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The Black Hen Restaurant, Blacksburg, VA

The Black Hen Restaurant

3.0
3
268 Reviews
$50 and over
Contemporary American
The Black Hen Restaurant offers a metropolitan dining experience in a small college town. While there are some classic dishes that are always available, the majority of our menu changes very frequently. We value the culinary diversity the global community has to offer while still maintaining heart strings tied to the South Eastern US and Appalachian offerings that surround us. We also offer a strong wine list and an often changing craft cocktail selections.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 10 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Fine Dining
  • Cuisines
    Contemporary American, International, Cocktail Bar
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Tue–Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (540) 951-3000
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Neighborhood
    Blacksburg
  • Cross street
    Between N Main St. & Draper Rd NW
  • Parking details
    There are several parking options in the area including two conveniently located public parking lots. One located on the corner of Draper Rd and Roanoke St at Kent Square Parking Garage and as well as the metered parking at the Farmers Market on Draper Rd. Metered parking is free after 5pm. Visit www.downtownblacksburg.com/parking.shtml
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine
Gift card

Gift card

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What 268 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

3.0
3 based on recent ratings
  • 3.1Food
  • 3.4Service
  • 3.4Ambience
  • 2.8Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Greater Roanoke

    Good for business meals

  • Greater Roanoke

    Innovative

  • Greater Roanoke

    Healthy

  • Greater Roanoke

    Hot spot

  • Greater Roanoke

    Neighborhood gem

  • Greater Roanoke

    Great for outdoor dining

  • Greater Roanoke

    Good for special occasions

  • Greater Roanoke

    Lively

268 Reviews
  1. DeseraeD

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall1food2service3ambience1
    Do not recommend. Although servers were nice, everything else was subpar. The building and interior were run down, the restaurant was out of the top two menu items by 6:30PM on a Saturday (out of filet mignon and seafood ravioli, even though they recommended the ravioli to us), and the special of the night (steak frites) was served with frozen Orida-style crinkle cut french fries. We visited from out of town, and the website made this restaurant appear to be a nice high-end establish for our dinner while in Blacksburg. The only thing high-end about this restaurant was the prices.

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  2. EricN

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 5, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience2
    The food was not special in any way. The desserts were particularly weak, as the cheesecake appeared to be store bought with a spray of whipped cream from a can.

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  3. AbigailK

    Brighton

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 2, 2023

    overall2food3service1ambience3
    Very disappointed in this location as I had high hopes. Food is extremely overpriced for clearly frozen and unseasoned meals. Service was poor to the point that we were asking for our waters refilled 2-3 times each time before they were refilled, etc. The menu and prices have the level of a nice dining experience but the food quality and rests atmosphere are much more casual. 40$ a plate for food that I would rank with a chain steakhouse like outback unfortunately

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  4. DavidB

    Richmond

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    What a great meal. Beautiful evening. We sat outside. Our server was the best.

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  5. Alphabet

    Richmond

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 22, 2023

    overall3food2service4ambience3
    Two mixed drinks. Very good. Starter of fired ravioli. Veery nice. Mains were steak and seafood pasta. The filets were not high quality. Generous cut of meat, but tough and chewy. The gravy seemed to taste just like a packet gravy mix. It was served with a LARGE chunk of broccoli which was just....there....not well prepared or presented. Just a fist size branch..... The meat was just plopped on top of the mashed. The pasta was...fine...shrimp were nice but the pasta itself tasted "fishy" in that unpleasant way. Overall just an okay meal. Tons of potential...but closer to an Applebees meal than fine dining.

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  6. McMomRN

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 18, 2023

    overall2food2service4ambience4
    We were seated in the indoor/outdoor area that was beautifully done. Our server was super friendly but very obviously swamped the entire time. He apologized for the kitchen being backed up which we understood but we were not served our meals (and we did not order apps) until 90 minutes after we sat down. Very honestly something was off with the salmon I was served - it was inedible. I ended up just eating the risotto under it for my dinner. My husband ordered filet mignon medium well but it was bright red in the middle. We wanted to love it but it just missed the mark.

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  7. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    1 review

    vip
    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 16, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience5
    Our reservation was at 7:30pm, it took 20 mins to get our waitress to bring us water and take our appetizer/drinks order. It took 30 mins to get our appetizers, they were mediocre. We placed our entree orders around 8:25. By 9pm our entrees had not come out. We asked our waitress what the delay was, she apologized and said the kitchen was backed up. By 9:25 we finally found out the chef walked out. A substitute chef had just arrived and we were told it would be another 30 minutes or more before we were served our food. We left. It would have been nice to have been told before 9pm that the chef walked out. We could have made the decision to stay or go to another restaurant before other options were closed for the night. We completely understand emergency situations, a little honesty from the management staff would have given us the ability to decide what worked best for our dining party. At that price point for food and drink, we expected a more professional management and wait staff.

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  8. GiloR

    Tampa

    2 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 16, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience3
    They don’t serve the menu posted online. Pretty disappointing.

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  9. VeraC

    Washington DC

    56 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    56 reviews

    Dined on August 16, 2023

    overall4food4service3ambience4
    Nice cozy restaurant at the edge of Va Tech. Thai chili shrimp appetizer was great-lightly battered shrimp with a tasty sauce. Eggplant entree was a bit salty but flavorful. The lamp chops were excellent. Service was a bit slow and our waiter forgot to tell us the specials. Did not check in with us until we’ll into the meal for refills on drinks. Otherwise nice meal.

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  10. BarbaraG

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Nice, upscale little restaurant nestled on a side street in Blacksburg. Small but intimate dining room, small bar area with high-top tables and a nice patio area with umbrellas outside, weather permitting. I think there is an additional 'tent' area for large parties. High quality food with local veggies, well prepared and beautifully plated. Interesting and tasty selection of cocktails, we tried the Kentucky Mule which was served in a child copper mug - reminiscent of a mint julep, and Lavender Lemonade - refreshing. The American Lamb was wonderful! The salmon was the best we've tasted and the swordfish was perfectly done. Creme Brulee and a glass of fruit sherbet ended a wonderful meal. Great service and we never felt rushed.

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  11. Bobby

    New York Area

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 7, 2023

    overall1food1service2ambience3
    Extremely over priced for less than mediocre food. This restaurant will not last with the prices of the food in a college town.

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  12. Oscar

    Richmond

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 1, 2023

    overall2food2service2ambience2
    Wrinkled tablecloths and wilted flowers. A pleasant waitress who knew little about service in an upscale restaurant. Appetizers were good (cauliflower, oysters), entrees mediocre at best—lobster in the ravioli? Really?? Drinks were good. Cake for dessert was dry and not up to restaurant standard. The place was empty: now we know why. A sore disappointment. We will not return or recommend to friends.

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  13. DavidS

    Washington DC

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 23, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience2
    Food was ok, but overall not up to par with what we were expecting.

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  14. MurfeeJ

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Amazing high-end food and service. Great cocktails. Love sitting on the patio in the summer.

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  15. Bassbug18

    Richmond

    17 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on June 3, 2023

    overall2food1service2ambience2
    Over-priced and poorly cooked fare from an uninspired menu. Kept-warm-in-a-water-bath salmon was bland, savorless and served neither glazed or grilled; a poor cut of gristle-laden filet mignon had little flavor. Add-on charge to substitute a vegetable, really! The $18 martinis, with too much cheap vermouth and not enough gin, served lukewarm. $16 for a by-the-glass Cabernet from a $22 wholesale bottle? Vegetables slightly better than cafeteria quality. To be fair the Thai shrimp appetizer was quite good. We passed on dessert. Service was fair but waiter was neither polished nor convivial. And to include on the bill recommended tip calculations beginning at 20% and ending at 30% nothing more than presumptuous arrogance. The best restaurants are driven by this question: How can I improve the customer experience and get paid for it? The worst by this one: How much more money can I squeeze out of the customer? It’s clear which question the Black Hen answers. Ridiculously expensive for an underwhelming and unsatisfying experience. No reason to return and would not recommend.

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  16. OpenTable Diner

    Greater Boston

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 19, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Always an excellent meal. Had the lamb chops and lobster + shrimp ravioli. Both were exceptionally good, well executed and boat loads of flavor. Quick service.

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  17. OpenTable Diner

    Dallas

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 16, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    Everything awful but the drinks. We did not get a server get our order until an hour in. Our appetizer didn’t show up until dessert but at least it was comped at that point. Lamb and pork chop were well done and dry. May return one more time in case it’s a one off.

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  18. RedWhiteAndChew

    Washington DC

    56 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    56 reviews

    Dined on May 12, 2023

    overall4food4service3ambience5
    Good but not great. Solid food. Some food and drink are very inventive, tasty (the Asian-inspired shrimp appetizer is very good), while others could use a little something else to set them apart. Maybe some heat, a little more savoriness. Service was a little slow but thoughtful and kind. Very good hostess. Smoked Old Fashion is a fun twist on the standard. Love the location. Also suggest eating outside or at the Barca at Blue for a more fun/cool experience.

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  19. RandB

    Washington DC

    16 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on May 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a group of 8 graduation weekend. The food and service were fantastic! The lobster ravioli was delicious! Great experience. Highly recommend!

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  20. HHCstaunton

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 12, 2023

    overall5food3service5ambience5
    Our waiter, Eddie was incredible! The food was good but two of the three filets had a large piece of sinew making them very difficult to chew - disappointing on this expensive an entree. But the food was really good otherwise. Thank you for making a great graduation night!

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  21. CarolynC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Dinner was so good and the restaurant went out of their way to accommodate a couple extra people. Waiter was responsive and friendly

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  22. cpete64

    Washington DC

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 10, 2023

    overall5food4service3ambience3
    Ok, but service was a bit lacking.

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  23. DanaL

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 30, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience2
    Entree was extremely overpriced. If it were fantastic I could have sealed the price a little better - but food was just average. Restaurant was understaffed and very slow.

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  24. ShawnT

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 29, 2023

    overall2food3service1ambience3
    While our server was pleasant and polite, he was inept. He did not have familiarity with a simple drink order not listed on the menu. Our initial drinks and appetizers were finished for 30 minutes before he took our entree order, he was not familiar with the specials listed at the front door. We had been seated for 1 hour and 40 minutes before our entrees arrived. We had to stop another server and ask for steak knives as the food began to get cold. Management began making excuses immediately before I could express my dissatisfaction with the service. What should have been a very pleasant evening with family was very disappointing and overpriced for the quality and service.

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  25. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on April 21, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    A great surprise of wonderful menu options and fantastic food nestled in a college town.

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  26. MaureenC

    Washington DC

    8 reviews

    2.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on April 15, 2023

    overall2food2service2ambience2
    Disappointing. Supposedly one of Blacksburg’s nicer restaurants, Black Hen was understaffed, overpriced, and just disorganized. For $90 per person we were seated on a back deck furnished with the equivalent of patio furniture. Rib eye steak was about 1/4 inch thick. While friendly the few servers and other staff really need some basic restaurant training. Didn’t even see a server until we had been sitting there 15 minutes. Then entrees came while we still had appetizers. The bottle of wine was good but the server didn’t know how to open and serve it. Don’t bother, not worth the money at all. Really blame Management not wait staff.

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  27. Arose

    Washington DC

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on April 15, 2023

    overall3food2service4ambience5
    The food is extremely over priced for what you get. It’s not very interesting or flavorful food. It tastes like chain restaurant food.

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  28. KathrynA

    Washington DC

    13 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on April 15, 2023

    overall2food2service4ambience4
    I had high hopes but it didn’t pan out. Oysters were gritty. Salmon entree did not have much flavor.

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  29. MichelleR

    San Francisco

    12 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on April 15, 2023

    overall3food3service5ambience5
    It was super expensive and I mistakenly picked 2 sides and was told there was an up charge but I thought it would be small service charge. Instead they charged my $6per side instead of giving me the sides that came with it a the 2 I ordered

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  30. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 8, 2023

    overall4food3service4ambience4
    The ambiance and location are what you pay for. We enjoyed the unique experience in walking distance to VT. The food is very over priced and nothing special, but it was a memorable evening.

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  31. OpenTable Diner

    Poconos

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on April 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Restaurant was a little chilly, but food and service were fabulous!

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  32. marian

    New York Area

    1 review

    vip
    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 2, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Bella was a great server -kept all 9 of us happy!

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  33. SimC

    Las Vegas

    5 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on April 1, 2023

    overall2food1service3ambience4
    1. Old fashioned didn’t come with a large ice cube but rather with crushed ice - go figure 2. The prosciutto wrapped chicken with risotto and garden peas - all of it cold and the risotto was a single solid lump 3. Having sent the above mentioned prosciutto wrapped chicken back, I did at least receive hot prosciutto wrapped chicken but had the same stodgy and solid risotto and no garden peas - guess they ran out of the cold version. This is the only negative review I’ve ever written - it was that poor it warrants it. Our waitress was lovely and clearly embarrassed.

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  34. Adam

    Philadelphia

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on April 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Outstanding food and service. HIGHLY recommend you visit.

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  35. LaurenA

    Indiana

    9 reviews

    4.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on March 25, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Good food but small portions for the money. Really great vibes though

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  36. PatrickB

    Richmond

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on March 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Online menu prices should match in restaurant menu prices - Enjoyed the experience !!!

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  37. KaraV

    Houston

    3 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on March 18, 2023

    overall3food5service3ambience4
    The kitchen was very backed up and service was very slow. Food was excellent. Wines by the glass list was not very good. They did give us a free bottle of wine to make up for the slowness.

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  38. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    1.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 18, 2023

    overall1food3service1ambience3
    We were very disappointed with the service. Food was good but the overall experience was one the worst I’ve had in a restaurant. Wait staff seemed nervous, we had to ask for our bottle of wine to be delivered to the table. Our appetizer was served without plates, and we had to go to the bar to get them. Our reservation was for 7:30 and dinner did not arrive until 9:30. Something was very wrong and the young waiter Repeated to others that “it’s just so busy” . Would not go here again.

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  39. CynthLiv

    Los Angeles

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 18, 2023

    overall2food1service1ambience1
    My first impression upon entering was "it's too bright" (it didn't feel like an intimate, upscale restaurant at all). Secondly, there are no white tablecloths on the tables or cloth napkins artistically folded. Thirdly, the cutlery looks like it came from a diner (cheap quality & mismatched). Fourthly, the staff are not dressed professionally or remotely as they should be for such pricy venue. The artwork on the walls is crooked or off-kilter, the tables are too close together & booth-benches are _never_ a good choice for a restaurant charging these prices. The martini olives were absurdly small & martinis should be poured out at the table into chilled glasses on cocktail napkins, not brought to the table sloshing over. The filet was underdone (nearly cold), the Brussels sprouts were likewise underdone & not seasoned at all. The filet should have been served with either a Bearnaise sauce or red wine demi glaze or a green peppercorn sauce, the mashed potatoes were not even garlic mash, so my daughter & I ordered the french fries instead (they were very good & should have been served with a burger) & the music choice was also appropriate for the venue; however, everything else was severely lacking. The ladies room needs a huge overhaul, the base board paint is chipping & dirty. When I made the reservations, I noted that it was a special occasion as we were celebrating my daughter's birthday; however, there was nothing done to make it special for her (a rose, a special dessert, etc)...nothing. Why ask if you are NOT going to do something special? Unfortunately, the evening was a huge disappointment & the venue does not deliver based on the expectations that your website sets. I offer a better dining experience when I'm serving friends or family in my home. If you would like a formal consultation on how to set the stage for a $200 meal, you may contact me; I charge $50/hour. 805-368-3366

    1 person found this helpful

  40. JulieC

    Kansas City

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 17, 2023

    overall2food2service2ambience2
    Waiter had no knowledge of the drink or food menu. Incorrect drink order from the bar, no awareness by the waiter. Risotto was bland and the mushrooms were hard. Salmon was good. Husbands seafood pasta was just ok. Tuxedo cake was the best part of the meal. Defnitely not the atmosphere, service or food to warrant a $162 ticket.

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Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
  • Physical distancing

    • Distancing maintained in common areas
  • Protective equipment

    • Waitstaff wear masks
    • Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking
  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
    • Staff temperature check required
    • Contact tracing information collected

FAQs

The Black Hen Restaurant offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (540) 951-3000.

The Black Hen Restaurant is rated 3 stars by 268 OpenTable diners.

The Black Hen Restaurant does offer gift cards which you can purchase here.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 10 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for The Black Hen Restaurant

126 Jackson St, Blacksburg, VA 24060

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Between N Main St. & Draper Rd NW
  • Neighborhood
    Blacksburg
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Tue–Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Cuisines
    Contemporary American, International, Cocktail Bar
  • Dining style
    Fine Dining
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Parking details
    There are several parking options in the area including two conveniently located public parking lots. One located on the corner of Draper Rd and Roanoke St at Kent Square Parking Garage and as well as the metered parking at the Farmers Market on Draper Rd. Metered parking is free after 5pm. Visit www.downtownblacksburg.com/parking.shtml
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine
Gift card

Gift card

Send gift cards instantly by email or print to present in person.

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