Dine and Dish: Vintage Tavern

SUFFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - Vintage Tavern
1900 Governor's Pointe Drive
Suffolk, VA 23436
(757) 238-8808

Impressions:
I went in with very high expectations. After all, this is one of the top 50 restaurants in the U.S., according to Opentable.com . I can see why.
For me, the best restaurants are authentic to their place and time. Vintage Tavern isn't just a southern restaurant, it is a Suffolk restaurant. And that means local.

Much of the meat, vegetables and fish come from within 50 miles. That's why the menu is always changing, changing with the seasons, using the best ingredients available.
The mantra is Seasonally Southern.

Atmosphere:
Call it "Vintage." What you'll find is a 1930's lodge style building with big game mounted on the wall. I felt like I stepped into a Hemingway short story.

The back patio is lush and picturesque -- perfect for a romantic rendezvous. The staff genuinely seem to enjoy their jobs.

Your best bet:
The "Taste of Southern Goodness" sampler.
Buttermilk Biscuits/House-Made Ricotta
Indian Deviled Eggs/Tennessee Proscuitto
Tavern Sausage/Shenandoah Apple Butter
For 2 $11.95. For 4 $16.95.
(These items are subject to change by season)

Really special deals:
The tavern. Vintage Tavern is a restaurant in two parts. The main dining area is formal, fancy and bit more expensive.
The tavern area is cozy and has its own menu. But don't go in expecting bar food. This is top notch fare, just a little less fancy.

When you're thirsty:
A wine for every season. With a 7,800-bottle wine cellar, you'll never run out of options. They also offer private wine lockers and an in house wine program. There's a full list of specialty cocktails and plenty of good beer on tap.

You need to know . . .
Plenty of Parking. They take reservations up to a month in advance and for the dining room only.

Open Tuesday- Saturday beginning at 5:00 pm
Sunday beginning at 4:30 pm.