Jack Mason's Tavern & Brewery — Restaurant in Clifton Forge

After reading other reviews, I see that this place has changed ownership recently. This would explain the complete lack of sympathy & knowledge on the owner’s behalf to the sub-par dining experience which I had. To start with, the food was fine, as was the service (thanks Emily!) I got the breakfast burger, and it was tasty - I’m guessing the old cooking staff is still present. However, being a TAVERN, you’d expect that the on-site brewed beers would be great, and that’s half the experience. Both the seasonal and the draft IPAs were the worst which I’ve ever tasted, to the point where they were undrinkable. They tasted and smelled like chlorine, as if the cleaning or brewing process was done incorrectly. When we asked the owner about why this might be, he was completely unreceptive to any suggestion that the brew may have been bad, and offered us a “Mich ultra instead?” Seriously? I come into your restaurant expecting a tasty, crisp & hoppy craft-brewed IPA and you offer a light beer as replacement? Not only that, but he seemed immensely offended that we would question if there was issue with the brew - 25 years of tasting IPAs and living in the Shenandoah valley and these were by FAR the worst in recent memory. To add insult to injury, a “DJ” starts blasting music in the front of the restaurant at 7:00 on a Wednesday evening, with elderly dining customers not even 15 feet away from his setup. That’s NOT how you create good atmosphere, it’s how you ruin it. As if it wasn’t bad enough, we receive the bill and are expected to pay for both IPA pints which we both barely sipped and then refused to drink out of fear for our own health. As I write this review, 30 minutes down the road, my stomach is churning and I can’t help but feel it must be related to the OxiClean IPA I tasted. I love giving local places a good shot, but sadly JMT won’t be getting any future...

On our travels from San Diego through Virginia. Uncle Leo took us to one of his favorite restaurants in Clifton Forge,VA (Jack Mason's Tavern). We walked in to a friendly greeting and seated immediately. There are license plates and dollar bills with special messages all over the walls. (Yes, I left one too.) A very upbeat server later to be known as "Karen" welcomed us and made us feel welcomed. (Note..not those Karen's you all see on YouTube in the big cities) but a truly wholesome nice women. She was very accommodating and recommended an IPA for my partner and a favorite beer of the restaurant for me. Uncle Leo had his bourbon and ginger. The food came out fast and hot and was excellent and then came the friendly banter from uncle Leo with Karen even better! We WILL be back on our next visit.

**I tried to upload a small video where Karen asks Uncle Leo if he wants a box (for his left overs) uncle Leo responds "No, I'll wrestl." We laughed until we walked out. (I hope it comes through for all of you to enjoy.)

Thanks Karen for another great memory added to...

Clifton Forge - - , ok. Where in the world is this?

Easy. Approximately 5 (and something) hours far from Washington DC Union Station, towards Chicago with the Amtrak Cardinal (51, but not daily). Or may by car SW. . Why? Starting to the Alleghany Highlands. Hiking, walking biking or whatever. Railway Enthusiasm. The C&O right there (check my review about). The local Brewpub "Jack Mason's Tavern AND Brewpub, opposite to the Amtrak Station. Any other reason.

The Tavern, in the meantime Brewmaster is the charming lady Debbie Lauder milk, member of the (attention! name is program) "Pink Boots Society International Women's Brewing Association" Anyhow, a beer you'll like. First had the "Happy Knack IPA" then "Two Patriots Pale Ale". Both with rich IPA taste. My favorite the Patriots one, but how taste Patriots? Day later was be able to get a Peanutbutter Stout. Totally dark as Peanutbutter never is (but Stout) served by the lovely "Carry" .

What you think how it...