We have been there twice now. The wife, baby and I. It's seems like the service is lacking but I take that for being a tap room and not a fine dining experience. They could use a little more training and attentiveness, however, overall they have been very accommodating, professional and keep the environment casual. The beer selection is good and I like the ambiance of the restaurant itself. After our second visit we will definitely be returning for the Big Bad Wolf Burger. read more

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I had a really disappointing experience here. I came with a group of friends and one of my friends got sick after having two shots on an empty stomach while we were waiting on food. It happens. She stepped outside and threw up, and we immediately cut her off and were already in the process of getting her out of there. Another friend and I took her to the bathroom to help her clean up before leaving. While we're in there, the waitress starts banging on the door claiming we had been in there for over an hour--which was completely untrue. I corrected her and let her know we were leaving, but she continued making rude and unnecessary comments like "it's not my fault your friend doesn't know her limits" and "it's embarrassing people your age don't know their limit." At that point, it felt very unprofessional and personal. My friend was already leaving, so there was no reason to speak to us like that. To make it worse, she then told others that I got in her face, which is completely false. Yes, I raised my voice after being disrespected and she was yelling at me, but I never got in her face. When I tried to address the situation and make a formal complaint, I was told to leave or the cops would be called. I even came back later after everything cooled down just to submit a complaint, and I was blocked at the door by a man (who earlier she claimed to be the manager) holding a beer, telling me I wasn't welcome. Which is odd because I didn't do anything wrong and I I only wanted to let the manager aware of his workers and establishment. That guy clearly wasn't it because he was drinking and unwilling to let me make a complaint. Overall, the situation was handled very poorly. If a customer gets sick, there's a way to address it--check on them, inform them they need to leave and move on. Shaming and escalating the situation the way this waitress did was unnecessary. I won't be returning. read more

Waitress seemed bothered when we asked for drinks. She was not well versed on their beverages. This could be such a cute place with a little work and some friendly staff. read more

If I Could give a zero I would. I would never go to this place ever again. The workers were awful people. And it seemed like they were miserable with their lives. They held onto my friends card and did not give it back. They are scammers. Douchey. We would not recommend. Like how do you act like this and you're in Fredericksburg Virginia of all places. It's not like you're in New York City. read more

We finally tried this place and it wouldn't have been missed if we didn't. It's dated inside, a bit dirty, tables and chairs need fixing. The waitress was friendly but spoke extremely casual if that makes sense, not professional, but nice. She didn't have much to say about the food. Another waitress sitting in the messy corner booth by the door-I'm assuming is the employees hang out where a waitress had her feet on the seat playing on her phone. The "art" there does not flow with your theme nor the huge Batman poster and weird stuff at the bar. It's extremely loud. There is no door from the restaurant side to the bar area and with high ceilings it just made it that much louder. My husband had fish and chips, it was ok-they were out of coleslaw? I had the smokehouse burger with bacon jam and it tasted good, cooked right, however the top of the bun was very greasy. My kid had the pepperoni pizza which was a huge size. The pizza was full of grease on top we had to sop up with a napkin, the crust outside was crispy but the bottom of the pizza was soggy. The actual tasted of the pizza was good. The crust and grease on it needs some work. Price was average. I'm in no rush to go back. read more

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Wish I could give it less than this. Owner tends to only want to serve to his regulars. Met up with a friend who was already at the bar and before I could fully step into the bar area, the owner starts yelling " We're closed! " as he pours another drink for another guy. As we're walking out, we are then harassed by drunk locals telling the bouncer to kick us out while referring to us as different slurs that applied to us. The bouncer seemed to care more about the person telling him how to do his job than protecting us.Terrible experience read more

Great Irish bar experience. Good selection of beers that appear to rotate fairly frequently, and has a nice, authentic Irish vibe. As far as food goes I only had the fries, but they were crispy and delicious. Service was good. read more

Decided to stop in with some friends for a drink and maybe some food. The pour of Guinness was great however the waitress we had really spoiled the time I was there. It was obvious she didn't want to be there and her attitude showed it. Ended up not ordering food and went to another place to eat. Will not be returning. read more

Everyone at jbrians is extremely nice. It's like a real life cheers. Food is good service is great and the employees are awesome. A must patronize when in town.. read more

I have eyed this place for 2 yrs looking forward to an upscale pub/tap house and I was very much disappointed. The sign accompanying the name says fine dining. Look at my pic this isn't fine dining. Their was no one in there, strike one! I wouldn't not have gone except I saw a last sitting at a booth as I peered through the door. Thinking people were in there it turned out to be the hostess/server sitting in a booth playing on her phone. The positive, they sell Guinness on tap...It's an Irish pub. The service was ok. I can see how some people complain but I had a young female server and she was ok. The food...I ordered the crab bisque and fish and chips (server said this was their specialty). The soup was like crab pudding. Decent flavor but it was so thick, it had the consistency of pudding. Fish and Chips were ok, Cole slaw the worst I've ever had, one fork full and couldn't go further had too much Mayo. The fries were edible, nothing special. Taste like a cross between taster wedges and Cajun style fries just not spicy. I really wanted to like this place but it didn't meet my expectations. All in all it just wasn't good. Capital Ale House down the Street and around the corner is far better option and even Sedonas. This is not fine dining don't let the exterior fool you. Might be a decent place for friends to meet, drink, and socialize. read more

J Brian's Tap Room - Fish and Chips - Barbeque Near Me - Fredericksburg, Virginia

For the cheese pizza! Very good! Just the right amount of zing, and the aftertaste is so well balanced you'll just want more. read more

J Brian's Tap Room - The picture barely does it justice. The flavor in this cheese pizza is for real. - Barbeque Near Me - Fredericksburg, Virginia

I'll give this an average rating. Certainly not an authentic Irish Pub. The website shows Guinness in Guinness Gravity Pint glasses, yet the bar did not serve Guinness in the traditional correct Gravity glass, but in a regular beer pint glass, and the bartender did not provide the correct Guinness pour. They did have Red Breast which was good, and the bartender did a respectful pour for it. Fairly full bar of customers, yet I think only 1 other person besides myself was drinking Guinness, which I have rarely seen in an Irish Pub??? It did seem like a pretty friendly crowd. Just not what most expect of an Irish Pub. read more

Margherita pizza is legit. Also, they have the good beer battered crispy style fries. Prepare to spend some time, it's not the fastest place but we weren't in a hurry. Nice chill spot for a low key Friday night dinner. read more

J Brian's Tap Room - Margherita pizza - Barbeque Near Me - Fredericksburg, Virginia

On a rainy Friday night, J Brian's Tap Room was one of the few spots offering covered, outdoor dining in Fredericksburg, VA, and one in our party was craving fish & chips, so after assembling a four-top from the two-tops on the front porch, we ordered said fish & chips, a blooming onion, a Greek pizza, a pepperoni pizza, and some beers on tap. The blooming onion wasn't bad and the Greek pizza had some flavor from the toppings, but the sauce on the pepperoni pizza was overly sweet. Service was fine, though hostess/server was, as others have noted, sitting and otherwise occupied upon arrival and checkout. read more

Stopped in for lunch while walking around Fredericksburg. This place was cute - vintage, authentic beer bar interior with big chalkboards on the walls displaying all the food and beer specials. My husband and I had local brews from 6 Bears & a Goat Brewing. He got fish and chips and I had the black and blue burger. Both were delicious - better than what we expected for bar food. Stop in here for lunch and you won't be disappointed! read more

J Brian's Tap Room - Fish & chips and Black and Blue Burger - Barbeque Near Me - Fredericksburg, Virginia

Very good food and quick service..simple but varied menu and a good beer selection. Better than the rating and exceeded expectations.

We have been coming to this restaurant for years...in spite of the same unfriendly waitress. We overlooked her because the food was good and we liked sitting outside. Today was our last time. She was her usual rude, unfriendly self but in overdrive. When she ignored us for 5 minutes and then came to her perch and said "what do you need?" I looked irked and said "a table for two." She grabbed the menus and snarled, " I am the only one here right now" and huffed ahead of us to an outside table, plopped the menus down on a random table and huffed off. As I was following her out, I knew this would be the last time we eat here. Her nasty attitude was too much. We walked away and went to Capital Alehouse and ate. I don't know who she is or why she has been allowed to waitress here for as long as she has. Management might want to revisit that decision. Sad, because we always likes the food. read more

Ordered the mushroom Swiss burger with a side of pasta salad. I could tell the pasta salad was left out all day because the ends of the pasta was dark and hard. Also, all it was was spiral pasta tossed in balsamic and sprinkled with a few crumbles of feta. The burger didn't look like much, but the meat was surprisingly high quality and it was cooked on an open flame. No frozen patties here. The burger was a bit dry, but with a little A1, it hit the spot. Zero stars on the pasta salad but 4 stars for the burger. I would recommend asking to upcharge for a side of fries. read more

J Brian's Tap Room - Mushroom Swiss Burger and pasta salad - Barbeque Near Me - Fredericksburg, Virginia

Small but homey. Great place to kick back with some good buddies and talk. Service was adequate and the bartender was pleasant. Would recommend if you are looking for a mellow vibe. read more

Oh holy hell. I usually have a lot f good things to say about this place. but a certain individual had something to say about my general existence there, so I was unceremoniously told to leave when I was not the proximal cause of concern. Everyone be wary of their conduct in this place. If anyone has an issue with you--real or imagined--you will be thrown out immediately. read more

Not good. The environMent is dated and dirty. The wait staff isn't friendly. The food. . . The lobster bisque tasted sour and soapy The bread on the Ruben was old and very dry. The sauce on the Ruben was off. The steak sandwiches were dry. The sodas were flat. read more

I just can't understand why there are only 3 stars!! This place is a local gem!! Their fish & chips is scrumptious!! They have a well curated beer selection, too. The restaurant side has a lovely atmosphere. The pub side is more relaxed and fun. Be sure to give them a try. You won't be disappointed! I used to live nearby. Now we drive an hour to visit Fredericksburg and eat at J Brien's!! read more

Worst customer service ever. Sat at small side table for nearly 20 minutes - bartender/waitress never once acknowledged my existence. Spent too much time telling the bar patrons a story about her fake boobs. Highly recommend you travel elsewhere for food or drink. This place is definitely not worth it. read more

Me and some friends came here for lunch and had some appetizers and drinks. Their beer selection is great and they have $4 mimosas/$5 bloody Mary's on the weekends! read more

J Brian's Tap Room - Bacon cheese fries - Barbeque Near Me - Fredericksburg, Virginia

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I had my second experience at the tap room on new years eve. After work one of my coworkers and I went for an early dinner/ late lunch, we were originally going to go to Sedona, but I remembered how incredibly loud it is in there and made the last minute decision to go to j Brian's. First and foremost, the best part of the experience was my server, Macie. She is my spirit animal! She was so bubbly and personable and just gosh darned sweet! I loved her! My friend and I sat there for almost five hours and she never rushed us out or anything, so that was awesome. I ordered the Rebly sandwich, which was grilled chicken, bacon and cheese on ciabatta served with fries. The fries were basic, but the sandwich looked great! I didn't eat it until it was cold, but it was good cold so I imagine it'd be amazing hot and fresh! My friend ordered the grilled cheese with gouda, fontina and cheddar cheese, it was so gooey and delicious, she said. I actually took a video of her pulling it apart, but I'm not sure I can post video on here, but we will see. Our table was pretty slanted and we were concerned our alcohol was going to slide right on off the table, but it didn't! So that was good. Oh! And the bathroom was so clean! I mean it, SO CLEAN. I was drinking, so I had to use it several times, I was blown away! Most bathrooms downtown at so old and rickety and you wonder how old the plumbing is, but this one was perfectly modern and spotless! read more

My wife and I spent most of the holiday weekend moving, we had grand ideas of going hiking or hitting he sights, but alas we spent it moving. It was 3:00 in the afternoon and we realized that we were hungry so we hit downtown Fredericksburg and discovered that most of the restaurants were closed on Monday, but J Brian's Tap Room was open for business. I had a great Rubin sandwich, bread toasted to perfection and the corned beef had a bit of a grilled flavor. My wife had the special: Brie & Roast Beef Pizza... it was also fantastic. The brie had a great richness, the beef added a bit of flavor and the crust was just buttery goodness. We still had some cleaning and final moving to do so we didn't get any wine or beer. I've had a hard cider at the Tap Room before and it was tasty. Again, if you like beer and good food stop by J Brian's Tap Room. read more

J Brian's Tap Room - Barbeque Near Me - Fredericksburg, Virginia

Well I don't know about these other reviews but we had the fish and chips with fries and cole slaw for lunch, along with the local Alewerks Tavern Brown Ale and it was fast and DELICIOUS. I'd post a picture but all that's left is the lemon wedge. The fish is clearly not from a frozen bag: the breading was light and fresh and just right. read more

Great food and a nice beer selection. Service can be iffy at times, but to be honest varies widely. Overall, we have mostly good service. It's definitely a place one can take friends. The small bar is also pleasant. The building was formally a hotel. It has a lot of character, but the garden area out back is usually a more pleasant experience. Try the crab cakes - excellent! The corned beef and cabbage for St. Patrick's was very good, but the potato leak soup was fantastic. read more

J Brian's Tap Room - Corn beef and cabbage - Barbeque Near Me - Fredericksburg, Virginia

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The back patio is where it's at! They really did a great job of gardening and using really creative receptacles for plants back there (old cookware, sinks, etc) so that they made a little patio garden oasis. The beer selection was decent - a good amount of microbrews, both local and national. The portions of the food are rather large - don't attempt the fish and chips dish on your own!! Best of all, dogs are allowed on the back patio! read more

J Brian's Tap Room - One of the many really cool flower "pots" in the back patio - here they've used an old bar sink. - Barbeque Near Me - Fredericksburg, Virginia

Okay, it is the first week of schools and many business closing because of the virus. We chose J Brian, for lunch, because it was locally owned and we want to be intentional about where we are spending our money at this time. After 3 contacts with our server there was almost no conversation and absolutely no smiles. At first I thought it might be her personality, but then I heard her laughing with some of the staff and a bit later I watched as she had quite an engaging conversation with the only other customers in the same area as us. I am NOT overly sensitive to this kind of behavior in general; I am VERY appreciative of pleasant, conversational waitresses and waiters, to e.v.e.r.y customer. It was probably a good thing my husband paid the bill, my tip would have certainly reflected my experience with her. On a better note, the food was prepared quickly, she got it to our table quickly and followed up to refill my husband's tea. Fish n Chips and a burger were our choices; both meals were quite tasty. There are a lot of other family-owned restaurants around for our next meal out. Today's experience did not create a desire to return soon nor were there any loyalties developed on my part. read more

My party arrived at about 1530 on a Monday. Understandably, it's quiet, and we are okay with this. I notice the copper tables, the board of beers on tap and I get hopeful. But when the drinks arrived, one just felt off, like it was the bottom of the keg/flat. We go on, the food arrives. The fries were decent, if greasy. The cheese curds were delicious. But the simple chips and salsa I ordered ended up stale and watery, respectively. And the crab soup we got tasted like it came out of a can, which feels unfortunate as it's Virginia, we are so close to the Bay. The rest of our drinks were fine, so I don't want to go too negative, but I don't know when, if ever, I'll be coming back when there are better alternatives. read more

Arrived at 630PM on a Saturday with a party of 5. Host looked at us and walked away , never to return.....end of story! No Food. No Service. No business from me!! read more

This is definitely not an Irish Pub. Food is ok. Service is slow. Nice beer selection. There are better pubs in Fredericksburg. Not much else to say. Disappointed this time. read more

So. Stopped in for lunch with my family. I'm in town from LA.. Service was good..place is cool. Better beer than food. We tried pizzas, Bisque, burger, BBQ sandwich, and a salad. Pizza was good, salad was bad..a bit wilted and not enough fruit.. Burger was good and bisque was decent. A bit too salty, even for crab, and a bit too oily. Not bad..not great..roll the dice. read more

Went to J Brian's Tap Room yesterday to find out about the great outdoor seating area I had heard about. Unfortunately after sitting outside for 15 minutes it started to sprinkle and we were forced inside, but it wasn't upsetting - inside was cozy and slow so it was relaxing inside just as much as outside. I ordered the Cheeky Monkey beer and the Rebley sandwich. The beer was bold and flavorful. The sandwich was fresh with every ingredient and also very delicious. I appreciated that it wasn't heavy at all and the fries along side of it were crunchy in all the right ways. For the price paid for each item and the meal as a whole, it was a great price. I will be going back next time on a weekend evening/night as the relaxed atmosphere during a weekday lunch makes me think that the weekend evening/night will be a good time as well. read more

J Brian's Tap Room - Rebley sandwhich with Cheeky Monkey beer and Chicken Salad wrap with beer (can't remember it's name) - Barbeque Near Me - Fredericksburg, Virginia

J Brian's is my favorite stop when i get to the area. I love the pizza and the local beer on tap.

My favorite part about J Brian's is the ambiance. It is cozy, hip, and open all at the same time. Our server was very knowledgable about the food menu, and quite friendly. When my dining companion asked for a recommendation for a dark beer, she recommended a lager through. They have a large selection of local beers but no dark ones apparently. I had the pulled pork sandwich and fries. The pork was tender and so juicy! The sauce was tangy and vinegary! I loved every bite. The fries seemed to be battered/and or twice fried. They were exceptionally crispy. I am on vacation with friends, and these fries have become the gold standard for us; we have compared every French fry we've since encountered to these fries, and we have been disappointed each time. My friend ordered the Big Bad Wolf burger, which he seemed to enjoy. I bring it up, because I thought the concept was clever - it contains three different types of pork a la three little pigs. I am glad we stopped here while driving through town. Great, hip BBQ. read more

J Brian's Tap Room - BBQ sandwich - Barbeque Near Me - Fredericksburg, Virginia

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I really enjoyed this place. Came across it while on our way to Fredericksburg battlefields. I got a Caesar salad which was amazing! And French fries with chicken fingers. That was actually a kids meal but they let me order it anyways. The meals are pretty big. My friend got a hamburger with bacon and everything on it.. BLT etc. We also got the macaroni and cheese balls which were so delicious! Must try! They have a nice garden you can sit at in the back of the restaurant or you can sit inside. There is also a bar entrance as well. Our waitress was very nice and always checked on us. The menu seemed like it was not completed yet, so there were several unanswered questions such as pricing. Not a whole lot on the menu, but you got some yummy choices. read more

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I went here last night for dinner and drinks. I must say that I found the only other review for this place to be a bit misleading. Best selection worldwide??? Their entire beer selection amounts to 20 choices of beer on tap and nothing available in bottles. The only Belgian brews I was informed they have are Hoegaarden (my first selection) and Stella Artois. Really that's it? Two of their craft beers were not available last night which effectively reduced their total selection by 10%. Also, I would not call Miller Lite a craft brew (1 of the 20 selections). For my second selection I ordered a cherry stout. I was warned by the waitress that many people don't like this beer, and she recommended that I try a sample first. I sampled it, and I had to agree. The strong cherry taste was very offputting. She recommended that I try the Scotch de Silly instead (isn't that Belgian?). Again, though, she recommended that I sample it first since some people don't like this selection either. I tried it and loved it and had the pint. What a great find! So some hits and misses, but a pretty shallow selection overall. Food: I had the shrimp scampi pizza and sampled the buffalo wings appetizer. The wings were surprisingly good, the best I have encountered in the area. The pizza was just okay. The cheese was heavy and oily and did not provide a very good counterbalance to the shrimp. It was definitely prepared as bar food with no attempt at gourmet. Overall, I think this place is best rated at about 3 stars. Better beer selection can be found in the local area, and the ambience is casual and inviting but not unique to the area in any way. read more

J Brian's Tap Room - Hoegaarden - Barbeque Near Me - Fredericksburg, Virginia

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I am truly proud to be the first person to review J.Brians... I firmly believe that this bar defines what a local pub should be; comfortable, warm, inviting, reasonable, simple, yet tasteful, but all together fun, . J.Brians screams of pride in ownership; Brian, the owner comes from a family of restraunteers, and it shows with the simplicity of the business mix here: Good service and product, JBrians delivers one of the area's best selections in import and domestic beers, as well as a simple but hearty menu provided by a friendly and real staff that aim to please, but that don't take any shit. Don't discuss politics or music if you don't like Ronald Reagan and Jimmy Buffett. I know, wierd combo... But that's what this place is all about. Conservative funk, where the beers are cold, the burgers are juicy, and the opinions of the ownership is law. Red Necks of Fredericksburg, stay away- There is and never will be a domestic lager from the Busch family served here, and its that the way it should be. This is a place where a sharp IPA or scotch and soda is best matched with the soft waft of a cigar- This is where your college history or business professors would hang out, but you would too. Granted, i'm biased as this is my college hang out and second home (sorry Mom) where Mike, Brian, and even the cook Eric know me and my buddies after all these years living several states away... In other words, JBrians will always be to me, what Cheers was to Norm.. The place where everybody knows, your name. I will say that the food was dramatically better in 2002 than it was in 2008, but my pallate and potentially standards have changed from what they were as a starving college student to what they are now as a young adult. That said, it's a good value for good stick to your ribs pub fare, and it will not by any means disappoint. It is, and will be the only bar I'll ever proudly wear a T-shirt advertising their namesake! Think Globally, Drink Locally! read more