Four local restaurants are among the nine finalists in Montgomery County for RAMMY Awards presented by the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington.
The D.C.-based RAMW will announce the winners on August 3 at the 2025 RAMMY Awards Gala, which “honors excellence in the Washington metropolitan area’s restaurant and food service community, from innovative beverage programs and top-tier service to culinary creativity and leadership,” according to a press release.
“Each year, the RAMMYS shine a light on the incredible talent, resilience, and creativity that define our region’s vibrant hospitality industry,” said RAMW President and CEO Shawn Townsend. “This year’s finalists represent the heart of our community — from innovative entrepreneurs to the teams that deliver outstanding experiences. We’re proud to celebrate their achievements and the vital role they play in making the Washington, DC, region a dining destination. We look forward to honoring them on August 3 at The RAMMYS Awards & Gala.”
According to Bethesda Magazine, the local nominees include:
- Luis Jara, an employee at All Set Restaurant & Bar at 8630 Fenton St. in downtown Silver Spring, is a finalist for the Restaurant Employee of the Year award. Nominees for this award are non-managerial employees working in the front or back of the house. All Set celebrated its 10th Anniversary earlier this month.
- San Pancho, a mission-style burrito joint at 7056 Carroll Ave. in Takoma Park, was nominated for the New Restaurant of the Year award. The owners of the popular Mexican restaurant Cielo Rojo opened the shop last July.
While a panel of RAMMY judges decides most award categories, several are judged via public voting, including Best Brunch of the Year and Hottest Sandwich Spot.
Two local restaurants were nominated in the public categories:
- J. Hollinger’s Waterman’s Chophouse at 8606 Colesville Road in downtown Silver Spring was nominated for best brunch.
- Soko Butcher Shop & Market, located at 7306 Carroll Ave. in Takoma Park, is known for its Philly cheesesteak and has been nominated for the title of hottest sandwich shop. Soko also has a presence at the Solaire Social food hall in downtown Silver Spring and took over Harvey’s Market in D.C.’s Union Market District earlier this month.
Voting for these categories will be open to the public for the entire month of May, and the public will choose the winners through media partner NBC Washington/Telemundo.
Brunch Photo Courtesy of J. Hollinger’s Waterman’s Chophouse