Favorite restaurants, taverns, and bars near battlefields

[hlightcap]

What are your favorite spots to grab something to eat and wash it down with your favorite beverage before or after visiting a battlefield?

I never go to Gettysburg without stopping at Cashtown Inn and always stop by Hanover Tavern near North Anna Battlefield when in the area.

[prroh]

At Antietam, I eat lunch at the Battlefield Deli right down the road. The Red Byrd Motel is OK but seems to change hands every year.

At Gettysburg, I usually go alone and eat at the Chinese Buffet behind Friendly's. It is excellent both in value and quality. The Cashtown Inn is good but the Dobbin House in Gettysburg is better,IMO. The pizza place is suprisingly good for rural PA.

Hanover, PA has Famous Lunch on the diamond. What's famous? Their homemade weiners, so good that the counterman said that people come from as far away as York (maybe 15 miles) to savor the fare.

Around Manassas, there are dozens of fast food places but not much else.

Fredricksburg there is the old hotel and the drug store with one of the last lunch counters in a privately owned drug stores.

For Spotsylvania, there is the bowling alley.

Mine Run has few fast food places but bring along a bag lunch makes more sense.

Wilderness has some fast food places in nearby strip malls.

Richmond has the Fan District with many nice places plus the Jefferson Hotel for the extra special place.

Chattanooga has the Chattanooga Choo Choo area.

Bentonville area -good luck try a nearby town.

[ole]

Good thought, hlightcap. Hadn't thought about it much. Shiloh doesn't have but one eatery within 10 minutes, and that's overrated. Sharpsburg does have at least one decent burger bar. Perryville is in a dry county, but the Marathon and BP gas stations will do.

Haven't been to Gettysburg yet, but it would seem that everyone who has been there has a favorite burger bar or restaurant.

Keep it rolling, folks.

Ole

[Nathanb1]

We decided to go all out and be "touristy" so we ate at the Farnsworth House (Gettysburg). It wasn't cheap, but what we had was delicious. They had homemade rye bread (excellent) on the table, with a selection of pickled stuff typical of the 1800's in the area, then german potato salad with a wild game casserole (duck, venison, etc). I noticed some folks who ate standard-type food didn't fare so well and weren't happy with the food. We loved the atmosphere, and the food. We had also stopped in Emmitsburg for breakfast at a little place which had baked goods and homemade sourdough toast -- delicious and very cheap for what we got. And in Sharpsburg we had some really good ice cream cones--just right for walking up and down the street looking at the houses (and imagining buying some of the older ones!)

[Ellsworth avenger]

Aberdeen Barn Williamsburg,I'm a prime rib nut.

[hlightcap]

Great spots everyone. Dobbin House and Farnsworth House are two great historic eateries in Gettysburg. If in ever makes it near Two Taverns near Gettysburg, there is a great Italian place (forget the name) with homemade Sangrias.

[prroh]

. Sharpsburg does have at least one decent burger bar.

I guess you are not talking about Sharpsburg, MD. If so, the place must be off the beaten track.

Forgot about Petersburg. There is nuttink nearby. The city is a virtual ghost town.

Appomattox has a nice B& B with a pretty good restaurant but otherwise very little. My wife and I were steered to an Italian place in a strip mall nearby that would delight an eight year old and little more.

[ole]

It was there, prroh, and on the main drag. Visited about 20 years ago and there was one place in Sharpsbug to get a burger and a beer. There might be more now, and it might be gone. I don't remember if the burger was good or not, but I really needed the beer. And most any beer is good when deprived for more than 24 hours.

Are you saying that there is no eatery in Sharpsburg now? Want to get back there one more time and will be disappointed if I have to go to Shepherstown for lunch.

Ole

[prroh]

Are you saying that there is no eatery in Sharpsburg now? Want to get back there one more time and will be disappointed if I have to go to Shepherstown for lunch.

Ole

bar food or lunch joints. No table cloth type places

[K Hale]

Great thread!

At Gettysburg, I usually go alone and eat at the Chinese Buffet behind Friendly's. It is excellent both in value and quality.

Glad to know this. I'm always wary of trying Chinese places I haven't been to before. Is the pizza place you referred to Tommy's? I haven't tried that either.

I'll add another vote for the Dobbin House. We've also eaten at the Farnsworth, and I went into heaven over the spoonbread and apple butter, neither of which I had ever eaten before. Separately they're good; together they're on another level entirely. Their pumpkin fritters were also really tasty. I can't say I liked the pot pie thing, though.

I liked Friendly's... it was very reliable. And they really are friendly. General Pickett's was decent, on a buffet level.

People rave over O'Rorke's, but I haven't been there.

Lincoln Diner is supposed to be good for breakfast, but not much else -- anyone know if that's so?

On the other hand, Hunt's Battlefield Cafe: Yuck.

[prroh]

Great thread!

Glad to know this. I'm always wary of trying Chinese places I haven't been to before.
They also have sushi and an American food island. Last time I was there I had 15 freshly shucked oysters

Is the pizza place you referred to Tommy's? I haven't tried that either.

It is indeed, thanks for the reminder

I'll add another vote for the Dobbin House. We've also eaten at the Farnsworth, and I went into heaven over the spoonbread and apple butter, neither of which I had ever eaten before. Separately they're good; together they're on another level entirely. Their pumpkin fritters were also really tasty.

I can't say I liked the pot pie thing, though.

Too much gluten? Pot pies can get that way, if they sit too long

I liked Friendly's... it was very reliable. And they really are friendly.

I like the booth-like arrangement at the counter. When there I usually get soup and a grilled ham, cheese and tomato sandwich although I find that I have to give detailed instructions about putting the tomato slices on BEFORE grilling

General Pickett's was decent, on a buffet level.

General Pickett's is fast and more gormand than gourmet.

People rave over O'Rorke's, but I haven't been there.

I am seldom there in the evening and am usually alone in the day so tend towards the simple .

Lincoln Diner is supposed to be good for breakfast, but not much else -- anyone know if that's so?
Never have been

On the other hand, Hunt's Battlefield Cafe: Yuck.

Now tell us what you really think. Don't hold back.

This is an interesting thread

[K Hale]

Well, some of what Hunt's has might be good; I don't know. But for the love of God, do not ever get the hot dog. Ever, ever, ever.

I like a good hot dog. Hunt's was epic fail. Just really nasty. Glad to know about the place in Hanover. Wish I'd known about it last year when I was there.

Oh, I thought of something else: I haven't been there, but there's a place in Fairfield, PA that serves something called General Lee's Chicken and Biscuits. Fried chicken with biscuits, all covered in cream gravy. It sounds fabulous. It's another one of the historic inns and Lee is supposed to have stopped there on the retreat. Anyone remember the name of this place and has anyone been there? It may be called simply the Fairfield Inn, but I'm not sure.

[bama46]

Great thread!

Glad to know this. I'm always wary of trying Chinese places I haven't been to before. Is the pizza place you referred to Tommy's? I haven't tried that either.

I'll add another vote for the Dobbin House. We've also eaten at the Farnsworth, and I went into heaven over the spoonbread and apple butter, neither of which I had ever eaten before. Separately they're good; together they're on another level entirely. Their pumpkin fritters were also really tasty. I can't say I liked the pot pie thing, though.

I liked Friendly's... it was very reliable. And they really are friendly. General Pickett's was decent, on a buffet level.

People rave over O'Rorke's, but I haven't been there.

Lincoln Diner is supposed to be good for breakfast, but not much else -- anyone know if that's so?

On the other hand, Hunt's Battlefield Cafe: Yuck.

Lincolndiner is good for Breakfast. General Picketts was good, however an hour after lunch, we all found ourselves seeking ... ahem, comfort stations, again and again!

Halfway between Vicksburg and natchez is a huge old warehouse that from the outside looks like it is a derelect, but inside is the most marvelous food and the nicest owner you would ever meet. He even sings about "my granmomma's cawn bread" You can get instructions at the VC... can't remember the name, but sure remember the blackberry cobbler

Charles Town now has a racetrack and attached is a very nice resturant. You can dine whilst watching your money go away on 4th place nags!

Sharpsburg has only one resturant/bar but the beer is cold and the burgers tasty!

I can never remember the name of the place outside Shiloh, just how to get there!
If ever in Florence, Alabama, its Dale's!

[prroh]

Oh, I thought of something else: I haven't been there, but there's a place in Fairfield, PA that serves something called General Lee's Chicken and Biscuits. Fried chicken with biscuits, all covered in cream gravy. It sounds fabulous. It's another one of the historic inns and Lee is supposed to have stopped there on the retreat. Anyone remember the name of this place and has anyone been there? It may be called simply the Fairfield Inn, but I'm not sure.

Strangely enough, this two hundred and fifty year Inn located in Fairfield , PA is known as the Fairfield Inn. Who wooda thought?

[Nathanb1]

Great thread!

Glad to know this. I'm always wary of trying Chinese places I haven't been to before. Is the pizza place you referred to Tommy's? I haven't tried that either.

I'll add another vote for the Dobbin House. We've also eaten at the Farnsworth, and I went into heaven over the spoonbread and apple butter, neither of which I had ever eaten before. Separately they're good; together they're on another level entirely. Their pumpkin fritters were also really tasty. I can't say I liked the pot pie thing, though.

I liked Friendly's... it was very reliable. And they really are friendly. General Pickett's was decent, on a buffet level.

People rave over O'Rorke's, but I haven't been there.

Lincoln Diner is supposed to be good for breakfast, but not much else -- anyone know if that's so?

On the other hand, Hunt's Battlefield Cafe: Yuck.

I will say, the game pie "revisited" me frequently that evening, but I thought it was pretty good when I originally ate it. Thank you for mentioning the spoon bread and apple butter! That's one of the things I loved most and which you don't find everywhere!

The night we were in Sharpsburg (about 9 p.m. in July) there was only one place open, and all they were serving were soft drinks or tea and ice cream--however, they had menus up for sandwich/pizza type stuff.

And which side of the road is the place near Vicksburg? I will go a good distance for blackberry cobbler.

[Copper, 83rd PA INF]

I think everytime I've been to Gettysburg, I've always packed a lunch to eat on the go. The only restaraunt I've ever eaten in was that one time at General Pickett's. It was okay. Nothing to write home about.

[pamc153PA]

Tommy's is the pizza place I think you're talking about in Gettysburg. Pizza's good, and the location is just down the street from the old VC about two-three blocks. Another good pizza place in town, about a block off the Square, is Mama Ventura's--alittle more upscale than Tommy's but by no means stuffy or expensive. Good even if you're toting kids around, like me. And a third newer, good pizza and subs and a beer place, La Bella Italia, which in the way into Gettysburg on Rt. 15, before you come to the light where you turn right toward the Square. The service and the food was great there.

Battlefield Fries in the Steinwehr "strip" (across from the Travelodge) has great fries; The Avenue Diner is fine with the usual diner fare, tho sadly, not as good as a few years ago, before the original owners sold it. They used to have great sweet potato fries.

The Lincoln Diner does have good breakfasts, but otherwise isn't anything to write home about.

I've eaten at the Friendly's outside town, and it's a nice change from fast food (see "toting kids around" above). Haven't eaten at the Chinese place--I'm kind of picky about my Chinese, or maybe leery is the word.

I've eaten at Farnsworth, Dobbin and Cashtown, but not real recently, so I'll pass on my opinions.

Wow, now I'm hungry!

Pam

[K Hale]

Thank you for mentioning the spoon bread and apple butter! That's one of the things I loved most and which you don't find everywhere!

The only thing I found weird was that spoon bread is not bread (it's a grits casserole!) and apple butter is not butter...

When I got back home I looked for apple butter in the grocery store and was surprised to find it. One or two brands hidden among the jam/jelly section. Now there's always a jar in my fridge.

[K Hale]

I think everytime I've been to Gettysburg, I've always packed a lunch to eat on the go. The only restaraunt I've ever eaten in was that one time at General Pickett's. It was okay. Nothing to write home about.

Yeah, one wouldn't rave about it, really. It's just fast and pretty reliably decent. The movie memorabilia is cool, though.

[Nathanb1]

Ah...in my former life as a home economist, I had to learn to make spoon bread for a final in Food Prep in college. I love it, but it's a pain in the rear to make.

[K Hale]

Battlefield Fries in the Steinwehr "strip" (across from the Travelodge) has great fries;

Don't eat the hot dogs.

The Avenue Diner is fine with the usual diner fare, tho sadly, not as good as a few years ago, before the original owners sold it. They used to have great sweet potato fries.

I think we ate there last year. Is it kinda next-door-ish to some famous person's art gallery?

[pamc153PA]

K,

Yes, the Avenue is near, is it Gallon's, I believe? Or Kunstler? Anyway, you have the general area.

Thanks for the heads up about the hot dogs !

Pam

[bama46]

I will say, the game pie "revisited" me frequently that evening, but I thought it was pretty good when I originally ate it. Thank you for mentioning the spoon bread and apple butter! That's one of the things I loved most and which you don't find everywhere!

The night we were in Sharpsburg (about 9 p.m. in July) there was only one place open, and all they were serving were soft drinks or tea and ice cream--however, they had menus up for sandwich/pizza type stuff.

And which side of the road is the place near Vicksburg? I will go a good distance for blackberry cobbler.

It is an old cotton warehouse on the west side of the hiway.... US 61. There may be a sign, but I don't remember one. We found out about it by asking for a good place to eat at the VC in Vicksburg. We had told the volunteer there we were making a side trip to Natchez and she said we HAD to stop there. She was right. Inside the place, the ceilings are probably 20+ feet tall, glass fronted shelves along both walls, some "antiques" around the place and there must be 10,000 business cards stapled to various flat surfaces...mine is there too, now.
The menu is homemade by the owner and his family
Fried Chicken, okra, turnip greens, corn, cornbread, butter beans, I think I remember some short ribs,.. just home fare that I grew up on.. and of course blackberry cobbler and ice cream.... there is another cobbler as well...peach maybe...

Serving style is buffet except for the cobblers which he brings you himself..
Neat, cool, gentleman, we have a short video form someone's phone as well as a lot of pictures

[K Hale]

K,

Yes, the Avenue is near, is it Gallon's, I believe?

That was it, Dale Gallon! Yeah, the Avenue had good food. I recall an open faced turkey sandwich that was quite tasty.

Kunstler is in some massive edifice near the square...

[larry_cockerham]

One of the best is Patti's in Grand Rivers, KY at the northern edge of Land Between the Lakes just off I-24. This is the road going south toward Dover and Ft. Donelson. They are awfully proud of their 2-inch thick pork chops and rightfully so. Really good admosphere, food and service. This is an unsolicited testimonial. I don't have a dog in the hunt.