Damascus Old Mill Inn,

215 W Imboden St, Damascus, VA 24236, United States

"Wow! Despite being a 3 year local and this restaurant being my absolute favorite "location" in Damascus, the overall management/whoever owns it has finally irked me enough to leave this review. It's kinda weird the way they have the lodge/restaurant name set up on the google review. Theres no way for me to review the restaurant separately from the lodge so despite most of the good reviews I've read about the lodge itself I ended up giving everything a 1 star review due to the constraints not allowing reviews for the restaurant itself. I want everyone to know that when you go to this "location," then that is exactly what you are paying for "location." It's been the same, under the same ownership, for at least the past 3 years other than the management change in the past year or so. I can't honestly blame the management either (the new manager gets a 3.2 from me because despite him being better than the last guy, he must still be part of the problem). When you are charging $9 plus local and state taxes on a Vermont pilsner draft (cheapest of draft beers), then maybe, just maybe, you should be buying your pilsner more VA local. As much as I love this "location," I admit they finally got my goat. This is my personal rating system, and it speaks not at all against the staff (they're all absolutely awesome). This is mostly just generally about how the place is run. The staff is a solid 4.8 (I have rarely had a bad experience w the staff). Imna give the lodge itself a 4.5 from everything I have read because I've never stayed there (plus location, location, location). The restaurant score is tough because I think that the cooks (I dont think that they have ever really had a "legitimate chef" there) probably deal with the worst of it, but Imna give them a 3.4 because despite the food being way over-priced and not at all "fine-dining", I know that they're doing the best that they can with whatever they get off of the truck. Again, I'll say this is my favorite location in all of Damascus. This is the type of place to have an absolutely beautiful wedding. I just want y'all travelers to know what you're getting into. Maybe the owner and the management will get it together and stop using this place as a tax write-off when it could be so, so much better, and it was in the 10 year far past from what I've heard. Last words- I give the owner a big fat zero, that's a 0. I wonder how long my review will last on here lol. Much love. P.S. I had the 3 Shrimp Tacos at $15 plus tax that came w one side. Shrimp, pickled onion, shredded cheese, cole slaw (if you can believe it), and some sauce), plus a side of sweet potatoes that had an 11/5 date on them. Today is 11/13, so I'm not sure if I'm gonna eat those. Remember, location, location, location. Tip accordingly, and please don't take it out on the staff. Hundos to the ones that don't rat out my review to the management or the owner. I could be anyone."

"My husband and I had the pleasure of staying here over the weekend and we had a great time. The manager greeted us and showed us around and to our room. The environment was very clean and friendly. We even got to walk around the local farmers market the next morning. Would love to come back."

"Stayed in the White House across the street from the inn, on the first floor. It was clean, beautiful, and recently updated. The gorgeous fireplace and Victorian furnishings made it feel like we were stepping back in time. They use real room keys, so be sure to keep up with them. The rooms in the White House are much nicer than the ones at the Mill. Their website isn't clear about it when booking, so if the room number is 401-404, that is in the White House. We were surprised at check in, but when we saw the room we were pleasantly surprised. It's a block away from the main street, which has plenty of restaurants, bike shops, and some outfitter stores. Check out the visitors center, they have some cool displays and information about the area, nice folks. We rented from Blue Blazes bike shop which is a stones throw from the mill for a bike trip down the creeper, so it's a perfect location for that. The Farmers Market is right next door. The staff was helpful and friendly, the mill back porch is a relaxed place to have a meal. The bartender was also our waitress - her cocktails are AMAZING! One thing to watch out for is how expensive it is. The food was good, we got the dip trio and tomato caprese. Beware that if you order your drink as a double shot, the price of that drink will double, not an upcharge like normal places. For 2 drinks, 2 beers, and 2 appetizers, our bill for 2 people was almost $100 before tip. That's just crazy. It's a cool place, but not worth that price. (-1 star) The breakfast bar was well done. Freshly scrambled eggs, biscuits with gravy, waffle maker, berry mix, lots of other quick choices and beverages. We found the best seat in the house and enjoyed watching the fish and ducks while we ate. Overall, a great place to stay if you are in Damascus overnight."

"We had lunch here sitting out side on the deck looking over the white mountain laurel creek watching the kids feed the ducks. The rainbow trout was excellent and my summer salad with grilled shrimp superb. Would come back next time passing thru"

"The restaurant was lovely wood very clean and new looking. We were seated right away with a view of the mill dam and ducks and geese. We had chicken waffles and brownie with ice cream which were delicious. Our waitress was very friendly and helpful. The prices were not high. Great experience."