A new pizza place opened on Main Street in Old Town Warrenton. Replacing the former Black Bear Bistro and Brick Oven, Licorice Pizza, which opened on August 30th, comes from the minds of the owners of the popular local restaurant, Denim and Pearls, Jenn and TC Robinson.
Licorice Pizza has a diverse menu containing not only pizza but locally sourced burgers and hot dogs from Whiffletree Farms, baked potatoes, appetizers, and some menu items that have fun music-themed names. According to local news source FauquierNow, Jenn, and TC Robinson envisioned Licorice Pizza, shortened to LP, as a community hub where locals can gather in a laid-back environment influenced by a “come as you are” attitude. The restaurant’s interior dawns a rock-and-roll-inspired vibe, complete with old vinyl records, posters, and live music during the weekend. Even with these new renovations and expansions, Licorice Pizza keeps the popular brick oven and the historic Sweeney’s bar.
The restaurant can get packed during the later hours, especially during the weekend. Going just before dinner would be ideal since it wouldn’t be as packed. When you enter, you can see the rock-and-roll inspiration with every wall covered with posters. The aesthetic is much more modern than Black Bear’s and is a huge step up. Some recommendations that were given for entrees and appetizers were Loaded Tots, Pepperoni Mac and Cheese, Margherita and Prosciutto Arugula Pesto pizzas, the “Snoop Dogg” hot dog, wings and the popular “Texas Twinkies,” which are roasted jalapenos that are stuffed with beef brisket and cheese and wrapped with bacon and glazed with hot honey.
I tried the wings, the “Snoop Dogg” hot dog, the Texas Twinkies, and the Margherita pizza. The food came all at once and it didn’t take as long. The wings were “fresh out of the oven” hot and extremely crispy. The “Snoop Dogg” hot dog was also delicious, with the locally sourced beef and the tater tots, cheese sauce, and tomatoes being unique toppings. Depending on your taste the Texas Twinkies can be spicy. Unfortunately for me, it wasn’t but the flavors were good, with the bacon and cheese adding a lot of roasted jalapeno. The Margherita pizza was a headliner, with the wood-fired taste complimenting the fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.
The overall experience was exceptional with good staff and great food for everyone. Even though the restaurant currently has a 3.8-star rating on Google, this is a very promising restaurant. If you want a good family-friendly restaurant with good food and a great spot to hang out, Licorice Pizza is a great recommendation. This new spot brings a lot to Old Town and starts a new beginning for new businesses in the area.
