The Black Hen & Bar Blue

While the food was good, the ambience of the restaurant was a bit off. Every tablecloth in the dining room was heavily wrinkled. We were seated at a table that had extra chairs stuffed around it. We felt like we were sitting in a storeroom. Both the server and the hostess were very nice and friendly but seemed a bit untrained. We had to call the server back to order sides. The drinks were well-made and the food was good but a bit overpriced. One of the dishes we ordered was chicken piccata and the chicken was scant compared to the pasta yet the dish was not inexpensive. Also, the table was set with bread plates yet there were no bread options. We also ordered lamb which perfectly cooked and fried oysters that were lightly breaded and also nicely cooked. Both of our cocktails were well made. The restaurant had the feel of a strong cook and bartender but a lack of front-house training and management. Again, everyone was very nice and friendly but the overall atmosphere is lacking. Th location's great and it could easily become a solid choice with attention to service and front-house management.

This was a poor dining experience. Granted it was a crowded football weekend but service was so bad we went without water for 30 mins. Let alone food and drink. The pork chop came with a side of puréed sweet potatoes that were runny and brown. Noise level was so high we couldn't hear our conversation at all at our own table. Won't be going back.

Mona was a superb waitress, professional and attentive. Food was very good with appropriate portions. Dining room left much to desired. Felt pretty run down and way too collegy. That said, I'd go back because there just aren't too many nice spots in Blacksburg.

It was definitely a more upscale spot in downtown Blacksburg than other places we tried during our visit. We secured a 8:45pm reservation, given how busy the weekend was due to VT's family weekend. Unfortunately, we felt rushed from the moment we sat down and they even started stacking chairs at around 10pm when we were eating dessert. Not appreciated. The food was average. The Greek salad didn't have any tomatoes and had lettuce, so I would hardly categorize that as Greek. The chicken kebab was actually excellent as it was cooked very well and quite juicy. The fish dish was quite small and not very filling. Given the price point they are charging they need to really step up their game.

We had a wonderful early birthday dinner during parents weekend at VT. It was a busy weekend but we had a reservation and we are so glad we did! The adults had cocktails and wine. We started with salads and then our entrees. My husband had grilled pork chops and he said they were probably one of the best ones he's ever had. I had grilled lamb chops with grilled vegetables and it was delicious! The boys had steak frites - they loved it. They are big eaters so just wished there was a bit more! The service was very attentive and the dining room comfortable with a black theme. We will be back!

Not what we were expecting at all based on other reviews. Appetizers were good but the main courses left a lot to be desired. While service was friendly main courses delivered within 5 minutes of appetizers so we sent them back. Pasta way overcooked, limited menu, drinks reasonable (hint: never add a lime slice to a dirty gin martini). All in all disappointing.

This place has such potential. However I was a little disappointed with the experience. Pretty much everything could be better, the food especially. Steak was overcooked, the ravioli was not fresh and just overall missed the mark. I love the aesthetic, but there was a reason the place was empty 😬

Amazing food, service even better. But outside is nothing like inside. Weeds, dead flowers and trash as you enter is unfortunate compared to how wonderful everything is inside the restaurant

This spot is cozy and charming. I enjoyed my meal and appreciated the freshness of the ingredients. The staff gladly answered my questions about the menu and made thoughtful recommendations. I enjoyed this spot so much I may go back during my short stay in Blacksburg.

Very comfortable setting both inside and outside. We sat outside but the inside was very inviting. We had delicious food!

Only one person seemed to be working in the restaurant. We waited 10 minutes before anyone sat us and he also was our server and bartender. Duck was overcooked and the chicken piccata was a platter of okay pasta with a few slices of chicken. Do not recommend.

Food was good and the service was friendly and attentive. We were there at a time when it wasn't busy.

Higher end restaurant in Blacksburg. Enjoyed our visit with our son Able to have quiet conversations.

I have eaten here before so I was acquainted with the facility. On this particular evening there appeared to be only one server for our dining room. He was very pleasant and was doing everything he could to provide good service, but it was just too much for one person to do. There was some delay in getting the food to the table, but the food was excellent.

We went here on busy VT graduation week. Sadly one of the worst meals I have ever had. The food was under seasoned and absolutely not anything special. Blah broccoli side was served as 1 big floret, undercooked. I had asked for asparagus side and they forgot it. Absolutely no flavor to all our meals and the creme brulee was awful. The top was not thin and crunchy and carmelized but rubbery, you could peel it all back. Hard to believe we paid so much to eat this underwhelming meal. They also did not have enough servers to handle the busy time. Drinks took forever to come out and even though they were specials on the menu they were not appealing and should have been sent back but that would have taken forever. The hostess was frazzled too.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 2

Service: 3