Copperwood Tavern — Restaurant in Bailey's Crossroads

I went out last evening for a girls' night out with my sister. After catching a movie at the AMC Shirlington theater, we decided to grab a drink. I've frequented many restaurants in Shirlington since I live in Arlington, and I always have a great time. Eventually, after strolling around, we settled on CopperWood Tavern, and it turned out to be the most disappointing restaurant experience I've ever had. The women at the entrance were shockingly impolite and unhelpful. I told her it was a girls' night out and we preferred to sit at the bar. Their response? "Oh, you can sit anywhere." I had to point out that not just anywhere is the bar, and then she reluctantly directed us to a table in the middle of the room. Throughout this interaction, she sat behind her desk the entire time with a condescending expression on her face. I'm not one to cause a scene, so I let it go. I was raised better than that. I ordered a Commonwealth Mule cocktail, while my sister wanted a beer similar to Corona or Blue Moon. The bartender displayed extreme impatience, and after proposing a beer tasting to my sister which she did not like, he brought our drinks in under two minutes with a beer we didn't even validate in the first place. It was the first time I received a handcrafted cocktail at a bar in under two minutes. I may not be a drink expert, but I know the basics. Upon taking a sip of my cocktail, all I could taste was water, ice, and lime. I informed the bartender that it was the first time I had a drink that lacked any flavor. My sister jokingly mentioned that the drink wasn't strong enough, to which he responded with a deadpan expression that he could serve us straight alcohol if we preferred, which I replied that I'm French and can distinguish between a cocktail and straight liquor (which I didn't want in the first place). I politely inquired if he could recommend something similar to my cocktail, but he flatly refused. I thanked him and opted for a glass of water instead. Furthermore, the waiter who brought the oyster plate simply placed it in front of us and left without a word. The entire experience was uncomfortable and tense. My sister appeared visibly uneasy and just wanted to depart. I reassured her, reminding her that we were paying customers and not seeking charity. No one would make me feel uncomfortable with the money I willingly spend at their establishment. The least they could do is treat us with respect as customers, if not as fellow human beings. I work in the food and beverage industry myself, and I always ensure to treat all my customers with respect and dignity regardless of the circumstances. This was my first visit to this restaurant, and I certainly won't be returning. We felt belittled for reasons unknown to us. I am giving this place one star solely due to the kind gentleman who bid us farewell with a "bye ladies"...

Updated....Holiday evenings in Shirlington are terribly undderated . The local establishments work to infuse the surrounding communal areas with the very best of holiday decor. White, pony-sized stars line the median of main street, perfect for picture taking. And, lights glisten the trees on the sidewall, reminiscent of your favorite early 00's rom-com.

With that said, I hadn't been here since prior to COVID, and I'm ecstatic to report that the offerings here are just as delectable as they were previously during my last visit. On this evening, my party of 4 was seated immediately just prior to the happy hour crowd. We were assigned a booth in the rear of the establishment.

I ordered the Ribe Eye and Cheese sandwich with a side of Brussels. The RE and C is their upscaled version of a Prime Rib Dip more aptly named as it comes with steak essence to dip and very little cheese in a crisp bun. There ate caramelized mushrooms as well. It was very flavorful and I would order it again. But, at the same time, I wished they had developed an appropriate sauce to go accompany it as the meat was top quality and tender. In actuality, it didn't need it, and the dipping essence was enough, but I ground myself wanting more of a Philly Cheesesteak as the meat is shredded in such a fashion. I got a a side Caesar salad, and it was exceptional. I also got the Brussels side, which is similar to the Balsamic variety served at North Side on Glebe. They are great, perfectly seasoned, and the side is large enough to share among 2 or 3.

My partner got the rock fish, and the kids got the kid's grilled cheese with a side substitute of fruit and one with fries. They enjoyed their meals. Kids have other options, though, from burgers and tenders to Mac and cheese ...mostly carb based, but I think they could make a salad if you asked.

I got the Old Fashioned and my partner got the Kentucky mudslide. The drinks are 14 and 16 amd they pinch on the liquor compared to the MGM across the bridge, unfortunately, hence the minus star. Nevertheless, the service is top notch, and the venue is great for dates and families. Parking can be a challenge, but it's worthwhile. I recommend you visit.

Brunch: I found the Sunday brunch best enjoyed outside at the tables closest to the restaurant as the outer tables will catch the rising sun. I found the biscuits with citrus butter most notable and delectable to my palette, and the coffee was respectable. I tried the skillet of eggs, meat, and potatoes by my waiter's recommendation, as he mentioned as a favorite. Everything was tasty, and offerings of other guests seemed just as appealing. I would repeat brunch and am eager to try their dinner and...

Today, I made a reservation for outside for 6 people on open table. My parents and their friends came to visit and we had two good experiences prior with Copperwood Tavern. This time I went in and told them we were here for our reservation for 6 outside and was told “that’s not possible. we don’t do outdoor reservations, let alone for 6.” And given the option to either get put on a waitlist to sit separate outside or to come back another time without my dog so we can sit inside. They agreed they had my reservation but said that open table for some reason wouldn’t take away the outdoor option. I have worked in customer service, majored in hospitality in college, and know that even if that’s the case you still accommodate until you can get that fixed and you do so kindly. They ended up seating us in two separate tables close to each other but could not be pushed together because of an umbrella which was fine. Then a table opened up in the back that was already a 6 top with our favorite server (we love him and he’s always been so amazing the entire time) they cleared it for us to move back there and once we were seated told us no you need to move back we already gave this table to a different group. It was a mother and her baby, along with her friend. We asked why they couldn’t just sit where we were under an umbrella where there’s already a two top set up instead of splitting up the only 6 top (where I was told they don’t do 6 tops ever). We were told no because they had a reservation but when we questioned that the manager denied the outdoor reservation. It was a complete disappointment and they “tried” to accommodate us but it was not in a customer service or friendly way with any good options and they blamed it all on open table. As a customer coming to their establishment and made a reservation to sit outside, through their system, they should immediately make that work. Instead, they made me feel like it was my fault, open tables fault, and blamed everyone but themselves. The only redeeming thing for this place was their food has been good in the past and the one server who came over and told me not to worry about what they said and was completely kind to me the entire time and willing to help me. After they told us to go back to our original tables we left since that entire interaction was disappointing. As we walked away we saw them pull apart the 6 top into 3 two tops which was exactly what we were already sitting in…. see the attached screenshots as proof for my OUTDOOR RESERVATION FOR 6 and the...