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Pretty much after The Inn, everything else is going to be a poor second, I think. :lol: I am waiting for someone to review the Thornton River Grille, right in Sperryville. The Bleu Rock is not inspiring food-wise but the patio is very pretty, if it's nice weather. The pub in Flint Hill...well, it's got some nice photographs, and the food is hot. I do miss Four and Twenty. There are one or two good options in Culpeper, if you don't mind going that far.

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I'd second Flint Hill Public House. Call them first to make sure they are open (and I think reservations are a good idea). We went to the Flint Hill Public House the night after going to the Inn at Little Washington as well... It's tough to compare to the Inn at Little Washington as very few places could compete, but honestly we probably enjoyed the meal almost as much (the Inn meal was special for us for a completely different reason, but that had nothing to do with the food or the service).

There's a good chance that alot of that was setup by expectations, we expected alot out of the Inn (and received it) and didn't expect very much at all really out of the Flint Hill Public House (since we didn't know very much about it) and got alot more than we expected.

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I've never been but L'Aubege Provencal is probably within about a 30 minute drive and it is supposed to be another good, fancy kind of place. During the day you can also check out Rappahanock Cellars/Winery which has some pretty good stuff and its fun for a tasting - it is only about a 10 minute drive away. If you go to the winery, I recommend you skip the Oasis winery down the road which is very commercial and just plain sucks IMHO. Also, I'd check the other thread here that is called something like small towns in Virginia that may have other recommendations within a short drive: http://www.donrockwell.com/index.php?showtopic=3048

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There are a number of wineries in the area. I'd second KeithA's statement. Rappahannock Cellars is quite good (and I used to be a member of their wine club until I moved out of state) and Oasis is horrible. Horrible may not quite describe it properly... The grounds themselves are beautiful so we had high hopes (care put into the grounds = care put into the wine?) but the wine just is not good. Supposedly they have very good champagne but I've never tried it as it's something like $5 for a tasting.

Linden and Grey Ghost are also in the area and are pretty decent.

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When I said the pub in Flint Hill, I didn't mean The Public House. I was under the impression TPH had shut down. ? No, I meant Griffin's Tavern or Griffith's Tavern. It's hot pub food, end of discussion The Public House was a different story.

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When I said the pub in Flint Hill, I didn't mean The Public House. I was under the impression TPH had shut down. ? No, I meant Griffin's Tavern or Griffith's Tavern. It's hot pub food, end of discussion The Public House was a different story.

The last message in the Public House thread seems to indicate that it's still open, just that you should call first to make sure. I haven't been out there since November or so which was before that message so I don't have any recent first-hand experience.

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The last message in the Public House thread seems to indicate that it's still open, just that you should call first to make sure. I haven't been out there since November or so which was before that message so I don't have any recent first-hand experience.

I chatted up the John at Flint Hill and he's still making a go of it, though he and a lot of locals in the business are being hit hard. Stop in -- consider it an investment in a fine place to eat next time you're in the 'hood, as well.

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Hey, Waitman, did you ever look into The Thornton River Grille? I'm longing for someone who knows what they are talking about to check it out. :lol:

That area is tough for people on the edge...no public transport, most of the $$ in play is weekenders from the city, no local business for the most part that aren't tourist related. I've been poor there and I've had money and money makes a huge difference in being able to admire the scenery. I wish The Public House luck.

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When I said the pub in Flint Hill, I didn't mean The Public House. I was under the impression TPH had shut down. ? No, I meant Griffin's Tavern or Griffith's Tavern. It's hot pub food, end of discussion The Public House was a different story.
It is Griffin Tavern and I ate lunch their last month and it was just ok, which is why I didn't recommend it. The food is decent, but nothing more special that your local cafe/bar with a full menu. Price is ok though. So like pax said if you need hot food and no other options, check it out, otherwise I'd seek greener pastures.
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Hey, Waitman, did you ever look into The Thornton River Grille? I'm longing for someone who knows what they are talking about to check it out. :lol:

That area is tough for people on the edge...no public transport, most of the $ in play is weekenders from the city, no local business for the most part that aren't tourist related. I've been poor there and I've had money and money makes a huge difference in being able to admire the scenery. I wish The Public House luck.

We're hoping to get to Thornton River but -- having promised Flint Hill to one of the travelling party members -- we put it off until next trip...when we check out the swimming hole.

Opinions vary widely on whether I know what I'm talking about.

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If you are going to be in Sperryville, I'd definitely hit up Rae's instead of Thornton River. The food is fresher, more creative, and made with a little more love.

I can't find a website -- care to give us a little more info? Offerings, prices, beer and wine?

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If you are in the area, there is a new winery in the area by the name of Barrel Oak Winery in Delaplane. They serve cheese and charcuterie plates, the scenery and the place is spectacular. This coming Friday the 18th they are open late celebrating "The Full Blood Moon". there website is www. barreloak.com

Look for m posting under the wine forum, I am going there now.....

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Thanks for all of the helpful responses. We we have a reservation at Flint Hill Public House so we will report back. It is also nice to hear good things about Rappahannock Cellars as we were planning on visiting them anyway. We may also hit Gadino Cellars since it is nearby.

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I can't find a website -- care to give us a little more info? Offerings, prices, beer and wine?
hm. not sure they have a website. Its just a little place opened up by a woman who has owned a few restaurants in Rappahannock over the years. Last time I was there, about a year ago, they hadn't gotten their liquor license yet. The menu changed pretty often with everything from lasagna and meatloaf to burgers and taco salads.
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Dropped by Thornton River for lunch, after having checked out an excellent new swimming hole on the Thornton River itself. Their lunch menu is fairly basic, but we did have an excellent Ruben (with house-made corned beef) and a "prosciutto melt" on homemade bread that went down quite well. Can't pass any larger judgments but the joint seems well worth a more leisurely and detailed foray.

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Bump. There are quite a few choices in Rapp County now.

Tulas Off Main.  Washington.  Great place.  We have tried and were very impressed by the scallop, beef and shrimp entrees.  Good beer and wine selection.  They also have a very nice brunch.  It is owned by the Thorton Grill folks but is much better.  I think it is reasonably priced, particularly given its neighbor.  If you are out that way for a drive or a hike, this would be my highest recommendation.

El Quijote.  Sperryville.  Tapas in Sperryville!  It is in the River District Arts Center next to the distillery.  Beautiful and fun space.  There are several hits on the menu.  Don't get the gambas first as the dish will blow your palate.  They are really good though.  We have yet to try the paella.  We have seen it come out and it looks good.  Those eating appeared to be enjoying it very much. It is only open Thurs. to Sat.  And they have flamenco dancers on Saturday nights.

Headmasters Pub.  Sperryville.  Pub food.  They are expanding and putting in a 9 hole par 3 right on the corner of 211.  I think the course opens next week. This is a bar so don't expect fine dining, but it is a neat space and you can browse the antiques at the same time.

Rudy's Pizza.  Sperryville.  Not called the best pizza in Sperryville for nothing. I am only half joking, the pizza is actually really good.

There is also The Griffin and Flint Hill Public House in Flint Hill that others have spoken about and both have been there for some time.  Burgers at the Griffin rock.  Flint Hill is acceptable, pretty room though.

DO NOT MISS the tasting room in the basement of the Hopkins Ordinary B&B in Sperryville.  Next to the Post Office.  They have just opened a small tasting room and the beer is amazing.  The saison and the amber are my personal favorites.  When I say small, I mean small.  It fits about 8 people.  Even if you have to hang out and wait for a spot, you will not regret it.  They sell growlers and big bottles.

BTW - I am not sure if this was mentioned elsewhere, but Blue Rock Inn is closed some time back and for sale.  The food there was always hit or miss but we really enjoyed the view from the patio.

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