A wave of restaurant and cafe openings has been drawing serious attention across Montgomery County, with concepts ranging from regional names making their local debut to homegrown brands leveling up. Here’s a look at 12 of the newest spots creating a buzz on social media, listed alphabetically.
bartaco has officially opened its first Maryland location at 950 Rose Ave. in Pike & Rose, marking a major milestone for the coastal-inspired brand. Known for its relaxed vibe and upscale street food, the concept pulls influence from the beach cultures of Brazil, Uruguay, and southern California, pairing tacos and small plates with fresh juices, specialty cocktails, and bottled beer.
Chez Aviole is now open at 7912 Georgia Avenue in Silver Spring, taking over the former Port-au-Prince Haitian Cuisine space. The menu highlights Haitian favorites like accra fritters, fried plantains, patties, wings, fritay, griot, oxtail, tassot goat or beef, and boulet, typically served with rice, plantains, or vegetables, alongside drinks like lemonade and passion fruit juice.
Flavor Hive, the viral halal fusion concept co-founded by local social media star Shihan Chowdhury and business partner Amgd Gende, has opened its first Maryland restaurant in Rockville. Best known for its walking chips bag concept, guests can bring their own chips and load them up with halal proteins such as chicken, ground beef, lamb gyro, or falafel, plus a wide range of toppings and sauces.
Fork & Kitchen has opened at 150 Gibbs Street in Rockville Town Square, filling the 6,500SF space previously occupied by Ekó House and Bar Louie. The expansive menu spans small plates, entrées, handhelds, and brunch, with offerings ranging from garlic parmesan rolls, calamari, and seafood tacos to crab cakes, ribeye, short ribs, branzino, burgers, lobster rolls, and brunch staples like crème brûlée French toast and seafood grits.
Fresh Baguette has opened a new bakery café next to its production facility at 19548 Amaranth Drive, off Middlebrook Road. Founded in 2013 by Florent de Felcourt, the brand is known for traditional French baking methods, including stone ovens imported from France and a cold dough process using homemade levain, producing baguettes that are light, airy, and crisp.
HomMali Thai Dining is now open at 614 Quince Orchard Road in Gaithersburg, next to Quincy’s in the Quince Orchard Plaza. Signature dishes include Yum Rambutan, Thai-Style Beef Tartare, and Grilled Steak Khao Soi, complemented by hand-crafted cocktails like the Thai Chili Mango Margarita and Lemongrass Cucumber Gin Fizz.
Monkey’s Matcha has launched inside Lil Cakes & Creamery at 488 N Frederick Ave. in Gaithersburg Square. The specialty matcha concept brings ceremonial-grade offerings to the county, debuting with four signature drinks: Salted Maple Monkey, Creamy Fig Monkey, Vanilla Rose Monkey, and Sticky Date & Coconut Monkey. Hours are 12pm-7pm daily, except Tuesdays.
Pura Vida Miami opened its first Maryland location on Thursday, February 12, in the former Colada Shop space at 7993 Tuckerman Lane at Cabin John Village in Potomac. The wellness-driven café features counter ordering, table delivery, indoor seating, and an outdoor patio.
Sweeteria recently celebrated the grand opening of its new Bethesda location at 7525 Old Georgetown Road. The Thai-inspired dessert café takes over a space previously home to St. Arnold’s Mussel Bar, Tyber Bierhaus, and Thimian Thai.
Tato’s is now open at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda, in the former 7-Eleven and Chocolate Moonshine space. The potato-focused concept, which debuted last year at Commas Food Hall in Silver Spring, specializes in customizable fries, edges, and loaded potatoes topped with proteins, vegetables, cheeses, and sauces.
Vibe Restaurant and Lounge has opened at 8081 Georgia Avenue in Silver Spring, replacing Sky Blue Lounge. The Afro fusion, Afro futuristic upscale dining concept is led by Nicolette Orji, professionally known as Nikki The Jeanius, who serves as co-founder, CEO, and chief creative officer.
Wild Bean Coffee has opened at 1532 Rockville Pike, moving into the former UBREAKIFIX space across from Staples. The café offers a broad menu of espresso drinks, flavored and seasonal specialties, and a strong matcha lineup with multiple hot and iced matcha latte options.
