ROANOKE
[120 MILES FROM CHARLOTTESVILLE]
8. TEXAS TAVERN a Roanoke classic
With only 10 seats and a tiny menu to match, Texas Tavern serves burgers, chile, and egg sandwiches 24 hours a day just like they have—without closing—since 1930. Learn the lingo and order in shorthand: “bowl”—chile; “cheesy”—the Cheesy Western, a cheeseburger with sweet relish, pickles, and a fried egg; add “with” and you’ll get diced onions on anything. TRY: Chile With, Cheesy Western With
9. SCRATCH BISCUIT CO. not your mama’s biscuits
The breakfast sandwiches at this joint are the stuff of Southern dreams, filled with everything from country ham and pimiento cheese, fried green tomatoes, and bacon, to brisket, country fried sausage, and pulled pork. TRY: Bless Your Heart, Nashville Hot Chicken Biscuit, The Cowboy Crippler
10. LOCAL ROOTS community table
Just steps away from Roanoke’s historic Grandin Theatre, Local Roots sets its own stage to celebrate the best farmers and makers in the area. The freshest local produce and meats shine on the menu, making each dish at this eatery a symphony of seasonal flavor. TRY: Ancient White Park Burger, Anson Mills Farro Verde
11. FORK IN THE MARKET comfort food with a twist
With rock and roll on the radio and a kitchen that dishes out burgers and hot dogs, wood-fired pizzas, and back-to-your-childhood desserts, it’s no wonder this place is popular. Pizzas can come topped with mac and cheese and bacon, and dogs range from the D.C. Dog (a chili-loaded half-smoke) to the All American Dog (ketchup, mustard, onions, and chili). TRY: All American Dog, Mac Daddy Pizza, Brick Oven S’More
Make sure your itinerary includes a stop at Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson, located just outside Charlottesville.
12. THE RIVER & RAIL RESTAURANT field to fork
Farm-focused River & Rail takes their lead from the farmers, anglers, and ranchers that supply them, changing the menu daily. From the collard kimchi to smoked fingerling potatoes to seafood that was swimming yesterday, the kitchen does right by their Southern roots and local suppliers. TRY: Skillet Fired Cornbread, Oysters on the Half, R&R Salumi Board, Heritage Farms Pork Ribs, Carolina Catfish
13. LUCKY French-Southern fusion
In 2010, Lucky opened their doors with an inventive cocktail menu and a kitchen dedicated to reframing Southern classics. The menu reads like your stately Southern grandmother met your French in-laws at the dinner table. Dishes like roasted oysters and country-style terrine, plus standards like fried chicken and braised pork, make this menu one to explore. TRY: Boiled Virginia Peanuts, Buttermilk Fried Chicken, Pork Shoulder
