Sunken Well Tavern — Restaurant in Fredericksburg

Sunken Well Tavern popped up on my Fburg search for dog-friendly restaurants with an outdoor seating area. Since my friend was considering bringing her dog and neither of us ate at SWT before, we decided to give it try.

My immediate impression was nice; SWT is located in a nice, quiet area so outside dining is peaceful and quiet enough for easy conversations. The inside appeared cramp but I did not get a good look.

We were seated in the outside dining area quickly as there was no wait. Our server, Branden, introduced him and was very congenial. We were provided one paper menu but were not informed that a QR code was available at each table. My friend and I were reviewing the menu with disappointment thinking the paper menu is really lacking. Since we had not seen Branden for several minutes, we asked another server about another menu (we were still sharing knew) and questioning the menu options appearing different online. At this point, we were told about the QR code, located behind the condiment stand, directing us to their online menu.

My friend and I ordered the Texas Tots for an appetizer. I highly recommend, even though ours were not cooked properly. Understand these are giant tots but the middle was soggy. With this appetizer, I can see so much potential and maybe we just got an ill-timed order. Nonetheless, this was the first strike but I did not want to judge prematurely.

I ordered a Kona beer while my friend ordered a mocktail. I would like to point out I understand restaurants may have different rules for outside drinks but I paid nearly $9 for a medium size PLASTIC cup of beer (probably 10oz), not a full bottle. And did not realize the price until I received my check, after having two beers. The mocktail was nearly the same price in the same size cup. Too expensive, in my opinion.

We both ordered burgers and fries. At this point, I do want to give SWT kudos on the outside atmosphere as the setting was nice. But as the night wore on after the plastic cup drinks, poorly cooked tots I started finding things that eroded my outdoor mood. As the sun set, temperatures became cool enough to warrant a sweatshirt or sweater. The outdoor heaters were not turned when other couples around us started asking about the heaters despite people putting on sweatshirts and jackets. The music was great; just don't sit at the table closest to the speaker as you will constantly ask your friends to repeat themselves several times.

Our burgers and fries arrived about a 35-40 minutes after first arriving. Since today was my tough workout day, I was famished but unfortunately, the third strike presented itself. The fries were in fact not fries and our medium burgers were both overcooked. The fries were cut so thin that they were actually stringy chips. When I saw the fries on the online menu, I saw big, fat steak fries. Friday is my cheat day and I wanted those big fries. Not today, though. Our burgers were really big but overcooked. I didn't really notice until I bit into my burger and saw only medium-well, no pink. At this point, I mentioned the food status to Branden and he offered to remake it. I advised him my friend and I were absolutely famished and needed to eat so we couldn't wait but I could only eat have as the burger was too dry. And the fries tasted like so much disappointment. Branden returned and stated the manager would comp our entrées.

So in a nutshell, I was disappointed overall with the food and the staff attentiveness to the outdoor area could have been better. The food/drinks were a bit pricey for another pub with outdoor seating. However, kudos to Branden for keeping a great attitude all night. Despite everything, he was tipped well.

Unfortunately, I will not return to SWT. At least, not until they start...

Went here on a Saturday afternoon because we had never tried the place before. It ended up not being a good choice. We arrived around 1:00pm or so, after lunch rush. They weren't that full. Going from inside to the outside patio seating there were piles of broken down boxes. A little off putting but I wrote it off. However that inattention seemed to set the tone for the visit.

We ordered drinks, which came out in pretty normal order. We ordered food off the menu, no wacky requests or anything. The next time we saw the server was, no joke, a half hour later. She told us they'd run out of some of the items ordered, so those folks in our party ordered different things. Things run out, that's okay, but to not hear about it for that long seemed crazy. We managed to get another round of beverages, about 20 minutes later, after hearing the bartender was backed up. (It was just draft beers.)

During that time I visited the restroom. It was what I expected, which was functional but not attractive. There was soap and paper towels sitting on a roll on a cabinet, and the log showed it was cleaned recently. Typical for an older place that's a neighborhood tavern.

Food arrived about 2:30. One of our party got a strange sandwich that was nothing like they ordered. Another didn't get the side they ordered. The different server who brought the food looked about 16 and like it was his first day on the job. We decided to shut up and eat what we got because we were so hungry and just wanted to finish. My chicken wrap was good, no complaints. The onion rings were greasy, not well drained; there was a puddle of oil in the plate. And they had that telltale taste of old oil.

Maybe the food and service would have been better during a different shift. But it seemed like no one actually manages this restaurant, or if they do, then they're not providing some basic training or support to the staff. We likely...

Fantastic food. Albeit a little pricey but the quality was top notch although it might have been casual American it definitely found a way 2 separate it self from the typical down town Fredericksburg lunch menu such as capital Ale, which is dated and bland offerings, Amongst others.

I had visitation with my children during this late lunch event on 5/3 we ordered a total of 2 appetizers and 6 entrees amongst the 6 of us and happened 2 b a sunny afternoon so we dined on the patio and albeit wobbly & clearly not level or spacious with room 2 stretch, it was just large enough 2 feel comfortable and the slight slanted/wobble made it feel homey and historic like you want 2 feel when enjoying a patio dining experience in downtown fburg.

Our apps were mozz sticks (x2) which were dusted with parmesan cheese and served with a robust marinara sauce. Very stringey & high quality. My 12 year old son orderd the bbq burger as Did I, My daughter (7 y/o) the chicken tenders w/fries (which was more or less a friend chicken breast in seasoned paneko crumbs, that i had 2 cut up into strips 4 her (seemed redudent knowing it was 4 a child but easily accomodative at table) My wife the chicken wrap w/onion rings. Which I can't speak much on other then she said it was good, The onion rings appeared 2 b of tempura dipped variety & very good (snuck one while away helping my daughter using BR). Our burgers were cooked perfectly & tasted fantastic the fries were their own unique surprise which had it's high moments but unfortunately 2 many dry moments as well but they were unique and worth the experience (fresh cut in store I assume) BBQ sauce was fantastic & paired perfect with my burger and fries.

4 out of 5 stars. Make sure you meet the pleasure that is To set @ the Bar & Bradley the passionate and talented up and commer in culinary. I know...