Patrick O’Connell

The Inn at Little Washington (update), Washington, VA., 11/13/25

~ hsnixon ~ Leave a comment
exterior – Middle and Main Streets, Washington, VA 22747

We were at The Inn at Little Washington in April 2021 (you can read that by clicking here). They have finished the construction of their casual restaurant across the street and we also went there this trip – Patty O’s – and they’re now working on numerous other projects which we found out about on the facilities tour that is offered when you stay there. A new employee parking lot was under active construction as was a pool and a spa/wellness building that’s coming after that, complete with acupuncture!  On the tour we also got to feed some of the animals that live on site but they are not ever featured on the menu. Chickens, goats, sheep, llamas and geese that parade through the streets with their keeper. On the food side they are planning new areas for seating including wine cellar dinners. However all this didn’t keep their third Michelin star when the newest ratings were announced- they dropped to 2-stars despite Chef/Owner Patrick O’Connell being ever present on property. It’s worth a visit just to see the heavily decorated place and the food is good. Each diner has the choice of 3 tasting menus equally priced with optional wine pairings. I like that only supplement option was a cheese course and that the tasting moves along at a good pace.  Hope you’ll let me know what you think if you go. Continue reading →

Patty O’s Cafe & Bakery, Washington, VA., 11/12/25

~ hsnixon ~ 4 Comments
building – 389 Main Street, Washington, VA., 22747

Patty O’s Cafe and Bakery was under construction when we were last at the Inn on Little Washington in 2021.  Built in a former gas station building, it was named for the Inn’s Chef Patrick O’Connell’s nickname ‘Patty O’.   It offers visitors an option to the Michelin style fine dining of  the Inn by offering lunch and dinner daily except for Wed when they close at 4.  The cafe has two interior rooms, one housing the large bar with seating and the other closely set tables, and there is an outdoor patio.  It is also connected to the bakery which supplies its and the main restaurant’s bread.  The rooms are filled with decorations and art with a beamed ceiling and windows to the street.  Service was efficient and willing to make recommendations.  It aims for a more casual atmosphere which it achieves with bills coming in little metal boots , a menu of American classics and a large free parking lot out back.  Thinking it was mid-week and we didn’t really need a reservation, but we did anyway and that was the right call.  The place was packed with tables turning over.  Walk-ins were seated at the bar.  The food was mixed but the place serves a real need for those in the area.  If nothing else, just go for the pecan ice cream with caramel sauce. Continue reading →