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Abingdon, Virginia, has some of the best restaurants in the country!
Don’t believe me? Just ask USA Today.
For the past four years, USA Today has chosen Abingdon, Virginia, as America’sbest small town food scene.And when you try the food here, you’ll see why. From upscale dining to fabulous co*cktails to incredible dessert, Abingdon has got you covered.
My husband and I recently took a trip to Abingdon, Virginia, and I’m excited to share with you the amazing culinary experience that awaits you. The food is truly phenomenal.
Below are the best places to eat in Abingdon, Virginia:
Read More – 22 Fun Things To Do In Abingdon, VA
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 – The Tavern
Built in 1779, The Tavern is the oldest building in Abingdon. Initially built as a tavern and overnight inn, it housed famous guests such as Henry Clay, King Louis Philippe, and President Andrew Jackson.
The Tavern even served as a hospital during the Civil War. If you’re lucky enough to dine on the 3rd floor, you’ll see numbers penciled into the plaster walls that marked the soldier’s beds.
And if the history isn’t cool enough, wait until you taste the food!
Our meal was fantastic, and we enjoyed it so much, that we invited our son and his girlfriend to drive from Boone to try out this restaurant.
My son said this is now his favorite restaurant, beating out Juju in Durham, NC.
Pro-tips:
- Get a reservation if you would like to eat indoors. The outdoor area is spacious and easier to get a table at.
- Take my son’s advice and order the Ferracci as an appetizer. It consists of blackened filet tips, fried spinach, blue cheese, and a port wine reduction. It’s enough food to be a meal for two even though it’s an appetizer.
The Tavern
222 E Main St, Abingdon, VA 24210
2 – Rain Restaurant
Rain Restaurant is located in the historic district of Abingdon and offers fine dining in a casual, friendly atmosphere.
I enjoyed the beautiful artwork, the fantastic co*cktails, and the amazing food.
The menu has a wide variety of items, including Shrimp & Grits and Rosemary Chicken Linguini.
I ordered the Seared Atlantic Salmon and Butternut Curry Soup, and my husband enjoyed the Blackened Ribeye.
The service was fantastic, and the food was outstanding.
Rain Restaurant
283 E Main St, Abingdon, VA 24210
3 – Greekos Grill & Cafe
We really liked our light, healthy lunch at Greekos Grill & Cafe.
My husband got the Greek nachos as a meal and loved the fried pita triangles loaded with chicken, tomatoes, olives, jalapenos, melted cheese, and housemade tzatziki.
I had the lamb platter and enjoyed the rice, salad, pita, and hummus.
Greekos offers mouth-watering desserts. I strongly suggest sampling a few.
Greekos Grill & Cafe
217 W Main St, Abingdon, VA 24210
4 – 128 Pecan
128 Pecan serves lunch and dinner and is a favorite with locals.
I got a sense of how close the community is in Abingdon with how friendly the customers are with each other.
This restaurant is casual and comfortable, with cozy seating indoors and out.
They offer sandwiches, salads, and burgers for lunch and fancier fare for dinner like seafood, meatloaf, and pasta.
We really enjoyed the Cuban Sandwich and Fish Tacos.
I love that 128 Pecan gives back to the community by offering free meals at Thanksgiving and other times of the year for those in need.
128 Pecan
128 Pecan St SE, Abingdon, VA 24210
5 – White Birch Kitchen & Juice Bar
If you love locally-sourced, healthy food, you’ll love White Birch. They offer power bowls, wraps, burgers, smoothies, and fresh-pressed juice.
We enjoyed the Birch Power Bowl and Thai Chicken Wrap, two of their most popular menu items.
The flavor combinations of their cold-pressed juices are unique and delicious. I loved the Pink Punch with strawberry, apple, pineapple, and orange juices.
They use their fresh juices as a base to make mouthwatering co*cktails. My husband had the delicious Majik Moment Marguerita.
Pro-tips:
- You can get a fresh-pressed juice or alcoholic juice co*cktail to take home.
- After your meal, walk to the Washington County Courthouse. It was built in 1868 in Greek Revival and Italianate styles. It also has a gorgeous signed Tiffany stained glass window dedicated to those in Washington County that served in World War I.
White Birch Kitchen & Juice Bar
170 E Main St, Abingdon, VA 24210
6 – Sister’s American Grill at the Martha Washington Inn
One of the perks of staying at the Martha Washington Inn is the complimentary gourmet breakfast offered each morning at the Sister’s American Grill.
First, you’ll be seated in the lovely dining area and then brought a hot breakfast plate. All guests receive the same meal, but the menu changes daily.
But don’t worry, even if you aren’t staying at “The Martha,” you can still eat dinner at the Sister’s American Grill.
We did and enjoyed the Pecan Crusted Salmon and the Beet Salad.
You can enjoy dinner inside the dining room or in one of the stunning outdoor dining areas.
Pro-tip:
- Overnight hotel guests receive a $25 gift certificate to the Sister’s Restaurant.
- You can reserve a table by calling 276-619-5271.
Sister’s American Grill at the Martha Washington Inn
150 W Main St, Abingdon, VA 24210
7 – Anthony’s Desserts
I was told by several locals that I needed to try this dessert shop out.
I’m so glad I did. Anthony’s is a cute and charming shop loaded with gourmet baked goods and hand-dipped ice cream.
It was difficult deciding which luscious treat to try, but I went with the chocolate beauty below. Sorry, I can’t remember the name, but it was a culinary masterpiece.
If you have the chance, I strongly suggest you satisfy your sweet tooth here.
Anthony’s Desserts
284 W Main St, Abingdon, VA 24210
8 – Foresta
Foresta transported me to a new place the minute I walked in the door. The decor and atmosphere are unlike anything I’ve seen. Think sparkling lights, cozy nooks, flickering lamps, and beautiful art.
The food is upscale and inspired by flavors from all over the world. We loved the garlic bread, Thai pumpkin soup, pork ramen with quail eggs, and Korean BBQ bites.
Every taste out of the kitchen is well thought out and so delectable you’ll savor every bite. And don’t get me started on the co*cktails! We stayed long past our bedtime savoring the food, drinks, and atmosphere!
Foresta
190 E Main St, Abingdon, VA 24210
9 – The Girl & The Raven
The Girl & The Raven is more than just a coffee shop – it’s an experience. You’re enveloped in the warm, inviting atmosphere as soon as you walk in.
They have one of the world’s best espresso machines, shown in their delicious coffee drinks.
The coffee beans are roasted on-site, and barista, Zen Moon, makes magic with his coffee creations.
We really enjoyed our breakfast. Owner Hugh Belcher explained how every component of their dishes was well thought out and meaningful, like the purple grits from a historic mill in the Shenandoah Valley.
Pro-tips:
- Get a Mocha Latte. I’m still thinking about the rich, deep flavor of the one I ordered.
- Notice the artwork on the walls by Craig Kosak. He was the first graphic designer for Bill Gates. The artwork incorporates ravens to symbolize rebirth and renewal.
The Girl & The Raven
380 E Main St, Abingdon, VA 24210
10- Luke’s Cafe
Check out Luke’s Cafe if you’re looking for a great meal and a cool rock ‘n roll vibe.
The owner, Luke, is a successful musician with his band Star City Meltdown and has incorporated a rock ‘n roll theme into the decor of his restaurant.
They’re known for their fish tacos and hamburgers. And my husband raved about the pasta and chicken special they had the night we visited.
I highly recommend the truffle cheese fries and french onion soup as appetizers.
Luke’s Cafe
823 W Main St, Abingdon, VA 24210
11 – Rendezvous International Cafe
Rendezvous International Cafe is a cozy spot in Abingdon for breakfast, lunch, or an early dinner. (They open at 7:30 AM and close at 5 PM daily.)
This restaurant has the same owner as Greekos Cafe next door, and the food is equally good. What I like about both of his restaurants is the many healthy options on the menu.
The Mixed Berry Salad comes with fresh blackberries, strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries.
There are several crepe dishes to choose from, including savory and sweet. We really enjoyed the Strawberry Crepe with Nutella.
They have a fantastic barista, and the mocha lattes were rich and creamy.
Pro-tip:For something sweet, try the macaroons. They come from Macaron Cafe in NYC. They are known experts in how to make this delicious French pastry.
Rendezvous International Cafe
211 W Main St, Abingdon, VA 24210
12 – Spring House
The historic Spring House in downtown Abingdon houses a coffee shop, cider taproom, and tea shop.
I only had time to pick up a lovely pastry from Wolf Hills Coffee, but several locals say their coffee is fantastic.
Likewise, several locals suggested Tumbling Creek Cider which is not surprising as they recently won awards for being one of the top cideries in the country.
Abingdon Teas and Botanicals is also located in the Spring House, and even though I didn’t get to try any of their teas, I’d like to go back and have a cup of tea or buy of bag to take home. Most of their teas are locally grown, so it’s a great place to try tea in Appalachia.
Spring House has a lot of comfy space to enjoy your tea, coffee, or beer, and they offer fun events like paint night, quiz night, and live music nights. Overall, it’s a terrific place to relax and enjoy locally-made beverages.
The Spring House
112 Court St NE, Abingdon, VA 24210
13 – Summers Roof and Cellar
If you’re looking for a top-notch dining experience in Abingdon, check out Summers Roof and Cellar. This restaurant is known for its delicious food and stunning rooftop views, and it books up quickly!
We couldn’t get a reservation for dinner, but we stopped by to see if we could snag a spot at one of the outdoor firepits for a glass of wine. We were lucky – we got there before the dinner rush and enjoyed the views while sipping a co*cktail and glass of wine.
I hope to try the food soon, as the chef and menu are getting rave reviews.
The locals suggested several other restaurants that I didn’t get a chance to try. Since this town has won so many awards for its amazing food, I hope to be back to try these top dining spots. They include:
- The Peppermill – Housed in a historic home with a large front porch where you are welcome to dine with your dog. Guests rave about the BBQ Nachos, Chicken Salad, Chicken Quesadillas, and co*cktails.
- JJ’s Sports Bar – Guests love the atmosphere and food at this friendly local sports bar. Favorite dishes include the JJs burger with deep-fried jalapenos and pimento cheese. Other favorites include Crawfish Fritters and Fried Green Tomatoes. They also have a great selection of draft beers.
- Bonefire Smokehouse – Locals rave about the food and service. Favorite dishes include brisket, ribs, collard greens, potato salad, and cornbread fritters. Some claim that they have the best BBQ in the country.
The Best Vineyards & Breweries In Abingdon, VA
14 – Wolf Hills Brewing Co.
Wolf Hills Brewing is a great place to go for a beer in Abingdon. They have plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, and dogs are welcome at the outdoor seating.
We loved enjoying a beer while we listened to the band outside. And the beer selection is excellent, with something for everyone.
Our favorite beers were the Blackberry Gose and the Creeper Trail Amber Ale.
They sometimes have a food truck on-site, which is excellent if you want something to eat with your beer.
Wolf Hills Brewing Co.
149 Deadmore St SE, Abingdon, VA 24210
15 – Abingdon Vineyards
If you enjoy a glass of wine, don’t miss Abingdon Vineyards. This 13-acre vineyard is beautiful, and the outdoor area alongside the creek is very relaxing.
You can enjoy flights or glasses of wine, and they also have several picnic tables if you want to bring your own food.
All of the wines were delicious, but the Honeysuckle wine was our favorite. We bought a bottle to go.
Pro-tip: Bring water shoes if you’d like to play in the creek. My husband and I couldn’t resist wading in the water.
Abingdon Vineyards
20530 Alvarado Rd, Abingdon, VA 24211
16 – Katbird’s Wine & Gourmet
I didn’t get a chance to go inside Katbird’s Wine & Gourmet on my visit to Abingdon, but I heard so many great things from the locals that I snapped a picture and made a note to go back on my next trip.
The shop is known for its extensive wine and beer selection, which features rare and hard-to-find varieties.
They are also known for their terrific selection of imported cheeses, lunch meats, jellies and spreads.
Katbird’s Wine & Gourmet
230 E Main St, Abingdon, VA 24210
Abingdon is truly a foodie paradise. Whether you’re looking for a five-star dining experience or a casual meal with friends, you’ll find everything you’re looking for here.
It’s no wonder Abingdon has been named USA Today’s best small-town food scene for several years in a row. From farm-to-table restaurants to cozy cafes, there’s something for everyone.
Bon appetit!
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