Grey’s

New Restaurant Boasts Vibe and Variety

By Rachel Dalton | Photos by Ashlee Glen

Lynchburg natives and seasoned restaurant industry pros Shawn Merrow and Nathan Hall were presented with the opportunity to lease the space at 512 5th Street in August of 2017.

No strangers to opening a restaurant, the restaurateurs were drawn to what is now Grey’s for a number of reasons, including the building itself, the courtyard, and the parking lot.

Why the name Grey’s? A quick history lesson: the space used to house Lynchburg’s original Greyhound bus station. Merrow and Hall liked the idea of the name being non-descriptive and one word. Hall tells me, “Heather grey is a crucial color” to the restaurant’s vibe and feel.

The restaurant opened in February featuring an eclectic, comfortable vibe that is casual and cool. It has quickly become one of Lynchburg’s favorites because of the knowledgeable staff, the ever-changing menu, the music, and the energy one feels immediately upon entering.

Grey’s is a great place to grab a drink from the full bar or plan a dinner with friends from the rotating menu. Speaking of drinks, most of the signature cocktails are the creation of Kathleen Elliott of Blackwater Bitters, Lynchburg’s locally, women-owned bitters’ company.

Having enjoyed Grey’s many, many times, I cannot refuse the burrata salad and the shrimp and grits on repeat visits. The owners tell me the trout cakes and ribs have quickly become customer favorites as well. They use local produce when in season and available.

Depending on the night, the menu often highlights varying features. Inventive tacos, empanadas, tostadas, and posole are only available Tuesday nights. Try the unique, evolving prix fixe menu for Wine Wednesday. Most Thursdays Merrow and Hall graciously donate 10 percent of sales to a local charity.

Check out Grey’s for lunch Tuesday-Friday when you can find fresh salads and sandwiches with imaginative ingredient combinations. The Saturday and Sunday brunch menu is unique and delicious, highlighted by avocado toast with bacon and the fried chicken biscuit with white cheddar gravy. If you can get Merrow to pour the white cheddar gravy on your entire plate, do.