Iron Bridge Wine Company

 

6

43

Becca B.

Richmond, VA

Review for catering only:
We had Iron Bridge cater my mom's 50th birthday party a couple years back... and we were nothing but pleased. They had a great variety of items for us to choose from and it was easy. Definitely recommend this one for parties.

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4

98

K Sera S.

Columbia, MD

Iron Bridge has a wonderful wine selection (by the glass and by the bottle, with a reasonable corking fee). They change up the offerings on the menu--food and wine--at least seasonally, which makes for a varied experience (in both the good and bad senses). Overall, their food is well-prepared and attractively presented. I have had some genuinely amazing dishes that make my mouth water just to think about. (Try the Knuckle sandwich, if it's available. I'll say no more.)

However, I can barely stand to go here.

Why? Because unless you go on a Tuesday afternoon, this place puts the "din" in dinner. The high ceilings and way-too-cramped seating result in a crowded and painfully loud dining experience. In the primary seating area, you are quite literally closer to the stranger at the next table than you are to your own dining companion across the way. And there is no way to exit from the seating bench without dragging yourself through your meal and your neighbor's.

I don't mind screaming across the table to my friends when I'm at a bar having a beer. I do mind when I've just paid $15 for a glass of wine that I'm pairing with a duck confit.

You'll enjoy the fine wine and pleasant food far more if you don't try to brave the dinner hour. Or at the very least, go on an off day. Mondays aren't bad. (And they don't take reservations.)

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0

6

Ryan M.

Columbia, MD

At first we liked it... then the allure turned dull. It has a cozy atmosphere inside... but then cozy turned to tight and uncomfortable, especially when it is busy (which it usually is). The food is hit or miss. When it missed it was not so terribly off, however with the small plates and high price it can leave you feeling quite discontent.
The wine list is nice, and it doubles as a wine merchant so any wine is available off the wall. It seems the corkage price has been creeping up over time though.
Overall not a bad place, but after a few visits I do not believe we will return...

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0

138

John S.

Mount Airy, MD

Great wine offering. Wine by the glass is always changing. I love the available flights of wine. And the availability of wine by the bottle with a small corkage fee. Did I say I like wine?

Excellent food, but small plates more of a tasting meal.

No reservations is a problem. Go in off hours, before dinner or late afternoon.

Easy to miss on Route 108

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0

19

Jane S.

Columbia, MD

I was initially a bit put off this place after waiting more than an hour for a table on a Saturday night, and then having really slow service. There is no-where to wait if the tables and very small waiting area are full, you literally stand on the front porch (being bitten by mosquitos in the summer). But then you eat and drink and you find out why people stand in the parking lot and wait ~ both are excellent. I had pork chops with mashed potato. Perfect portion size, beautifully presented, wonderful wine with it. Top marks for food. I've also been in the early evening during the week ~ same great food, no wait. Try it, you won't regret it.

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0

6

Ernest P.

Frederick, MD

A fun place to go for a glass of wine or two but Iron Bridge proves the axiom, "Small plates=big prices".  My chicken breast was dry, sweet potato gratin burnt on the bottom, and terribly undercooked brussel sprouts.  Perhaps i ordered wrong as my wife enjoyed her shrimp and sqaghetti squash.  I must add that $15 for a small plate with only TWO shrimp is an insult.

we have always enjoyed anything with their duck confit, and scallops have been prepared well in various preparations.  But in the end don't go here expecting a value as the portions are tiny for the price, and the menu descriptions quite often over reach the execution.

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Elite '08

55

94

dave h.

Olney, MD

Unlike our friends, i did not have a super experience at this place.  
I did like the ambiance, the cozy couches, and high top tables but it was actually too crowded when I went; and therefore was not very comfortable.  
The food was good but it was not enough, the portion selection was small for the price you pay and the menu selection was fairly weak.  There were not a lot of choices for main courses.
The wine selection was suburb, that is why this place is getting 3 stars instead of 2. They have tons of wine from all over the world, Aussie Shiraz, South African Merlot, Chard for France.  The wine list also has a  big range of prices; they have $300 bottles from Spain and $30 bottles from Napa.  
Conclusion--I would say go for the wine and socialization with friends or a date, but if you are going to look for a good meal, go some where else first.

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Elite '08

22

46

Katie T.

Silver Spring, MD

Used to be upscale with middling food. Now they have a new chef, and it's upscale with really, really good food. Selections change frequently and menus are printed up daily. Wines are interesting and varied--servers are familiar with them and can answer questions, and wine prices are lower than you might see at other restaurants because it's a combination restaurant and wine shop. They charge a small corkage fee for bottles, but no extra cost for glasses of wine.

I had pumpkin seed-crusted scallops on slices of daikon radish, one of the small plates, and I was surprised to find only two scallops--but they're the largest scallops I've ever had, and the best, no question. The sorbet was interesting: blueberry, lychee, and coconut, and the blueberry was particularly strong. The creme brulee was very good but not particularly remarkable.

I don't think they take reservations, so go at a non-standard time (try an early or late dinner) or be prepared to wait.

Careful as you're driving down 108--if you've never been, it's easy to miss the restaurant.

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28

125

kevin k.

Ellicott City, MD

nice cozy small place looking over to open fields of green.  when u r in u will see wine racks which will give u another enjoyment.  food is great and so is the dessert.  brunch menu is also great.  attentive service staff.  all is good here.  this could be ur "i want to impress her" place.  but reserve if u can cause it gets busy later at night.

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