About
If you're seeking nostalgic, homestyle cooking in a historical setting, only one restaurant will suffice: The Hillsville Diner!
This restaurant oozes history and lore because it's Virginia's oldest continuously operating streetcar diner. When dining here, you can proudly claim you've eaten in a restaurant on the National Register of Historic Places with the Hillsville Historic District.
The streetcar was built in the 1920s by the Mahoney Streetcar Company and moved to Hillsville in 1946 when it was decommissioned. Since then, The Hillsville Diner has been serving heaping helpings of home-cooked diner fare along with Southern Hospitality.
A bit of local lore is that since the streetcar was moved from Mount Airy, North Carolina, Andy Griffith visited it as a child. Whether true or not, this tidbit adds to the allure of dining at the restaurant.
The Hillsville Diner retains much of its vintage charm, including the original counter seating and chrome accents. During the Great Depression, it helped struggling families and continues to champion the area to this day.
So, add this iconic diner to your Blue Ridge Parkway for an authentic taste of Americana.
Vibe
Where does one begin describing the atmosphere of a vintage 1920s streetcar diner? Words like "nostalgic" and "vintage" lack the depth necessary to capture all that one will experience here.
With that said, The Hillsville Diner is a time portal to a simpler time, where locals sit on round stools at the counter sipping bottomless coffee. While some remodeling has occurred, much of the original materials and decor remain untouched.
The dining area boasts wood paneling that's aged yellow over time. Diner tables dot the room, covered in red and white vinyl tablecloths. The menu reads like a "who's who" of comfort food and classic diner favorites, all of which make the ambiance charming, welcoming, warm, and comforting.
While the decor is vastly important, the help staff make the diner shine. These friendly folk greet everyone with a smile, a kind word, and a kindness that makes everyone feel welcome. They're also your go-to for tips about visiting attractions like Jackson Ferry Shot Tower and other Blue Ridge Parkway sites.
Sure, visit to check out this historic eatery and grab a selfie, but be sure to savor the depth of the diner's character and the soul of the surrounding community.
The Hillsville Diner: Menu & Drinks
Home-cooked Southern fare abounds at this restaurant with a breakfast and lunch menu. You know the food's a must-try when you see locals flocking there! Since they offer various selections throughout the day, we'll focus only on some favorites.
The homemade biscuits with sausage gravy are the perfect stick-to-your-ribs meal before tackling the New River Trail State Park. The fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth biscuits, slathered with hearty sausage gravy and a blend of spices, are guaranteed to get your day off on the right foot!
The pancakes are another top pick cooked on a griddle until golden brown. But bring your appetite because these flapjacks will cover the plate!
Lunchtime features diner-style burgers with all the fixings, chili, soup, and sandwiches. Be sure to try the stewed beef, one of the restaurant's notable entrees.
Specials like the Strawberry Fields Forever salad will hit the spot for those preferring healthier options. Sliced chicken breast rests on a bed of greens surrounded by red strawberries, Feta cheese, and diced walnuts.
As we stated at the beginning, The Hillsville Diner offers a slice of Americana served with a side of history, making it a must-visit destination.
Local Tips
- Get there early for breakfast to beat the rush and get the freshest biscuits.
- Call for pick-up and take it to your Casago rental!
- Check their Facebook page for daily specials.
- Ask the locals at the counter for insider tips and hidden gems in the area.
