture and will make the rounds to check on his guests. I have to admit I was a little disappointed when they closed the "Way Cool" ice cream shop to put in a beer and wine shop... but I am totally over it now. Being a new wine drinker, I love going to Friscos to purchase my wines because the guys that work in the beer & wine shop know their stuff! They are so knowledgeable and I always feel like I have my own personal shopper every time I am there. So far, I have not been disappointed with a single wine recommendation. Plus Fridays at the wine shop is where its at.... all of their wines are $1 over their cost so you can make out like a bandit (but Saturdays are kind of a crappy time to hit the wine shop as people clear them out on Friday... but who could blame them!) Now, on to the food. Can I just say, AWESOME! I have my favorites and usually stick to them but my husband has pretty much tried everything on the menu and I don't know that we have ever had a bad meal. Their mac & cheese is to die for and we have grown fond of the BBQ beef sandwich, but it is so huge that we normally split it. The beer selection in the restaurant is expansive and you can try a lot of interesting craft beers by the bottle which I really like, the owner is a beer connoisseur so he is great to chat up for a beer recommendation. The baked potatoes are a fun option if you aren't in the mood for a sammie or soup, and you can't leave without a cup of the exploded potatoes, it is an institution as far as I am concerned. My only "meh" with the place is the décor. I like that the Friscos menu is totally built on San Francisco (just look at the titles of the menu options) but the décor of the place is totally confusing and out of place. On the main wall that you see as soon as you walk in the door there is a giant painted palm tree on a little island in the ocean. It is a really childish version too and doesn't fit the vibe of the place (plus the palm tree looks like a cross between Mr Hanky from South Park and a wiener due to the poor placement of the coconuts). There is a lifeguard tower in the corner and the service station in the middle looks reminiscent of a cabana. These could perhaps be left overs from whatever was in that spot before Friscos (if someone was even there before them) but I wish they would get rid of the beachy décor and make it fit with their theme. Paint over that phallic palm tree already and put up a Golden Gate Bridge or something!!! There are also some other random things hanging on the wall that make no sense like an Indy 500 flag and a Captain America shirt, this just junks the place up. But at the end of the day I am not going there for design inspiration I am going for the great food and awesome staff and that will keep me coming back all day long.
(5)Ezekiel S.
In all if our travels, 180 shows a year in 10 different states, AKA Friscos is probably our favorite place to eat. Healthy choices, good stuff for the guys that eat like pigs. Everything is fresh. Great soups, and one of those menus you want to eat your way through. The people that work there are friendly. One guy is a big meathead, which is a plus. The food comes out really fast and sometimes with free cookies.
(5)Victoria J.
Fun atmosphere, great food! So many choices, and all of them worth a try. The Trans-am is one of the best club sandwiches I've ever had. The exploded potato is something new-- it's not for everyone but definitely tasty!
(5)Bern B.
Every time I have been here I have been extremely impressed by the sandwiches and exploded potatoes. This time I had the union square which was big enough for two people and we each had a small exploded potato which was amazing!! This is a perfect lunch spot!!
(4)Adrian R.
I just got back from San Francisco this morning and needed to stop in. The Lombard sandwich was very good as was the root beer. The exploded potatoes are also a must.
(5)Angela B.
Tasty surprise! We were passing through and glad we stopped. Santa fe chicken salad was very flavorful as was the hummus-everything was very fish. I loved the exploded potatoe. friendly staff and pleasant environment.
(4)Chris D.
The food is amazing and I love it...should be on Triple D!
(5)Ginger W.
Recent frustration: this place is never open anymore. Used to have long hours and serve up to closing, now locks doors before posted closing times. Food is great if you can get it. Recent visits have been characterized by disappointing service.
(3)Paul S.
Nothing more to add than what alot of others have already said. Their sandwiches are very tasty and huge. Those exploded potatoes are unbelievably good and addictive. If I lived anywhere near Frederick, I'd be a weekly regular for my sandwich fix. Gotta plan more trips out near this place!
(5)Rob R.
I'm a NYer that's used to having great delis and pizza/italian places in every shopping center. I can go to Friscos and order a great sandwich at a reasonable price. The options are numerous. Not to be confusing with my first sentence, but aka Friscos is not an italian place at all - they have different types of sandwiches with different names but with what I think is a San Franciscan theme. Some choice sides that are delicious. Atmosphere is casual with indoor and even some outdoor seating. Surprising selection of craft beers to have with your sandwich, thanks in part I assume to the mini wine and beer shop abutting Friscos. Not to mention an ice cream place crammed between the two of them which I'm pretty sure is for warm weather only. Anyway, I've been there a handful of times and have never came away regretting it. If what you want is a simple sandwich place that makes a great sandwich then look no further.
(5)Jonathan C.
The people who work here are impossibly thin. The service is hit-or-miss. More like hit-or-OK. Not usually terrible but the people working in the island actually making the food aren't super into making you feel welcome. Food is great, but very high caloric. Get the Flatiron and/or the chicken salad. Not the Presidio.
(4)Collin K.
Fun Menu, great food and service. Been several times and I get talked into something new each time, never been disappointed. Keep up the good work.
(5)Madeline G.
Today I ate the MIssion vegetarian sandwich for lunch and, if you like brie cheese and olives, this is the best sandwich I have ever had. I am not a vegetarian either. Thanks a.ka Friscos!
(5)Paul S.
I wish I didn't have to give a (STAR) at all . Went to all rude male staff . Stale day old bread . Stale day old bread . Stale day old bread. Stale day old bread . Stale day old bread ... This is an upscale sandwich shop . Stale day old bread . Stale day old bread . I hope you all get the message . Not for kids or business men trying to talk with customers the younger men get there to open and leave the music cranking over the patrons voices . ( not kid friendly )
(1)Maria M.
The girl behind the counter was rude. I'm sorry, if that is my first impression and your food isn't the best thing that I have ever tasted in the whole entire world, then it already leaves a bad taste in my mouth. But i'm sure she doesn't work there everyday, so other people's experience may be better... but if she does work there all the time - know your order right away or you will get the "stink eye" and she will give you attitude. Oh well... you can't have everything. In any case, there was another girl giving out the exploded potatoes. She was rather pleasant compared to the other girl. These potatoes are... yes... exploding with flavor - bacon, butter, chives, potatoes.. what more do you need. I'm sure there were lots more ingredients in them.. but hey, it was pretty good. I got the grilled chicken ceasar salad and it was ok. Their "croutons" were slightly less crunchy pieces of bread that sort of took up a whole lot of space in my salad. However, the chicken was tasty and the salad itself was just the typical ol' ceasar salad. Not bad... but not the best i've ever tasted. My husband ordered some roast beef sandwich that was quite delicious.. but I was just so disgruntled by the bad service that I didn't really care much for the sandwich. Bottom line, the food is ok. I'd go back for the potatoes.. but not for anything else... and most definitely not for the service. Go ahead, give it a try though... just incase, know what you want to order first ;-)
(3)Rachel P.
I was surprised the sandwiches weren't better, based on the reviews. The exploded potatoes are indeed awesome (check-in on Yelp to get a free small one!) but the sandwiches were just alright. Definitely not bad, and I might feel different if I got a baked potato.
(3)Jay R.
This place is wonderful. Great sandwiches, salads and more!
(4)Justin H.
You wouldn't find this place unless you were looking for it, but it's a great find. Delicious, huge sandwiches. The exploded potatoes are out of this world. The chili was great as well. It's an order at the counter type of place, but the staff was friendly and helpful. The guy let me try a couple of beers and gave some recommendations. Very reasonably priced considering the portions and quality.
(4)Kevin T.
Good food. Exploded potato was awesome as everyone has already mentioned. BBQ sandwich was really good BBQ. The soup of the was the Austin tomato de pepe and it was very tasty.
(5)Stephanie K.
Eating the exploded potatoes right now. Yummee ! A great selection of beer. And tasty food. Stopped in the wine store after lunch. Found all kinds of interesting wines and beers
(5)Erin B.
This is one of my favorite places to eat in Frederick, despite it's remote, tucked out of the way location. It's hidden away in an industrial area that you almost have to know someone to act as a guide to find it. But it's worth it. The staff is always friendly from the moment I walk in the door and I like that they always give out samples of the daily soup so you can have an idea if it's something you'd like or not. The selection of sandwiches is enormous, though I tend to hover around the same favorites (the Oakland is wonderful, like a taste of California). The sandwiches are huge. I generally get two meals out of one. For a while, this was the only place in Frederick that I could get kettle chips, period, and Dirty's in particular, which I'd become a fan of while living in California. I love their chips. The exploded potato salad is amazing, a delicious warm potato salad that I've brought everyone I know to Frisco's to sample. Because each sandwich is made individually, at peak hours, it can be a bit of a wait to get your sandwich, but the portions are so generous and the food so good, I can't help but feel like it's worth it. YMMV.
(5)Igor D.
Super friendly staff that helped me pick a sandwich in seconds! The food was succulent and scrumptious! The chicken sandwich had a perfect balance in flavor with that slight overtone of a grill. Yum! Prices are fair; between 6-10 bucks for a serving that will leave most with a to-go box.
(5)Rob H.
This is one of Fredericks Best!!! Surprised to find that a lot of people do not even know about it... I have been going here for years... Maybe 8 or so... I have had many things, and have liked all of them... Have never once had an issue... You will love this place I am sure of it... A little secret is get your food, and then sit upstairs... Much quieter, and cool...
(5)Nick C.
Was here for lunch with kids. Welcomed at the door with samples of exploded potatoes and chili. Kids had BBQ sandwich that they liked and potatoes that they loved. I had a cold cut with a house hot sauce that was really tasty. The chicken chili was a hit also. Great place that makes you feel very welcomed. The staff is like theme park tour guides, taking the time to explain and navigate the big variety of great eats. This place is a must try. We will definitely be back!
(4)Gina C.
Huge selection and huge portions. Sandwiches and soup we tried were really good. Can't wait to try the pizza when we go back.
(4)Matthew B.
After living in Frederick for a number of years I thought I had fully explored all of the towns restaurants. But a recent yelp search showed me I had over looked AKA friscos. My fiancé and I went there on Saturday around 3. The building is in a industrial complex where you wouldn't expect a restaurant to be. Inside you're kindly greeted by the staff at the center counter where you place your order. They kindly offered a free sample of their exploded potatoes to us and a quick taste hooked us. We took a minute to browse the very large menu. I ordered a grilled chicken sandwhich and she ordered the grilled chicken caesar salad. We found a table to sit and after five minutes or so our food was ready. My sandwhich was grilled to perfection. The bread was crunchy and topped with delicious cheese and a cilantro sauce. Her salad was loaded with what looked like two full grilled chicken breasts. To say both were delicious would be a understatement. It was easily the best sandwhich I ever had. I have to add I had a delicious craft beer from their very large selection that you can buy while your food is being cooked. Since this first day we have been back 4 times in a couple weeks. If you haven't been you must go right away to AKA Friscos. It's the best restaurant I've ever eaten at. 5 stars aren't enough!!!
(5)Jake W.
Came to friscos, had an exploded potato and a draught beer. The potato was excellent as far as taste and ingredients, but wasn't very hot. The draught beer was garbage (probably my own fault). The food temperature thing sounds nit-picky but that's how I like my food. Hot. Could be 5 stars
(4)Megan K.
So we got to the Flying Dog Brewery early, and they told us to go to Friscos. Given we were driving through an industrial park, I assumed the hostess just had some go to deli to send people to, that she didn't want to sit in her waiting area. Turns out, Friscos is the best kept secret hole in the wall joint in the Frederick area. While looking over the massive menu, we got the complimentary exploded potato sample. The exploding potato is amazing. I got the Sausalito (vegetarian) baked potato. The toppings were delish, but the potato was undercooked. I wish I had gotten a sandwich, I watched them make almost a dozen by hand while I waited for my potato. Highly recommend, and if you're traveling through Frederick, it's not too far off I-270.
(3)CJ B.
What an unexpected surprise! After passing many places on our way to DC, my wife found aka Friscos on yelp. She rarely errs when it comes to picking eateries so we went for it. Not where you would expect a treat like this to be found and unimpressive in decor but you quickly ignore all that when you sample their exploded potatoes and read through their menu. We shared the flat iron steak sandwich and a medium exploded tater. More than enough food for lunch for both of us. Their craft beer selection is awesome and I urge you to try something different. They will not steer you wrong.
(5)Carl B.
This turned out to be the best Yelp find I have ever come across. The food is fresh and the extra effort shines through. This place is worthy of a Triple D episode! The owner came by and talked with us because the steak for my wife's steak salad was taking a while... Because the steak was being cooked to order from fresh beef they source several times a week from a Pennsylvania farm! It's a little out of the way in one of those new warehouse areas... Count yourself lucky if you stumbled across this one! If your reading this on Yelp, stop reading go straight to the directions button and start driving! Fresh, different, San Francisco vibe. Exploded Potatoes, awesome as all the other reviews say. Sandwiches are great, chili is fantastic, the selection of beers makes a guy feel like a kid in a candy shop. John and the crew, keep it up, we'll be back and spreading the word in the meanwhile. Don't misinterpret the 4 stars, I reserve those for Michelin rated gourmet restaurants, and haven't given out any yet 5 star ratings yet.
(4)John G.
Awesome. As much as this place is out of the way in an industrial park, you need to find this place and go.
(5)I W.
Great place! Love small places that's does a great job. Must have exploded potatoes. They give you lots of food. I normally can eat it for 2 meals.
(5)Christopher F.
Again - the business of business took me to another far-flung berg - the city of Frederick, Maryland. Looking for simple, local fare, I summoned the oracle of Yelp - and was pleasantly surprised. Now it is a little off the beaten path - and yet - and 6pm on a Wednesday, the place had an upbeat and vibrant energy to it, just like the original "Baghdad by the Bay". After entering, I was quickly greeted and given a free sample of their epicurean contribution of greatness - "exploded potatoes". Imagine the best mashed potatoes you have ever had... Yes, they are that good, if not better. Now enter my gripes - the menu is overly cumbersome... I had to read the bulk of the entries (aptly named after San Francisco landmarks and fixtures) in order to find anything of interest. A shortcut menu, or just highlighting the relevant protein of the entree, would go a long way in creating a more "user friendly" dining experience. Also, it was not clearly explained where to pay. I had to get my beverage (I elected to support the local brew-miester of Flying Dog Brewery) at a different station, where I was suppose to pay for the entire order. Okay - I figured it out and moved on... But it seems a little strange in retrospect. The sandwich - an amazing roast beef (they call it the "Embracadero"... I don't see the connection, but I can let that slide) with fresh, lean meat, and great veggies, sandwiched by an as-advertised soft sliced roll. After a long, stressful day - it was an excellent way to reinvigorate. And with the Flying Dog IPA, and a side of Exploded Potatoes, I was on the road to Well-ville... The service was very pleasant and understanding. If and when I return to Frederick again, I will not hesitate in returning - if not just for the potatoes.
(4)Rene D.
I LOVE THIS PLACE! A friend introduced me to the EXPLODED POTATO 2 yrs ago and I've been hooked ever since!! Imagine...mashed potato, cheeses, onion, bacon, hot yummy flavorful! Free samples walking in the door too. The subs...outta this world over stuffed full of flavor uniquely named after San Francisco area culture ...I just ate the Oakland...turkey, pesto, gouda cheese, chipolte mayo...OMGOSH! Also next door their ICE CREAM SHOP..."WAY COOL" has me turning away from Rita's with their WAY COOLER (Fruit smoothie with vanilla ice cream kinda like a giant parfait) AND AMAZING SOFT SERVE filled to the bottom of the cone and amazing Mud Pie dessert too big for one...coffee drinks and shakes so many things on the ice cream treats menu too many to list! Weird/bad location business industrial area, so unless you know...u won't find it just driving by :( They should definitely be advertising with some flyers or something! Love this place...did I mention that?!?! PS: In reading some of these reviews...my take is those negative comments are not the norm because this place has a following! We're just too stuffed and satisfied after eating to remember to come back to sites like this to review! High School girls can be a little coldish but today everyone was on point with smiles and helpful tone. You order your food and can take a seat and they call out your order and you pick it up at the tiki hut..This isn't a sit down restaurant but great seating with tv and working fireplace in the winter. No actual waiters, just get your order when they call it...so no tipping on top of your bill. SO unless you're expecting to be waited on, then it's a fun beach themed Americana type place!
(5)Jess R.
OH MY GOODNESS, so far the best meal I have had in Frederick. I had the SanteFe chicken on Exploded potatoes....great comfort food. Just enough spicy to kick-it, but not so much that it over powered the dish. And there is definitely enough to share. Wish I would have found this place on my first day here and not the last one.
(5)Jjjj S.
Excellent! I had a great sandwich: curry chicken, with alfalfa sprouts and all the fixins on soft wheat bread. They also have wings and a selection of different baked potatoes and some other grilled sandwiches. They've beer (great microbrew selection) and wine as well as an bottle shop next store with a great wine selection and beer. Big open windows, high ceilings and friendly staff make the environment welcoming, they have outdoor picnic tables that look like they'd be great on a sunny day.
(5)Joe S.
I Love the "South Of Market" sandwich! Great sandwiches, the exploded potatoes are the bomb! 5 Stars all the way! Very fresh food and ingredients I think I want a sandwich now! Go there! You will not be disappointed!
(5)Alan M.
Frisco's is a great place for lunch. It is located a little bit out of the way but it would be incorrect to call it a "hidden gem" since it is both popular and busy. Stopped by today to meet my wife for lunch and it took me a while to find a parking spot. Just as I was about to enter the building, I got a text from my wife wondering when I would arrive! The sandwiches are the best around. They offer several outstanding vegetarian options in addition to the regular fare; I have tried quite a few menu items and have never been disappointed. Today I opted for the "San Bruno" (curried chicken salad on whole wheat with tomato, alfalfa sprouts, and onion) and I loved it. One of their "signature" items is the Exploded Potatoes. Do yourself a favor and add them to your order. You'll be glad you did.
(5)Christie V.
Friscos... San Fransisco.. yup. Clearly on the brain as most of the menu items are named after California Bay Area landmarks. Love their potatoes. My favorite is the Sausalito, followed by the flat iron steak potato (easy on the cheese). They used to have a vegetarian sandwich with palm hearts which was totally NOMS (very sad to see it gone). Service is typically quick, ambiance can be a little loud. Cheap wines next door in the wine shop, and an adjacent soft-serve ice cream place. If you are feeling particularly guilty.. go for the exploded potatoes!
(4)Nick C.
Wow. Like all previous Yelpers said, this place is in the middle of nowhere. It is eccentric as all hell, but has cheap booze, great food, and it is just quirky enough to warrant a return visit. Awesome.
(5)C R.
I had not been to Friscos for years. wanted to grab dinner, and all the chains had an hour wait. I remember AKA Friscos. (had been to a nearby business a few weeks before) a young women, bubbly and pleasant greeted us and handed us a sample of the exploded potatoes. they were mmmmm mmm good. Explained to us the "process of ordering and paying. I had the flat iron chicken. It was so hard to choose. But what a great choice. Big pile of really tender tasty grilled chicken on fresh, crisp, mixed salad greens, a delish dipping sauce, and the exploded potatoes rounded out the dinner. Later I thought I was supposed to have grilled bread but there were so many menu items, I could be wrong. Lots of beer, but sadly no irish beer :( it was a nice evening and we sat outside. We decide we should taste the ice cream. It was really very good; ice cream not that werid ice milk. A little slow on the service, but it was worth the wait. Boo hoo they were out of strawberry topping, but hot fudge worked out just as well. I am an AKA Friscos fan. I will be back--- Could you get a few irish beers??
(4)Jase H.
The best subs in the Frederick area by far. Try the Embarkadaro, The Presidio, The Golden Gate, or all of them. The Baked Potatos are excellent and the monterey Chicken Salad is incredible. And no trip is complete without an order of 'sploding potatoes. It is difficult to find, and can be very busy at lunch (quick tip- FAX IN YOUR ORDER!!) but it is so worth it.
(5)Mark L.
AKA Friscos is the best. Eat a sandwich, have the buffalo wings and the exploded potatoes. EXCELLENT!
(5)Will M.
Listen I like the concept being a Californian but it is not the go to sandwich shop. My wife's choice called The South of The Market (ham, Swiss, honey mustard, salad aka lettuce, tomato, mayo) was good, but the sandwich I had the Presidio, tasted like salt peter. Other than that the exploded potatoes where good but I came for the sandwiches brother.
(3)Christa S.
Their food is amazing! I highly recommend the steak sandwich and the exploded potatoes! Good prices on wine, too! Check this place out.
(5)Tenni W.
Great little restaurant! It is fairly hidden other restaurants and retail stores, but really close to The Flying Dog Brewery. The exploded potatoes are rich and slightly greasy, but they are heaven. My sandwich of choice is The Lombard and it never disappoints. Service is always friendly and quick.
(5)Ted B.
Absolutely the best sandwich and potatoes i have had in a very long time. we found this place on Yelp as we were driving thru Frederick MD from DC to Pgh. could not have been more satisfied with our lunch. got the Glen Park sandwich, Presidio sandwich, and russian hill exploded potatoes... each bite was more fantastic than the one before. great friendly staff as well. we will make this a stop every time we travel thru this area in the future.
(5)RG S.
We ate at a quirky Frederick restaurant last night, very casual joint in an industrial park, just south of I-70. The menu was original, the portions big, and everything we got was great. How much can you do with a baked potato? As it turns out, quite a lot! Plus, a good ice cream store next door. I'm spreading the word.
(4)Linda N.
I have loved this place for years, their salads, sandwiches, soup and exploded potatoes. I was particularly impressed yesterday when one of their managers brought me a small taste of their Tomato Bisque to go with my salad (I hadn't ordered it) and explained that next time, if I want to do soup-salad-drink combo it would have been cheaper than the salad I ordered! Now thats attentiveness!
(5)B. S.
Went to this place purely based on its Yelp reviews and we were really excited by the place. It is in the middle of a business park and we thought for sure it was closed, but so glad to come in and see that it was open. Food was delicious. Ordering at the entry counter, paying at the bar and then having the food delievered piecemeal was a bit weird. But we forgive the untraditional set-up for the yummy eats. We all loved the exploded potatoes as recommended by other yelpers. The best dishes were the flat iron steak and grilled chicken.
(4)Liz B.
Best lunch spot in Frederick!
(5)Mark R.
Great place to grab some great sandwiches! You HAVE to try the Exploded Potato (get the smallest one). Fresh food! Friendly staff!!! Quality food!!!! Make sure you take a tour of the nearby Flying Dog Brewery
(4)Joe W.
The best place in Frederick for XL sized sandwiches. Prices are good, food is great. Beer selection is the only thing lacking. Fix that and it gets 5 stars. Location is off the beaten path but worth going out of your way for it.
(4)Angel R.
Cheap wine - soft serve ice cream - and a menu of sandwiches/salads/baked potatoes all named after San Fran locations. How can any of that be bad?!? Great for lunch or dinner. I'd have given them a 5 star rating except the BEST thing on the menu (Exploded Potatoes) is not always consistantly great. It's usually great, but not consistantly. ABSOL better than your average deli :)
(4)Brendan F.
The ultimate heavy food. I have as yet never tried a sandwich because the DC location shut down and i've been too eager for a Baker the few times i'm able to go to buy anything else. But the Baker alone would turn any single restaurant into my favorite. It is an incredible invention, including either 'exploded' or simply cut up thick potato pieces, and then layers of deliciousness, depending on what kind you get. Those i've tried are as follows: The Kong Lobo: potatoes, chili, cheese, chives and onions, sour cream. Incredible, but very heavy and spicy after you get through about a quarter. The Santa Fe: potatoes, chicken chunks marinated in Frisco's santa fe style, lettuce, cheese, chives, sour cream. My favorite, and essentially my favorite meal ever. The Redwood: potatoes, cheese, horseradish sauce, slices of tender roast beef, sour cream. Very good as well. There are vegetarian bakers as well. I am certain that with such quality food as Bakers, the other things are good, but all I need to say about this place to claim it as the restaurant I crave the most when I want greasy, heavy, just heavenly tasting food is Bakers.
(5)David H.
Best lunch in Frederick.
(5)Nadine M.
LOVE FRISCOS! I am moving back to Maryland after living in Las Vegas for the past 3 years and am looking forward to the Oreo Mix Cookie thing and the Baked Potatoes and the Ice Cream...heck...EVERYTHING! I cannot get back fast enough!
(5)Guy S.
Great huge subs, huge salads, and monster exploded potatoes all inside an eclectic factory building with high exposed ceilings. They also serve beer & wine, cater, and can be rented out for parties.
(4)Peter J.
We have been going to Frisco's for many years (maybe 10?) When we started going they also had a resturant on Wisconson Avenue in NW DC but I believe their Frederick site is their only store today. The owner has worked tirelessly to make tis a great place to eat. Only downside is finding it as it's in the middle of an industrial park.
(5)Sheri W.
We love eating at Friscos, either eat-in or take-out. Their sandwiches and salads are fabulous and you can't beat the exploded potatoes. Very casual friendly service. The ice cream next door is great too!
(5)Audrey W.
You'll have no clue where this place is, so CALL AHEAD. The sandwhiches... the gourmet preparation of everything on the menu... and it's just a take-out, or eat in, catering place!
(5)michelle l.
This place is by far my FAVORITE place to eat lunch. One of these in a more convenient location would be nice. It isn't often that I'm out toward Buckeystown (off English Muffin Way). I used to work down the road from this place, and you CANNOT GO WRONG. Everything that I've had there has been FANTASTIC!
(5)Cassie R.
I was looking for takeout near my house and had heard aka Friscos had really good food. The service was confusing and my sandwich was just OK. Upon entering, I went to the ordering stand where one girl was beginning to put things away for the day. She walked over to the bar to help someone else so I went over there to try to place an order. Someone else directed me to the other side of the establishment and when I went over there they told me I had to order at the bar. The particular sandwich I wanted they were "out of" about half the ingredients it contained. The girl making it asked me if she could substitute other things and I said fine (I had already paid). She started making the sandwich and then took it across the entire restaurant back to the kitchen and then carried it back a few minutes later to box it up. Seems kind of odd that sandwiches here require multiple locations to assemble. My sandwich was not warm and when I picked it up to eat it, the contents fell out. I would not agree that this is an XL size sandwich either. I could have been just as satisfied with a $5 footlong from Subway, based on the service and quality of food I received. There are much better places in Frederick to get tasty, quality deli style sandwiches. I like to give places the benefit of a doubt, but sadly I am not a fan of this place and don't understand how anyone could give it higher than four stars.
(1)Nick C.
I love this place! I have lived in Frederick 7 years but didn't hear about Friscos until last year :( boy did I miss out. I have been back like 10 times since I found it. This place is amazing. Exploded baked potato is a must try! So good. My first time in I believe I met the owner who was very nice and she gave me a free upgrade from small to medium. Steak potato is the Bomb. Flat iron steak over exploded baked potato with extra cheese for $9. So much value here. I have also had the Baja chicken salad, embarcadero, grilled chicken sandwich, tuna sandwich, and Italian sub, all were delicious!!!
(5)Vincent M.
All of the reviewers raved about the Exploding Potatoes, and they 100% lived up to the hype! Friscos is an absolute gem tucked away on Wedgewood Blvd. I recently went there with a small group and was able to sample a few of the sandwiches; including the Lombard and Fat-Boy. The sandwiches were impressive and delicious, and a very generous portion. You will not leave hungry. The atmosphere is inviting; not too loud, but not quiet either. In addition to a full menu of various sandwich selections, the menu also offers an array of salads and sides. They also offer a decent selection of beers. I will definitely be going back again. Is a great place for lunch if you work nearby, and they also cater.
(4)Natalie H.
This was my first visit to Friscos and I will not be returning. The only here positive was the service, which was welcoming and friendly, although our order was not entirely correct. They did have an impressive beer selection. I noticed Bells Two Hearted was on the draft list, a personal favorite. I should have gotten beer. We both ordered the special, which was grilled cheese and a side of chili. The chili was barely warm, definitely not hot enough for safely eating. The grilled cheese was a hoagie bun grilled inside out and mostly burned. The white cheese was tasteless and rubbery. It's pretty hard to mess up grilled cheese, but they did it. The experience was disappointing, and if I had eaten at all earlier in the day, I would have sent it back, but it was almost 5 and I needed something in my stomach. I ate it and instantly regretted it. I had read the slightly overwhelming menu online first and had planned to get a baked potato, but the employee suggested the special. I might have had better experience if I had ordered differently, but will not be going back to find out.
(1)Karri V.
It's been awhile since we visited Friscos but I just had the best lunch I have had from anywhere in a long time so I'm updating my review. Since we are never on this side of town we got way more food than we actually needed. The Curry Frisco salad is just the best thing ever. The Lombard sub was pretty tasty but holy crap that Redwood potato was amazing. I'm miserably happy right now. I love you, a.k.a Friscos.
(5)Allison L.
We came here yesterday for lunch after having it bookmarked for a year or so. It is in the middle of an industrial park but easy enough to find. The ordering situation is kind of dumb. You order your food in the middle of the restaurant, get an order slip, go over to the bar to pick up drinks and pay. They then call out the menu item but not a name or order number or anything. It wasn't too busy when we were there so this wasn't an issue but since this place has such good reviews I imagine it's packed and confusing sometimes. The food came out super quick. We had the Redwood exploded potato (exploded potato, top round of beef, ranch, cheddar, red onions, chives, and horseradish) and the South of Market sandwich (ham, swiss, mayo, honey mustard, lettuce, onion). Both were delicious. The exploded potato is pretty heavy, I didn't make it through my whole portion and it just felt like it sat in my stomach for the next few hours. It was delicious though and the sandwich was too. The liquor store next door is pretty cool. It says they only carry unique or small batch wines, but there were definitely some I'd see before. The beer selection was pretty standard, a lot of Flying Dog, and some beer from Milkhouse Brewery in Mt. Airy.
(4)Jolena S.
Have been coming here for years. My favorites are the Friscos Cobb salad (AMAZING!) and the Redwood Baked Potato. Their tomato carrot basil soup is also so yummy.
(5)Pixie A.
Been eating here since they opened! Never gets old! The exploded baked potatoes are unlike anything I've tried elsewhere. The sandwiches are consistent despite staff turnovers throughout the years. Fantastic place for lunches!
(5)Sonya P.
Cafe style sandwich place with a wide variety of beers and excellent flavor sandwiches & sides. Ingredients are somewhat simple with a few twists here and there but it's great. My office orders from here for large meetings and it's unanimously a favorite. They have the best veggie options too! And a note, you can try a sample of the soup before purchasing.
(5)Adam D.
Frisco's is a nice place good ingredients decent food. The dining area is a little small they have a great atmosphere and tons of selection on the menu. The exploded potatoes are great! My only complaint is the bread was not the best and this is important at a sandwich shop. They're friendly and fast and the beer selection is great!
(4)Laura M.
Whenever I am in town I make sure I stop here for a great exploding potato and a fantastic sandwich! Love love love this out of the way place! Everything is so tasty!!
(5)Ralph A.
Wonderful local spot in Fredrick not to be missed. Casual and welcoming. Do not miss the Exploded Potato-Yummy! Great selections and sandwiches and Salad. I had delicious steak salad. They make brewed ice green tea that goes with what ever you order!
(5)Kristi D.
This place was a good find with an overwhelming menu with lots of good sounding sandwiches, salads and potatoes. My husband & I both tried a sandwich & they were both tasty. They only thing I didn't like about the sandwich was the meat was cut really thick. I would have preferred thinner sliced meats with more slices. (Normally thinner sliced meat offers more flavor). Because I checked in on yelp I got free mash potatoes and it was delicious. I will definitely return & next time want to try an awesome baked potatoes.
(4)Julie W.
So I am ONLY talking about CARRY OUT. I haven't gotten to eat inside yet. I really liked the feel of the place, definitely casual, seemed like a fun atmosphere. In the carry out area, there are a ton of unique beer and wine selections which I thought was really cool. I ordered the SF Big Boy (I think that's the name?) and of course got some exploded potatoes. The potatoes would give this place a 5/5 alone! But the sandwich was somewhat bland and disappointing. My mother and stepdad seemed to like theirs, so I would definitely be willing to give it a second try. It was a huge sandwich with a ton of meat and cheese so it wasn't lacking. The employees in the carryout area were very friendly and helpful! I'll be back to eat inside!
(3)Jason J.
Cool little place. Tons of interesting sandwich options, and really good exploded potatoes. Decent small beer selection to boot. Why only 3 stars? Their hoagie rolls suck. Dense, spongy, and bland.
(3)William M.
I visited a.k.a. Friscos on the way back from Western Maryland with a few friends. It's in a very random location, in a warehouse surrounded by a number of other warehouses. I was confused why they called themselves a.k.a. Friscos, until I realized that it started as a catering company. The restaurant has a big open floor plan. You walk in a there's an island/mini kitchen with a bunch of people working, with a big board above them to determine what you want to order. I ordered the Skinny Green Pizza. A bunch of my friends ordered a couple different baked potatoes. The pizza was amazing. I had never had pizza crust made of spinach and pesto, but it was perfect. So thin yet SO flavorful. The blend of different cheeses and fresh ingredients made this one a winner. I would definitely return to a.k.a Friscos if I find myself in Frederick again!
(4)Linda L.
Fantastic find, the Exploded Potatoes are unusual and just terrific. We heard about this place on flight from Oakland to BWI. So glad we tried it. Met the owner and she is a former Californian. Knew there was a reason the food was great.
(5)Mari B.
Decent place. A little tricky to find. Ended up going after visiting the flying dog brewery. Not much as far as vegetarian options , but what we got was pretty good and affordable. The staff was friendly and helpful trying to accommodate our dietary needs.
(4)Maya C.
I just had the most unfortunate experience since I stopped eating meat in 2010. I asked at the counter which from the two sandwiches listed as "vegetarian" would be the best. Worker asked with avocado or without. I said "with", he then said then The Golden it is. The sandwich was great until I opened the second half...to my horror there were pieces of unidentifiable meat! I brought the second half sandwich to one of the workers to ask what it was, he said looks like meat. I said this is disgusting! I asked for a vegetarian sandwich, I do not eat meat!! he called the manager and I went to the bathroom in horror to throw up whatever pieces of roast beef from the half a sandwich I had in my stomach. Then I found it is extremely hard to throw up!! My throat was sore and my tears would not stop making my eyes puffy and red. I could not stop crying! I have been a pescetarian since March 9 of 2010 and no land animals have been in my system am very careful always asking if any broth is in the rice or animal products used at restaurants. The manager was extremely apologetic and insisted to give me back $10. Said that he was on duty until closing. I wanted my stomach pumped!!! Regardless of the most awful experience of my pescetarian life the manager definitely felt bad and I hope he reprimanded the culprit who did not understand the making of a vegetarian sandwich. My friend tried to help me and got me cookies, the cashier gave her cookies for free. My order was: two sandwiches, two beers, and the free exploded potato that my friend had because she said it had ham at $29.94 I added a $4.35 tip even though was a self serve place. I paid and trusted the establishment!! Vegetarians, Pescetarians, beware of this place that feature two vegetarian options and workers think it's fine sticking pieces of roast beef carcass! Still disgusted and I will never return!
(1)Lorena B.
Okay, so it's definitely above any sandwich chain but not nearly as good as the reviews lead you to believe. I ordered the Trans Am, which is basically a turkey club on steroids. The packet of bacon it was topped with was artery clogging goodness but the turkey was the packaged kind not oven roasted. Had a bite of the bf's Embarcadero which was roast beef (I think) and cheddar and it was good but again, I didn't think it was better than any decent deli's. Then again, I have seen any delis in Frederick besides the Italian one downtown come to think of it. The exploded potatoes were pretty good but I'd stick with the small if you're ordering one of the giant sandwiches. They have a few picnic tables outside and a bar so it seems like a cool out of the way spot for happy hour maybe. Also, the tv inside was on HSN (Home Shopping Network) which I very much appreciate as a shopaholic.
(3)Dave B.
This place is hidden but locals seem to know about it. Definitely a shell industrial building that was retrofitted into a restaurant. Not really a sports bar as it is saved in yelp as the only tv was set permanently to CNN. Sandwich building station in the middle is unusual and no one really told us where to pay which is at the bar. They came and had to ask us to pay instead of them coming to us as it isn't obvious where to pay. The menu is really good and great vegetarian options (do exploded potatoes have bacon in them though?) I had a flat iron steak sandwich which was spectacular. The guys that work here seem really friendly and motivated. They could us a few tweaks but great unique place that I would come back to.
(4)Wang C.
This place is always stellar. Great beer, and more importantly great food. I am truly going to miss the place once I move out of the dreaded DMV. The only negative I have is they close way too early. I work long hours and this makes it challenging to hit up this awesome place.
(4)Brandon W.
I was recommended to go here because my girlfriend told me to. If I didn't listen to her, I would have missed out on one of the best places that I have ever been to. The building is located in an industrial/office park and also has its own beer and wine store next door. When you go into the building you are greeted with a stall and a huge menu board on top of it. I didn't know what I wanted to order at first so I asked the order taker what I should get. He immediately recommended the BBQ sandwich which comes with a small exploded potatoe. I ordered it, took my ticket to the cashier, got a beer, and got my food a few moments later. The BBQ sandwich was tasty, tender, and HUGE. I can put food away, but this sandwich put me in my place. The exploded potatoe was like a baked potatoe with bacon except for no skin and that it was already mashed for you. All in all, this place had great customer service, the staff is friendly, the location is weird (BUT) the food makes up for that and more. I can see why this place has regulars and loyal customers. I will be back for more MUWHAHAHA! ! !
(5)Sarah J.
Shared the Alcatraz (turkey, avocado, sprouts, honey mustard) and BBQ sandwich (beef, beef, beef) with exploded potatoes. Quite a fine meal for a great price. Exploded potatoes (potato salad) are a must-try. Worker said BBQ sandwich is a favorite, but the meat drenched in BBQ was a little too much for me. Alcatraz was lighter but still filling, healthy and good. Casual atmosphere, great food, friendly service. Notes: - If you use Yelp on your phone, you can get a free exploded potato with a meal for a check-in! - Closes at 7PM M-TH and 4PM on Sunday. 9PM for Fri and Sat.
(4)Ashwin M.
Vegetarians don't have many choices. Just one in each category. But the exploded potatoes and their veggie pizza were quite good.
(3)Jill H.
Man, being from Frederick, I'm sad I didn't find this place sooner! It is delicious! Tucked away in an industrial park, you wouldn't expect it there. The menu is a great variety of subs, salads, soups, baked potatoes. The subs are huge, so be ready! The "exploded potatoes" that everyone raves about are great, similar to a twice backed potato. Love the beer selection.
(5)Candice J.
Great food here! I had the Oakland giant sandwich and it was fantastic ! It almost had too much meat! It consists of good stuff like pesto, thick cut turkey, SMOKED GUDA, (the best part), etc. etc. The clincher was the sprinkled Romano cheese. It really pulled the whole thing together! My friend got the Golden Gate a vegetarian sandwich where the main event were the loads of avocado. We weren't as impressed with this one but I don't think it's the sandwich's fault; I think the avocado was just too lacking in flavor@. Which is unusual. So all in all I think today's lunch was a win! Not to mention they have an awesome collection of beer, including that root beer beer . :)
(4)Travis M.
Horrible experience except when we first came in. We came in, and they greeted us with answers to our questions and a sample. Awesome customer service there, but the awesome service ends there too. I had one other person in my party. I ordered a steak salad and the other person in my party ordered a pulled pork sandwich. When I was waiting at the counter for drinks, A kitchen staff member walked into the middle of the restaurant and yelled the dish name and her name. I said "over here". He slammed down the food on the counter in the middle of the restaurant which was in a to-go tin container. He then immediately went right back to the kitchen and did not acknowledge me at all. When the other person in my party came back from the restroom, we found a spot to sit and I waited 10 minutes for my food while she and I sat there and stared at her food getting cold. Restaurant basics 101: meals come out at the same time no matter what the cooking time is. It's called a warmer! You don't force your customers in an awkward situation with one person having food in front of them and the other person hungry with nothing in front of them. Her food got cold while we waited for my meal to come so we can both eat. This restaurant violated basic restaurant serving manners and etiquette. I will be honest ....The food was really good, but I recommend you get it to go. That is the only way I will ever order from here again. Unless you like your food cold while waiting for the other people in your party to get their meal, then I recommend sitting in and hearing your name called like you are the next person to make your final walk on death row. That was harsh but honesty do not yell out customer's names in the center of the restaurant and quickly put the food down at a random location and walk away.
(1)Jordan G.
Been here a couple times. Good but not great, especially for the $$, which is not cheap for sandwiches. If I'm paying $9 for a turkey sandwich i want like some high quality deli turkey, and it really ain't. Seems like the cheap stuff you'd get at the local Giant. Underwhelming.
(2)Derek C.
Place is out of the way and kind of hard to find. Besides that this place rocks. Great little spot for sandwiches for lunch. Got the trans-am and the exploded potatoes, delicious. Would come back.
(4)Liv C.
I had high hopes for this place after reading the raving reviews but I left unimpressed. We ordered sandwiches and they were all over-seasoned. The exploded potatoes were good though, and the servers were friendly and helpful.
(3)Paul M.
Stopping here is a must if you are in the area. The food is unique, fresh, and delicious. If you like potatoes, this is your place. An excellent take out craft beer and wine store directly adjacent.
(5)Beata K.
Came here based on yelp reviews and really enjoyed it. I was overwhelmed by the menu since there is so much on it so I would suggest taking a look at it online prior to coming here. The sandwiches are really good and the selection is great! Also got the exploded potato by checking in on yelp and it's a warm potato salad with lots of bacon. There is also a nice beer selection. Will definitely come back since there is so much to try.
(4)Casey K.
Ok, so I'd give this place 10 stars if I could. My one tip off the bat is, look at the menu online before you go. It's daunting to stand there and read the entire board of everything they have. It's made a bit more stressful if you have someone waiting there to take your order. We came here on Valentine's Day because we were looking for a place that accommodates a late work night and not flooded with V-Day lovebirds. We walked in, placed our order (food is prepared in the center covered area), and went to order our drinks at the bar (which is also where you pay for your food). Before I get to the food, you know those people in life, who have a passion for something, and the way they explain it, makes you want to take up that same hobby. Well, on this night, that was the bartender. After, we sampled and ordered our glasses of beer, he told us to go take a look at the wine and beer shop while our food was being prepared. He even walked our glass of beer through the kitchen area (abiding by the MD open container law) while we walked across the open patio area to the shop. He handed the beer back to us and proceeded to explain the wine and beer they carry. They taste all the beer so they can be experts in providing the beer that is best suited to your needs, palette, etc. You are able to assemble your own six pack made up of different beers for you to try before you commit to a whole pack. They have a great wine selection that really covers the whole spectrum. This has to be a list format for my food reviews, we went all out with our ordering... -Alcatraz (Sliced turkey breast, California avocado, sprouts & tomato, drizzled with honey mustard & served on sliced sourdough bread): really a great sandwich, I thought the top of the roll was a bit much, it just made for too much bread, I asked for a different bread but due to winter storm Pax (bastard) their bread options were sparse. This sandwich was fabulous, the ingredients tasted very fresh and the sprouts made this sandwich. They were crisp and mixed with the tanginess of the honey mustard perfectly. There were big chunks of avocado, not just a spread which I loved, especially since I am an avocado fanatic. I highly recommend this sub. -I had a bite of the Glen Park (Sopressata, Italian genoa salami, Friscos olive relish, provolone cheese, shredded lettuce, tomato, Bermuda onion, special dressing & seasoning. Served on a Traditional Crusty French bread): This sub was also bread heavy but overall had a great flavor. The olive relish had such a wonderful savory quality that merged perfectly with the cold cuts. Again, this is one you cannot go wrong with. -Juan Lobo baked potato (Baked potato under chili, topped with melted Wisconsin cheddar cheese sans onion Bermuda onion): This was a meal all in its own, it was a nice side for the three of us to share in addition to our subs. Overall, this was a very run-of-the-mill chili dish to me. I would not recommend this, it was not nearly spicy enough and the chili was not in any way memorable. Not meant to be a negative review,this just was not my cup of tea and not anything I was expecting from the Juan Lobo. -Exploded Baked Potatoes: This is like Friscos version of German potato salad. However, this is unlike any German potato salad I have ever tasted. Plus, I usually am not a fan of bacon in my food or in general (call me crazy, my family does often), but these exploded baked potatoes were on point. If there is one thing that I HIGHLY recommend you order here, it is this. They are warm cheesy mashed potatoes (with skins) with bacon. Come to Friscos ASAP. You will not be disappointed at all. They make you feel extremely welcome while their food is wonderful. Plus, one of our food preparers came to check on how we liked our food and if we needed anything else, just so nice. It's a hidden must visit gem and I CANNOT wait to go back.
(5)Michael C.
A nice hidden gem Frederick. Everything on the menu that I've had is good. I want to give it 5 stars but everybody that works on the food side has extreme amounts of arrogance. I've never understood this because its the exact opposite on the wine store side.
(4)Alexander B.
SO MANY SANDWICH OPTIONS- and the potato salad is awesome. I'm not from the Frederick area but my girlfriend and I visit there a couple times a year. If we lived in the area, Frisco's would be a biweekly thing.
(4)Lauren V.
There are so many things going on at Friscos that I'm not sure how best to review it, but I feel like I should make a stab at it. First and most importantly, the adjacent wine shop is reason enough to wander over to this remote business park. All of their wine is under $15 a bottle, and they manage to have both a great selection and extremely competitive pricing. On Fridays, everything is $1 above cost. This side of things gets unlimited stars and undying loyalty from me. I may be the most unpopular person in Frederick for saying this, but I'm kind of "meh" on the restaurant side of things. About a third of the things I've had there were really and truly great, another third were only ok, and the rest were fairly terrible, could have picked up something better at 7-11 quality. Really weird to have that range of experiences in the same restaurant, and I usually don't recommend a place where I wouldn't feel confident ordering anything on the menu. I'm just not a fan of the "Restaurant ___ is the best.....but don't order the chicken whatever you do" type of review. The ordering setup is weird and chaotic. I don't go there often enough to remember the song and dance from one time to the next, but it seems to be working for them. I'd give the restaurant 2-3 stars and the wine shop 5+, hence the overall of 4.
(4)Laurie K.
The food is excellent. My first impression sitting down was not favorable, however, because the table was dirty. When you come in, you place your order from an overhead menu at a central station. You're given a ticket that you take to the "bar" to pay and order your drinks. Then, you find a table yourself, and they deliver the food. The music is extremely loud, but that's probably to keep turnover on the tables. My husband and I really like the music from the 60s and 70s. The vibe is a biker bar.
(3)Ben W.
This place has some tasty sandwiches and good portion sizes. The service is usually pretty quick. The staff is friendly and can answer any questions you may have about the menu.
(4)Travis P.
Love this place!!!!!!!! Food doesn't get much better than this. The exploded potatoes are the best and the varieties of smothered potatoes is top notch.
(5)Christine R.
I went to this place when I worked on Crestwood Blvd in high school (year:2000) and I still love eating here in 2015! AKA Friscos does it right and they do it right every time. Over the past 15 years I have tried almost everything on their menu, sandwiches, subs, loaded bakers (those are baked potatoes), salads, soups/chili, flat iron steaks, wings, etc. Everything is cooked fresh, made fresh to order and the service tops it off to make it a great experience. i have made so many people love this place even my workplace gets their catering when we have food days/events at work. I wish they would show this place on Food Network "DDD" because this dive is such a hidden gem! Pros: awesome food, good variety, good value, great people, beer, wicked wolf sauce and exploded potatoes!!! 'nuff said Cons: location - but hey, once you find it you won't lose it! parking sometimes can be a hassle when everyone else wants awesome lunch too but again, it's worth the wait and walk.
(5)Julie A.
Many other reviewers mentioned that it is in an industrial park. This gave me more than a moments pause, but Yelp convinced me to give it a go. Man, I'm so glad I did. Here's a piece of life-changing advice: get the exploded potato. Don't share it. If you value your relationship, get two. Maybe you are eyeing up that Mac and cheese. Guess what? You can make that at home. Get the potato. You're welcome. The Lombard is awesome. The beef is perfectly cooked and seasoned. Holy moly. Messy and well worth ever stain on my shirt. The Haight Ashbury is really good, too. The sprouts and wolf sauce make it a really interesting cold cut. That isn't code for bad. That's code for I've eaten a million cold cuts and this one is unlike any of those. Finally, the only lackluster part of this was the Mac and cheese. It was unevenly heated and tasted like fake cheese. But you are ordering the exploded potato, so you won't have to worry about that.
(4)Foodie C.
Off the main strip but well worth looking for. Food was yummy. Prices were good, service was great. It's in an office park which should not fool you. It's seems like it always has a loyal crowd and for good reason. If you're in Frederick you should make this a stop for lunch or a casual dinner
(4)Kara M.
On point!! Worth the stop--!! Has amazing food, awesome beer selection, fast service with good people :D
(5)PEZ C.
Food gets a 5 - the exploded potatoes are fantastic; bring your appetite or plan on taking home a doggy bag because it's a lot of food. For the atmosphere, we would rate it a 3 - it is loud and the seating isn't that comfortable.
(4)Cinnamon W.
My 9 month old daughter and I met up with a college friend for lunch. As other reviewers have stated, it is in the middle of an industrial park and you will be mildly concerned that you are headed in the right direction. I didn't see any highchairs available, but I didn't really look for one either. The menu is huge, and everything looks so good! I got the redwood baker, and he got the Oakland sandwich with a cup of the day's soup. We both had leftovers. Everything was awesome!! The staff was friendly, helpful, and generous! Samples when deciding at the menu board, half an avocado for my daughter (her favorite food), a heaping cup of exploded potato from John- who also came to check on us and made certain we enjoyed our meals. I can't wait to go back! The outdoor seating looks inviting (for warm days).
(5)Sarah B.
Nice little place with industrial feel. Sandwich was very large, heavy bread and thick cut meat. Good flavors, but the olive spread made it to salty. Exploded potato was nice, but not much flavor. Bean dip was the same, not much flavor to anything I ordered. But great place for quick bite that has very friendly staff.
(3)Stephanie H.
Friscos never lets me down! Their menu is to die for, literally... I would eat here every day if I could. I especially LOVE the exploded potatoes. The service is friendly and fast! An order of wings comes out in about 10 minutes!
(5)Jessica J.
Staff very helpful in helping first time customers decide what to order. (Even the singing guy!) Baja chicken salad was average. Large enough for two people to share. Steak on top of the exploded potatoes was pretty yummy. (Forgot name of dish!) Two people could probably share this as well. A bit off the beaten path of just passing through but possible great for locals.
(3)GD B.
Ok so it usually takes quite an experience at an eatery for me to leave a review...so take this with that in mind. On new year's day 2015 we were looking for a good place to grab a bite to eat before going shopping. I pulled out my trusty Yelp device and punched in "lunch".... Up came A. K. A. Friscos with great reviews so we decided to give it a go. Upon entering, fella that reminded me of Dave Franco (think 21 jump Street movie) offered us up some samples of the soup of the day. Then more samples of Exploded Potato. Needless to say this worked and had me sold immediately. Food wise you CANNOT beat their sandwiches... The portions were great. The employees were friendly and easy to talk to. Prices were on point for the quality and size of sandwich. I'd give this place 5 stars if I hadn't seen some places around the dining and ordering area that had obviously not been cleaned in a while and we're in desperate need of a good scrubbing (garbage can lids, soda machine back splash were really bad). I'll be coming back... That's for sure!!!
(4)Victoria C.
Just got back from lunch with friends from Frisco's. I'm a Bay Area native so when I heard of this place I knew I had to check it out. It was a bit hard to find at first, hidden at in an industrial park. A little bit of driving around then we found it. When I walked in, there was the menu displayed. One would be overwhelmed if this was their first time in like me. However I did my research online!! While we decided on what to order, we were handed samples of the soup of the day and exploded potatoes. Both were delicious. I ordered the Trans-AM Sandwich along with a small side of exploded potatoes and a bottle of Root Beer. My sandwich contained turkey, (lots of) bacon, lettuce, tomato, onion, and mayo. My sandwich was big and I was only able to finish half but it sure was tasty. I loved the potatoes too!! The service was great. Quick and very friendly. I can't wait to return again soon!
(5)Harry G.
Passing thru Frederick at lunch, I decided to try and find someplace new and different. I actually liked the location in an industrial park, the décor, and the service. And the menu held great promise with very interesting descriptions of sandwiches, many of which I would like to have ordered. Looked to me to be a great find.... on the surface. But alas, the turkey sandwich I ordered, while sounding like a killer deli turkey sandwich--one of my long time favorites--was built from that pressed, gelatinous manufactured stuff which is NOT a genuine slice of turkey, which for the price, I expected. Don't get me wrong, the prices were not off-putting. But, Frisco, if you're running a high end deli and sandwich shop, AND you say it's turkey, then MAKE it be turkey--not the ersatz translucent slices of something I expect from the cheap eats section of Food Lion. Hell, charge me twice the price for it. I don't care. What I don't like is dishonest food that I cannot even finish, no matter how attractive the menu description, nor how massive the sandwich. I tossed the remains out of the car window and got a better replacement at the Sheetz up the road.
(1)Sarah S.
This is one of the few places I knew I wanted to try when I came to Frederick at the end of last week direct from the SF Bay Area. I was not disappointed. I had the Sausalito Potato and it was fantastic. In fact, I was so smitten with it that I dreamed about eating it the next night and so I knew I would have to eat this again before leaving Frederick. I also enjoyed the spicy chilli. My companions enjoyed the spicy chili, some sort of chicken sandwich, the flat iron steak potato, and the Russian Hill Potato. I will definitely visit this place again if I am in the area again and I loved the play on SF bay area titles for the names of dishes. I know all of those places!
(5)William C.
For the price and quantity of food, this place is a steal. I checked in through Yelp! and got to try their Explosion Potatoes? - it was tasty. Their Grilled Cheese Sandwich - the buttery taste was there and I got the sandwich to go. But, the sandwich was lukewarm when I took it out of the box, immediately after I got in my car upon exiting the door (about 1 minute?). As for the Alcatraz sandwich - for 8 or 9$, the quality and quantity of ingredients (alfalfa, avocado, turkey, etc.) was awesome. This sandwich lasted me for two meals, as I ate the potatoes and the grilled cheese prior to taking a bite out of the alcatraz. For a total of $12, I was very satisfied with Friscos, and I would frequent this place more, if I lived in the area.
(4)Rachel A.
First time here. Food was great. Very cute little place. I felt like I had a nice lunch get away. I will definitely be back
(5)Nick Y.
Superb service, food, veggie options (though I could resist the wonderful meat sandwiches they had), and a wide selection of craft beers that they have each personally tried. Add the vibe and this is a gem of a find. Wow, why aren't there more of these type places? I paid $18 for lunch (high for me) (lg sandwich, extra toppings, chips and craft beer) and didn't ask questions. Worth it now and then.
(5)Frank N.
I'm always a fan of simple and delicious places like this... It's busy for a reason!! I tried an exploded potato and an Alcatraz sandwich... Both were fresh and delicious! I can see why so many local people recommended the exploded potatoes!! Not overdone, just basic goodness.... They offer a Yelp check-in special. I discovered that too late, but I'll be back
(4)Vince R.
This little place is what makes Yelp special. If you are surrounded by chains and looking for friendly local flavor this place is perfect. Before i even found the menu the men behind the counter were throwing free sample tastes at me. I went with their favorite - the flatiron steak and potatoes. It was fabulous. Moving to the bar you are immediately overwhelmed by the beer selection. So what do you do - ask the bartender which IPA he prefers. I took his advice and he made sure I would be happy by offering a sample to make sure I would like it. The food was great and I am taking home some wings for the big game tonight - confident they will be on the same level. Last - the price for all of this was more than reasonable. A full meal with premium beer and wings to go for under $25. This place is championship grade.
(5)Gabriela C.
Love their potatoes. Hearty-food. Good for catering.
(4)Natalie B.
Good, but not great, food. The exploded potatoes are always a favorite. The chicken curry salad is delicious. This place is a winner in my book--it's local, solid food, great beer selection, and very friendly customer service.
(4)Chris H.
The menu is extensive and there is definitely a sandwich for everyone. I love the NorCal and SF references and names for menu items. I have yet to have a disappointing experience there. Service speed can be improved. The way orders are taken and executed can be slow at times leading to long wait times.
(4)Jackie L.
Food is ready super quickly. They always have a sample to eat while you decide what to order. They give you a lot of food. Huge menu with so many great options.
(5)Angela W.
Kong Lobo over exploded potatoes....extra Wicked Wolf sauce. Just do it. You're welcome in advance.
(5)Ashley S.
Love everything on the menu! This place is super casual with great food. Only problem is that it's in a industrial area so it's kind of hard to find if you're not paying attention or intentionally looking for it.
(5)S C.
Everyone that comes in from out of town gets a potato from here when they visit me. The flat iron steak potato and the Santa Fe potato are excellent. One of my guests was very impressed with the Fishermans wharf also. A truly unique place. I'm excited that the weather is warmer - ice cream time !
(5)Clint R.
Great place. Showed up and saw a huge menu. Not feeling like reading I asked (as usual) to the guy working to tell me what his favorite is. He asked, "Cold or hot?" I said hot and he suggested what can best be described as Shepard's Pie with fajita meat and then covered with a pound of cheese. The potato was actually baked but was soft and creamy as mashed potatoes. The meat (I am from Austin, Texas... I know beef) was excellent. Tender and well seasoned. Plating was something my 4 year old would come up with but who cares when you have this kind of tender gooey cheesiness combo. Top it off with a great beer selection and nice seating area and call me impressed. Next door in the beer shop you can make your own six-packs, but not for any up charge. They take 1/6th of the price and that is the bottle price and add them individually. Very cool and makes up for the brewery not having tours today. Nitpicky stuff - Kina in the booneys. Dish was good but needed bread somehow. Have to go menus when your menu is that huge so people can take their time at home to look at it so they don't feel rushed walking in to order. Overall very good and cool off the beaten path place.
(4)Molly M.
Great beer selection, amazing food and big portions. For $14 I got a giant sandwich, the "Lombard" and a "small" overstuffed exploded potato--both delicious AND I also got a 7% bloodline flying dog (brewed right down the street!). Can you beat this???
(5)Yashar D.
Two words: exploded potatoes. Sandwiches were good, but not the best I've had. Very hard to find, but worth it.
(4)R S.
It's in the middle of a business park. Go on a weekend, to avoid the lunch crowd. I had an exploded potatoe and a beer. Delish! it sort of has a street food flair. You will leave satisfied. The soup was primo!
(4)Walt K.
Great sandwich, eclectic menu, we all very much enjoyed the meal and felt it was a good value. Would definately return when in Frederick.
(4)Sam C.
This place is awesome. The sandwiches, the potatoes, just everything. The seating is limited, so the food is best enjoyed as take-out. The service is usually fast and friendly. My only complaint is the 7pm closing time on Mondays through Thursdays.
(5)Brian G.
Great hidden treasure in a warehouse district. The exploded potatoes are worth driving a couple hours. Lots of vegetarian friendly options and good cookies. Nothing fancy here. Just great exploded potatoes.
(5)Peppermint L.
Definitely worth the going out of the way for. This sandwich shop is as good as it gets. Their location is in a weird area, so you might think you're headed in the wrong direction at first. Best sandwiches I ever had and everything taste so fresh and flavorful. Highly recommend the Exploded Potatoes.
(5)Patty P.
The set up is not designed for newbies. You walk in and have to order from a counter that looks like a snack stand, then walk to another counter to pay and get drinks. Overall, I had a good time. Unique atmosphere, good music cranking. Listen up for your food cuz they shout it out and don't care if you're listening. The food was a bit heavy for my taste, but a lot of people love that stick-to-your-ribs style of cuisine. Everything was a bit spicy, but I'm ok with that too. It's right next to Flying Dog, so is highly recommend it for anyone who's been pounding samples at the brewery.
(4)Rodger C.
Great place to go. Love the service!
(5)Meredith N.
Two words: Exploded Potatoes. (You're welcome.)
(5)AJ J.
Food was good but the set up and ordering was just nuts. They really should simplify the whole ordering process. Place and order here but then go here oh and then back here. For a new customer it's like a maze. There was a free coupon for there potato salad which was cool and it was very good aswell.
(3)D N.
Best sandwiches anywhere... and I've been doing some traveling over the last few years.. Nationally and abroad... Still the best sandwich shop.
(5)Rodney S.
Best damn sandwiches I have ever had. The Trans Am is unbelieveable. The soups? Amazing. The exploded potatoes? To die for. The skirt steak dinner over a salad with the potatoes? Can't be beat. Eat at this place every chance you get. You get every single pennies worth of your money spent on a quality meal. One of kind place
(5)BigDaddy A.
Love this place! Incredible food! Highly recommend the chili, the skinny green pizza and the south of Santa Fe salad. We eat here every time we are in Frederick or when we are passing the area. Trying to eat my way through the menu but I keep getting side tracked by repeating my favorites.
(5)John G.
This was my first time here. It's very good food, and I'll come back, but the ordering process is very chaotic. The inside of the place felt noisy. You order food in one place and drinks in another. I felt like I was running all over. The servers sort of aimlessly wandered around looking for the correct table/party to drop off an order. Seems like it could be much more streamlined and efficient. Our order was screwed up twice, and our orders were dropped off repeatedly at someone else's table. The comical part is that the other table thought that they were getting what they ordered, so they just dug in and ate our dinner lol. I can only suspect that they were confused about what they ordered as the long, tedious, complex menu, written in small font, probably intimidated them as much as it did us. Other than that, I very much enjoyed what I ate, and I would return, just not at a time when I'm looking to relax and decompress.
(3)Monica P.
The jury is still out on this. I think I need to go back and try one of their signature items that others rave about. I wasn't wild about the Cobb salad. The chicken on it was 2nd rate quality and very salty.
(3)Teresa A.
Overwhelming amount of things on the menu, but the employees are more than welcome to give you delicious samples of everything while you try decide! The exploded potato was amazing, however I don't enjoy watching the grease ooze out of my food and all over my plate while I am eating, I do try to eat healthy but am not opposed to an on occasional really really bad meal, yet delicious, but this was just a little much. I also got the Alcatraz sandwich, that I split with my mom (it was definitely big enough). They were out of the sliced sourdough bread so we get it on a sourdough roll. I can imagine it being better on bread, but it was still good. The dijon mustard was WAY too powerful, I probably would get it without next time, but then again there are so many things on the menu that I most likely would just get something else. I don't like how you wait in line to order, then go into another line to order drinks and to pay.... there is a lot of waiting, and it wasn't that busy!? But it took forever! All in all, the food was really really good, the atmosphere is awesome, and I love the outdoor seating option. Oh, but the TVs are completely pointless. The Redskins game was on and the TVs were so old school and small that I couldn't even read the score. You wont be terribly disappointed coming here, it was definitely satisfying, but it also didn't blow me completely away. I need to try something else next time, and I will still definitely be back.
(3)Trudy S.
I was skeptical about how good this place was, given its weird location (in the middle of an industrial park) and how hype can often be overrated. Nope. Every bit as good as people say it is. Exploded potato = a must. Sandwiches = delicious. Atmosphere = perfectly cozy without being obnoxious. Definitely coming back.
(5)Eric Y.
A little bit out of the way but this place has great food. If you're looking for a quick and affordable meal this is the place. They also have a nice beer and wine selection next door. Plenty of seating and great for take-out. Pretty much everything on the menu is yummy but you should definitely get their exploded potatoes!
(5)Shannon D.
American roadhouse but with gourmet food. San Francisco theme is in the menu, the food and the attitude. Mostly sandwiches but with some entrees. Lots of emphasis on chicken but meats as well. Steak salad more of a sandwich with greens on the side. SF fatboy is their Italian. Both with fresh ingredients and big. Have to mention the exploded potato. Awesome cpmbonation of potato salad and mashed potatoes. Fully loaded. Served hot. The medium is big; enough for two and still some for home. Hard to find. It's past the Flying Dog brewery (reservations required for tours). Just keep going and you'll see it.
(4)Lisa R.
Really good food. So much to choose from. We got the beef BBQ and the wings. Both were amazing. When I am back in this area I am going to make sure I stop there again!
(5)Albert S.
Go there!!! Good food and beer/wine store is always a great deal. Unique comfort food here and not a bad choice in the menu.
(5)A. J.
I was planning a visit to Frederick and perused Yelp looking for a perfect lunch restaurant. a.k.a. Friscos looked interesting. I'm so glad we went there. The food was soooooo good. The menu is extensive and it was difficult to make a decision since everything sounded so good. This restaurant is off the beaten track but absolutely worth the drive. I will definitely be a repeat customer.
(5)Francisco J.
I see no reason to return. Reviews mislead me. Hard to find place in an industrial park, nothing around commercial. Totally out of place. Hard bad bread, pressed sliced turkey and expensive. Loaded potatoes are good but not good enough to make me return.
(1)Ray R.
Excellent place for lunch. All the sandwiches are unique creations that fill you up and leave a smile on your face. The exploded baked potatoes are amazing and the gumbo was homemade and wonderfully satisfying. The staff is very friendly...the guy that took our order double checked it when it came out and, of his own accord, sent back my daughter's sandwich that accidentally came back with ranch dressing on it(we would have been fine with it, but it was nice that he remembered) I highly recommend this place for anyone looking for a great lunch experience.
(5)Tiffany M.
I wish I could eat here more but my husband isn't a huge fan, not because of the food, but because he isn't a big sandwich or salad guy. I have had salads (my favorite is the Santa Fe salad), sandwiches (Chicken salad is delicious) and love their skinny green pizza appetizer. My husband does like their exploded potatoes and get's a chili cheese and bacon baked potato and subs the potato for exploded potatoes. Cookies are amazing (smashed oreo cookie), I just wish Way Cool was still open :( Beer and wine selection next door is awesome!
(5)Will R.
Great sandwich shop and the manager with the beard exudes pure sexual machismo.
(4)Victoria Z.
This is one of the few "Why have I never reviewed this?!!" places I will be reviewing tonight. Fun story, I used to visit here a lot with my boyfriend. Now he's my husband and we hadn't been back since we got engaged. So when deciding where to have lunch today, I had a big "Duh! YES!" moment when he mentioned, "Hey, let's go to Friscos!" My favorite things here are the exploded potatoes and the cookies that have crushed up Oreos in them. I could live off of both of those just fine. But, in case those don't suit you (I don't know why they wouldn't!) there is a very extensive list of sandwiches and salads to choose from, too.
(4)J B.
This is one of my favorite places in Frederick. You can't go wrong with anything on the menu! Exploded Potatoes worth writing home about (unleass you're a vegetarian)....everything that you'd find in a loaded baked potato but mixed perfectly so there's bacon in every bite. Need I say more?! :-). BBQ beef sandwich was another awesome discovery, plus bonus served WITH Exploded Potatoes....I've tasted some of almost every category of food on their menu (vegetarian and carnivorous) and I have been satisfied. I even have family members putting in requests for me to bring "Big Salads" when I visit. It's great casual food at a great price....What more could you ask for?
(5)Tony M.
And in conclusion... This is a great lunch spot. Good sandwiches and great potatoes.
(5)Lynn D.
Best chicken salad in Frederick County!!!! I can eat chicken salad or the chicken sandwich 5 times a week....YUMMY!!!!
(5)Roger S.
Pretty good, though sandwiches are about $1 more than they should be. Definite place that's been discovered, even though its in the middle of an industrial park. Despite the hippie vibe, they use a lot of non-renewable containers, like styrofoam and aluminum containers...
(3)Nik L.
This place is the jam! Awesome sandwiches, salads, and the exploded potatoes are amazing. Good selection of beer, and every this is reasonably priced. You can get a bangin steak salad for like $10, that would cost you nearly double at most of the restaurants downtown (Brewers alley)
(5)E R.
This is not only a great little sandwich shop but the wine and beer deals next door are excellent. And you get case price on one bottle or more on Fridays.
(5)Adrian K.
Love this unique out of the way restaurant. My favorite is the grilled chicken special, a salad with Dijon cilantro dressing and exploded potatoes! Awesome! The chili is good and the sandwiches are great. Tough to try the whole menu when the first few dishes you eat there are so good. I'm a creature of habit.
(5)Patrick M.
We were in from out of town and looking for a great local place to eat. I was blown away! The food was delicious (I got the Lombard and my son had the chicken Caesar salad), and reasonably priced. If I am ever in town again, this will be my first stop!
(5)Ben P.
This place has some fantastic sandwiches! It was great to be greeted with some exploded potatoes- a sort of warm potato salad with bacon- upon walking in the door. There is a lot of variety on the menu; it's a shame I'm an out of towner because I'd love to try some of the salads. Two suggestions to improve San Franciscan authenticity: bread selections should include Dutch crunch and sourdough, and the sandwiches should reflect the character of the neighborhoods they represent. A North Beach, for instance, should be an Italian sub or a salami sandwich. I had a great lunch here, and will be happy to return if ever passing back through Frederick.
(4)Amber C.
Not bad for a restaurant located in the middle of an industrial park. They actually have a pretty decent beer selection too. I can't get overly excited about any restaurant where the microwave is their main cook, but the food is decent and prices are fair.
(3)Ken P.
Sandwiches are nothing special and overpriced. Would be better with fresher bread. I miss the ice cream shop that used to be here. Exploded potatoes are awesome though.
(3)Meagan G.
Have never had a bad meal here ever. Great food, great service and good prices! Love it here! Exploded potatoes are awesome and their staff is always friendly and has great suggestions if you can't decide what you want to eat.... Soup is always good to and changes daily! Love this place!
(4)Chanda D.
Great options for vegetarians. It was clean and the service was good. We purchased a mix six pack from the store next door and there is a small but very intense selection of craft beers to chose from.
(4)Heather A.
This place is off the beaten path... It is actually in an industrial park but WOW the food is great! And the selection of beer and wine is awesome! So glad I found this place.
(5)Richard G.
Been going to this place for years and it's always wonderful. The exploded potatoes are fantastic and probably the most famous of their menu, but they have terrific salads abs sandwiches as well. I almost always add steak to my entrees. I miss the ice cream though... Can't forget the beer selection which is surprisingly comprehensive. It's nice to see a place in Frederick that has more than Flying Dog and the usual standards.
(4)Jason C.
Good place to stop for a sandwhich. They have some cool things on there menu that are different then most places.
(4)Allison D.
Friscos is my favorite lunch place in Frederick. It definitely says something about a restaurant/shop when they are tucked completely out of the way in the middle of an industrial park and they still manage to draw the crowds that they do. They are always packed at lunch time, but the wait is never too long. I just want to mention that the food is brought out or placed on the counter for pickup as it is prepared, so if you get a baked potato and somebody else gets a grilled chicken sandwich, chances are good that you will be halfway done with your lunch before they receive theirs. That's just the way it is... The adjoining liquor store has a great selection of wine at very reasonable prices. They just recently started offering mixed six packs of beer, but the selection isn't great (mostly Flying Dog). I'm a little baffled because they offer single bottles in the restaurant of 30+ varieties, but the same beer isn't available in the store. In between the restaurant and store is an outdoor ice cream shop. This is the only part that I'm not crazy about. It's frequently sloppily prepared and not all that great. I'd rather go to Brusters, Beef and Buns or one of the frozen yogurt joints; depending on what I'm in the mood for.
(5)Jocelyn B.
Great place, great food, great service! And the fact that you can buy a bottle of wine next door, and have it brought over to your table is a plus!
(5)Kelly W.
Love this place! Not only is the food delicious but the beer and wine selection is decent. If you want to talk about beer, they know their stuff!
(5)Don T.
Good beer, good sandwiches, and tasty exploded potatoes. Love the Santa Fe chili, which I sometimes pour over the potatoes. Yum! While you're waiting for your food, walk next door and pick up a few bottles of reasonably priced wine. Also like the folks who work here. Very friendly and helpful.
(5)Kenneth D.
We were in downtown Frederick with family and was told to head to Friscos since we were going to flying dog! Headed to flying dog and the last tour was sold out. Bummed out and figured let's go try this place out. Looks from the outside another food place in a business park. Boy was I wrong - everything is made to order and the food we all ordered was amazing!!! Portions were so big we needed boxes for leftovers. They also have a cool bar area to order a variety of drinks while waiting for your food. Next time I visit - I am coming back for more!!!
(5)Kelly S.
I love friscos.This place has survived for 20+ years in a part of town until recently you'd need a gps to find.This place is unique,the portions are over the top.This is THE spot.
(5)Chris R.
Friendly staff who greet you with free samples as soon as you enter. Wonderful menu with an amazing beer selection (it is connected to a beer/wine store). The portions are huge! Unless you are starving you will need a togo container. I frequent this restaurant and have never had bad food or experience. If you are in the Frederick area this place is off the beaten path but well worth a visit. I wish I could give it 6 stars.. don't forget to try the exploded baked potatoes.
(5)Heather W.
My husband and I have been coming to this place since 2001 and eat there a minimum of once per week (it is very close to our home). There seems to be very little turnover in the staff which I think is quite telling about the quality of the restaurant and the owner. There are 2 guys who have worked there for at least 5 years and we look forward to seeing them during our weekly dinners at the restaurant. The owner is a consistent fixture and will make the rounds to check on his guests. I have to admit I was a little disappointed when they closed the "Way Cool" ice cream shop to put in a beer and wine shop... but I am totally over it now. Being a new wine drinker, I love going to Friscos to purchase my wines because the guys that work in the beer & wine shop know their stuff! They are so knowledgeable and I always feel like I have my own personal shopper every time I am there. So far, I have not been disappointed with a single wine recommendation. Plus Fridays at the wine shop is where its at.... all of their wines are $1 over their cost so you can make out like a bandit (but Saturdays are kind of a crappy time to hit the wine shop as people clear them out on Friday... but who could blame them!) Now, on to the food. Can I just say, AWESOME! I have my favorites and usually stick to them but my husband has pretty much tried everything on the menu and I don't know that we have ever had a bad meal. Their mac & cheese is to die for and we have grown fond of the BBQ beef sandwich, but it is so huge that we normally split it. The beer selection in the restaurant is expansive and you can try a lot of interesting craft beers by the bottle which I really like, the owner is a beer connoisseur so he is great to chat up for a beer recommendation. The baked potatoes are a fun option if you aren't in the mood for a sammie or soup, and you can't leave without a cup of the exploded potatoes, it is an institution as far as I am concerned. My only "meh" with the place is the décor. I like that the Friscos menu is totally built on San Francisco (just look at the titles of the menu options) but the décor of the place is totally confusing and out of place. On the main wall that you see as soon as you walk in the door there is a giant painted palm tree on a little island in the ocean. It is a really childish version too and doesn't fit the vibe of the place (plus the palm tree looks like a cross between Mr Hanky from South Park and a wiener due to the poor placement of the coconuts). There is a lifeguard tower in the corner and the service station in the middle looks reminiscent of a cabana. These could perhaps be left overs from whatever was in that spot before Friscos (if someone was even there before them) but I wish they would get rid of the beachy décor and make it fit with their theme. Paint over that phallic palm tree already and put up a Golden Gate Bridge or something!!! There are also some other random things hanging on the wall that make no sense like an Indy 500 flag and a Captain America shirt, this just junks the place up. But at the end of the day I am not going there for design inspiration I am going for the great food and awesome staff and that will keep me coming back all day long.
(5)Ezekiel S.
In all if our travels, 180 shows a year in 10 different states, AKA Friscos is probably our favorite place to eat. Healthy choices, good stuff for the guys that eat like pigs. Everything is fresh. Great soups, and one of those menus you want to eat your way through. The people that work there are friendly. One guy is a big meathead, which is a plus. The food comes out really fast and sometimes with free cookies.
(5)Victoria J.
Fun atmosphere, great food! So many choices, and all of them worth a try. The Trans-am is one of the best club sandwiches I've ever had. The exploded potato is something new-- it's not for everyone but definitely tasty!
(5)Bern B.
Every time I have been here I have been extremely impressed by the sandwiches and exploded potatoes. This time I had the union square which was big enough for two people and we each had a small exploded potato which was amazing!! This is a perfect lunch spot!!
(4)Adrian R.
I just got back from San Francisco this morning and needed to stop in. The Lombard sandwich was very good as was the root beer. The exploded potatoes are also a must.
(5)Angela B.
Tasty surprise! We were passing through and glad we stopped. Santa fe chicken salad was very flavorful as was the hummus-everything was very fish. I loved the exploded potatoe. friendly staff and pleasant environment.
(4)Chris D.
The food is amazing and I love it...should be on Triple D!
(5)Ginger W.
Recent frustration: this place is never open anymore. Used to have long hours and serve up to closing, now locks doors before posted closing times. Food is great if you can get it. Recent visits have been characterized by disappointing service.
(3)Paul S.
Nothing more to add than what alot of others have already said. Their sandwiches are very tasty and huge. Those exploded potatoes are unbelievably good and addictive. If I lived anywhere near Frederick, I'd be a weekly regular for my sandwich fix. Gotta plan more trips out near this place!
(5)Rob R.
I'm a NYer that's used to having great delis and pizza/italian places in every shopping center. I can go to Friscos and order a great sandwich at a reasonable price. The options are numerous. Not to be confusing with my first sentence, but aka Friscos is not an italian place at all - they have different types of sandwiches with different names but with what I think is a San Franciscan theme. Some choice sides that are delicious. Atmosphere is casual with indoor and even some outdoor seating. Surprising selection of craft beers to have with your sandwich, thanks in part I assume to the mini wine and beer shop abutting Friscos. Not to mention an ice cream place crammed between the two of them which I'm pretty sure is for warm weather only. Anyway, I've been there a handful of times and have never came away regretting it. If what you want is a simple sandwich place that makes a great sandwich then look no further.
(5)Jonathan C.
The people who work here are impossibly thin. The service is hit-or-miss. More like hit-or-OK. Not usually terrible but the people working in the island actually making the food aren't super into making you feel welcome. Food is great, but very high caloric. Get the Flatiron and/or the chicken salad. Not the Presidio.
(4)Collin K.
Fun Menu, great food and service. Been several times and I get talked into something new each time, never been disappointed. Keep up the good work.
(5)Madeline G.
Today I ate the MIssion vegetarian sandwich for lunch and, if you like brie cheese and olives, this is the best sandwich I have ever had. I am not a vegetarian either. Thanks a.ka Friscos!
(5)Paul S.
I wish I didn't have to give a (STAR) at all . Went to all rude male staff . Stale day old bread . Stale day old bread . Stale day old bread. Stale day old bread . Stale day old bread ... This is an upscale sandwich shop . Stale day old bread . Stale day old bread . I hope you all get the message . Not for kids or business men trying to talk with customers the younger men get there to open and leave the music cranking over the patrons voices . ( not kid friendly )
(1)Maria M.
The girl behind the counter was rude. I'm sorry, if that is my first impression and your food isn't the best thing that I have ever tasted in the whole entire world, then it already leaves a bad taste in my mouth. But i'm sure she doesn't work there everyday, so other people's experience may be better... but if she does work there all the time - know your order right away or you will get the "stink eye" and she will give you attitude. Oh well... you can't have everything. In any case, there was another girl giving out the exploded potatoes. She was rather pleasant compared to the other girl. These potatoes are... yes... exploding with flavor - bacon, butter, chives, potatoes.. what more do you need. I'm sure there were lots more ingredients in them.. but hey, it was pretty good. I got the grilled chicken ceasar salad and it was ok. Their "croutons" were slightly less crunchy pieces of bread that sort of took up a whole lot of space in my salad. However, the chicken was tasty and the salad itself was just the typical ol' ceasar salad. Not bad... but not the best i've ever tasted. My husband ordered some roast beef sandwich that was quite delicious.. but I was just so disgruntled by the bad service that I didn't really care much for the sandwich. Bottom line, the food is ok. I'd go back for the potatoes.. but not for anything else... and most definitely not for the service. Go ahead, give it a try though... just incase, know what you want to order first ;-)
(3)Rachel P.
I was surprised the sandwiches weren't better, based on the reviews. The exploded potatoes are indeed awesome (check-in on Yelp to get a free small one!) but the sandwiches were just alright. Definitely not bad, and I might feel different if I got a baked potato.
(3)Jay R.
This place is wonderful. Great sandwiches, salads and more!
(4)Justin H.
You wouldn't find this place unless you were looking for it, but it's a great find. Delicious, huge sandwiches. The exploded potatoes are out of this world. The chili was great as well. It's an order at the counter type of place, but the staff was friendly and helpful. The guy let me try a couple of beers and gave some recommendations. Very reasonably priced considering the portions and quality.
(4)Kevin T.
Good food. Exploded potato was awesome as everyone has already mentioned. BBQ sandwich was really good BBQ. The soup of the was the Austin tomato de pepe and it was very tasty.
(5)Stephanie K.
Eating the exploded potatoes right now. Yummee ! A great selection of beer. And tasty food. Stopped in the wine store after lunch. Found all kinds of interesting wines and beers
(5)Erin B.
This is one of my favorite places to eat in Frederick, despite it's remote, tucked out of the way location. It's hidden away in an industrial area that you almost have to know someone to act as a guide to find it. But it's worth it. The staff is always friendly from the moment I walk in the door and I like that they always give out samples of the daily soup so you can have an idea if it's something you'd like or not. The selection of sandwiches is enormous, though I tend to hover around the same favorites (the Oakland is wonderful, like a taste of California). The sandwiches are huge. I generally get two meals out of one. For a while, this was the only place in Frederick that I could get kettle chips, period, and Dirty's in particular, which I'd become a fan of while living in California. I love their chips. The exploded potato salad is amazing, a delicious warm potato salad that I've brought everyone I know to Frisco's to sample. Because each sandwich is made individually, at peak hours, it can be a bit of a wait to get your sandwich, but the portions are so generous and the food so good, I can't help but feel like it's worth it. YMMV.
(5)Igor D.
Super friendly staff that helped me pick a sandwich in seconds! The food was succulent and scrumptious! The chicken sandwich had a perfect balance in flavor with that slight overtone of a grill. Yum! Prices are fair; between 6-10 bucks for a serving that will leave most with a to-go box.
(5)Rob H.
This is one of Fredericks Best!!! Surprised to find that a lot of people do not even know about it... I have been going here for years... Maybe 8 or so... I have had many things, and have liked all of them... Have never once had an issue... You will love this place I am sure of it... A little secret is get your food, and then sit upstairs... Much quieter, and cool...
(5)Nick C.
Was here for lunch with kids. Welcomed at the door with samples of exploded potatoes and chili. Kids had BBQ sandwich that they liked and potatoes that they loved. I had a cold cut with a house hot sauce that was really tasty. The chicken chili was a hit also. Great place that makes you feel very welcomed. The staff is like theme park tour guides, taking the time to explain and navigate the big variety of great eats. This place is a must try. We will definitely be back!
(4)Gina C.
Huge selection and huge portions. Sandwiches and soup we tried were really good. Can't wait to try the pizza when we go back.
(4)Matthew B.
After living in Frederick for a number of years I thought I had fully explored all of the towns restaurants. But a recent yelp search showed me I had over looked AKA friscos. My fiancé and I went there on Saturday around 3. The building is in a industrial complex where you wouldn't expect a restaurant to be. Inside you're kindly greeted by the staff at the center counter where you place your order. They kindly offered a free sample of their exploded potatoes to us and a quick taste hooked us. We took a minute to browse the very large menu. I ordered a grilled chicken sandwhich and she ordered the grilled chicken caesar salad. We found a table to sit and after five minutes or so our food was ready. My sandwhich was grilled to perfection. The bread was crunchy and topped with delicious cheese and a cilantro sauce. Her salad was loaded with what looked like two full grilled chicken breasts. To say both were delicious would be a understatement. It was easily the best sandwhich I ever had. I have to add I had a delicious craft beer from their very large selection that you can buy while your food is being cooked. Since this first day we have been back 4 times in a couple weeks. If you haven't been you must go right away to AKA Friscos. It's the best restaurant I've ever eaten at. 5 stars aren't enough!!!
(5)Jake W.
Came to friscos, had an exploded potato and a draught beer. The potato was excellent as far as taste and ingredients, but wasn't very hot. The draught beer was garbage (probably my own fault). The food temperature thing sounds nit-picky but that's how I like my food. Hot. Could be 5 stars
(4)Megan K.
So we got to the Flying Dog Brewery early, and they told us to go to Friscos. Given we were driving through an industrial park, I assumed the hostess just had some go to deli to send people to, that she didn't want to sit in her waiting area. Turns out, Friscos is the best kept secret hole in the wall joint in the Frederick area. While looking over the massive menu, we got the complimentary exploded potato sample. The exploding potato is amazing. I got the Sausalito (vegetarian) baked potato. The toppings were delish, but the potato was undercooked. I wish I had gotten a sandwich, I watched them make almost a dozen by hand while I waited for my potato. Highly recommend, and if you're traveling through Frederick, it's not too far off I-270.
(3)CJ B.
What an unexpected surprise! After passing many places on our way to DC, my wife found aka Friscos on yelp. She rarely errs when it comes to picking eateries so we went for it. Not where you would expect a treat like this to be found and unimpressive in decor but you quickly ignore all that when you sample their exploded potatoes and read through their menu. We shared the flat iron steak sandwich and a medium exploded tater. More than enough food for lunch for both of us. Their craft beer selection is awesome and I urge you to try something different. They will not steer you wrong.
(5)Carl B.
This turned out to be the best Yelp find I have ever come across. The food is fresh and the extra effort shines through. This place is worthy of a Triple D episode! The owner came by and talked with us because the steak for my wife's steak salad was taking a while... Because the steak was being cooked to order from fresh beef they source several times a week from a Pennsylvania farm! It's a little out of the way in one of those new warehouse areas... Count yourself lucky if you stumbled across this one! If your reading this on Yelp, stop reading go straight to the directions button and start driving! Fresh, different, San Francisco vibe. Exploded Potatoes, awesome as all the other reviews say. Sandwiches are great, chili is fantastic, the selection of beers makes a guy feel like a kid in a candy shop. John and the crew, keep it up, we'll be back and spreading the word in the meanwhile. Don't misinterpret the 4 stars, I reserve those for Michelin rated gourmet restaurants, and haven't given out any yet 5 star ratings yet.
(4)John G.
Awesome. As much as this place is out of the way in an industrial park, you need to find this place and go.
(5)I W.
Great place! Love small places that's does a great job. Must have exploded potatoes. They give you lots of food. I normally can eat it for 2 meals.
(5)Christopher F.
Again - the business of business took me to another far-flung berg - the city of Frederick, Maryland. Looking for simple, local fare, I summoned the oracle of Yelp - and was pleasantly surprised. Now it is a little off the beaten path - and yet - and 6pm on a Wednesday, the place had an upbeat and vibrant energy to it, just like the original "Baghdad by the Bay". After entering, I was quickly greeted and given a free sample of their epicurean contribution of greatness - "exploded potatoes". Imagine the best mashed potatoes you have ever had... Yes, they are that good, if not better. Now enter my gripes - the menu is overly cumbersome... I had to read the bulk of the entries (aptly named after San Francisco landmarks and fixtures) in order to find anything of interest. A shortcut menu, or just highlighting the relevant protein of the entree, would go a long way in creating a more "user friendly" dining experience. Also, it was not clearly explained where to pay. I had to get my beverage (I elected to support the local brew-miester of Flying Dog Brewery) at a different station, where I was suppose to pay for the entire order. Okay - I figured it out and moved on... But it seems a little strange in retrospect. The sandwich - an amazing roast beef (they call it the "Embracadero"... I don't see the connection, but I can let that slide) with fresh, lean meat, and great veggies, sandwiched by an as-advertised soft sliced roll. After a long, stressful day - it was an excellent way to reinvigorate. And with the Flying Dog IPA, and a side of Exploded Potatoes, I was on the road to Well-ville... The service was very pleasant and understanding. If and when I return to Frederick again, I will not hesitate in returning - if not just for the potatoes.
(4)Carajo B.
I've really REALLY tried to like a.k.a. Friscos. Our office orders from here frequently, friends have raved about it. But, after sampling at least 10 different menu items, just think I'll pass next time someone suggests this place. Have never gotten a dish as ordered. Salad is really hard to mess up, right? Not here. Ask for dressing on the side, get swimming greens. No cheese? No problem-we'll give you extra. Bread not toasted-that's okay. Take a bite-it's burnt on the INSIDE! Exploded potato. Dare ya to ask for minimal toppings. All I can think is "kids in the kitchen" and owner could care less. Even if someone else is offering to buy lunch-I'd suggest somewhere else.
(1)Shannon S.
Stopped by here on the way home from a road trip. Great little find tucked away in a corporate industrial park. I had the Garden State which is a vegetarian winner-fresh avocado and smoked Gouda. Great selection but give yourself time to read the menu. The order counter is right when you walk in the front door and you find yourself staring neck tilted back trying to make a decision. Warning for any kiddos who order the grilled cheese it's more a la garlic bread style vs traditional grilled cheese. Overall great sandwich find!
(4)c t.
Maybe our expectations were too high given the nearly 5 star review here on Yelp, but our experience was way less than five star. The staff greeted us in a very friendly and energetic way, and offered us samples to try while we looked at the extensive menu. The exploded potatoes were very tasty, and so we thought the rest of the food would follow suit. We were off to a good start. My husband ordered the Presidio and I ordered the Embarcadero. We ordered a Grilled Cheese for our two girls to split. The food was done quickly, and the sandwiches were indeed quite big. But they were B-O-R-I-N-G flavor wise. All I could taste on mine was horseradish (which I enjoy, but not as the main flavor of the sandwich). The bread was on the dry side; nothing to write home about. The shredded iceberg lettuce and pale tasteless tomatoes were fast food joint quality. Each of us finished one half (we were ravenously hungry) and put the others in a box to take home. I don't think I'm going to bother eating my other half. The grilled cheese was indeed grilled, so much so that parts of it were blackened. The cheese was thick and came off in rather large globs, which made my daughter gag on one particular bite. She is three, so this could be partly user error. My 4 year old daughter, who normally eats like a horse, took two bites and abandoned it. Sorry to say, we will not be back. The five star reviews of this place are baffling to us!
(2)Taylor K.
One of my favorite restaurants in the DMV. They have so many fresh sandwich options and the exploded potatoes are addicting. It is tucked away in an unassuming, warehouse district and AKA does little to no advertising. This is truly a hidden gem in Frederick!
(5)Kevin J.
Exploded potatoes are all you really need to know. Something for just about any taste. Nice for a change from the norm. Great summertime spot. Definitely worth a try.
(5)Dave A.
I have been in this area for 15 years.. never even knew this place existed. They explained it is because they do not advertise. I guess they don't need to. My wife had one of the salads. The lettuce is not the king of the salad, the toppings are. About 1/2 an avocado and I would say about 5 slices of bacon chopped up. She did not like the pasta that was on the salad, but that was her only complaint. I had the Redwood potato. I got it on their 'exploded potatoes', which appears to be a version of twice cooked potato. I personally think I should have stayed with the baked spud, but that is my only real complaint. The beef was astounding, the horseradish was nice and mild, and overall was a very satisfying potato dish. IMHO, this salad and potato combo could feed 3 people. The atmosphere is clicky dive, but the staff is cool. An upgraded TV would be nice, rather than the old CRT unit above the fireplace. We will be back again.
(4)Cynthia L.
We came here on a Sunday afternoon & for a place that is so hidden, there was a steady stream of people. We tried their steak potato loaded potato and grilled cheese (its the most interesting but best grilled cheese i've had...the bread was garlic bread-ish seasoned and they used provolone instead of american cheese). We hopped over to get ice cream ($1.75 for kid twisters was plenty for us)...you could tell it was really good ice cream and not the chemically-water mixed kind. Last, we stopped over to their beer & wine store. I love their $13 & under-unique wine & beers only rule...we ended buying 3 bottles. What made this trip so great was that the owners dropped in and chatted with us, which made us feel really welcomed. I would def recommend a trip here!
(5)Allyson P.
Five stars for the beer selection alone. I have never seen such an incredible selection at a fast food restaurant. Many of them were beers I hadn't seen before, and I could have happily stayed there all day trying new beers, but I had a Flying Dog tour to get to. The cashier was also quite knowledgeable about the beers, and happy to answer any questions. On to the food, which was really quite great for the price and the setting. My husband and I got essentially the same thing: flat iron steak special for me, and flat iron steak potato for him. The special came with exploded potatoes and salad on the side, and my husband's steak came piled on top of a massive baked potato smothered with cheese. The steak was cooked exactly as ordered (medium-rare for my husband; rare for me), and perfectly seasoned. And there was a ton of it. I couldn't come close to finishing mine, but husband and no trouble finishing both of ours. And I'm not sure what exactly is in the exploded potatoes (definitely bacon, probably sour cream, not sure what else), but they're delicious. Definitely worth a stop if you find yourself in Frederick.
(5)Amit M.
There's more than a hint of irony in finding this special place in the midst of the most industrial part of an otherwise very charming town. The food is fantastic, and it's a nice space in which to eat. Try one of their large sandwiches, a rich pasta salad (Southwest Chicken is my favorite), or their signature Exploded Potatoes (warning 1: decidedly not vegetarian; warning 2: otherwise, they will become your favorite potato side of all time). In warmer weather, few things are better than grabbing your order and finding a spot on the outdoor patio to enjoy it. ALERT: do not make the mistake of stepping up to order before you have been called, as you will be sent back in line. Offers an eclectic beer menu as well. Down the street from the Flying Dog Brewery.
(5)Noah K.
This place is a real gem. A funky place in an industrial park, known only through word of mouth, they have great sandwiches, grilled wings, skirt steak, wonderful soups, salads, and a unique side dish called exploded potatoes, which for lack of a better explanation, is a cross between potato salad and mashed potatoes. Everything is made fresh and the prices are borderline giveaway. Better still, they have a wine shop of inexpensive gems attached (nothing over $13; case price on individual bottles on Fridays) and you can drink the wine with your meal without any extra markup. Service is friendly and enthusiastic. It's not lightning quick, but just enjoy yourself with an inexpensive beer or bottle of wine while you wait, because it will be worth it. The owner lives in the nearby neighborhood and is very passionate about what he does. You can chat with him in the wine shop frequently. The dishes are named after San Francisco neighborhoods, but the names have nothing to do with the dish themselves, so don't read too much into it. Sadly, the ice cream shop (best prices in town on home made soft serve) is on hiatus, but they say it will be back. I hope so, since they had the best milkshakes I've probably ever had. Newbies: look online and study the menu first. It will be daunting to try to figure out what you want based on the blackboard (you order at the counter), but once you see how things work, you'll be hooked.
(5)Kathryn M.
Food is delicious and fresh, but a little pricey for sandwiches. I love the 'Sploaded potatoes!
(4)G K.
Amazingly huge and freshly made gigantic sandwiches in a low-key almost Florida keys industrial atmosphere, and the prices are completely reasonable. It's quite out of the way, and our GPS had trouble finding it, but find it we did and have no regrets. I'd recommend this place to anyone for lunch, but you probably want skip breakfast first.
(4)Mary B.
All I can say is- YUM! Vegetarian-friendly and so much fun. It's tucked away in a place you've never just find it "driving by" but once you know about it, you won't forget it! Try one of the baked potatoes. YUM YUM YUM!
(4)Rachel E.
Came here recently after reading about it on yelp. I suggested it to my group of friends and off we went, as others have remarked, it has a somewhat odd location. We went on a weekend so there wasn't much open around since its in a business park and my friends were a bit skeptical until they saw the place. We walked in and read over the extensive menu. The girls who greeted us when we first walked in the door were a little a bit unfriendly, I don't think I saw them smile once and they seemed a little impatient for us to order but they did offer us samples of their red and white chili's, and also some of the loaded potatoes. Everyone remarked how amazing (need to go back and get those loaded potatoes) the samples were and my boyfriend ultimately decided to get the chili. All of the girls ordered a baker (baked potato), I ordered the redwood with roast beef and cheese. My friend ordered the one with avocado? Not sure what it was called and her daughter ordered a plain. I also ordered a side of macaroni & cheese. My boyfriend ordered the chili (also a side item I can't recall) and my friends son ordered a normal turkey sandwich. Everyone remarked that everything was good and I really enjoyed mine - they do not skimp on the meat or cheese, in fact every bite had a load of roast beef. The macaroni and cheese was decent, not the best ever as advertised (boo) and a bit cold in the middle. The place was a bit loud and become a little crowded in the time we were eating but hey it's good for business. The prices were extremely fair and everything was very filling. A few of us had to take leftovers. If I was just going off the food I would give this a 5, service I'd give a 3 maybe a 2.5 but it really isn't a place that service matters all that much since you sit yourself. The man who was also working there was very friendly in fact, too bad we did not get to deal with him the entire time. All and all it was a good experience with good food and low prices, I'll definitely go back.
(4)Laylah G.
Love at first bite. This place has several things going for it: affordable prices, good sized portions, plenty of options, and delicious food. The location is a little sketch, but easy enough to find, and the industrial park setting sort of adds to the quirkiness. The first thing I ever ordered here was the Twin Peaks baker. I swear, my mouth hung open for half a minute after my first bite, because I couldn't believe how delicious it was and my brain sort of shut down in a "OMG WHAT DID YOU JUST EAT. YOU MUST EAT MORE" coma. My stomach should be so lucky to have one every day. The thing was huge and filled with deliciousness, tons of broccoli, carrots, and red cabbage, and an indecent amount of cheese. Good G-d. I also have had the Golden Gate sandwich here, which was quite delicious as well. The Wolf Sauce is quite good too- it's worth it to order the sauce with a bowl of chips. It's less than $5 and is practically party-sized. Everyone else I have gone there with have said their sandwiches and bakers were very tasty as well. I really really REALLY want to try the Exploding Potatoes, but alas, I don't eat bacon. I kept greedily sniffing my friend's order during my most recent trip, attempting to live vicariously through her more lax gastronomical choices. (She declared them "Holy Crap Delicious" by the way).
(5)Daniel A.
Best sandwich shop/small beer/wine market in town bar none. Always enjoy coming here for lunch. This place does not make a bad sandwich and the exploded potatoes are amazing.
(5)Susan S.
Stopped in after a day at Liberty based on Yelp recommendations. Hidden away in an industrial park, we never would've known this place existed but we will definitely be back. Based on recommendations from staff, we ordered a Trans-Am and a Lombard and wings for our son. The sandwiches were incredible and huge. I would order both of them again and again. And the exploded potatoes are delicious! Service was so warm and friendly. It's a great find and we can't wait to go back!
(5)Chris J.
Best sandwich shop I have been to in a long time. Great service, prices, selection, and quality. Kind of in the middle of nowhere, tucked in amongst alot of empty newish commercial buildings, it is worth seeking out. They have a sandwich for everyone and two great veggie options (on top of tons of salads. It may seem a bit far from downtown frederick to grab lunch during work, but the service seems fast enough to get in and out. And the icing on the cake is the cheap beer! They had four beers on draft and loads of bottles. They had Flying Dogs Gonzo Porter for only $4 a pint (and they also sell 12 and 20 ounce servings of draft beer which is pretty cool).
(5)Steve G.
Located in a new industrial park, this place is an unexpected treat. You arrive and immediately ere given free samples of a couple of things, including "exploded potties." Friendly staff takes your order and then you get your drinks (including craft beer on tap) . we had flat iron steak sald, which were quite tasty with good salsa, lettuce and dressing. If you like cement floors, friendly people and a place that only Yelp could turn it o a success this is for you.
(5)Connie M.
I loved this place and can't wait to go back. Ordered grilled steak special which came on a fresh salad with a potato on the side. The serving of steak was a half pound and was tender and delicious. Lived the beer selection too. My friend and I wandered into the beer store after we ate and chatted with the knowledgeable staff. We were traveling the next day so neither of us was buying beer to go but instead the nice man gave us a free ice cream cone. I can't wait til I'm back in town as this will be my default dinner spot. Healthy food and craft beer. Yep!
(5)Jose L.
This place has found the perfect formula- tasty food, countless menu selections, friendly staff, comfortable atmosphere and best yet easy on the wallet. This will be one of my go-to stops whenever I'm in Frederick.
(5)Emilio F.
Great food, huge portions
(5)Dana Z.
One thing is for sure: you won't leave hungry... Everything is really big and decently priced. I don't think it's quite as amazing as everyone is making it out to be, but that's just my opinion. Pretty good for a sandwich/salad place. I do agree with everyone that the exploded potatoes are pretty amazing. They have a pretty extensive menu and takes a few minutes to read all the descriptions unless you go in knowing what you want already :)
(3)Derek H.
Crazy bold flavors. Over the top friendly group. We went in expecting a simple lunch. We walked through the door to big smiles and hellos. They offered us samples and were very patient with us. We walked out happy we gave it a try and look forward to trying it again in the future. I don't know about the experiences of others here on Yelp, but I would certainly recommend this place. If you like spicy, ask for some Wicked Wolf sauce.
(5)L L.
Great food and pleasant, unconventional atmosphere.
(4)William W.
First time here and all I have to say is wow! Excellent service as soon as we walked through the door. We were greeted with a sample of the exploded potatoes yum! A young man helped us through the menu and suggested the trans am which I had and my wife had the Alcatraz and we both had a side of the potatoes. Than we were pointed to the bar to pay and wow what a beer selection. The gentleman at the bar was very helpful and kind. He let us sample some of the beers on tap and I decided on the burley oak and my wife had a sasparilla. We both loved our subs and potatoes very large portions. I know what I will be having for lunch tomorrow. Defiantly check this place out good food good beer and good music! Found our new favorite spot we'll be back!
(5)Victoria R.
Not overly impressed. My husband had the Embarcadero and chips, and also a grilled cheese. His food was delicious and he was happy. I had a steak sandwich, which was terrible, and the exploded potatoes, which are as good as the reviews claim. I was extremely disappointed in my $9 steak sandwich, which I couldn't even bring myself to eat more than half of. Overall, this place fell short of its Yelp reputation.
(3)Diane W.
Really enjoyed the place. Great food and very friendly staff
(5)Ben G.
Really good subs... found this place on Yelp driving from Baltimore home to Cleveland. Would recommend! Menu is really big and hard to pick! Like the other reviews said it can be hard to find but once you find it youre golden.
(4)Jeff F.
Great for a casual meal. The food was very good, try the exploded potato salad, it is unique. The owner came over to our table and was very friendly, offering up tastes of items on the menu. Overall we were very pleased and will visit again, when in the area.
(5)Anthony Y.
I read about this place on yelp. I went yesterday, the service is outstanding some of the nicest people you will ever meet. The owner gave me the VIP treatment and the food was outstanding. When you go ask about the exploding potatoes. In the words of Arnold, "I'll be back"
(5)Angela S.
AKA Friscos: Home of the 23 minute sandwich. And, I am disappointed in my fellow Yelpers. A measley 1.5 stars. I will try to touch on the points that the other reviews failed to mention. First, when you pull up to the establishment, you have to figure out where to go. There is one part of the building for carryout and catering, another for ice cream, and another which is the restaurant. Now, I was going for carryout, so does that mean I go to the carryout door? I chose the restaurant, and it all went downhill from there. I walked in to find some people preparing food in the middle of the room, and what appeared to be a bartender in the back. No menu anywhere, as I had seen on the Yelp pictures. One of the workers asked if I had been there before. I told her no, and she pointed at the menu board on some random side of the counter that no one would have ever seen. At 4:00 on a weekday afternoon, there was only one person ordering in front of me. She ordered from the 2 people working there, then moved on. I was left standing there. And standing there. Finally one of them said they would be right with me. They weren't. Then someone came from another part of the building and took my order. After taking my order, he offered me a sample of the exploded potatoes, which looked totally unappetizing. Luckily I asked what the red bits were before I tried any (fyi they are bacon, for those of you who don't eat red meat). Seeing as I had just ordered 2 vegetarian sandwiches, you can probably bet that I handed that sample right back to him. Anyway, I took my order note over to the bartender-type guy, who rung me up--now tell me, why can't I just order from this guy? Doesn't make sense. So then I proceeded to wait, get this, 23 minutes for my 2 sandwiches. At 4:00 in the afternoon. With one person in front of me. Better be one hell of a sandwich. It wasn't. The Golden Gate, consisting only of tomato, alfalfa sprouts, avocado, 1 slice of cheese, and no dressing or seasoning, was pretty bad, especially when it was on cheap bread. Reminded me of a hot dog bun., It was pretty much inedible. It was trying to be Jimmy John's veggie sub, but I'd rather go the 1/2 mile down the road and get JJ's, on better bread with better flavor (and cheaper). The other vegetarian sandwich, The Mission, was better, mostly because it was on a higher quality baguette-type crusty-chewy bread. I think the green olive tapenade (that is what that is called for those who were struggling to describe it in other reviews) would have meshed well with the brie had it been a little less salty. All in all, I would probably have this sandwich again, but not from here. Its not worth the hassle. Both sandwiches were a decent size, but for $7-$7.50, they ought to be. Bottom line: If sandwiches are your claim to fame, then they better be damn good. Each and every one should be just as good as the next, with no "misses". And, no, I don't need to try any of the baked potatoes--I can make those at home.
(2)Sean S.
Good luck finding this place! Its like in Zelda where you had to move a specific rock or burn a specific bush to find your goodies. And im not telling because Im selfish like that. Yums: Exploded potatoes are awesome, great subs, summer wine tastings, excellent selection of reasonably priced wines (we buy it by the case here) and there is no better deal on ice cream in Frederick ( the way cool kiss with the homemade oreos is delish). Pricing: Cheap Atmosphere: beachy, which is awesome for Frederick ( i need the reminder of beaches) Dress: very casual Service: good Food: A Parking: Ample and Free Wait: None Overall Grade: A
(5)Elisabeth H.
This is a 3 * review that I really hope to go back and change to a 4. After reading all the hype I finally made a trip to AKA Friscos. It seems that AKA Friscos has a cult like following, and is fully illustrated by the fact that the location is in the middle of an industrial park. This is very different from the 4,397 other places to eat in Frederick that find themselves either downtown, or lining 40, 85, 355 in one of the MANY strip malls. I walked in and immediately got the this is 'one of those places' vibe. You know, that place you go when you are craving something great, out of the ordinary that fills a void that no other place seems to. The menu is extensive and can be overwhelming having done some pre-meal research via yelp I knew that there were a couple things I wanted to try but on the top of the list was the baked potato concoctions. So we had two of those Kong Lobo which had bacon, cheese, chili and the hot sauce which was more smokey then spicy and the other was the Santa Fe. They both were great taste wise but here comes the 3 star review part both potatoes came out very quickly which was great almost before we could find seating, but both were cold which wasn't so great. Both were sent back to be reheated and both came back hot on the sides with the middle and most of the actual potato part cold. Which really was a shame both chili was on point, and the Santa Fe tasted great. I think the key is making sure the potato is hot throughout prior to placing all the toppings on it. That really is my only complaint, but no matter how good something is tasting it's not so good cold. We also had the mildly spicy wings which were not really spicy at all and were baked not fried, but were just as good as if they had been prepared the 'yummy but bad for you way' they came with a smokey ranch type of dipping sauce which was great. Last but not least was the exploded potatoes and BBQ sandwich. The BBQ was good not the best I have ever had but it was still good. The highlight was definitely the exploded potatoes they were great! All in all had a good meal, tried a bunch of stuff, and am excited to go back and give Frisco's a second chance.
(3)Andrew B.
There aren't many places where I'm willing to say I'd recommend literally anything on the menu, but this is one of them. The sandwiches are unique and delicious (recommendation: the embarcadero or flat iron steak), the salads are meals unto themselves, and the sides are great (if you don't love the exploded potatoes, you don't have a soul). They serve beer, they have an ice cream/milkshake attachment and a fantastic -- and inexpensive -- wine selection with a helpful staff. The location is poor, but that's a forgivable (and even understandable when you see the business they do during the week) offense. I've gone here probably at least 50 times and have had one bad experience -- the girl who took my order was offensive in her lack of caring and ended up taking down the order wrong -- but even that was rectified quickly by other staff. Frisco's is just a fantastic, individualistic, casual place. Best lunches in town.
(5)Dylan K.
Friscos is amazing. I get the flat iron steak potato almost everytime. The steak is better than what I had at The Tasting Room. Everything is insanely flavorful. Really fun atmosphere too. Can't say a bad word about it. Awesome place. I'm so glad I live near Westview so I can go all the time.
(5)Carly J.
I hadn't planned on reviewing Frisco's today but it popped up when I was searching for something else so I thought, "Why not?" About five months ago, my teenage son was feeling like crap. NOTHING interested him food-wise. I started driving around and after about 15 minutes, thought that exploded potatoes would hit the spot for him--easy on his throat and he loves them. I got to Frisco's about 7:04 PM and noticed that they closed at 7. I walked back to my car and as I was getting in, one of the employees came running out to me. He had a carry out menu in his hand and gave it to me while telling me the hours were printed on it and that he was sorry I missed them. Then, he said that he hated to think I had wasted a trip there and handed me a serving of...exploded potatoes. Anyone that's going to go that far above and beyond the call of duty to make someone happy who wasn't even upset to begin with deserves mention. Their food is great, the prices can't be beat and their customer service is also wonderful. Mayve a month later, I ordered one of the potato meals and the preparer omitted the dressing. It happened a second time. I wasn't really upset and I didn't make a scene--just made a comment that they might to double check their servings--mistakes happen. However, Mr. Cool Manager comped my next potato. I sing their praises. Any restaurant that is THAT "hidden" and off the beaten path that can not only survive but also thrive is impressive. I hope they're open for another 50 years!!
(5)Jackie G.
We came here for lunch when we were visiting the Flying Dog Brewery based on all of the positive reviews it had online. We enjoyed the food so much, we came back that same day for dinner. Since then, we make sure to hit it up anytime we're even remotely close to it, including going out of our way to go through Frederick when driving from New Jersey to stop in. As everyone else has mentioned, the star really is the buttery scalliony amazing exploded potatoes...pay the extra $0.50 to upgrade the regular potatoes to exploded. Our favorite is probably the Flat Iron Steak (really good steak, homemade steak sauce, cheese and scallions). They also do a couple of specials after 4 and on the weekends. I've had the Grilled Chicken Special, which has really flavorful grilled chicken served with some exploded potatoes, a small salad, and an awesome cilantro sauce. They have a ton of great looking salads and sandwiches, but haven't ventured to that part of the menu....yet.
(5)Elizabeth L.
I really tried to like Friscos, because I like San Francisco a lot, but I couldn't find anything to eat there that wasn't a disappointment. I have tried their chili (way too much cumin!), some sandwiches (really, I have had much better sandwiches), nachos (double why bother) and have reached the conclusion that I don't like the food at Friscos and it is time to stop trying.
(1)Colin M.
The real food king of Frederick that most residents surprisingly don't know about because of the location. Full flavor in all the items they serve - I don't know how they already haven't been featured on some sort of Food Network show.
(5)Heather P.
I'm a Friscos ADDICT! I love everything Friscos!! These recent reviews on here are completely WHACK! These complaints about "bad service" is a JOKE!! Kim E The reason why you couldn't fit through the door, is because obviously Friscos is the BEST! Clearly you should have stopped at a run down McDonald's on some interstate because FRISCOS IS NOT FOR PEOPLE LIKE YOOOOOOOU! The funny thing is, if you would have been a lady, and asked to speak to one of the owners, they would have happily made you something more to your liking upon request. People like you and Mr Glenn, belong at the wawa with all the other stale people in the world. In my final defense, Aka Friscos is definitely NOT for everyone.. That's why they don't advertise.. Most people find out about them by word of mouth. this is a review you can trust! xoxoxo heather ; )
(5)Roger B.
I liked this place a lot! Good service, great menu and awesome food. The layout can be a bit confusing your first time, but, once you get it down, it's fairly simple. If you tell them it's your first time there, they will make sure you understand everything going on. Once again, great food.
(5)Kevin L.
Yes, it is small and loud - and sometimes it is hard to get a seat BUT the food is totally worth it!! Every sandwich I have ever ordered have been excellent, the portions are great too. I love the loaded mased potatoes, these alone are worth the trip. A great meal, fair prices.
(5)Will P.
This place was awesome. The menu is expansive and has a ton of great items. The staff is super helpful and really care about your experience. I can't wait to go back!
(5)Daniel D.
Heard about this place through word of mouth and I'm glad I stopped flat iron steak on potatoes is a very filling lunch my girlfriend tried there mildly spicy wings and they had a very good taste I will go a 2nd time for sure they also sell beer
(4)Phil W.
Friendly, helpful service... Very quick and tons of food! Got the fat boy: 4 kinds of meat 2 kinds of cheese! Good eats
(5)Sooperken S.
Good sandwiches and good food in general... i thoroughly dislike the ordering process, where you stand, wait and hope that one of the kids they have working there notices you and eventually takes your order... it can be frustrating at times... It's like they are doing you a favor by finally taking your order? ... besides that, i don't have many other complaints... The curry chicken salad sandwich with sprouts is great and definitely reminds me of something you might get in San Francisco... i'll go again and would recommend it... Can somebody PLEASE work out a more logical/professional ordering process? i'll give you 5 stars when that happens...
(4)Ryan N.
Great spot for lunch! So many choices you'll need to come back, again and again to try them all. Love their generous use of avocado and bean sprouts! Atmosphere is fun and great for casual dining.
(4)Chrissy M.
Have you ever gotten a food craving that just can't be satisfied until you have that food again? That's how I feel just thinking about Friscos! Everything I have ever had from them is amazing and I've had a lot. They have an extensive menu so if you're struggling with what to try I recommend 1 - The Bart 2- Exploded Potatoes 3 - Santa Fe Chicken. Yes, you should get all three and it will cost you just over $10. The atmosphere is awesome, the people have always been super friendly to me and the food is amazing! I don't usually like to try new foods once I have a favorite and once I was debating (out loud) trying the Santa Fe chicken vs. sticking with the same thing I always get and the man behind the counter said, "Here, try some and then decide." Best decision ever! I seriously can't get enough of Friscos! Definitely worth a visit if you're in the area or if you're like me and live 40 minutes away it's worth the drive!
(5)Colleen F.
Nice, family friendly atmosphere with affordable prices. We were greeted at the counter with free samples of their soup to try. The staff is very friendly. Good vegetarian options and beer selection. Their location is in a warehouse type area, so don't turn around thinking you've made a wrong turn. The sandwiches are very tasty. I do miss the outdoor ice cream window.
(4)Tristan K.
This place is the stuff of legend - back when they had their outpost near Tenleytown in DC, the line was consistently out the door. Although this HQ has been the only Friscos option for about a decade, I still make the 45 minute drive on the weekends to this simple oasis tucked into an industrial park. The subs are great, lots of variety and packed to the gills. Do not forget the Wicked Wolf hot sauce for that added zing. The Oreo cookies are also heavenly, with the right amount of softness. But my go-to is the exploded potatoes. Despite countless attempts I can never recreate the awesomeness that is the Redwood. Would definitely be my choice for a last meal if I ever find myself on death row.
(5)Jeff S.
Quirky and fun little hidden gem in Frederick. Great sandwiches, exploded potatoes, salads, bakers, etc. They seem to have something for everyone. Prices are reasonable but it does seem like they use pretty cheap quality ingredients.
(4)Shane K.
Absolutely great food. Friscos chicken salad was fantastic and the exploded potatoes are phenomenal. Good prices and nice atmosphere.
(5)John F.
The food here is awesome! The owners and staff couldn't be nicer. I want to eat here every day!
(5)C F.
This place is great.
(5)Samuel R.
AKA Friscos: Worth the drive to Frederick Question: How many sandwiches exist that are so good that you would need no other reason to plan a trip to Frederick? Count the number of sandwiches on the menu of AKA Friscos and you will have your answer. Ms. Classy and I visited AKA Friscos a few weeks ago and we could not wait for a return visit. I messaged with my lunch plans while she was stuck at work and she replied, "It is cruel of you to go up there without getting me something. CRUEL." I promised to bring home one of their mouth-watering sandwiches (the Trans-Am) and she quickly retracted her accusation of cruelty. The trip from doorstep to deli took the better part of an hour, but in my food-obsessed opinion, it was worth it. The first thing a newbie customer will notice upon entering the restaurant is the atmosphere. There's no formal greeter, but I got a friendly "Hello!" shout and a sample of their Exploded Potatoes handed to me when I walked in the door. AKA Friscos is the antithesis of formal in the best way possible. It is one part deli, one part sports bar, and one part indoor picnic. Customer and staff conversations are loud, but friendly, and their music selection rocks (80s Def Leppard, Pink Floyd, AC/DC, and Alice Cooper were on the playlist during my visit). You can watch the sandwich magic happen from the open center 'pavillion' where they take your order and assemble your food. Now to my favorite part of all: the food. On the first visit, Ms. Classy and I shared the Embarcadero and the Alcatraz sandwiches and shared a side of the Exploded Potatoes. After the first bite, we made a blood oath to return. For today's visit, I ordered the BBQ Sandwich, which comes with a side of the Exploded Potatoes, for $8.50. As you can see, this sandwich is big and slathered in Sweet Baby Ray's barbecue sauce. The server brought a handful of extra napkins, which is a necessity for a sandwich like this. The roast beef was tender with a nice smokey flavor. If you like your barbecue beef sweet, this is the sandwich for you. Even though the sandwich was large and wonderful, the side of Exploded Potatoes is not to be overlooked. Unlike a traditional cold, mustard/mayonnaise based potato salad, the Exploded Potatoes are served warm, almost mashed, with plenty of butter, bacon, and green onions mixed inside. They are amazing and a must have unless you have some sort of anti-potato political agenda. After my tasty and very filling lunch, I had a nice chat with the owner, John Wolf. He gave me a quick tour of the facilities and showed me where they dry rub, roast, and slice their fresh meats daily. Their breads are delivered bakery fresh every morning. He let me sample a few different meat slices, which made me curse my standard-sized stomach for not being able to take on additional sandwiches at the time. I asked him about the 'off the grid' location and John said it was by design. He's happy with his regular clientele and atmosphere for the deli and attached wine store. He is more than happy to welcome new customers, but cautions the atmosphere isn't for everyone and people have come based on stellar customer reviews and were a little put off by the hyper-casual atmosphere. I assured him that no one really reads my *CENSORED* and he seemed pleased. He followed that up with one of my favorite quotes from a restaurant owner: "We're not going to turn the music down." Will Ms. Classy and I return? As often as we have business in Frederick (sometimes the only business we'll have there is to visit AKA Friscos. Yours, -Someone of the male persuasion who does not like to spend a whole lot of money on things
(5)Kim E.
Rude customer service and lack-luster food is the fare at AKA Friscos. If you are passing through, please keep on driving. This joint is not made for the family just passing through town. We picked it based on Yelp reviews that usually never lead us astray. We walked in...ok, squeezed in the doorway and tried to read the menu. The counter is right up next to the door with a gigantic billboard style menu with so many options and details that you can't wrap your head around what is available. We step up to order and the guy working the counter is clearly exasperated by the fact that I ask for a grilled chicken sandwich for my daughter. No. Can't do that. Can't? Interesting choice of words. So, I order a kid's grilled cheese and a "what he called the closest thing to a grilled chicken sandwich" for my daughter and I to split. It was called "the Chronicle" My husband got one as well. The grilled chicken was average at best. It was grilled much like you would do at home on your grill. The grilled cheese for my son was...less than appetizing. Pretty bad when a four year old won't eat a grilled cheese. While there were plenty of people there eating, I can't imagine that they are enjoying this less than average meal. Perhaps there is nothing else to choose from in the area. Maybe it is locals who have grown up thinking this is the best food out there. Maybe we just got the wrong things. Here's a hint AKA Friscos...help your customers who don't have a clue pick some of the favorites on your menu if you are going to have a mammoth of a menu!
(1)Chef A.
Now if you like to eat maggots, then I suggest going back to MD-85 where the4th st. refugee hookers who are paid in Toblerone go to eat. But for the rest of us who are sick of the Buckeystown Pkl nightmare at lunch time, Friscos is one of the best hidden secrets in town. If you want good food, good booze and a good price, then you want to come here. If you want to sit outside and eat ice cream, well they got that too,. And hell, after eating a stuffed potato, downing a few pints, then head next door drunk for ice cream, you can go next door to that to the wine shop and buy more booze to go. This brings me to my second part of the review, the booze. I had a date and we hit this place up like a high school kegger for her to get silly drunk. they had a decent beer selection, but she chose wine. Personally, I think the effects of getting trashed off of Listerine would be better than wine drunk, but hell, she's the drinker. Anywho, the wine selection was pretty huge. And if that's not enough alcohol for you, a five minute walk or 8 second car ride puts you at the front door of the Flying Dog. So, if you don't like hookers or maggots, then come to Frisco's. If on the other hand you do like the preceding thing, then hit up MD-85/355 where they party near the massage and tattoo parlors. PS- They DO sell Mellow Yellow.
(5)Julaine N.
Their exploded potatoes are fantastic. I love adding the sausalito toppings to them. You can add any baked potato toppings to the exploded potatoes. It makes an excellent meal! They also have delicious salads and soups. Everything is very filling, delicious, and at a great price. Wine and beer are available as well.
(5)Shane E.
Biggest Yelp disappointment to date. Place was packed and the small ordering area left me working the door. The menu is far too large and descriptive for any first timer. From the side you cannot read the many different item descriptions. Naming food items after SF landmarks, for example, is cute and all, but does little to help tell me what the item is. The descriptions underneath are so long they border on run-on sentence. The staff seemed somewhat annoyed by our lack of experience with their complex system. I've read more than a few reviews that mentioned the staff issues. I'm not sure who ever said this is good for kids either. Nothing most kids would eat was on the agenda. Asked for a plain chicken breast...told that wasn't on the menu and to try again. Had to buy an appetizer and an $8.95 sandwich for our two. Sandwich was underwhelming to say the least, especially for 9 bucks. Subway is as good a choice. Grilled cheese and chicken sandwich were nothing more than standard back-yard grill fare. Swapping provolone for American cheese isn't all that avante-garde I'm afraid. Nothing remotely special about our meals. Had the spicy chili. Decent but, again, nothing I will be craving anytime soon. Service is subpar and just getting a plastic fork and napkins required me searching around the restaurant and asking for help. I was 2/3 thru my sandwich when my side of chili came up. This place is loud and lousy, sorry to burst any Yelp! bubbles. My only hypothesis is the fact that the location is in an industrial park-type area and there weren't many options in the immediate area. Yelp! has never let me down but this left me with a horrible taste in my mouth, both literally and figuratively. I generally try to find the bright spots in any visit because I spent so many years in the food-service industry. I felt a lot of optimism heading into AKA Friscos but that quickly turned to all-out frustration and anger. After we left my wife pointed out that they didn't have menus and posted a note that recommends you download it yourself. I won't be back and I hope that for their sake they adjust their "Dick's Last Resort" attitude when it comes to their customers. Gave one star because I couldn't give it zero. Update 6/24/12- I stand by my review, even in light of Owner's comments. Why should I have to defend my opinion?
(1)Don D.
You'll never find it.. Unless you look for it. Great sandwiches. The service has a hint of the Soup Nazi, for sure. Sammy makers are all business -- a good sign, but no room for yapping. The cashier was really cold...youch! But, who cares. Cool place, great sammies, great variety.
(4)Monkee C.
This is a great find in an unexpected place (an industrial office park in Frederick, who knew)? Good deal on lunch special too, half of any sandwich and a medium side and drink for $7. I tried the embarcadero which I thought was very good, but it was the white bean chicken chili that I had as my side that really brought it to new levels. No other chili can compare now (seriously). I'll be stopping here whenever I'm hungry and in the area.
(4)Kelly D.
Wonderful and fresh! Can be made vegan friendly! The place was packed when we got there but food came out quick. I was in town just passing through on my way to NC. Food was delicious, staff helpful and pleasant.
(4)Monica K.
exploded potato tastes like heaven.
(4)Ginny S.
12 July 2012 1200 Accessibility:This restaurant while slightly off the beaten path and is easy to get into and it has plenty of parking. 3 Stars Atmosphere: This is a very social, loud and friendly place. Really a great place to go with friends for lunch. It is two floors and enough seating even though a lot of people seem to carry out too. probably should emphasize the loudness in the place. After you order your food and stand to wait for it, you really have to listen hard because they do not yell it out too loud or at least the music and noise overpowers it out. Very "tight" to walk around in where you order and narrow stairs taking you upstairs. 4 Stars Customer service: The customer service consists of talking to the person that you place your order with and then the other person that you pay. Not much interaction with the one we put our orders with, she pretty much never looked up, just took the order and shoved the order slip in front of us and said to give that to the lady at the pay counter. But they do work fast there and there was a line. Now where we paid for the sandwiches/salads, she was very pleasant. 3 Stars Menu Food:Sandwiches and Salads. This place makes a lot of great salads and even more salads! If you have a special type of sandwich/salad, I would bet they have it here. The entire building smells wonderfully of the great foods too! I had thePacific Heights. It is what they call an Italian and Greek salad withSalami, & Prosciutto on Romaine lettuce. It is literally loaded with their homemade "mild" salsa. It slightly more than mild to most, but it is really good I might add. It has an olive relish, pepperonini, sprinkled with a tad of feta cheese. While they are a little heavy on the oil & vinegar, they were overly heavy on the hot peppers. This is a "spicy hot" little salad but if you like it that way, it is a nice little salad. Light and really filling. A small is a fairly large size. So remember the portion sizes here are fairly large and well worth the money for a lunch with some friends. 3 stars Would I come back to this restaurant? For a lunch - absolutely. Or a very late lunch with a bunch of friends.
(3)Shawn H.
There are probably a few good places to eat in Frederick, but a.k.a Friscos has to be the best for miles and miles. It is immediately obvious that everyone here knows how to run a deli. But it gets better. The sandwich creations are well thought out, excellent and reasonably priced. The same is true for the salads. You get a LOT to eat. There's an ice cream place attached if you just have to have something sweet after (or in place of) your meal. I also saw beer and wine if that's your preference. This is located in the middle of a large office park and I heard they close at 5pm, so it's lunch only. Get there early or be prepared to wait because everyone there knows how awesome the food is!
(5)Grant M.
I hate to be the wet blanket. But my family went here with high hopes from the stellar yelp reviews and we felt pretty let down. Nothing really to write home about - except the exploded potatoes .Those were pretty good.
(3)D. C.
Stuck-up servers and cooks that treat you like crap every time without fail. Fabulous food though! Can you say....Soup Nazi lol? The food is phenomenal and the prices have stayed pretty true to what they always were. Cannot fault the owners or the cooks!
(4)Matthew S.
Fantastic sandwich joint! It's tucked in the middle of an industrial park (down the road from Flying Dog Brewery.The menu is that of a sandwich/salad/soup type of place, but with extra attention on the little things. The meats are of a higher quality, the sub rolls are freshly baked, and the sauces are homemade. Everything is named after a neighborhood in San Francisco - so far I've had the Lombard and Oakland and both were excellent. Very filling as well - the sandwiches are packed with meat. The best item on the menu, in my opinion, is the exploding baked potato. Just check it out - it's delicious. Also, they sell beer including local, national favs, and west coast Anchor Brewing Company. Overall a great meal, both lunch and dinner. They also sell wine and beer next store, so it's a nice place to start the night out at.
(5)Glenn G.
I'll make this one short and sweet. The food was OK for the most part. The BBQ Beef sandwich was good. A pretty decent portion for the price. I also had the exploding potatoes which were alright, but not exactly amazing, IMO. However, I'm really sorry to say that their customer service was absolutely THE worst I've experienced in some time. The next time I crave a sandwich, I'll go to the Wawa a couple of miles away.
(1)Hen S.
Service was eh....food was ok. Won't be going back.
(3)Willie T.
Great place, great price, great staff. Been there dozens of times and have never had a bad meal, sandwich, soup or service. Def. best of Frederick
(5)Kevin W.
I ate here multiple times a week for almost 2 months straight. This is the best lunch spot in this city in my opinion. The potatoes, soups, and chillies are the best. Order some of their cookies. I prefer the strawberry shortcake.
(5)Ted W.
Good sandwiches (not spectacular). Exploded potatoes are very good. Odd location in a semi-industrial area.
(3)Sarah C.
The food gives this place 4 stars. The wait staff? well half of them were decent, and a few were down right rude. But the sandwhich? AMAZING! I had the pesto sandwhich, it was sooo good. The cheese was to die for! The loaded mash potatos were delicous. But the bbq pork had to much pepper for my liking. I'd definitely go there again. $20 for 2 meals, a beer, and soda, was a great price.
(4)Nazzarena L.
The locatrion is unfortunate, a secluded industrial zone that is the armpit of a town wich is itself an armpit. But if you manage to make it to (armpit)e2, you'll find a trendy and beachy eatery with a delicious american menu of subs and bakers (baked potatoes), including exploded potatoes that goes from the gory (Fatboy, Kong Lobo) to the simple and veg (avo cado rich Sausalito, Alcatraz). Add adjoining wine detailer and ice cream parlor. Visit nearby Flying Dog brewery and make it an excursion.
(5)Rene D.
I LOVE THIS PLACE! A friend introduced me to the EXPLODED POTATO 2 yrs ago and I've been hooked ever since!! Imagine...mashed potato, cheeses, onion, bacon, hot yummy flavorful! Free samples walking in the door too. The subs...outta this world over stuffed full of flavor uniquely named after San Francisco area culture ...I just ate the Oakland...turkey, pesto, gouda cheese, chipolte mayo...OMGOSH! Also next door their ICE CREAM SHOP..."WAY COOL" has me turning away from Rita's with their WAY COOLER (Fruit smoothie with vanilla ice cream kinda like a giant parfait) AND AMAZING SOFT SERVE filled to the bottom of the cone and amazing Mud Pie dessert too big for one...coffee drinks and shakes so many things on the ice cream treats menu too many to list! Weird/bad location business industrial area, so unless you know...u won't find it just driving by :( They should definitely be advertising with some flyers or something! Love this place...did I mention that?!?! PS: In reading some of these reviews...my take is those negative comments are not the norm because this place has a following! We're just too stuffed and satisfied after eating to remember to come back to sites like this to review! High School girls can be a little coldish but today everyone was on point with smiles and helpful tone. You order your food and can take a seat and they call out your order and you pick it up at the tiki hut..This isn't a sit down restaurant but great seating with tv and working fireplace in the winter. No actual waiters, just get your order when they call it...so no tipping on top of your bill. SO unless you're expecting to be waited on, then it's a fun beach themed Americana type place!
(5)Jess R.
OH MY GOODNESS, so far the best meal I have had in Frederick. I had the SanteFe chicken on Exploded potatoes....great comfort food. Just enough spicy to kick-it, but not so much that it over powered the dish. And there is definitely enough to share. Wish I would have found this place on my first day here and not the last one.
(5)Jjjj S.
Excellent! I had a great sandwich: curry chicken, with alfalfa sprouts and all the fixins on soft wheat bread. They also have wings and a selection of different baked potatoes and some other grilled sandwiches. They've beer (great microbrew selection) and wine as well as an bottle shop next store with a great wine selection and beer. Big open windows, high ceilings and friendly staff make the environment welcoming, they have outdoor picnic tables that look like they'd be great on a sunny day.
(5)Joe S.
I Love the "South Of Market" sandwich! Great sandwiches, the exploded potatoes are the bomb! 5 Stars all the way! Very fresh food and ingredients I think I want a sandwich now! Go there! You will not be disappointed!
(5)Alan M.
Frisco's is a great place for lunch. It is located a little bit out of the way but it would be incorrect to call it a "hidden gem" since it is both popular and busy. Stopped by today to meet my wife for lunch and it took me a while to find a parking spot. Just as I was about to enter the building, I got a text from my wife wondering when I would arrive! The sandwiches are the best around. They offer several outstanding vegetarian options in addition to the regular fare; I have tried quite a few menu items and have never been disappointed. Today I opted for the "San Bruno" (curried chicken salad on whole wheat with tomato, alfalfa sprouts, and onion) and I loved it. One of their "signature" items is the Exploded Potatoes. Do yourself a favor and add them to your order. You'll be glad you did.
(5)Christie V.
Friscos... San Fransisco.. yup. Clearly on the brain as most of the menu items are named after California Bay Area landmarks. Love their potatoes. My favorite is the Sausalito, followed by the flat iron steak potato (easy on the cheese). They used to have a vegetarian sandwich with palm hearts which was totally NOMS (very sad to see it gone). Service is typically quick, ambiance can be a little loud. Cheap wines next door in the wine shop, and an adjacent soft-serve ice cream place. If you are feeling particularly guilty.. go for the exploded potatoes!
(4)Nick C.
Wow. Like all previous Yelpers said, this place is in the middle of nowhere. It is eccentric as all hell, but has cheap booze, great food, and it is just quirky enough to warrant a return visit. Awesome.
(5)C R.
I had not been to Friscos for years. wanted to grab dinner, and all the chains had an hour wait. I remember AKA Friscos. (had been to a nearby business a few weeks before) a young women, bubbly and pleasant greeted us and handed us a sample of the exploded potatoes. they were mmmmm mmm good. Explained to us the "process of ordering and paying. I had the flat iron chicken. It was so hard to choose. But what a great choice. Big pile of really tender tasty grilled chicken on fresh, crisp, mixed salad greens, a delish dipping sauce, and the exploded potatoes rounded out the dinner. Later I thought I was supposed to have grilled bread but there were so many menu items, I could be wrong. Lots of beer, but sadly no irish beer :( it was a nice evening and we sat outside. We decide we should taste the ice cream. It was really very good; ice cream not that werid ice milk. A little slow on the service, but it was worth the wait. Boo hoo they were out of strawberry topping, but hot fudge worked out just as well. I am an AKA Friscos fan. I will be back--- Could you get a few irish beers??
(4)Jase H.
The best subs in the Frederick area by far. Try the Embarkadaro, The Presidio, The Golden Gate, or all of them. The Baked Potatos are excellent and the monterey Chicken Salad is incredible. And no trip is complete without an order of 'sploding potatoes. It is difficult to find, and can be very busy at lunch (quick tip- FAX IN YOUR ORDER!!) but it is so worth it.
(5)Mark L.
AKA Friscos is the best. Eat a sandwich, have the buffalo wings and the exploded potatoes. EXCELLENT!
(5)Ramona P.
Great place to eat in and carry out. My father is very particular and doesn't like just anyplace. He ordered the roast beef sandwhich and was very pleased that he could only eat half of it because there was so much in it.
(4)Will M.
Listen I like the concept being a Californian but it is not the go to sandwich shop. My wife's choice called The South of The Market (ham, Swiss, honey mustard, salad aka lettuce, tomato, mayo) was good, but the sandwich I had the Presidio, tasted like salt peter. Other than that the exploded potatoes where good but I came for the sandwiches brother.
(3)Christa S.
Their food is amazing! I highly recommend the steak sandwich and the exploded potatoes! Good prices on wine, too! Check this place out.
(5)Tenni W.
Great little restaurant! It is fairly hidden other restaurants and retail stores, but really close to The Flying Dog Brewery. The exploded potatoes are rich and slightly greasy, but they are heaven. My sandwich of choice is The Lombard and it never disappoints. Service is always friendly and quick.
(5)Ted B.
Absolutely the best sandwich and potatoes i have had in a very long time. we found this place on Yelp as we were driving thru Frederick MD from DC to Pgh. could not have been more satisfied with our lunch. got the Glen Park sandwich, Presidio sandwich, and russian hill exploded potatoes... each bite was more fantastic than the one before. great friendly staff as well. we will make this a stop every time we travel thru this area in the future.
(5)RG S.
We ate at a quirky Frederick restaurant last night, very casual joint in an industrial park, just south of I-70. The menu was original, the portions big, and everything we got was great. How much can you do with a baked potato? As it turns out, quite a lot! Plus, a good ice cream store next door. I'm spreading the word.
(4)Linda N.
I have loved this place for years, their salads, sandwiches, soup and exploded potatoes. I was particularly impressed yesterday when one of their managers brought me a small taste of their Tomato Bisque to go with my salad (I hadn't ordered it) and explained that next time, if I want to do soup-salad-drink combo it would have been cheaper than the salad I ordered! Now thats attentiveness!
(5)B. S.
Went to this place purely based on its Yelp reviews and we were really excited by the place. It is in the middle of a business park and we thought for sure it was closed, but so glad to come in and see that it was open. Food was delicious. Ordering at the entry counter, paying at the bar and then having the food delievered piecemeal was a bit weird. But we forgive the untraditional set-up for the yummy eats. We all loved the exploded potatoes as recommended by other yelpers. The best dishes were the flat iron steak and grilled chicken.
(4)Liz B.
Best lunch spot in Frederick!
(5)Mark R.
Great place to grab some great sandwiches! You HAVE to try the Exploded Potato (get the smallest one). Fresh food! Friendly staff!!! Quality food!!!! Make sure you take a tour of the nearby Flying Dog Brewery
(4)Joe W.
The best place in Frederick for XL sized sandwiches. Prices are good, food is great. Beer selection is the only thing lacking. Fix that and it gets 5 stars. Location is off the beaten path but worth going out of your way for it.
(4)Angel R.
Cheap wine - soft serve ice cream - and a menu of sandwiches/salads/baked potatoes all named after San Fran locations. How can any of that be bad?!? Great for lunch or dinner. I'd have given them a 5 star rating except the BEST thing on the menu (Exploded Potatoes) is not always consistantly great. It's usually great, but not consistantly. ABSOL better than your average deli :)
(4)Brendan F.
The ultimate heavy food. I have as yet never tried a sandwich because the DC location shut down and i've been too eager for a Baker the few times i'm able to go to buy anything else. But the Baker alone would turn any single restaurant into my favorite. It is an incredible invention, including either 'exploded' or simply cut up thick potato pieces, and then layers of deliciousness, depending on what kind you get. Those i've tried are as follows: The Kong Lobo: potatoes, chili, cheese, chives and onions, sour cream. Incredible, but very heavy and spicy after you get through about a quarter. The Santa Fe: potatoes, chicken chunks marinated in Frisco's santa fe style, lettuce, cheese, chives, sour cream. My favorite, and essentially my favorite meal ever. The Redwood: potatoes, cheese, horseradish sauce, slices of tender roast beef, sour cream. Very good as well. There are vegetarian bakers as well. I am certain that with such quality food as Bakers, the other things are good, but all I need to say about this place to claim it as the restaurant I crave the most when I want greasy, heavy, just heavenly tasting food is Bakers.
(5)David H.
Best lunch in Frederick.
(5)Nadine M.
LOVE FRISCOS! I am moving back to Maryland after living in Las Vegas for the past 3 years and am looking forward to the Oreo Mix Cookie thing and the Baked Potatoes and the Ice Cream...heck...EVERYTHING! I cannot get back fast enough!
(5)Guy S.
Great huge subs, huge salads, and monster exploded potatoes all inside an eclectic factory building with high exposed ceilings. They also serve beer & wine, cater, and can be rented out for parties.
(4)Peter J.
We have been going to Frisco's for many years (maybe 10?) When we started going they also had a resturant on Wisconson Avenue in NW DC but I believe their Frederick site is their only store today. The owner has worked tirelessly to make tis a great place to eat. Only downside is finding it as it's in the middle of an industrial park.
(5)Sheri W.
We love eating at Friscos, either eat-in or take-out. Their sandwiches and salads are fabulous and you can't beat the exploded potatoes. Very casual friendly service. The ice cream next door is great too!
(5)Audrey W.
You'll have no clue where this place is, so CALL AHEAD. The sandwhiches... the gourmet preparation of everything on the menu... and it's just a take-out, or eat in, catering place!
(5)michelle l.
This place is by far my FAVORITE place to eat lunch. One of these in a more convenient location would be nice. It isn't often that I'm out toward Buckeystown (off English Muffin Way). I used to work down the road from this place, and you CANNOT GO WRONG. Everything that I've had there has been FANTASTIC!
(5)Cassie R.
I was looking for takeout near my house and had heard aka Friscos had really good food. The service was confusing and my sandwich was just OK. Upon entering, I went to the ordering stand where one girl was beginning to put things away for the day. She walked over to the bar to help someone else so I went over there to try to place an order. Someone else directed me to the other side of the establishment and when I went over there they told me I had to order at the bar. The particular sandwich I wanted they were "out of" about half the ingredients it contained. The girl making it asked me if she could substitute other things and I said fine (I had already paid). She started making the sandwich and then took it across the entire restaurant back to the kitchen and then carried it back a few minutes later to box it up. Seems kind of odd that sandwiches here require multiple locations to assemble. My sandwich was not warm and when I picked it up to eat it, the contents fell out. I would not agree that this is an XL size sandwich either. I could have been just as satisfied with a $5 footlong from Subway, based on the service and quality of food I received. There are much better places in Frederick to get tasty, quality deli style sandwiches. I like to give places the benefit of a doubt, but sadly I am not a fan of this place and don't understand how anyone could give it higher than four stars.
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