Sperryville Trading Cafe And Market

I'm deeply saddened to see that my beloved breakfast stop in Sperryville has permanently closed. It would be a disservice to the restaurant if I didn't go ahead and leave a review to talk about how absolutely amazing it was as of an experience to go there. My family and I aren't Sperryville locals. We actually drive in from Culpeper and we've frequented this location since way back it was called The Trading Post if I remember correctly. I think we first found it on our way to Skyline Drive and ever since then, it was our go-to when it came to our Sunday brunches. It was worth the drive all the way out to Culpeper! The breakfast and coffee were delicious and always well-made. They usually stocked additional beverages and I think there was a cut-off for breakfast as they ran into the lunch times as well. But, that never bothered us, their lunches were just as good as their breakfasts. Those Philly Cheesesteaks were some of the best outside of Philadelphia, let me tell you! The pies were honest-to-God world-famous. When I used to work in Northern Virginia, I'd bring back a pie from there that following Monday for my co-workers and I to enjoy. They were that good! To top it all off, the staff were just great to work with as well. They were always friendly, attentive, and we never got a vibe that we felt unwelcome there. I think that added to the overall feel and atmosphere of the place. You'd see a mixture of Sperryville locals, tourists on their way to Shenandoah National Park or to Luray Caverns, workers taking their lunch breaks, and all of the sort. It was always great to see everyone at the start, middle, or end of their day's adventures. I'm not really sure what's happened to the place to cause it to permanently close (if Google is to be believed). We haven't been back in a while so we're not sure the state of it. We had hoped that business was good enough to keep it up, but for whatever reasons the owners may have had to close, I just want to say my family and I are eternally grateful that you all were able to provide such an amazing restaurant experience for us. It's little places like these that makes Sperryville, and all of rural Virginia for that matter, a great and wonderful place.

We've stopped by three times. It was closed the first time for a holiday extended weekend without notice. On our second attempt, we were told breakfast ended at 11:30 so we decided to give it one more shot the next day. We arrived with ten minutes to spare and while waiting in line to order, the cashier arbitrarily cut the line in front of us and said everyone behind that point would have to order from the lunch menu. It was 11:25 at this point. When we responded that we specifically came for the breakfast again, she threw up her hands. Service is rude and frankly I was not by anything that I saw. Food appeared mediocre at best. Needless to say, we will never go back.

We've only been here for carry-out chicken tenders and burgers during COVID and eaten ice cream outside once. That said, the burgers didn't disappoint and the ice cream was just what we wanted in the right place. The best part about this place is the location. It's just outside the Thornton Gap entrance to Shenandoah National Park on the east side and so a great place to stop to grab something to eat before heading into the park or after leaving the park. The result is they're open _early_ to cater to people wanting breakfast before hiking and closed for dinner. They're also just outside Sperryville, where we stay a few times a year and that's how we ended up here. We got a basic burger and some chicken tenders for the kids and a Swiss mushroom burger and buffalo blue burger for the adults. They were all good although nothing to die for. I think the buffalo blue burger was the best in that it had the most flavor, but they were all good. The ice cream we had sitting outside at the picnic tables hit the spot as a treat to celebrate the kids having a good day and they had a few different flavors they actually scooped out rather than just a chest with ice cream sandwiches and things.

Sperryville Trading is the perfect stop before hitting the trails. We stopped here for a quick bite before hiking Hawksbill Mountain. They have a big dog-friendly patio out front which was perfect for us and our golden doodle. While we were scoping out the menu, we were admiring all the plates pass by. Everything looked so delicious. I decided on a Greek Salad with grilled chicken just because I didn't want a whole Philly Cheese steak inside my belly as I climbed a mountain. It was fresh and yummy. The chicken was actually hot, juicy, and flavorful. Not what I'm used to when I get chicken on a salad, so I was pleasantly surprised. I only wish they had house made dressing instead of the packet. Either way, I'd definitely stop here again.

This was an amazingly fun stop after hiking Skyline Drive. Great local beer on tap and an ole folksy dude out on the deck singing songs both my father and my wife's father sang when we were young. The deck was pup friendly and somehow we beat the crowd as within ten minutes the place was overrun take away, get there early .