The Purple Onion

drperm

Virginia

4.7/5  rDev 0%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 4 | food: 5 | $$$

This would be a fantastic spot anywhere it existed; the fact that it is to be found in a tiny mountain town in a tiny county simply adds to its wonderful-ness.
Live music is the norm more often than not, usually of the local-folk-rock-blues-indie variety, with the occasional jazz piano thrown in.
The gourmet pizzas are to die for, and served alongside a St. Peters, a Bells, or a Sam Smiths they're impeccable. The more dinnerly gourmet fare (the duck is always a hit) is also wonderfully prepared.

The place is small enough that the owners frequently are to be found in the dining room, chatting with the guests. They also take a lot of pride in their hand-selection of the draughts and bottles, and are knowledgeable about the beers. The one negative (understanable, though) is that they don't emphasize the high-gravity world, because "our customers aren't familiar with them and don't know how to handle them." And 99% of the patrons drive rather than walk. That being said, Duvel, Chimay (Red & White), and rotating Rogues (among many other finds) are featured here, guaranteed the only place in Polk County where they are.

08-06-2008 14:34:17 | More by drperm