It's been a little while since I've been in
Wags on South Market Street...at least since my days with the Gazette ended last August. I used to go there on
occasion with some of the other reporters for lunch. I'm happy to report that it's the same old Wags.
Wags is pretty much just your friendly neighborhood bar. The fact that it's downstairs will evoke thoughts of Cheers, but darker and with American pub-grub. You're pretty much looking at a
menu of sandwiches, burgers, and fries. However, don't go there looking for wings - it is not an item on their menu.
They do a good burger, and for my dollar, have the best fries in town.
If you're looking for the high-end bar with 100 different beers from around the world, this isn't the place for you. If you're looking for a decent burger, a bottle of Sam Adams or Yeungling, and fast, friendly service, then you've found the right place.
As always, the servers and bartenders are a bit informal, but very attentive and the kitchen has a fast turn around. It's a great place to go if you're in a hurry but still want to sit down to eat, because you can be out of there in less than a half-hour, but the atmosphere is conducive to staying longer if you so choose.
Two issues, one a warning for non-smokers - Wags is a small place and the smoke is noticeable even in the non-smoking section (their filtration unit doesn't appear to do a whole hell of a lot). The other issue is that the bathrooms both appear dingy and dirty (my wife used the men's room because of the perceived state of the women's room).
On a different note -
Drivers in and around Frederick County take note! As you are driving in the evening please beware. With the most recent snowfalls deer and other animals have been wandering more and more into the developed areas and ending up dead on the roads. While multiple deer on the side of the road has become a common place item for me to see, this is not the issue (though hi
tting one can total your car).
The issue is the other animal that I have commonly seen over the last ten days. I have seen, or caught heavy wind of the carcasses of at least half-a-dozen skunks over the same period. Please try, whenever possible, to avoid hitting the little buggers - not only is it like setting off chemical weapons that linger in an area, but the scent will stay on your car for sometime afterwards.
So Ben & Jerry's has opened along Carroll Creek Park. I have mixed feelings about this. I am happy to see businesses go into Carroll Creek, and don't particularly begrudge the fact that chains are invading downtown (they're not the first - remember Talbots on Shab Row). 
