When it comes to Virginia’s dining scene, it doesn’t get much better than the local, historic spots. Not only have these places stood the test of time, but they also invite us to learn more about the state’s history through a delicious culinary experience. From classic diners, Mom & Pop restaurants, and historic taverns, these fine establishments should make their way onto your dining bucket list.
- The Battlefield Country Store (Fredericksburg)
Benjamin M./Yelp
Jason C./Yelp If you’re in the mood for a homemade sandwich made from delicious and local ingredients, this place is your one-stop-shop. That’s especially true when you consider that it’s also a grocery store and bakery. As you can see from the photo above, you can expect to get plenty of bang for your buck here, and maybe even some leftovers. Address: 6150 Plank Rd Fredericksburg, VA 22407.
- Bluegrass Grill & Bakery (Charlottesville)
Tom S./Yelp
Charlotte R./Yelp This local favorite among Charlottesville is the place to be for weekend brunch. It’s a delicious take on Southern cooking with a wonderfully creative flair. Some of the most popular menu items are the corned beef hash and the dish photographed above known as the Hungry Norman. Just be sure to bring cash with you, as this place doesn’t accept cards. Address: 313 2nd St SE Charlottesville, VA 22902.
- Eat 33 (Richmond)
J H./Yelp
Serena Z./Yelp This hidden gem on Staples Mill is nearly always crowded. Eat 33 has a great handle on how to serve up mouthwatering comfort food, whether that’s in the form of their famous Catfish Benny or homemade chili and biscuits. You won’t leave this place hungry. Address: 6901 Staples Mill Rd Richmond, VA 23228.
- The Tavern (Abingdon)
Missy S./Yelp
Lizzy B./Yelp Dining at the Tavern is a true way to step back in time. Established in 1779, this spot has served up tasty meals to guests from near and far. It also happens to be the oldest bar west of the Blue Ridge Mountains. If you’re looking to try one of the most popular appetizers, don’t miss the smoked Norwegian Salmon, as shown above. Address: 222 E Main St Abingdon, VA 24210.
- Michie Tavern (Charlottesville)
Photo Credit
Monica S./Yelp It doesn’t get much more authentic or historic than Charlottesville’s Michie Tavern. Located a stone’s throw from Monticello, this buffet-style restaurant provides the entire eighteenth-century dining experience, complete with decor. Visitors claim that it’s some of the best fried chicken you’ll ever taste. Address: 683 Thomas Jefferson Pkwy Charlottesville, VA 22902.
- The Wharf (Alexandria)
Soomee K./Yelp
Michelle A./Yelp Located in a historic building in Alexandria, the Wharf specializes in a fare that has fed Virginians for centuries: seafood. Whether you’re in the mood for she-crab soup, scallops, homemade crabcakes, or a healthy does of just about everything (as photographed in the platter above), you won’t be disappointed with your visit to the Wharf. Address: 119 King St Alexandria, VA 22314.
- Pop’s Drive-In (Grafton)
Chris D./Yelp
Brian T./Yelp Is there anything better than an old fashioned drive-in burger joint? You won’t find a better deal around than this local favorite. With homestyle meals served with a smile, you won’t wonder why this place has been a staple for so long. Address: 6555 George Washington Memorial Hwy Grafton, VA 23692.
- Tanglewood Ordinary Country Restaurant (Maidens)
Tanglewood Ordinary Country Restaurant/Yelp
Tanglewood Ordinary Country Restaurant/Yelp Tanglewood may be described as an Ordinary Country Restaurant, but the southern fare here is anything but ordinary. If an old-fashioned home cooked meal has been missing from your routine, this place is for you. From country ham to roast beef and fried chicken, this family-style restaurant knows how to prepare these southern classics. Address: 2210 River Rd W Maidens, VA 23102.
- Hopewell Quick Lunch (Hopewell)
Hopewell Quick Lunch/Facebook
Hopewell Quick Lunch/Yelp This Hopewell tradition has been grilling phenomenal burgers and hot dogs for years. The location and building is unassuming, but rest assured the food is tasty. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic turkey club or a filling breakfast, this Mom & Pop joint has you covered. Address: 113 Hopewell St Hopewell, VA 23860.
- Market At Main (Lynchburg)
Monica L./Yelp
Karen R./Yelp Located in a historic building in downtown Lynchburg, Market at Main is a traditional American diner with all of your breakfast favorites. Whether that means a helping of sweet potato pancakes, homemade french toast, or the fried green tomatoes, you’ll be coming back for seconds before you know it. Address: 904 Main St Lynchburg, VA 24504.
- Omar’s Carriage House (Norfolk)
Omar’s Carriage House/Yelp
Jeff Y./flickr
Hazel A./Yelp Nothing says traditional American fare quite like a cup of homemade soup. And at a place like Omar’s Carriage House in Norfolk, you can also get a less-traditional smoked salmon waffle. This quaint and charming restaurant is a local favorite which delivers on exceptional food from the appetizer to dessert. Address: 313 W Bute St Norfolk, VA 23510.
If any of your favorite hometown establishments missed the list, be sure to share them! Looking for more fantastic local eats? Be sure to check out 11 Of The Best Mom & Pop Restaurants In Virginia.
Benjamin M./Yelp
Jason C./Yelp
If you’re in the mood for a homemade sandwich made from delicious and local ingredients, this place is your one-stop-shop. That’s especially true when you consider that it’s also a grocery store and bakery. As you can see from the photo above, you can expect to get plenty of bang for your buck here, and maybe even some leftovers. Address: 6150 Plank Rd Fredericksburg, VA 22407.
Tom S./Yelp
Charlotte R./Yelp
This local favorite among Charlottesville is the place to be for weekend brunch. It’s a delicious take on Southern cooking with a wonderfully creative flair. Some of the most popular menu items are the corned beef hash and the dish photographed above known as the Hungry Norman. Just be sure to bring cash with you, as this place doesn’t accept cards. Address: 313 2nd St SE Charlottesville, VA 22902.
J H./Yelp
Serena Z./Yelp
This hidden gem on Staples Mill is nearly always crowded. Eat 33 has a great handle on how to serve up mouthwatering comfort food, whether that’s in the form of their famous Catfish Benny or homemade chili and biscuits. You won’t leave this place hungry. Address: 6901 Staples Mill Rd Richmond, VA 23228.
Missy S./Yelp
Lizzy B./Yelp
Dining at the Tavern is a true way to step back in time. Established in 1779, this spot has served up tasty meals to guests from near and far. It also happens to be the oldest bar west of the Blue Ridge Mountains. If you’re looking to try one of the most popular appetizers, don’t miss the smoked Norwegian Salmon, as shown above. Address: 222 E Main St Abingdon, VA 24210.
Photo Credit
Monica S./Yelp
It doesn’t get much more authentic or historic than Charlottesville’s Michie Tavern. Located a stone’s throw from Monticello, this buffet-style restaurant provides the entire eighteenth-century dining experience, complete with decor. Visitors claim that it’s some of the best fried chicken you’ll ever taste. Address: 683 Thomas Jefferson Pkwy Charlottesville, VA 22902.
Soomee K./Yelp
Michelle A./Yelp
Located in a historic building in Alexandria, the Wharf specializes in a fare that has fed Virginians for centuries: seafood. Whether you’re in the mood for she-crab soup, scallops, homemade crabcakes, or a healthy does of just about everything (as photographed in the platter above), you won’t be disappointed with your visit to the Wharf. Address: 119 King St Alexandria, VA 22314.
Chris D./Yelp
Brian T./Yelp
Is there anything better than an old fashioned drive-in burger joint? You won’t find a better deal around than this local favorite. With homestyle meals served with a smile, you won’t wonder why this place has been a staple for so long. Address: 6555 George Washington Memorial Hwy Grafton, VA 23692.
Tanglewood Ordinary Country Restaurant/Yelp
Tanglewood Ordinary Country Restaurant/Yelp
Tanglewood may be described as an Ordinary Country Restaurant, but the southern fare here is anything but ordinary. If an old-fashioned home cooked meal has been missing from your routine, this place is for you. From country ham to roast beef and fried chicken, this family-style restaurant knows how to prepare these southern classics. Address: 2210 River Rd W Maidens, VA 23102.
Hopewell Quick Lunch/Facebook
Hopewell Quick Lunch/Yelp
This Hopewell tradition has been grilling phenomenal burgers and hot dogs for years. The location and building is unassuming, but rest assured the food is tasty. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic turkey club or a filling breakfast, this Mom & Pop joint has you covered. Address: 113 Hopewell St Hopewell, VA 23860.
Monica L./Yelp
Karen R./Yelp
Located in a historic building in downtown Lynchburg, Market at Main is a traditional American diner with all of your breakfast favorites. Whether that means a helping of sweet potato pancakes, homemade french toast, or the fried green tomatoes, you’ll be coming back for seconds before you know it. Address: 904 Main St Lynchburg, VA 24504.
Omar’s Carriage House/Yelp
Jeff Y./flickr
Hazel A./Yelp
Nothing says traditional American fare quite like a cup of homemade soup. And at a place like Omar’s Carriage House in Norfolk, you can also get a less-traditional smoked salmon waffle. This quaint and charming restaurant is a local favorite which delivers on exceptional food from the appetizer to dessert. Address: 313 W Bute St Norfolk, VA 23510.
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