With the disappointing brisket the night before, Chris still had barbecue on the brain.  We decided to check out Sarah’s Restaurant at Fox Creek General Store, a place we had passed on our way to Grayson Highlands, for a late lunch.  Unfortunately, the barbecue was still in the smoker out back and would not be ready until later in the evening.

The building was built in 1936, initially as a post office.  The vintage decor made it feel as if we had stepped back in time.  I enjoyed the display case filled with memorabilia from the early days of the building.  Tables for the restaurant took up most of the floor space.  While we looked around, we enjoyed our conversation with Bruce, one of the owners, and decided to return later for dinner.

Sarah's Restaurant at Fox Creek General Store Troutdale Virginia

We felt comfortable enough to attempt to eat at a restaurant for the first time in five long months.  We figured if we no longer felt that way when we returned, we could just get the food to go.

When we walked in, Bruce greeted us warmly and introduced us to Sarah, the other owner.  We picked a table and ordered drinks and the pulled pork platter. We didn’t even look at a menu, we were there for the barbecue. We had a great conversation with both Bruce and Sarah while she prepared our meal.  We appreciated that they kept a respectful distance, only actually coming to our table to serve the food.  While we ate, two other diners arrived, one choosing to eat at an outside table, and the other, a group of three, picking the farthest table from us.

The generous portion of pulled pork with house-made sauce was flavorful with just the right amount of lovely smoke flavor.  I enjoyed the lightly dressed coleslaw, while Chris had delicious baked beans, also made from scratch.  The star of the plate, in my opinion, was the potato salad.  With large chunks of celery, the exquisite salad was creamy, but without a ton of mayonnaise.  My mouth is watering just thinking about that potato salad, even now.  It is the best potato salad I have ever eaten.

I was very tempted by the homemade giant chocolate chip cookie with ice cream for dessert (there was also pecan pie), but I was so full that I had to pass.  There was so much food that I boxed up the other half for later.  I didn’t even bother to heat the leftovers, thoroughly enjoying round two in front of the campfire.

Cost for a soda, a beer, two platters, and a t-shirt $55.65.

Sarah's Restaurant at Fox Creek General Store Troutdale Virginia