"This metaphorical love child of Cracker Barrel and Cirque du Soleil bucks the comfy traditionalism of Fredericksburg with a versatility that’s great for group nights out or intimate dinners. Look no further than the “Knotty & Nice” tree of artfully braided red Shibari rope that greets guests at the door, followed by a curated shop of pastel board games, elaborate glassware sets, and a second-floor art gallery. Enjoy lunch on the patio or take the stairs down to the bistro for dinner, where you can choose from a wide-ranging French-inspired menu. Dress up the night with seafood and tiramisu, or down with wood-fired pizza and cookies as big as your face." - samantha grasso
"This metaphorical love child of Cracker Barrel and Cirque du Soleil bucks the comfy traditionalism of Fredericksburg with a versatility that’s great for group nights out or intimate dinners. Look no further than the “Knotty & Nice” tree of artfully braided red Shibari rope that greets guests at the door, followed by a curated shop of pastel board games, elaborate glassware sets, aesthetically pleasing dinner-host gifts, and a second-floor art gallery. Enjoy lunch on the patio or take the stairs down to the bistro for dinner, where you can choose from a wide-ranging French-inspired menu. Dress up the night with seafood and tiramisu, or down with wood-fired pizza and cookies as big as your face. photo credit: Richard Casteel photo credit: Richard Casteel photo credit: Richard Casteel photo credit: Richard Casteel video credit: Richard Casteel Pause Unmute" - Samantha Grasso
"Tucked away in the basement of a Main Street building that’s also home to a market, shop, and art gallery, this New American bistro is a higher-end Fredericksburg destination. Start with caviar service with blinis before diving into lunchtime sandwiches and tacos, or filling entrees like duck confit and wood-fired pizza. Finish with something sweet, like a white chocolate blackberry cashew macaron or pistachio tiramisu. The restaurant only offers a prix fixe menu on Friday and Saturday evenings. While dining downstairs is undoubtedly a treat (especially if you’ve been running up and down Main), request a seat on the outdoor shaded patio, which offers prime people-watching and views of Main Street. When you’re finished, browse through Vaudeville’s boutique, an entrancing assortment of glassware, cocktail gear, and artsy decanters." - Brittany Britto Garley
"Two-level concept combining a boutique upstairs that sells curated glassware, cocktail gear, and artistic decanters with a downstairs bistro serving shareable charcuterie boards, wood-fired pizzas, salads, and a standout duck confit; finish a meal with delicate pastries like a white chocolate blackberry cashew macaron or pistachio tiramisu." - Brittany Britto Garley
"A supper club that stages seasonal, country-focused multi-course dinners, providing immersive culinary sessions that spotlight a rotating national cuisine and a more theatrical dining experience. It’s recommended for diners seeking special-event meals and curated tasting events." - Amanda Ogle Amanda Ogle Amanda Ogle is a writer and editor who specializes in travel, food and drink, sustainability, and general lifestyle topics. Her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, National Geographic, Condé Nast Traveler, Texas Highways, and more. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines