177221 Thu Mar 16 12:18:23 -0800 2006 5 14 Washington DC & Baltimore Area 0 953565 We’re heading to Frederick this weekend and we’re trying to suss out some cheap and chowhoundish Americana. The following four places seem most likely to offer what we’re looking for, but I can’t seem to find any substantive feedback about them. If anyone else has any other recommendations along these lines, or any info about any of these places then I would greatly appreciate it: I keep reading about how the pies and the apple dumpling at Barbara Fritchie’s Candystick are supposed to be wonderful, but no one seems to mention anything about the food. Should we just pop in for pie and fifties style time warp ambience and have our meal elsewhere? Which pies are worthwhile? If there is anything good at Barbara Fritchie’s as far as country food or diner food goes, then what should we order? Also, what about Bill Watson’s Original Carry-Out? Is the fried chicken really anything special? And how are the burgers at Wag’s- particularly the Wag Burger? Finally, I noticed that there’s supposedly Texas brisket and barbecue available at a place called the Mountaindale General Store, but someone posting on another message board claimed that there’s been a change in ownership and that it has since gone downhill. Is it no longer worth checking out? Link: http://www.editorandpunisher.com Thu Mar 16 12:18:23 -0800 2006 0 AC 1 953620 I've never heard of Wag's or Bill Watson's but searched on-line and they look good. It's been over thirty years since I've been to Barbara Fritchie's but the last few years I've heard they're way past their prime. There a post below about the Mountain View Diner which is very near Barbara Fritchie's and that looks very good indeed. Thanks, Kevin Fri Mar 17 10:26:04 -0800 2006 953565 0 KOK 2 953623 mmmmmm...Wags burgers and fries....Honestly, I have not been to Wags in several years but we always went for the burgers and fries and they were quite good. The fries, in particlar, were excellent, especially topped with vinegar. These days, I get my fry fix at five guys here in DC. The only drawback was that it is downstairs in a basement so it's kind of dark. Fri Mar 17 10:39:53 -0800 2006 953620 0 Rhairing 2 953624 Personally, I love Fritchie's Candystick, I go whenever I'm in town (2-3 times a year) It's vintage, not pricey & the food is comforting & good. Went with some friends to Mountain View Diner once - it's fine, but I should add that it's def. more like shiny chain Silver Diner than vintage Tastee Diner. I'll take the real deal, vintage - you can find Silver Diner & its copies (Broadway Diner et al) anywhere... Fri Mar 17 10:51:37 -0800 2006 953620 0 Sal Monella 3 953630 Fair enough. I got the impression from the Mountain View poster it was more like the Double T (local mini chain) than the ghastly Silver Diner. And since all I've heard is second hand talk in re Barbara Fritchie, I'd go with your assesment over what I've heard. I STILL love the Laurel Tastee Diner, though it can be a bit smokey inside. Thanks, kevin Fri Mar 17 11:28:30 -0800 2006 953624 0 KOK 4 953636 Actually, Double T is a better comparison to Mountain View since it's greatly expanded & "Silver Dinered" itself. I remember going to one of the original Double Ts (Catonsville) before all the proliferation & liked it. Then I went to an outpost near Essex last year & didn't like it at all. Prices have risen too. I went to the Laurel Tastee Diner years ago - talk about vintage! (And don't forget one of the last Little Tavern burger joints nearby!) But aside from all the smoke, I enjoyed it. Hopefully smoking will be banned from that area/county someday soon? Uh oh, I probably opened a can of worms with THAT comment! The Bethesda & ESPECIALLY the Silver Spring Tastee Diners have changed a lot. There's also another vintage diner I like on Rte 1 in Jessup - Frank's. Fri Mar 17 12:26:54 -0800 2006 953630 0 Sal Monella