2009.10.29
Diners, Drive-ins, Dives in SWVa?
Guy Fieri/www.foodnetwork.com
"Diners, Drive-ins and Dives" is my favorite show on the Food Network. Even if I've just consumed an entire turkey and a pie (which I've never done before, but I'm just saying), I would probably still have to go find a snack while watching D, D & D. It just makes me so hungry.
Every greasy spoon visited by host Guy Fieri has obviously been highly recommended by the locals, and always has at least one really good signature dish. Fieri spends time back in the kitchen while the chef or head cook shows him how they make those signature dishes. Usually, it's a lengthy, from-scratch process. I don't know that I've ever seen anyone start by throwing a frozen beef patty on the grill or hauling out cartons of ready-made stock, but then again, I don't watch every episode or I'd weigh 400 pounds by now.
Every time I do tune in, I wonder what greasy dive Guy Fieri would find worth visiting in Southwest Virginia. Would he love watching the guys at Texas Tavern making a batch of chili? Drool behind the scenes at Short Sugar's Bar-BQ in Danville? Moan with ecstasy while devouring a plate of biscuits with sausage gravy at The Roanoker? Do any of those places even qualify as diners, or drive-ins, or dives? What does?
I posted this question over Twitter and Facebook last week and got some interesting suggestions about where Guy should go in Southwest Virginia. Read on for the list so far. Please keep adding to it, and if we can come up with a solid suggestion or two, I will send them to Mr. Fieri.
* Texas Tavern, downtown Roanoke
* Dip Dog Stand, Marion
* Hi-Lo Burger, Abingdon
* Burger Bar, Bristol
* Wildflour, Roanoke (I really like Wildflour, but I don't think this qualifies as a D, D or D)
* Pink Cadillac Diner, Natural Bridge
* Roanoke Weiner Stand, Roanoke
* Tavern on the Market, Roanoke
* Cavalier Store, Lynchburg (more like Central Virginia, but that's OK)
* Lil' Cucci's, Daleville
* Lew's, Roanoke
* Kenny's, Buena Vista
* New York Pizza, Vinton
* Dogwood Cafe, Vinton
* Gillie's, Blacksburg (Does Guy even do vegetarian?)
* Starlite Drive-In, Christiansburg
Nah, not Short Sugar's anymore. They used to be good, but the place really went downhill a few years ago, and hasn't improved. The crowds are no longer there. For Barbecue around here, the place to shoot for would be Pigs R Us in Martinsville. Delicious.
Comment by Tom Hanner — October 29, 2009 @ 12:38 pm
Star-lite is mostly the drive-in movies, though they do have a reasonable snack bar with some good food there. Perhaps you were thinking of Dude's Drive-In, which is in front of Star-Lite? They have good food, though pricey. My local dive would be Due South, they have the best smoked bbq in the region, by far, from what I've experienced.
Comment by Other John — October 29, 2009 @ 12:53 pm
Perky's Diner in Altavista is a must find for this show. Wonderful seafood, beef and much more right off the grill in a very quaint atmosphere. Can be found on Route 29 just below Lynchburg.
Comment by Debra — October 29, 2009 @ 12:54 pm
The Dip Dog is good!
Comment by Rob — October 29, 2009 @ 1:00 pm
Pop's Ice Cream and Soda Bar in Roanoke (hellooo!!!)...made to order shakes and sodas. I believe they make their own syrups for the sodas.
Comment by Roy Baugher — October 29, 2009 @ 1:03 pm
R&R Market in Radford (best fried chicken), Dude's Drive in (Christiansburg) and Hank's Drive In (Radford)
Comment by Jessica Alley — October 29, 2009 @ 1:13 pm
I sent a request to visit Texas Tavern, had no reply.
The Hub in Rocky Mount.
Comment by Shellie Leete — October 29, 2009 @ 1:22 pm
definitely Pigs R Us in Martinsville. Bowling's hot dogs in Franklin County - http://www.wdbj7.com/Global/story.asp?S=11111549 Although I am leery of eating there.
Comment by Shellie Leete — October 29, 2009 @ 1:24 pm
No one's mentioned Little Chef's on Williamson Road. It's certainly a greasy spoon!
Comment by Kathy — October 29, 2009 @ 1:53 pm
The White spot on the corner in Charlottesville
Comment by Pam Hubbard — October 29, 2009 @ 2:00 pm
Sorry folks...I have seen the show and, no offense, but the Texas Tavern is "not of the same quality" that Guy has on his show.
Comment by L — October 29, 2009 @ 2:38 pm
Cuz's in Tazewell County...The food is GREAT and the atmosphere is very funky! It's a dining adventure that Guy would love!
Comment by Betty H — October 29, 2009 @ 2:38 pm
Lindsey, before you send in the list I think it is your obligation to try each place in person, on the newspapers dime of course. Do you think your editors will go for that?
Comment by RJ — October 29, 2009 @ 2:45 pm
OK RJ, that would be sweet. I'll be back after the first of the year. And so much for my weight-loss goals. Haha!
But seriously, I think we should eventually boil this down to a short list and then I can get to each of them and check it out.
Comment by Lindsey Nair — October 29, 2009 @ 3:12 pm
Most definitely Pop's... the grill cheese sandwiches are phenomenal, not to mention everything else on the menu... and love the Wildflour idea (4th street OSW)... they always seem to focus on high quality food found in little unknown spots - i think Old Southwest would qualify... and their food is amazing! Great idea!
Comment by Chris — October 29, 2009 @ 3:50 pm
Bowlings Hotdogs in Franklin County (Rte 40) - they've got the best hot dogs, cheese and pinto beans! Love that place. Good food and cheap food!
Comment by Cameron — October 29, 2009 @ 4:00 pm
Lindsey,
many supporters on Facebook for DDD to come to the Texas Tavern...check it out:
http://www.facebook.com/groups.php?id=1158554854#/group.php?gid=98211480143
Comment by gedneyguy — October 29, 2009 @ 4:08 pm
What about Mike's Grill in Blacksburg? We have prospective families stop by our office at VT and we always recommend Mike's. Would they count as a dive? Not much on ambiance, but they have the best burgers in town.
Comment by Libby — October 29, 2009 @ 4:29 pm
Why not check out Greeks in B'burg (the supreme pizza is great and the cajun shrimp dip very good!) or the Hokie House for one their signature burgers on texas toast. Both would be great choices and the college town atmosphere is a plus for DD&D.
Comment by Melanie — October 29, 2009 @ 4:49 pm
Yummys on Main Street in Salem is a definite dive with awsome food.
Comment by Lisa — October 29, 2009 @ 4:50 pm
One more suggestion......PAUL's downtown...it is to die for!
Comment by Melanie — October 29, 2009 @ 4:51 pm
Debra - Shhh. Don't mention Perky's to anyone. I'm sure they are closed now anyway
Comment by ernie — October 29, 2009 @ 4:52 pm
NORTH STAR IN BUCHANAN
Comment by Joe — October 29, 2009 @ 5:10 pm
I lived in New York and New Jersey before moving down to Roanoke 7 years ago. I travel all over SW VA for a living and have eaten at almost all of these reataurants. Aunt Bea's is good in Galax and along 58 and the Frame Shop in Marion has a great chicken salad sandwich as well. Unfortionatly none of these restaurants have a signature dish like many of the featured places on Guy's show. I hate to tell you but the food here in the commonwealth is consistantly the worse I've ever had.
Comment by Andrew — October 29, 2009 @ 5:10 pm
BLUE RIDGE CAFE IN FLOYD
Comment by Joe — October 29, 2009 @ 5:14 pm
Clarence's in Ridgeway has some of the best, least expensive breakfast ANYWHERE! Great coffee, great biscuits!
Comment by ginny — October 29, 2009 @ 5:16 pm
I second PAULS downtown...not open for dinner but the wonderful Greek owners/cooks are super warm and welcoming, and she is also the cook for the Greek Festival, not many people know that...awesome cook and a sweetheart! If you go, get the chicken souvalki or pastitichio when they have it; unbelievable and the best priced place in town, hands down.
Comment by chris — October 29, 2009 @ 7:47 pm
Thelma's Chicken and Waffles. Definitely looks like a dive, but it is oh so good!
Comment by DD — October 29, 2009 @ 7:51 pm
Well, Lindsey, you know I'm a Marion boy, so I have to vote for the Dip Dog. Guy would love the Dip Dogs and the amazing onion rings. You'll definitely have to fall off the wagon on the diet for that day!
Comment by Jason — October 30, 2009 @ 12:21 am
I second North Star & Little Chef. Abbott's if they ever reopen. I have heard the will some day.
My comment on Thelma's. DD I'm glad you like them and continue to enjoy them. But unless they have changed in the nearly two years since I have been there then I will have to give them a thumbs down. Anyone feel free to update me. But I tried them three times only once were they good. First visit was horrible, second was good. The third and last time was just OK at best. Food was not hot. Every time the potions were very small (side dishes) and over priced because of the quantity.
Comment by Mike D — October 30, 2009 @ 1:03 am
A few years ago I actually emailed Guy to tell him about The Goody Shop in east Salem. That place is like no other. I looks so divish, it’s almost scary. You might even be afraid to eat there, but once you do you will never forget it.
You have to take out, because there is nowhere to sit. There isn’t much place to stand, either, because it is always packed. Open only for lunch, they have a daily special that, no matter what it is, will probably be the best of that food you ever ate. They do have a short order menu on the wall, but I have never seen anyone order from it. The Goody Shop actually has a sign on the wall that says Sit Down and Shut Up. The staff is downright surly, as if they know you are damn lucky to be getting this awesome food, and see no need to serve it with a smile.
They close for a month or so around the holidays to just bake. Their homemade rolls are heavenly, and they won’t sell them separately, you have to get the special. You can buy a whole pan of them, but you have to order way in advance. Apparently, there is so much demand for them and their fried sweet potato pies for the holidays that they don’t fool with lunch during late November and December.
Definitely a unique place.
Comment by Connie — October 30, 2009 @ 7:44 am
I agree with Cameron. Bowlings in Franklin County is truly unique with a ton of character. Oh, and the hot dogs, cheese and pinto beans are excellent!
Comment by Tom — October 30, 2009 @ 9:11 am
R&R Market in Radford is a convenience store, not a restaurant, but has some of the best fried chicken I have ever had. Might not make the list, but delicious.
Comment by Howard — October 30, 2009 @ 9:11 am
Texas Tavern? That makes Dip Dog look like fine dining!
Comment by Ken — October 30, 2009 @ 9:22 am
You need to get off the I-81 corridor and head further into the mountains. Ma and Pa's Restaurant in Castlewood (about 20 minutes from Abingdon, via a beautiful four lane drive) has yummy burgers, homemade pies and a full steam table with soup beans, greens and corn bread for those who don't want the wonderfuly chili dogs, "Jiffy Burgers" or Grilled Cheese fare. There are pin ball machines, sports memorabilia and a variety of amusements. They even have their own Facebook Fan Club. From Abingdon, head west on Alternate Route 58 toward Norton. Ma and Pa's is on the left just after you pass Castlewood HIgh School up on the hill, and before you get to St. Paul a few miles down the road. It's worth the trip!!!
Comment by Pru — October 30, 2009 @ 9:27 am
How could I forget Paul's?? When I worked in the 707 building I went there for lunch everyday, for the food and also because when I walked in the door I was greeted with "beautiful girl!".
I would also argue for the Market Building because there are so many good places in there and of course a cast of characters. But that might be an impossibility given the City's plans for the overhaul.
Comment by Lori — October 30, 2009 @ 9:51 am
The Williamson Road Pancake House - typical diner feel and great breakfast!!
Comment by Angela — October 30, 2009 @ 1:05 pm
I think in order for that show to come through here, they're going to have to find a place that has three things: 1) a unique dish not found anywhere else, or at least if it's not unique, it has some sort of unique flare. 2) the place has to have some sort of character. 3) The place can't just be any old restaurant either. It has to have a certain "blue-collar" aspect to it. The Texas Tavern certainly has the character, but is the Cheesy Western unique? Not really. Delicious yes, but tv-photogenic? I don't think so. Yummy's Griller is sort of unique, but the place is kind of tiny. Thelma's Chicken and Waffles is good, but the Chicken and Waffles thing is done in just about every major city, and done better. Same goes for all the hot dog and hamburger stands, BBQ joints, etc...
I really cant think of a place that would meet that kind of criteria, but if anyone out there knows of any truly unique dishes, yell em out. I want to try some crazy food. Oyster Tacos? Now that's unique.
Comment by scott — October 30, 2009 @ 1:47 pm
The 77 RESTAURANT in Ferrum, has THE BEST, BY FAR, hamburgers ANYWHERE. Their Little Giant is delicious!!
Comment by Susan — October 30, 2009 @ 3:19 pm
What about the Buchanan Family Restaurant?
Comment by Miss Milligan — October 30, 2009 @ 4:08 pm
How could I have forgotten The Home Place. That is my top pick by far!!
Texas Tavern had it's place for some. But it's not that great or special for this.
Comment by Mike D — October 31, 2009 @ 1:40 am
My vote goes to Mike's Grill in BBurg and of course, the Texas Tavern. Thier relish is one of a kind!
Comment by MRF — October 31, 2009 @ 9:12 am
My favorite is the Pine Top restaurant in craig couny just outside of New Castle.Everthing I've tried has been very good.Their pine top burger with halapenos to add a little spice is hard to beat.
They have several homemade cakes to choose from daily,and their pies are good too.
Nice scenic trip from I-81 down 311 to New Castle.
Comment by GG — October 31, 2009 @ 3:18 pm
I agree the Home place is superb if you're traveling down route 311.Open only Thursday- Sunday though
Comment by GG — October 31, 2009 @ 3:25 pm
Dude's Drive In in Christiansburg! It's a classic
Comment by Karen — November 1, 2009 @ 6:06 am
I LOVE "Triple D!" But you do NOT want to watch that show if you are hungry! Good grief, it just wears me out. I agree w/ Scott in comment #38, his thoughts are very well stated. Guy doesn't go to places that just have good food..he goes to places that have good food done differently. None of the places around here that I know of have what I'd say could compare w/ what I see on that show. Lori mentioned the Market Square Bldg. and that is probably the only thing here locally that I think might qualify. Just my opinion, wish I had other ideas!
Comment by Dennis — November 1, 2009 @ 10:19 am
DUDES DRIVE IN is the best Drive In Try a Dude Burger or one of their famous footlong hotdogs,You will go back.
Comment by Cindy Price — November 1, 2009 @ 3:26 pm
I'm a big fan of Mike's Grill in Blacksburg. Bowling's in Franklin Co. has lots of unique character and REALLY good hotdogs and cheese
Comment by Stephanie — November 2, 2009 @ 11:46 am
Lefty's in Blacksburg...
So, so good. Mikes Grill is another!
Comment by Alicia — November 2, 2009 @ 12:16 pm
He was on David Letterman tonight.
Comment by Mike — November 3, 2009 @ 12:31 am
Thelma's, definitely! The fried chicken is beyond delicious, and the sides -- expensive at a buck and some change? -- are out of this world. I am a fan of the chicken tenders and waffles, with a side of corn pudding or fried apples, depending on my mood. Load the plate up with maple syrup and hot sauce... perfection. At Thelma's, the service is great (you're the best, Tiffany!), the coffee's good and the price is right.
Also going to second the vote for Pop's. The Black & White float is insanely delicious. Is it true they make their own syrups? That just makes it all the more impressive.
Can't wait to try all the other suggestions out for myself. There are so many places I haven't visited.
Comment by Ariel — November 3, 2009 @ 11:26 am
The atmosphere at Texas Tavern is fantastic, as are the hours, and the people who work there. All of those qualify that joint as a great "dive."
But the food is the worst I have ever tasted anywhere. The "chile" is an abomination.
Comment by Dan Casey — November 3, 2009 @ 11:37 am
I'm just like Lindsey, Triple D is my favorite show on the Food Network. I've seen every episode and I've often wondered what restaurant in the area would fit the bill. All of the places on Triple D feature signature recipes and are all made from scratch. Until now, I could not think of a place until I read Connie's blog. The Goody Shop is definitely worthy of appearing on Triple D. I haven't been there in a while, but I do know the specials are to die for and all made from scratch. Yes Connie, I have ordered those dinner rolls many times for our holiday dinners. Melt in your mouth good. The fried pork chops and bbq ribs special will make you smack your...............well you get the picture. The portions are huge and prices are very cheap. Connie, you hit the nail on the head when you recommended The Goody Shop.
Comment by Tim — November 3, 2009 @ 3:24 pm
My vote goes to The Goody Shop in Roanoke. That place has been around for years, the food and atmosphere are great!
Comment by Waris — November 3, 2009 @ 4:03 pm
I would have to put The Goody Shop in Northwest Roanoke as the top pick. I think the sign, however, is missing a few letters, which makes it unique. Everything is made from scratch and and I also must ditto the homemade rolls. Make sure you order extras because you can never get enough of them. And, yes, the ladies will tell you to sit down and shut up, but the regulars and newcomers just ignore them, sit down and enjoy a good finger-licking meal and return the next day for one of their scrumptous specials of the day.
Comment by Lynn — November 3, 2009 @ 4:10 pm
I had forgotten about the Goody Shop, I haven't been there for ages. It absolutely fits the description of what Triple D is looking for. So far it is the only restaurant listed here that I know about which does. To be on Triple D it must be unique and the Goody Shop is indeed unique. The food is fantastic and homemade.
Comment by RJ — November 3, 2009 @ 10:55 pm
Goody Shoppe located in Roanoke, VA definitely gets my vote. Best homemade food in the valley! You name it--rolls, cakes, tarts, etc.
Food items make great gifts for the holidays. Once you experience the goodies, you are hooked.
Comment by Eunice — November 3, 2009 @ 11:11 pm
The Goody Shop is definately the best. I love the buttery rolls made from scratch, in addition to all of the other treats and cakes. My wedding cake was adored by many, thanks to the Goody Shop. Whenever my family has gathers for a Christmas or Thanksgiving holiday, we always have the rolls to make the feast complete.
Comment by Karim — November 4, 2009 @ 1:41 pm
Where is the Goody Shop? And where is Pauls...now I want to try all of the places on this list!
Comment by Kristen — November 4, 2009 @ 3:17 pm
Definitely, it is "The Goody Shop". Some places are known for one thing but this place is where everything is very is top shelf. The food is 5 star quality. Go there and try the special any day and be sure to get dessert. The prices are also very affordable. Tell them Ricky in ATL will be ordering something soon!
Comment by Ricky — November 4, 2009 @ 3:49 pm
I'm with Kristen - I've got to get to the Goody Shop! Someone tell me where it is!!
As for Paul's, Kristen, it's on Franklin Road in downtown Roanoke. If you are coming up Franklin from Williamson, you'll go through the stop light at Jefferson and Paul's is on the right side of the street just a few hundred feet after the light. You'll pass the barber shop, then an alley and Paul's is right after the alley I believe, It's across from a parking lot.
Comment by Lori — November 5, 2009 @ 11:01 am
Kristen,
the Goody Shop is on Melrose Ave; tucked in a small shopping mall across the street on Melrose from the Old K-Mart, just before Layfayette Blvd. and Melrose intersection...its on the end and you REALLY have to look for it!
Pauls is on Franklin Road, just before the Jefferson St. intersection, across Franklin Rd from the corner of Western Va. Water Authority. Make a point to speak to the owner...she is a doll and will steal your heart and your stomach!!
Comment by gedneyguy — November 5, 2009 @ 11:17 am
Paul's is downtown near the Anthem building right side of Franklin Road heading towards Poff building
Comment by Becky — November 5, 2009 @ 11:59 am
Kristen, The Goody Shop is at 2715 Melrose Avenue, just past the intersections with 24th Street and Lafayette. Thanks for helping Kristen out with Paul's directions, Lori and Becky. I was slacking
Comment by Lindsey Nair — November 5, 2009 @ 1:26 pm