7 Country Restaurants In Virginia That Are So Worth The Trip
There’s nothing quite like a good ol’ fashioned country restaurant. These establishments have so much Virginia history inside their walls, but even more importantly, they serve meals that are absolutely out of this world. Think fresh biscuits, homemade gravy, all-you-can-eat fried chicken, and the hospitality you’d come to expect from such iconic, friendly spots. Here are a handful of the finest country restaurants in Virginia that are absolutely worth the trip. You’ll feel right at home at any of these establishments!
Pies, catfish, and biscuits. Those are just a few of the many foods that the aptly-named Country Cafe has mastered. Tucked away on the countryside in a remote corner of Bath County, this local establishment has stood the test of time. The menu probably hasn't changed in a decade, and that's a good thing. Order up some locally-caught trout or the meatloaf platter, photographed above. Just don't forget to save room for seasonal cobblers or a homemade pie! If you're looking for a great homestyle restaurant in Virginia, Country Cafe is tough to beat! Check them out on Facebook.
The Swinging Bridge Restaurant doesn't skimp on portions, especially when it comes to the Buffalo Rib Eye (photographed above). This is one of the most unique restaurants in Virginia - it actually doubles as a general store and, as the name implies, features an actual swinging bridge in the upper level. Menu favorites include the pan fried chicken, homemade biscuits, and the buffalo burger. They regularly hold concerts so you can enjoy live music while you chow down. For more information about this spot, go to their website.
Editor's Note: The Home Place is temporarily closed. Check their Facebook
for updates.
The Home Place is a hidden gem of a country restaurant where the only thing that rivals the view is the decadent fried chicken. It's the perfect spot to visit with the whole family, mostly because the food is served family-style. Not only do they offer country ham and homemade apple butter, but we've also heard that their iced tea is the best in the world. It's the perfect place to settle down after a day of hiking through the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Whether you're looking for an all-you-can-eat Southern food buffet or made-to-order fried chicken, you'll find it at Corey's Country Kitchen in Williamsburg. This old school restaurant has some of the best macaroni and cheese in town, and you won't be leaving hungry. Equally as decadent are the collard greens and corn pudding.
Editor's Note: Corey's Country Kitchen has permanently closed.
There are no shortages of good places to eat in Virginia, but if you're looking for a delicious lunch buffet at a reasonable price, we've got just the place in mind. Just about everything here is homemade and the dessert is to die for! They've got homemade bread, killer burgers, and an entire breakfast menu that will make your weekend complete. This little gem of a country restaurant is located near Skyline Drive, so it's the perfect pit stop on your way to Shenandoah National Park. Visit their website for a menu and additional information.
Chances are you've heard about the Floyd Country Store's Friday Night Jamborees, but did you realize this spot also served up a mean menu of country cookin'? They're best known for their Brunswick Stew, cornbread, and chili dogs, but you really can't go wrong with anything you order. After you eat, you'll enjoy browsing the store and its various sundries. For more information about the Floyd Country Store, visit their website. They regularly host live music and even livestream the shows to their Facebook.
Editor's Note: In The Country LLC is permanently closed.
This modest country store is located right along the iconic Virginia Creeper Trail and it's provided nourishment for hikers and visitors alike. Whether you're craving a scoop of ice cream or a barbecue burger, you'll find what you're looking for at this friendly stop. Visitors also rave about the chicken salad sandwich and the unbeatable hospitality.
If you're in search of a hearty country-style breakfast served up in heaping portions, you'll want to make your way to the Courthouse Restaurant. For a low price you'll get an entire plate full of delicious breakfast food, made-to-order. The French toast and hash browns are the most popular orders at this establishment, but if you happen to visit later in the day, you can't go wrong with a BLT. And the best news of all? The coffee is free! Visit their website for a menu and more information.
The charming mountain town of Floyd is home to yet another fabulous country restaurant. Since 1927, Blue Ridge Restaurant has been serving up fine homecooking to residents and visitors alike. They've got a little bit of everything on the menu, but if you want to dine like a local, be sure to order a side of biscuits and gravy. You won't be sorry you did! The Blue Ridge Restaurant is located in the heart of downtown Floyd, which means you'll be within walking distance of some other great local attractions. Their website has menus and more information.
Have you visited any of the above country restaurants in Virginia? Did any of your favorites miss the list? If so, be sure to share them with us in the comments – we’re always looking to add new stops to our radar!
And if you love country restaurants in Virginia, you should also check out these 12 hole-in-the-wall eateries that are downright delicious.
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Address: 6156 Sam Snead Hwy, Hot Springs, VA 24445, USA
Address: Swinging Bridge, 16071 Paint Bank Rd, Paint Bank, VA 24131, USA
Address: 4968 Catawba Valley Dr, Catawba, VA 24070, USA
Address: Brookside Restaurant & Cabins, 2978 US-211 E, Luray, VA 22835, USA
Address: Floyd Country Store, 206 S Locust St, Floyd, VA 24091, USA
Address: 6714 Main St, Gloucester, VA 23061, USA
Address: 113 E Main St, Floyd, VA 24091, USA
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Places To Eat In Virginia
April 29, 2021
Lisa Sammons
What are some unique restaurants in Virginia?
We've got so many awesome restaurants here in Virginia that are unlike ones you'll find anywhere else. Ironically enough, we actually have a restaurant named the Unique Experience Eatery! We've also got some great themed restaurants you won't want to miss. While we're on the subject of themed restaurants, we'd be remiss to neglect to mention Michie Tavern ca. 1784, a colonial-themed delight in Charlottesville. Another great themed dinery is The Great 611 Steak Company in Roanoke: the walls are covered in train memorabilia, and many of the dishes are even named after train terms. One other great restaurant for fans of themed eateries is Sweetwater Tavern, which has locations in both Centreville and Falls Church. The restaurant is delightfully cowboy-themed!
What are some good dessert restaurants in Virginia?
Why, we've got an entire donut trail planned out for you! If pies are more your thing, you don't want to miss Red Truck Bakery in Warrenton - it's even received praise from The New York Times. Buzz Bakeshop is a small bakery in northern Virginia that's famous for their incredible cupcakes. Not quite a restaurant, but The Candy Store Roanoke is an absolute whimsical adventure that will have you feeling like you've stepped into Willy Wonka's magic factory. And while we're thinking about it, fudge fans don't want to miss The Southern Churn in Bristol: yum!
What are some good ethnic restaurants in Virginia?
We've got so many ethnic restaurants that you could spend a whole month letting your taste buds travel around the world and still not catch them all! The Bebedero in Charlottesville is one of our more popular Mexican restaurants, and with good reason; the food is so authentic and delicious! If Italian is more your style, Roma Ristorante Italiano has some incredible Italian offerings. Meaza Ethiopian Cuisine is a popular purveyor of Ethiopian foods in Falls Church. Tamarind, located in Sterling, is a great option for Indian food lovers (you won't want to miss the naan!) Need something a little more familiar? Lampo in Charlottesville has amazingly gorgeous pizzas!
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A lifelong Virginia resident, Beth loves exploring different parts of the world and currently resides in Alexandria. She holds a degree in English Literature and one of her short stories has been featured in the Shenandoah Review. Other interests include hiking, songwriting, and spending time in the mountains.
