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NOVEMBER 2020 • BACKROADS
G REAT A LL AMERICA N DINE R RUN oScar’S reStaurant 123 W 10th St • roanoKe raPidS, nc 27870 252-537-2048 • www.oscars.coffee We were done with an excellent couple of days spent learning and honing our skills with Reg Pridmore and crew at Virginia International Raceway. Our plan was to make our way from the mid-bottom of Virginia to the coast and north from there. Our 250-mile ride zigzagged between the Virginia and North Carolina borders, incorporating as many little roads that looked entertaining as possible. About midway we would be meandering around the Roanoke River and Roanoke Rapids Lake and thought a late breakfast/early lunch spot would do us just right. Oscar’s popped up on our radar as serving both so we put it the Garmin and hoped for the best. What we got was far better. Our ride into Roanoke Rapids brought us past the not one but two paper mills. These plants have a most distinct aroma and are most always located near a large water source. While the main portions of the Roanoke River and Roanoke Rapids Lake are for outdoor enjoyment, this area is all work and no play. I suppose that the residents get used to the permeating pungent perfume. We found Oscar’s on a side street with a convenient parking lot right across the street. We could tell from the front that Oscar’s had some serious history and even more importantly it was going to have some good home-cooking as the locals were heading in as well, including the police. What we found out was that Oscar’s has been serving the good folks in the area since 1953 with, what they tout as, the best southern style, home cooking in the Roanoke Valley. They are located in what used to be the industrial area and, thankfully, not too close to the paper mills. Their breakfasts are legendary, according to the folks on social media and those we spoke to that day. The décor of Formica-topped counters and vinyl seats and stools will bring you back to that era as well. What we also found out was that the owner has one serious collection of guitars hanging on the walls. Brian’s eyes popped when we entered and, even before sitting down, he made the rounds to see what was hanging and, more importantly, who had signed them. Travis Tritt, Charlie Daniels,
tasty places to take your bike
