13 to Eat: Restaurants Just Off I-95

We’ve previously given you some hidden gems worth a detour off of I-95, so we thought suggestions for great places to eat would be a logical addition. These restaurants are less than three miles off of Interstate 95 between Springfield and Ashland, and they’re four-star rated on Yelp. Try them out and let us know.
 
Mike’s American Grill – 4.5 stars – American (Traditional) – $$ – 1.3 mi. Exit 169 in Springfield

“Mike’s is consistently good food.” -B Y.
“Don’t skip out on this place! This needs to be a must.” -Adrianna C.
“Overall, excellent food.” -Kelly K.

This classic American steakhouse is the birthplace of the now famous Ozzie Roll. Mike’s American Grill surrounds their customers with neon, vintage baseball, and fellow fans for lunch, dinner, and wines. Check out a favorite meal, the Drunken Ribeye, with fresh salads. Mike’s has sandwiches, beef, fresh seafood, pasta, ribs, and desserts to make everyone in the family happy. With a long list of white and red wines to choose from, this is a great date spot or place to relax and unwind.
 
&pizza – 4.5 stars – Pizza, Vegan, Vegetarian – $ – 0.8 mi. Exit 169 in Springfield

“Employees are so professional and so friendly.” -Ann P.
“Two thumbs up to &pizza.” -Stephanie J.

&pizza will tell you, “We serve up experiences.” Connecting new and exciting tastes with the comfort of familiar ones, they find the perfect balance and combination to win you over. The gourmet handmade pies, trademark ampersand, and inventive combinations all make &pizza something you don’t want to miss. Taste signature pizzas like the Kiss & Fire with spicy tomato, meatballs and more. Or try the Backyard Garden with ricotta spread house made mozzarella local mushrooms. Even try out the loved Maverick with 39-day aged pepperoni and Italian sausage. Become your own chef by making your own pizza. No matter what, make sure to test out the dessert pizza.
 
Eleni’s Greek Taverna – 4.5 stars – Greek, Seafood, Mediterranean – $$ – 1.3 mi. Exit 169 in Springfield

“We were amazed and loved EVERYTHING!” -Anjelica B.
“I will definitely be returning.” -Nick M.

This family-owned restaurant immerses customers in the experience of traveling and dining in Greece. It’s an experience like never before. Every customer is treated like family and the authentic Greek food comes in generous portions for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Find the American fare mixed into the dining experience creating the best of both worlds. Founded by siblings who happen to be restaurant professionals, Eleni’s Greek Taverna is where freshness, family, and friendliness create your favorite meals whether they be new or classics.
Looking for more to do in the area? Consider stopping by Green Spring Gardens for a little bit of Virginia beauty.
 
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Two Brothers Chicken & Subs – 4.5 stars – Sandwiches, Fast Food – $ – 1.7 mi. Exit 156 in Woodbridge

“Great quality food” Christina C.
“This restaurant is a rare find” Valarie B.
“Love this place” Ash C.

Two Brothers Chicken & Subs creates fresh made to order food you’ll love. Try their Famous Fried Chicken, overstuffed subs, or specialty burgers. With lots of different choices on the menu from sub to sandwich the price is good for a great meal. Don’t forget the just as great fresh salads, seafood platters, and pizzas specialty.
Looking for more to do in the area? Don’t miss a visit to Leesylvania State Park to see beautiful landscapes and a chance to be in nature.
 
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Park Lane Tavern – 4 stars – Pubs, Gastropubs – $$ – 0.4 mi.  Exit 130B in Fredericksburg

“Best food I have had in a very long time.” -Adrianna A.
“I will be sure to stop in again!” -Michelle P.
“I adore this place!” -Heidi G.

A unique dining experience is set in a vibrant high energy, European tavern atmosphere at Park Lane Tavern. The restaurant itself is modeled after taverns in Europe to give all visitors a realistic and new experience. Take your mind off of stress while you dine in Europe, or Fredericksburg, Virginia. Park Lane is known for its handcrafted bar and its authentic look and taste. Come for lunch or dinner and choose between the American classic favorites or traditional European dishes with Whiskey Cracked Pepper Steak or Shepherd’s Pie and Bangers and Mash.

Park Lane Tavern

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Giorgio’s Family Restaurant – 4 stars – Mediterranean, American (New), Italian – $$ – 1.9 mi.   Exit 152 in Montclair

“Well Done, Giorgio’s!” -Peter W.
“Service was amazing and the food absolutely delicious!!!” -Lisa R.
“Very impressive.” -Ent L.

Feeding friends and family since 1999, Giorgio’s Family Restaurant has an amazing selection of both dishes and wines. Known for its great wine and service, the bistro menu is filled and we don’t want you to miss a bite. Try the fied calamari, seafood linguini, or the baked yiouvetsi. A retail wine shop and wine bar is also available on location so you can take home the goodness. Special events are always happening such as “Greek Nights,” wine tastings, and New Years Eve Celebrations. It is a favorite meeting place for the locals who enjoy the personal service Giorgio’s is so proud of.
Looking for more to do in in the area? Visit the National Museum of the Marine Corps to learn about the essential aspects of U.S. military. And don’t miss out on visiting the Prince William Forest National Park full of a beautiful scenic landscape waiting to be explored.
 
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McCoy’s BBQ – 5 stars – Barbeque, Food Truck – $ – 2.5 mi.  Exit 130B in Fredericksburg

“Best ribs I’ve had!” -Lena M.
“Best BBQ in town.” -Akilah A.

Fredericksburg’s finest smoked foods are found in the unique and friendly atmosphere of McCoy’s BBQ. Known for their consistency, quality, freshness, and friendly service, it’s a quick stop you can’t miss. They only use the freshest and finest ingredients. The choicest meats meet the top-secret scratched-made rubs so you can taste the love that goes into making each bite. Each dish is smoked “low and slow” and we challenge you to come and taste the difference at this seasonal establishment, open April through November.
 
Basilico – 4.5 stars – Deli, Italian – $ – 1.3 mi. Exit 130A in Fredericksburg

“The pizza is great.” -Jen H.
“This place is awesome.” -Ahmed A.
“This is Fredericksburg’s best kept secret!” -Karl B.

Basilico Italian market and New York Deli offers the essentials that will leave you happy and full. Try the pizza, Panini, pasta, or soups. Before you leave make sure to get a huge scoop of the gelato and stop through the bakery. Looking to relax? The café and bar offer beer and wine. Everything looks so bright, sweet and amazing that with this comfortable and homey feel you’ll be back for more.
 
Colonial Tavern, Home to the Irish Brigade – 4.5 stars – Pubs, Irish – $$ – 2.6 mi. Exit 130A in Fredericksburg

“It was, indeed, excellent pot roast.” -Jamie B.
“Incredible food!” -Joseph B.
“Best pub food I’ve had by far!” -V. G.

Traditions and music are strong at Colonial Tavern, Home to the Irish Brigade. Add great food into the mix and you’ve found a beloved spot in Fredericksburg. Come relax and enjoy a pink with your sandwich, corned beef and cabbage or the Tavern’s Pot Roast. Then try the feisty leprechaun wings or beer battered mushrooms. This is where American style meets the traditional Irish dishes. Open Mic night is on Mondays, bluegrass night on Tuesdays, and live music is found most of the rest of the week. With events happening all the time and daily specials mixed in this is no place to miss.
Looking for more to do in the area? Don’t miss the history that surrounds you. With historic sites such as the James Monroe Museum, there’s no denying the love of heritage here.
 
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Jake’s Place – 4.5 stars – Southern – $$ – 2 mi. Exit 92B in Ashland

“Hands down some of the best food you’ll find in the area.” -Charles S.
“A great experience.” -J T.

Southern comfort is not only a tradition at Jake’s place, but a requirement. Come and relax at this casual and tasty restaurant that is known as one of the best places around to the locals. Taste the slow cooked smoked barbecue and brisket or the Priddy Burger. Put your taste buds to the test with Yohman’s fresh garden salsa and John’s secret Marinara sauce. Looking for something new? Try the fried green tomatoes, flat tires, or roasted red pepper hummus; you won’t be disappointed. Great food and amazing people help create a loving community and a home style feeling you’ll enjoy.

Jake’s Place

 
Virginia BBQ – 4 stars – Barbeque – $ – 1 mi.  Exit 92B in Ashland

“Service was great and fast.” -Abdiel F.
“Best BBQ around.” -Amy S.
“Yum!!!” -Erin P.

Freshest best tasting barbeque and finest genuine southern sides around come together at Virginia BBQ. This family friendly restaurant has been raved about in the Hanover Lifestyle Magazine. You can’t go wrong with the original Virginia BBQ sandwich. Or maybe you’re a North Carolina BBQ fan; it’s here too. And don’t forget the Texas BBQ ribs or chicken. With great combos there’s no reason not to try as much as you can while here. Challenge the huge platters like the sampler with ribs, chicken, BBQ, and two sides that will make your mouth water.
 
Homemades by Suzanne – 4.5 stars – American (Traditional) $ – 1.4 mi.  Exit 92B in Ashland

“Amazing little café/catering business!” -Krista B.
“Everything is homemade and delicious!” -Lauren W.
“15 years later, it’s still my favorite place to eat” -Andrea B.

This railroad side café was established in 1983 and brings to the table more than 30 years of excellence. Homemades by Suzanne prepares meals that are fresh daily and carry lots of flavor. As is has been voted “Best Caterer” for 5 years by readers of Richmond Magazine, Homemades by Suzanne is the place to trust for your meal. Try the whole deep dish pies, jumbo cookies, house-made rolls, cream puffs, country ham, soups and more.
 
Maya Grill – 4.5 stars – Mexican – $ – 0.7 mi.  Exit 92B in Ashland

“Spot on.” -Mary-Langhorne M.
“The best tacos and margaritas of my life!” -Diana M.

Authentic is the goal at Maya Grill, open seven days a week. This grill is known for its authentic homemade Mexican cuisine that delights. With daily specials and a wide variety to choose from, you’ll be glad you stopped in. Test the Merida Nachos, quesadillas, tacos, burrito, tostadas and more. With flan made from local organic farms, you can taste firsthand the importance of supporting local farms and getting that home grown freshness.
Looking for more to do in the area? The center of the universe; you’ve found it. Whether you’re passing through or vacationing right here there are so many activities in and around Ashland, Virginia that we promise you’ll love. Speaking of love, make sure to stop at the LOVEwork, and keep track of all the pieces of this art that you see in the state. Stop by the Ashland Railroad Station and Visitor Center to learn how important the town is. And make sure you don’t miss Kings Dominion, one of the most beloved and popular amusement parks in the state.
 
About the Author: Kemry Johnakin is an English Major at Brigham Young University-Idaho, hopes to write the next great American novel, and is greatly unsettled by the lack of oxford commas used in government paperwork.