Free State's Finest 2011 List of Winners

And your replies weren’t just enthusiastic—they were diverse.

For every “finest” contender coming from the DC area, another would roll in from Garrett County. Naturally, Charm City garnered plenty of nominees, but you were just as charmed by southern Maryland and all the wonderful things it has to offer.

Now, after tallying more than 1,500 online and snail-mail ballots, we’re thrilled to present you with the results of our first-ever Free State’s Finest readers’ poll. It truly is a snapshot of what’s so great about our state.

Congratulations to this year’s winners, and a huge thanks to everyone who voted. As always, we couldn’t have done it without you!

To search for winners using our website's geo-location maps, click the "Free State's Finest Winners" search box on this webpage's right column.

FINEST FINE DINING

Ristorante Ottaviani - Allegany

Volt - Frederick

Morton’s - Baltimore City

Café des Artistes - St. Mary’s

Carrol’s Creek Cafe - Anne Arundel

Bayard House - Cecil

The Shark - Worcester

Editor’s Pick: Bartlett Pear Inn - Talbot

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FINEST RESTAURANT

D’Atri -Allegany

Clyde’s - Howard

Morton’s - Baltimore City

Café des Artistes - St. Mary’s

O’Learys - Anne Arundel

Bayard House - Cecil

The Shark - Worcester

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FINEST COFFEEHOUSE

Café Mark - Allegany

Café Nola - Frederick

Baltimore Coffee & Tea - Baltimore City

Brewing Grounds - St. Mary’s

City Dock - Anne Arundel

Coffee Cat - Talbot

Berlin Coffee House - Worcester

Editor’s Pick: Play It Again Sam -Kent

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FINEST APPETIZER

Santa Fe Grille - Garrett

Isabella’s - Frederick

Amicci’s - Baltimore

Café des Artistes - St. Mary’s

Level - Anne Arundel

Robert Morris Inn - Talbot

Galaxy 66 - Worcester

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FINEST CRABS

Hen House - Garrett

May’s - Frederick

Cravin’ Crabs - Baltimore City

Captain Leonard’s Seafood - St. Mary’s

Cantler’s - Anne Arundel

Tap Room Crab House - Cecil

Crab Bag - Worcester

Editor’s Pick: Suicide Bridge - Dorchester

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FINEST CRAB CAKE

Baltimore St. Grill - Allegany

Clyde’s - Howard

Pappas Seafood - Baltimore

Stoney’s - Calvert

G&M - Anne Arundel

Bayard house - Cecil

Captain’s Gallery II - Worcester

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FINEST FAMILY DINING

D’Atri - Allegany

Black Hog - Frederick

Friendly Farm - Baltimore

Rustic River - St. Mary’s

Boatyard Bar & Grill - Anne Arundel


Bohemia Café - Cecil

Editor’s Pick: Weaver’s - Washington

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FINEST DESSERT

Warner’s restaurant - Allegany

Dutch’s Daughter - Frederick

Vaccaro’s - Baltimore City

Café des Artistes - St. Mary’s

Caroline’s Cakes - Anne Arundel

Mason’s - Talbot

Baked Dessert Café- Worcester

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FINEST COCKTAIL

Honi-Honi Bar - Garrett


Victoria Gastro Pub - Howard

Pazo - Baltimore City

Crossing at Casey Jones - Charles

Martini’s - Talbot

Harborside - Worcester

Editor’s Pick: Preakness Black-Eyed Susan - Baltimore City

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FINEST MUSEUM

Washington County Museum of Fine Arts - Washington

Carroll County Farm Museum - Carroll

The Walters - Baltimore City

Calvert Marine Museum - Calvert

Annapolis Maritime Maritime Museum - Anne Arundel

Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum - Talbot

Ward Museum - Wicomico

Editor’s Pick: American Visionary Art Museum - Baltimore City

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FINEST ICE CREAM

Queen City Creamery - Allegany

Hoffman’s - Carroll

Broom’s Bloom - Harford

Bruster’s - St. Mary’s

Jimmie Cone - Montgomery

Scottish Highland Creamery - Talbot

Dumser’s Dairlyand - Worcester

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FINEST PARK

Rocky Gap - Allegany

Patapsco Valley - Howard

Ft. McHenry - Baltimore City

Point Lookout - St. Mary’s