Over the last couple of months, Montgomery County has seen a wave of notable restaurant openings, but a handful have stood out by generating especially strong reactions from readers. Whether it was thousands of social media interactions or overwhelming interest on our website, these five quickly became some of the most talked-about openings in the area.
Beer Trade Co., the craft beer concept founded by Montgomery County native Chris Sanchez in Florida, officially opened its first Maryland location in Laytonsville in July. In addition to its extensive craft beer selection, the menu features burgers, chicken sandwiches, burritos, and the restaurant’s popular wings. More here.
The Crab Trap opened in June at 15211 Frederick Rd. in Rockville, operating from a food truck at the Exxon station at the corner of E. Gude Drive and Frederick Road (355). The Crab Trap specializes in Maryland-inspired seafood, with a menu centered around crab cakes made with Maryland blue crab. Offerings include jumbo lump and lump crab cake sandwiches, the Trap Burger, Chesapeake Chicken, boardwalk-style fries, Maryland street corn, crab hushpuppies, and rotating desserts through its “Sweets By Sam” program. More here.
Genki Wagyu Shabu House opened at Twinbrook Quarter in Rockville in June, bringing its all-you-can-eat Wagyu and hot pot concept to Montgomery County. Diners can select from a variety of broths, including Sukiyaki, Shabu Dashi, Tomato, Spicy Miso, Mushroom, and Tom Yum, paired with the restaurant’s selection of meats and other hot pot ingredients. More here.
Project Suya opened its first brick-and-mortar restaurant in Downtown Silver Spring in June, establishing a permanent Montgomery County home for its take on one of West Africa’s most popular street foods. Suya, particularly associated with Nigerian cuisine, consists of seasoned meat traditionally skewered and grilled over an open flame, producing the smoky, flavorful profile that serves as the foundation for much of Project Suya’s menu. More here.
Sip, a family-owned dirty soda and mocktail stand, recently opened next to Bear’s Shaved Ice near the carousel and playground at Rio in Gaithersburg. The beverage-focused concept offers customizable dirty sodas, mocktails, energy drink mixes, sparkling water refreshers, and specialty drinks. More here.
