Poor menu, poor service, and mediocre food. High prices (eg $18 for a burger)
Brody Yingling
We stayed at the Damascus Old Mill Inn during our last visit to the area.
We were very impressed with the room and the Inn in general. Very comfortable and relaxing, and right along the creek. The food was delicious as well.
We didn’t feel like we were staying in a generic, overly commercialized hotel chain, and that’s what made it great. The room was spacious, quiet, clean, and had a great view along the balcony.
If you’re looking for a relaxing stay with amenities in the area, the Damascus Inn won’t disappoint.
DerwinandFaye Creech
We went in fall of 2023. It took a very long time to be served with almost no other customers there, a mediocre meal which was then overcharged for the "special" and only after discussions between the waiter and manager was the price reduced to more than $60 for one steak and sides, no drinks. We have not been back and are local - it's not the place it used to be. The only positive is location. I hope they can get it back to a place we can recommend because it has the potential, just not the Food or service. PS Most of the "recommends" are ads - obviously not monitored. .
Denise Dufina-Baltaji
Such a hidden gem!!! Great location. Beautiful. Peaceful. Excellent food.
Service: 5
Kolbey Freeman
beautiful view at breakfast, clean rooms, friendly service, convenient parking. It's very nice.
Service: 5
Molly S.
Perfect for lunch or dinner! Cant beat the view and they have an awesome bar inside too!
Jason Gillenwater
Great food and service ?
Service: 5
George Maselli
We had lunch recently at the Old Mill and sat outside near the little waterfall on a beautiful day. Food was wonderful and so was the service. I hope the business thrives so we can return.
Service: 5
I Am
Wow! Despite being a 3 year local and this restaurant being my absolute favorite "location" in Damascus, the overall management/whoever owns it has finally irked me enough to leave this review. It's kinda weird the way they have the lodge/restaurant name set up on the google review. Theres no way for me to review the restaurant separately from the lodge so despite most of the good reviews I've read about the lodge itself I ended up giving everything a 1 star review due to the constraints not allowing reviews for the restaurant itself. I want everyone to know that when you go to this "location," then that is exactly what you are paying for "location." It's been the same, under the same ownership, for at least the past 3 years other than the management change in the past year or so. I can't honestly blame the management either (the new manager gets a 3.2 from me because despite him being better than the last guy, he must still be part of the problem). When you are charging $9 plus local and state taxes on a Vermont pilsner draft (cheapest of draft beers), then maybe, just maybe, you should be buying your pilsner more VA local. As much as I love this "location," I admit they finally got my goat. This is my personal rating system, and it speaks not at all against the staff (they're all absolutely awesome). This is mostly just generally about how the place is run. The staff is a solid 4.8 (I have rarely had a bad experience w the staff). Imna give the lodge itself a 4.5 from everything I have read because I've never stayed there (plus location, location, location). The restaurant score is tough because I think that the cooks (I dont think that they have ever really had a "legitimate chef" there) probably deal with the worst of it, but Imna give them a 3.4 because despite the food being way over-priced and not at all "fine-dining", I know that they're doing the best that they can with whatever they get off of the truck. Again, I'll say this is my favorite location in all of Damascus. This is the type of place to have an absolutely beautiful wedding. I just want y'all travelers to know what you're getting into. Maybe the owner and the management will get it together and stop using this place as a tax write-off when it could be so, so much better, and it was in the 10 year far past from what I've heard. Last words- I give the owner a big fat zero, that's a 0. I wonder how long my review will last on here lol. Much love. P.S. I had the 3 Shrimp Tacos at $15 plus tax that came w one side. Shrimp, pickled onion, shredded cheese, cole slaw (if you can believe it), and some sauce), plus a side of sweet potatoes that had an 11/5 date on them. Today is 11/13, so I'm not sure if I'm gonna eat those. Remember, location, location, location. Tip accordingly, and please don't take it out on the staff. Hundos to the ones that don't rat out my review to the management or the owner. I could be anyone.Noteworthy details: You pay for location.
Service: 4
Amanda Wolfe
My husband and I had the pleasure of staying here over the weekend and we had a great time. The manager greeted us and showed us around and to our room. The environment was very clean and friendly. We even got to walk around the local farmers market the next morning. Would love to come back.
Stayed in the White House across the street from the inn, on the first floor. It was clean, beautiful, and recently updated. The gorgeous fireplace and Victorian furnishings made it feel like we were stepping back in time. They use real room keys, so be sure to keep up with them. The rooms in the White House are much nicer than the ones at the Mill. Their website isn't clear about it when booking, so if the room number is 401-404, that is in the White House. We were surprised at check in, but when we saw the room we were pleasantly surprised. It's a block away from the main street, which has plenty of restaurants, bike shops, and some outfitter stores. Check out the visitors center, they have some cool displays and information about the area, nice folks. We rented from Blue Blazes bike shop which is a stones throw from the mill for a bike trip down the creeper, so it's a perfect location for that. The Farmers Market is right next door.The staff was helpful and friendly, the mill back porch is a relaxed place to have a meal. The bartender was also our waitress - her cocktails are AMAZING! One thing to watch out for is how expensive it is. The food was good, we got the dip trio and tomato caprese. Beware that if you order your drink as a double shot, the price of that drink will double, not an upcharge like normal places. For 2 drinks, 2 beers, and 2 appetizers, our bill for 2 people was almost $100 before tip. That's just crazy. It's a cool place, but not worth that price. (-1 star)The breakfast bar was well done. Freshly scrambled eggs, biscuits with gravy, waffle maker, berry mix, lots of other quick choices and beverages. We found the best seat in the house and enjoyed watching the fish and ducks while we ate. Overall, a great place to stay if you are in Damascus overnight.
Service: 5
Pam Huvar
We had lunch here sitting out side on the deck looking over the white mountain laurel creek watching the kids feed the ducks. The rainbow trout was excellent and my summer salad with grilled shrimp superb. Would come back next time passing
Service: 5
Jason M.
Highly recommending the Damascus Old Mill 10/10. When I tell you these were the nicest people... they were the nicest people! We stayed in the Victorian House in the lower level room with a fireplace. After we got to the room, we discovered the fireplace wasn't working correctly. So while we were at dinner, Phil, the general manager had it fixed. Wahh lahhh - fireplace on the rest of the weekend! Food in the restaurant was also pretty good, very convenient and sweet and helpful server. Lots of ducks and and we even saw a beaver in the river out back. Chasity recommended a stop by Backbone Rock on the way out and it was worth the detour as we were heading home. Didn't make it to the Creeper Trail, but spent the day in Bristol and toured the Birthplace of Country Music Museum. Had lunch and did some axe throwing. All super fun and just enough to do for the weekend. Go see the folks at Damascus Old Mill. You will be glad you did!
JWatching
We stayed 2 nights at the Old Mill Inn, and the History of the Inn made it as if stepping back into time...Here was an Inn that remained untouched with many past memories of railroad years...and souls that worked hard to create this Gem for guests to experience it all... CHASITY was there to warmly greet us, and give us our room keys, and information about the Inn services & history. Our room was beautifully decorated with King Size bed, marble bathroom with deep (Jacuzzi ) bathtub, ornate round stone sink, and small porch overlooking the flowing river and splashing waterfall filled with excited assorted colorful ducks. We met up with our friends to pick out which table, amongst the wooden dining areas that we could chose to eat. We settled for a one with a fantastic view of the waterfall, and we're quickly met by smiling NIKITA who took our drink order and appetizers. We ordered a plate of 3 dips and pita points, followed by entrees of pasta & steaks from nearby farm, all delicious. RICHARD, the paino man, played spectacular music pieces, and the sun setting rays into the dining rooms was just magical.... We settled in early to get ready for our hike the next morning on the Creeper Trail. Sweet AMANDA had the breakfast room ready early the next am with fresh coffee, scrambled eggs, bagels and breads, fancy muffins, etc and the self service is very convenient. We then spent much time feeding the assorted ducks with the duck food they supplied us which was so much fun, and walked downtown to an Antique shop and other gift shops, which a small walk from the hotel and returned for our lunch. OLIVIA was another great attendant who served us a spectacular lunch of chicken salad sandwiches, fries tomato bacon burger, and blackened shrimp tacos...the food was awesome. After brief rest, we headed to Abingdon for dinner and a play. We all wanted the stay to go on. The old paintings of surrounding buildings and homes of Damascus that hang in the Old Mill make it seem you are in an old museum that is telling a story. and our experience was wonderful thanks to ERICA RAMEY, the guest manager, who helped me organize this special getaway for us...we will forever remember our time at the Old Mill Inn because, not only was it a beautiful historical find, but the whole staff so friendly and happy we were there... Don't miss this beautiful Gem in Damascus!!! J Watching out 4 U :)
smkeaney
Great little inn. Views were spectacular and even better having a restaurant and bar on-site. We checked in and dropped our bags and went right to the restaurant to have dinner and then to the bar for a couple after dinner drinks. Breakfast the next morning was great as well. Highly recommend staying here if coming to the area and will definitely be the place I will stay when I do come back.
Poor menu, poor service, and mediocre food. High prices (eg $18 for a burger)
We stayed at the Damascus Old Mill Inn during our last visit to the area. We were very impressed with the room and the Inn in general. Very comfortable and relaxing, and right along the creek. The food was delicious as well. We didn’t feel like we were staying in a generic, overly commercialized hotel chain, and that’s what made it great. The room was spacious, quiet, clean, and had a great view along the balcony. If you’re looking for a relaxing stay with amenities in the area, the Damascus Inn won’t disappoint.
We went in fall of 2023. It took a very long time to be served with almost no other customers there, a mediocre meal which was then overcharged for the "special" and only after discussions between the waiter and manager was the price reduced to more than $60 for one steak and sides, no drinks. We have not been back and are local - it's not the place it used to be. The only positive is location. I hope they can get it back to a place we can recommend because it has the potential, just not the Food or service. PS Most of the "recommends" are ads - obviously not monitored. .
Such a hidden gem!!! Great location. Beautiful. Peaceful. Excellent food.
Service: 5
beautiful view at breakfast, clean rooms, friendly service, convenient parking. It's very nice.
Service: 5
Perfect for lunch or dinner! Cant beat the view and they have an awesome bar inside too!
Great food and service ?
Service: 5
We had lunch recently at the Old Mill and sat outside near the little waterfall on a beautiful day. Food was wonderful and so was the service. I hope the business thrives so we can return.
Service: 5
Wow! Despite being a 3 year local and this restaurant being my absolute favorite "location" in Damascus, the overall management/whoever owns it has finally irked me enough to leave this review. It's kinda weird the way they have the lodge/restaurant name set up on the google review. Theres no way for me to review the restaurant separately from the lodge so despite most of the good reviews I've read about the lodge itself I ended up giving everything a 1 star review due to the constraints not allowing reviews for the restaurant itself. I want everyone to know that when you go to this "location," then that is exactly what you are paying for "location." It's been the same, under the same ownership, for at least the past 3 years other than the management change in the past year or so. I can't honestly blame the management either (the new manager gets a 3.2 from me because despite him being better than the last guy, he must still be part of the problem). When you are charging $9 plus local and state taxes on a Vermont pilsner draft (cheapest of draft beers), then maybe, just maybe, you should be buying your pilsner more VA local. As much as I love this "location," I admit they finally got my goat. This is my personal rating system, and it speaks not at all against the staff (they're all absolutely awesome). This is mostly just generally about how the place is run. The staff is a solid 4.8 (I have rarely had a bad experience w the staff). Imna give the lodge itself a 4.5 from everything I have read because I've never stayed there (plus location, location, location). The restaurant score is tough because I think that the cooks (I dont think that they have ever really had a "legitimate chef" there) probably deal with the worst of it, but Imna give them a 3.4 because despite the food being way over-priced and not at all "fine-dining", I know that they're doing the best that they can with whatever they get off of the truck. Again, I'll say this is my favorite location in all of Damascus. This is the type of place to have an absolutely beautiful wedding. I just want y'all travelers to know what you're getting into. Maybe the owner and the management will get it together and stop using this place as a tax write-off when it could be so, so much better, and it was in the 10 year far past from what I've heard. Last words- I give the owner a big fat zero, that's a 0. I wonder how long my review will last on here lol. Much love. P.S. I had the 3 Shrimp Tacos at $15 plus tax that came w one side. Shrimp, pickled onion, shredded cheese, cole slaw (if you can believe it), and some sauce), plus a side of sweet potatoes that had an 11/5 date on them. Today is 11/13, so I'm not sure if I'm gonna eat those. Remember, location, location, location. Tip accordingly, and please don't take it out on the staff. Hundos to the ones that don't rat out my review to the management or the owner. I could be anyone.Noteworthy details: You pay for location.
Service: 4
My husband and I had the pleasure of staying here over the weekend and we had a great time. The manager greeted us and showed us around and to our room. The environment was very clean and friendly. We even got to walk around the local farmers market the next morning. Would love to come back.
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Stayed in the White House across the street from the inn, on the first floor. It was clean, beautiful, and recently updated. The gorgeous fireplace and Victorian furnishings made it feel like we were stepping back in time. They use real room keys, so be sure to keep up with them. The rooms in the White House are much nicer than the ones at the Mill. Their website isn't clear about it when booking, so if the room number is 401-404, that is in the White House. We were surprised at check in, but when we saw the room we were pleasantly surprised. It's a block away from the main street, which has plenty of restaurants, bike shops, and some outfitter stores. Check out the visitors center, they have some cool displays and information about the area, nice folks. We rented from Blue Blazes bike shop which is a stones throw from the mill for a bike trip down the creeper, so it's a perfect location for that. The Farmers Market is right next door.The staff was helpful and friendly, the mill back porch is a relaxed place to have a meal. The bartender was also our waitress - her cocktails are AMAZING! One thing to watch out for is how expensive it is. The food was good, we got the dip trio and tomato caprese. Beware that if you order your drink as a double shot, the price of that drink will double, not an upcharge like normal places. For 2 drinks, 2 beers, and 2 appetizers, our bill for 2 people was almost $100 before tip. That's just crazy. It's a cool place, but not worth that price. (-1 star)The breakfast bar was well done. Freshly scrambled eggs, biscuits with gravy, waffle maker, berry mix, lots of other quick choices and beverages. We found the best seat in the house and enjoyed watching the fish and ducks while we ate. Overall, a great place to stay if you are in Damascus overnight.
Service: 5
We had lunch here sitting out side on the deck looking over the white mountain laurel creek watching the kids feed the ducks. The rainbow trout was excellent and my summer salad with grilled shrimp superb. Would come back next time passing
Service: 5
Highly recommending the Damascus Old Mill 10/10. When I tell you these were the nicest people... they were the nicest people! We stayed in the Victorian House in the lower level room with a fireplace. After we got to the room, we discovered the fireplace wasn't working correctly. So while we were at dinner, Phil, the general manager had it fixed. Wahh lahhh - fireplace on the rest of the weekend! Food in the restaurant was also pretty good, very convenient and sweet and helpful server. Lots of ducks and and we even saw a beaver in the river out back. Chasity recommended a stop by Backbone Rock on the way out and it was worth the detour as we were heading home. Didn't make it to the Creeper Trail, but spent the day in Bristol and toured the Birthplace of Country Music Museum. Had lunch and did some axe throwing. All super fun and just enough to do for the weekend. Go see the folks at Damascus Old Mill. You will be glad you did!
We stayed 2 nights at the Old Mill Inn, and the History of the Inn made it as if stepping back into time...Here was an Inn that remained untouched with many past memories of railroad years...and souls that worked hard to create this Gem for guests to experience it all... CHASITY was there to warmly greet us, and give us our room keys, and information about the Inn services & history. Our room was beautifully decorated with King Size bed, marble bathroom with deep (Jacuzzi ) bathtub, ornate round stone sink, and small porch overlooking the flowing river and splashing waterfall filled with excited assorted colorful ducks. We met up with our friends to pick out which table, amongst the wooden dining areas that we could chose to eat. We settled for a one with a fantastic view of the waterfall, and we're quickly met by smiling NIKITA who took our drink order and appetizers. We ordered a plate of 3 dips and pita points, followed by entrees of pasta & steaks from nearby farm, all delicious. RICHARD, the paino man, played spectacular music pieces, and the sun setting rays into the dining rooms was just magical.... We settled in early to get ready for our hike the next morning on the Creeper Trail. Sweet AMANDA had the breakfast room ready early the next am with fresh coffee, scrambled eggs, bagels and breads, fancy muffins, etc and the self service is very convenient. We then spent much time feeding the assorted ducks with the duck food they supplied us which was so much fun, and walked downtown to an Antique shop and other gift shops, which a small walk from the hotel and returned for our lunch. OLIVIA was another great attendant who served us a spectacular lunch of chicken salad sandwiches, fries tomato bacon burger, and blackened shrimp tacos...the food was awesome. After brief rest, we headed to Abingdon for dinner and a play. We all wanted the stay to go on. The old paintings of surrounding buildings and homes of Damascus that hang in the Old Mill make it seem you are in an old museum that is telling a story. and our experience was wonderful thanks to ERICA RAMEY, the guest manager, who helped me organize this special getaway for us...we will forever remember our time at the Old Mill Inn because, not only was it a beautiful historical find, but the whole staff so friendly and happy we were there... Don't miss this beautiful Gem in Damascus!!! J Watching out 4 U :)
Great little inn. Views were spectacular and even better having a restaurant and bar on-site. We checked in and dropped our bags and went right to the restaurant to have dinner and then to the bar for a couple after dinner drinks. Breakfast the next morning was great as well. Highly recommend staying here if coming to the area and will definitely be the place I will stay when I do come back.