This may be one of life’s greatest mysteries, but luckily Waynesboro always has the answer. If you’re a local foodie looking for your next go-to or a visitor on their way to somewhere slightly less exciting we’re about to break down all the local restaurants Waynesboro has to offer. Did we miss any? Let us know! Have a pic of your favorite restaurant you want to share? Tag us @VisitWaynesboro!
BBQ
Not only does The Fishin’ Pig have excellent BBQ, seafood, and chicken, they have a huge selection of craft beers with a great local atmosphere. Check out the ‘Pig Pen’ outdoor venue for live music every weekend in the summer with an outdoor bar and special Pig Pen menu featuring their famous BBQ!
This one-of-a-kind BBQ joint is tucked right in Downtown Waynesboro filling the streets with the sweet and savory smells of delicious smoked meat at various times of the day. Keep up with them on Instagram @c.csoulbistro so you’ll always know when fresh ribs are coming out of the smoker. You can also eat family style in their cozy dining room.
Breakfast (and lunch)
If you live in Waynesboro, there’s no need to say more. If you’re visiting and looking for an old school diner with a tag line like ‘Where Friends Meet to Eat’ and comfort food served with a smile, then you need to check out Weasie’s. Try out the Hungry Boy if you are, in fact, a hungry boy (or girl) for eggs, pancakes, breakfast potatoes, toast, and bacon or sausage. If you’re not THAT hungry, they have a full menu of breakfast and lunch faves.
Jo’s place looks pretty unassuming from the outside, kind of like a place where you need to be a regular to venture inside, but don’t let that deter you. Jo’s cooks breakfast just like you’re a guest in their home. They’re only open Tuesday – Saturday from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. but, even if you need to adjust your schedule, you need to find the time to pull up a stool at the counter and enjoy a homecooked breakfast or lunch special like grilled leg quarters.
Walking into Stella, Bella, and Lucy’s, named after the owners three dogs, is almost like walking into a well-appointed antique store. It is filled with beautiful furniture, wall hangings, and tea sets (some you can purchase) among the tables which stay full Tuesday Saturday from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. They have weekly quiche specials, build your own omelet, French toast, croissants and lots more to choose from. Be sure a get a reservation so you’ll be able to enjoy their fabulous breakfast and tasty lunch. It’s right downtown on Main Street, but you’ll know you’re there when you see the crowd waiting outside.
The newest addition to Waynesboro’s breakfast club, Crack O’ Dawn already had an established and thriving Farmers Market following when they decided to give their dedicated gluten free bakery a permanent home (don’t worry, they still do the Farmers Market in Waynesboro and Charlottesville on Saturdays). Serving up delicious, and I mean DELICIOUS even if you’re not gluten free, breakfast and lunch out of a cute-as-a-button farmhouse, Crack O’ Dawn also takes custom orders for breads, cakes, and anything else you might fancy for a special occasion or just because.
Coffee (and breakfast…and sometimes lunch)
Happ is a pretty HAPPening place (that’s the only HAPP pun well use, but there are LOTS, trust us) in Waynesboro’s East Main Corridor. Sharing a former brass foundry, factory, and showroom with a bunch of other really cool operations like Common Wealth Crush and The Foundry, Happ made their corner of the Virginia Metalcrafters Marketplace an industrial-chic oasis for even the most discerning hipster. You can get your caffeine fix from meticulously sourced in-house roasted beans and fill up with delish breakfast sandos and burritos with vegetarian and vegan options.
The French Press has been a coffee staple in downtown Waynesboro since 2015. They have a super cozy store front where most of the time there are several people enjoying their cup of joe and pastries in the huge front window, just like a movie. Head inside to get your coffee or tea just the way you like it. They have biscuits and sausage gravy for breakfast and lots of yummy paninis and salads for a light lunch. The French Press is the perfect spot to settle in and work or meet with some friends over coffee.
Bec’s is definitely one of the more unique spots on our list. Tucked in between a used furniture store and a memorial monuments shop, Bec’s is open at 5:00 a.m. every day for the early birds to grab their coffee. In addition to their coffee bar they also have donuts, pastries, bagels, ice cream, and daily lunch specials from 11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. You can take your coffee to-go, dine in, or sit on the porch and watch the world go by.
Bookkeeping and Management Systems opened in Waynesboro in 1987 and after an impressive 37 years decided to build a new, modern building right on Wayne Avenue in downtown Waynesboro (right beside the original). All of that to say, they put a cute little coffee shop right in the lobby! They feature thoughtfully sourced beans, monthly specials like lavender cold brew, light fare, and other drinks and they’ll bring your order out to you if your’e in a hurry or having trouble finding parking.
Burgers and Sandwiches (and Hot Dogs!)
Most Waynesboro natives know the Broad Street Grill as Tailgate Grill, but whatever you call it (the website is literally tailgategrillbroadstreetgrill.com) it’s known for the burgers and fries. Broad Street Grill has a super laid-back atmosphere with staff that will treat you like you’re a regular even if it’s your first time. Choose a spot in the dining room and watch your order be prepared behind the counter or head out onto the covered patio. Hungry? Get a huge double cheeseburger served on a tiny Styrofoam plate and side of fries that can serve the whole family. Dont forget the famous tailgate ranch, it goes with anything on the menu.
Mandi Smack took a chance and opened The River Burger Bar in downtown Waynesboro in 2020, right in the middle of covid. And that chance, thankfully, paid off. The River is one of the most popular hang outs in Waynesboro for locals, Appalachian Trail thru hikers, and tourists from all over the world. Have a seat at the bar, you never know who you might strike up a conversation with. Aside from their super popular burgers, The River also has giant pretzels that are soft and perfectly salted, sandwiches, salads, and more. And the best part? You can sub any burger for chicken breast, a turkey burger, a vegan Beyond Burger, or a garden burger.
The Barn doesn’t necessarily belong in the burger and sandwich category because there is no shortage of cuisine that has been perfected by Trey, owner and chef at The Barn. While their burgers are a staple on the menu and always fresh, never frozen, The Barn also serves the best fried chicken in town for just one or the family, foot long hot dogs, hoagies, Carolina style BBQ, gyros, salads, and specials. From the street it looks like your favorite TV show diner with neon signs advertising hot coffee, and, actually, the interior looks that way too with red vinyl booths and friendly service. This is one you have to try!
Delly Up is as unique a restaurant as its name suggests. Belly up to the huge, stainless-steel bar with comfy old school bar stools and get a drink from the bartender or wander over to the cooler for a look at dozens of craft beer options from all over the world. After you have the beverage situation all squared away, move on to the menu for lots of delicious sandwich options. Curried Chicken Salad, Pastrami Rueben, and the Phantom are just a few that come to mind (and make my mouth water). Delly Up also has fun events like karaoke every Thursday and Shakedown Saturdays (IYKYK).
Located in what has to be the smallest restaurant east of the Mississippi, Sam’s Hot Dog Stand is a tiny but mighty institution tucked right in between Shenandoah Valley Art Center and the Waynesboro Heritage Museum. With just a counter and a couple of stools, Sam’s churns out tons of good food including their famous hotdogs, every day. Stop in and grab a sack full of hotdogs with chili sauce or a pulled pork sandwich with fries at a really great price. *To note: there are lots of Sam’s locations, however, the headquarters is located in downtown Waynesboro and the owners of the downtown location are local as it is a franchise. We apologize for the oversite.
One of Waynesboro’s only old school bar style restaurants, 3rd Generations Grill has a reputation for FUN in Waynesboro. While you’re there be sure to try a burger with fresh ground beef cooked to order, a turkey pesto sandwich, or some of their popular steamed shrimp, but then grab a craft brew and hang out. With engaging friendly competition activities like cornhole and quiz nights, 3rd Generations Grill also has live music every Friday and Saturday night from 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Oh, and I don’t know how you can forget the rubber ducky claw machine, it has something of a cult following around here.
The Creek has all of the above: burgers, sandwiches, and hotdogs! Now open to the public, The Creek is the restaurant at Orchard Creek Country Club and offers weekly specials, live music, mixology classes, and paint and sip events, and serves Sunday Brunch weekly. Their beef hotdogs and Smashburger Sliders are perfect after playing 18 holes or if you’re in the mood for something a little fancier try their seared Scotties Salmon or the cast iron Ribeye.
Asian
Silk Road did such a transformation on a Shoney’s right off I-64 you can’t even tell it used to be one of America’s favorite roadside restaurants. Open the substantially ornate doors and you’ll find yourself in opulence. With no detail spared, Silk Road is a beautiful place to celebrate, enjoy a date, watch a game at the bar, or even pick up a to-go order. Their sushi is super fresh and rolled in an open kitchen. The Asian fusion menu promises there is something that will satisfy anyone. The staff is super friendly and accommodating. Hands down a great place for delicious food in a great atmosphere.
Ming Garden (as it’s affectionately referred to) is an internationally known Chinese buffet. Famous on the Appalachian Trail for serving up the most amount of calories for the least damage to your pocketbook, Ming Garden has carved out a niche fan club that sings its praises wherever there is a place to leave a review about food on the Appalachian Trail. Ming Garden is also popular with locals looking to take a picky family out so everyone is happy. Hibachi, unlimited buffet with all the Chinese staples along with pizza, chicken, and kid friendly items, and all you can eat crab legs for special occasions, means Ming Garden is definitely worth a try.
Located in an unassuming strip mall alongside an Ollies and a furniture store, Dragon’s Chinese Grill is excellent for Chinese takeout. With Chinese classics along with Lo Mein, seafood, a section for ‘Fussy Outside’ eaters, and family style entrees, Dragon’s is quick, has ample parking, and is centrally located in Waynesboro. They also have a small buffet if you’re dining in.
Another Chinese takeout place in an unassuming strip mall, but alongside a nail place this time. But, just like Dragon’s Chinese Grill, people swear this is THE BEST Chinese food in Waynesboro. They have a few exciting and different menu items like spare ribs, moo shu, chop suey, and curry. It’s quick and fresh!
I honestly didn’t know Osaka was as amazing as it is or that it was local. I was corrected my many, but specifically by a friend that goes there often. Osaka has amazing hibachi, the best in the area, and is a great spot for celebrations or just a casual night out. The sushi is fresh and could compete for best in Waynesboro. All around a great, local eatery and I stand corrected!
Restaurants Inside Breweries
Basic City is more than a brewery with food, it’s more like an expandable water toy that started as a tiny capsule but seems to grow every time you visit. Basic City beer is well known in its own right as a solid craft beer with a gold medal from the World Beer Cup while Basic City campus now houses the Foundry, Waynesboro’s largest concert venue that hosts local and international artists and everyone in between; the Showroom, a prohibition era/speakeasy style bar, a beercade with some nostalgic games from an arcade from the 80’s; and, now, FO Kit(chen). This isn’t just an average bar menu. FO Kit(chen) has a pretty elevated menu with brick fired Neapolitan pizza, different balls like falafel and risotto, charcuterie boards, and panini pressed sandwiches like the Redneck Reuben and French Hipster.
While these next two breweries aren’t technically in Waynesboro, we like to claim them anyway. Seven Arrows, literally a hop, skip, and jump over the city limits, is home to Nobos Kitchen. Nobos serves up some mean burgers and sandwiches along with specials and a robust brunch menu on Saturdays and Sundays. Grab a board game from Seven Arrows extensive collection or come out for open mic night, trivia, comedy night, or one of Seven Arrows other events and make a night out of it with dinner from Nobos.
Easily one of the most beautiful properties on this list, Stable Craft lives among the rolling hills and rural farmland in Augusta County. An actual, working horse farm, Stable Craft is definitely a destination brewery. While lounging in one of their outdoor spaces be sure to grab a menu and a beer. Their full menu offers everything from Beer Cheese Dip (our fave) to Filet Mignon. Stable Craft also offers lots of events and live music.
Pizza
The Waynesboro Ciro’s (there is also a location in Stuarts Draft) is an institution. While there are two distinct camps Ciro’s or Scotto’s, both are family-owned and operated for best pizza in Waynesboro, Ciro’s might win with a narrow margin. One of the few businesses left in Willow Oak Shopping Center, Ciro’s has been successfully serving pizza out of that location since 1976. Ciro’s does a huge carryout business but also has a dining room if you want to eat in. The menu is relatively small with no frills, but they’re obviously doing something right to have such a dedicated following of Waynesboro natives.
If you were born before 1990, walking into Scotto’s is going to bring back some memories. A converted old-school Pizza Hut, Scotto’s has been open since 1989 and all we can say is – thank God it’s not a Pizza Hut anymore. Scotto’s has pizza parlor basics but also a dining room and a menu nice enough to take a first date to. Stuffed mushrooms, veal saltimbocca, and scallops carbonara are just some of the things on the extensive menu. Whether you need quick carryout to feed the busy family or want to sit down and enjoy a multi-course Italian feast, Scotto’s has you covered!
New York Flying Pizza is the youngest local pizza place we’ve got in Waynesboro, opening in 2015. It’s a pretty typical pizza parlor with a large dining room and an even larger menu with everything from chicken marsala to tortilla salad and anything that comes in between. New York Flying Pizza also does delivery which is definitely a plus and is super family friendly if you’re dining in. Solid place to grab a pie on a night when you don’t feel like cooking.
Soup to Nuts
Heritage on Main has had a few different identities over the last dozen years they’ve been in downtown Waynesboro, but they are definitely in their success era right now. The atmosphere is elevated with muted complimentary colors highlighted by natural light from oversized windows in the high-ceilinged dining room and a bar right beyond that looks like a place you could get a great Manhattan. You can do brunch at Heritage on the weekends, and lunch and dinner service Tuesday Sunday. Their menu is delightfully fresh and well thought out with attentive service in an upscale atmosphere. Perfect for VIP visitors or casual lunch with friends.
A flagship restaurant in the burgeoning downtown, Green Leaf Grill offers comfort food with a twist. Chef/owner Chris Hollinger trained at the famed Commanders Palace Restaurant and brings some New Orleans flair to Waynesboro with menu items like Fried Alligator and Po Boys. The atmosphere is cozy and makes you feel like you’re dining in a much bigger city. Green Leaf Grill also has fresh seafood and a great selection of gluten free and vegetarian food and is the perfect spot to grab dinner before or after a night of theater at The Wayne.
Mexican
Dubbed the most authentic Mexican they’ve ever had in the states by quite a few hungry AT hikers and Waynesboro locals, La Sabrosita is a Mexican restaurant and a convenience store that has been family owned and operated since 2013. While the convenience store offers up a wide variety of hard to come by Latin food and products (like pinatas!), the restaurant is usually buzzing with regulars playing pool and a kitchen serving up ultra-authentic meals like chori pollo and sopa de res. Grab carryout or dine in and become one of the family at this amazing hole in the wall, you know, the kind that has the BEST food.
Plaza, as its commonly referred by the locals, is like the cool, older brother of the average Mexican restaurant. With an impressive outdoor music venue which hosts popular bands every weekend, karaoke every week, country line and salsa dance classes, and festivals like Reggae Fest, Woofstock, and Five Days of Cinco, Plaza still has food and drinks that are on point. Must tries are guac so fresh they make it at the table, authentic street tacos, and jumbo margaritas (pro tip: jumbos are only $5 on Mondays). Plaza is definitely worth a visit and conveniently located near Waynesboros hotel district.
Los Panchos is definitely elevated Tex Mex with expansive seafood and vegetarian menus. The portions are generous, the service is friendly, and the atmosphere is kind of like the Disney World of Mexican restaurants. Chips and salsa are on the house and they have a guac cart, what more could you ask for?!
El Puerto has been Waynesboro’s answer to an old school Mexican restaurant since 1999. Just the kind of experience you would expect; the service is swift and amiable with complimentary chips hitting the table before you can even get a drink order, and numbered lunch special combos that are a great deal. You know exactly what you’re getting at El Puerto and it’s a great carryout spot, the food tastes just as good after a quick ride as it does when it’s brought out of the kitchen. It’s the perfect spot to take a large party when the craving for a burrito strikes and the menu offers something for everyone.
The Category for the Restaurants that Don’t Fit into a Category
The Gumbo Hut is another pretty unique spot on the list. Michelle, the chef and owner, makes some mean gumbo, etouffee, creole, and sides. The small restaurant, decorated with a Mardi Gras flair, is on Waynesboro’s busy Main Street and has a full bar but limited dine-in seating. They do a great business, but the hours vary so it’s always a good idea to give Michelle a call at 434-260-1511 before you head over.
Bottles claim to fame actually has nothing to do with food – although it is really good and well get to that later but rather two words. MECHANICAL. BULL. This write up could end right here and that’s definitely a good enough reason to check Bottles out, but there is more: on demand karaoke whenever they’re open, tons of games like cornhole and pool tables, fire pits and an absolutely massive outdoor deck/shelter/hangout/game area, and, of course, a menu filled with your favorite bar foods like nachos and wings. They also have a huge list of beer, cider, seltzer, and malts. Bottles is 18+ after 9:00 p.m. there is a nominal entrance fee, and Sunday is Family Day.
Waynesboro is, unfortunately, lacking in the international food category unless its pizza or Mexican, so when a Taste of Cuba opened up, we were super excited and for good reason. A Taste of Cuba is tucked in a pretty run-of-the-mill shopping center, but the inside is nicely decorated and definitely makes you feel like you’ve stepped out of Waynesboro and into a Cuban café. There’s also outdoor seating! The food has rave reviews and you have to try the Cuban sandwich (of course) but also the empanadas, Ropa vieja, and all the different types of rice they offer. A Taste of Cuba is a must try.
And Last but Not Least, ICE CREAM
Klines’ iconic bright purple building with a huge, red neon sign makes it a ridiculously insta-worthy spot to grab a cone. Since 1943, this family-owned enterprise has taken their handmade ice cream production and ingredients seriously to make one heck of a smooth, delicious ice cream. Pick up a flavor calendar to make sure you always get your favorite, although they do have chocolate and vanilla all the time. They also have milkshakes, flurries, floats, and other favorites.
Although Willy’s is only open seasonally, opening day is as akin to the first game of baseball season in Waynesboro. This family-owned ice cream institution has been operating out of an unassuming building in a shopping center parking lot since the mid-90s and is still going strong today. They have weekly rotating flavors and floats, wizards, milkshakes, sundaes, and other specialties. Pro tip: ask for a milkshake punch card and after you get 10 you get the 11th FREE!
There you have it. We hope you get to try everything on the list and if we left anything off, let us know!
