The New Bridge

After several years of so enjoying the old «Iron Bridge» restaurant here, I really wanted to like this new incarnation just as much. It’s not bad, but somehow it just doesn’t hit the same high mark the old place did.
We visited for the first time on ¹²⁄₈. No reservation, but came early (around 6:30 p.m.) in the hopes that it wouldn’t be crowded. No worries. We were one of only around 3 tables in the whole place. Granted, it was a Tuesday evening.
Started by ordering two Tanqueray & Tonics, which were a whopping $ 10.50 EACH. (Wine offerings seemed to be a bit pricier as well) They did use the more expensive «Tanqueray 10» (according to the receipt, anyway), but nicely made & strong (in a good way). A small basket of artisinal-​looking bread slices & a dish of seasoned olive oil for dipping accompanied our drinks.
For a starter we shared an order of our favorite — «Fried Calamari» ($ 12) — which we enjoyed immensely here in the «old venue». This time, not so much. While the squid itself was properly cooked, the accompanying sauces & presentation were a bit dismal. Supposedly served with a Marinara-​type sauce, a Thai-​type sauce, & a Habanero-​Pineapple type sauce, the Marinara tasted like plain unseasoned tomato sauce out of a can, & the Thai & Habanero-​Pineapple sauces were completely indistinguishable from each other in both color, texture, & flavor, so I don’t know what was going on there. As for presentation, the sauces were served in tiny little wells on a rectangular ceramic platter, so a mere tasting of each at best. Not that we missed anything with these sauces, but please guys — go back to ramekins for sauces. Thankfully lemon wedges were served so we could at least season with that.
For entrees, we both chose what we had enjoyed at the old venue in the past (the menus of old & new are pretty much identical for you old «Iron Bridge» fans). Husband ordered the Lobster Mac & Cheese with Fried Chicken ($ 18) while I went with my favorite Hanger Steak with Truffled Fries ($ 26). Husband’s choice was creamy, cheesy, & was laced with an adequate amount of tender lobster chunks & tender chicken on the side. He really liked it. My hanger steak — instead of the whole piece of steak I’d been served previously — was served in chunks alongside the fries & a sort-​of hashed Brussels sprouts side. While my steak pieces were perfectly cooked to order (medium-​rare) & the sprouts were tasty, the fries didn’t have any scent or flavor of truffles whatsoever, but did smell/​taste of Rosemary. Not bad, but not «truffled». But they were crisp & light, so whatever. One thing that was really annoying about my entrée was that it was served/​stuffed onto a long, narrow rectangular plate. Really? No matter how careful I was, it was absolutely impossible to cut my steak or disentangle a fry without sending some of my meal onto the table. Please guys — go back to normal plating. These specialty dining pieces aren’t working.
For dessert we were more than pleased to see that this new incarnation had kept their amazing Crème Brulee ($ 9) on the dessert menu, so we ordered one to share. It was just as decadent & swoon-​worthy delicious as we remembered it to be. Lovely chocolate ganache on the bottom, equally lovely vanilla-​scented custard, & an absolutely perfect bronze sugar crust topped with a sliced strawberry. What’s not to love?
Service («Channing») was excellent — friendly, informative, & attentive without being intrusive. Bill after tax but before tip came to $ 94 even. I really can’t agree that prices are quite equivalent to the experience — at least not this one.
P. S. As in the old incarnation of this place, they once again were doing their «Envelope» promotion. This time a gold envelope instead of the past red one. The deal is that during December you receive a sealed envelope that you bring back — still sealed — with you during the month of January & which your server opens to reveal your «gift». It could be anything from a free appetizer, glass of wine, dinner, or the grand prize — dinner for two once a month for a year. So we’ll definitely be returning next month to see what we won. (Back in the old incarnation we won a free dinner for two!!) Great marketing ploy — lol!

The New Bridge is a somewhat fancy spot in Warrenton. I had pretty high expectations for this place and was somewhat disappointed. Prices are way too high for one thing as it is out in the American countryside and not in a big city like NYC. The items from the specials menu ended up being the best, while the main menu items were a disappointment.
Buffalo soup — From the specials menu. Delicious but such a small portion! Recommended!
Octopus — From the specials menu. Wow this was amazing but also strange… octopus in the mountains?! Absolutely wonderful and possibly the best octopus I’ve ever had. This should be on the main menu. Highly recommended!
Mussels (White wine, shallots, butter, garlic served with truffle fries) — Kinda bland and not so exciting. $ 16.
8 oz. Hanger Steak (Truffled fries, house vegetable, mushroom demi) — Very disappointing. For $ 26, I was expecting a very high quality steak. This was not high quality and not that great. I did like the sauce and brussel sprouts, however, this dish needs improvement or the price seriously reduced.
They also had a mix-​up with our reservation which we had done online. They ended up seating us in the basement which was pretty cold at first since they had to turn on the heat. Definitely call to confirm any reservation.

I really want to give this place more stars but I unfortunately think it has a lot more kinks to iron out until it is worthy. I came in with my family, our service was okay, a little strange. The charcuterie was good but that was about it (and honestly, how would one mess up a charcuterie plate). My husbands salmon was cooked way too well done yet the skin was somehow still slimy. The mac and cheese for my lobster mac n cheese was pretty much inedible and the fried chicken was very dry. At the end I asked for a cappuccino, our server said «I’ll try but the machine hasn’t been working very well, but I’ll try» (strange response. I would rather not have a cappuccino from a machine that isn’t working personally)…but then as he walked away he said «oh never mind, the starbucks girl is here so I can do it». Okay so I guess the machine is working fine, you just don’t know how to make a cappuccino? Well it turns out neither does the starbucks girl because I was brought up barely a latte (a cappuccino= ¹⁄₃ espresso, ¹⁄₃ milk, ¹⁄₃ foam, while a latte has a very thin layer of foam… yet my «cappuccino’s» foam was pretty much nonexistent)
It’s just frustrating, you would think at a nicer place if you have an espresso machine the staff would be knowledgeable on how to work it and also how to correctly make the drinks.
Anyway, the part that really put a sour taste in our mouths was the very end. Three of us ordered dessert, a lava cake, some other type of cake and gelato. Well the first two were delivered, and the server said the gelato was coming. Ten minutes later after we had finally gotten tired of waiting and finished the other desserts, the gelato (which i presume you just had to scoop out of a container) was FINALLY delivered. No explanation, no apology, just like this was normal everyday service. It was so odd. We were all very confused and it kind of ended the night with a «hmm i don’t think i’ll be coming here again» type of feeling.
With tip we ended up spending around $ 200 for four people for one appetizer, four entrees, 3 desserts, and two glasses of wine.
I just don’t think the service or food is worth spending that kind of money.

We’ve started a tradition of meeting my in-​laws (who live in Central Virginia) in Warrenton on Labor Day weekend for a dinner. This year, we chose The New Bridge as our meeting spot.
We were greeted by a kind and helpful host who offered us the option of indoor or outdoor seating. Due to the warm Virginia evening, we chose indoor but the outdoor space on a large patio with umbrellas looked inviting.
Service was pleasant, knowledgeable and prompt. Wine selections were excellent and well-​edited. Everyone in our party loved their food and the noise levels allowed for easy conversation.
They have a large bar area which looked intriguing and had several patrons throughout the evening. Parking was easy and free.

We have been to the New Bridge twice this summer, and loved it both times. The first time, we just happened to be in Warrenton at dinnertime. We stumbled in hoping we could get a bite to eat at the bar, and instead had a free, educational tasting of Spanish wines, followed by a seat by the window on the second floor. I don’t remember what we ate other than a unique and tasty avocado soup, and the special. It was good enough and attractive enough to plan a return.
This past week, we had family visiting, so we called ahead to ensure a table. Service is obviously a priority, here, and our request for a rooftop table was honored. Our guest and I had medium-​rare hangar steak to die for, my husband had Angus meatloaf. Service was amazing. Food was excellent. It’s the only place I know locally that manages to get both of these right. We’ll be back!

So, we’ve been several times in the past with it was Iron Bridge and then again when it was The Bridge and had a mixed bag of good/​bad food and/​or service. So, when they went out of business and then re-​opened as The New Bridge we were hesitant to go back at all, especially since we checked out the menu online and it looked very similar.
But, we just happened to be in the area on a Sunday night and Claire’s was closed, so we gave it a try.
First off, the service was excellent! The server we had (cute blond with braided hair who smiled a lot) was very attentive, friendly and knowledgeable. This always helps and is the reason we gave a solid three stars!
The menu was pricey! Way too pricey considering the portion sizes. We ordered the scallops for an appetizer and we got was looked like a single scallop cut in half! It was literally ½″ thick! We’ve never seen such a thin scallop and for $ 14 — RIDICULOUS! It was perfectly plated and very tasty, but for these two scallops pieces that totaled a one inch thick scallop, $ 14 was wayyyy too pricey!
We ordered salmon which was plated beautifully over haricot verts and it was (no joke) a 1″ thick slice of salmon which had the length of the typical thickness of a salmon. Nooo, we don’t typically measure our food in this manner, but I know of no other way to express the odd portion sizes that we were given.
The other entrée we ordered was lobster mac & cheese with fried chicken. Portion size of this entrée wasn’t bad and the mac & cheese was AMAZING!
Prices of everything are way too high, seems like they’re trying to make a solid recovery, but I worry they’re not going to get too much return business at these high prices with chincy portions. We most definitely will not be back until they lower prices and increase portions.
We’re not opposed to paying hundreds for a good dinner, but we expect to get what we feel is reasonable for what we pay.
Sad because there’s so much potential with this BEAUTIFUL restaurant in a prime location with a great history and an extensive/​amazing wine list.
(Yes, we tend to CC our review from another site here too)

If you are looking for just the right atmosphere and exceptional service then this is it! Something for everyone. Great selection of wines. Beautiful rooftop dining!

Your restaurant is abhorrent.
My party of four came in on Sunday night reasonably early before 7PM. The two males in our party ordered two cocktails at the bar.
When our complete party arrived, we asked to be seated on the roof. It took a very long time to find us seating in spite of a relatively slow evening.
We ordred as bottle of sparkling Sekt along with our appetizers.
We ordered our entrees approximately 20 minutes later along with a bottle of wine we chose to enjoy with our meal.
The wine came early and after 20 minutes of waiting for our entrees, I went downstairs to request a manager’s attention. The woman who addressed me, stated, «Well, i guess I’m a manager.» I asked about the status of our food, and she assured me it would be right up.
Our food came approximately 10 minutes later with apologies from our server. There was nothing wrong with the food other than the mussels my wife ordered was served over cooked.
When our server came back approximately 20 minutes later, my party did not want additional wine but I wanted another glass which I requested.
About 5 minutes later, she came back to inform me that she was no longer able to serve me as I had been over served. As an experienced ABC professional, I chose not to question her but my party, also experienced ABC professionals, also wondered at the reasoning to make that decision.
When we left, my wife heard the «manager» say, «I guess it’s going to take two people to get him to his car.» For the record, in my 58 years of life, this was not a time I needed help.
As a professional, I won’t second guess a decision to not serve alcohol to a customer. But as a customer service practice, a manager who decides not to serve alcohol should have the guts to come up to the customer he/​she chooses to cut off to explain why.
The Bridge used to be a go-​to place for friends and family.
No Longer

The New Bridge has a good thing going so far! The staff is excellent, and the vibe is fun and relaxed. The place is under new management and they are doing well changing the opinions of locals. The food was comforting and yummy. This is also a great spot for a business lunch!

We really enjoyed the wine bar décor. It is very cute and cozy. We ordered light salads for a late lunch. I ordered the caprese salad which was just okay. I think it could have had some more flavor in the balsamic and basil. Normally I am use to much ore flavor, but is was very plain.
My Dad ordered the Cobb Salad which looked delicious. He said it was good; however he didn’t finish it all and I didn’t taste so I can’t vouch for it.

My bride and I celebrated our 21^st anniversary here on the other evening. This is a very nice, warm place in a cool location.
When we walked in we were immediately greeted by a rather stiff elderly gentleman who’s first question was, «Did you call ahead?». This struck me odd because there were many tables available. It was a rainy Thursday evening and the restaurant never came close to half capacity. Not a big deal, but not the warm welcome I feel business should strive for.
We were, however seated at what could be the best seat in the house. A slighted elevated window seat overlooking the street. The restaurant is located on the corner of historic downtown Warrenton so this table and view is awesome.
We were greeted by Anna our server. She was awesome. Sweet, warm and friendly. She knew it was our anniversary and brought us complimentary flutes of champagne. Very nice.
Their Wine Flights are cool. A «Flight» is a small pour of 3 different kinds of wine. We each ordered a Wine Flight. One Flight is about the same price as one glass.
For dinner we ordered the scallops and the shrimp and grits. Both the scallops and the shrimp were prepared perfectly. The scallops came with quinoa that had a slight lime flavor that was very tasty. The shrimp and grits came with bacon, so right off the bat, I’m a fan. The only problem was that the grits were runny and under done. For a dish that consists mainly of grits, that was unfortunate.
After dinner the bartender brought another round of champagne and announce that we were one of 3 couples there that evening celebrating our anniversary. We all toasted each other.
Overall this is a very cool spot and the staff is very friendly (except the gentleman at the host stand — he’s not rude, just not friendly). The place has an easy to enjoy atmosphere and the wine flights are cool. Unfortunately the grits were a tragic miss step.

The «New» bridge is back and better than ever. It took some growing pains to get rebooted but they are quickly becoming the restaurant to go to in Warrenton again!

Yikes:
I was here for a business meeting happy hour a little over a year ago when it was the Iron Bridge. My associate and I were sitting at the bar enjoying a Virginia Chardonay and laughing with the bar tender. We had not yet ordered appatizers when an older gentlemen walked up to two businessmen across the bar from us who appeared to be keeping to themselves, but laughing and having a good time. The older gentlemen began yelling at one of the gentlemen and then proceeded to punch one of them in the mouth. The police were called and the two businessmen went outside. The older gentleman that punched the businessman turns out was the current owner of The New Bridge, was taken away in hand cuffs on charges of assault. It was a crazy scene.
That said, we stayed for a selection of local cheese appitizers which were pretty good and mussels which were a little over cooked but the garlic sauce was decent.
We chose not to stay for dinner.

The food tastes okay but it’s a bit too expensive for the generic taste and/​or disappointing portion size.
Service was terrible. Our waiter was nice and kind, but seemed a bit flustered as he was running between our table and the kitchen very often. Waters and breads were not refilled promptly, and in fact… it took quite a while for us to even get our bread basket. I think there were issues in the kitchen. One friend’s dish came out extremely late, much later than the rest of our dishes.
I got the meatloaf, which I thought was going to be a colossal entrée. It was a bit small but it tasted fine. My friends got an array of brunch dishes… none of them were raving about them. Overall, everything seemed generic, except the price.
I wouldn’t recommend dining here, and I wouldn’t come back except for maybe a glass of wine.

The old Iron Bridge had been a special occasion spot for my husband and I, as well as a regular go-​to dinner destination for us and a group of friends. To say we were sad when it closed would be an understatement. So, we were excited when we heard that the New Bridge had opened and (Finally!) gotten it’s liquor license. Once we were able to line up everyone’s schedules, we made a reservation for our group of 9.
And then I read the previous Unilocal reviews…
We approached the evening with bittersweet nostalgia and fond memories, tempered by low expectations (based on the harsh reviews) and open minds. The décor and ambiance were unchanged. The menu was practically the same as well, just a bit more limited. The service (Rebecca) was attentive and accommodating. The wine list was still diverse enough to appease most any wine palate, even the most discerning. The food was actually better than the last couple of times we ate at «Iron Bridge», right before it closed, but not yet on par with what we had come to expect before that.
Of the nine at our table, six of us were quite happy with our entrees. The biggest complaint was from those who had ordered the halibut special and felt it was over cooked and under seasoned. One person ordered a medium steak which arrived medium-​well, while two others ordered their steaks rare and felt they were executed perfectly. I opted for the creamy squash soup of the day and it was lick-​the-​bowl to die for.
I know I will be back and I look forward to it. I think it’s a bit too soon to write off the New Bridge. But, as with everything, there is always room for improvement.

Kind, But Clueless
Based on the food and service, I would give it 1 star. But they are genuinely kind and try hard, and you don’t always get that. So I bumped it to 2 stars.
In January, my wife and I went there when they were waiting for their liquor license. They were only open for lunch. The service was slow, and my steak was cooked medium-​well when I ordered medium-​rare. The owner came over and apologized, got me a new steak and gave me a gift card for my troubles. Very kind. We thought, it’s OK — they’re new. we will give it another shot.
Tonight, my wife and I decided to stop by. The rooftop patio was freshly redone and was lovely. We ordered the meat platter, calamari, and fondue (the fondue was not listed on the menu; the server said it had just been brought back from before they closed). I had a glass of wine that was pleasantly proportioned for the price. The calamari was tasty. The dipping sauces, however, tasted like they were made by Kraft. The meat on the platter tasted old — with the exception of the paté which was good particularly when paired with the grainy Dijon. And that leaves us to the fondue… The cheese was chunky, not from chunks of flavor but because it was under cooked. Typically, cheese fondue is steaming hot, but this tasted more like lukewarm Campbell’s cheese soup. Except chunky. And not your mama’s Campbell’s Chunky. The finger potatoes were fried and chopped; not really a good choice for melty cheese. Hard to get melted cheese to stick to fried food. The chopped sausage was meh and way too salty to pair with the cheese. Just a bad dish all the way around that we wished our server would not have mentioned, thus saving us from this experience.
It is sad to say — this place has all of the makings of a good restaurant but they are clueless. They mean well, but need to figure it out quickly. This is a small town where it’s easy to gain loyalty but difficult to gain it back once it’s lost. There seems to be no soul to this restaurant because that is how the food tastes. At this price point, your money is much better spent on 3^rd Street at Claire’s (unless it’s Monday, when sadly, Claire’s is closed, leaving no other higher-​end option).

terrible food, terrible service. sad to see this place go downhill so fast upon opening.