We’ve all heard the expression, “don’t judge a book by its cover.” It’s an invitation to look beyond appearance, and it couldn’t be truer in regards to Virginia’s dining scene. While there are plenty of gorgeous, jaw-dropping restaurants out there, there may be just as many establishments that you’d sooner drive past than notice. After reading about these 12 hole-in-the-wall places, you’ll learn what you won’t want to miss out on:
- Yorkshire Restaurant (Manassas)
Neal E./Yelp
Norry H./Yelp Yorkshire Restaurant is a case in point of restaurants that you should not pass by, especially when it comes to breakfast. Not only is the pricing incredibly reasonable, but the food itself is delicious. Pancakes, biscuits, sausage gravy, bacon…you name it. It’s a one-stop shop for all your breakfast desires. Location: 7537 Centreville Rd.
- Rick’s Cheese Steak House (Williamsburg)
Will S./flickr
Kent A./Yelp Even Philadelphia natives can vouch for the authenticity of Rick’s Cheese Steaks. A relatively new spot, this establishment is quickly making a name for itself in Williamsburg’s dining scene. The cheese steaks themselves are made to perfection and come with mouthwatering sides such as onion rings and jalapeno cheese fries. Address: 603 Prince George St.
- A Bowl of Good (Harrisonburg)
A Bowl of Good/Facebook
A Bowl of Good/Facebook Harrisonburg’s A Bowl of Good Cafe truly lives up to its name. Serving up healthy, local fare, this spot is not to be missed by anyone driving through town. Popular items are the lentil bowl, black bean bowl, and any of the tasty wraps, as shown above. Address: 831 Mt Clinton Pike.
- Here & Abroad Bistro (Fredericksburg)
Christine R./Yelp
Amanda S./Yelp Tucked away out of plain view, you’ll find one of the best bakeries in town. Here & Abroad Bistro and Bakery is renowned for its chicken salad, freshly baked breads and quiches. Photographed above is the crab meat quiche, not to be missed. This place also happens to serve up amazing coffee. Location: 1004 Princess Anne St.
- Mojito Cafe (Virginia Beach)
Travis T./Yelp
Kadia P./Yelp Mojito Cafe is a true hidden gem among many impressive eateries in the Virginia Beach area. This spot specializes in Latin American cuisine, using fresh and top quality ingredients. With only 8 tables, you’ll want to show up early or perhaps consider taking your meal to go. Photographed above is the garlic lime cilantro shrimp soup. Address: 300 28th Ave S.
- Blue Ridge Pig (Nellysford)
Frank W./Yelp
Blue Ridge Pig/Facebook If you consider yourself a BBQ fan and haven’t yet tried the Blue Ridge Pig, you’re missing out big time. This little gem of a place has perfected pulled pork and also creates a smoked turkey croissant masterpiece, as shown above. Just be sure to bring some cash with you, as cards are not accepted here. Address: 2198 Rockfish Valley Hwy.
- Handsome Biscuit (Norfolk)
Grady M./Yelp
J David H./Yelp The Handsome Biscuit is a small restaurant with major hype, and it definitely delivers on these high expectations. Biscuits are made using sweet potatoes and inside you’ll find sweet or savory (or sometimes both) ingredients. Photographed above is the Lox special with smoked salmon and bacon. For sides, you’ll definitely want to order the house made hash browns. Address: 2511 Colonial Ave.
- Market Burger (Purcellville)
Market Burger Fries and Shakes/Facebook
William D./Yelp Is there anything better than a perfectly-made burger? That’s exactly what you’ll find at Market Burger, along with fries and a shake. Burger toppings range from traditional to creative, and you can also jazz things up by ordering the sweet potato fries. The brioche buns are sourced locally and are out of this world. Address: 145 W Main St.
- The Mason Jar (Hillsville)
Trish S./Yelp
Ryan R./Yelp The Mason Jar is one of the best kept secrets in the town of Hillsville. As its name might suggest, it’s renowned for southern cuisine served in generous portions. Here you’ll find ribs, crab cakes, burgers, and fried pickles. For an especially unique taste of southern cooking, be sure to order the Pork Fritters, as shown above. The dipping sauce is to die for, and you’ll be making plans for your visit back ASAP. Address: 845 W Stuart Dr.
- Tacos Rojas (Roanoke)
Randy J./Yelp
Josh M./flickr Tacos Rojas could easily be passed by if you didn’t know exactly what you were looking for. Located in a convenience store, its unassuming location hides one of the best-kept secrets in town. The most popular orders are the steak tacos and fish tacos. Address: 737 13th St SW.
- Honey Butter’s Kitchen (Williamsburg)
Richard M./Yelp
Brasilia L./Yelp For a comfort food/breakfast haven, it doesn’t get much better than Honey Butter’s Kitchen in Williamsburg. This place isn’t necessarily a hole-in-the-wall, and locals love it, but it’s a place you’ll want to add to your bucket list. The simple, Southern menu offers entrees such as shrimp and grits, chicken liver, and for breakfast, some killer pancakes. Address: 4680-17 Monticello Ave.
- Excellent Table (Blacksburg)
Steve H./Yelp
Ryan N./flickr If you’re looking for something a bit out of the ordinary, Excellent Table serves up incredible and authentic Ethiopian cuisine. The restaurant space is small, as it was intended on being a carry-out place as opposed to sit down. Regardless of where you choose to eat your meal, you’re in for a real treat. Popular dishes include spicy chicken and bean curry as well as the fried tofu with eggplant. Location: 119 North Main St., Ste 103.
Have you visited any of these places? Be sure to share your experience, or let us know some of your favorite under-the-radar spots! Also, don’t miss these 13 Incredible Hole-In-The-Wall Restaurants In Virginia.
Neal E./Yelp
Norry H./Yelp
Yorkshire Restaurant is a case in point of restaurants that you should not pass by, especially when it comes to breakfast. Not only is the pricing incredibly reasonable, but the food itself is delicious. Pancakes, biscuits, sausage gravy, bacon…you name it. It’s a one-stop shop for all your breakfast desires. Location: 7537 Centreville Rd.
Will S./flickr
Kent A./Yelp
Even Philadelphia natives can vouch for the authenticity of Rick’s Cheese Steaks. A relatively new spot, this establishment is quickly making a name for itself in Williamsburg’s dining scene. The cheese steaks themselves are made to perfection and come with mouthwatering sides such as onion rings and jalapeno cheese fries. Address: 603 Prince George St.
A Bowl of Good/Facebook
Harrisonburg’s A Bowl of Good Cafe truly lives up to its name. Serving up healthy, local fare, this spot is not to be missed by anyone driving through town. Popular items are the lentil bowl, black bean bowl, and any of the tasty wraps, as shown above. Address: 831 Mt Clinton Pike.
Christine R./Yelp
Amanda S./Yelp
Tucked away out of plain view, you’ll find one of the best bakeries in town. Here & Abroad Bistro and Bakery is renowned for its chicken salad, freshly baked breads and quiches. Photographed above is the crab meat quiche, not to be missed. This place also happens to serve up amazing coffee. Location: 1004 Princess Anne St.
Travis T./Yelp
Kadia P./Yelp
Mojito Cafe is a true hidden gem among many impressive eateries in the Virginia Beach area. This spot specializes in Latin American cuisine, using fresh and top quality ingredients. With only 8 tables, you’ll want to show up early or perhaps consider taking your meal to go. Photographed above is the garlic lime cilantro shrimp soup. Address: 300 28th Ave S.
Frank W./Yelp
Blue Ridge Pig/Facebook
If you consider yourself a BBQ fan and haven’t yet tried the Blue Ridge Pig, you’re missing out big time. This little gem of a place has perfected pulled pork and also creates a smoked turkey croissant masterpiece, as shown above. Just be sure to bring some cash with you, as cards are not accepted here. Address: 2198 Rockfish Valley Hwy.
Grady M./Yelp
J David H./Yelp
The Handsome Biscuit is a small restaurant with major hype, and it definitely delivers on these high expectations. Biscuits are made using sweet potatoes and inside you’ll find sweet or savory (or sometimes both) ingredients. Photographed above is the Lox special with smoked salmon and bacon. For sides, you’ll definitely want to order the house made hash browns. Address: 2511 Colonial Ave.
Market Burger Fries and Shakes/Facebook
William D./Yelp
Is there anything better than a perfectly-made burger? That’s exactly what you’ll find at Market Burger, along with fries and a shake. Burger toppings range from traditional to creative, and you can also jazz things up by ordering the sweet potato fries. The brioche buns are sourced locally and are out of this world. Address: 145 W Main St.
Trish S./Yelp
Ryan R./Yelp
The Mason Jar is one of the best kept secrets in the town of Hillsville. As its name might suggest, it’s renowned for southern cuisine served in generous portions. Here you’ll find ribs, crab cakes, burgers, and fried pickles. For an especially unique taste of southern cooking, be sure to order the Pork Fritters, as shown above. The dipping sauce is to die for, and you’ll be making plans for your visit back ASAP. Address: 845 W Stuart Dr.
Randy J./Yelp
Josh M./flickr
Tacos Rojas could easily be passed by if you didn’t know exactly what you were looking for. Located in a convenience store, its unassuming location hides one of the best-kept secrets in town. The most popular orders are the steak tacos and fish tacos. Address: 737 13th St SW.
Richard M./Yelp
Brasilia L./Yelp
For a comfort food/breakfast haven, it doesn’t get much better than Honey Butter’s Kitchen in Williamsburg. This place isn’t necessarily a hole-in-the-wall, and locals love it, but it’s a place you’ll want to add to your bucket list. The simple, Southern menu offers entrees such as shrimp and grits, chicken liver, and for breakfast, some killer pancakes. Address: 4680-17 Monticello Ave.
Steve H./Yelp
Ryan N./flickr
If you’re looking for something a bit out of the ordinary, Excellent Table serves up incredible and authentic Ethiopian cuisine. The restaurant space is small, as it was intended on being a carry-out place as opposed to sit down. Regardless of where you choose to eat your meal, you’re in for a real treat. Popular dishes include spicy chicken and bean curry as well as the fried tofu with eggplant. Location: 119 North Main St., Ste 103.
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