GREAT ALL AMERICAN DINER 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,

Merle Haggard and the Oak Ridge Boys, just to name a few. The local theater attracted some great names, and they all had to eat somewhere and Oscar’s was the place. While some guitars were signed there, the owner would travel to the performers and bring a guitar along for them to sign. However they were procured, the collection was impressive and added to the enjoyment of the meal. Once seated, we took a look at the menu. We were just a tad late for breakfast but that was okay as their lunch menu was most excellent, as was their daily special selection. How often do you see fried chicken livers or gizzards with hush puppies? As enticing as that was, we went a bit more mainstream with an order of fried chicken (dark meat only, if you please) with sides of mac n’ cheese and pickled beets and a turkey club (only two slices of bread, which technically keeps it out of club status) and French fries. Other items on the menu include cold plates and hot sandwiches, soup, stews and beans, burgers, dogs and many more substantial

entrees like Maryland crab cakes and fried pork chops. Their sides are decidedly southern with fried okra or squash or a bowl of Blackeye peas or Navy beans. I wish we had been there on a Wednesday or Sunday so I could see what a ‘bowl of chicken pastry ’ was as well as visiting on a Saturday to order their Saturday Herring Breakfast, whatever that might include. The servings are large and well, if oddly, priced (4 pieces of dark meat fried chicken with 2 sides and hush puppies are $7.85). Oscar’s is also known for their homemade desserts and ice cream creations and if we were not riding another 150 miles that day I

might just have been tempted. If you find yourself in this part of North Carolina, whether on purpose or while heading to or from your destination, Oscar’s is well worth the stop or detour for a great home-style meal with southern hospitality.

! B A C K