These 13 Awesome Diners In Virginia Will Make You Feel Right At Home
By Anna Strock
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Published October 14, 2015
Everyone love a good meal. And there are plenty of places to choose from here in Virginia – from gourmet restaurants to hole-in-the-wall locals. But sometimes, nothing does the trick quite like a good old-fashioned diner. Offering a homey environment, hearty staples and often, breakfast served all day long, diners are an American classic. And no one does diner-deliciousness quite like these 13 places in Virginia.
1. Millie's Diner, Richmond
As a Richmond landmark, Millie's weekend brunch usually comes with a line out the door. But once you're in, it's worth the wait. Try a "Mess" like the Cajun Mess, the Devil's Mess, the Veggie Mess or Castro's Mess - its a heap of scrambled eggs with piles of perfect toppings. For directions and a menu, visit
Millie's Diner .
2. Pop's Diner Co., Virginia Beach & Chesapeake
Voted Best Breakfast in Virginia Beach continuously since 2009, Pop's earns its reputation with hearty breakfast fare and specialties like The Hangover Cure - chopped country fried steak covered with sausage gravy and grilled onions. Locally owned and operated, Pop's also offers an all-day menu full of comfort food classics. Learn more at
Pop's Diner Co .
6. Blue Moon Diner, Charlottesville
This funky little diner on Main Street in Charlottesville may not look like much from the outside, but there's a reason it's a C-ville favorite. Blue Moon's website says it best when they call their diner the "best little breakfast, sandwich, burger, dinner, live music, arm wrestling, vinyl record-playing, family friendly, neighborhood bar, and activist spot for the whole community." From breakfast sandwiches and omelettes to burgers and homemade mac n' cheese, Blue Moon's food is matched only by their ambiance. Visit
Blue Moon Diner to learn more.
4. Joe's Diner, Blacksburg
This Blacksburg favorite has been feeding hungry college kids for decades. You won't find fancy decor at Joe's, but you will find an old school diner experience with food that keeps customers coming back for more time and again. Try standards like fried eggs and biscuits and gravy or go for burgers and fries - either way, you won't be disappointed. Visit them 221 N. Main Street in Blacksburg.
5. The Pink Cadillac Diner, Natural Bridge
Even if it wasn’t painted bright pink to match the antique Cadillac parked outside, the giant King Kong statue clutching an airplane at the entrance makes it kind of hard to miss this old-school diner. This quaint 1950s throwback leaves no surface undecorated and no customer hungry with classics like burgers and fries, meatloaf and an authentic 1950s-style ice cream bar. For directions and a full menu, visit
The Pink Cadillac Diner .
3. The Hub Restaurant, Rocky Mount
If you're looking for a true, old-fashioned diner experience (with REALLY great food), look no further than The Hub. With home cooked meals that range from fried seafood platters and delicious breakfasts to what some call "the best grilled cheese ever," The Hub has been serving up diner classics for generations. Be sure to visit them at 245 N. Main Street in Rocky Mount or check out their
Facebook Page for more information.
7. Metro 29 Diner, Arlington
A longtime Northern Virginia standby, the Metro 29 Diner has even been featured on Food Network's hit show "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives." Known for their late night hours and New York-style diner favorites, Metro 29 is the perfect place for filling breakfast fare, burgers, Italian classics and an on-site bakery. Visit them at
Metro 29 Diner to see the menu and read the reviews.
8. The Thunderbird Cafe, McGaheysville
Known for it's funky atmosphere, The Thunderbird Cafe combines old-fashioned diner vibes with urban flair and down-home Southern cooking. Featuring breakfast favorites like The Sticky Pig (french toast stuffed with pulled pork, topped with shiracha sauce and real maple syrup and served a side of fried potatoes or grits) or dinner classics like peanut soup and specialty burgers, The Thunderbird is worth the visit. Learn more at
The Thunderbird Cafe .
9. Chick N Little, Abingdon
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. Don't miss this one-of-a-kind classic at 401 W. Main Street in Abingdon.
10. Texas Tavern, Roanoke
The Texas Tavern has been serving up great meals at great prices since the 1930s. Not only is it a local favorite with $1.30 hamburgers and hot dogs, it even has its 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 for ketchup? Just ask for "sissy sauce." Visit them online at
Texas Tavern to get directions and menus.
11. Galaxy Diner, Richmond
When Business Insider called the Galaxy Diner "The Best Diner in Virginia," they weren't just stabbing in the dark. After looking at Yelp reviews, local newspapers and culinary awards, Galaxy came out on top. As a favorite for many Richmonders, Galaxy serves up specialties like handmade milkshakes, fried pickles, atomic hot dogs and "Trailer Park Pancakes" made with bananas and peanut butter. To try Galaxy for yourself, visit them at 3109 W. Cary Street in Richmond.
12. Papermill Place, Winchester
Family owned and operated since 1982, Papermill Place has made a name for themselves by serving comfort food at comfortable prices. With a large menu full of home cooked goodness, you'll only have yourself to blame if you can't find the perfect meal. With breakfast served anytime and home cooked classics throughout the day, Papermill Place is a Winchester favorite. Visit them online at
Papermill Placer .
13. Frost Diner, Warrenton
Like their authentic swivel stools and formica lunch counter, Frost Diner has been a Warrenton staple since 1955. Offering everything from T-bone steak and eggs to an all-cereal entree, Frost keeps the old-fashioned diner experience alive with friendly waiters, reasonable prices and an all-around amazing menu. Be sure to try Frost for yourself at 55 Broadview Avenue in Warrenton.
Diners are like many things – we all have a favorite for our own reasons. Have we left your favorite off the list? Be sure to let us know about any gems we might have missed in the comments below!
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