Houndstooth is much more than a luxurious restaurant situated in one of the finest and most elegant…read moremanor homes in Virginia, it is also about the owners' support for handpicked produce grown locally and at sustainable farmlands throughout and even beyond Rappahannock County. They even nurture their own bees to produce honey at home for the guests to enjoy. Wines are carefully selected from around the world and Houndstooth's highly trained personal guest services team will always deliver a sumptuous culinary experience for each guest that visits the jewel in Glen Gordon Manor's crown.

We were staying in Washington, VA and this place was just a short drive away into the even more…read morequieter countryside. Everyone was so personable from the minute we walked into this elegant manor house. Cocktails and conversation were on point. The dinner service just flowed effortlessly like a well thought out symphony -- each dish took us to a higher level of culinary bliss as we were lulled by the expertly paired wines. Owner/Chef Dane stopped by our table at the end of meal and was so delightful to talk with. We had a terrible storm during the dinner service, apparently a tree went across the road nearby and knocked out their internet service preventing them from being able to check us out at the end of the evening. Their response -- don't worry about it all -- we will just give you a ring sometime tomorrow and take care of it; what more could you ask for -- just classy in every way!!!

My friends live in Middleburg and during my visit from Texas this was one of their top places to…read moretry for dinner. We drove way out into nowhere to this lovely secluded location. Prix Fixe meal for $70 seemed reasonable. Wonton soup Beef carpaccio Chicken thigh Halibut Pear dessert All delicious ... menu changes seasonally ... we enjoyed our meal See pics and video

Arrived to an unlocked, empty restaurant. I walked inside, thinking there would be a host, and not…read morea single person was there. I had seen some staff outside the front so assumed it was still open as it's a holiday weekend. I walked around back and there was one person, sitting with her feet up in a chair who didn't even greet me. It was an odd experience. I left. Keep in mind - there's nothing else close by for dining, so if they're not accepting guests, your best bet is a wheel of cheese next door - if they're open.

Very small and eclectic place focused on their cocktail program, which they do quite well. Numerous…read morespecialty cocktails; classics and those they created. Consistent with the name, it is not a bar or a restaurant. Team members are very nice and take pride in their craft. They feature evening entertainment including bands, stand ups and Karaoke. Would be interesting to experience the late night scene.

Yet another great night out at the CAT. i had the spinach and artichoke dip and it was amazing…read more The best service ever and always great cocktails made by professionals. The ambience is always chill and once you get to know people you'll find this the only place to hang out in FR.

Amazing lunch with friends, there were 12 of us on a Sunday morning! The Manager greeted us and…read moretook us immediately to our table that was already set up and waiting for us!!! Our server Reese was top-notch, came by the table every 5 minutes. Meals were delicious. Highly recommend for a quiet dinner, family dinner and lunch with a large group of friends!!!

We couldn't decide where to eat yesterday and this came up in my searches and I am SO glad we went!…read moreWhen we arrived, in conversating with the hosts, we discovered that the restaurant had partnered with a basketball team and was in the process of doing a fundraiser for them. They introduced us to the head of this program right on the spot after we told them we were new to the area and are looking to get our kids involved in sports. Our server, Bella, was kind and patient, putting up with all sorts of requests from the kiddos (and us) and was telling us about the area while delivering absolutely delicious nachos and food. The environment is clean and attractive. We will be back

My husband and I drove about half an hour on a Saturday night for dinner with another couple and…read moreAlias did not disappoint! The minute we walked in we were seated early and the staff was so friendly and welcoming immediately and the ambiance is very warm and chic. Multiple employees gave us friendly greetings. The Chef's tasting was tastefully prepared and there were some additional items not on the menu. The Japanese milk bread was delicious too! I really loved the rockfish and the Braised short rib. Each course was beautifully presented and the seasoning and flavors were perfectly balanced. We were really impressed. The chef came out to introduce himself and it was nice to be able to compliment him in person. He's been there just over a month, I think, and he is doing a phenomenal job! This is such a welcome experience out west in the south. I highly recommend checking it out. It was about as good as Clarity in Vienna or 2941 in Falls Church. Dress was business casual and definitely a nicer place for more of a date night or special occasion. We wouldn't bring our children here. We were full at the end but not stuffed. Comfortably satisfied in our bellies for sure!

I feel like I was being punked!!!…read more The vibe and the service was great but the food was terrible!! I felt so misled by yelp and Washingtonian!! The price point (145/165) is not deserved for what is served. I didn't want to leave a bad review but I didn't want people that actually go to fine dining establishments to waist their money. To be a little more specific on the food, everything was either too salty, disproportioned, frozen(deserts) , stale( bruschetta and the tuna tartar cone) or just not cooked well. I wish this place well, I will not be back. And I just want the young servers to know that their customer service was great, they were very polite and friendly.

From the moment we walked in the door we were greeted by Sara (owner). It was like we knew her our…read morewhole life from a 1 minute intro and an excellent way to start our evening celebrating our 19th anniversary. The dining room had a sense of modern rustic if that is a thing. The chairs were surprisingly comfortable allowing us to focus on each other and the meal to come. The playlist was "gen X friendly" with a nice twist to some of the songs and the volume was just right for conversing. The service surpassed our every expectation. Water glasses never reached half, the table was well tended to and the conversation with the staff members was pleasurable and enlightening as to us, they are more than servers. But for a few hours get to know a little about us as well when all others in our lives are mere passerby's, even if soon to be forgotten. Always a smile, well explained dishes and attentive to any needs. The food, oh that amazing food! As said, every dish explained in perfect detail as if to instill a sense of taste before even touching our tongues. Each dish's aroma awoken our palate, but still could not do the plate justice of the flavors we would soon experience. If their green tomato soup is ever repeated, prepare yourself. You may need a cigarette after tasting. And Jake (owner) served our wines for each dish, perfectly paired and presented with notes not only on the taste, but the reason behind the pairing. Just as his wife Sara, he was a welcomed presence to our table and enjoyed our light spirited conversation and laughter. Thank you to Jake and Sara and more importantly the entire staff at the Three Blacksmiths! You made our anniversary an amazing opportunity to share in what you painstakingly craft for others to enjoy.

Okay, bestie. If you're even thinking about going here, make that reservation yesterday. It's tiny,…read moreexclusive, and books out months in advance. Totally worth the hype. This isn't your casual night out. It's a full-on food adventure. You walk in and the vibe is already cozy and storybook-like. It's in this adorable little town near Old Rag Mountain (hello, perfect weekend getaway), and the restaurant used to be an actual blacksmith shop. They lean into the theme: your table has your name on it with a tiny anvil, there's a semi-open kitchen and wood-burning hearth, and the whole space feels warm and personal. The stars here are Sarah and Jake, the owners and chefs. They greet you themselves, chat with you like old friends, and then basically feed you a love letter disguised as a tasting menu. The food changes, but here's the vibe: * Little bites to kick things off (think three creative amuses that set the tone). * Dishes that pull from everywhere. One course might be an Asian-inspired dumpling in coconut broth, the next a perfectly refined European ravioli stuffed with fried chicken and veggies. * Wagyu beef cheeks that cook for 18 hours until they practically melt. * Bread service so good you'll be praying they bring more (they do). Every dish is beautifully plated and nothing is heavy or overdone. Everything just hits. Now, the wine pairing. They offer a regular and a reserve tier, and you can do half pours, which I highly recommend if you're driving back (we came from Arlington, about 1.5 hours). The wines themselves are incredible, from European classics to a killer ice wine from Washington State, and they match the food perfectly. A few heads-ups: * There's one seating per night. Everyone dines together, which makes it feel special and communal. * The cost is no joke. For two people with the reserve half pairings and one espresso, we spent around $300 per person. * They charge your card for the reservation ahead of time, then again for the meal and any drinks separately. * Service charge (22%) is already included, and they send you home with a cookie instead of a check (which, honestly, is iconic). We've been wanting to visit for about seven years but always hesitated because of the long drive. This year, we decided to go for it and booked a reservation in March for an October dinner, just to put the demand into perspective. By the end, we were full but not stuffed, a little buzzed, and very, very happy. It's the kind of meal that makes you want to slow down and savor life. Bonus tip: plan a hike or hit a winery while you're out there. Sperryville and the surrounding area are gorgeous. Five stars, no question. If you're celebrating something special or just want to treat yourself to an unforgettable meal, this is the place.

I visited the place ten years ago in Front Loyal. It was very unique and food was great…read more When I found out the new location, I right away pay a visit. But...the service was disappointing the food was burnt and over seasoned.

A standout and truly unique place. It's more than a restaurant. You'll dine on perfectly cooked…read moresteak and God-approved chimichurri or other treats while taking in eclectic art, unexpected hospitality, and maybe even philosophical conversations with the owners. As someone who has traveled extensively in the US for decades this stands out in the best way. Can't wait to return!

I went into dinner at The Inn at Little Washington with very high expectations. I've been fortunate…read moreenough to dine at multiple Michelin two and three-star restaurants around the country, so I'm familiar with what that level of dining can deliver--and, more importantly, what I believe the experience should feel like. There were certainly some excellent moments. The egg course was fantastic, the caviar addition to the lobster was a great touch, and the lamb was one of the strongest courses of the evening. The cheese service was also outstanding and probably one of the highlights of the entire meal. The service, setting and attention to detail are all what you would expect from an establishment with this much history and reputation. Unfortunately, the meal was ultimately undermined by the wine pairing. The reserve wine pairing was disappointing. We paid $750 per person for the wine pairing, which consisted of just four very small pours. At that price, I expected an extraordinary lineup of wines--rare, compelling bottles that elevated the food and made the pairing an integral part of the experience. Instead, the wines struck me as fairly mediocre, and the tiny pours made the value particularly difficult to understand. The pours were about 1.5 - 2 ounce pours of wines that are readily available online and some even available at discount wine sites. The first wine was sweet and a $65 retail wine, second was a mid-level Sauvignon blanc, followed by a mid-level Chardonnay. The pours were about 1.5-2 ounces so you barely received a taste of the wine. The last wine was very good but the pour was even smaller. For 1,500, my wife and I could have had a top tier bottle of wine. They should feel embarrassed about this offering. The wine pairing pours equalled about 1/2 - 3/4 bottle of wine for the two of us. Having experienced multiple Michelin star restaurants, this is where The Inn at Little Washington fell short for me. At the very highest level of dining, I'm not simply looking for good food. I'm looking for an experience that feels exceptional from beginning to end. The ingredients, creativity, portions, wine program, pacing and overall sense of occasion should all come together in a way that makes the moment feel magical. There were many times during the meal where we had no wine and no food. This has never happened at any of my experiences at other Michelin restaurants. There are plenty of diners who absolutely love the Inn, and I can understand why. There are also reviews from other guests who have praised the food, service and overall experience while others have questioned the value and portion sizes. That divide is understandable. The restaurant clearly has its devoted following, but my experience left me on the more critical side. To be clear, this isn't a bad restaurant. Far from it. The egg, caviar-enhanced lobster, lamb and cheese service were all excellent, and the Inn remains an impressive destination with exceptional service and a beautiful setting. But when you've dined at multiple Michelin star restaurants, you develop a pretty good sense of what separates a very good restaurant from an extraordinary one. For me, The Inn at Little Washington didn't deliver the level of food, wine or value that I've experienced at other three-star establishments. Three stars from me. The food has moments of brilliance, but at the reserve wine pairing was simply too difficult to overlook. And considering the restaurant's recent fall from three Michelin stars to two, I think the downgrade is understandable.

AFTERNOON TEA ONLY review. Recently, the famous Inn at Little Washington began offering afternoon…read moretea, previously only a perk for guests at the Inn, as a standalone service. I brought my mother for tea as a special birthday treat. A few days before our reservation, staff from the Inn reached out to confirm the reservation and ask if we were celebrating any occasion and I told them about my mother's birthday. We arrived at the Inn a little before 2pm and were told they couldn't seat us until right at 2pm for tea. However, at 2pm, when we were lead to the conservatory for tea, there were already people seated. I'm fine with rules like this, but then they need to be the same for all parties. They started us off with a version of an Aperol that was refreshing and the selection of teas was very nice. The food was brought out on a small serving tower with three savory and three sweet items for each of us. We loved the lemon tarts and lobster rolls, but the scones were undercooked and doughy inside. While this was less food than we expected (especially for the $114 per person price point), they did ask if we'd like another of any of our favorite items and then brought us out more of those. This was a thoughtful way of keeping the number of items low, but giving guests more of what they loved. We stayed for about an hour and they began clearing plates and teapots, etc. At no point did anyone acknowledge my mother's birthday or tell us that service had concluded. We walked out of the dining room and while my mother was getting the car from the valet I asked about her birthday recognition with the team. They apologized profusely and offered us complimentary breakfast the next day. As we had driven 2 hours for tea, that was not in the cards. Instead, they refunded the ENTIRE MEAL. I certainly did not ask that they do that, but it was a considerable gesture on their part. I love the Inn at Little Washington and have had amazing meals there, but I would not recommend it for Afternoon Tea. The staff just doesn't seem to have a grip on how to do it for guests who aren't staying overnight at the Inn. Maybe they'll figure it out in a couple months, but I'll take my teas elsewhere.

Hard to think of anything but nice things to say about this fine establishment…read more The libations menu was extraordinary and the old fashion spinoff with elements of chocolate (with a fanciful name which I cannot recall) was smoky and delicious. The mussels were generously portioned, and paired well with the complimentary freshly baked bread. The bread also came with olive oil, but we wound up dipping it in the mussel butter juice because we couldn't get enough. For entrees, we ordered the Grilled Beef Bistro Tenders Bowl & the House Salad topped with salmon - each artisanly crafted and mouthwateringly delicious. On top of it all, the service was outstanding. A kind young lady whom I believe was the owner of the restaurant was personally attentive to all the tables. Although I'm sure the dessert would have been indulgent, we decided to go to the similarly charming C&C Frozen Treats a few doors down for a scoop of Front Royal's best ice cream!

Did not even acknowledge my existence in line. Hostess (owner) helped the couple in front of me,…read morethen promptly turned her back and walked away. I will never ever set foot in this establishment again.

This place is amazing. Makes me want to go to Winchester just to eat there…read more The BLACK & BLEU STEAK SALAD was so very good!!!

The sweet potato fries portion is generous and the horseradish dipping sauce is chefs kiss. Their…read morecalimari is crunchy but not overcooked and rubbery, with shaved cheese on top making it unique. The salad always tastes fresh and their lobster bisque is loaded with flavor. The avocado club is a great panini to try. The chicken is juicy, bacon crunchy, and the combination of avocado and herb mayo really rounds off the balance of it. They are also very efficient having a drive thru for pick up orders.