
Maude and the Bear
American · Staunton · $$$

American · Staunton, VA · $$
The Shack is located one block outside of downtown Staunton, offering the best products from the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains and surrounding area. Our neighborhood gem has been the recipient of numerous awards and accolades and has become a staple not just in Staunton, but in the region. The day-to-day is led by Chef Michael Skipper, a long-time mentee of Chef Ian Boden's. Chef Michael brings his love of regional European cuisine and global influences to the menu at The Shack.
“What a Great Experience… Food Phenomenal, service Outstanding, Vibes on time. Nothing like Freshly made Fare, including the bread and pastas. I love FOOD and I would travel 12hrs to repeat this experience. My daughters brought me here for my birthday and all I can tell you is it is the best food I have tasted in truly a long time. The acidity, sweet, spicy, mouth drooling flavors left you wanting seconds and Thirds. The Visual presentation already stimulating the pallet as your mouth waters waiting to excite your taste buds. The Waiter was Professional, informing, and never faltered in service. An Asset to their Establishment. We sat outside on the patio, beautiful sunshine and a cooling breeze …. Sipping our Wine as we partake in our delectable selections of Well made ART. I highly recommend going to this Quaint Little Spot, “The Shack” putting out Foods that won’t Disappoint. My compliments again to The Chef and Crew, may Your Blessings Multiply in Overflow. Thanks for Making My Earth strong Celebration.. OVER THE TOP!🥰 I will be seeing you SOON. 🙌🏼🤲🏼😁😋”
“Excellent meal. Prices are affordable; we increased our final bill because we love wine. Dishes had: fish skewers, branzino, cavatelli (incredible), wagyu beef, pavlova, chocolate cake. Everything was lovingly made and absolutely delicious. Fantastic service, friendly and attentive. The Shack is small, take note. It can get noisy. After a little wine you're making noise too. Will be back again and again.”
“What a fabulous hidden gem! We were so glad our B&B host recommended it to us. Cocktails were beautifully balanced and the waitstaff were eager to share the proportional recipes. The dishes were gorgeous as well as delicious. I like to share dishes I had in reviews, but their menu changes frequently, so these may not be available when you go. We enjoyed all the dishes we had - Seabass Kombuje, Tater Tots, Spaghetti with whole anchovies, Fazzoletti with beef short rib and pork belly sugo, butternut squash Ravioli, Tile Fish + Mussel Nage, and both desserts - French Toast and Chocolate Cremuex. I just love inventive American cuisine like this, and beamed throughout our time there. Service was very friendly, helpful and perfect in timing. We were told that the chef was sous chef under the chef at Maude & the Bear. The food is equivalent at a price point well below Maude, and with reservations usually much easier to obtain.”
“This restaurant is well worth a visit. It all works, the building is small, old quirky and very cozy inside. The service is friendly, informed, and unpretentious. The food is thoughtfully prepared, delicious, and sourced with attention and respect to the area. I visited twice recently while traveling, and look forward to visiting again!”
“The Shack is the ultimate lowkey date-night flex — that perfect mix of coastal charm and “we totally just stumbled into this amazing spot” energy. The monkfish was unreal — buttery, delicate, and cooked like the chef had a personal vendetta against mediocrity. The salmon crudo? Silky, bright, and almost too pretty to eat (but obviously, you still do). And the pastas — wow. Each bite felt handmade and heartfelt, like someone’s Italian nonna moved to the coast and started experimenting with sea air and vibes. The Shack hits that rare balance of refined and relaxed — dim lighting, killer playlist, and food that’s quietly unforgettable. Absolute must for anyone who likes their date nights a little elevated but still effortlessly cool.”
Never miss a table
Watch The Shackand we'll alert you.
More like The Shack