The Iron Bridge Wine Company

Best dining in Warrenton, hands down. Can't believe you can get natural reduction sauces and good wine at these prices.

Yesterday was Fathers Day, & even though my husband is only a "step-father" to many furred, feathered, & finned "kids", we decided to visit Iron Bridge for dinner - especially since they were running a Fathers Day special where adult males who visited with at least one other guest, & all ordered entrees, "dad's" entrée was FREE.  Really a nice deal.  This would also be our first visit since the restaurant changed ownership several months ago.

Arrived promptly for our 6:30 reservation & were seated immediately.  And at one of their two window alcove tables for two overlooking old-town Warrenton Main Street, which I consider the best seats in the house.

We started off with two Tanqueray & Tonics ($7 ea.), served in elegant narrow tall glasses, garnished with the requisite lime (although we were asked if we'd prefer lemon), & perfectly potent.  Were also brought 2 squares of crusty foccacia bread in a slick of extra-virgin olive oil for dipping.  Very nice.

Hubby didn't feel like having a starter, but one of the day's specials was "Gazpacho" ($9), & since I'm somewhat of a Gazpacho whore. . . .  It was delicious!  Perfectly balanced flavors instead of the frequent too much garlic or too much cucumber, etc., etc., that one often gets with this lovely summer soup. And instead of the usual big chunks of veggie, this one was finely processed.  Not exactly a puree, but relatively smooth.  Finished with what appeared to be a touch of extra-virgin olive oil & had just a little bit of "zip".  Extra nice touch?  Served in a large icy-chilled soup plate.  Perfect.

For entrees, hubby ordered the Cioppino ($27.00), which consisted of 6-8 mussels, one or two sea scallops, 2-3 jumbo shrimp, & pieces of some type of white fish in a savory tomatoey broth.  Served with several slices of grilled sour dough bread to do justice to that lovely broth.  He cleaned it up.  I went for yet another of the day's specials, the Sea Bass ($35).  A nice portion of perfectly cooked Sea Bass filet, served leaning against a mold of  aromatic Jasmine rice, with a small pool of creamy saffron-infused sauce.  Small portion of sautéed whole-leaf spinach completed the plating.  With our meals we also ordered & enjoyed a bottle of Caposaldo Prosecco ($26), which was properly chilled & served in an ice bucket/cooler, along with elegant flutes.

For dessert, hubby chose the fabulous Crème Brulee ($9) that we've enjoyed here several times before.  I decided to try something different, & went with the chocolate Pot de Crème ($9).  The Crème Brulee (with its chocolate ganache bottom & topped with a fresh strawberry, raspberry, & blackberry) was wonderful as always.  My Pot de Crème - while rich & delicious, & served with 2 buttery shortbread cookie bars - was NOT a Pot de Crème at all.  Rather it appeared to be the exact same chocolate ganache served at the bottom of the Crème Brulee.  Pot de Crème is an intensely- flavored, but VERY soft & delicate custard.  This was intensely-flavored stiff chocolate ganache in a cup.  Good, but the chef needs to look up "Pot de Crème" & rethink offering this dessert as one.  Either offer an authentic Pot de Crème, or change the name of this dessert.

Service (by "Sarah S.) was everything service should be - even with it being a busy Fathers Day.  She was knowledgeable, attentive, & friendly without being cloying or overbearing.  Bill after husband's entrée was deducted but before tax & tip came to $100 even.  The ambience, food, & charming service made it worth every penny.

Bottom line:  Nice to see that nothing has changed with new ownership.  Looking forward to many more visits.

The food here is amazing, and they have great wine selections.  The staff is extraordinarily kind, as well.  The atmosphere is double-decker (maybe they even have roof seating?) galley style and reminds me of an old architectural library or something, with wine on all the walls.  

Their fish dishes are delish!  Oh, and don't forget to try the lobster mac n cheese and the deserts!!!