Trummer’s pairs seasonal elegance with refined comfort in the heart of Clifton
July 2026
by Peggy Hyland, Contributing Columnist
Winding roads led us through lush forests to the charming village of Clifton, where Trummer’s has been delighting diners for 16 years. The menus change with the seasons, so we were excited to see what fresh wonders awaited us.
We passed through the cozy bar and headed to the upstairs dining room. Filled with natural light and set beneath soaring ceilings, the main dining room felt perfectly balanced — open yet still intimate. We enjoyed cocktails as we perused the menu. My dining companion chose the house signature cocktail, the Titanic, and I opted for the seasonal cocktail, the Roman Holiday. The restaurant also offers an exceptional wine list, with diverse prices and offerings to suit every palate.
Trummer’s menu has impressive range and depth. I began with the barbecue bone marrow. It comes with both apricot jam and a mint gremolata, which complemented the tender bone marrow beautifully. After devouring the dish, we had the option to use the bone as a luge for a shot of bourbon.
Our server mentioned a new chicken soup offering, a temptation we could not resist. It was true to the homestyle chicken noodle soup we all love, but more elegant and fresh. The orzo, fresh vegetables and spring herbs paired perfectly with the tender rotisserie chicken.
Even with a small menu, I could not decide on my main course. When I asked for a recommendation between two dishes, our server paused to consider what would best follow my appetizer. She recommended the braised short rib goulash.
It was truly exemplary: The paprika gravy was silky and savory, and the meat was served atop Boursin spätzle. The meat was velvety soft, and the cheesy, creamy buttermilk spätzle was brilliantly executed. The spätzle should not be missed and is available as a side dish.
My companion was tempted by the spring risotto but could not resist the appeal of the prime rib, which is on the weekend lineup. It was rich and tender, with a housemade horseradish sauce. The duck fat potatoes were expertly crisped, with a tender center.
For dessert, I asked our server for a recommendation, and she again paused before suggesting something that would fit the flavor profile of my entire meal. Her suggestion was spot on: The lemon posset tart was the creamy, light treat that I needed to balance out my decadently rich meal. The fresh raspberries were bright, the toasted meringue was light and creamy, and the lemon curd was lush and tangy. The white chocolate pearls were genuinely superb. My companion chose the Black Forest strudel, a rich and luxurious dish with Luxardo cherries, Callebaut chocolate and mascarpone.
Trummer’s is perfect for a meal that balances elegance and elevation with casual comfort and refined homestyle favorites. Whether for a relaxing brunch with friends or an intimate evening for two, Trummer’s makes the winding road to Clifton well worth the trip.
Trummer’s
7134 Main St., Clifton, VA 20124
Tuesday through Thursday, 12-8:30 p.m., Friday through Saturday, 12-9:30 p.m., Sunday, 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
703-266-1263
Trummersrestaurant.com