Lunch in Va, off US route 301

We'll be traveling southbound on Dec 27th from NY to SC and wanted to stop for lunch in northern Virginia not too far off US route 301. We've always taken I-95 in the past but wanted to try something different. Any suggestions?
Susibell

Good decision! Get off the Big Road and see our grand country up close and personal!

The only place that comes to mind, given your northern VA requirement, is the Port Royal Tavern. Last time we went by it looked closed, but check it out. As you head south across the Rappanahock River, it's immediately on the right after the bridge. If you get to the US 17 intersection, you've passed it. It's an historic (I almost said quaint) building, the lunch was delicious, and the folks were friendly.

I hope it's still going...keep us posted.

Bob C in NC

If you can hold out 'til you get as far south as Ashland, VA., you could try The Smokey Pig barbecue. You'll have to veer over to Rt. 1 when you get down to Hanover Courthouse on Rt 301. The address is 212 S. Washington Hwy., Ashland, Va. I've eaten there many times and the barbecue is very good.

BTW, HollyEats rates it 4 Grease Stains http://www.hollyeats.com/SmokeyPig.htm


Frank

Smokey Pig in Ashland was our first choice. It sounds wonderful, but unfortunately they're closed on Mondays.

Here's a couple satisfying stops in southern Maryland. When you reach Waldorf, head south on route 5 for about 15 miles to Charlotte Hall. On the southbound side of the road is St. Mary's Landing. Stuffed ham is always on the menu, along with seafood typical to the region. I've also had good fried chicken there but I think they only do that on certain days of the week. See the Stern's review on this website. Further south, about 10 miles before 301 crosses the Potomac into Virginia, you'll pass Johnny Boy's Ribs in La Plata, Maryland. Very convenient to your route, as you'll be driving right by it. Look for the smoke.

And in Virginia, a worthy detour is Allman's Barbecue in Fredericksburg, an oldie but goodie. I think it's on Rte 1, close to Mary Washington College. It'll take you off your route a bit, but if you wanted to get back on I-95, you could do so there.

I haven't been to Johnny Boy's in quite awhile as I always use I-95 to and from D.C. I would second everything jpatweb said. It's the "real mccoy" and one of the few real roadside barbeque pits (a la the Deep South) that you'll find that far North. Love the ribs and the pork sandwich. Definitely worth the stop!
QFan
Bonita Springs, FL

Not in Virginia, but a great stop in Maryland if it's about lunch or dinner time
is The Angler in Kent Narrows (Grasonville, MD). Where 50 and 301 run together you need to get off at the Kent Island West exit about five miles before you would cross the Annapolis Bridge. The Angler has an excellent crab cake and other local seafood specialties.

BTW: For the past ten years or so, we've been picking up 301 at Wilmington, Delaware and following it all the way to join 95 about 20 miles
north of Richmond. A couple of times we've stayed on 301 almost to Petersburg - but it gets pretty slow in that area even though it is a nice ride on a nice day -you get to see a whole lot of rural Virginia.

We always pass thru LaPlata in the morning so have never stopped at Johnny Boy's. We've seen the sign and the smoke, We''have to changeour itinery when we go south in January and make that a necessary stop.

Cheers, John

Richmond is in the vicinity of Rte 301, although it is not exactly Northern Virginia. One of my favorite places in Richmond is Freckles a good ol' boy bar/restaurant in the Libbie Grove Neighborhood. Good Fried Chicken, excellent banana pudding and Sweet Tea. Another place I went to is called Dabney's, an African America Jazz Supper Club near the greyhound bus station. Amazing Fried Chicken and delicious limp green beans. Both places also have spoon bread. A local favorite of the Mid South.
www.billofare.com/0426.htm
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Gypsy Bob - good news, the Port Royal Tavern is still around and is a nice place to eat. http://www.thetavernofportroyal.com

Just a mile south of the tavern, at the crossroads of 301 & 17, you'll see one of the last remaining Horne's (in fact, this one is the old flagship restaurant. Standard diner fare, good milkshakes, always a good meal. My wife has proclaimed the bathrooms "dodgy."

If you're continuing down 301 to Richmond, hitting the Smokey Pig in Ashland would be worth it. If you're by chance taking 17 down south, there are some other places, too.

I want to thank you TJ for the detailed response, I think this will be the goto post for anyone wanting the real deal on roadfood in Cincy. It has been confirmed we are going to be there an extra day, still on topic - Louisville - Should we do the brown hotel? The sander's chicken place? We may drive out into bourbon county that day(hit a distillery or two). We are getting in at 8am so breakfast lunch and dinner in Louisville and around there is likely. Sunday will be Cincy. These guys love to drive. I saw the louisville bytes website, but so many options!

I think you responded in the wrong thread, mrphil :-)