This Classic Virginia Roadside Spot Still Serves Comfort Plates Just The Way Locals Remember
Step through the doors of Mrs. Rowe’s Family Restaurant & Bakery in Staunton, Virginia, and you might swear you’ve stepped back in time.
Since 1947, this beloved local spot has been serving up Southern and Appalachian comfort food that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Every dish tells a story of tradition, care, and flavor.
Families, friends, and longtime locals gather here not just for meals, but for the welcoming atmosphere that makes you feel like part of the family. At Mrs. Rowe’s, comfort food isn’t just on the menu-it’s a way of life.
1. Southern Comfort Classics
The moment you sit down at Mrs. Rowe’s, the menu takes you back to simpler days. Plates of golden-brown chicken fried steak arrive at tables just as they did in the 1950s, crispy on the outside and tender within.
Regulars swear the meatloaf tastes exactly like it did when they were children, seasoned perfectly and topped with tangy tomato sauce. The spoonbread, a regional specialty somewhere between cornbread and soufflé, remains light and airy.
These aren’t trendy fusion dishes or deconstructed classics – they’re honest, straightforward recipes made the same way for decades because nobody wanted them to change.
2. Legendary Pie Selection
Ask any Staunton local about Mrs. Rowe’s, and they’ll inevitably mention the pies. Displayed proudly in glass cases near the entrance, these towering creations lure you in before you’ve even ordered your main course.
The chocolate meringue pie stands tall with peaks of fluffy meringue toasted to perfection. Apple pies emerge from the oven with golden lattice crusts and cinnamon-spiced fillings that aren’t too sweet or too tart.
Coconut cream, raisin, lemon, and dozens more varieties rotate through the bakery. Many customers admit to ordering a slice to eat there and taking a whole pie home for later.
3. A Time Capsule Of Flavors
My grandmother first took me to Mrs. Rowe’s when I was seven years old. Twenty-five years later, I brought my own daughter there, and the turkey dinner tasted identical – the same savory gravy, fluffy mashed potatoes, and tender slices of turkey.
This consistency isn’t accidental. The restaurant carefully preserves original recipes, cooking methods, and even serving styles that Mildred Rowe established decades ago.
Longtime staff members train newcomers in these traditions, ensuring the flavors remain authentic. For many families in the Shenandoah Valley, these unchanged dishes provide a rare connection to their past in a world that constantly changes.
4. Homemade Breads That Start Every Meal Right
Before your main course arrives at Mrs. Rowe’s, you’ll be treated to a basket of freshly baked bread. These aren’t store-bought rolls warmed in an oven – they’re made from scratch daily in the restaurant’s bakery.
The yeast rolls arrive warm, with steam escaping as you tear them open. Slather them with real butter that melts immediately into the pillowy interior.
On special days, you might receive slices of banana bread, pumpkin bread, or the restaurant’s famous spiced apple bread. These simple starters set the tone for the entire meal, announcing that everything you’re about to eat has been prepared with care and tradition.
5. Dining Room Atmosphere
I’ll never forget bringing my college roommate to Mrs. Rowe’s during parents’ weekend. “This doesn’t feel like a restaurant,” she whispered. “It feels like we’re eating at someone’s house.” That’s exactly the charm that keeps locals coming back.
The dining room features simple wooden tables and chairs that have welcomed diners for generations. Servers know many customers by name and remember their usual orders.
Family photos and local memorabilia line the walls, telling the story of both the restaurant and the community it serves. The background hum of conversation, occasional laughter, and the clink of silverware creates an atmosphere of comfort that no trendy eatery could replicate.
6. A Welcoming, Family-Friendly Atmosphere
Walking into Mrs. Rowe’s feels like stepping into a warm, homey dining room where locals have gathered for decades. The restaurant’s cozy booths, wood-paneled walls, and friendly staff create a welcoming environment for families and friends.
Many customers return regularly, enjoying the sense of familiarity and comfort that larger chain restaurants can’t replicate. Multi-generational families often come together for meals, making it a hub for community and connection.
The attentive service and relaxed setting encourage guests to linger over their food and conversation. This inviting atmosphere is a key reason Mrs. Rowe’s remains a beloved institution in Staunton.
7. Traditional Turkey Dinners
Mrs. Rowe’s signature turkey dinner is served year-round, giving diners a holiday-style meal anytime. Each plate includes roasted turkey, house-made dressing, mashed potatoes, gravy, and cranberry sauce.
The turkey is prepared fresh daily, emphasizing the restaurant’s commitment to quality and flavor. Diners, both locals and visitors, often return for this comforting classic.
Offering this dish consistently has helped establish Mrs. Rowe’s reputation for homestyle cooking. It remains a favorite choice for those seeking hearty, traditional Southern meals.