When it comes to restaurants, a fancy exterior and flashy signs will only get you so far. What really matters is the food. And without a doubt, some of the best food in Virginia comes from the most unexpected places. While every community has its favorites — those little neighborhood dives that only the locals know about — we’ve found 13 of the best hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Virginia that you won’t want to miss next time you’re in the area. From unexpectedly upscale to good ol’ fashioned hot dogs and burgers, these places may not have all the flash and flair on the outside, but trust us, they make up for it on the inside.

1. Spacebar, Falls Church
Spacebar / yelp
Spacebar / Facebook
Located in a nondescript storefront in Downtown Falls Church, SpaceBar is easy to miss. But don’t miss it. Please. It’s only the best grilled cheese menu you’ll ever find. Spacebar offers 20 grilled cheese sandwich options from vegan to pulled pork. Oh. And there’s beer. Lots of beer. Choose from a 24-tap selection that changes daily or get it to go in a sealed Mason jar. The only other things you’ll find on the menu are a few salads and tater tots. It’s minimalist perfection. Learn more about this beer bar and grilled cheese emporium.
2. Bel-Air Market, Charlottesville
Bellair Market / Yelp
Bellair Market / Yelp
When you go inside a gas station market, what are you expecting to find? Probably not one of the best deli sandwiches you’ve ever had. But stop by the Bel-Air Market at Tiger Fuel and that’s exactly what you’ll get. The market on Ivy Road in Charlottesville has been a long time favorite of University of Virginia students and locals alike with their freshly baked bread, meats, and cheeses. Try one of their specialty sandwiches or build your own. Either way, you’ll look forward to coming back. Here's more on this amazing deli hiding inside a gas station.
3. Pupatella, Arlington
Pupatella / Facebook
Pupatella / Facebook
Named the best pizza in Virginia in TripAdvisor’s FlipKey.com poll, Pupatella is known for fabulously authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas. It may not look like much on the outside…and the parking situation gets a bad rap, but the pizza wins time and again. Some things are just worth it.
4. The Apple House, Linden
The Apple House / Yelp
The Apple House / Yelp
Since 1963, The Apple House in Linden, Virginia has been a go-to for Warren County locals and visitors alike. Known for their outstanding BBQ and Zagat-rated Apple Butter donuts, this family-owned business sits just at the start of the Skyline Drive. Stop by anytime for great food and great service - and don’t forget to visit the gift shop for amazing goodies to-go.
5. The Palisades, Eggleston
The Palisades / Facebook
The Palisades / Facebook
Housed in a historic old General Store that operated from 1926-2000, The Palisades is a pleasant surprise. You might not expect handcrafted foods prepared in a brick oven imported from Italy in the heart of Giles County. But after one taste of this incredibly unique menu, you won’t be surprised by anything The Palisades serves up – and most importantly, you’ll never be disappointed. Enjoy live music, an impressive wine and port selection, incredible food, and a warm and cozy atmosphere that will keep you coming back time and again. Learn more about this hidden gem restaurant in Virginia.
6. Buffalo and More, Riner
Buffalo and More / Facebook
Buffalo and More / Yelp
Like the name implies, Buffalo and More serves more than just buffalo – but not a lot. On the menu you’ll find buffalo cheesesteak, buffalo loaded fries, buffalo burgers, pulled buffalo barbecue, buffalo hot dogs, and quesadillas with…you guessed it…buffalo. The owners show a clear passion for their work and supply all of the meat from their own buffalo farm just 15 minutes away. Once you’ve had your fill of the main course, be sure to try a dessert – all of which are homemade by the owner’s mother.

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7. Chick-N-Little, Abingdon
Chick N Little / Facebook
Chick N Little / Yelp
The exterior may not be grandiose, but it doesn’t need to be. Once you step inside, you’ll see that Chick-N-Little is all about homestyle goodness. Known for their great food, great service, and great prices, this diner-style family restaurant is a local favorite with items like made-to-order fried chicken, okra, homemade mashed potatoes, and loaded omelets.
8. Handsome Biscuit, Norfolk
Handsome Biscuit / Facebook
Handsome Biscuit / Facebook
What this little joint lacks in size, they make up for in taste. Featuring a menu of Sweet Potato Biscuit sandwiches and a handful of tasty homemade sides and desserts, the Handsome Biscuit serves up specials like the Hella Fitzgerald (fried chicken with bacon, cheddar, and red-eye sausage gravy) and the A.C. Slawter (pulled pork BBQ, apple coleslaw, and Lupo hot sauce). Fortunately, this small space can accommodate a large appetite – so bring it. Learn more about Handsome Biscuit in Norfolk, Virginia.
9. Kuba Kuba, Richmond
Kuba Kuba
Kuba Kuba
The original Kuba Kuba sits on an unassuming block in The Fan district of Richmond. Surrounded by neighborhood homes and parks, this Cuban-themed bodega is a treasure you won’t want to miss. Since opening in 1998, this little restaurant has received big reviews. Featuring authentic Cuban foods, Kuba Kuba serves up mind-blowing flavors in a funky atmosphere. And good news for you "West Enders", Kuba Kuba is now open on Lombardy in Henrico.
10. Skeeter’s World Famous Hot Dogs, Wytheville
J. Stephen Conn / flickr
Skeeter's World Famous Hot Dogs / Facebook
Skeeter’s World Famous Hot Dogs has been a Wythevilles staple since 1925. With lunch counter service and a bottle of Texas Pete hot sauce on every table, this classic joint is a favorite, not just for their tasty southern-style "red" hot dogs, but for the toppings that include minced onion, homemade chili, and classic southern slaw.
11. King’s BBQ Restaurant, Petersburg
Taber Andrew Bain / flickr
King's BBQ / Facebook
There are those that would argue that King’s BBQ could take anyone in a head-to-head BBQ battle. As a long time favorite, King’s has been serving up hand-cut, slow-smoked pork for more than 75 years. Don’t let the humble outside fool you, King’s is fit for royalty.
12. Texas Tavern, Roanoke
Brent Moore / flickr
Texas Tavern / Facebook
Last, but not least, our list of the best hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Virginia concludes with a small but mighty burger shop. Texas Tavern has been serving up great meals at great prices since the 1930s. Not only is it a local favorite with $1.50 hamburgers and hot dogs, it even has it’s own language for ordering. "A bowl" is their famous chili and "with" means you want onions. Tell them you’re "walkin’" for a to-go order and ask for "sissy sauce" if you want ketchup.

What are your thoughts on our list of the best hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Virginia? Tell us about your favorite local dive, hole-in-the-wall, or unexpected surprise-of-a-restaurant. We would love to check it out for ourselves! Let us know in the comments below and in the meantime, happy eating!

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More to Explore

best hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Virginia

Beth C. | September 01, 2020

What is the most popular restaurant in Virginia?

As you can tell from our list of some of the best hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Virginia, there are tons of eateries around here that are considered beloved. However, one of the most popular restaurants in Virginia is the Inn at Little Washington. This five star, double five-diamond award-winning restaurant is a true bucket list experience for foodies around the globe. While the menu options are pricey, rest assured that you'll be eating some of the finest food in Virginia. Looking for something equally impressive with a smaller price tag? Check out Adrift Restaurant along the Virginia Coast.

What are the best little known restaurants in Virginia?

Any of the above hole-in-the-wall restaurants will definitely offer a locals-only vibe, but it's by no means an exhaustive list. Some additional little-known restaurants you'll love include Hanaro Korean Restaurant in Virginia Beach, Grandstaff & Stein in Richmond, the Cellars in Virginia Beach, the Alley Light in Charlottesville, Cilantro Bangladeshi Restaurant in Norfolk, Restaurant Eve in Alexandria, House of Mandi in Arlington, and the Secret Garden Cafe in Occoquan. Learn more about each of these spots by reading our article, These 9 Secret Restaurants In Virginia Are Unforgettable.

Where can I find the best pizza in Virginia?

The unofficial slogan of Virginia might as well be "Virginia is for Pizza Lovers" given the number of delicious pizza restaurants you'll find in Virginia. Plus, there are endless styles to choose from: Chicago-style, New York-style, and Neapolitan. Some of the best pizza in Virginia can be found at any of the following restaurants: Pupatella in Arlington, Crozet Pizza near Charlottesville, Bottom's Up in Richmond, Salerno's in Lexington, and Famous Pizza in Chincoteague. For more information on these delicious spots, you can read all about these must-try pizza joints.

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Explore Virginia

Featured Addresses
709 W Broad St, Falls Church, VA 22046, USA
2401 Ivy Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22901, USA
5104 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22205, USA
The Apple House, 4675 John Marshall Hwy, Linden, VA 22642, USA
The Palisades Restaurant, 168 Village St, Eggleston, VA 24086, USA
4041 Riner Rd, Riner, VA 24149, USA
Chick-N-Little, 401 W Main St, Abingdon, VA 24210, USA
2511 Colonial Ave, Norfolk, VA 23517, USA
Kuba Kuba, 1601 Park Ave, Richmond, VA 23220, USA
165 E Main St, Wytheville, VA 24382, USA
2910 S Crater Rd, Petersburg, VA 23805, USA
Texas Tavern, 114 Church Ave SW, Roanoke, VA 24011, USA