Robinson's Tavern and Grill in Locust Grove continues its tradition of hospitality and good food
Date published: 1/25/2007
By LINDA SALISBURY
For THE FREE LANCE-STAR
Thomas Robertson received his license for a tavern in Locust Grove because he was known as a man of "good character, not addicted to drink, racing or gaming and being of opinion that he will keep an orderly and useful house of entertainment."
Robinson's Tavern and Grill, at the intersection of State Routes 20 and 611, skillfully replaces the 1814 structure that served as a stop for stagecoaches and was near the site of Civil War conflicts. Walking through the door in a large section of strip mall is like stepping through the looking glass and traveling back in time. Robertson (also spelled Robinson) would be pleased that the present tavern continues the tradition of hospitality and good food, and has entertainment.
When My Dining Partner and I scouted out the location before our visit, he poked his head in and said it was a more elegant setting than we had envisioned in a shopping center. He suggested that we make reservations, which turned out to be a good idea. The place was packed! We were seated near the gas fireplace (made of bricks from the old tavern), with an oil painting of the early structure above it.
We were immediately impressed by the gracious hostess and with our server, Chantelle.
The appetizer selection was limited to four choices--a good thing because all were tempting. I decided on the Seared Ahi Tuna ($9.99). The seven generous slices, arranged in a pinwheel design, were topped with fresh ginger and tickled by a sauce that included head-clearing wasabi.
Before MDP could order his appetizer we had the Great Calamari Discussion. MDP has been building his case for eating calamari since I told him at the last restaurant we reviewed that he had to order something else for variety. His point is that calamari is on many menus because people like it, and therefore it makes sense to let readers know when it is very good and when it's not. He said, however, that if I insisted, he would order the fried oysters, but
I relented. Calamari ($8.99) it was. He gave the platter an 8.5 out of 10. His appetizer included two entire squid cut into rounds, plus bunches of tentacles, nicely fried and tender. The marinara sauce was a bit bland, but Chantelle brought fresh horseradish to enhance its flavor. I have never seen such a large portion of calamari as an appetizer!
The entrees--steak, pasta, chicken, fish and gnocchi--were served with "starch" and soup or salad. MDP had a cup of onion soup with his entree, the 14-ounce New York Strip Steak ($17.99), and ordered one of his favorite salads, a wedge of lettuce ($7.99). The large wedge was adorned with bits of tomato and bacon, plus creamy blue cheese dressing and thick crumbles of blue cheese. It was lovely to look at and even better to eat.
Address: 32345 Constitution Highway, Suite A (on State Route 20 at the intersection of State Route 611--about 4 miles south of State Route 3, and nine miles north of U.S. 522 in Unionville), in the Locust Grove Town Center
Phone: 540/854-7474
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m.-midnight; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.-2 a.m.; closed Sunday
Prices: Appetizers: $8.99-$9.99
Soups and salads: $2.99-$8.99
Sandwiches: $7.99
Dinners: $9.99-$22.99
Children's menu: $1.99-$4.49
Desserts: $3.99
Beer, wine and mixed drinks available.
Atmosphere: High ceilings and well-spaced tables keep noise down and conversations private. The Federal colors on the wall, Civil War paintings and pictures, and tasteful displays of flowers, candles and pewter are attractive and not overdone. A system of vintage pulley-operated ceiling fans adds interest and charm. Two eating areas and one bar are nonsmoking, but there is also a bar for smokers at the rear of the building. Food is available at both bars.
Must have been a bad night - which is unusual for them. My husband and I eat at Robinson's every week, many times twice a week. We have always had excellent service and absolutely love the food! We have been in & out many times in an hour or an hour & a 1/2.They are extremely busy on Fri & Sat nights, so I would recommend reservations on those nights. The food is exquisite, the atmosphere delightful, and the service impeccable!
Where you at the same resturant
(posted by
CoruptGov
, Sep. 25, 2007 2:41 pm)
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I had the unfortunate idea to try it out with friends. Wrong move, the service, or lack there of caused a casual dinner to turn into a 3 hour affair. Most items on the menu were not available, and food was not cooked as ordered. Order 3 drinks when you first get a server and you should have one while you wait for additional service. Plan to spend 2 - 3 hours at least waiting to be served your meal, and yes add another hour if you choose to get desert. Think twice before going if you have limited time.
Star Directory
Lovely dining experience!
(posted by
OCgirl
, Sep. 25, 2007 2:41 pm)
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