I recently read somewhere that the ‘All-American’ pastime of joy-rides are all but dead. I think we here at Blue Ridge Country would disagree with that. I am of a fairly young generation but have an old soul. My boyfriend and I enjoy our outings on a motorcycle or in cooler weather, like this past Sunday, we loaded up our chocolate Lab, Griz and headed out in my fuel-efficient car.
On our way to Boones Mill to pick up a Craigslist deal, we decided to make an afternoon of our trip. First, I had to stop at Mill Mountain Coffee & Tea on Starkey to get a skim milk latte and one of their delicious mini cinnamon scones. Griz thought my treat was for him and was all but in my lap begging for a piece of scone.
After picking up our Craigslist find on 220 in Boones Mill we continued for a few miles and saw the Franklin Restaurant, just past the new Tractor Supply store in Rocky Mount. If you’ve ever been past this little ma & pop and noticed it, you’d know it’s always got a full parking lot. That to me is testament enough and worth more than several reviews on Google – in fact the quick search I did on my phone for restaurants didn’t even mention the Franklin Restaurant. It’s a shame. But we found it anyways. Boy, am I glad we did.
Chad, the boyfriend and I, grew up in rural West Virginia, just miles apart. Though we didn’t know each other growing up. However, we did both enjoy a small-town, home-made, comfort-food restaurant in the town of Boyer, WV. Sadly, it doesn’t exist anymore but the moment we walked into the Franklin Restaurant, we both where transported back in time.
The restaurant boasts a hot bar stocked with soup, brown beans, corn bread, collard green, and Mac & Cheese. There was also a salad bar. It was Mecca if you ask me.
After a quick once over of the hot bar, we decided we’d be happy enjoying lunch here. A look at the Sunday specials and we were thrilled by the prices. $5.50 for most of their specials which included things like: Lemon Pepper Chicken Breasts and Turkey and Gravy Dinner.
I went all out for comfort food and ordered a Ham Dinner with rolls, green beans, spiced apples, and added the hot bar/salad bar on for a whopping $9.50. Chad couldn’t resist the seafood platter, added a 6 oz sirloin (medium-rare) and the salad bar all for $13.99. We got more food than we could possibly eat and when home with to-go boxes filled with veggies, rolls, ham and a good portion of steak.
Chad said the fried flounder was some of the best he’d had (we lived in Hawaii so we like our seafood). Not too much breading and cooked just right. I nabbed a couple of his shrimp and clams – both very enjoyable and the cocktail sauce had just the right about of horseradish. I was pleased that my ham, green beans, and brown beans were not salty. I actually had to add salt (this from a girl that NEVER ever adds salt) to my brown beans. I was pleased because I like to eat a lot, so I like to eat as healthy as I can.
All in all, our visit to the Franklin was very pleasant. The other patrons talked to us – they were all clearly regulars. Our waitress was very attentive and pleasant. She earned her tip, which was a generous one and we still didn’t spend more than $40. On our next joy ride I’m sure we’ll end up enjoying some comfort food and good memories at the Franklin Restaurant.
If you go:
Franklin Restaurant
20221 Virgil H Goode Hwy
Rocky Mount, VA 24151
540.483.5601
