A big city feel on a small-town main street
We recently had the opportunity to visit a unique, trendy restaurant right on the main street of Martinsburg, WV for dinner, called Brix 27. It’s located at 131 North Queen Street. As you enter Brix, you almost feel like you are transported to a different time and place. The ambiance is old-fashioned but casual, and the building almost feels industrial. You will immediately notice the open kitchen in front of you, something you don’t see in many restaurants anywhere. For me, this speaks to the pride that is put into each meal. Once we were seated, we were greeted with waters and a welcome from our friendly server, Connie. She explained the concept of the restaurant and set some expectations for us; most importantly, the food may not all arrive at the table at the same time because they want to ensure it is served at the best temperature. We put in our drink orders and then scoured the menu for the best things to try, which was quite a task. We ended up ordering many different things to try.
What makes Brix 27 so special?
The concept of Brix is special. Their motto is “Taste. Pair. Share.” and they mean it. Their menu isn’t traditional and although they do offer what they refer to as “fork and knife” meals, their main appeal to me is the small plates that can be shared with your whole group. We also had an opportunity to talk to the executive chef, who is responsible for the entire menu. The thought and attention to each dish was impressive. Almost all the food is made in house, sourced from local places. Additionally, they ensure gluten free options remain available on the menu.
Cocktails. Wine. Small Plates. Fork and Knife. Desserts.
I am always up for a delicious margarita, so when I saw the berry margarita as a cocktail option, I was sold. I also was able to try the espresso martini, which I typically do not gravitate towards, but this one was the perfect mix of vodka, espresso, and chocolate, and the “queen bee”, which was refreshing with strong notes of honey and ginger beer.
Now on to the food, which we were able to try a vast variety of! The small plates we tasted were all wonderful. They included the Truffle and Parmesan Fries, Roasted Brussel Sprouts, Nonna’s Meatballs, Cast Iron Baked Brie, Beef and Cheddar Sliders, Yellowfin Tuna Napoleon, and the Smoked Gouda Mac. It’s hard to pick a favorite, but I don’t think anything beat the brussel sprouts for me. They included cherries, raisins, bacon, vinaigrette, and shaved parmesan and they are cooked to perfection! The meatballs are an honorable mention. Made with beef and pork, they reminded me of my Italian great-grandmother’s cooking. The gouda mac was also delicious and had the perfect smoky flavor.
We also tried the Braised Short Rib, Day Boat Scallops, Wild Mushroom Bisque, and Roasted Pepper and Tomato Basil Bisque. Again, all the food was tasty, but I want to highlight the amazing scallops and roasted pepper and tomato basil bisque. I typically love scallops, but these ones were extra special. They were pan seared to perfection and the creamed corn with chorizo mix that the scallops sat on was a highpoint. Now let’s talk about the soup. I love soup in general, but the roasted pepper and tomato basil bisque is one of my favorite soups of all time. I am a big roasted red pepper fan, and I could really taste it in the bisque.
Finally, let’s talk about the dream worthy desserts! We tried the Flourless Chocolate Cake, Cinnamon Toast Crunch Crème Brulee, Kitchen Sink Cookie Sundae, and the Salted Caramel Apple Tart. The chocolate cake was like a gooey brownie, and it was my favorite of the four. The other three were all close behind. The cookie does have a heavy nutty taste, which is not my personal preference, but it was still a decadent dessert.
What is the Downtown Winedown?
I haven’t touched on it much yet, but Brix also prides itself in its wine selection. They have over 130 wine options and offer flights as well as by the glass. You can also purchase bottles of wine through the Downtown Winedown, which is conveniently located right next to Brix 27. It is considered a wine boutique and gift shop. In addition to a rotating inventory of wine, you can also purchase items like honey, chocolate, olive oil, spices, among other things.
Conclusion
Whether you are looking for a fun date night or a place to drink and share with friends, Brix 27 is a great option. You can also host private events at the restaurant. Either way, we do recommend you making a reservation if possible. They open Monday through Thursday 12pm to 9pm and Friday through Saturday 12pm to 10pm. Sundays are reserved for private events.
To learn more about everything Brix 27 has to offer, visit their website.