Proof Kitchen & Bar — Restaurant in Manassas

Dined here last night. Because this place is new, im giving it a bit of grace, but here are my thoughts:

Ambiance: i loved the look and feel of the restaurant. This area needed a cozy spot to hang out and have cocktails, and its nice that you can also grab a nice, reasonably priced dinner as well.

Service: I gave service 4 stars, not because it was lacking, but maybe a little overenthusiastic? When we first arrived, we had to wait for our table, which was a little frustrating, (side note: if you make a reservation, make sure to specify if you would prefer an actual table or the couches better suited for drinks and apps), but it did give us time to look around the little shop near the hostess stand...with the help of the very kind people who work there. (Admittedly an introvert), i would have been ok with a little conversation with staff as we waited, maybe a bit of history about the new facility, but to stand there with us the totality of our wait trying to sell us products felt like a bit too much. When we got to our table, our server was also very friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable, but again, i think you have to know when to step away and let people eat, even with a welcoming table.

Food: The food had great curb appeal...in other words, it arrives at your table and everything looks very inviting. That said, I was a little disappointed in the flavor...everything was well cooked, spiced, and sauced, but almost everything could have used the tiniest bit of salt. Specifics: the pull apart bread app was maybe a little underdone? (soft in the middle); the pork belly needed more flavor (which is crazy to say); the market priced crabcake left a lot to be desired (no lump crab???); and Ive definitely had better mojitos. Other plates at my table: fish and chips, chicken and burger: all well cooked, and all under seasoned. Fries were generally good. (another side note: some of the food could have been warmer when it arrived at the table.) Desserts were creative and yummy - i liked the portion size, not too big. The only thing i would say maybe avoid: the crab cakes.

I will definitely try this place again and would recommend it to others. I think it has great potential and maybe just needs to shake off its first...

Not sure what the deal is with MurLarkey dist., Our intention was to visit the distillery but upon arrival they told us that it was closed for the day Sunday (July 5th). Unfortunately they did not update their website or online info, so right away first disappointment. We decided to go to their Pr%f kitchen. As a start the Service was spotty, perhaps the timing was not perfect. They have tables and small lounge areas within the establishment, and were told they had not tables for 4, so we were seated at one of the small lounge areas. They are very nice, however we were ordering food and drink and since had intention to try their whiskey we knew we needed space. We noticed they had empty tables and asked to be seated, but they simply stated they did not have anything available. You guessed it, the empty tables remained empty throughout our entire visit, that’s right. REFRAIN YOURSELF on ordering whiskey at the PROOF place, they overcharge for the same whiskey they produce, but at a restaurant rate (we learned the hard way). I repeat do yourselves a favor, do not order a pour at the PROOF. Buy the bottle instead at the distillery (literally there next to it). Food: the only brightest thing in our visit, at least the food was decent with portions that satisfy the crowd. Pastrami was a bit hard, but the sandwich was very good. While I recommend the kitchen and perhaps the cocktails at the bar, it is very disappointing how they overcharge for the whiskey and the spotty service. On top of that, somehow, they gave us a whiskey that apparently was not out yet (Climate Change see pictures), the label apparently did not match what was on the glass, we found out after wanting to order a another pour, and they told us that what was inside the glass did not match the label. So who knows if the rest were actually what we ordered, so I guess we would never find out. We spent almost $400 for two couples, and yet they could not find a table for 4, though two tables remained empty during our visit. Not sure we would like to visit the kitchen again probably not, perhaps we may try their distillery...

Visiting Proof Kitchen & Bar for a work team dinner sounded promising—a new restaurant, clean, modern décor, and a staff so friendly I almost wondered if they practiced smiling in the mirror before each shift. Our waiter, a young guy who was sweet, polite, and clearly trying his best to deliver a great experience, set a positive tone right from the start.

We decided to go all out and ordered nearly every appetizer on the menu. The table turned into a sample festival—everyone tasting everything, passing plates like we were conducting a culinary relay race. The appetizers were… okay. Not tragic, not amazing—just “fine,” in that polite-but-disappointed way you say when someone asks how your blind date went.

Then came my Caesar salad with salmon, which ended up being the start of a small emotional journey. It arrived in a deep bowl crowned with a decorative avalanche of cheese—beautiful, dramatic, and unfortunately tasting like shredded notebook paper. Once I shoveled the “snow” aside, I found the salad hiding under enough crouton bread to rebuild ancient Rome. The lettuce pieces were so few they could’ve filed for endangered status. The salmon, served separately, was cooked so hard it could’ve doubled as lumber. Flavor-wise… let’s just say even frozen microwave salmon might’ve felt insulted.

The Kansas City Steak? Ordered medium, delivered well-done, dry, and sadly unrevivable. Our poor server took one look and instantly offered a replacement—he knew.

Drinks, at least, were fancy and decent. But honestly, let’s be real: no drink is ever truly bad… especially after you finish the first one.

By the end, the whole table agreed: gorgeous place, amazing staff, but the food? Pricey, pretty, and tasting worse than a cheap diner at midnight.

We won’t be returning—but we’ll definitely remember...