I've been here twice, once for brunch and tonite for dinner. Brunch outside was 5 star! Food, service, ambiance. Tonite--inside b/c it was too hot for outside. SUPER LOUD! Couldn't hear each other talk, really miserable. The acoustics are bad. My food was good (mahi tacos) and my sister in law loved her Cobb salad. My husband's shrimp po boy sandwich order came late and the manager apologized but...too much bread, not enough shrimp. Server was attentive. Not sure I will ever eat inside again. read more

Excellent place to eat and enjoy a beautiful day. The food was fresh and delish. The service was outstanding. Our grilled chicken wings were cooked to perfection and the dipping sauce ... oh my !!! If you try them see if you can guess the secret ingredient they add to it. We recommend and will try again if we are back in this sweet town of Vienna in the future. Oh hey any bike riders... the W&OD trail goes right past the BBT . So park and refuel here at the Tavern. read more

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I cannot recommend Bear Branch highly enough. We love their ambiance, food, and drinks in general, but we recently hosted a large graduation party there and that experience really set them apart. Our party had several last minute changes that Logan, their director of operations, graciously accommodated. Ash and her partner tending to our party of 50 did so kindly, not once making us feel like we were an inconvenience. The entire experience was made to be hassle free thanks to everyone at bear branch. Couldn't recommend them highly enough. read more

Cute place to meet up, we got there early at 5pm on a Saturday and got seated quickly, there was plenty of space available and felt like they did a good job with spacing out seats for covid. The waitress did say that we had a 1hr 30min time limit for dining since it gets busy so we acknowledged. We ended up staying for 2 hours since there were still tables available. We definitely didn't feel rushed. Honestly 4.5-5 stars for service and atmosphere but 2-3 stars for food quality. The salad bowls (Cobb and Buddha bowl were decent and liked the dressing, however the grilled chicken on the salad was extremely dry). My friend got the mahi mahi tacos, but we found the fried a bit soggy and bland, the the fish was so deep fried that it was crunchy hard and the meat was really dry. The oysters appetizer and tuna nachos were pretty good. Chips in the nachos were pretty oily though but the flavor was good. I hate to be so critical but we also ordered the sangria which was very sweet, almost like juice. Probably won't be back but was worth a try! read more

Bear Branch Tavern - Ahi tuna nachos - New American Near Me - Vienna, Virginia

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2/1/21 Last year I watched as this restaurant was slowly becoming what it is today. The other day I finally got a chance to check out out myself. This restaurant is different. Normally most restaurants you enter from the front. In this case, parking is in the rear and sides of the building. To enter the restaurant, you MUST ENTER FROM THE REAREND. Once you enter, the world is your oyster. Yes, this place sells oysters too. Tje place is very spacious and looks like a ni e family type of restaurant. I scanned the menu and I think my dad might enjoy this rest. I will be sure to come here with my wife. I think all of us will have a good time here. read more

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I feel bad I didn't get pictures of the food, but my friend and I were just chatting up a storm! Nonetheless, I really enjoyed this place. The inside is just so cozy and pretty with soft lighting, candles, and a fireplace. Our server was very nice and helpful. My fried chicken sandwich was really good and the fries were like shoe string "fair fries" - so good! Maybe a little pricey for the style of food, but not terrible. I'm excited to go back and enjoy the patio when the weather is warmer :) read more

Bear Branch Tavern - Inside vibe - New American Near Me - Vienna, Virginia

Here are my thoughts ... Atmosphere is fantastic, but food is OK. So probably would prefer to rate this 3.5 stars. So why did I go with 4 stars? Well, I asked myself "Would I come again?" and the answer was "Yes". I mean the atmosphere is so much fun, especially with the outdoor seating area. But I also love the multiple bars you can belly up to enjoy a great drink and conversation with your neighbors (and I literally mean my neighbors as this is a neighborhood joint for me). The service is quite good as well. Very attentive to our needs. If we can only get the kitchen to step up their game a bit, I would love to give this place a solid 4 star rating or higher. Last thing, they need to work on their call ahead/reservation system. There is room for automation which would make the customer experience a whole lot better. read more

Grounded in American fare but adventuresome cooking that is diverse and quality. The cauliflower appetizer is amazing. Great options for vegetarians. Great service--a rarity nowadays. Attentive with wait staff and managers roaming the floor. Ambiance is great--good bar (though not very Tavern like), BUT very very loud. People next to you are inaudible. Best to go with people with whom you do not want to converse or learn to sign. Major drawback. But the food and service do balance it. read more

Came to Bear Branch in Vienna after the Viva Vienna event and they were definitely slammed. We checked in for a party of 8 and they gave us a 40 min wait time. No problem there as we walked in. Decided to wait at the back bar and chilled while getting a few drinks. The tropical seasonal cider was refreshing! We grabbed a few appetizers crab dip and chicken wings, tasty, but overpriced. Once we got the text to sit down, we had been there for probably 10 minutes and no waiter had stopped by to greet the table/bring waters. As we had already waited for quite some time, we just didn't have a good vibe overall from the place and decided to leave for something quicker. read more

The food is terrible and portions are small when you do pickup. The fries taste like watered down cardboard, the poke with chips partially become cooked as they add the hot chips with the sashimi. The chips become soggy too. The other portions were small especially when you are paying $30 plus per entree. In person yes. To go never again. read more

There aren't many sports bars in the area that have good food (love the grilled wings and hummus) and cocktails (the Smokey old fashioned is always consistent - been ordering it since they opened). I usually come with very demanding friends and they're patient, polite, and accommodating to them. Hands down best sports bar in the area (just play sound during big games please). read more

Came back for lunch on the patio with a couple of colleagues today. Pleasant, though we never got much heat out of the heater on our table, so it was a bit chilly. I'm a big fan now of the blackened tilapia sandwich (without the remoulade), which combines a nicely spiced fish with fresh pickles and a few old bay chips. I had the truffled fries this time, which were also pretty good. read more

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I am an food and wine connoisseur. Twice had a steak 8oz sliced Flank steak and instead French fries I did order saluted mushrooms and saluted spinach. Steak was cocked to correct temperature but both time was too salty. Let the people put themselves if they like. Why the silverware and glass is not on the table and no salt and paper shaker? Oysters from Maryland or Virginia they ware ok. But the lobster roil was a total rip off. We have the lover lobster prices in the history because China stopped buying and Europe buys from Canada. Lunch lobster roll for $ 22.00 was very small and full of the mayonnaise. I want to taste a real lobster. Waiters Azz, African American waiter and young master student was professional but another young waiter was dancing around like a chicken. Managers were unprofessional and not friendly. Specially the guy with beard. And the night manager was almost masty. another issue lemons and lime before service were not washed and soak in water to remove toxins from the skin. Another older friend had a Philly Cheesesteak and he was not happy at all the components and quality of the bread. read more

Bear Branch Tavern - New American Near Me - Vienna, Virginia

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4+! Love the friendly staff and huge nachos. Sit on the patio if possible, delightful in winter with fire pits also.

Love the outdoor patio, but be prepared to wait! I'm a huge fan of the watermelon basil frozen margarita and the pineapple mojito. Everything here we've had to eat is delicious, but it's the atmosphere that is unbeatable. read more

Bear Branch Tavern - Watermelon basil margarita - New American Near Me - Vienna, Virginia

Just had Bear Branch's French dip and am more than happy to say that it's the best French dip that I've had in a long time. By a lot. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Bear Branch Tavern. Just an outstanding sandwich. read more

I usually don't care for bar food, but the food here is pretty decent. Sometimes the salads are a bit too salty, depending on who is in the kitchen. So I always make sure to mention "not too much salt" when ordering my salads. My kids and I LOVE their giant nachos. Very yummy. The perfect neighborhood brunch place! I hear from my son they are open until 2am which makes it even better. Service here is exceptional, too... Something I rarely find post pandemic. read more

Wings were great, and our entrees of crab cake sandwich and cheesesteak were amazing. We didn't know how big the restaurant is but it's huge and has a great ambiance to it. Lots of TVs and games on everywhere. Service was what you expect from a busy Saturday brunch. read more

amazing vibe, great food. even better service. after many years of driving by I decided to finally come in and I have no regrets. read more

Bear Branch Tavern - Buffalo Chicken Wrap Sandwich, elote, hazy IPA - New American Near Me - Vienna, Virginia

I've now been here repeatedly since The Before Times and periodically ever since. And I've not been let down yet. I feel like that gets you five stars. Is the parking great? No. But it's USUALLY good enough to find a spot. And if not, there are lots of places to park in and around Vienna, and this place is an easy walk from anywhere you happen to be in the town. Or you can hop off your bike if you happen to be cruising down the W&OD trail and planned a stop. What's good? Well, as far as I can tell, everything. Even that one time when I ordered the Salmon Niçoise for lunch and instead was served the dinner-sized Pan Seared Atlantic Salmon - it was nevertheless delicious. And, apologetic about the mishap, I was charged the salad (or less? I don't remember). Tuna poke nachos? Pretty delicious. Beer cheese and pretzels? I don't care for them, but people I know who like that kind of thing sure made it disappear fast. Y'know, I had to refer to the menu to try and remember all the things I've tried and I'm sitting here going "hmmm that sounds pretty good I'll need to try that next time." See -- that's the thing about this place. It's hard to go wrong. And that's just as it relates to the food. I've been here for drinks in the evening as well. Whether take-out drinks (they still doing that?), hanging out near the bar area, or in that weird little room behind the bar ... it's pretty easy to enjoy several different drinks and enjoy every one of them because they're all well made and interesting. Just do it. read more

Nice and clean, drinks are pricey for the size they serve. Parking is great.....stop by and give them a try. We'll swing back one day when we're driving by and have nothing else to do. read more

Look, this spot can be a good time. But you better come prepared as part of the local militia. If not, then you're just an empty glass. Watching bartenders dawn over just randoms. Look, I'm just trying to cash out. read more

Came here for brunch with a girlfriend. I like the atmosphere of this place. I got the steak and eggs, it was tasty. They have good beer options. I love the patio during spring/fall especially since they allow pets outside. read more

Bear Branch Tavern - Steak and eggs - New American Near Me - Vienna, Virginia

We have been to Bear Branch several time. The staff and service is fine. Inside is incredibly noisy, outside is ok. Food is average at best. For example. steak in steak and eggs was was cooked properly but a bit tough, eggs were on the cool side, fries a bit greasy. Coffee was fine. I think next time we will pass. read more

We're here a couple of times a month great atmosphere and the staff is really great - doesn't hurt that the manager is cute too read more

Bear Branch Tavern - New American Near Me - Vienna, Virginia

I discovered this restaurant while walking on the W&OD trail and it's been on my list of places to try ever since! The patio looked great at night with the lights and firepit. I called ahead to put myself on the waitlist 30 mins prior to arrival. Once I arrived, I was quickly seated on the outdoor patio at a socially-distanced table. I appreciated the owners taking precautions and not jamming everyone on the patio. I ordered the frozen apple cider which was perfect for fall! For my entrée, I got the steak frites with flank steak, chimichurri sauce, and parmesan truffle shoestring fries. The steak was great with the chimichurri sauce and they gave a generous amount of fries! I would like to come back and enjoy their brunch menu next. read more

I heard a lot of hype about this place so decided to give it a try. Everyone was nice and service was great. The food was nothing amazing honestly. I tried a little from everyone I was with and it tasted like something Ive had at other restaurants. Nothing really special. The one thing that stood out was the homemade Fanta which was good. I may give it another shot to see if it's better! read more

Good Sunday lunch/brunch. So first off, the entrance is around back from the parking entrance on 123. They've got a nice outdoor seating area where you can watch the W&OD cyclists pass by. We sat at the bar because we were just grabbing a quick lunch. Restaurant was decently crowded. Good beer and wine selections. We both had sandwiches (burger and a chicken sandwich) and were both happy with our selections. Definitely a worthwhile place to check out in Vienna read more

Bear Branch Tavern - Chicken avocado BLT - New American Near Me - Vienna, Virginia

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This is a one and done! We ordered the short rib rigatoni for 4(!). It comes with a salad. The pictures you see shows one salad, that you are supposed to share. Besides this salad being smaller than most of the side salads for a single person that I know it consisted of old, brownish leaves. Sorry, but how old is this?! The short-rib-rigatoni where average at best and and still needed seasoning. The Oreo-Bread-Pudding was so good that half of it went directly into the trash. Sorry, we really wanted to like it but old salad, average short rib and this strange bread pudding are not worth 50$ before taxes and tip. read more

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Great outdoor space and oyster happy hour is 5 stars even if everything else isn't. Bear Branch has other merits, but in a pandemic with a young child that can't get a vaccine yet... the heated deck really was a fantastic thing. Other positives include a generally interesting and well composed special, decent mixed drinks, and rotating micro brews. I will be coming back.. a lot. The bad or just okay: The regular menu is pretty standard. If you have been to standard new American restaurant/bar then you can probably name 2/3 of the menu from memory and guess what it looks like inside. As close to paint by numbers as is possible. Sometimes this is nice, I am never opposed to grilled chicken nachos and beer, but since I am now showing up soo often I'd really appreciate a little more variability. Also the prices are high. Its a large space with high rent I am sure and that outdoor space so i am still going to pay it, but you do notice when the bill comes. Note to management: can you guys add a fried calamari dish to the bar menu. I know I just criticized for a basic selection and in the same review asking you to add one of the most basic dishes of all. But please. Still 5-stars. Thanks for the COVID safe deck!!! Service was a little slow but there is a labor shortage so I'll cut them a lot of slack and up the tips since they are taking the risk for me to enjoy a night out. read more

Great food and drink. Unfortunately the ive music is just way too loud and the crowds conversation attempts to rise above it creating an uncomfortable atmosphere of noise. read more

Disappointed with this place. Ordered a "half pound" of Alaskan crab legs, got one single disease looking crab cluster that was the smallest crab cluster I've ever seen! Tasted horrible! No way it was anywhere near advertised weight. Don't trust places like this. Would recommend staying away, especially from their old low quality sea food! read more

Great spot for date night, family gatherings, and girls' or guys' night out. The food was good service was great! Came for a late-night snack ordered the ahi tuna nachos and the ahi tuna was cooked perfectly! The drinks were great too. Definitely will be back for dinner and or brunch. FYI they have live music, lots of seating, and a nice fire pit. read more

Hmmmm... the food is ok. The service is definitely lacking. We asked for a simple food substitution, but was told they couldn't do it. Any other restaurant would have been able to accommodate. However, since it's the pandemic with many restaurants having staffing problems, we accommodated, and just asked the specific food that we didn't want to be taken off from the dish. It took quite a while for the appetizers to get to our table, so naturally when it's been another solid 30 minutes passed after the appetizers, we didn't think too much of it and still waited patiently for the entree to show up. It's only when the waitress asked us if we wanted anything else that we realized our entree was never placed. Albeit, miscommunication can happen anywhere anytime. We were perfectly fine waiting for them to make that entree. But another 20 minutes passed and nothing was showing. I hope the service can improve here as the pandemic situation gets better. read more

Pros: Food was very tasty, good beer options, nice atmosphere, good service Cons: Parking lot is too small and cramped for the size of the restaurant so we had to risk towing by parking off-site, food seems a bit overpriced for what you get, the wait for outdoors is long on a nice day (we opted for indoor seating to avoid a wait) I would probably go back, though. read more

The food was very tasty. Service was great and the atmosphere and decor were also very cozy. I'll definitely be retuning soon. read more

Bear Branch Tavern - Cobb Salad & Buttermilk Crispy Chicken Sandwich - New American Near Me - Vienna, Virginia

Great neighborhood spot with good quality, non fussy food and drinks, great beer selection, and very friendly and pleasant service. I would definitely be a regular if I lived closer. read more

Great experience. Friendly and helpful staff. Service was outstanding. We sat outside for dinner. Felt very comfortable. Beautiful evening. Food was delicious. Excellent variety of items on the menu. read more

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Been many times, never great, always ok. Tonight might be last time. Crab cake sandwich, advertised as jumbo lump Maryland style, was 80-20 bun-to-crab cake. Could not be farther from Maryland style. It was slathered in mustard mayo so whatever crab there was took back seat and became an after thought. Probably had 3-4 bites of bun left after crab was gone. Would never order again. Waitress at front bar, who many people seem to love, was indifferent to us. Didn't check in once after food was served and she let both my beer and water run dry for at least 15 minutes until my meal was 100% done. This is the kind of place where if you know someone you will get attention, but if you just come in randomly you will be largely ignored. It's a shame that describes most places in Vienna. read more

They have nice large tables on a patio, and the food was pretty good although they didn't have much in the way of vegan or gluten free options. They also won't split checks, unless there are only two people. The food took a long time to arrive. So, I wouldn't really recommend this place for large groups but otherwise the food is good and the patio is a great space. read more