Our Favorite Snacks at Six Local Restaurants
Summer is finally here and as the days get longer, the nights get later. Happy hour turns into dinner, dinner into drinks, drinks into live music and dancing. By that time, it seems everyone is ready to eat again.
But—is there anywhere to go for good food late at night here in Lynchburg? You bet there is. We have compiled a list of some old favorites and new hot spots to fuel you up no matter what time is on the clock.
The Water Dog, one of the newer additions to the downtown scene, is a go-to spot for icy cold beer and equally chilled oysters just about any time of day. But when the sun goes down and you’re out late with friends, sometimes you need a snack with a bit more staying power.
MUNCH ON THIS: We recommend their beer battered pickle spears that are made in house and fried to order. The crispy, crunchy lightly fried outside encases the briny, salty pickle inside. Give them a dip in the spicy aioli served alongside and you will quickly gain your second wind.
Jimmy’s on the James is a Lynchburg staple. Some people tend to go for the innovative dinner menu and others pay them a visit after dinner for bartender Bobby’s hand squeezed, freshly shaken martinis. No matter which category you fall into, everyone stays for the live music that changes each week. Jimmy’s late night menu won’t ruin your waistline either.
MUNCH ON THIS: On a recent visit, their seared tuna hit the spot. The delicately seared Ahi tuna is light and succulent and is topped with shaved zucchini, Brussels sprouts, and carrots dressed with a sesame poke sauce. Just because it’s late doesn’t mean you can’t get your greens.
Don’t think all of the best after-hours action is only happening downtown. Bräuburgers in Forest is serving up their entire menu each weekend until they close their doors at midnight. If you aren’t quite hungry enough for a second dinner featuring one of their fabulous burgers, they have plenty of appetizers and snacks to choose from.
MUNCH ON THIS: Our recommendation is to really go for it and choose from the Pommes Frites section of the elaborate menu. If you are looking for options, you’ll find them here. Waffle cut sweet potato fries sprinkled with cinnamon sugar will satisfy any sweet tooth or enjoy the haus frites with a special seasoning blend. There is even a gluten-free rosemary dusted option if you please.
Benny’s is the one place downtown you can eat late seven nights a week. Pop in anytime before midnight during the week, but if you are out on the weekend, enjoy their pizza until 2:30 a.m.
MUNCH ON THIS: We tend to order whatever the monthly special is (the breakfast pizza, when available, is always worth the order) but know you can never go wrong with a massive slice of pepperoni. Order up a whole pie to go if you have enough people in your group to carry the enormous box out the door.
The Emerald Stone Grille has a select late night bar menu available on the weekends from 10 p.m. until close. While traditional favorites such as Shepherd’s Pie and Fish and Chips can be found on the dinner menu, the special menu has a dish we can’t pass up when we find ourselves there late.
MUNCH ON THIS: Our favorite late night bite is the pimento cheese fritters. Get a twist of the south at this Irish pub with the house made, lightly fried crispy treats. Served alongside a sweet and spicy pepper sauce, make sure to give your fritters a dip before grabbing your next Guinness.
The Texas Inn, or “the T Room” as it’s affectionately known to locals, rounds out our list as the one late night spot most of us have probably been to at least once or twice. The menu and the staff doesn’t change very often and you always know what you’re going to get.
MUNCH ON THIS: We suggest the obvious choices, but make sure you’re doing it right: a cheesy western—their famous burger topped with egg, cheese, and relish— and a bowl topped with cheese, more relish and onions. (If you’re really, really hungry, add “a dog” all the way too.) Hey, it’s late, go crazy!
