This Small Virginia Town Is One Of The Most Impressive Culinary Destinations In The U.S.
By Beth|Published January 19, 2022
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Beth
Author
A lifelong Virginia resident, Beth loves exploring different parts of the world and currently resides in Charlottesville. She holds a degree in English Literature and one of her short stories has been featured in the Shenandoah Review. Other interests include hiking, songwriting, and spending time in the mountains.
Virginia’s food scene is impressive for many reasons: the sheer number of dining options, the different styles of restaurants, and the establishments that have been around for centuries. No matter which region of the state you visit, you’ll likely find yourself near a bucket-list-worthy restaurant. That’s especially true if you find yourself in the small town of Abingdon. In fact, this southwestern Virginia region was voted The Best Small Food Scene in the country by USA Today in both 2019 and 2020. While a majority of the restaurants feature a twist on Appalachian cuisine, you’ll also find a diverse array of options to suit every palate.
Despite the fact that Abingdon has a population of just over 3,000, there are no fewer than 30 independently-owned restaurants to choose from. In fact, this means that technically, Abingdon has more restaurants per capita than San Francisco and New York! Below are just a handful of delicious spots that belong on your radar:
Abingdon's historic Main Street is a wonderful place to begin your culinary adventures exploring the best small town food scene in Virginia. Along this road, you won't find a single chain restaurant. What you will find, however, is the oldest building in town (circa 1779), which is home to The Tavern. It's a fine dining experience with lots of creative twists.
If you're craving fresh, expertly-made Greek food, head to Greeko's Grill & Cafe. Whether you're stopping by for a light snack of pita and hummus or a giant wrap, you'll be impressed by this beloved local eatery. Reviewers are especially enthusiastic about the Greek salad and the spanakopita.
Sometimes, all you need for a great dinner out is pizza and a beer. For this exact combination, Bella's Pizza is a local favorite. A bit off-the-beaten-path, this casual, no-frills restaurant has an enchanting, garden-like back patio where you can enjoy delicious pizza and local brews. In addition to pizza, you can also enjoy calzones, subs, and salads here.
Consistently voted as one of the best lunch spots in Abingdon, 128 Pecan is a must. That's especially true if you're a fan of burgers. Photographed above is a double smash burger, complete with all the fixings. Don't forget your appetite!
If you're enthusiastic about plant-based foods and local produce, White Birch Kitchen is the spot for you! An impressive and refreshing menu of smoothie bowls, cold-pressed juices, delicious entrees, and more awaits you inside. There are some more filling options, too, such as the breakfast burritos and Huevos rancheros.
Have you visited Abingdon, Virginia lately? Which restaurants did you visit? Do you agree that Abingdon is home to the best small food scene in Virginia? We’d love to hear all about your culinary adventures in the comments!
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