The Virginia Main Street staff does a lot of travelling each year and that travel can be hard on the stomach.  Luckily, we know that when we arrive, the local hospitality of our destination Main Street communities will be evident, and the top rate dining choices will be numerous.

While having an office day, we started talking about our can’t miss restaurants throughout Virginia.  Jeff claims his is for “his pregnant wife” but we know that’s not the real reason he often takes the long way home just to stop in and pick up some treats from Knakal’s Bakery in Culpeper.  Resident foodie Kyle chows down on the local ingredients at The Mockingbird Cafe in Staunton. 

Meanwhile, Doug, the expert on the menu choices in Southwest Virginia refuses to take a stand on whether he prefers Radford’s new River City Grill or trusted standby’s like Marion’s Black Rooster and Rocky Mount’s Edible Vibe Cafe.

Somedays, the palate is piqued by something different and there are always new offerings to try in our bustling downtowns.  There are fine dining choices and local dives with character.  Prices vary greatly, but the value and experience rarely does.  We are lucky souls indeed to have jobs that basically force us to visit the best restaurants Virginia has to offer. 

However, in honor of Virginia Main Street’s 25th Anniversay, we had to limit our selections to the 25 spots we find ourselves heading back to time and again.

Tell us which you like best.