If ever you’ve taken a long drive through our beautiful state, chances are you’ve wondered about places to pull off for some quality food. While fast food restaurants are certainly convenient, nothing beats the charm and authenticity of roadside eateries. So next time you’re on the road, you’ll want to keep an eye out for these 8 roadside restaurants worth stopping for.
- Jordan Springs Restaurant (Stephenson)
Neal E./Yelp
Khriz V./Yelp This family-owned BBQ joint will hit the spot when hunger strikes. Despite its modest exterior, Jordan Springs serves up some of the most delicious barbecue in the state. Located inside a gas station, it’s the perfect pit stop to fuel up your car and yourself. Address: 741 Jordan Springs Rd Stephenson, VA 22656.
- Nana’s Irish Pub (Middletown)
J M./Yelp
Jaclyn B./Yelp Fortunately, you don’t have to travel (or drive) too far to enjoy authentic fish & chips. Nana’s Irish Pub is a true hidden gem just off of 1-81. Inside you’ll find plenty of sustaining and delicious comfort food. When you’re there, be sure to sample some of the homemade Irish soda bread still warm from the oven. Address: 7843 Main St. Middletown, VA 22645.
- Carmella’s (Edinburg)
J E./Yelp
J E./Yelp Located in the scenic small town of Ediburg, Carmella’s is the go-to spot for sandwiches and subs. In addition to the buffalo chicken meatball sub (photographed above), this place is also famous for its crabcake sandwiches and homemade cheesecake. Address: 102 S Main St Edinburg, VA 22824.
- Bella Luna (Harrisonburg)
Andrew G./Yelp
Liz R./Yelp Bella Luna is the place to go for authentic wood-fired pizzas made with seasonal and local ingredients. It’s considered to be one of the first farm-to-table pizza joints in the area, and the results speak for themselves. Whether you enjoy the atmosphere of the restaurant or opt to take a pizza to go, you’ll be happy you stopped by. Address: 80 W Water St Harrisonburg, VA 22801.
- La Cabana (Richmond)
Jamie D./Yelp
Damian L./Yelp Affordable and delicious tacos are what you can expect to find at La Cabana in Richmond. If you stop by on Wednesdays and Fridays, tacos are only $1. Address: 4086 Crockett St Richmond, VA 23228.
- Red Hub Food Company (Charlottesville)
Orion W./Yelp
Red Hub Food Co./Yelp Another incredible BBQ joint, Red Hub Food Company is a must-try for lunch. Serving incredible pulled pork sandwiches with all your favorite sides, this spot is definitely worth the drive. Address: 202 10th St NW Charlottesville, VA 22903.
- Aioli (Staunton)
Messer K./Yelp
Carl D./Yelp Not far from I-64, you’ll find the Mediterranean gem known as Aioli. Whether you’re in the mood for lighter fare, such as the charcuterie plate, or something a little fancier, such as the maple duck, you’ll love this charming eatery. Address: 29 N Augusta St. Staunton, VA 24401.
- Jack Mason’s Tavern (Clifton Forge)
Nate H./Yelp
Stephanie S./Yelp For a fun atmosphere with an impressive food and drink menu, you’ll want to head to Jack Mason’s Tavern in Clifton Forge. It’s here you can sample some local brew while you snack on one of the favorites from the menu, the fried green beans as photographed below. Address: 400 Ridgeway St Clifton Forge, VA 24422.
Have you dined at any of these local roadside eateries before? Share your experience with us! If you need an excuse to hit the road, be sure to check out these 9 Unforgettable Road Trips To Take In Virginia Before You Die.
Neal E./Yelp
Khriz V./Yelp
This family-owned BBQ joint will hit the spot when hunger strikes. Despite its modest exterior, Jordan Springs serves up some of the most delicious barbecue in the state. Located inside a gas station, it’s the perfect pit stop to fuel up your car and yourself. Address: 741 Jordan Springs Rd Stephenson, VA 22656.
J M./Yelp
Jaclyn B./Yelp
Fortunately, you don’t have to travel (or drive) too far to enjoy authentic fish & chips. Nana’s Irish Pub is a true hidden gem just off of 1-81. Inside you’ll find plenty of sustaining and delicious comfort food. When you’re there, be sure to sample some of the homemade Irish soda bread still warm from the oven. Address: 7843 Main St. Middletown, VA 22645.
J E./Yelp
Located in the scenic small town of Ediburg, Carmella’s is the go-to spot for sandwiches and subs. In addition to the buffalo chicken meatball sub (photographed above), this place is also famous for its crabcake sandwiches and homemade cheesecake. Address: 102 S Main St Edinburg, VA 22824.
Andrew G./Yelp
Liz R./Yelp
Bella Luna is the place to go for authentic wood-fired pizzas made with seasonal and local ingredients. It’s considered to be one of the first farm-to-table pizza joints in the area, and the results speak for themselves. Whether you enjoy the atmosphere of the restaurant or opt to take a pizza to go, you’ll be happy you stopped by. Address: 80 W Water St Harrisonburg, VA 22801.
Jamie D./Yelp
Damian L./Yelp
Affordable and delicious tacos are what you can expect to find at La Cabana in Richmond. If you stop by on Wednesdays and Fridays, tacos are only $1. Address: 4086 Crockett St Richmond, VA 23228.
Orion W./Yelp
Red Hub Food Co./Yelp
Another incredible BBQ joint, Red Hub Food Company is a must-try for lunch. Serving incredible pulled pork sandwiches with all your favorite sides, this spot is definitely worth the drive. Address: 202 10th St NW Charlottesville, VA 22903.
Messer K./Yelp
Carl D./Yelp
Not far from I-64, you’ll find the Mediterranean gem known as Aioli. Whether you’re in the mood for lighter fare, such as the charcuterie plate, or something a little fancier, such as the maple duck, you’ll love this charming eatery. Address: 29 N Augusta St. Staunton, VA 24401.
Nate H./Yelp
Stephanie S./Yelp
For a fun atmosphere with an impressive food and drink menu, you’ll want to head to Jack Mason’s Tavern in Clifton Forge. It’s here you can sample some local brew while you snack on one of the favorites from the menu, the fried green beans as photographed below. Address: 400 Ridgeway St Clifton Forge, VA 24422.
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