Dear Dining Detective,
Are there any restaurants around here that aren't just in Lexington or Buena Vista? I feel like I've been to every restaurant around here. I usually don't mind driving to places like Waynesboro or Lynchburg to go out to eat, but sometimes I just don't feel like driving. Are there any places I can go for something different?
The Dining Detective in on the case!
Lexington and Buena Vista have a decent assortment of restaurants, for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The surrounding cities offer a wider selection, especially for chain restaurants. If you don't feel like driving 45 minutes - an hour for something different, there are at least two options I can give you. But, you'll probably still need to drive a bit.
If you feel like enjoying a scenic drive and finding a hidden gem, two restaurants come to mind: Scotto's Pizza in Glasgow and Gertie's in Vesuvius.
The people reading this article will fall into one of three categories:
- They have eaten at one or both of these restaurants and know how good the food is.
- They have heard about one or both of these places and have been meaning to go there some time.
- They have never heard of these places before reading this article.
If you are in any of these categories, you should eat at Scotto's and Gertie's!
Scotto's Pizza is, of course, known for it's pizza selection but they have more offer than cheese and pepperoni. In addition to their pizzas, they have sandwiches, pasta, hot dogs and hamburgers, and a few desserts.
Personally, my favorite items on the menu are the fried pickles and their hamburger steak. I usually have fried pickles in chip form, but these bad boys are spears and you get about 6 of them. The breading is well-seasoned and hardy, not soggy at all. They're served with a side of ranch dressing but they taste great with or without that. The hamburger steak is one large patty, smothered in a homestyle brown gravy and topped with sautéed onions and mushrooms. That comes with a side, like mashed potatoes, and two rolls. Both of these items have me going back for seconds.
Their "special" items are some of their best, like their special pizza and special cheesesteak sub. If you like mushrooms, peppers, and onions, definitely put these in your order!
Gertie's looks like it's an old convenience store, and that's because it used to be! It also used to have a gas pump, but that was before it was a restaurant. The current owners have run it since 2019. The menu includes burgers (with locally sourced beef), salads, subs, and sandwiches. There are also beer and wine choices. Plus, a breakfast menu!
Personally, my favorite items on the menu are the fried cheese curds and the BBQ pulled pork sandwich. I cannot stop myself from eating the cheese curds, especially with Gertie's special sauce. Now, I know there are so many great BBQ places around here, but that sauce at Gertie's is one of my favorites!
But the burgers don't mess around at Gerties! Each one is piled high and full of flavors! Not only do you get a thick, locally sourced beef patty, but you can have fried pickle chips, onion rings, and even candied jalapenos on it. Order it with a side of something crunchy, like fries or onion rings, or pair it with some of their caramelized brussels sprouts.
It's no secret that both of these eateries don't look like much from the outside. Honestly, they look like your run-of-the-mill greasy spoon, but you'll be surprised with your dinning experience. Both restaurants have strong menus and their dishes have elevated flavors. You'll probably need more than one napkin when you eat a cheesesteak from Scotto's or attempt Gertie's Signature Sauce Burger without a knife and fork, but you may find yourself coming back for more.
If you have a dining mystery you need help solving, just ask the Dining Detective!
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