20 To Eat: Restaurants Just Off I-64, Part Two

If you travel Interstate 64, you may have wondered, “What’s good to eat beyond the trees that line this highway?” If so, you’re in luck! These restaurants are less than seven miles off of Interstate 64 from Richmond to the West Virginia line, and they’re four-star rated on Yelp. Try them out and let us know.
ALSO SEE: 16 to Eat: Restaurants Just Off I-64, Part One
 
Around the Corner – 5 stars – Burgers, American (Traditional) – $ – 1.1 mi. Exit 183C in Henrico
“Check it out…it is a MUST try. You will NOT regret your visit.” Thomas C.
“Very friendly staff, fresh food, great atmosphere.” Tom B.
“Service was outstanding. We will be back!” Sonya M.
Inspired by fresh ingredients, and the love of their small neighborhood, Around the Corner is a café perfect for a visit. Breakfast, burgers, and cold pates are all made to order for every guest as they are the inspiration and motivation for bigger and better dishes. Around the Corner wants to “give the people what they want!” This passion and a love of tradition comes together to create their specialty, deliciously unique box lunches. Their most popular are the sausage gravy over biscuit, steak and cheese, and fried bologna and egg. Or try the owner Terry’s special with Italian sausage and green peppers that’s sure to please.
 
La Cabaña – 4 stars – Mexican – $ – 1.6 mi. Exit 183C in Henrico
“SO YUMMY!! I suggest anyone go.” Maya O.
“One word: DELICIOUS!” Kristine M.
“If you want the best tacos in Richmond…go to La Cabaña.” Doug C.
La Cabaña is the southwestern Mexican style eats that visitors just can stop talking about. After visiting once you’ll make your way back no mistake. Some favorite dishes include the Steak Fajitas, Veggie Combo, or the Tostada Suprema. Their delicious authentic tacos and other dishes created with food that is nothing less than the freshest and cooked to perfection with a right price to match. And remember to try for yourself their guacamole which guest rave about.
 
Hickory Notch Grill – 4 stars – Barbeque – $ – 3.4 mi. Exit 167 in Oilville
“Love this place! Home cooking. Pork BBQ is awesome.” Christy C.
“If we could give it more stars – we would!” Robin W.
“We were very satisfied with the food and would make the same detour again for a visit!” Derek L.
This old country store, turned restaurant, is a no-frills stop for country barbecue. Hickory Notch Grill is known for its pork and beef prepared as brisket, but the chicken steals guests hearts over and over again. Slow-smoked with thin and crispy skin is the goal here at Hickory Notch Grill. Visitors just can’t say no to meat that pulls apart easy. The wooden booths and vintage flags create a home-style atmosphere. Ask for an Old Dominion root beer served in a frosted mug, a classic feeling to an already memorable stop. Be sure to try the Hickory Notch special with a third of a rack of baby back ribs, smoked beef sausage, the crab cake dinner, or beer battered haddock. No matter what you taste we’re positive you’ll leave happy.
 

Ride to Eat BBQ time! #harley #bbq

A photo posted by @gbhokie on May 9, 2015 at 11:00am PDT

 Red Hub Food Co. – 4.5 stars – Barbeque – $ – 2.4 mi. Exit 121 in Charlottesville
“Would definitely recommend!” Thuan T.
“Fast service, good food.” Miss S.
“A must try!” Victoria N.
They’ll tell you, “It’s all about the food!” Red Hub Food Co. creates recipes inspired by the heritage and memories of the owners. All the food here is just a sweet memory from the south. The traditions created in North Carolina have found their way into Charlottesville and taken root. Don’t miss out on this, it’s a tribute to the community, family, traditions, and way of life. Test out packages for larger groups like The Works or the Reb Hub Sampler. Try for yourself their homemade chicken and dumplings, hush puppies with dipping sauce, or a sandwich with beef brisket or pulled chicken. No matter what you have, it’s a perfect mix of memory and taste that is a perfect stop on your trip.  
 

#RedHubFoodCo. Some people just get it! Amazing work by @triedandtruesupply > Charlottesville, VA // This is what Saturday’s are here for! #Type #Typography #Handwritten #ImHungry A photo posted by Miller Creative Co. (@millercreativeco) on Jun 27, 2015 at 4:55pm PDT

 
Mel’s Café – 4.5 stars – Diners, Soul Food – $ – 2.2 mi. Exit 121 in Charlottesville
“I’m not an expert on southern cooking, but they made the best fried chicken I’ve ever hand.” Jermaine R.
“It’s southern hospitality at its finest. I’m definitely a fan!” Cecilia S.
“Southern comfort food at its finest with the nicest service around.” Janice P.
With homemade salads and submarines full of any and every kind of yummy tasting veggie and meat you can think of, Mel’s Café is the perfect stop on the road. Here you can find beef hot dogs, bacon cheese dog, homemade pork, or even the One Eye Cheeseburger. Here sandwiches and dinner are offered with side orders of macaroni, fries, onion rings, and even wings. And make sure you don’t forget desserts of cheesecake, apple pie, or the amazing grilled donuts with ice cream.
 
Al Carbon Chicken – 5 stars – Mexican, Latin American – $ – 6.7 mi. Exit 118B in Charlottesville
“Al Carbon is one of my favorite restaurants in Charlottesville! It’s casual, budget-friendly, and never fails to make my taste buds and stomach happy.” Kathy N.
“Al Carbon is definitely worth all the five stars people have been giving it.” Chanhong L.
“We found this little gem…and it is absolutely amazing!!!” Ashley W.
Al Carbon Chicken is where you can find your favorite dishes with a taste of something more. With daily specials and bundles, finding something yummy is the easy part. The deciding can be difficult. Al Carbon Chicken is striving to bring the memories and dreams from their ancestors back to fire their passion for making some of the best tasting food guests have ever had. This “indigenous” cuisine has evolved and been perfected, inspired by the simplicity of the South American culture and by the simple approach to making great food. Drawing out natural flavor from local meats, traditional tastes and textures of the classics is what they do best. Vegetarian options are also available, and don’t forget your tee-shirt on the way out.
 
 
The Green Leaf Grill – 4.5 stars – American (Traditional), Steakhouses, Wings – $$ – 3 mi. Exit 96 in Waynesboro
“Friendly service, great food, live music, affordable prices – the best place to eat for those passing through Waynesboro!” Kate O.
“Food is always very good! One of our favorite places to go!” Lisa R.
“With the great food, friendly service, and a plethora of local beer and wine, the Green Leaf Grill is a great place for dinner!” Meghan W.
This award winning restaurant featuring a diverse menu including New Orleans authentic craw-fish etouffee, seafood gumbo, and vegetarian options, can only be The Green Leaf Grill. Comfort food has a new twist here and you can choose from many fine and local wines along with local craft beer, famous in Virginia. With live music on the weekends this is a fun experience you don’t want to miss out on any longer. The specialty pizzas have dough that is handcrafted daily and all cooked in a stone oven. Try the baked crab dip or chipotle raspberry baked brie as a starter and move to a sirloin, fish, or stuffed Portobello mushrooms with tastes you won’t soon forget. Come and see for yourself why it’s a new favorite of travelers.
 
 
The Tailgate Grill – 4 stars – Burgers – $ – 3.5 mi. Exit 96 in Waynesboro
“Southern hospitality in the Valley at its finest!” Bryan T.
“I’ll definitely be back.” Gary I.
“Good prices, good quantity, no nonsense. Will be back.” Troy S.
One of the best places to eat in town is The Tailgate Grill. Here great food and great service to match. Guests are never disappointed and visitors come from all over and go out of their way to stop in. Try for yourself any of the many made to order sandwiches and burgers, but be sure to save room for gourmet carrot cake or chocolate cake for dessert. With salads and other will loved sides it’s easy to believe why so many people love this simple yet tasty stop.
 
 
Osaka III Japanese – 4 stars – Japanese, Seafood, Sushi – $$ – 1 mi. Exit 94 in Waynesboro
“They were all excellent, fresh, and generous portions.” Jeanette C.
“Always new options, fresh and delicious.” Chris P.
“Never ceases to disappoint! Staff is friendly and accommodating.” Chester R.
Osaka III Japanese is an excellent addition to your trip. Offering a wide array of fine Japanese food, Edamame, house salad, chicken Kara-age, and Oshinko, come in for a delicious dinner and find your favorite meal on the menu. Try a Chef’s special like the Lobster Tail with onions and broccoli, the Vegetarian roll with cucumber and more, or the grilled salmon with the chef’s special Kimchee sauce. Check out their website to see how bright and tasty everything looks. Each dish is created with love and an artistic drive to create the perfect dinner sure to wow!
 

Sweet potato roll and a vegetarian roll, yummy for my tummy!!!
A photo posted by ⚔j.underwood⚔ (@thedapperpappy) on Jul 22, 2012 at 4:43pm PDT

Aioli – 4.5 stars – Mediterranean – $$ – 4.1 mi. Exit 87 in Staunton
“Wonderful food! Definitely worth the visit.” Ben W.
“Be prepared to be amazed.” Graham D.
“I would HIGHLY recommend Aioli.” Christopher C.
Aioli offers creatively prepared Mediterranean food concentrating on the Sothern European Mediterranean area. With Spanish Tapas, Italian style homemade raviolis, and red snapper with a southern France style of vegetables, there is no end to all the new and exciting flavors to try. Aioli offers a casual atmosphere with fine dining taste. The menu changes seasonally to offer the freshest ingredients and flavors. This stop in historic downtown Staunton provides fresh baked bread, soup of the day, entrees such as the Pan Seared Sea Scallops, Parmesan Truffle Risotto, and desserts like Callebaut Dark Chocolate Mousse and Baked Blackberry Lemon Crisp. And don’t forget your dessert wine to complement.
 

Mediterranean Tapas in Staunton with @cczbunnie + @song_bird11 A photo posted by Jeremiah (@miahz) on Oct 26, 2012 at 6:08pm PDT

 
Zynodoa – 4.5 stars – American (New) – $$$ – 4 mi. Exit 87 in Staunton
“Will definitely return to Zynodoa again!” Anna B.
“This is by far one of the best restaurants I’ve been to.” Hannah S.
“Excellent food, ambiance, and service. You can’t ask for more.” Maurice S.
Zynodoa is just another one of Virginia’s great restaurants making a connection between farm and table. Supporting Virginia’s independent farmers, chefs at Zynodoa use only the finest and freshest ingredients available each season. Found in a historic building in downtown Staunton, the dishes here are inspired by Southern cuisine in a stylish setting. Found only minutes away from the Blackfriars Theater at the American Shakespeare Center, check out their site where you can read reviews from all over including the Huffington Post, Forbes, and Blue Ridge Country who just can’t stop raving about it. And be sure to try the Roasted Red Pepper Fettuccine and Parmesan Crème or the Housemade Potato Gnocchi which visitors keep coming back for.
 

Zynodoa. Photography by Sera Petras Photography.

 
Clocktower – 4 stars – American (New), Sandwiches, Italian – $$ – 4.7 mi. Exit 220 in Staunton
“This is a fun spot with excellent service.” Ed W.
“I was blown away by Clocktower, nestled in historic Staunton, VA.” Lauren R.
“What a FABULOUS place.” Kasey C.
Believing that quality is the most important ingredient, the Clocktower is full of flavorful and quality food and experience because they genuinely care about guests. Their moderate prices and great efforts to ensure the best experience create dishes like no other. Specials are offered through the weekends and favorite dishes are plentiful. Try the homemade pastas with parmesan bread or Cedar plank salmon. And don’t miss out on the chicken tender platter or pork ribeye. It’s your favorites with more flavor than ever before.
 
Kind Roots Café – 5 stars – Cafes, Sandwiches – $ – 1.2 mi. Exit 55 in Lexington
“This is one of my favorite places to go.” Terri G.
“What a sweet delicious place!” Lydia H.
“Staff was very welcoming. The food was yummy…I will be back.” Brenda A.
Rated as the best lunch spot in the Shenandoah Valley in 2014 and the second best vegan/vegetarian restaurant by Virginia Living Magazine, Kind Roots Café will be your next favorite new place. This small family owned café provides a healthy and all-natural menu including classic deli and diner items. They place their own unique and personal twists on everything, adding new tastes you didn’t know you were missing. Known for serving smoothies, breakfast and lunch, travelers passing through have made this a healthy favorite. Even getting some of their ingredients from their own farm, Kind Roots Café is a good time with good food and great people.
 

Only miles from the A.T. this morning, enjoying a hot, streaming breakfast. Sweet potato hash! #kindrootscafe
A photo posted by C. Carson Hennig (@ccarsonhennig) on Jan 7, 2015 at 6:23am PST

 
The Red Hen – 4.5 stars – American (New) – $$$ – 2.4 mi. Exit 55 in Lexington
“Please visit…this is farm-to-table at its best!” Cheryl N.
“The food is superb…the staff are all very pleasant.” Heidi W.
“What a wonderful dining experience.” Tony S.
Farm to table fine dining easily found and not easy to give up at The Red Hen. Chef Collin Donnelly was voted Best Small Town Chef in America in 2012 and The Red Hen continues to be raved about in the New York Post, Roanoke Times, and Staunton News Leader. The relaxing atmosphere provided here is the perfect place for specialty cocktails and a daily new menu based on the freshest and tastiest produce and meat. Getting meats from nearby family farms and local farms, here the flavors of the land create some of the tastiest appetizers and dishes. Be amazed by their Virginia ham and Scallops or the Butter Glazed Vegetable Risotto. With so many good options there’s no telling what your new favorite will be.

The Red Hen

Foothill Momma’s BBQ Juke Joint – 4 stars – Barbeque – $$ – 3.7 mi. Exit 55 in Lexington
“Incredible food…you won’t go wrong here!” Kady Y.
“Solid, delicious BBQ.” Tom W.
“Finger licking good!!!” Erica L.
Pulled pork, fresh pattied burger, smoked turkey club, hungry yet? At Foothill Momma’s BBQ you can find all the flavor and tasty meals you’ve been craving. With eight different platters to choose from and the choice of two sides with cornbread and honey butter to top it all off, it’s no place to drive past. This Juke Joint is where you find the fun and exciting people ready to make some of the tastiest and memorable dishes you’ve ever had. You’ll be sure to tell all your friends and bring them around. Check them out on Facebook to see what’s new in their neck of the woods.
 

Heaven #foodporn #bbq #foothillmamas A photo posted by Michele Shaw (@mshaw432) on Jul 31, 2015 at 10:10am PDT

 
The Club Car – 5 stars – Delis – $ – 1.9 mi. Exit 24 in Clifton Forge
“The food is always fresh and delicious.” Jordan F.
“Excellent lunch with great service by the nice folks of the Club Car.” Dave W.
“This place deserves 5 stars, no doubt!” Joe S.
Found in the heart of Clifton Forge, the historic railroad town in Alleghany County, The Club Car is a deli-style full service café where you can come to enjoy a delicious menu and shop while meeting friends. Occupying a historical building known as Farrar’s Drugstore, The Club Car is a cozy environment where you can take a “walk down memory lane.” It is the local’s favorite spot in town with specials each day and events throughout the year. Homemade sandwiches and wraps that meet freshly baked cookies and ice cream Sundays create a taste of home, a taste of the good ol’ days.
 

 

The Club Car

Jack Mason’s Tavern – 4.5 stars – Bars, American (Traditional) – $$ – 1.2 mi. Exit 24 in Clifton Forge
“A surprisingly wonderful find during my road trip!” Katie S.
“It is a must! Everything is delicious.” Gabriela D.
“This is the place to go if you happen to be driving through Clifton Forge.” Nate H.
With the strongest family connections and importance, Jack Mason’s Tavern is the place you’ll feel at home while eating some great meals. They have events happening year round so come a see what is going on with the community. And make sure to check out their Facebook page where you can find their specials and their news of the week. Taste for yourself their burgers, sandwiches, and wraps. Or try something new with their classic tavern fare like fish and chips and smoked sausage and sauerkraut. Be sure to save some room for dessert. Designed as not only a restaurant but as a European-style pub, this is a great place for family and friends of all ages to get together and eat great food.
 

Have lunch with us at #jackmasons
A photo posted by Jack Mason’s Tavern (@jackmasons) on Sep 19, 2013 at 11:57am PDT

 
Vic’s Family Restaurant – 4 stars – American (New), Italian, Pizza – $$ – 1.8 mi. Exit 24 in Clifton Forge
“It was very welcoming and a great find.” Antonio S.
“They were some of the best I’ve had! Service was great. Staff was friendly! It’s a must try!” Ken M.
“A classic small town Italian eatery. Staff were all super friendly and the food was excellent!” Brian M.
Vic’s Family Restaurant is calling your name. Try their famous Broasted Fried Chicken, Italian classics, seafood, sandwiches, and even calzones. There truly are so many options to choose from. Focus is on family here at this southern style restaurant. Here they are known for treating customers like family since 1976, so they know what they are doing. While some has been remodeled, much of the restaurant is just as it was in the 1930s. So come and enjoy a great meal at a great deal with history, family, and friend.

Vic’s Family Restaurant

 
Cucci Pizzeria – 4.5 stars – Pizza – $$ – 0.7 mi. Exit 16A in Covington
“Great little pizza joint in small town.” Sungei V.
“Great food and wonderful staff. The salad bar is awesome!!! The pizza is great!!!” Emily C.
“Try Cucci’s – you’ll be glad you did.” Jay W.
Cucci’s Pizzeria has brought fresh, authentic Italian cuisine to Covington. Made from traditional recipes and from scratch daily, they have exactly what you didn’t know you needed. Locals and visitors alike will tell you it is some of the best Italian food you’ve ever had, it’s that simple. Pizzas with thick buttery crust and a salad bar to rave about, this truly is the jewel of Covington. Hidden away in the heart of Virginia, Cucci Pizzeria is no longer a secret. We’ve had to let it out because it’s just too good for everyone not to try. You’ll be recommending it after one taste, we promise.
 
The Main Street Shoppe – 4.5 stars – Soup, Sandwiches, Coffee – $$ – 1.7 mi. Exit 14 in Covington
“The best homemade sandwiches in this small town…worth every dime.” Joan M.
“Excellent! Friendly staff…highly recommended.” Jerry C.
The Main Street Shoppe is where you are sure to find delicious food and some of the best and most wonderful people preparing and serving it. Food made with love is food that must taste good, so here at The Main Street Shoppe is some of the best meals around. Locals call it a true gem of their town. This home-style stop is sure to please. Try the Rueben or the subs. Don’t miss out on what is being called Covington’s finest. It is a must stop and past visitors will tell you, make sure you put it on the “To Do List.”
About the Author: Kemry Johnakin is an English Major at Brigham Young University-Idaho, hopes to write the next great American novel, and is greatly unsettled by the lack of oxford commas used in government paperwork.