Eat. Drink. Love Irvington.

Irvington, Virginia, is a food lovers paradise--whatever kind of foodie you are! Read on to learn about the places to Eat. Drink. Love.

The Colonnade

“Lots of things here make you smile. That’s the point.” -- Dudley Patteson, owner

Named for the ten Doric columns that add elegance and beauty to the space, The Colonnade is a chef-driven, fine dining restaurant surrounded by oversized windows and glass doors in the grand and majestic 1,300 sq. ft. lobby of Hope & Glory Inn. Outdoor dining is available on the the Inn's en plein air fountain patio decorated with soft hanging lights and surrounded by Chef Meseret’s gardens and planters overflowing with flowers, vegetables and herbs.

Advance reservations are required to dine at The Colonnade, open Thursday-Sunday for seatings between 6:30 and 7:00 p.m., as Chef Meseret Crockett prepares only a four-course, prix fixe menu utilizing the freshest farm-to-table and boat-to-table, locally-sourced produce, meat and seafood, such as rockfish, oysters, and crab, straight from the Rappahannock River and its coves. Specialty coffees and a full service bar which includes wine from The Dog and Oyster MicroVineyard, situated on the grounds of Hope & Glory, are also available.

The restaurant’s seating is limited to 20 guests and can be reserved for weddings, reunions, and other special occasions and private events.

Dredge

"Food is my passion - my art is creating a delicious and surprising menu that will overwhelm your every sense." -- Chef Bryan Byrd, owner

The name Byrd has significant meaning to the foodie community in Irvington. Native Bryan Byrd has devoted his life to culinary arts and now owns and operates Dredge, a boat- and farm-to-table restaurant, and catering company Byrd's Seafood in his hometown. Both entities are renowned for offering fresh and innovative seafood from local waters.

Located in Irvington's downtown, award-winning Dredge is a Northern Neck favorite whose culinary delights include local and regional seafood (such as crabs, oysters, yellowfin tuna, yellowtail snapper, wahoo, mahi-mahi and more) and grass-fed beef, chicken and pork from its own and neighboring farms. Brian's creative dishes feature traditional southern flavors (such as collard greens) with Caribbean, Cajun and Asian flair. (Think Sriracha Key Lime Slaw, Cilantro Lime Gremolata, and housemade Mango Salsa.)

The restaurant, decorated with art by local artists, is open Tuesday through Saturday, with daily specials such as Taco Tuesday (Fried Oyster Taco, Cuban Pork Taco, and Local Fresh Fish Tacos), Wednesday Pizza Night, whose unique combinations include Local Fried Oyster Parmigiana made with housemade dough, and Dollar Oyster Thursday featuring raw and fried Virginia Oysters harvested fresh from the Rappahannock River. Gluten-free options are available, such as “No’ Neck” Seafood breader used to fry Oysters, Shrimp, Fish, and Soft Crabs.

There are a variety of offerings for those who wish to imbibe: draft, canned and bottled craft beers; wines (including some local); and a range of specialty craft cocktails from the full bar. In addition to the dining room and bar, Dredge has a patio for outdoor dining; private space for catered, special occasions; and Byrd's Seafood Co. food truck for offsite events.

The Local

The Northern Neck’s home for coffee & community

The Local is more than a coffee shop. It is a community that celebrates gracious hospitality and the culture of the Northern Neck lifestyle every day. Counter service with seating indoors or outside on the delightfully landscaped patio.

Located in Irvington's downtown area, The Local has a welcoming, casual vibe, serving breakfast and lunch that is anything but ordinary.

For breakfast, consider Chia Pudding Bowls with Acai or Cinnamon Apple; cinnamon raisin bagels with local berry jam; avocado with sesame, feta, scallions, and/or sprouts on toasted wheatberry or sourdough bread; or yogurt parfaits.

Sandwiches, salads, paninis and soup in unique flavors and combinations are available for lunch. Of course there is coffee (Bring your own mug for a discount!), locally roasted in Richmond, Virginia, and lattes--chai lattes, dirty chai lattes and matcha lattes. For those hot summer days, there is iced coffee, iced tea, frappe, smoothies and Italian Cream Soda.

Meridian Bar & Grill

Good times in every direction

Part of the state-of-the-art entertainment center, Compass Entertainment Complex, Meridian Bar & Grill is the perfect place to fuel up before play or wind down after a day of family fun. To-go orders are to take home, enjoy during a movie in the Complex cinema, or while watching the attractions indoors and outdoors.

Meridian Bar & Grill offers new American cuisine--favorites with a twist. The menu includes traditional soups, salads, sandwiches, baskets and pizzas, as well as specialty items such as Steak Bites, Fried Oysters, Grilled Salmon with Lemon Dill Aioli, Truffle Fries, and burgers topped with fried avocado and bacon onion jam. Brunch is served every Sunday.

While the kids are enjoying the amusements, parents can relax around the fire pit tables and imbibe on specialty house cocktails or a variety of craft beers. Specials include Happy Hour Monday through Friday from 4-6 pm and include deals on draft beer, rail drinks and house wines; $1 wings every Monday night; and holiday food and drink specials throughout the year.

The Office Bistro

Creating an atmosphere that excites the senses and unifies the river realm with eclectic flavors and fresh, high-quality food

You can't miss The Office Bistro in Irvington's downtown. Just look for the giant silverware in the front yard and the toothbrush columns on the front porch, which pays homage to the community service and legacy of Dr. William Westbrook, whose dentist office formally occupied the space.

A full bar, American bistro, The Office Bistro serves appetizers, fresh salads, flatbreads, artisanal sandwiches, and select entrees for lunch and dinner. All dishes are freshly prepared from scratch using farm-to-table, locally sourced ingredients, fresh seafood, and artfully prepared desserts.

Dine indoors in the bistro's comfortable and snappy casual atmosphere, or al fresco on the outdoor, seasonal patio, or take out hand-crafted dishes such as Pow Pow shrimp, oysters, and chicken; Zucchini Fritte; Chicken Lemongrass Pot Stickers; Thai Curry Noodle Bowl; Mediterranean Pizza; Pan Asian Tuna; Cilantro Salmon; and more. Top off your meal with a delicious dessert, such as housemade Chocolate Chambord Pot de Crème.

The full-service bar offers a refreshing and impressive selection of creative, signature crafted cocktails, diverse wine and beer lists (including six draft beer taps) and seasonal specials.

The Tides Inn

Where New England seafood meets southern comfort, rooted in the bounty of the Chesapeake Bay estuary and the rich agriculture of Virginia’s Northern Neck

Historic waterfront resort The Tides Inn could be considered a culinary destination in itself. Fresh local ingredients; warm, personalized service; and waterfront views work in harmony to create culinary adventures that are memorable and distinctive. Seasonal, artisanal cuisine is supported by the region’s valleys, farms, orchards, ocean waters and tributaries.

Guests staying at The Tides have access to four eating and drinking venues, each offering a unique experience. Chesapeake Restaurant & Terrace is the resort's flagship restaurant. Indoor and outdoor dining featuring fresh, locally-sourced dishes for breakfast, lunch or dinner and exceptional water views. Located along Carters Creek, Fish Hawk Oyster Bar's casual, coastal vibe makes the eatery the perfect spot for grab-and-go seafood favorites. There's also an indoor raw bar and a bar for smoothies, wine, craft beer and signature cocktails. Rooted in rich heritage, The Eagle Room represents the Inn’s storied past and is outfitted with vintage Bourbon lockers. It is primarily used for special events and education sessions. At the Golden Eagle Grill, located at the Golden Eagle Golf Club, guests dine on American light fare, including Clam Chowder, Local Oysters, Grilled Salmon Salad and Oyster Po’Boy before or after heading out on the greens.

The Tides Inn also hosts wedding, private events and special occasions for up to 200 guests. The exceptional culinary offerings prepared by the catering staff includes a wide range of banquet menus, including plated sit-down, buffets, Interactive Culinary Stations, and food displays. Personalize the event with his and hers signature cocktails, Rosie the Bar Cart rental, and local Virginia craft beer.

Vine

Serving guests with passion and humility; and supporting the betterment of the community where we live and work

Calling Vine "a wine bar and shop" is an understatement. In addition to its curated list of fine wines (including select organic and biodynamic offerings) and a seasonal beer menu focusing on craft and regional brewers, the cozy neighborhood establishment also features an impressive collection of imaginative small and sharable plates. Notable standouts include Tuna Poke, Lamb Chops, Steamed Mussels, Market Salad made with quinoa and sweet potatoes, Hot Shrimp Dip, Kobe Meatballs, and more.

Daily specials may include comfort food favorites such as housemade lasagna, chicken pot pie, quiche, shrimp risotto and Fish en Papillote. Sundays feature flavored mimosas paired with Vine's brunch specials. Mondays are half-off bottles of select wines; and on Wednesdays, the restaurant offers complimentary wine tasting.

Vine features indoor table, bar, and communal seating and outdoor patio seating--including fire pits for chilly evenings and a lovely view of the historic Hope & Glory Inn. Reservations are encouraged. Vine opens at noon each day (closed Tuesday.) The kitchen closes at 9 pm; hence, drinks only after 9pm.