Wye Oak Tavern in Frederick has been named the Best Historic Restaurant in the country as part of the 2026 Historic Hotels of America Awards of Excellence.
Historic Hotels of America, the official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation dedicated to recognizing historic hotels across the country, announced Wye Oak Tavern as the winner of its Best Historic Restaurant award. The honor recognizes a restaurant within a historic hotel for its cuisine, historic atmosphere, and customer service.
Wye Oak Tavern is located inside the Visitation Hotel Frederick, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, at 211 E. Church St. The property dates to 1846 and was transformed into a hotel following an extensive restoration.
The restaurant is led by Frederick natives and celebrity chefs Bryan and Michael Voltaggio, who returned to their hometown for the project. Wye Oak Tavern is located within a restored former Catholic chapel and features a Mid-Atlantic-focused menu that includes dry-aged steaks, handmade pastas, seafood, and local game.
Bryan Voltaggio has operated restaurants around the country and previously led Frederick restaurants VOLT and Thacher & Rye. He has appeared on several cooking competition programs, including Top Chef, Top Chef Masters, Top Chef: All-Stars L.A., and Guy Fieri’s Tournament of Champions.
Michael Voltaggio won the sixth season of Top Chef, competing against Bryan during the season. He has also earned a Michelin star and was a James Beard Best New Restaurant finalist.
According to the restaurant, Wye Oak Tavern combines Bryan’s modern American approach with Michael’s modernist style while highlighting ingredients and flavors from the Mid-Atlantic.
The Historic Hotels of America Best Historic Restaurant award is one of the organization’s annual Awards of Excellence, which recognize historic hotels, hoteliers, and hospitality industry leaders from across the country.
Wye Oak Tavern is open for dinner Sunday through Thursday from 5pm-9:30pm and Friday and Saturday from 5pm-10pm. Social Hour is offered Monday through Friday from 4pm-6pm.
