Dining out gives you the chance to taste the cuisine and cultures of other countries, though American cuisine has a lot to offer as well. America is famed for its classic burgers and fruit pies and there are plenty of great U.S. restaurants in Virginia that embody not only the country's culinary prowess but also that of the state and the South.
Richmond is the capital of Virginia. The busy and bustling city is home to several top-notch American eateries. One great example is a classic American diner called Millie's, which has been serving American food since 1989. The décor also suits the American theme with jukeboxes playing music from the corner and old-style diner booths along the walls. Millie's also specializes in brunch and serves sandwiches, burgers and burritos before closing at 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Some other American restaurants in the area include Babe's of Carytown, Joe's Inn and BlackFinn American Saloon.
Many people think that chain restaurants mean cheaper and faster food, which can also sometimes mean a lack of dining quality and a less personal experience. However, Virginia is home to some of the more up-market varieties of chain restaurant with five-star brands and eateries dotted around the state. One example is Ruby Tuesday, an American restaurant that prides itself on quality and 100 percent USDA-graded beef. Classics such as the American hamburger and Cowboy sirloin are served at all Ruby Tuesday locations. There are Ruby Tuesdays located in the Richmond, Mechanicsville, Williamsburg, Fredericksberg and Gloucester.
Like Richmond, Norfolk is a busy and bustling city that boasts a lot of great American restaurants. One of the more interesting American restaurants in the area is Freemason Abbey Restaurant & Tavern, which has a history that dates back to 1873 when the building was used for congregation by the Second Presbyterian Church. The restaurant's décor is based on a cozy tavern and the kitchen serves U.S. classics such as New England Lobster and King Cut Prime Rib.
Despite the thousands of outlets across the country there is one that stands out for its "only in America" fairytale success. Nathan's is a restaurant outlet that serves the U.S. staple of hot dogs and fries and was first conceived back in 1919 in Coney Island, N.Y. The original restaurant went on to become a 20,000-outlet chain of eateries across America. Nathan's as a brand serves over 425 million hot dogs a year and is located in Norfolk, Mechanicsville, Richmond and Fredericksberg.
