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Thornton River Grille Reviews List
Thornton River Grille
Serving great American food with a worldly flair, we’re open Tuesday through Saturday from 11am to 3pm for lunch and 5pm to 9pm for dinner. We also serve a lovely brunch on Sunday from 10am to 3pm and dinner from 5pm to 8pm. The atmosphere is at the same time elegant and casual. The richness and warmth of the hand-planed wood-paneled walls provides a comfortable dining experience that can be enjoyed equally in dressy-casual attire or hiking shorts. We are located in the heart of historic Sperryville, Virginia, 75 miles west of Washington D.C., at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains. We look forward to serving you soon!
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48 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.5
/
5
Rating Breakdown 48 reviews
5 stars
(27)
4 stars
(18)
3 stars
(2)
2 stars
(1)
1 star
(0)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- neighborhood gem(34)
- fit for foodies(21)
- special occasion(21)
- notable wine list(18)
- romantic(11)
- great for lunch(9)
Thornton River Grille Reviews List
Review 1 for Thornton River Grille
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Will certainly go back again.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Great food. Good service. Very nice atmosphere with a great outdoor seating area."
Dined on 5/19/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, romantic, scenic view, neighborhood gem, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 2 for Thornton River Grille
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Tenderloin
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The best tenderloin me and my wife have ever had"
Dined on 5/19/2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, romantic, notable wine list, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 3 for Thornton River Grille
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Delicious as always
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This place is nice enough to be a Saturday night outing (prom couples were seen last Saturday night), but it is also the kind of place that just as easily accepts muddy, sweaty hikers coming off the mountain in Shenandoah National Park. We've eaten here numerous times in both of those conditions, and the place is always good with great service."
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 4 for Thornton River Grille
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Not what I expected...
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We got a cabin for a week for our honeymoon and found reviews online for this restaurant. It asked for reservations and we printed out the menu offline. There was 5 appetizers and 5 entrees. Fancy entree descriptions and a 3 page wine and beer. We got there and it was the size of my living room. Tables very close, and we showed up over dress :/ not that the food was bad, just gave off impression of an over the top romantic dinner and turned out to be way more laid back. Food was not great for the $100 quickly spend."
Dined on 5/15/2013
Special Features: notable wine list
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Review 5 for Thornton River Grille
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Consistent quality
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Have visited the Grille many times and have always enjoyed the food and atmosphere."
Dined on 5/14/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 6 for Thornton River Grille
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great place!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I try to stop here every time after coming out of Shenandoah National Park. It is a great way to wrap up a weekend. I highly recommend it."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, neighborhood gem
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Review 7 for Thornton River Grille
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Busy Saturday night!
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We went to the Thornton River Grille for my wife's birthday dinner this past Saturday after a day touring the wineries. The atmosphere in the dining room was lively and casual. We had to wait, despite having made a reservation through Open Table. Once we were seated our waiter was initially responsive, but after telling us the specials, his time was consumed with other tables.. The hostess stepped in as our server, and was quite helpful. Overall, service and atmosphere was satisfactory.
The wine list was a plus, featuring some local wineries. We both ordered the hamburgers, because they smelled so good when we arrived. The only issue was that my burger was grossly under cooked, but the hostess took it to the kitchen and had it re-cooked."
The wine list was a plus, featuring some local wineries. We both ordered the hamburgers, because they smelled so good when we arrived. The only issue was that my burger was grossly under cooked, but the hostess took it to the kitchen and had it re-cooked."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: notable wine list, hot spot
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Review 8 for Thornton River Grille
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We had requested outdoor seating as part of the reservation and the restaurant did not honor this when we arrived. Our waiter was wonderful, friendly, and took care of us. The hostess and manager however were not very pleasant. At one point we were waiting in line (another couple in front of us) and they allowed 5 different people to cut in front of the other couple instead of servicing them."
Dined on 5/11/2013
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Review 9 for Thornton River Grille
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great food, friendly staff
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This restaurant is the best choice for dinner in the Sperryville area (and breakfast also), with perfectly prepared dishes that always add an extra spark of interest, and friendly, very competent staff. Try the fish specials always, and steaks are cooked exactly as you asked. Portions are generous, and the wine and beer lists are very good."
Dined on 5/07/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem
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Review 10 for Thornton River Grille
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Bday Celebration
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We took 13 to Thornton River Grill for dinner and it was great! Service was good, food was great, server even did separate checks for each couple. Thanks!"
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem
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Review 11 for Thornton River Grille
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
What a surprise to find such
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"What a surprise to find such an excellent restuarant in Sperryville VA!! It has always been a cute village, in a beautiful setting, but not a place you would think of for gourmet dining. Very busy - if you go, be sure and make a reservation!"
Dined on 04/13/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 12 for Thornton River Grille
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The food and service was great!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The food and service was great!"
Dined on 04/05/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, hot spot
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Review 13 for Thornton River Grille
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Topnotch food in unlikely location!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"A friend who visits the Sperryville, Virginia area told me about Thornton River Grille and our family (5 children, 6 adults) enjoyed a very nice Sunday brunch while returning from a log cabin weekend in the Shenandoah Valley. For such a small spot they have a robust - and well-prepared - menu. I highly recommend this place and will look forward to a reason to return."
Dined on 03/31/2013
2004
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem
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Review 14 for Thornton River Grille
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Consistently good food, cocktails
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Consistently good food, cocktails and service. Also good specials."
Dined on 03/30/2013
2011
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Review 15 for Thornton River Grille
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Fabulous as always. Still
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Fabulous as always. Still wish the teaser size were available and still miss the bread pudding. Yet, it's a place friends visiting us always request and we love it."
Dined on 03/29/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 16 for Thornton River Grille
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
fine dining in small town
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"second time here and it was just as great if not better. love the service attention."
Dined on 03/14/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 17 for Thornton River Grille
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
I would say that this restaurant
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I would say that this restaurant is a diamond in the rough. It is by far the best place in the area with fine dining in a rustic setting.The staff were knowledgeable, warm and friendly. Everything we ordered was outstanding! A must if you are in the area traveling."
Dined on 02/17/2013
2007
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 18 for Thornton River Grille
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We love to go to Thornton
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We love to go to Thornton River Grille. First we have a lovely drive over the mountain. Then we enjoy a delicious dinner, with friendly and attentive service. Always some great choices in the beer and wine selection. It is our place to go for special evenings. We know we can count on the quality here."
Dined on 03/01/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 19 for Thornton River Grille
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
A wonderful restaurant - a
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"A wonderful restaurant - a real pleasure.
Only suggestion- the lighting might be lowered in the evening. It is a pretty dining room and would look better with more atmospheric lighting..."
Dined on 02/24/2013
2007
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, great for lunch
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Review 20 for Thornton River Grille
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We enjoyed our meal & the
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We enjoyed our meal & the whole evening there so much. We recommended it to friends who dined there a few weeks later. Kudos to all concerned."
Dined on 01/19/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
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Review 21 for Thornton River Grille
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
My wife and I went for dinner
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"My wife and I went for dinner and had a wonderful evening. The food was cooked as we requested and it was excellent. The service was very attentive and professional. Overall we enjoyed our time immensely."
Dined on 02/05/2013
2013
Special Features: special occasion
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Review 22 for Thornton River Grille
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Absolutely one of my favorite
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Absolutely one of my favorite places. Food is fab, service is super good. Can't wait for spring and the sunday brunches."
Dined on 02/02/2013
2013
Special Features: great for brunch, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
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Review 23 for Thornton River Grille
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We always love our experience
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We always love our experience at the Thornton River Grille and will continue to return. Hidden away in Sperryville, it is a real gem in a lovely setting with consistently good food."
Dined on 01/31/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 24 for Thornton River Grille
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Who Knew?
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great food and nice atmosphere -- who knew tiny Sperryville had such a great restaurant! Don't miss the opportunity to eat here -- great breakfast -- nice lunch spot and outstanding dinners!"
Dined on 01/25/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 25 for Thornton River Grille
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
I have eaten at the Grille
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I have eaten at the Grille four times in the pst 3 years. This last time was while on vacation with my spouse. As usual I was very impressed with the food and service."
Dined on 01/15/2013
2009
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Review 26 for Thornton River Grille
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Delicious food and well prices.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Delicious food and well prices. Awesome beer selection"
Dined on 01/20/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Thornton River Grille
Based on the average of (22) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.5
/
5
3 out of 3 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic