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Vine Brook Tavern Reviews List
Vine Brook Tavern
A modern take on a colonial classic: the American Tavern
See more Vine Brook Tavern details
232 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
3.7
/
5
Rating Breakdown 232 reviews
5 stars
(49)
4 stars
(103)
3 stars
(46)
2 stars
(30)
1 star
(4)
Food
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
3.6
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.7
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- neighborhood gem(123)
- good for groups(98)
- fit for foodies(94)
- vibrant bar scene(69)
- notable wine list(47)
- special occasion(43)
Vine Brook Tavern Reviews List
Review 1 for Vine Brook Tavern
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
So-so in Lexington
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Guess I just did not get what they were trying to accomplish. Everything was midde of the road to maybe not even. Decor was dull; one step from being outdated and poorly executed. Food was not bad but boring and similar to a million places. Service was fine but just staffers, not foodies. So, I wont say dont go there, but if need a place in Lexington area, this will do in a pinch. One last thing: The place smelled funny. I suspect it is the scuzzy carpet that runs throughout. Wanted to like and be encouraging but..."
Dined on 6/16/2013
2013
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Review 2 for Vine Brook Tavern
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great ambiance, tasty food, pricey
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This is one of my husband's favorite restaurant's, ambiance-wise. We celebrated Father's Day here. This was our second time dining at Vine Brook. We really like the Calamari Frites and Clam Chowder, although they both seemed a little different than the first time we had them. I had the scallop dish and it was excellent. My husband had the filet mignon and it was cooked perfectly medium rare; the mashed potatoes and grilled asparagus were also very well made. My 5-year old son had a side of mac 'n cheese which he devoured. My 11-year old son had the sirloin and he liked it. Our waiter was attentive and polite. The only downfall is that it's quite pricey when compared to other restaurants that offer the same dishes."
Dined on 6/16/2013
2012
Special Features: good for groups
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Review 3 for Vine Brook Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
A Home Run on our first visit
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Somehow the existence of this relatively new Lexington restaurant was unknown to us until this past week. My wife and I gave it a try last Friday and enjoyed both the food and the service. If you like vegetables, I highly recommend the grilled cauliflower appetizer as it was delicious. My wife had the scallops with grilled corn salad while I ordered the roasted salmon. The presentation for both dishes was attractive and the food was absolutely wonderful. For their wines by the glass they offer both a 3 oz and a 5 oz serving. The smaller serving would be good if you wanted to do wine pairings with your meal. We will definitely be going back!"
Dined on 6/14/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
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Review 4 for Vine Brook Tavern
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Expectations Not Met
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"On arriving seems like a nice space and it is. Good, fresh wines by the glass and pretty good value to boot. The food sounded good on the menu but everything we ate was disappointing for one reason or another. Too much bacon flavor in the chowder, beans overly sweet... Everything was good enough but nothing special and the portions too big. To summarize, another so so tavern/gastopub that didn't offer any compelling reason to return."
Dined on 6/13/2013
2012
Special Features: good for groups, vibrant bar scene
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Review 5 for Vine Brook Tavern
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Third visit to this restaurant and ordered some of the same dishes we had enjoyed in the past. BBQ brisket was very fatty and somewhat tough but had good flavor. Steak frites meat was very greasy and chewy - fries soggy. Service was friendly and efficient as always and atmosphere pleasantly lively. Will visit again but a bit disappointed in food quality this time around."
Dined on 6/11/2013
2012
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 6 for Vine Brook Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Nice décor. Barbeque brisket was yummy, served with the best baked beans I've ever had. Their sweet potato fries were a real treat, especially with the hoisin sauce."
Dined on 6/10/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 7 for Vine Brook Tavern
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
excellent
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"A friend recommended this restaurant. While the food is a bit pricey, it was excellent. Service was on the mark.
I especially enjoyed the cod fish with potato dumplings. My 3 companions liked their dinners as well.
Raw oysters were also a treat."
I especially enjoyed the cod fish with potato dumplings. My 3 companions liked their dinners as well.
Raw oysters were also a treat."
Dined on 6/10/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, special occasion
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Review 8 for Vine Brook Tavern
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Elegant comfort
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The place is comfortable yet hip and elegant - not pretentious. Love that you can sit at the bar to watch sports while eating local farm dishes, exotic mushrooms, oysters, organic meat, etc. The wine list is amazing and th staff is super friendly - a great find, especially for the suburbs!"
Dined on 6/07/2013
Special Features: good for groups, notable wine list, neighborhood gem
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Review 9 for Vine Brook Tavern
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Disappointed Dining
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"recommend with reservations; see below
after several visits still see same menu with few proclaimed changes
staff is too slow in all areas: taking order, refilling bar requests, bringing food and check"
after several visits still see same menu with few proclaimed changes
staff is too slow in all areas: taking order, refilling bar requests, bringing food and check"
Dined on 6/03/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 10 for Vine Brook Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Loved it!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Outstanding food and great service. Everyone was pleasant and accommodating."
Dined on 6/01/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 11 for Vine Brook Tavern
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
They heard you!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Our initial experience at Vine Brook was not great. The food was ok but it took forever to reach us. We gave them another chance and they have fixed and improved all of their issues. We had a great meal with an attentive server. We'll be back!"
Dined on 6/01/2013
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Review 12 for Vine Brook Tavern
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Vinebrook Tavern Dinner
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The dinner entrees were quite good with a very good selection. We did not have appetizers. The service was very good. The desserts were not all that great."
Dined on 5/31/2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, kid-friendly
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Review 13 for Vine Brook Tavern
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Service was terrible! Restaurant got busy and saw our waiter less and less."
Dined on 5/26/2013
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Review 14 for Vine Brook Tavern
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
wine
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I was very disappointed for getting charged $7 for a sip of wine."
Dined on 3/10/2013
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Review 15 for Vine Brook Tavern
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Good Local Dining-Vine Brook Tavern
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Very good food-Excellent Service-Varied Menue -Fine Wine List-Reasonable Atmosphere all at conventional cost. Try it-You'll Like It !!!"
Dined on 5/23/2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, notable wine list
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Review 16 for Vine Brook Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Comfort food as haute cuisine
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Offerings to impress any palate, based on the best quality foods we all like best, done with flair."
Dined on 5/21/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, late-night find, notable wine list, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 17 for Vine Brook Tavern
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food is ALWAYS delicious
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food, as usual, was delicious. Will definitely continue to go back! The shrimp/hummus is AMAZING. The oysters were super as was the corn bread. Every person in our party was absolutely in love with their meal. Great veggie options for those vegetarians in your life!
As a side note, there was good music playing too, but then there was this random guy singing opera. It did not add to the ambience and actually we found it distracting and annoying. Not to say that he didn't have a nice voice, but it was not appropriate for the restaurant vibe."
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem
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Review 18 for Vine Brook Tavern
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This was our first time having dinner at Vine Brook Tavern. We enjoyed drinks at the bar (our friends loved the ginger margaritas) and then sat down to a wonderful meal. Our waitstaff new the menu, made some excellent suggestions and really added to the whole experience. The wine selections had something for everyone. I had a wonderful syrah. At one point we asked her if she was a chef in training. The calamari had a great tangy flavor and the humus with home made pita chips were a nice way to start off the meal. Entrees were excellent with generous portions. My husband loved the roasted chicken and my pasta was very flavorful. My husband enjoyed the leftover pasta for lunch the next day...
Fabulous night!"
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, notable wine list, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 19 for Vine Brook Tavern
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Bare plates
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Despite being the first customers of the day, it took a long time for our food to come out, which was not great for our 3yo. The food is not good value. My husband and I both had the felafel wrap, which turned out to be quite small and only came with chips scattered on the plate, screaming for a salad of some kind. My daughter's fries were greasy, but of course she wanted to take the leftovers; the waiter kindly brought a fresh box of chips to take instead. He was also accommodating with our party's dietary restrictions. The atmosphere was nice, but all and all just a so-so experience."
Dined on 5/19/2013
Special Features: good for groups, kid-friendly
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Review 20 for Vine Brook Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Wonderful brunch, but it is overpriced by about $10 per person.
Very nice for Mother's Day."
Very nice for Mother's Day."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, special occasion
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Review 21 for Vine Brook Tavern
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great spot to meet in Lexington!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We've enjoyed both brunch and dinner at Vine Brook Tavern and look forward to future visits - great food - efficient, friendly service - casual, pleasant atmosphere."
Dined on 5/16/2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, neighborhood gem
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Review 22 for Vine Brook Tavern
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Fun place...OK food
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"This was our first time at the Vine Brook Tavern. It was a fun place, beautiful decor, local...a lot going for it as we walked in the door. Our waiter, Brian, was great. We started with oysters (really good) and calamari (very different from everywhere else..more like a sweet & sour flavored strips). Salads were really good. The salmon and seared scallop meals were delicious...but only 3 scallops for $26? The BBQ brisket was recommended and was not worth the hype - it was OK. We did enjoy our night out!"
Dined on 5/16/2013
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Review 23 for Vine Brook Tavern
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
good food
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Very noisy on all levels. Not a great place to go for meaningful conversation.
Food was very good ,although it took almost 1 hour to get the main entree."
Food was very good ,although it took almost 1 hour to get the main entree."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene
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Review 24 for Vine Brook Tavern
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great Place, Great Service
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Had Mother's Day dinner here. They were very solicitous of my mother and her walker. Food was great, service excellent. Would definitely return."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 25 for Vine Brook Tavern
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Kitchen nightmare
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"2.5 hrs without dessert. Dessert was ordered. After 45 min it still had not come so we asked for bill. Server was nice but said he had no idea but after all courses being so late he took 2 coffees off the bill. Wow that's impressive..... Food was ok some dishes being better than others. Quite noisy. Something is wrong in the kitchen when apple dessert can't get out in 45 min. Won't be back."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: kid-friendly
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Review 26 for Vine Brook Tavern
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Underwhelmed
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Was really looking forward to this meal as it was recommended by a friend. Went with a group of 6. The food was just okay. The crispy pork shank app was good, the hummus and shrimp was decent (although way too much hummus given the bread we received), arugula salad was overdressed...for our mains we got the scallops (cooked well but not a whole lot of flavor), the tagliatelle bolognese (very bland), the calamari salad (pretty good) and 2 filets with bernaise sauce (disappointing). I won't be coming back."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: good for groups
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Review 27 for Vine Brook Tavern
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Missing an opportunity
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Judging by the crowd, Lexingtonians desperately want a hip place for foodies. Given the disastrous timing coming from the kitchen, this isnt it. The bar is packed on a Sat. and the noise makes conversations a struggle anywhere. We waited 70 minutes before we got any food in the dining room. Never any bread. Appetizers arrived after main courses. Waiter was flustered. A manager passed by to barely apologize but never offered an explanation or made any offer (drinks or dessert on the house perhaps?). We weren't alone. Other friends happened to be three table away. As we left after two hours and just two courses, we found them still there - unfed after 120 minutes and counting. They finally got some dinner later but not much satisfaction."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene
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Review 28 for Vine Brook Tavern
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"really good food at a really fair price and consistently bad service. we really like this place but get very frustrated by the service. that always makes it a toss on whether ior not to go there."
Dined on 4/17/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, vibrant bar scene
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Review 29 for Vine Brook Tavern
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
service needs improvement
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"nice setting, food is good, acoustics are a little loud. service still slow, but better. wait staff "disappear" for periods during the meal. booths on 2nd floor dimly lit-- you end up feeling abandoned in the dark. i did give the restaurant a 4th try. sea bass with roasted corn and fingerling potatoes were great.. service was better but waitress vanished toward end."
Dined on 5/01/2013
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Review 30 for Vine Brook Tavern
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great seafood
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This was my wife's and mine first time dining at the VB. We both ordered one of the specials. My wife had halibut and I had tuna. Both were fresh, well seasoned and nicely prepared. The tuna came with a large portion of tempura veggies. We also ordered the pork dumpling appetizer. The dumplings were nice but needed more seasoning and filling. The dumpling sauce was only average. The food service was very prompt and we enjoyed the meal and experience. We will be adding this as one of our date night favorites."
Dined on 5/03/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 31 for Vine Brook Tavern
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Service is slow but food worth it"
Dined on 3/16/2013
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Review 32 for Vine Brook Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Try this one out-It is special.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Great food, great wine, great drinks, great service. Go, already!"
Dined on 5/01/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, notable wine list, late-night find, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 33 for Vine Brook Tavern
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
BEWARE THE DINNERTIME KITCHEN KRUSH
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Our sixth visit since opening but our worst. Food was reliably good, but our entrees took a looooooooooong time to clear the kitchen. Good thing we ordered appetizers! Waitress and manager/host explained the kitchen was backed up by the peak dinner hour crush. Makes sense, but will make me think twice about visit #7."
Dined on 4/30/2013
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Review 34 for Vine Brook Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Creative and high quality comfort food. Some outstanding wines and cocktails. Everything to like here."
Dined on 4/29/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, hot spot, kid-friendly
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Review 35 for Vine Brook Tavern
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
The food was just OK and the
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food was just OK and the service was pretty bad. Our waiter pressured us to order our meals about 3 minutes after we ordered our appetizer. We said we'd like to wait to order our entrees. He said something about the kitchen "not working that way." Well, OK then. Once we got our meal, he didn't come back to check on us or to see if we wanted another round of drinks for probably about 25 minutes. My husband ordered another beer and when the waiter came back 15 minutes later, he still didn't have the beer. The waiter then seemed irritated that he cancelled his beer order - we had long since finished dinner without any drinks so why would we want to stick around? Despite the slow/unattentive service, the food wasn't great - we won't go back"
Dined on 04/27/2013
2009
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups
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Review 36 for Vine Brook Tavern
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
hopelessly over priced calamari
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"hopelessly over priced
calamari a disaster, 80% cabbage, rip off
waiter much too in your face, always at the table, an annoying server
never again"
calamari a disaster, 80% cabbage, rip off
waiter much too in your face, always at the table, an annoying server
never again"
Dined on 04/26/2013
2008
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Review 37 for Vine Brook Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We had amazing service and
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We had amazing service and an unbelievable meal. The crispy pork shank appetizer was one of the best things I have ever eaten!!!!"
Dined on 04/27/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 38 for Vine Brook Tavern
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Overall the food is good,
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Overall the food is good, the interior/decor is very nice. Nice wine selection. Ginger Margarita wonderful!"
Dined on 04/27/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem
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Review 39 for Vine Brook Tavern
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Too frenetic!
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Our waiter seemed to have gotten several new tables all at once and was rushing among them and apologizing. Not a calm way to start. He apologized for our not getting water right away.Then a person with water came over and kind of hesitated and asked if we wanted water. This lack of coordination with the waitstaff continued. I ordered quinoa meatballs with spaghetti squash. No indication on the menu that they were "crispy" or any other code word for fried, but they were. Didn't eat them. When manager came over and asked how our food was, we told him. He immediately offered to get me a different dish (I said no, I was enjoying the squash) and that he would take my order off the bill, but forgot to tell our waiter! Not a relaxing time."
Dined on 04/26/2013
2006
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Review 40 for Vine Brook Tavern
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Needlessly Noisy
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"It is simply too loud in the restaurant. They have done nothing to mitigate the noise level, and while I understand why the downstairs bar area would be "lively," as Open Table so diplomatically puts it, I do not think diners should have to shout to be heard--which, of course, prompts everyone else to shout, and it's all downhill.
The food is pretty good, and I'm glad the restaurant is in Lexington (egad, the choices are so weak), but the noise (and the service) need some serious work. Thus this low rating."
Dined on 03/24/2013
2005
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Review 41 for Vine Brook Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Nice find in Lexington
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"First time at the Tavern, they've hired well! Great staff there, food was upscale for a tavern and really well done. Good options for everyone. Spaghetti squash was really good as was the tuna for an appetizer. Its fairly open so its noisy but that made for a vibrant feel. Nice to see this in Lexington, will be back."
Dined on 04/25/2013
2008
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 42 for Vine Brook Tavern
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
We have gone twice to VB.
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We have gone twice to VB. the first time I was underwhelmed and decided to give it another try. Unfortunately the second time did not impress us either. I love, love, love the atmosphere but the food is mediocre at best."
Dined on 04/23/2013
2005
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem
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Review 43 for Vine Brook Tavern
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
we were seated at a table
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"we were seated at a table with direct sun light hitting us in the face we asked to be moved as we could not see our dining companions they said the sun would set in 10 minutes, We were finally moved sun set in 45 minutes. They have been open long enough to get shades also it looks like they did very little to clean the restaurant up since they took over we will not be back nor will we recommend them!"
Dined on 04/20/2013
2009
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Review 44 for Vine Brook Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Outstanding
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We visited Vine Brook Tavern and could not possibly"
Dined on 04/20/2013
2005
Special Features: neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 45 for Vine Brook Tavern
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Avoid VBR at all Costs
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I hate to write poor reviews, but to protect the unsuspecting public....The VBR was the worst dining experience we ever had, Our friends and my wife and I decided to try VBR, we were seated upstairs in the back area of the dining room. The waitress who was on duty that night made it clear from the start that she was not in a good mood, she was extremely rude, and unnattentive to us and all of the other patrons. Short and sweet...the food was average, ambience was ok but very loud, and the service was poor. Please save your money and dine in Arlington or Cambridge where they really value their customers and provide great food and a pleasurable dining expereience."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2011
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Review 46 for Vine Brook Tavern
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Nice to have another restaurant
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Nice to have another restaurant in Lexington. Service was ridiculously slow (25min to get our first drinks, and dinner was slow too). Food was fine, but didn't exactly knock our socks off. At least dinner was hot, despite the wait. Guess it's good for groups, if you are with enjoyable company and have no where else to be anytime soon. Would go back for cocktails and apps, but would sit directly at the bar for hopefully faster service."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2005
Special Features: good for groups
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Review 47 for Vine Brook Tavern
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great food, Nice setting, Noisy
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Great food and service, but I found it hard to have a conversation at our table for four due to the noise level."
Dined on 04/12/2013
2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
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Review 48 for Vine Brook Tavern
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Nice people working there.
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Nice people working there. Once it got a bit busy, waited for more water, more wine... specifically asked for salmon on the rare side. They brought it out and identified it as rare. It was well done. Someone else ordered the chicken. Tiny portion. Made us laugh. We are not huge eaters but the portion was too small and looked as such. Food we did get was tasty. When asked if we could substitute polenta for mashed potato was told no. Had to order mashed potato side. Honestly, not running back. Live in next town, eat out frequently. May go for drink at bar and app but not for dinner again."
Dined on 04/16/2013
2006
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Review 49 for Vine Brook Tavern
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Excellent dinner, all family
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Excellent dinner, all family members enjoyed the food and the whole dining experience. Classy without being ostentatious.
Prices about dead on for the quality."
Prices about dead on for the quality."
Dined on 04/12/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem
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Review 50 for Vine Brook Tavern
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
A surprisingly good meal.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"This was our first time at this local restaurant . We got off to an iffy start, when the hostess put us at a table that was way too big for our party of 3. she was reluctant to move us, even though the section we were in had lots of room. So, we rearranged our place settings to make it more comfortable.
The menu was both interesting and varied. our waitress was top-notch- informed attentive, and patient. The food was mostly exceptional. Pork dumplings were fantastic. The AHI tuna special was cooked just right, and the cod cassoulet was delicious. (I thought that my meatloaf was "just meatloaf", but "What do you expect when you order meatloaf?")
All in all- a surprisingly good meal. We will definitely come back."
The menu was both interesting and varied. our waitress was top-notch- informed attentive, and patient. The food was mostly exceptional. Pork dumplings were fantastic. The AHI tuna special was cooked just right, and the cod cassoulet was delicious. (I thought that my meatloaf was "just meatloaf", but "What do you expect when you order meatloaf?")
All in all- a surprisingly good meal. We will definitely come back."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2007
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem
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