Dining spots in Virginia come in all shapes and sizes. But if you’ve lived here long enough, you know better than to judge a restaurant based on how it might look on the outside. So don’t be fooled by a tiny restaurant in Virginia because chances are, the food there is outstanding. That seems to be the case with the following venues, where seating may be limited but the experience is always worth the wait.

If you can, you’ll want to reserve your spot so that you can bring a big appetite to these tiny restaurants in Virginia:

1. The Shack (Staunton)
Peter R. / TripAdvisor
John M. / TripAdvisor
As its name might imply, the Shack in Staunton is a small and down-to-earth little gem. Most folks report that the food here is incredible, despite, and perhaps because of, the "no frills" atmosphere. On Wednesdays and Thursdays, visitors select from the a la carte menu. Fridays and Saturdays there is a prix fixe menu so that diners can savor more decadent courses. Despite its modest size, it's one of the best restaurants in Virginia. For more information about this restaurant, click here.
2. Crozet Pizza (Crozet)
jaxc4 / TripAdvisor
Crozet Pizza / Facebook
Crozet Pizza is a quintessential hole-in-the-wall spot that is a favorite among locals. This New York style pizzeria serves consistently delicious and freshly made pies along with mouth-watering garlic knots. The pizzas also pair deliciously with the selection of local and craft beer offered here. When you sample one of these custom pizzas, you'll quickly understand why Crozet Pizza is among the best local restaurants in Virginia. For more information about this spot, click here
3. Leaping Lizard Cafe (Virginia Beach)
management / TripAdvisor
management / TripAdvisor
The Leaping Lizard Cafe in Virginia Beach is a wholesome and happy bakery that serves up all the tasty goodies you'd expect. The interior is cozy and welcoming, making this the perfect spot to meet for breakfast or lunch. With its proximity to the ocean, this place has an incredible seafood selection as well. Photographed above is a classic favorite: a sandwich wrap served with a dollop of homemade chicken salad. In the evening, this is also the spot where you can try some great specialty drinks, such as the blueberry basil mojito. For more information about this local restaurant, click here.
4. Corgans' Publick House (Harrisonburg)
Andrew Nash / Google
Gerry VPP / Google
Corgans' Publick House is a traditional Irish bar where the seating is limited and the appetizers are fantastic. Some crowd favorites include fish n' chips, artichoke dip, meatball sliders, and cottage pie. You can't go wrong with a classic burger, either. On some nights, you might even catch some live Irish music. Overall, this is a fantastic spot to meet up with friends and enjoy a cheerful happy hour with some great food and drinks. For more information about this restaurant, click here.
5. Maple Ave Restaurant (Vienna)
Ted Cummings / Google

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This small and intimate restaurant charms customers with an innovative menu paired with a delightful atmosphere. This is the ideal spot for a memorable date night, and you'll definitely want to call ahead and make reservations because it's a popular spot in the area. One of the must-try items on the menu is the scallops served with coconut scallion risotto. For more information about Maple Ave Restaurant restaurant, click here.
6. The Red Hen (Lexington)
WorldTraveling8 / TripAdvisor
management / TripAdvisor
The Red Hen is perfectly-sized for the small town of Lexington. This is one of the first farm-to-table spots in the area, and the menu is high quality and very memorable for that reason. In a brick-red building, the atmosphere is equal parts rustic and charming. Some of the fantastic menu items include dishes with the likes of crispy smoked trout, duck, or dates cooked with bacon. The photo above features Stonehouse Farms' carrot soup. Yum! To find out more information, click here.
7. Texas Tavern (Roanoke)
management / TripAdvisor
Texas Tavern/flickr
Sometimes, all you need is a classic hamburger, without all those bells and whistles. This down-home American burger joint is just the place for that. The restaurant advertises to "seat 1000...10 at a time" in a way that is both humorous and pretty accurate. One of the most popular choices on the menu is the Cheesy Western -- a classic cheeseburger topped with a fried egg. This is a beloved dive-spot in the Roanoke area. For more information, click here.
8. Earl's Sandwiches (Arlington)
Ed Yoo / TripAdvisor
Earl's Sandwiches / Google
The accommodations at Earl's Sandwiches may be small, but the portions are not. This little establishment will hit the spot if you're craving a terrific sandwich. There's a lot of hype for this place, and it's sure to live up to expectations. Whether you're on the lookout for a tasty breakfast sandwich or a heart roast beef sandwich, this place has got you covered. Photographed above is the Cuban club, with no shortage of meat. For more information, click here.
9. Burger Bar (Bristol)
The_Crafty_Beer_Mermaid / TripAdvisor
Burger Bar/Facebook
Since 1942, the Burger Bar has been a Bristol classic. The Burger Bar has gone through a few renovations since its earliest days, but its charm has remained alive and well. Legend has it that this is the last spot Hank Williams Sr. visited before he died. This friendly diner spot definitely serves up some of the tastiest burgers around as well as some memorable breakfast concoctions, as pictured above. When it comes to burgers and other classic American diner staples, Burger Bar is one of the best tiny restaurants in Virginia. For more information about Burger Bar, click here.

Which of these tiny restaurants in Virginia have you visited? Do you know any more that should have made the list? Be sure to share your thoughts with us!

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More to Explore

Tiny Restaurants In Virginia

Beth C. | April 07, 2020

Are there other restaurants in Virginia worth trying?

While we have shown that the smallest restaurants in Virginia also happen to be some of the best restaurants in Virginia, this is by no means a comprehensive list. There are hundreds upon hundreds of other local restaurants in Virginia worth trying. Selection may be based on preference, too. If you prefer casual dining spots, you might opt for a local cafe or barbecue restaurant, such as Mission BBQ or ZZQ Texas Craft Barbecue in Richmond. If you enjoy seafood, you might try Island House Restaurant, Smithfield Station, or Public Fish & Oyster. And just as small restaurants can be hidden gems, so too can restaurants with unassuming exteriors. Check out these great hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Virginia.

What are the best restaurants in Virginia?

Some of the top restaurants in Virginia include the Inn at Little Washington, the Ashby Inn & Restaurant, Market Table Bistro, Le Refuge, The Tavern, among many more. The city of Richmond is also considered to be a top foodie destination. Some of the best restaurants in Richmond include Shagbark, Stella's, and L'Oppossum. Of course, small-town restaurants are also known to offer incredible options. If you'd like to really explore Virginia's diverse cuisine, be sure to read about these small towns that serve up delicious local fare.

What are the favorite local restaurants in Virginia?

There are so many favorite local restaurants in Virginia that it can be hard to narrow down your choices. Sometimes, going off of a theme can be helpful. For example, if you happen to love tacos, you'll enjoy checking out our list of some of the best, most authentic taco restaurants in Virginia. Or, if you enjoy delicious hamburgers, don't miss out on this list of the top burger joints in Virginia.

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Explore Virginia

Featured Addresses
The Shack, 105 S Coalter St, Staunton, VA 24401, USA
Crozet Pizza, 5794 Three Notched Rd, Crozet, VA 22932, USA
4408 Shore Dr, Virginia Beach, VA 23455, USA
865 Port Republic Rd, Harrisonburg, VA 22801, USA
147 Maple Ave W, Vienna, VA 22180, USA
11 E Washington St, Lexington, VA 24450, USA
Texas Tavern, 114 Church Ave SW, Roanoke, VA 24011, USA
2605 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201, USA
Burger Bar, 120 Piedmont Ave, Bristol, VA 24201, USA