The Shack

Wonderful restaurant!!! We had the tasting menu, a pasta and an appetizer. It was a short staffed night, and our waitress was very apologetic. The 1.5 hour wait for the food was totally worth it though. The waitress apologized and gave us two complimentary glasses of wine, and the food was amazing. Worth the wait. Appetizer: soft shell crab, and salmon crudo. Pasta: Spaghetti Pimenton with anchovies; and pappadelle bolognaise. Entree: Sea Bass. Dessert: Olive Oil cake.

Extraordinary. Worth a detour if you get my drift. Service was impeccable. Kind attention to detail in every way and the very best flavors of the season. An absolute pleasure. The fixed price menu was extremely reasonably priced and the best way to enjoy the experience. Tunes playing were also tasty. An intimate gem.

Our group of 4 was lucky enough to score a table Friday night. The atmosphere and servers made us feel relaxed and comfortable. Our cocktails were delicious, the old fashioned was truly a stand out. Being able to order a half portion of pasta was brilliant. The pappardelle with short ribs was so delicious, like a party in my mouth. We all loved our meals, and the dessert was the perfect ending. It was a meal we will always remember! Thanks for a wonderful evening!

This was our first time visiting since they changed concepts and it did not disappoint. Every single dish was great and some were spectacular. The agnolotti was one of the best pastas I've ever had and I'll dream about the cauliflower. As always, the service was excellent. Can't wait to come back and try out new dishes as the menu changes.

Dinner at the Shack was utter perfection, from the delicious lamb and beef meatball starter to the unique pasta tasting (which included pillowy, delectable ricotta gnocchi). The service was attentive, and the vibe of the entire restaurant is truly special.

Our 5-course meal was actually 7 courses. What a delight! We felt like judges on a Food Network show! The combinations of flavors and layers of texture were phenomenal, and the suggested wine pairings only accentuated the experience. There were a couple items that we didn't like (the root veggies were too earthy in flavor), but I wouldn't know if I hadn't tried them. Love the focus on fresh ingredients that are locally-sourced. This is farm to table at its finest! The environment was intimate and looked like a diner, but it was still comfortable. Even though we live 90 minutes away, it was worth the drive. We'll be back for another celebratory visit sometime!

Took my Grandma out while we were in town for the evening and happened upon this place just driving around and hungry. Luckily they accepted us without a reservation and was seated right way. We had a kind and welcoming server I'm sorry to say I forgot her name perhaps Ashley? She was perfect. We ordered the beets and ate every single one they were delicious. We had the broccoli something or another and it was spicy but surprisingly my 92 year old grandma and I ate every bite. The lettuce salad starter was delicious. Sorry but the sea bass was nothing to write home about I'll leave it at that. Focaccia bread was good but the little half dollar size pad of hard cold butter you get was hilarious. The bread was perfect. We didn't get drinks or dessert but we still had ourselves a perfect evening.

Loved this tiny and unassuming shack. Small menu with cool choices rich of layers of flavors. We did not take the pick 3 dishes menu and ordered as we liked. We were not interested in the desert. Roasted cauliflower was delicious. The Rockfish Crudo was tasty and tiny. The spaghetti was a bit on the dry side. The wagyu steak was ok. The Agnolotti pasta was a great surprise. We then followed up with a Bianca pizza that was great.

Have been 4 times now, never disappointed. Do not let the name or the building dissuade you from going. Look online for the ever changing menu of fresh pasta and other favorites. Drinks are usually very good as well. Every one of the waiters has had extensive knowledge of the food on the menu for the night and happy to help you if asked.

The Shack is indeed a tiny shack with ornately-displayed and gourmet-looking food that, except for dessert, does not deliver on flavor.

Delicious food. Indoor and outdoor seating. Beautiful view. The wait can be long. Go early or during the week.

I took my Nephew for his birthday dinner. The food was so flavorful. We each had the four course tasting menus. We ordered different things so we could sample more things and we were not disappointed. Everything was delicious and We will definitely be back. Try it out if you are in Staunton. Make sure to make reservations. The place is small and so quaint

It's literally a small shack, but that's part of the appeal. It feels like you're in your great-aunt's kitchen. I tried this spot based on the recommendation of a friend out in Bristol. I have the best friends. Their menu is small and interesting. They offer a variety of small plates, tapas-size pastas, veggies, a burger, and a handful of pizzas. The food is homemade and highlights the local growers and makers in the Appalachia. I note this because you can definitely tell. My meal: -- Ginger Margarita: strong with subtle spice -- Crispy Chicken Wings: sorghum and ginger vinegar, fermented leek ranch. The wings were crispy as described but I was expecting some breading; however, texture-wise, these were better than breaded wings. Some spice would've been a nice complement to the vinegar flavor. The ginger was missing in action. A little hot sauce (maybe Truff?) would've paired well. The ranch was top notch, so I was disappointed to see it missing (and one of the wings I started) when they packaged my leftovers. -- Ricotta Tortelloni: charred and smoked onion butter, sage, balsamic. Amazing. Perfectly al dente and fresh with subtle yet rich flavors. -- Farmer's Pie: I was in the mood for some pepperoni which can be added to any of their pizzas except tonight's special, the Farmer's Pie. Since the server talked it up so nicely and because specials are ephemeral, I ordered it without trepidation. It was so fresh and unique, topped with nettle pesto, flowers, veggies, and some cheeses. Fantastic. -- Black Walnut Gelato: a vanilla-based gelato. It wasn't as soft and creamy as gelato usually is, but I didn't mind. The walnuts are incorporated into the gelato so you won't find any pieces to actively chew. It gave the gelato such an interesting and complex flavor. I really enjoyed it and was sad I was too full to finish. I enjoyed the vibe overall, from the tunes, to the down-home decor, to the intimacy of the dining room. It's the perfect spot for a solo dinner or a date.

We stopped in tonight after touring a nearby wedding venue and were so glad the venue owner recommended this to us. The Shack is a super cute little spot in Staunton. It's a perfect date night spot, nice dinner out with parents, etc. the decor and seating are simple but there's still a cool vibe to the place. The staff were friendly, knowledgeable and very attentive. Now for the food. YUM! I knew it would be good after reading the head chef had multiple James Beard Award nominations and after seeing the small menus. The menu changed (idk how often) but they do a few things so right. If we are ever back in the area we will return. Everything was very reasonably priced as well.

What a fantastic little restaurant!!! Ate there for the 1st time but will definitely be returning frequently- my new favorite spot! Food was excellent and the waitress kindly tipped us off on a wine special that was unbelievably good and a great value, plus she was a gem!

Unfortunately we had a pretty bad experience with the service here. The waitress told us that the 5 pasta sampler was $30, as it said on the menu, and only after we ordered, ate, and were ready to pay did she explain that because we got 5 pastas instead of 3 that it was $50. She never once mentioned the $50 price as she upsold us on the sampler. She unfortunately did a similar thing with the pre fixe deal, saying that the pre fixe was $40. Only as we were ordering did she say that the duck was +$10 extra. Luckily we caught that before we ordered! The food was good, but we left feeling deceived and upsold. No pasta is ever worth $50.

Destination meal. Have been looking forward to this reservation for weeks, read about it, talked about it , and now I've enjoyed it. Thursday night is the best night because it is the lowest volume of customers. The service was amazing. The food was fun, n tasty--it was definitely an event.

We had a wonderful dinner at The Shack a few weeks ago! They have two seatings. We did the early seating with a 5 course tasting menu. We each ordered each option so that we could try everything. I did the wine pairing for us both to share, while my husband also ordered some local cider. The menu was very vegetable-forward- only one course had meat. But everything tasted fresh and clean but still interesting. Service was solid and our waiter was friendly. The place did get a little loud- if they could find some way to incorporate some sound dampening in the room, I think it would go a long way. The price was reasonable and I'd definitely recommend folks give this place a try for a special dinner!

The Shack is just wonderful. We had the tasting menu along with the wine pairings. William was an outstanding server and representative of The Shack. Professional and so informative. Dinner was phenomenal and worth every penny. We loved getting the full experience. Service and food was exquisite. I highly recommend for anyone in the Shenandoah Valley. Thanks Shack, we loved it!

See photo for pricing $$$. Meal served in courses. Two options for each course. Unusual preparations and ingredients. Favorites are the duck and paper thin ham. Most fun was the roe topping on homemade spaghetti. Best bite was a sweet cube with 'golden milk' after the dessert plate. Only open on certain days for dinner. A refundable deposit is required for reservations. Dining room is a bit crowded and seating gets uncomfortable after awhile. Playful food adventure. Will return when the menu changes so I can be surprised all over again. Yes, I recommend. Great for a birthday, anniversary or special day.

My twin was visiting from Oregon and she LOVES food as much as I do (and is Yelp Elite Black). We were so excited to try this amazingly rated restaurant in Staunton and the creativity and beauty of the food did not disappoint us! Food (5/5): The menu changes weekly, so we were able to try some really great food. Attached is a pic of the menu and I've rated it, below: We did the 3 course ($55) meal, which was an appetizer or pasta + main + dessert. There was also an option to upgrade for $5 to replace the dessert option (we are both lactose and sugar sensitive). Starters: We tried the Raw Hamachi - with homemade chili crunch, pickled cherries, and fresh herbs. This was was actually so good that we not only ate it for appetizer, but we both replaced our Dessert course with another round! Both servers agreed with our smart choice! The hamachi (raw fish) was sweet and delicate, and then had the amazing homemade chili crunch with peanuts on top! It was literally the most delicious sashimi I have ever had. Pasta: Cornmeal Agnolotti - this was a homemade pasta pillow that was filled with Brebis (fresh sheep's milk cheese, produced similarly to a Chèvre). It was good, but not quite what I was expecting. Mains: The Hanger Steak was sous vide, which added an interesting texture. Pork Schnitzel - this was a large portion and the chicories was a clean, fresh complement to the lovely fried pork. Atmosphere/COVID-19 cleanliness(5/5): They were even more limited in their seating inside. They also had cute tables set up outside. The servers all wore masks. Service (5/5): Susan was the best waiter and was really attentive. Overall, a solid 5 star experience! Staunton is blessed to have a restaurant of this quality in this cute little town!

We had high expectations and were extremely disappointed with our meal. We ordered the hasselback potato dish wish was not cooked thoroughly and didn't have the crispy ends as described by the waitress. The sauce was laking in flavor, I would compare it to spagetteos poured over a slightly raw sliced potato that was of poor quality (not moldy) but had alot of black spots. We also order the crudo fish appetizer which was very bland except for the flavor of the dill, chared tomatoe, and sauce. For the dinner we ordered the wagyu dish which was an extra cost. I have had wagyu, and my husband has made A5 wagyu and what we were served was definitely not wagu beef. It was actually the worse steak I ever had. It was med rare cook and was still the toughest cut I've ever had to cut, extremely chewy and also lacking in flavor. The side of tomato and chippolini onions were good but all of these things could be bested by a good home cook and a trip to Martins. The best part of the meal was the pizza. Though comming from NY it was OK. The crust was good and the technique was modern and looked appropriately appetizing. The problem was it seems like a decent deal, looks good on the plate but the quality and skill are lacking. The fact that the potato was raw and I got food poising yeah... I won't eat at any of his restaurants again. This was one of the worst meals I've ever had masquerading as high end cooking. The food looks amazing on social media but I feel like I've been catfished.

The food here is incredible. I have had multiple dishes here and they have always been outstanding. The wine and drinks are amazing. The atmosphere is relaxed and fun. It's a small and cozy place. It's definitely one of the best restaurants in the area.

I was too busy enjoying the food to grab photos if that says something. The amuse bouche was a great start - pot licker broth, crispy pie ears lettuce wraps, and pickled beats. All three were delish accompanied by one of the best old fashioned I've had in a long time. The rest of courses proved to be equally delish - especially the pasta which we added the truffle upgrade too - they were very generous with the truffles! We opted for the wine pairing with the meal - the wines paired wonderfully with the food with the exception of the pasta course which they quickly substituted out another wine for which was greatly appreciated. The atmosphere was intimate and cute - a great place for a date night. I'd definitely go back and I'm excited for the new concept they'll be opening nearby at a b&b where the tasting menu will move to. I'd highly recommend giving the shack a try.

My wife and I drove two hours and spent the night near Staunton because we wanted to try this place. The service was very good and the ambiance was what we expected - intimate and nothing fancy. For what we paid, every course should have been incredible. Sadly, they were not. First course: the apples were delicious. The peppers were pretty good. Second course: the bok choy was very bland with very little flavor. The Honey nut/orange/sardines was inedible. I suppose a sardine-lover might like it, but neither my wife nor I could eat it. It was way too fishy. Third course: the creste de gallo was interesting and very good. The whippoorwill peas were the highlight of this dish. Fourth course: The swordfish was fine but the hanger steak was great. The grapes made the hanger steak super interesting. Overall, we both agreed that, while we are glad we gave it a try, it is not a place we will try again. And, it was certainly not worth the cost. We have eaten at Michelin star restaurants where you expect to spend this much. Those experiences have been worth it since each course was incredible. Not so at the Shack.

I went here a year ago for my birthday. Such a fantastically delicious experience. Service was fantastic. The place is truly a lovable shack, but it's easily the best restaurant in the Staunton area. I have not been here since they rebranded but intend to go back again soon. I'm sure it's still epic.

A remarkable, pilgrimage-worthy destination. Our visit was our first public meal after a year+ of pandemic-forced takeout and home cooking--and a bracing reminder of just how much pleasure and joy restaurants can put into the world. I missed it so much, and I'm grateful The Shack was the place that welcomed me back. We went for the full five courses and tried everything on the menu. It was all lovely. The standouts the night we were there: the leeks & ramps with roe (I arrived convinced I wasn't a fan of roe, and The Shack proved me wrong); the whole maitake paprikash (smoky and meaty); the kale gemelli with scallop borgata (supremely complex--bright, briny, and assertive); the roast duck (expertly cooked and sauced); and the caramelized cream cheese dessert (like the softest, subtlest cheesecake ever). The wine pairings were curious in all the right ways. And they did more than just enhance the flavors of their courses; they were a thrill to drink on their own. We liked the Linden Late Harvest dessert wine so much we swung by the winery the next day (also worth doing). The space is simple and spartan, and even more so with the thinned-out tables of C19 dining. But it gets a great sunset, and I appreciate how seriously The Shake takes C19 safety. And the service is so friendly, and so passionate about great food and wine, that the setting is kind of besides the point. I have no idea when I'll be in the area again, but The Shack's a fine excuse for ginning up another trip.

Good things come in small packages! This tiny brick restaurant is big on flavor! Hubby and I were visiting the area and we were intrigued by this diminutive restaurant. We didn't have a reservation, but we were graciously accommodated. We were led to a cozy table near the back, well, to be honest every table here is cozy! All of the entrées looked amazing... while we pored over the thoughtfully planned Prix Fixe menu, we were poured some crisp Rosé. We decided on the 3 course meal... the chilled green tomato & cucumber soup with kumquat pico-pipicha was refreshing and surprising! One taste and it was like opening a present in your mouth! The kumquat addition was the bow on top!! Our other starter was the heirloom tomato & peach salad with an incredible basil vinegar dressing... an explosion of freshness!! For my entrée, I kept it simple, the cheddar burger with smoked onions but what made this burger special was the black garlic mayo.... delish... but no kissing tonight, lol!! And the shoestring fries were perfection! Hubby had the Roast striped bass with the puréed cauliflower, shishito peppers & mushroom dashi...doesn't that sound fabulous!! It was!! Every mouthful was like an awakening experience! All of the dishes are miraculously presented by the wizard chef chef behind the scenes!! The meals were so delectable we thought we couldn't eat another bite... we were wrong. The desserts were too tempting to resist. We chose the grilled peaches & cream with sorghum & sumac molasses with pecans and the rosemary & nectarine sorbet. Talk about cool! These desserts were absolutely the perfect finish to an awesome experience! This quaint spot may be small, but it's chef is larger than life! Such a creative and inspiring menu! We will remember this place for years to come! It's totally peachy keen!! (The restaurant is temporarily closed... maybe due to Covid, but we will be sure to visit again as soon as they open to keep this unique restaurant up and running!)

If you eat here, you deserve to waste your money. For two people, the $280 and 3 hour meal consisted of peas, squash, sardines, and cheese. Felt fancy, but tasted maybe ok. This is a fine dining establishment for people that don't know what that means. Way too bright and we could hear everyone's conversation. Don't waste your time or money.

One of the best restaurants we have ever been to. Each dish had such depth in flavors. Every item on each plate felt like so much love went into it. We would highly recommend visiting Staunton just to each at The Shack if you love food. We picked one item from each of the five courses. We will absolutely be back!

Wow, The Shack creates beautiful, unique, & flavorful dishes that will both excite and wow you! I decided to opt for the 4-course meal and was very impressed by the "dirty fried rice", "squid ink pasta" and "banana pudding". The dirty fried rice had so much flavor and the crispy texture was nice with the soft poached egg on top. The pasta was perfectly al dente and so delicious with the butter broth and peanuts. The banana pudding was basically a banana bread with banana ice cream, banana jam (amazingness), and vanilla pudding. I could have eaten 2 of these. One of the best desserts ever. I was less impressed by the duck sausage (not bad or anything... but the other dishes were so much better in comparison). I will definitely recommend The Shack to anyone who visits Staunton!

Me and a friend were so excited to try this restaurant but we were extremely disappointed. The food did not have the flavor nor presentation that we expected. One of the entrees was fish and it was not edible. There was not a single course that we were the least bit "wowed" by, On another note ...Compared to similar experiences we expected small portions but these were tiny which would have been dismissed had the food been as expected for the price we paid. The one star is the result of good service. The wait staff was knowledgeable, professional and the food was served promptly as we finished each course.

A hidden gem in the valley housed in an humble looking building with 5 star caliber food! The chef, Ian Boden, is a local favorite and a James beard nominated chef! His food is delightfully creative and very focused on locally grown in season products. The menu changes weekly and always has inventive options. When we went in it was a flat fee for 3 or 4 courses for dinner. I love that because it let you sample the menu for a good price. The staff is super knowledgeable and friendly making for a great experience overall Favorite dishes that stand out: squid ink pasta- homemade pasta with great umami flavor and dehydrated scallops on top! The paw-paw dessert- I almost don't even have words. I had never heard of this fruit before and it was the perfect end to the meal. I have been many times and will absolutely be back

One of the most memorable meals I've had. Food was incredibly complex and tasteful. This place would match up to most Michelin restaurants. I really can't say enough. We did the 5 course meal twice to cover the entire menu. Menu changes according to available produce. Every dish is an explosion of flavors. I can't wait to come again. Definitely worth a trip down from DC or anywhere. What a surprise.

This Little gem, Is a tasting menu worthy of 2 Michelin stars, Service , pairings, and the swordfish was incredible- Worth every moment and bite

What a great experience. Highly recommend. $70/$80 is such a reasonable prefixe for the level of service, personal attention, enthusiasm, creativity, and flavor. Would come again. I loved the mix of well-known, comforting selections and the unusual new. All of it is re-invented. The space IS very small. Please note that it is loud because of the small, dense area but very high energy and fun. Great date night but not "moody or romantic." Staff in particular make this supremely enjoyable - they are attentive and fun. We had to wait 10 minutes for a table as the previous reservation was running long, and they seated us outside and gave complimentary champagne for the wait. Really delightful and was made to feel special at every step.

I was looking for a fine dining restaurant to enjoy an anniversary dinner with my wife. I liked the reviews left previously and thought we would give this place a try. I like how the service is done in groupings rather than randomly as you arrive. The service was terrific. The food was only good. The chef displayed his artistry by preparing a wide variety of unusual food items. The wine pairing were terrific, and it was great to have such a variety of good wines. My only complaint is that I would rather have had the chef make us something that was good and then make it great, rather than take something you wouldn't normally eat and make it good. For what we paid, I would have loved a perfectly cooked filet, or Australian prawns, or lobster tail, or halibut etc. It is hard to get too excited about schmaltz leeks, twice baked kohlrabi, nduja, parsnip, or coppa.

Of all the shake shacks I've been to, this one was by far the most expensive and had the worst food. The lemongrass dessert was good.

The shack is one of my all time favorite restaurants. I make the 2.5 hour drive from DC twice a year just to eat here. Every time is a magical experience with a ever changing menu. I have eaten burgers from New York to Japan but I have never had a burger better then the from the shack. My only complaint is there is only one shack and it's too far away from where I live.

My Husband took me here for my birthday dinner! He had made reservations ahead of time and they were ready for us! He has allergies and I always appreciate places that acknowledge that and ask in person to verify. I thought overall the service was really friendly and attentive (our table was wobbly and our waitress leveled it out for us. There was also someone walking around to refill water glasses quite frequently. My only complaint was that we had ordered dessert at the same time as we ordered our dinner but it seemed like they had forgotten. We had waited a while after finishing our entree and then the waitress came around to ask us what we had wanted for dessert even though we had already ordered it). The place is small but I didn't feel like it was tight/ hard to move around at all. Now, on to the food!! We did a 3 course Prix Fixe. For Starters, we ordered the Cured Yellowtail and Duck Wings. The Yellowtail was fresh and citrus-y from the calamansi though we couldn't taste the pecan oil. SC thought it would be great to have some texture in the dish. The duck was SOOO crispy and fatty= yummy! I loved the fresh cilantro and the texture from the garlic chip. The koji carrot hot sauce was a little too spicy for me but my husband liked it! For the entrees, we got the Pork Schnitzel and Roast Stripe Bass. The batter on the pork was perfect- crispy and stayed together instead of falling off the meat. The roasted kumquat was so good- it was like a gummy and added a sweet component to the dish. The radicchio also balanced the dish as a bitter component. SC did feel like the dish overall was a little heavy and could've benefited from more fresh elements. The crispy skin on the bass was perfect and the fish had a nice, clean flavor. I thought the spiced pumpkin butter was the star of the dish; it was sweet and paired really well with the fish. I also enjoyed the clean flavor of the roasted pumpkin. For dessert, SC ordered the banana pudding. It tasted as you would expect. The individual components didn't taste great by themselves (the miso was salty and the pudding/ cream was super bland) but as a whole, really came together. The ice cream was good and we loved the crunchy banana chips. I ordered the Bergamot Curd and man, was it good! I loved the tart curd with the bland cream, the crunch of the caramelized white chocolate (that tasted like grahams) and the addition of the bay was amazingggg.

With a name like "The Shack," I was expecting this to be all burgers and beer. But it's actually very upscale! So wear something nice y'all. I know I only gave this place three stars, but I feel like perhaps we just ordered the wrong stuff or it was an off night. Everyone else seemed to really be enjoying their food. Had the coffee crusted pork with grits and roasted cabbage. The pork was mostly fat, it was pretty gross. There was more fat than meat. Also ordered the catfish, which was good, but there was a lot going on with flavors and it didn't quite tie together. It seemed like they went a little overboard with innovation. But everything was plated beautifully and the service was superb, even though we weren't dressed for the classiness. So while I didn't care for the dishes we ordered, it has a lot of potential and I'd order something more "basic" next time like a pasta dish or the burger. It seemed like everyone really liked those dishes. We had just showed up and there was patio seating available on a first come first serve basis, but otherwise, it's definitely a reservation place. Very small inside so book ahead.

Wow what a culinary experience in a unexpected town. We heard it was a great place. A James Beard award winner is the chef and we had appetizers that were a mix of wonderful local ingredients. From the tartare to the pork belly it all was amazing. I will be back to visit this spectacular restaurant. Great atmosphere and the servers were fantastic and on point. The restaurant is located on in Staunton. Make reservations for this small spot that seats about 20. Very fresh and inventive food as well as fresh updates on standards like burgers and steak tartare. Amazing starter dish with scallops. Wine and beer list. great service.

We love this place! Pricey for a casual dinner but great for a special occasion. We really enjoy trying some new ingredients every time we come, and the flavor combinations are always on point!

Holy moley, this place was a complete and utter surprise to us. The name of the restaurant is absolutely misleading. In our search for dinner, we thought we were just going to find burgers, but while the building and decor is simple and unassuming (almost something you'd expect to have a crab boil in), the food is sheer fine dining. Reservations are recommended, but walk-ins are dependent on the volume for the night. The farm to table food is absolutely delicious. The staff is friendly and extremely professional. The menu is updated regularly. During our visit, we ordered the prix fixe. We ordered additional items, because everything looked so delicious and we had to try! Their fried chicken wings were insanely delicious. The breading was so light and crisp, the wings/drumsticks were large, and the sauce was just so tasty. Their signature Sorghum Hot Sauce can actually be purchased online via Amazon. For the pasta, we selected the Fennel Lemon Sardinian Gnocchi and the Turnip Greens Pierogi. While both tasty, I personally preferred the pierogi with it's slightly crisp exterior and tasty greens. For the main courses, we had the rabbit metballs and Duck & Pork sausage. The leather britches that accompanied the rabbit meatballs were bitter if tasted singularly; however, if you scooped a bit of the meatball, the britches, and the sauce, the flavors melded into a delightful blend that balanced all the stark flavors. For dessert, we were devastated that they were out of the pana cotta after watching all the tables before us enjoy theirs. It was that popular. However, we absolutely did not regret having the bourbon sorghum apple and pear fry pie. The thyme custard that accompanied it was such an exquisite touch. The fry pie was not overly sweet, it was just right. From start to finish, we were blown away. We'd love to check this place out again if we're ever in the Staunton area again.

Well worth the trip from DC. Intimate and inventive prix fixe menu on the weekend. There was absolutely nothing here that wasn't executed perfectly. My only regret was not getting the Cacio e Pepe, they extrude the pasta in house!

I'm very happy to see that the town I was born in has an amazing restaurant like this. I live in NYC and have also lived in a lot of bigger cities and it's on par with high end restaurants. Good beer and wine list. The food is spot on. I had the beef carpaccio with egg and it was amazing. I had a hard time deciding entrees and I went with the burger. I wasn't disappointed. Really the best thing about the burger is that it had an ordinary bun. A lot of restaurants would would go out of the way to put it on something funky, but that detracts from what a burger should be. And the fries were great. Not oily, perfectly cooked. My only complaint would be the Pinot wasn't served in a proper glass. I know from watching a video that they do it on the cheap, but it would have been nice to have the proper glassware. I will go back next time I'm in town. Can't wait to take my wife.

We got sea bass & roast chicken Entrees very disappointing - both la ked dkavir & creativity Appetizers & deserts were good

50th Birthday celebration. The Shack is the reason we came to town. The tasting menu is excellent. Every offering was interesting and inventively presented. We spent some money at the grocery as well. We just enjoyed the flat iron steak with Shack rub and a few days ago the sausage marinara. Five stars all around.

I'm just so happy. The food is indescribable. Stop looking at the pictures you can find on yelp and just go there.

We had an excellent brunch here this past Sunday. It's going to be hard to describe how perfect the biscuits were that cake out before our entrees. They were truly incredible. Absolutely the best biscuits we'd ever had, with perfect texture and flavor. I didn't love the scrambled eggs and latke entree, but it was still very good. But I LOVED my partner's burger and fries. One of the most delicious burgers I've had. The black garlic aioli and caramelized onions make for such an awesome flavor bomb, and the coarse grind on the beef is really special. Also, the fries that came with the burger was SO beautifully seasoned. They had a spicy zing of finely ground pepper that was so exciting.

We had a reservation for 8pm. Walked in and our name was on the first table in front. Simply waved hello and sat down. It's very small inside but not at all cramped. Started with the deviled ham salad & pimento cheese which came with 3 kinds of sliced pickles, a pickled sweet pepper and an excellent crispy bread. It was wonderful! The shack burger and roast wahoo were excellent as well. Burger came with the best fries ever! Took the fry pie back to the hotel and thought it had a little too much dough and was a little a little tough, but that could be because it was no long hot as originally served. Overall a fantastic experience and we will be back next time we're in the area!

Chef Ian Boden executed our meal very well. We were planning on coming in and make reservations. The restaurant itself is very small, i would highly recommend you to make a reservation prior to coming. If it's available try the tasting menu, the staff also informative and knowledgeable about wine and the menu. We love our diner and will definitely come back.

Easily my favorite restaurant in central Virginia. I have forced my friends to venture out with me from Charlottesville on numerous occasions and the Shack has never disappointed! Every dish is an imaginative and unique take on a classic, which makes every visit there (plus the changing menu) really exciting. The Shack truly embraces local and seasonal offerings, while always adding some kind of "twist", in a more genuine way than almost any other restaurant in the area. If you go for brunch, never skip the biscuits, they're to die for, and every single pasta I've had for both dinner and brunch has been fresh, cooked to perfection and some of the most authentic and unique pasta dishes I've ever eaten. Don't skip your veggies here either, they will never disappoint. So thankful to have stumbled upon the Shack, I will miss the quaint and homey feel and each heartfelt, inspired meal.

Spoiler alert: I've never had the burger. You see, I live in Staunton and I've come to realize that there are two types of Shack patrons- committed burger eaters and rotating menu devotees. This is because the burger is so incredibly good that once you've tried it you just can't pass it up. I have always gone with choices on the weekly, or daily, menu. There are always combinations you've never seen and may never see again. This is a place for people who love and appreciate food, for people who appreciate the creativity of the chef. He knows his shit-ake mushrooms!! It's a special place and we're lucky to have it. You won't be disappointed.

What a wonderful first-time visit we had at The Shack. Our 5-course tasting was truly excellent and the waitstaff couldn't have been better! The Shack is a hidden gem in Staunton VA! We'll be back!

High quality food in a no-frills atmosphere. The Shack's Wed/Thurs evening dinner menu allows those in the know to delight their taste buds without breaking the bank. We had heard about the burgers and were not disappointed. The beef burger was juicy and the homemade bun added to the quality, and not to be outdone, the Berkshire port burger with spicy special sauce was also great. We asked for the sauce on the side, which worked out well, as there was enough to both put on the burger and still have some to dip with the crispy, just-right fries. The 8-10 tables were almost all full when we arrived at 6:30pm, but soon opened up; clearly locals get here early, as there was only one order of chili ramen left and the Concord grape pie with peanut whipped cream was already off the menu. They don't take reservations during the week, but concern about not getting a table was washed away by the friendly service and a cold bottle of Flying Dog's Juniper White IPA. Great for date night or a group of four, the Shack does a great job of making a rustic environment in small-town Staunton feel quite elevated with smile-inducing food. I look forward to trying the weekend prix fixe menu in the future, but I wouldn't hesitate to return when I want a not-too-big burger.

I am going to thoroughly second Graham D's review (seriously, go read it - he's the first review for The Shack) because it's true: a talented chef opens up a restaurant in a small town and wants to bring artistry without drowning in the logistics of a restaurant. A small, nondescript place with a handful of tables and one of the tiniest kitchens in the back, with an emphasis on some of the most inventive, delicious food served up by people with a passion for both product and people: THIS is one delightful combination. We enjoyed a prix-fixe meal this past Saturday that was quite possibly one of the best meals I have ever eaten. Combinations of flavors that I would not conjure in my own head really made for an eye-opening experience. We started with a fried ramp salad, with peppery greens and an assertive mustard dressing, sausage over goose beans with a ramp puree majestically smeared along the side of the bowl, and creamed ramps and morel mushrooms layered over crispy toast with a perfectly fried egg on top, presented as a little tower of meltingly creamy, 'shroomy goodness. The main entrees were so elegantly presented as well (I have posted photos. You should see them.), with flowers atop a tower of perfectly crisp and flaky blue catfish and mussels, with a surprisingly understated kimchi broth. We're very familiar with kimchi, and how the chef managed to melt the in-your-face tart spiciness of kimchi into a subtle umami broth... boggled us. And the second entree, braised bison short ribs with crispy hominy, farro, pickled vegetables, claytonia, and a dash of red wine, was lovely comfort food that satisfied without being an overly jumbled "meat and three." We rounded up this foodgasmic experience with a bittersweet chocolate mousse with crispy peanut wafer-y things and deeply rich cherries. Dessert, thankfully, was understated, simple, and a refreshing palate cleanser that didn't detract from the meal. All this food, and such a fantastic, satisfying experience... we left feeling satisfied and impressed, and wanting to go back again as soon as possible. It's a two/three hour drive to Staunton, and with The Shack and Shakespeare within two blocks of each other (and in such a pretty town with lots to offer), we shall be making that drive more enthusiastically.