Claire’s at the Depot
65 S 3rd St, Warrenton, VA, 20186
Claire’s at the Depot Menu
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Address :
65 S 3rd St
Warrenton, VA, 20186 - Phone (540) 351-1616
- Website https://www.clairesrestaurant.com/
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Tue
- Mon :Closed
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Street, Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Classy
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : Yes
Dogs Allowed : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
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Katie K.
I've been to Claire's half a dozen times, and the food has consistently been wonderful every time! They also have a great local wine selection (Pearmund Cellars, for instance - you can't go wrong). The she-crab soup is quite possibly the best on the planet!
(5)Cathy N.
Friends told us to try this restaurant. They were right. We were quite impressed. The weather wasn't conducive to outside dining, but our table (and many others) had a nice view to the patio outside. Between two diners, we tried the soup de jour (butternut squash) and crepes with lobster cream sauce as appetizers. For main courses, one evening special of lamb two ways (2 lamb chops and lamb loin) with fingerling potatoes, mushrooms & broccolini rabe; the other main opted for the 5 oz filet mignon & frites. It was no problem to substitute the frites with sauteed spinach. And for a little decadence a shared apple crisp. Every plate was beautifully presented and divine on the taste buds. Our first choice for wine was out of stock, but it was not difficult to choose another offering from the wine list. Throughout out visit, we were extremely very well taken care of by Liz. She had someone shadowing her (sorry, forgot the name). Both servers were very attentive, but not overly so. This is a terrific restaurant and we look forward to returning soon!
(5)Lynn M.
We were looking online, found this place and it is not a chain. From the online reviews it appears to be a e rinki dink nice place. O. Contrare. It is Spectacular. Also insanely cheap, which being a NYer I don't understand. In ny good restaurants almost always overcharge Will provide brunch review around 1 tomorrow
(5)Ben G.
Each course was on point. Claire's has a great menu choices. Everything we had was cook perfect, and it was hard to choose what to get since several things look very good. I'll look forward returning to again. Looking forward to trying other things on the menu.
(5)R. L. W.
My wife and I had lunch to celebrate my birthday last week. Claire ' s is undoubtedly the best place to eat in Warrenton and if you join their newsletter they'll send you a $10 off birthday coupon and throw in a free dessert as well. We both had the special a strip steak sandwich with brie. Excellent flavor although both should have been trimmed of fat more than they were. Tasty fries and slaw with one, excellent salad with the other. Carrot cake was outstanding. Didn't get them this time but highly recommend the fried oysters and the firecracker calamari.
(4)Mike J.
Every bite was a treat! The food here is top-notch! I forgot the chef's name, but kudos to him!! The scallops were awesome. The beet/goat cheese salad was great. Flavors and spices mixed together perfectly. At first, I was hesitant to take a couple guests here, as they are world travelers and eat at the finest places. But we were in the neighborhood and hungry, so we went! For them to say how good this food is is really saying something!! For the quality, it is reasonably priced!!
(5)Stuart W.
So first the disclaimer. I grew up in Warrenton, ate at the original The Depot many many times. This falls short of those memories. Second disclaimer, I probably ordered poorly. With all the fuss about the she-crab soup, I probably should have stayed away from the filet. Under-cooked on the inside (compared to my request of medium) and over-cooked on the outside - guessing this was inattention on the grill. The Caesar was pedestrian at best and seemed to be an afterthought. Service rated a 10% tip at best, we seemed to be an annoyance. I long for the days of lamb kebabs, flavorful rice and baklava. alas! The rest of my party left with a "meh" kind of experience as well and perhaps a touch of food poisoning from the seafood medley.
(2)Courtney B.
We went to Claire's for brunch on a Sunday, there was 6 of us and we had a reservation and were seated at a great, round table which made it easy for us to talk. The food was really good - everyone at our table got something different and everyone was pleased with their food. I got the Eggs Cheasapeake and highly recommend it! The service was excellent and our waitress kept everyone's drink full - both water and mimosas! She even split our check (into 3 checks) without any problem. A great restaurant and if we're ever in the area again we'll definitely check it out!
(4)Keri M.
Celebrated my birthday dinner with several close friends on Aug 28th... Clare's is my favorite restaurant, and honestly, it ranks up there with many of the dining experiences found in the likes of Manhattan, my old stomping grounds. I had booked reservations a couple weeks in advance and, when my date and I arrived, everything was all set for us to be seated, in the main dining room in the middle of everything, which I love. I started with their cornmeal crusted Chesapeake oysters - to die for, so tender and succulent, cooked to perfection, simply delicious. Others had the She Crab Soup and could not stop raving about it; I don't like crab particularly, but it did look and smell good. We shared a bottle of cab
(5)William T.
This is the best restaurant in Warrenton. It is pricy, but you get what you pay for. I have eaten here several times now and I have not had a bad experience yet. Granted some of the servers are stronger than others but so far none of them have been totally bad. I would highly recommend this place. Some of the stand out menu items are the She Crab Soup, the Duck Confit, and weekend brunch menu in it's entirety. Claire's changes the menu with the seasons as to keep things fresh. If you are a foodie you will like Claire's at the Depot.
(5)Charity W.
I LOVE the atmosphere at Claire's- absolutely beautiful. I ate in the dining room for lunch, but am pretty sure I would love to come back and sit at the bar after work. Both areas are just beautiful. Our server was super friendly and seemed to stop by our table at just the right times. Food was delicious- I particularly liked the salmon. Will definitely be back for some appetizers and wine!
(5)Arlene T.
This place is a gem! The atmosphere is serene and romantic. Our server was great and made recommendations. Perfect for a nice dinner or a special occasion. We were dressed casual and it was fine. The prices are not bad and I actually think they are fair/reasonable for the value of cuisine offered. We had the spicy calamari for our app and it was scrumptious. Fried to perfection with a great compliment of spices. My hubby devoured it! I loved the depot mixed grille entree and my hubby licked his sea scallops entree clean! I will definitely be back to try more items on the menu.
(5)Bella M.
The atmosphere is great at this renovated train depot. In the winter, a table by the fireplace would be nice (if you're ok being closer to the bar). We enjoyed good cocktails, nice wine options, smoked salmon nachos (yum, but small)... And like other reviewers, a cup of she crab soup.
(5)Kurt V.
I was driving from Washington, DC to dinner at the Inn at Little Washington and an overnight stay there. My original plan was to have lunch at our destination. But we were delayed and I didn't want to have a late lunch in advance of our big dinner at the Inn. So while I am not a super user of YELP, I pulled out my phone (I was not driving!) to look for a restaurant along the way that would hopefully keep us in the culinary theme of the trip. I found Claire's At the Depot so we exited at Warrenton to give it a shot. It was a delightful meal. Both of us had the She Crab Soup which was outstanding. It was as thick as a chowder (thick with crab meat, not filler). I had the leek quiche, which was tasty and perfect for a light lunch as I didn't want to overeat in advance of our dinner. In fact, I wished I could have enjoyed more of their menu. Service was also excellent and it had a great atmosphere. For any Foodies on their way to the Inn at Little Washington, this is the place to stop along the way.
(4)Laura S.
Loved this spot. Drove through from Washington DC looking for a good lunch/brunch, we found it. Delish mimosa, scones to start were amazing, and best quiche I have had in a long while. Hash browns were good too. Service was lovely, Claire was behind the bar. My husband enjoyed a special dad's plate brunch with steak and eggs, sausage, pancakes. We left happy we stumbled on this place in our travels and we would drive back to go there again.
(4)Richard C.
The was our first time back to Claire's in a couple of years. We stopped going because it went "downhill" for awhile, but it is back! The food and service were excellent (thanks, Amanda), especially the daily-special rib-eye. We went on a Tues night without a reservation and were seated in the front area next to the fireplace (not in service unfortunately). This is the bar/dining area and it is very noisy, to the point of distracting. Nonetheless, if you go, get seated in the back room unless you like noisy bar areas.
(4)J h.
This is my second review of this establishment because I wanted find out if the service and other menu items would be as delicious as the last time. My meal and service was as Fabulous, Incredible, Fantastic as before. No disappointments, another culinary delight and was as tasty as my previous meal. My best friend and I both had their famous She Crab Soup, without a doubt the best I have ever had, ANYWHERE!! Our main meal was the Beef Tips with a Creamy Mushroom gravy, gnoochi, and asparagus spears. The beef was perfectly cooked without a trace of fat, gristle, over done or bloody, the creamy mushroom gravy was to die for (loaded with mushroom slices) and was a perfect compliment to the meat. I chose to substitue the gnoochi for home made delicious mashed potatoes. The asparagus was well done without being mushy or to crunchy. The service is 5 Star and the impeccably clad hostess Gabriella, not only seats you but returns to your table to make sure your service and meal was to your liking. Her infectious smile, class and extremly professional demeanor adds to the outstanding dining experience. If your in the Washington D.C., Northern Virginia area I strongly recommend this restaurant, however, I caution you to make a reservation because there is limited seating and the restaurant is usually packed!!
(5)Steve Z.
A super solid Friday night casual restaurant with great service food and ambience. Lived in the area for 14 years and just discovered this place via yelp. Loved it!
(4)Stephen Y.
I went in one fall evening for a quick bite to eat. When I am alone, I like to sit at the bar and eat. The bar was very nice, albeit small. The service from the bartender was outstanding. The food was very good. The She Crab Soup was quite possibly the best I've ever had. Simply amazing! I wasn't overly hungry, so I ordered the Southwestern Ceasar Salad and it was also very good. Greens were fresh and the flavor of the dressing was very nice. I wish that I had gotten an entree, as everything was great. I will upon my next visit. The restaraunt itself was very nice. The decor was very nice and maximized the space to create a very nice ambiance. Locating the place was kind of tough and there is not ample lighting in the parking lot, but once I stepped inside, it was worth it. Good food, great service, and nice atmosphere added up to one great meal. It is worth it to go there simply for the She Crab Soup!!!
(4)Dina C.
The photo of the outside posted on yelp does not do this place justice. The design is magnificent..,right out of Architectural digest. Food was awesome, I had the she crab soup, that was straight from the low country. Service was very good as well. we are in town till Sunday and plan to do brunch here tomo.
(5)Cornelia B.
I love the atmosphere of this restaurant but we went there last night and this is just average at best. Their crab soup is good. The raw tuna appetizer is good but I ordered the T-bone steak that was on special and it was so dry and tasteless. It was thin. I don't know who their supplier is but that was awful. The other person got chicken curry and it was average and another person got the plank samon and it was extremely undercooked. The other person got the scallops and that was the best dish of the night. Got a piece of chocolate cake which was also dry as a bone. This is Warrenton. What do you expect? We drove down from Reston and I won't do that again. We have very good restaurants so I am used to good food and I had to do it for a birthday. Won't do that again
(2)Bonnie W.
We came all the way from Sterling for a family dinner. Made a reservation DAYS in advance. We were promised the round table by the windows. When we arrived the table was given to someone else and we were made to sit in the corner by the wall. When we complained, we were told the hostess gave the table to someone else and just decided this is where we should sit! What? Why make a reservation then? We were promised we would not be charged for appetizers for the "inconvenience". Guess what....we were charged! Unbelievably rude and indignant people there!
(1)Iain B.
My wife and I had brunch with my parents here a few weekends ago, I've just been lazy with my review. The restaurant itself is really nice, We loved the building and it was decorated very nicely. We started off with the Yellowfin Ahi Tuna Wonton which was really good as were the complimentary scones, though the scones did seem more like a shortbread than a scone but whatever, they were so good my dad had them box up a bunch to go. For entree my wife had the pumpkin pancakes, my mom had the Monte Cristo and my dad and I both had the Eggs Chesapeake. My wife really like her pancakes and mom her Monte Cristo. When the Eggs Chesapeake came out the poached eggs on both my dad's and my plates were literally ice cold. I'm not sure if they put them in a ice bath to shock them and left them in too long or what but we told the waitress and within a few minutes we had new eggs that were nice and hot. One of mine was overcooked a tad (firm yoke) but otherwise it was very good and the crab cakes were nice. All our entrees came with their herbed hash browns (they were more like roasted potatos) and fresh fruit, all were really good. We'll definitely be back, maybe for a regular lunch or dinner to try something new.
(4)Diana K.
Claire's has been my favorite Warrenton restaurant for years. There is so much I LOVE about it, yet there's room for improvement. It's like they give 90%, but not 100, but 100 is certainly within their reach and they can truly become a name for themselves in the DC-area dining world with a bit more effort. I've been dining there since they opened, and there is so much that is spectacular. I was there last night for dinner. The server was a bit "cold"; she did her job, but she gave off a sense that she didn't want to be there. The rolls were heavenly; the parsnip and potato soup delicious. I had the Cowboy Primerib special. The first bite was fantastic, but as I ate the steak, I discovered it was very fatty and there was very little lean beef. At $34, I would never order that again. The mushroom and blue cheese topping was very good. This would've been an awesome steak if the cut wasn't so fatty. Ew. I also ordered it well done and half of it was pink/red. The mashed potatoes with carmelized onions were the best I've ever had. Amazing! The hericot verts (green beans) were nice quality, but nearly raw. The creme brulee for dessert was the best ever. SPECTACULAR. It truly has such potential to be a brilliant restaurant, if just the "little things" could be fixed. Service and the cut of beef are what make me downgrade to 3 stars. Yet I still love the restaurant. And I have high hopes it put forth 100% and become a real name in the dining community.
(3)Trisha F.
Claire's is FANTASTIC! I was driving from DC to Charlottesville and this place came up on a quick search. Not too far from whatever freeway I was on and a delectable surprise! Chicken salad was to die for and the ahi was what I expect to find on the west coast. Great service, phenomenal happy hour wine and definitely a place I'd come back to if I was headed this way again.
(5)Alexandra E.
WOW! Claire's is truly a spectacular restaurant. It isn't pricey (my brunch entree was $11), the ambiance is cozy and sweet, and the waiters/waitresses really know what they're doing. First off, the brunch's complimentary orange and cranberry scones were incredible- more like a shortbread consistency. The rainbow trout was great, but we weren't a huge fan of grits. The blueberry pancakes were fluffy and the hash browns were surprisingly more like home fries. They were so good I asked what went in them- just potatoes, salt, pepper, tarragon, and paprika! When you come, make sure you sit in the room with the fireplace overlooking the garden since the acoustics are better back there. Definitely give Claire's a visit...it's currently my favorite restaurant!
(5)Richard F.
Claire's is a delight - the food, the ambiance, the service - it all works beautifully. We visit for special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, or if we simply desire an elegant meal. We like the fact that the menu changes periodically, so there is usually something interesting to try.
(5)Miss A.
This is a really nice place to take parents when they are in town for a visit. The food is fresh, service is attentive, and the atmosphere cozy. All that being said, the menu always seems a little too "safe" for me. It's not anything I get super excited about. Nevertheless, it's cute. I'd definitely recommend it for brunch.
(4)Cin R.
We went there tonight based on great Yelp reviews. I don't know where the other reviewers have dined before, but they must not get out much if that is what they consider a fabulous meal!! My husband and I both ordered the Rib Eye for $28 each, which was supposed to come with a bacon port sauce, roasted potatoes and garlic broccolini. Ours arrived with dry flavorless wedges of roasted potatoes, and green beans (which were, sadly, the most flavorful part of the meal.) No word about the broccolini having run out. The steak had a big section of fat and gristle and was not particularly tender or flavorful. It needed at least twice as much of the scant trail of bacon port sauce that it was served with, which would have made it a much more palatable steak. Overall, our entrees were absolutely forgettable and I could have done better myself at home with some grass fed steaks from Whole Foods. I ordered a standard Manhattan - a drink which, even here in much pricier Alexandria, would only be $8, and was charged $12 for their "specialty" Manhattan (even though I didn't order that) and it was one of the worst I have ever had. It was also served in a martini glass - which is odd. They're usually served in a lowball glass. My husband ordered a Devil's Backbone beer because our waitress said "the taps blew" and there weren't many beer choices. Service was lackluster at best. Our waitress disappeared for long periods of time, even though the floor was not busy at all for our late reservation of 8:30 p.m. We won't be going back. A BIG disappointment, especially for our tab of $90 for two people.
(2)Brent A.
Great food and service. A variety of seafood and steak options with a nice wine selection to complement the meal. Claire's has become a favorite for some Marine friends (and their wives) and mine to host occasional celebratory dinners.
(4)Desiree D.
My sisters and I took our mom here for mother's day. They had a lunch buffet set-up outside on the patio. This was my first visit to Claire's and I really enjoyed the decor. The outdoor area is also very nice and imagine it would be enjoyable to have food and drinks out there. The food from the buffet was good for buffet food, but not as warm as I would have liked, and the price was a bit high for not very many options. Staff was friendly and drink refills came quickly. I would go back if given the opportunity because it seemed like a nice enough place.
(4)thomas z.
Lunch last week. Very good nice setting. Chilly day and was able to sit at the fire place. Ok enought of that. The food was very good. Had a cup of crab soup excellent. Greek salad was also very good. Also choose a angus burger which was done perfectly. A little pricey but worth it.
(5)Anthony V.
This is a quaint little place with good food and attentive service. We had a standard Sunday brunch: huevos racheros and an omelet (Virginia ham, asiago, and asparagus). These meals aren't lighting the world on fire, but they're more than serviceable quality and are executed in a pleasant environment. The space is fantastic (particularly the outdoor patio), and the refurbished train depot with its high vaulted ceilings makes for a tremendous dining room. Bottom line: Come for the complimentary orange-cranberry scones, stay for the solid food and service.
(3)Kelly W.
A very disappointing experience. My wife and I made reservations for our anniversary, and despite the advance reservations, we were seated at the very front in the "Tavern" portion next to the front door and hostess stand, while all the tables in the nicer dining station remained unoccupied. As a result, we had to endure the distraction of every person entering looking for a table. The restaurant had just opened for dinner, and all of the other tables were vacant, even by the time we left, so I don't know why they gave us the worst possible table. My wife received entirely a different dish than she ordered, but received no apology, no offer to correct the order, the waitress just said, "oh, I thought that's what you ordered" and so she was unhappily stuck with it. The food itself was very ordinary, nothing to brag about. I ordered the mixed grille (and at least they got that order right), but the food was bland, which was very disappointing considering the high price of the dish. One further note of warning, do NOT bring kids. Children are obviously discouraged, and the only options they give for kids meals is a very dry piece of grilled chicken, or a hunk of gristle they called a steak. My two well-behaved daughters were unable to take more than one bite of each, and we ended up having to feed them a real meal when they got home. Claire's is obviously trying to be an upscale restaurant in Warrenton, but they need to improve the service dramatically, keep customer's concerns in the forefront, and add a little more zing to their food offerings. They certainly made our anniversary an experience to remember, but not in a good way. One final thought -- how do the bad reviews like this one keep getting filtered on Yelp? I am a real person who wants to relate a real experience. Filtering a real review is not the purpose of the filter.
(1)Wes R.
My wife and I recently went to Claire's for lunch after reading some good reviews. We both enjoyed our meals and thought that the food was a very good value. The prices are hard to beat considering the quality. The service was also very good, which is a plus! I'm sure we'll continue to visit Claire's for many years.
(4)Katherine P.
Went here with a group of 5 for brunch on Mother's Day. Food was excellent, even with it being a buffet. The salad was delicious, and the seafood Newburg was quite good as well. I definitely want to make a return visit to try their regular menu, but both Mothers in the party were duly impressed.
(5)Sarah G.
I loved the atmosphere of the Depot- the fact that you still get the feel of a train depot; especially with the old train caboose in the back garden. I had the Elderflower Spritzer- it was very refreshing. I ordered the Blackened Sea Scallops and they were delicious! They came with Gouda grits with Sausage and steamed spinach. It was amazing and so filling, sadly I couldn't finish them! I definitely recommend this restaurant. The cocktail list and menu, although not extensive, is very versatile.
(4)Dawn R.
My mom used to work for Claire's back in the day when she was catering out of her basement - so when she opened a restaurant, we had to try it! I went with a friend & we had a delicious dinner. The tart we had for dessert was my favorite part, but the whole meal was amazing. The wait staff was attentive & it was a nice quiet place to enjoy our meal.
(4)suzanne u.
I don't often give 5 stars in restaurant reviews but for the excellent service and the quality of food at a quite reasonable price I must give 5 stars. The food here is excellent! It is of a quality seen in better restaurants in NY, Washington, DC, San Francisco but without the big city pricing. For example, the Tanquerray and tonics are only $8 and are made with a very special small batch tonic called Jack Rudy...mmmm, so good! I had Blackened Scallops , perfectly done, fork cut through like butter. The grits with andouille sausage had just the right amount of kick. Hubs had the Pork Opium...it's a definite schedule 1 drug...no medical purpose and possibly addictive! lol! Had an asian flavor to it and came with delicious baked mac and cheese (just a hint of nutmeg added, just like my mama used to do) The wait staff is gracious and friendly without being intrusive and the timing of courses is just right; not so fast that you feel rushed, not too slow that you're anxiously awaiting the next dish. We were stuffed after all that but couldn't resist trying the chocolate cake with buttercream frosting....I was so pleasantly surprised as buttercream can sometimes be too sweet and heavy but this one was just right...(wow , startin' to sound like Goldilocks) The icing was surprisingly light and mousse-like....loved it! Coffee--excellent as well! We took a piece of the Amaretto cheesecake home with us and if it's a hit i will amend this review tomorrow. So need I say it? I highly recommend Claire's. It's charming inside , both at the bar and fireplace room. They have outdoor seating as well, set in what looks like a lovely English garden...can't wait for the warm weather!! Soooo, 3 drinks, 1 glass of wine, 1 appetizer, 1 soup, 2 entrees, 1 irish coffee, 1 regular coffee and 2 desserts came to only $138! We've been to the bar at Morton's and just had a couple of drinks and an appetizer and spent more than that!!
(5)Reviewer R.
Based on the rating and reviews on Yelp, we stopped in for lunch on a weekend while passing through town. We give it 4.5 stars, actually. The building and interior are fantastic - - lovely windows, copper-topped tables and bar, some original brick work, etc. Clean and well-maintained. Great atmosphere. We ordered a bowl of the crab soup (superb) but it was served with three little pedestrian crackers from a box (half a star off for that), and the burger (perfectly cooked to order) with tasty seasoned fries and a very good, albeit tiny, portion of coleslaw (with blueberries!). Service was friendly and efficient. If we pass through this town again, we'll stop in for another meal.
(4)Mike K.
Claire's is the perfect place in Warrenton to go for that special occasion. The recently renovated historic train depot is just beautiful. Kudos to the designer. The greeter was not quite as pleasant as I'd like to see or even expect, but we had reservations (made on opentable.com ) and we weren't kept waiting. Oddly, she was more pleasant on our departure. The waitstaff was great - attentive but not overbearing. On to the good part - the food. Fantastic! I started with the she crab soup (which I'd never had before). It was very good - lots of crab meat in a creamy base. Very similar to cream of crab but different - she crab is made using crab roe, giving it it's distinct pinkish-orange color. My wife raved about the beet and goat cheese salad. My elderly mother passed on the starter and was quite happy chatting away at us while we ate :-) Speaking of my elderly mother, she has the appetite of a kitten. The menu lists a number of dishes with a smaller portion size but none of them appealed to Mom. We were happy that one of the other dishes (the Mixed Grille) could be modified to a smaller portion. I had the North Atlantic Salmon, and it was quite frankly, superb. Served on pearl couscous with a mango salsa - a perfect balance of flavors. I didn't want it to end! Vegetable of the day was asparagus and it too, was perfectly prepared. My wife had the Wild Mushroom Ravioli and was quite pleased with it. It was a bit earthy for my liking but, that's just me. My mother and I both finished our meal with a serving of gelato - her chocolate was too intense for her so I traded her my plain vanilla and we both ended up happy! A pleasurable experience, one that I hope to repeat many times...
(5)Rory K.
The highlight was Kirby, our waitress. The low points were the limited and very expensive menu, and the strange manner of the greeter. Forgettable appetizers and okay main course. And they ran out of oysters! This diner had the last "shift" - 8 pm, by which time the owner had left and no one seemed to be in charge. Very expensive for a frankly fairly average experience. I know from many good previous experiences that Claire can do far better, but she disengaged tonight and we all paid the price. The boss cannot go home when the restaurant is heaving at $75 a head plus wine etc.
(3)The I.
My wife and I had lunch here today. Everything was great including my gin martini and my wife's kir royale. This is a very good restaurant. However, they charged $11.00 for my wife's kir royale, which is much more than she has ever been charged elsewhere. For this amount, they should have given her the remainder of the split of champagne. She will never order the kir royale again here.
(4)Justine P.
The service was good and the food was to die for. I had their butternut squash ravioli and it almost brought tears to my eyes it was so damn good! I will never be able to look at another ravioli the same...
(5)Dan C.
I went here for the first time the other day for lunch. I'll be honest I was slightly hesitant based on the reviews and its only have a 3.5 star rating. I had a great dining experience, the menu had a lot of interesting options, the food was high quality, and the staff was professional. This place deserves at least a 4 star Yelp rating! I read some of the other reviews folks posted and I think they need to either expand their minds or lighten up a bit. Someone mentioned the hostess was "strange", if by "strange" you mean not born in the US, well, I think you need to broaden your horizons. I'll say again all the staff I interacted with were highly professional. Someone else mentioned they had to wait, well that's what happens at high quality restaurants on occasion. Someone else mentioned the food was too expensive; I thought it was very reasonably priced for the quality and service. Good quality food and good service costs a bit more, that shouldn't be a surprise to anyone... In closing: I don't usually take the time to respond to other people's comments but in this instance I felt the ratings for this place were too low. If you are even considering it check out the menu and give a try, I don't think you'll regret it. We tried the crab soup, the roasted beet salad and fried oysters, I'd recommend them all.
(4)Timothy B.
Had dinner there, everything was wonderful. Crab soup, salad with shrimp and steak was very tasty. Feel that the drink could have had a little more alcohol. Overall very satisfied.
(4)Scarlet R.
Probably the best place in Warrenton to get a great lunch. The she-crab soup is AMAZING. The specials are always a good choice and if you just want something basic, the hamburger is quite good. Beautiful bar set up.
(4)Philip H.
Very good food in a great setting. The place is not that large and does not have the noise of a chain restaurant. The bar area seemed busy, and if you get a table, you will like the atmosphere there. The service was great. The specials were great options. We had an appetizer that was excellent. I had the seafood special for the night, and that too was very good. The coconut cake for dessert is a must if that's your flavor. Highly suggest you try this place, with great service, excellent food, and parking is readily available just outside the doors.
(5)Lori E.
First time at Claire's at the Depot and we loved it. The she-crab soup was probably the best we ever had. The salmon, filet mignon, fried green tomato and crab cake were all delicious. Nice wine choices too. Service was top notch and the decor was very pleasing. Definitely going back soon.
(4)Karen P.
My son and I stopped in without planning to while out on a driving lesson. The she crab soup was excellent. I got the shrimp and grits. It was good, wish there were more grits or it be served with a spoon, it was more like eating a chowder or thick stew than what I expected from shrimp and grits. The flavors were good and the shrimp were not overcooked. The poached eggs were cooked with a runny yolk but the whites were not gooey - that was very nice to see. The crab cream sauce was tasty and not overly spiced so it did not overpower the flavors of the other elements of the shrimp and grits, there was just a lot of sauce. My son got a cheeseburger, it was well made, cooked as he ordered, he had no complaints which for a teenager is a good thing. He did like Claire's and said he would like to go back. It was busy when we arrived so we were asked if we would be OK with a seat at the window - it was actually very nice, we were able to watch the neighborhood and talk. We will definitely be back - good excuse for another long driving lesson!
(4)Kaitlyn Y.
What an ADORABLE spot. The ONLY reason I cannot give a full 5 stars is because our service was horrible. Our server must have had something personal going one...she was very distracted and I had to go to the bar to get drinks for our table, twice. HOWEVER, the food was WONDERFUL. This restaurant is VERY spendy, but I still recommend it highly. I believe the food is locally sourced for the most part, which explains the prices. The kitchen is run by two women chefs! The food is excellent, the atmosphere so quaint, rustic and elevated at the same time. I look forward to going back.
(4)Betsy A.
Claire's at the Depot hands down, is the best nice restaurant in Warrenton. The outskirts of town (still Warrenton) has numerous strip mall shopping centers and chain restaurants, but none with the old vintage charm this place has in the old town itself. This is the type of place locals and visitors come for a "nice" meal or to celebrate a special occasion and you dress up a bit, or you come to brunch or lunch and know it will be nice without being stuffy. . Since moving out in the area, have eaten there probably 13 times. Normally going down to Warrenton with friends for lunch or Sunday brunch. I probably would give it 5 stars, but for a few wrinkles here and now.. Several times the service has not been that prompt at times Perhaps, they give the servers too many tables and there does NOT seem to be any one else assisting the server and keeping an eye on their tables. ,When you have to ask for another glass of wine, more water, ice tea, or coffee after a reasonable amount of time, or you have finished your soup or main course and no one takes the dishes away, because there does not seem to be any bus staff, it all falls on the server And in all the times I have been there with people, we have never seen a dining room captain, Manager, or owner coming around the rooms checking to be sure everything is running smoothly, and even stopping to ask how your meal is or do you need anything. NOT once.. . . Some times the server has come back to see if everything was fine and some times not until bringing the bill. (which is a bit late to ask). And parking can be a bit dicey, as the lot on one side, is for the commercial buildings there, across the street strictly for a church, limited parking in front on the street, and a small lot the far end of the restaurant that can fill up fast. Like the setting, which is an old train depot, converted to a restaurant, with polished wood bar and floors, several different little areas to dine, plus an outdoor patio, with tables, looking at a small attractive garden and old train caboose. And I like the food, the soups are excellent, the entree's (with the exception of the Ahi) are very nicely presented and range from wonderful to good, and the desserts are tasty. (and the place is very clean) This is a nice place to stop, if you are going for a "day or afternoon" drive out in the "country" to see some scenery, or visit a nearby winery,, or for a nice lunch or dinner out of the DC/Northern VA metro hustle and bustle.. PS One of my favorite stops was last October, which was a special occasion, so we went for brunch on a Sunday, on our way to dinner later at Inn at Little Washington. Very nice time at both places, it was a good combination. (only shock was the credit card bills for this LOL)
(4)Travis B.
Perfect dinning -- Claire's offers a wonderful experience. The food was simply amazing (the entrees are cooked perfect - we both had the filet and it was cooked just right --- also, the she crab soup -- outstanding). A friendly and attentive staff makes the time there perfect. Thanks for a great anniversary evening --- top notch.
(5)J E.
We stopped in for happy hour to try their appetizers and check out happy hour drink deals. They do offer some nice deals and the food we tried was really tasty, but limited. They really need to add one or two more food items to their happy hour. The drinks were made nicely and the service at the bar was very good. We look forward to going back sometime to try their dinner menu.
(3)Tim T.
We love the decor of the restaurant but more importantly we loved how clean it was. The service was attentive and the food was delicious. The beef wraps were my favorite. My husband and I enjoyed every bite.
(5)George F.
This is by far one of our favorite places to eat in Warrenton. The food is always top notch and they pull as much locally as they can. The atmosphere on the tables off the bar are the best spot in my opinion. In the back it can get a little tight (overlooking the patio) and stiff feeling. Definitely upscale bar service / wine service compared to other local spots. Great spot overall highly recommend.
(4)Carrie W.
I've been back a few times since my review and service and food have been fantastic! Will definitely continue to visit
(5)CL H.
Once again, amazing! Great way to end a busy work week. Enjoyed the app special - ample bacon-wrapped scallops with a delicious Asian slaw. Had to have the beet and goat cheese salad again - perfect every time. Then enjoyed the entree special, a white fish (forgot the name!) over rice with a delicious sort of ragout of capers, olives, peppers, tomatoes, and topped with 2 blackened shrimp. So good. Boyfriend enjoyed the ribeye with asparagus and delicious whipped potatoes. Service was impeccable as always. Love this place.
(5)Kerry F.
Claire's was recommended to us by our accommodations while visiting for a wine weekend, so I did less homework than I normally do. It's a lovely restaurant, but way overpriced. They have big-city prices ($26 for a steak) and ornatedly-described food, but it was just okay in contrast to the image they presented. As my fiance said, it's trying to be something it's not. Our favorite dish was the seared tuna served on wontons. The "lighter fare" section was simpler and tasty, as well as better-priced. Our server was friendly and knew her menu.
(3)Kelly Ann R.
Food was amazing. The Tile fish special was loaded with flavors and beautiful eye appeal on the plate. The Key Lime pie was a little too tart for me but the texture was perfect. The Claire's Cosmo needed some work, while making a signature cocktail switching Lime for Lemon is a big mistake, for $12 a cocktail should be smooth, this was a bit bitter and was heavy on the alcohol taste, so wouldn't order it again. Service was good but with a bit of a wait for the check, waiter might have had too many tables as the restaurant started to get busy.
(4)Lisa C.
We stopped into Claire's this evening for my first dinner back home. Here is our experience. Atmosphere - 4 stars, this restaurant is built in the old train depot. The outside is this dark brick building with a lot of character. On the inside is a very well designed and chic restaurant that is pleasing to all. The only thing that keeps it from 5 stars is the lack of accessible parking right outside the restaurant, so it was a bit of a walk. Food - 4 stars, we decided on a bowl of the famous "she crab" soup. The pork chop, and the grouper special. Paired with a glass of delicious sparkling moscato I certainly did not have really anything to complain about. The food was rich, almost too rich but on a night of indulgence it certainly was nothing that would stop me from returning again. The grouper special with the pesto and sundried tomato and artichoke risotto I believe should be a permanent menu item. Very well put together. Service - 4 stars, again we had a very pleasant experience with the service as well. The young waitress did take very good care of us, however please just be mindful that when you are pouring water be careful of dumping it on the patrons plate, that was a minor thing and if it had happened earlier in the meal rather than later it would have been a bigger deal. All in all, if you have time, make the stop Claire's was a great stop to the beginning of a great vacation for us.
(4)Jay L.
This place is pretty sweet. I've been here twice--both times for the Sunday brunch--and the food is very good. Not the most amazing food I have ever had, but certainly a tasty and delicious meal. Both times I have had the traditional steak and eggs. And both times, when I received my food, I am pleased with my order. But then I see everyone else's meals and I kick myself for not trying something else (even moreso the second time I was there!). The Country Eggs Benedict looked so good. Also need to highlight the Yellowtail Ahi Tuna Wontons... excellent appetizer and great for sharing. The service at Claire's is generally solid, haven't had any issues to complain about. My only wish is that they offered some sort of brunch/mimosa special. Paying $7 for a few ounces of a mimosa is a bit of a turn off. Overall a solid choice and fantastic food. I definitely recommend trying this place if you want to branch out (and I live in Arlington!).
(4)Rick J.
The wife and I have been twice, first just us and then second time with a larger group. The only ding is the service dragged a bit with the larger group of eight, but it is hard to tell if they are intentionally giving you more time or just under staffed. It wasn't bad, just not exceptional given the price point of the restaurant. The food is simply great - we enjoyed everything we ordered and even took home some home made carrot cake...yum. I had a steak and the wife scallops, both were spot on and the goat cheese and beet salads were fresh and flavorful. A bottle of wine, a wonderful setting, and just good company...no complaints. We will be back...
(5)Steph N.
"The best lunch I've ever eaten! This makes me smile every time I take a bite (she crab soup)!"... quotes heard from my boyfriend today as we ate at Claire's. We've been dyng to get here to eat, and finally made it today for a spur of the moment lunch. From the fall apple sangria, to the amazing she crab soup, to the open face prime rib sandwich, we were in heaven!!! Everything was divine, the food, the setting, the company... Couldn't have been better!!
(5)Alex K.
Food 3 Service 4 Ambiance 5 Wonderful location and great ambiance. However, food was average for this price point. I had a steak that was drowning in sauce. As another reviewer noted, that is never a good sign. There was A LOT of fat on my steak and even though I asked for "medium" if was rare. The crab soup was good as were the drinks. I don't plan on returning. If the food was more reasonably priced and they used better cuts of meat, I would likely have returned.
(3)Neal E.
Having been to Claire's a number of times - I feel like I've started to get a feel for the place. I've never been to Claire's prior to their recent renovation - but I can say that the current interior has a comfortable elegance about it. I've visited for drinks a couple of times, as well as dinner and brunch. Sitting at the bar with a couple of my friends who introduced me to Claire's, we imbibed Ales and Wines. One of the bartenders, whose name I can't recall - can recall my name! The second time I came in for a beer - months after my first visit - she immediately greeted me by name. I was pleasantly stunned! Dinner here has been very good. My mother brought me and my brother and his wife and family here to jointly celebrate several of our birthdays. We sat at a booth in the corner in the bar area - which is the only negative thing I have to say about Claire's - is the window overlooking that table has no shade or curtain. At that time of the afternoon - the sun was beaming in that window and my brother had to position himself and continually reposition himself in order to not be blinded by the sun. It's odd because all of the other windows have some sort of shade that can be deployed. I've had the fried Cornmeal Crusted Chesapeake Oysters, the Claire's Famous She Crab Soup, the Southwestern Caesar, and for Brunch - the Eggs Chesapeake. Every time I come in - I MUST at the very least order a cup of the She Crab Soup. It's an amazingly tasty and luscious soup - velvety and creamy in texture, with delicate notes of crab and Sherry - and there is a lot of crab meat in this soup. Has to be the best crab soup I've ever eaten! The fried oysters are well - just that - fried oysters. But they had that basic, homey, comfort food feel that good fried oysters always have - and were cooked perfectly - not greasy - and the oysters were very tender. The Bloody Mary dipping sauce was a wonderful compliment to the oysters - lightly spicy and zesty without overwhelming the palate. I can see eating more of these! The Eggs Chesapeake is a Chesapeake Bay variant on Eggs Benedict - served with herbed hash browns and fresh fruit. A delightful breakfast/brunch dish. The crab cakes were light and crisp, the Hollandaise had that smooth, velvety mouth feel that is oh so good - and with all the right flavor notes. Each time I've visited - the service has been very good and the bartenders and servers have been very thorough, polite, friendly, yet professional. I love Claire's at the Depot - everything on the menu sounds amazing! I can't wait to come back and try out more dishes!
(5)Jimmy K.
Decided to go in because of all the positive Yelp reviews. I sat at the bar and started with a drink. The place reminded me very much of Clyde's in Tysons, with a much smaller bar. As recommended, my first dish was the She-Crab Soup. The soup lived up to the lofty expectations I got from the Yelp reviews, it was delicious! The soup was full of crab meat and tasted freshly made. Next, I decided to indulge my taste for seafood further with the Ahi-Tuna wontons. The VERY thin slices of tuna were served sashimi style on top of crispy wontons with wasabi and fresh ginger. These did not wow me because for the price I expect some thicker slices of tuna. My entree was a house special, the New York Strip with grilled shrimp on the side. My meal was supposed to come with a vegetable of my choosing so I ordered the grilled asparagus. What I received was bree cheese balls that were cooked but did not taste fresh. I almost sent it back but I like cheese so I ate them. My medium-rare steak was cooked medium and tasted like a cut I could get at Outback. My entree was good but not $35 dollars good. The crowd at the bar were much older men with Jerry Seinfeld style hair. Everyone seemed to know everybody and this was even pointed out by another patron (that was visiting from Richmond and was the only person besides my server that spoke to me), I don't mind this in a small town but one particular patron would shout derogatory jokes toward the new waitress and any other patron he decided. This loud customer acted with impunity because he clearly knew everyone but I was not amused. My soup, appetizer, entree and 3 beers cost 97 dollars. Not bad, but definitely not great.
(3)Susan R.
Went to lunch a couple of days ago with a girlfriend (first time for us), based upon a recommendation she had gotten from others. Food was ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS and saw a celebrity having lunch... wow! So, 3 days later, I decided to take my husband for our anniversary dinner and had the same incredible experience. Food was outstanding, perfectly done, flavors were incredible... it was a culinary experience! What was amazing is that the restaurant was JAM-PACKED both for lunch AND dinner and both times the food was perfectly executed. What I love is that we were not rushed, we were able to enjoy the time that we had together, the ambiance, and had a phenomenal time. We HIGHLY recommend Claire's at the Depot... will be going to try brunch, too!
(5)Amanda S.
Enjoyed Sunday brunch here recently and it was great IMO. We had the Oysters for an Appetizer and they were perfect. My friend had a bowl of the She Crab soup and unfortunately wasn't impressed because the amount of crab was so overwhelming.I can't see where that could ever be an issue! I had the Omelet of the day and it was great. The seasoned potatoes were also terrific. The fresh fruit was a nice added touch too. My friend ordered The Chesepeake Benedict and was highly impressed with the perfectly poached egg and the well done English muffin. He wasn't able to love his selection because he'd already had too much crab with the soup! His Bloody Mary's were well done also. The complimentary scones were fabulous as a dessert and with our coffees which was also brewed to perfection. As far as the restaurant interiors, the seating is wonderful and comfy with a lovely view of the courtyard. The fireplace was roaring Sunday And it was nice and inviting! I'll be back.
(4)Susan L.
Had a lovely brunch on a quiet Sunday morning. I enjoyed the atmosphere a great deal. Warm and sophisticated. Our server was great and the food was very good. I'm looking forward to going again for brunch but also want to try dinner. I was very pleased to find a nice dining establishment in Warrenton. This is absolutely a restaurant worth visiting even if you don't live in the area.
(4)Arthur V.
So far, not impressed. Made a reservation online only ti discover if you don't specify where you want to sit they make you sit in a bar setting or wait; kind of defeats to purpose of making a reservation. Food was good, not great. I had the glazed salmon; asked for medium rare and ended up with medium well. My wife had the special, a strip steak; also slightly over cooked. Desert was good, but service marginal. Overall, not bad, but wouldn't recommend the place if you had any distance to travel.
(2)James B.
Fresh ingredients, prepared masterfully. Exceptional quiche and delicious salads. The She Crab soup was simply amazing, packed with crab meat. Excellent fried oysters. Now, if Claire's only had an espresso machine... :)
(4)Mickey C.
Good food, about 20% higher prices than they should be. $12+ for a burger! $8 bowl of soup. Cobb salad $14? $8 for a glass of wine! We won't go back because of prices
(3)Amanda G.
You cannot go wrong with this place. Go for brunch and make sure to get the complimentary scones and whatever omelette is being served.
(5)Winny B.
Friday December 30, 2011. We called for reservations at around 4:00 pm, no answer and we left a message. At 5:00 pm no one had returned our call. We called again and were told that the dining room had a place at 8:45 pm (too late for us) but that they most likely could seat us in the Tavern at 7:00 pm, no guarantee because their policy is to not take reservations for this section of the restaurant. We had not been to Claire's after the remodel and wanted to check it out because of good reviews. We arrived at 7, were seated in the Tavern in front of the fireplace. By the time we placed our order most tables in the Tavern were taken and everything was fine, just a little noisy because of the bar area right next to it. Then, two women entered the restaurant screaming and yelling so happy to see their friends who were already in the bar area. The women were clearly drunk and the screaming went on for the entire time we were there. I could not hear my husband sitting across the table from me. At one point I screamed something at the top of my lungs to him expecting people sitting around us to look up and be shocked. Nobody looked up or even seems to notice. I did notice that several people who arrived after us were asking to have their food bagged and left. We would have liked to order dessert because the food is really good. Instead after I finished my plate I bolted for the door while my husband talked to the waitress about our terrible experience. So glad we ordered a relatively simple entree and not the works. Prices are not cheap and are the same for the quiet dining room and the loud tavern. Advice: avoid dinner in the tavern on weekend nights, it gets rowdy and the staff does not want to, or cannot interfere with drunken disruptive behavior. They do not accommodate guests paying top dollars for their meal and wine. Lunch should be much better. But it will be a while before we go back.
(2)Sarah W.
Another phenomenal dinner at Claire's. Started with a bottle of wine and filet mignon sliders, the featured starter for the night. Unbelievably tender, with brie and caramelized onions. Highly recommended. We had the "cowboy" steak, the blackened sea scallops, and seafood stew. For dessert the creme brulee & keylime pie cheesecake. While plates are $20-35, its well worth the price.
(5)Tom J.
I was surprised. Everyone we talked to loved this place. We were seated well after our reservation time, the service was very slow and distracted. We were told of the specials, only later to be told they were actually sold out at the time we were told about them. Both of our entrees (pork chops, ribeye) were cooked too fast and ended up being burned on the outside and under cooked on the inside. We were hoping that dessert saved the night but it took so long just to get the menu that we cut our losses, paid and bailed. The manager did notice and comped us the pork chop and gave us a $25 gift card to return. We very much would like to, as we wanted this to be great and hope it was just an off night. Beautiful building, dining area.
(2)Jay S.
I had the pleasure of eating at claire's twice. The first time I sat at the bar and ate off of the "lighter Side" prices ranging from $18-20 dollars. I had the Tuna and Curri chicken..fabilious! The wine selection was good, and the bar tender, Josh, showed excellent Hospitality and let us try some wine till we found some that met our taste and our price expectation! The wine prices by the glass were a little higher then I desired, especially when you get what I refer to as a "short poor" . The second time I had the special.. crusted cod fish over rice and crab cake with greeen beans ..Price was $30.dollars. The second fish dish was $20dollars..which was off the menu..we also had a $9 dollar taste of Tuna..on crackers. Skinny on the tuna, in comparison to outbacks App. for about the same price. The sauce was good.. would have prefered a thicker cut of tuna... The waitress didn't disclose the price when sharing the specials. We ordered wine and again..the Poor was Short ! That was $10 per glass..We only had one glass each because of the "short Poor" and price. The meals did not include any heathy salads, but did include bread. The total bill for 2 was $90 dollars for food plus Tip...$100+ The food quality was excellent, but the overall meal was a bit $$$$ ! A simple mixed green salad should be included for the price . The atmosphere was very nice, a bit noisy in the front area when more people arrived. The back seating area appeared to be more quiet. The 2 top in front of the fire place looked right romantic.. My overall experience was good. Food was excellant. Service very good. I would recommend it ! Recommendations: Add a nice mixed green salad with the meal it is warrented based on the price of the meal. Don't Poor the wine short...serve a nice full glass of wine, so you don't have to think about Trader Joe's as an option... asking just for water ! Everyone is a winner when all Customers come first, with out attitude ! Price, Portion, & Quality encouages repeat customers and loyal patrons. I will be back, but will eat off the "lighter Menu" to keep with in my budget so I can afford to bring friends and or a date, therefore come more frequently. If money is no object ..Enjoy !
(3)Spencer A.
This is my favorite restaurant in Warrenton. I haven't been back since the renovation but most certainly intended to very soon! I've never had a bad experience, the food and the wine are always phenomenal! If eating in Old Town Warrenton, this is the place to be
(4)Chuck C.
Took the family out to dinner and my how this place has changed. Have not been in a couple years and the place has been redesigned. I love the new layout and dinner was GREAT!!!
(5)Jon L.
A really nice lunch experience in Old Town Warrenton. It seems to me this restaurant is about the nicest non-franchise restaurant in Warrenton. I was compelled to try this place by so many favorable Yelp reviews. I went for lunch on a beautiful weather Thursday. I was pleased to find they have a very nice and roomy outside patio. I had a bowl of the She Crab soup, no doubt it was delicious and in the top tier I've ever had. For my main I went with the Rainbow Trout special, it was grilled and served with saffron rice and the vegetable medley; absolutely delicious. Shawna provided exceptionally professional and attentive service. A nice menu, very well decorated dining room and well stocked bar, lot's of dark wood. The only down grade is the confusing parking set up. There are no signs directing where you can park even though there are three gravel lots around the restaurant. I ended up parking on the street. A solid four star lunch in Warrenton. I would like to try this place for dinner.
(4)Megan C.
Beautiful inside, local and historical décor with the rail station as backdrop. Food was fantastic! There were seven of us in all and we each raved about how amazing our dinners were. Good wine list, nice atmosphere. I had the corn-crusted oysters for appetizer and they were delicious. Chose the 5oz filet with pomme frittes and the meat was unbelievably tender, cooked perfectly medium rare. My aunt had the scallops and was so impressed. Server could have been a little nicer but not the worst service. We will all go back here again. We were looking for a replacement since The Bridge is closed and I think I like this place better!
(5)Kelly K.
This is the nicest dining establishment in Warrenton that I have found. I like the setting in a redone train station. The staff was attentive and the dining area was filled with delicious aromas. I ordered the fried oysters with french fries and cole slaw. The oysters were okay nothing to rave about and I would not order them again. The cole slaw was nice with pieces of apple and raisins. My friend ordered the shrimp and grits and we were both disappointed that it had red bell peppers in it. The grits were very watery too. The shrimp were large and tasty. However, the dish was lacking and I would never order it. I noticed most people were ordering salads. That is what I will try next time I come here.
(3)YloDuc E.
We ordered the coconut shrimp starter- it was good, a bit greasy, and the "sauce" didn't have much flavor. Husband ordered the seared tuna- it didn't have much flavor, I got the tilefish and grits- cooked good, just not much flavor, had to salt it quite a bit. First time there so we may give it another try...waitress asked if we were there for a birthday? Thought that was odd- do people only go there for birthdays?
(3)Real D.
Love what they've done with the place. Old train station renovated very tastefully. I don't get what all the rave reviews are about, though. They must have lower standards or be hard pressed for outstanding restaurants in that part of the country. Food was good put hardly memorable. Dishes were talked up by the menu and the staff much more than the reality of them. Delivery fell WAY short of the expectations created. To top it off, way WAY OVER-priced. Did I say I felt gouged? Never saw anyone so proud of such mediocre dishes and poor service. Previous reviews talked up the "She Crab Soup" (actually, it is more of a chowder) to a ridiculous level. Was it good? Absolutely. Was it the best thing I've ever put in my mouth? Hardly. If you are in the mood for a soup and a salad, go for it. Otherwise, save yourself the calories. Calamari appetizer was good but not the gastronomical breakthrough they wanted you to think it was by its description on the menu. Prime prices for choice cuts of beef. That really galls me. At the price point they charged for the NY Strip, that baby should have been USDA Prime. I should have known...they feature some sort of sauce dumped on every cut of beef they serve. I should have heeded my grandfather's words - "never trust a steak that has sauce all over it; they're hiding something." That was never proven more true than at this place. My wife found the surf-and-turf salad a disappointment. Not that it was bad, it was just did not taste to the expectations created. My daughter did like the cedar plank salmon. She found the plank a little tough and tasteless, though. All kidding aside and in fairness to the restaurant, she reported it was good (the salmon, not the plank). Best way to describe the service was "lack of attention". Just when you were beginning to wonder if you had been abandoned, the server would show up. Had to ask repeatedly for water; waited too long between courses without a visit from the server; took too long to clear. My rule is 0- 10% for poor service; 15-20% for good; 20-25% for exceptional on food. Our gal was a ten-percenter. If you're in the area and need a decent place, this place qualifies. Ambiance is wonderful. Cocktails are exceptional. On the food and service, expect to overpay, be oversold by the descriptions, and be underwhelmed by the experience overall.
(3)Fevi Y.
Oysters and Ahi Wontons were tops. Entrée was the days special of grilled swordfish was the best I've ever had. You need to visit this place!
(5)Heather J.
This place is like a diamond in the rough. It's in downtown historic Warrenton, which is otherwise not as charming. It's built in the old train depot, hence the name, and they kept the defining features of the old building. It made it really fun eating there and looking around and spotting all the little details of the old station. They have a garden in the yard behind the restaurant, as well, and I'm pretty sure the herbs in my salad dressing came straight from there. Service was friendly and attentive, and the food was very good. We had the grilled greek lamb salad and a special, the tuna niçoise salad. The lamb was tender and well-seasoned, and I loved the salad dressing. The tuna was cooked perfectly and the potatoes in the salad were excellent, as well. I'll definitely go back next time I'm in the area.
(4)Jim K.
Best food in Warrenton. A little fancy for my two little kids, but a great place for adults. If you want a nice experience, but save a little on cost, Sunday brunch is a great option too.
(5)Lisa W.
I took my husband here for his birthday last night. It is a beautiful setting and the crab soup is truly delicious. Unfortunately, it went a little downhill from there. My husband's ribeye was overcooked and almost tasteless. Although the scallops were cooked perfectly, they were a bit too salty. The server did offer to have them cook another steak but at this point we had waited a while so we declined. The potatoes that came with the steak were heavenly as well as the gouda grits that came with the scallop dish. We did overhear another table saying the pork chop was great. So, maybe we just hit an off night. It seems to be a popular place with lots of good reviews. We may give it another try. The server was kind enough to give my husband a piece of cake to go for his birthday.
(3)Bob S.
Higher end but still casual dining (slacks and collared shirts or better) with great ambiance and wonderful outdoor seating. Its located in the heart of Old Town Warrenton serving up a delightful mixture of cuisines covering the needs of the foodies as well as the more traditionalists. Special emphasis on tasty organic and locally grown ingredients deliver wonderfully complex tastes at a good value. Service is excellent and reservations on the weekends are recommended for sure. One my favorites restaurants in all of Northern Virginia!
(5)David H.
Claire's is a lovely restaurant located inside a remodeled former train station that dates back to 1852. They've done a wonderful job of restoration and preserving the old environment into a comfortable local restaurant. While the menu is diverse, the dishes tend to be too heavy and rich for anyone concerned with their diet. The she-crab soup is about the best I've ever had but very rich. My salad of mixed greens contained an errant piece of cellophane which led to to carefully examine further bites. The main dish I had of scallops with sautéed spinach atop smoky gouda grits had a wonderful old-fashioned flavor reminiscent of a bygone era but it was very heavy and rich (break out the stomach acid pills!). Another main course consists of a pork chop atop a mound of horseradish mashed potatoes. Either dish must contain a gazillion calories.
(3)Mike W.
If I could give the place a zero I would. Much better option in Warrenton without all the pretense. Used to be a regular until one tremendously bad experience. Had a small birthday party for my wife there, went as early as possible, yes we had a few kids there and were in an as private as possible room, everything thus fad had been great, food, service etc. As we were wrapping up some stiff old money came in and the owner was more concerned with their experience than ours. Not once did she come out to see how everything was, etc. But she did make an appearance to pacify Thurston and Lovie and let them know we were leaving. Regardless of the fact that I spent more on dinner for 15 that night than those two would spend in six months. I call it bad business. Lost a loyal family of four. I'm never going back. Iron Bridge and Black Bear are much better options and we frequent them often.
(1)Steve H.
The problem we have in Warrenton is that there are not very many good places to eat. Claire's is acting like they want to step up to be one of the better choices in town. They do a lot of things right, including a recent remodel. They did a good job fixing up the place. They seem to do a good job on the meat and potato dishes and fall short on others like a asian noodle dish. The problem we have had is the attitudes of the staff. We had the same girl as a waitress and a bartender on two different visits. She is rude and a very self absorbed. We had to keep asking her for drinks, menus, to order, for check. Totally ignored sitting at the bar with 8 other people. The greeter has been less than friendly as well. If they are going to charge those prices, they need to treat the customers much better. I am sure there are plenty of great people who work there, the bad attitudes are the ones that we will remember.
(3)d- a.
An original restaurant. Not a chain. Fits all req for romantic, or professional, or fun outing. wonderful menu. polished servers. Can't wait to sit outside in the garden.
(4)Kim S.
Went here for brunch with my family. Wow! It's so hard to impress me with breakfast ... eggs can get really boring. But I was very delighted with the meal especially because the menu features some local and seasonal stuff and free range eggs. Plus she grows some of her ingredients! The restaurant is an old train depot, very cool vibe.
(5)Randy M.
Claire's is a very attractive restaurant. Aside from being an actual train depot the interior really fits and the garden out back is wonderful. Saturday night the 4 of us had outdoor reservations for dinner. We started with two orders of oysters while we studied the menu. Our server informed us of that evening's specials; halibut over grilled pineapple with a shrimp avocado salsa; and a steak, I think it was a porterhouse. I'm a big time sucker for shrimp and grits, so when I saw they had scallops and grits I knew it was going to be really tough for me to order anything else. The scallops were cooked perfectly, I wasn't over the top for the grits, and by the time I got to the end of the dish there was an unappetizing collection of liquid amoung the grits from the spinach it was served with. Wish I had gone with the halibut special. But there's always next time. It was just getting to dusk when we arrived, and the garden looked great. But darkness soon settled in and the area got really dark, could have used a little bit more light to dine in.
(4)Karen C.
I went here for my birthday dinner on a Saturday night. We didn't have reservations and got a table immediately. The service was the best I've had in a long time and the food was wonderful. Our server was wonderful in helping us select a wine. I enjoyed the way they left some of the original architecture showing. We sat next to a wonderful fire place. My only critique is the carpet in our dining area was too plush, my heels dug in and it felt like walking on beach sand albeit with heels instead of sandles.
(4)