These 12 Restaurants In Virginia Don't Look Like Much... But WOW, They're Good (2024)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.