Unearth The Voyage
If the smoky-salty snap of country ham makes your heart beat faster, you are in the right place. Virginia has been curing, slicing, and celebrating this beloved staple for generations, and the best bites are hiding in welcoming diners and hometown delis.
From flaky biscuits to hearty platters, these spots deliver the flavor you crave without the fuss. Bring your appetite and get ready to plan a delicious road trip across the Commonwealth.
1. Taste of Smithfield Restaurant – Smithfield
You come to Smithfield for legendary ham, and Taste of Smithfield delivers it with pride. The menu leans into tradition with thick-cut country ham, tender ham biscuits, and salty-sweet pairings like red-eye gravy and apple butter.
You can settle into a comfy booth, sip sweet tea, and watch locals greet each other like family. It feels like a living postcard of ham country.
Order a platter if you want the full experience, complete with eggs, grits, and biscuits that crumble just right. The staff will help you find your preferred cure, whether bold and briny or mellow and smoky.
Do not skip the ham boards that let you sample different slices side by side. It is an easy stop before exploring Main Street and the nearby museum.
2. Virginia Diner – Wakefield
Virginia Diner has been a Highway 460 legend for decades, and the country ham is the reason people detour. You will taste a perfect balance of salt and smoke, sliced just thick enough to satisfy without overpowering.
Pair it with a biscuit, a smear of jam, and a side of creamy grits. The nostalgic dining room and quick service make every visit easy.
Expect generous plates, bottomless coffee, and plenty of peanut treats to take home. If you like your ham bold, ask for a crisp sear and drizzle of red-eye gravy.
Families love the reliable kids options, and travelers appreciate speedy breakfasts. Stop in early, because weekend mornings can get lively with locals and road trippers.
3. Old Chickahominy House – Williamsburg
Old Chickahominy House makes you feel like a welcome guest at a Williamsburg supper. Country ham arrives layered inside warm biscuits, with spoonbread and preserves lending sweetness to the salty bite.
You can sip coffee from china cups while sunlight filters through lace curtains. It is the kind of place where time slows and conversation lingers.
The menu sticks to comfort classics done right, with portions that satisfy without overwhelming. Ham lovers should consider a sampler to experience different preparations.
Staff members share tips on pairing ham with house-made sides and pies. After lunch, browse the little shop for treats and keepsakes that extend your visit at home.
4. The Pink Cadillac Diner – Natural Bridge
The Pink Cadillac Diner blends classic roadside fun with a hearty serving of country ham. Slide into a shiny booth under neon glow and order ham with eggs, toast, and a hand-spun shake.
The salty-sweet combination somehow tastes better beneath all that retro charm. You will leave smiling, maybe humming old jukebox tunes.
Portions are generous, and the staff leans friendly without fuss. Ask for your ham seared on the flat-top for caramelized edges.
If you are exploring Natural Bridge, this is the convenient pit stop that fuels the day. Bring your camera, because the pink Cadillac and vintage decor turn breakfast into a mini adventure.
5. Old Virginia Ham Shop – Norfolk
Old Virginia Ham Shop is a savory playground for anyone who loves cured pork. You can buy whole hams, pick up sliced packs, or grab a made-to-order biscuit with buttery layers and assertive ham.
The staff will talk cures, smoke levels, and storage so you get exactly what you want. It is equal parts deli and education.
Stop for lunch and try a ham sandwich with sharp cheddar and mustard on a crusty roll. Gift baskets make easy souvenirs, especially when you want to share Virginia flavors.
Ask for pairing advice on biscuits, pickles, and preserves. Everything is geared toward helping you enjoy country ham at its peak, whether eaten right away or at home.
6. Padow’s Hams & Deli – Midlothian
Padow’s Hams & Deli has deep roots in Virginia ham culture, and you taste that legacy in every bite. The sandwiches are stacked with country ham, tangy mustard, and crisp pickles for perfect contrast.
You can grab a biscuit in the morning or a hearty sub at lunch. Service is quick, friendly, and tuned to regulars.
Pick up sliced ham by the pound for your fridge, plus fixings like pimento cheese and house condiments. If you want milder flavor, ask for a leaner, less salty cut.
The team knows their inventory and will steer you right. It is a convenient spot for weekday cravings or picnic provisions on the go.
7. Niko’s Grille – Lexington
Niko’s Grille keeps breakfast straightforward and satisfying, with country ham as the star. You get thick slices that hold their own next to eggs and home fries.
The dining room hums with students, locals, and travelers passing through. It feels easy to settle in and refuel before exploring Lexington’s historic streets.
Ask for a biscuit upgrade and a side of gravy if you want full comfort. Service is fast, coffee is hot, and the prices are friendly.
Daily specials rotate, but ham plates remain a reliable anchor. You will leave ready for the day, already planning your next stop for another salty bite.
8. Southern Crescent – Charlottesville
Southern Crescent brings a playful coastal-Southern twist to country ham. Expect thinly shaved slices on small plates, paired with pickles, mustard, and perhaps a house biscuit.
The patio with string lights sets a relaxed mood for sharing bites and cocktails. You get an elevated take that still respects the salty soul of the ham.
Ask your server for cocktail pairings that balance smoke and salt with citrus or herbal notes. The atmosphere encourages lingering, nibbling, and trying something new.
It is ideal for date night or a leisurely weekend gathering. Country ham feels right at home alongside the restaurant’s bright, Louisiana-leaning flavors.
9. Early Bird Biscuit Company – Richmond
Early Bird Biscuit Company understands that a great biscuit makes country ham sing. You will find tender, tall biscuits split and stuffed with salty ham and sweet butter.
The first bite is all contrast and comfort. Mornings move quickly here, but the staff keeps things cheerful and efficient.
Seasonal specials add fun twists without losing the classic heart. Grab a few extra biscuits to take home, because they reheat beautifully.
Coffee is strong, and the menu offers a couple of lighter options if you are pacing yourself. This is a Richmond breakfast ritual you will happily repeat.
10. The Fancy Biscuit – Richmond
The Fancy Biscuit takes the humble ham biscuit and turns it into a showstopper. Expect towering stacks with country ham, pimento cheese, hot honey, or gravy.
Every bite hits salty, creamy, and sweet notes at once. You will want a napkin and maybe a photo before digging in.
Lines can form on weekends, but they move quickly and the team keeps spirits high. If spicy is your thing, ask for a kick of house hot sauce.
Veggie sides and salads help balance indulgence for the table. It is the kind of place that makes brunch feel like a small celebration.
11. Ace Biscuit & Barbecue – Charlottesville
Ace Biscuit & Barbecue brings pitmaster cred to the ham biscuit game. The biscuits are sturdy yet tender, ready to hold country ham, eggs, and a swipe of sauce.
You can taste smoke and salt in perfect balance. It is unfussy, quick, and wildly satisfying.
Grab a side of pickles or slaw for crunch and brightness. If you like heat, add hot sauce or a spicy jam.
Seating is casual, so come ready to tuck in and get a little messy. It is the sort of breakfast or lunch that sets the tone for a good day.
12. Scratch Biscuit Company – Roanoke
Scratch Biscuit Company lives up to its name with fresh, flaky biscuits that love country ham. Order a classic ham and egg, or build your own with cheese and a drizzle of honey.
The counter buzzes with friendly energy as trays of biscuits come hot from the oven. You will want seconds.
Consider adding a side of gravy or locally roasted coffee to round things out. Portions are fair, prices are kind, and service is fast.
It is a perfect pre-hike fuel-up before hitting nearby trails. Go early for the best selection and the fullest bakery aromas.
13. Buford’s Biscuits – Leesburg
Buford’s Biscuits brings small-town warmth and a knack for balance to the classic ham biscuit. You get salty country ham offset by peach jam or honey butter, nestled in fluffy biscuits.
The dining room feels like a neighborhood kitchen. You will want to linger over coffee.
Ask about seasonal specials featuring local produce that complement the ham. The team is happy to customize and keep things simple if you prefer.
It is an easy stop during a Loudoun County day trip. Stock up on extra biscuits for later because cravings come back fast.
14. Country Cafe – Hot Springs
Country Cafe serves the kind of comforting breakfast that keeps mountain mornings simple. The country ham is hearty, a little rugged, and perfectly at home beside grits and eggs.
You will appreciate the friendly service and relaxed pace. It feels like a community table with room for travelers.
Order a biscuit and ask for a side of preserves to balance the salt. Portions are generous without going overboard, and coffee refills arrive quickly.
It is a great early stop before soaking at the springs or hiking nearby. Come as you are and leave happily full.
15. JM Stock Provisions – Charlottesville
JM Stock Provisions treats country ham with butcher’s precision and respect. You can buy thinly sliced ham to take home or order a sandwich layered with mustard and crisp greens.
The flavors lean refined but still deliver that signature Virginia saltiness. It is a smart stop for picnic supplies and expert advice.
Ask about different cures, aging times, and slicing thickness to dial in your preferred profile. Pair your ham with cheeses, pickles, and crusty bread from local producers.
The staff loves guiding customers toward well-balanced combinations. You leave with something delicious and a little more ham wisdom.
