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    The Black Twig

    3.9 (76 reviews)
    Closed 11:00 am - 9:00 pm
    Updated 2 months ago

    The Black Twig Photos

    Business Info

    THE BLACK TWIG ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Outdoor seating
    Dogs allowed

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    Recommended Reviews - The Black Twig

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    3.5% "Labor of Love" charge?
    Ric V.

    Stopped by after a hike. Ordered a couple martinis, and were told they had no olives. We should have realized that as the harbinger what was to come. We were told we could order an appetizer of olives, so we could have them in our martinis. Next, no choice of how cooked the hamburgers are - we ordered 2, they were overcooked/burned. $85.07 for two overcooked hamburgers and small martinis with no olives. Beware of the surcharge they do not tell you about - 3.5% "Labor of Love" shows up on the receipt. If a business is going to slip in a charge, they should tell you about it before taking your order.

    My friend liked her Spring Omlet.
    Jodie C.

    We stopped in after hiking. We've passed the place many times in the past. I thought it would be a fancy place with fancy food. I liked the pictures. I came in to get the shrimp and grits. They didn't have any. Apparently we ended up there during brunch. I wasn't excited about the menu but my friend really wanted to eat. - We ordered the crispy Brussel Sprouts to start. They were delicious. Tasted like tamarind in there. Very unique flavor and we enjoyed eating them. My friend got the spring omelet. It looked good. I chose chicken and waffles. It was a large plate of food. The waffle was crispy...the chicken, while good, needed salt. Yes, even with all that breading and syrup, I was looking for salt. I ate enough to be full, then brought home the rest. Our waitress was very friendly and attentive. I think I had 4 glasses of water! She did a Great job to refill the glasses before they were empty.

    Shrimp salad
    Scott W.

    This is an out-of-the-way place to visit and isn't bad. It's in a nice quiet location and a good place to stop if out for a drive. The setting is very open and it's clearly used for events based on the floor plan and table arrangements. Staff are friendly but I don't think check on the customers much, so be aware. The food is ok, but overly priced in my opinion, with entrees running $20-30. For our meals we got a buffalo chicken sandwich, shrimp salad, small bowl of soup, and a slice of apple pie to share. Again, not bad if you're passing through, but not somewhere that I would be a regular.

    Cheese truffle fries
    Alison C.

    Stopped by on the way to the parkway. Surprised it was so yummy. The white cheese truffles fries are delicious! Enough to share for two. Hubby has the pulled pork sandwich. It was a generous pile of pulled pork with good flavor.

    Truffle fries
    Klara k.

    We stopped by on our way back home from Shenandoah. Service was wonderful and the food was delicious! We saw the kitchen making it fresh to order. Definitely coming back when we're in town!

    Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Biscuit with side of fruit
    Joe D.

    Was passing through town and saw that this new spot had opened so had to give it a try for breakfast! To start, I have a soft spot for diners. They always feel homely. While this does not feel like a diner you'd see in Back To The Future, it reminds me of a western style diner, like a saloon. Cozy dark wood interior with high top seating and tucked away booths comprise the main area around the bar. As I was in for a late breakfast, I got my pick for where to sit. After a nice conversation with the hostess about this and that, I ordered the bacon egg and cheese biscuit with a cup of coffee. I had heard that prices could be a bit high here but everything I got rounded out to about $12 which I think is great value. The biscuit was great. It was flaky and more like a croissant consistency. This was neat and validated how it was authentic and homemade not just some roll reheated in the oven. The fruit was fresh and a good complement to the sandwich. Coffee is coffee but this cup has bold taste and great flavor. Refills were free and often. Overall, I love this new spot. It is a refreshing addition to the county as it is not another stiff sit down eatery. It truly feels like a place for all folks. I look forward to going back to try some of their other great eats on their lunch or dinner menu.

    Ravioli
    Curt B.

    A cute place near Skyline Drive. We won't for the once a month dinner. It was great. Staff was very quick and helpful. Great stop when passing through or plan to hit it on the once a month dinner.

    Neal E.

    I stopped in recently to check out The Black Twig - after enjoying a few wild ales over at nearby Pen Druid Brewing. The Black Twig is a recent addition to the Sperryville food scene. The physical space it occupies used to be "Headmasters Pub." I sat at the bar and ordered a cheeseburger and fries. While I was waiting, I asked the bartender how long The Black Twig had been open - he said off the top of his head it's been open for a couple of months. The inside area around the bar does not look much different than the previous venue. There is also outside seating - and a second, massively larger room with seating, as well as a pool table. The burger and fries was nothing fancy - just good solid pub food. Hit the spot after drinking a few ales. Good service! I'll be back! #TheBlackTwig

    The Black Twig
    Robert L.

    After spending a long weekend exploring the Shenandoah Mountains, my family and I stumbled upon this place, and we couldn't have been more pleased! The atmosphere was unique, with a nice vibe that made it the perfect spot to unwind for lunch after our trip. The food was great--everyone enjoyed their meals. Our son was negotiating with us to get another helping of the mac and cheese. The staff was welcoming and courteous, treating us like regulars even though it was our first visit. Their grace made the experience even more enjoyable. If you're ever in the area, I highly recommend stopping by for a nice meal. We plan on returning when we get back to the area.

    crispy pork
    Erica S.

    food was solidly good. service was friendly and attentive. would have liked a beer and food menu with a few more options. would have liked longer hours to enjoy the ambiance.

    Gnocchi

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    7 months ago

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    10 months ago

    Amazing food! And great ambiance on the outdoor patio! Will definitely come back soon!

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    1 year ago

    Beet salad, Shrimp and Grits, marinated olives are all super delicious. Bartender and service staff is friendly and helpful. A gem!

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    Ask the Community - The Black Twig

    Osteria Maria - Cacio y pepe

    Osteria Maria

    4.7(84 reviews)
    17.6 mi
    $$

    Delightful dinner tonight! One that took us back to Italy!…read more We drive down this way often, and lately pit of the corner of my eye, I've seen couples sharing meals in a nice hole in the wall restaurant. Today, I finally decided we had to try it out. So so glad we did because we were really impressed. The price is right, the portions are plentiful, and the quality was great. We started with some wine and Italian beer! We had the exact same brand in Venice. We ordered the mussel appetizer and it paired delightfully with my Sauvignon blanc. Our entrees were perfect. The vodka pasta was gone almost as fast as it hit the table and my husband loved his pizza. He asked for the burrata on top, just like we had it in Rome. The dessert was delish and the affogato was splendid! I cannot wait to return!

    Magnificent Italian food in Front Royal! With approximately…read more30 minutes to closing time we got to Osteria Maria and we greeted with smiles and pleasantly seated by a lovely and hospitable waitress. The dining area is very rustic and old world Italian like nonna's apartment in Brooklyn NY. The food is outstanding! I had the bucatini with guanciale and I couldn't stop eating! The fresh pasta is phenomenal and coupled with the crispy bread it was just fantastic. My girlfriend had the fettuccini in mushroom cream sauce and I tried it and found that dish so flavorful I wanted to eat her dinner too. We stumbled on this place rolling in late and were treated like family. This one is a must visit in Front Royal.

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    Osteria Maria
    Osteria Maria - Bucatini with guanciale

    Bucatini with guanciale

    Osteria Maria

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    Three Blacksmiths

    Three Blacksmiths

    4.6(75 reviews)
    0.3 mi
    $$$$

    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 was lucky enough to return to Three Blacksmiths this year (2025) and am happy to say this…read moreexperience was just as memorable (and delicious!) as our previous visit in February 2024. Everything about this restaurant is so welcoming, from the beautiful dining room to being warmly greeted at the door the moment you walk in. The five courses on the menu are inevitably delicious, even if something doesn't necessarily sound like you would enjoy it on paper, and everything goes together so perfectly. The sunchoke soup was almost everyone's favorite course- the creamy, rich soup went so perfectly with the crisp diced Granny smith apples and the grated black truffle- but there wasn't a bad thing. I highly recommend trying the NA mocktail pairing for one of the most interesting and unique beverage experiences I've had in the DMV. I drink alcohol but have still chosen this both times because it is so much fun and so interesting to see what the kitchen comes up with. Every single mocktail was so creative. If you do opt for wine, I really appreciate that you can get a "short pour" of about half the normal pour- typically wine pairings end up being too much alcohol for me, and this is a great alternative that still lets you enjoy the pairings. It is well worth the extra bit of money to opt for the reserve pairings. We were celebrating two milestone birthdays, and the entire Three Blacksmiths team really made it feel like the special occasion it was. At the end of the meal, both of our guests were presented with a signed menu that came with a personalized handwritten note. I have seen signed menus before but never with such a special and personal touch. Genuinely one of my favorite restaurants anywhere and so worth the six month wait from when you book your table!

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    Three Blacksmiths - Seating for up to 20 a night. Warm and beautiful.

    Seating for up to 20 a night. Warm and beautiful.

    Three Blacksmiths
    Three Blacksmiths - Sour plumb punch

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    Sour plumb punch

    Trattoria Villagio - Spaghetti Carbonara

    Trattoria Villagio

    4.2(1.1k reviews)
    46.0 mi
    $$

    My favorite Italian restaurant of all time!!! If you live…read more"far" from Clifton, this hidden gem is absolutely worth the drive. Where do I even begin? Whether I'm there for brunch, lunch, or dinner, I have to order the mussels in garlic white wine sauce every single time. I still haven't found mussels that beat Trattoria's, and I've tried quite a few, even in Maine. If you're indecisive about your entrée, don't worry. I promise, no matter what you order, you're going to love it. The pasta is freshly made, and you can truly taste the difference. Their espresso martinis are also one of a kind. The staff is always attentive, welcoming, and makes the whole experience feel special. From the outside, the restaurant may look small, but once you're inside, there are different rooms, multiple floors, and even an outdoor dining area that feels like it transports you straight to the streets of Sicily. This place is truly Italy on a budget, and if you get addicted like I did, don't say I didn't warn you.

    This place is local for us, we live about 5 minutes down the road. Grabbed some lunch yesterday…read morewith the family and a friend. When I called, they were not super busy and the hostess easily reserved us a table for our arrival. I ordered their signature dish, the homemade tagliatelle with Bolognese...I have to say that I was disappointed by the Bolognese. It wasn't made with the traditional beef/veal/pork mixture. It was made with an Italian spiced sausage. The flavor of the Italian sausage dominates the dish. It's too strong. I hope management reads this and possibly makes a change. The rest of the food was good as usual. Our server did a good job.

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    Trattoria Villagio - Interior

    Interior

    Trattoria Villagio - Berry gelato

    Berry gelato

    Trattoria Villagio - Basque cheesecake.

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    Basque cheesecake.

    Lampo - Cool Scissors

    Lampo

    4.3(548 reviews)
    45.7 mi
    $$

    Husband and I went here for dinner during our first night in Charlottesville. The pizza had great…read moretextures- thin crust on the bottom but bready at the edge, and the right amount of cheese and spicy sausage topping. We each got a pizza and were able to finish both since we were starving. We loved the pizza scissors! Our server was prompt, and we felt lucky to be seated right away on a Wednesday night. Their connecting bar was having a concert outside, with what felt like hundreds of people in attendance. We also learned that we could park in the industrial warehouse lot next door since it was after 5 PM. We'll be back!

    SERVICE We came in on a rainy evening and were told the…read morewait might be about 45 minutes...and no space to wait indoors so we sat outside in the covered patio and they came by to let us order drinks as we waited. Thankfully, got the drink and were called in early about 15 minutes into the wait. That little surprise made things start off on a good note. Once inside, we sat at the bar since there weren't tables available and we were HUNGRY and cold! Even with the weather and a busy crowd, everything felt smooth and relaxed. AMBIANCE The place was small and cozy with a warm vibe that instantly made us forget the rain outside! The cool shallot-shaped lamps over the bar gave off soft light, making the whole space feel super calm and inviting. Sitting at the bar felt right choice for us for our first time -- close enough to the energy of the restaurant and people watching and seeing the pizzas get made but still comfortable! There's a soft buzz but cozy enough to chat and just feel at home. FOOD We ordered the Abruzzo pizza with beef and pork meatballs, fiore di latte, San Marzano tomato, basil, and pecorino. It was hearty and rich but still balanced. We also wanted to try the Prosciutto pizza, which was not the favorite but still good. The San Marzano tomato sauce for the Abruzzo was the star of the show. We were sad we didn't order another pizza with the tomato sauce to switch it up but oh well, another time right?! Loved the floppiness, the tomato sauce flavor, and the crust! Have to love the scissor-plate idea -- very clever and so easy. And size of these personal small-sized pizzas perfect for 2 people so we could have room for dessert and not have leftovers! We finished with the Zeppole "donuts" which were fried ricotta donuts tossed in cinnamon sugar with a hint of lemon (which I LOVED the lemon here and cinnamon sugar worked perfectly!). They were light, warm, crispy and just what you want at the end of a meal. The food was delicious, though definitely on the pricier side ($16-$18 each for the small pizzas, $9 for dessert. Still, everything felt thoughtful and worth it for the quality!

    Photos
    Lampo
    Lampo - Meatball Pizza

    Meatball Pizza

    Lampo

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    The Black Twig - comfortfood - Updated June 2026

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