Marino's Lunch — Restaurant in Staunton

Marino’s is an intimate venue that has been a well-known musical landmark for more than 50 years. The quality of talent that you may hear playing music at Marino’s is absolutely stunning. This place nearly disappeared into history but thankfully the new owners invested heavily in preserving not only the location but the tradition of hosting music.

The pub-like atmosphere in the main room with live musicians in a circle along with listeners laughing and enjoying each other’s company is exceptionally rare. In all of the many places that I’ve experienced, I CAN’T THINK OF ANY OTHER RESTAURANTS THAT OFFER AN AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCE LIKE THIS IN THE REGION. It’s not just the place, the food, or the music. It’s the people. The people that work there AND the people that visit.

Every chance that I get, I look forward to seeing everyone, quaffing down a few drafts, having a bite, and enjoying the music. Kathy is a super friendly and very professional bartender. Visit a few times and these people will start feeling like family! It’s nice to see such a diverse group of folks smiling and enjoying food, drinks, and music together.

There is a new beautiful sun room where you can enjoy your meal without all of the hubbub, if that’s what you’re looking for. Can’t comment much on it, because I enjoy the camaraderie of the main dining area.

If the weather allows, there is an amazing, tiered outdoor dining area, decorated like something right out of Paris or somewhere in the Mediterranean. There are actually three very different different ways to experience dining at Marino’s.

The renovations, artwork, and lighting throughout this location are PERFECT. There are so many details that I notice something new every time I go.

The menu is unpretentious yet culinarily unique. It’s an upscale pub burgers and beer place meets gourmet salads and amazingly creative cocktails. There is something for everyone. I tried a salad with blood oranges, fennel, basil and I can’t remember what else, but it was STELLAR! The quality of the greens was unexpectedly high-quality. The burgers are deeelicious!

Tonight I tried the chili dog while my wife and I enjoyed some high caliber mountain music. We also enjoyed the friendly folks and the happy atmosphere. The chili on my dog was seasoned to perfection.

The quality of the ingredients, the presentation, and flavor of everything that I’ve tried are on par with (and in many cases surpass) the more expensive restaurants in the region.

It may not be for everyone but we LOVE it!

Marino’s is not just somewhere to eat. It is truly somewhere you have...

The new owners are not very professional. I saw him (husband?) drinking at the bar, and the food is not on par with price for quality. Bruschetta was served on a few slices of buttered off-cut white toast for $10+, and the French Onion Soup was bland and not hot. Bartender did not offer silverware for my food, had to find on the bar for myself. When came time to pay, bartender handed me the slip for my card but no pen. When I inquired (had to flag her down about 10 minutes), she said very curtly, "we sign things in blood here" Being a former Restaurant General Manager and Chef, this is not how I would train my staff to conduct buisness with a customer. Maybe it was because I was disabled and on oxygen that they didn't think I was at the same caliber of clientele that they had sitting at the other side of the bar. I also spoke with the owner about a possible future opportunity, and spent the evening writing her an extensive email at her request, to no response. All in all, was not impressed with the food quality or the service, and the lack of communication was just the icing on the cake. Had high hopes that the food would be enjoyable since the relaunch, but will definitely say that Mrs. Marino's (former owner)food was of much better quality for the price, and better recieved in my opinion.

*Edit in response to your comments you did NOT call me the next day, you emailed and called me almost three weeks after I sent you the email AND it was after I posted this review. I do not appreciate being lied about! Also, I did hang up on you because you called when I was driving. I did not comment to you on the service when I was there because I didn't want to hurt your feelings as your buisness was just starting out. I only made the review here because you have made it pretty clear that you don't prioritize your buisness in a timely manner, and are not respectful at all by lying either... Have a blessed day

Edit In response to your confusing statement about the handicapped accessibility, I said nothing about how the building itself was set up, or the handicap features of the inside of the building. I think the renovations are fine and reflected that in my review on the atmosphere....I was talking about the parking and the accessibility TO the building itself. Maybe you should spend more time actually reading the review to answer and address issues correctly so as to not sound like you don't really...

December 10, 2024 - Marino’s is . . . Staunton’s version of “Cheers in Boston”! Iconic little Lunch Box diner where the locals go to eat & greet ! 😃❤️👍🏼

My wife & I are transplants from New England and love the vibe . . . our server Niki said the building is over 100 years old. I started with the Morino’s Punch . . . Some rum with fruit flavors of punch , very good!! All the tables ( about 10 ) were packed, with 2 waitresses handling each with synchronized precision!

My wife loved her grilled Tuna Melt on wheat bread with sweet potato fries. I started with the French Onion Soup , very tasty broth, not sure the cheese was traditional Gruyère , but likewise delicious! When I asked our fellow diner ( 1 booth over) about the great looking sandwich on her plate, she spoke highly of her Club! I agree, the Turkey & Ham Club made perfectly was very tasty! Fries were baked, and not greasy . 😃👍🏼

Interesting decor, photos of musicians performing in this little diner on Tuesdays & Fridays. The background goes back to the early 1920’s . Dominick & Catherine Marino purchased this property from the Jones Family who operated a Funeral Home. The Morino’s operated a community grocery store from its current location, that also morphed into a speakeasy, and gambling parlor. Their son, Anthony returned from World War II and married Arline in 1946. The couple took over the property, and started a small neighborhood restaurant, which Arline operated after her husband died in 1963. Marino’s invited local musicians to play on Tuesdays years ago. Arline passed in 2017. Under a new owner , Mr. Meyer renovated Marino’s. Now owned by Felicia & Christopher Sheets , Marino’s continues to offer good diner food 5 days a week, closed on Sunday & Monday.

Our “ Thanks” to Felicia ( whom we met) for a wonderful lunch today! We’ll be back !

Any chance for a New England Clam Chowdha Soup at your quaint establishment? ( You need...