This is a rather mixed review of the new Bistro at Victorian Station. It had been a very long time since I had eaten at the former Victorian Station Tea Room, and the Bistro has replaced whatever replaced the tea room. We went for lunch on Tuesday and the place was closed. No hours posted. We tried again on Thursday and voila! it was open. All the tables now are downstairs in the former Ute's gift shop. It is very eclectic in that room with mismatched everything. Upstairs where we used to dine has sofas and coffee tables. I gotta say, the place seems musty and the vibe took me back to some places I'd rather forget about from the early 70's. Parking is scant, kind of a "it's ok to park on the grass" kind of place. I was dining with 2 friends and one would give the place 3 and one a 4. My friend who would give it a 4 said the water was the best water he ever tasted. So there you go. There was one long table reserved but we were the only guests. Before we left 2 more tables had guests. The waitress was very sweet. She handed us paper menus and on the back was a coupon saying free iced tea with lunch purchase, so when she took our drink order I said I would have the special on the back - the iced tea. "Oh no," she told me. "That is a coupon for a flyer they had passed out previously and they just used the flyers to print the menus to save paper." For crying out loud. You give me a menu with a large coupon stating I get a free iced tea, and tell me it doesn't apply. I'm sorry but right there, the iced tea that would have probably cost you five cents to honor, should have been provided. How am I supposed to know the info on the menu isn't valid? So I ordered the afore mentioned water. I believe we all ordered the chicken salad. It was OK. I wouldn't get it again but the menu is still 'under development.' I was told.I asked if the potato salad was made with mayo or mustard, and she told me mayo with a teensy bit of mustard. I ordered it and out came a very yellow mustard filled potato salad that I did not like at all. It was like the kind you get from Food Lion in a big tub and bring to a pot luck when you are too busy to make anything, even though I'm sure it was made fresh. My friend liked it and the other one got potato chips - def NOT homemade. They have live music at some times I guess, and my friend who is an aficionado of live music said he would come back there. He probably won't though. I think he just liked the place better than I did. I can't imagine the sound in there if a band was performing because the tables are right up to the performing space. Since we visited we added it to our list of places for lunch, but the two times I have suggested it I've received a resounding, "No!." So when I will be able to give it another try I don't know. Hopefully before it changes hands again. read more

My first time here. Great local restaurant with a unique atmosphere. Friendly staff and live music. I am under the impression that the menu changes. I just with they offered at least one healthy meat like grilled chicken or fish. They do offer salad and veggies though. The food was tasty though! read more

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I'll start by saying that everyone was nice here. Our cousin was interested in coming to this restaurant, so when we were in town for the Spring Fling we decided to check the place out. The inside was nicely decorated with hanging lights. I thought it was charming, but I wouldn't have picked it to bring my small son. A few older ladies were sitting at the middle tables when we walked in, but other than that the place was empty. We waited a few minutes until someone came from the back and told us we could sit wherever we liked. We were given a menu and decided on the Brats, Ribs and Bbq sandwich with Sweet Tea. The tea was not good, or sweet. The Brats was good, but cold. This surprised me because it seemed like they were cooking the food fresh out back. I tried my husbands Ribs and thought they were good, but again barely warm. Our cousin like his sandwich, but wasn't impressed. I wanted to enjoy the visit a little more because everyone was polite and really sweet to our son, but I have to say that I don't plan on returning. read more

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The Victorian Station is under new management and is now called the Black Dog at Victorian Station. They have a new menu and have done a lot of upgrades in the restaurant, however unfortunately I have not yet been able to dine there yet. However, they still every Friday have the AWESOME Wampler Brothers Blue Grass Show that is always 5 stars and is worth going there even if just for the show and some cocktails. It is just one great evening of fun music and you never know what guests are going to show up. Defiantly go check this out on a Friday night, it is a neat old cool building and the entertainment is just wonderful. Hopefully get out and try the menu soon. So for now, the entertainment, building, atmosphere, beer and wine are five stars. Great place. read more

Victorian Station - a group of men playing musical instruments - Music Venues Near Me - Hampton, Virginia

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I went back to the VTS after a long absence hoping they had decent food (since either the ownership or catering seems to change hands after each of my visits) and I was disappointed. They have no menus - they just tell you what they have which was very limited. Hot dogs, burgers, brats and BBQ. A scant few sides. I ordered the pork BBQ and got a plate of lukewarm chopped pork which was mostly gristle and fat. I'm ok with a little fat but this was just...not good. I couldn't finish it. Wasn't much in the way of flavor either. The sides were ok. As for drinks....we were used to super affordable wines and beers from previous trips to VTS. Gone are those days. We ordered a bottle of Chardonnay that I know for a fact can be had for $7.99 at Food Lion. I buy it all the time (it's surprisingly good for the low price). The VTS charged us $18. I understand a mark up but that is insane!!! In the past we had a wonderful (huge) cheese/charcuterie platter, a big tray of steamed shrimp and two bottles of wine for FAR less than what we paid last night for a truly sub par meal. The tea service may be excellent I don't know. The staff was super friendly and the place is very charming. The music was a blast. For those reasons I'd give it a 4 star but the food and high wine price brought it down. They really have no place calling themselves a southern smokehouse. I hate giving it this kind of review as I have enjoyed myself there but I would not eat there again. Not unless they get a better chef/menu/caterer whatever. read more

'The Pink' in Phoebus. Live music on Friday nights. The Wampler Brothers. Open mic, too. read more

Victorian Station - Wampler Brothers on Friday nights. - Music Venues Near Me - Hampton, Virginia

My husband and I made reservations for a Saturday night dinner with live music. What we experienced instead was more like going to someone's house and ordering takeout. We were sorely disappointed to be seated in a room that smelled like body odor. When we asked for a drink, we were told the bartender was at the ABC store. Once our food arrived, it was not prepared on premises, coming instead from Olde Towne Tavern down the road, and was served lukewarm. We went with an open mind, hoping to be pleasantly surprised as we usually are with the restaurant scene in Hampton. But this does not compare. read more

If you are a local musician in the area, or just looking to support local music this is the place to be Thursday night. I discovered this gem on the recommendation of a friend and give it my full seal of approval. This truly is a case of not judging a book by its cover. Upon arrival, you are greeted by a huge, victorian era house painted unashamedly pink. Thus its nickname "Big Pink" by the regulars. Set that apprehension aside and enter into the large, comfortable lobby. There you will find some of the best talent in town tuning up, drinking a brew, or munching on some of the incredibly reasonably priced food items. First Thursday of the month is "Singer/Songwriter Night" and the MC not only is Vaughn is not only accommodating, but ensures your sound is top notch. Unlike many venues offering open mic, the patrons are there to listen and are respectful of the performers. In fact, the entire atmosphere is one of mutual respect and there are plenty of great people to meet and greet. In short, great crowd, great eats, great venue. read more

Got a flyer in the mail saying hours are Monday-Saturday 7-2... We tried coming at noon on Saturday and everything was closed? No indication of hours on door. read more

I attempted to book a wedding brunch at Victorian Station and received a lack of timely responsiveness and considerable lag time when I attempted to nail down dates to meet and go over plans. I was completely "ghosted" after repeat calls and emails several months closer to the date with no follow up. I wouldn't recommend it for major event planning for large groups. I decided to go to another venue due to this lack of follow through. read more

We went in this morning, the barista was very friendly. The place is BEAUTIFUL. My drink was ON POINT. I usually have to make adjustments to my drink because I am very "particular", but it was PERFECT! As an added bonus, it was $1.12 cheaper than my Starbucks drink and slightly larger! I will definitely be making this place my new favorite coffee shop. Close to home, affordable, and free WiFi. Can't beat it! read more

What a disappointment! From the outside the place looks quaint and I thought it might be nice. Wrong! There were three waitresses, I guess they were. Not a one ever came to my table. After being ignored for a while I went up to the counter where the three were hanging out. I asked for a menu and the lady told me that the guy walking by knew what was available tonight. I guess he was the cook??? I agreed to the humus wraps. He later brought my food. I had overheard one of the waitresses talking about making coffee and it sounded good, but like I said, they never came to my table! Not even to bring a check. So I went back to the counter and asked to pay. The lady asked me if everything was okay. I said I would have liked a coffee. She said "Oh, I can get you a coffee." I said, "What can I do with it now? My dinner is over and I need to leave." The food was not horrible but not great. The portions were small. And there was some kind of horrible band tuning up. I think they might have been country or something like that. Another reason not to stay for coffee. I understand they keep irregular hours. If they cannot give better service than that, maybe they should not open at all. read more

I had a living social voucher for the afternoon tea. I took my boyfriend and it was kinda funny- there was 4 other tables full of old ladies with perms! Go figure, it was afternoon tea. We had a pot of tea, soup (probably from a can), a variety of finger sandwiches and a display of cookies and baked good. The food was ok, nothing special really, but it was kinda fun pretending being sophisticated and practicing my British accent. read more