Some dinners come with a side of patience, a porch swing, and a herd of shaggy cows watching from the fence. Out in the Catawba Valley of southwest Virginia, one old farmhouse has been feeding families for decades, and for a while it looked like the story was over.
Then new owners stepped in, bought the house, and bought the original recipes too. Now the parking lot fills up again, the name list grows long before the doors open, and big bowls of beef, chicken, and country sides land on tables one after another.
Locals mark graduations and rehearsal dinners here. Appalachian Trail hikers walk down the road for it.
Read on to learn what to order, how the refill system works, when to arrive, and why the front lawn might be the best waiting room in Virginia.
A Farmhouse on Catawba Valley Drive
The Homeplace sits at 4968 Catawba Valley Dr, Catawba, VA 24070, in the United States, tucked into a quiet valley northwest of Roanoke. It is the kind of address that makes the drive part of the outing.
Officially, it is a Southern restaurant. Unofficially, it is a family dinner that happens to charge admission.
The dining rooms fill a house built in 1907, and the menu leans on heaping family-style platters of meats, classic country sides, and homemade desserts. No one is handed a giant laminated menu with forty choices here.
Instead, guests pick how many meats they want, and the kitchen handles the rest. Bowls come out, empty bowls go back, and full ones return.
The roads leading in are scenic and winding, and plenty of folks consider the drive a bonus feature. The property itself spreads out with lawns, gazebos, fields, and a long porch.
Plenty of parking means nobody has to circle the block, mostly because there is no block. The building stands alone in the countryside with pasture around it.
With a 4.8-star standing across more than 1,200 opinions, the place clearly has a fan club. Before getting to the food, though, the house has a comeback story worth hearing.
Second Act for a 1907 House
For about 30 years, The Homeplace was a regional institution in Catawba. Then the pandemic arrived, and the doors closed.
Many longtime regulars assumed it was gone for good. Families who had held high school graduation dinners, rehearsal dinners, and holiday gatherings there were left with only their memories.
The plot twist came in spring, when new owners purchased the old country house. Even better, they purchased the original recipes as well.
That detail matters a lot to people who grew up eating here. The menu returned with the same options as before, including the same lineup of meats and sides.
A soft opening came first, and then the crowds came back fast. Some returning guests say the meals match the country cooking of their childhood, while a few feel the flavors are not quite the same as the old days.
That mixed chorus is natural for a beloved place reborn under new hands. Most of the feedback, however, lands on the happy side.
The new owners have also welcomed longtime families warmly, keeping traditions going in the same rooms. The porch swing is still there, and so is the feeling that the name was well chosen.
Of course, a revival needs a star, and on this menu that star wears gravy.
The Beef Everyone Talks About
Here is a small menu note before anyone shows up asking for prime rib by name. The house beef at The Homeplace is listed as roast beef, and it is the most talked-about dish on the property.
It arrives in au jus and falls apart easily on the fork. Many regulars order it every single time and see no reason to experiment.
Even guests who leave with mixed feelings about other dishes usually say the roast beef holds up. That is a strong vote of confidence.
The beef pairs naturally with the mashed potatoes and gravy, which earn their own loyal following. Real potatoes, slightly lumpy in the homemade way, sit under a country white gravy.
So the advice in the headline translates simply. Ask for the beef, and make sure it is part of your meat lineup.
In the three-meat meal, it shares the table with fried chicken and country ham. In the two-meat meal, it is the pick most people refuse to give up.
Beef lovers can also go with the plated option, which includes one meat and three sides. Portions there are large enough that leftovers often ride home in a box.
Next up, a closer look at how those bowls actually reach the table.
How Family Style Works Here
Ordering is refreshingly simple. Guests choose from meals with one, two, or three meats, and the sides come along automatically.
The three meats on the classic menu are fried chicken, country ham, and roast beef. Some days bring a special, such as pulled pork, which has picked up fans of its own.
Everything is served in shared bowls and platters set in the middle of the table. People pass, scoop, and pass again, the way Sunday dinner works at a big family house.
Food tends to come out quickly once a party is seated. Large groups, including parties of 14, have been seated and fed without much fuss.
The fried chicken deserves a mention as the second headliner. Many say it is juicy, not greasy, and a popular insider move is to put gravy on it.
Country ham rounds out the trio for those who like a salty, old-fashioned option. Ordering all three is the full experience, and plenty of tables do exactly that.
For smaller appetites, the plated meal is a smart alternative. It still delivers enough food for two sittings.
Meat is only half the story, though, and the sides might be the reason some folks keep coming back.
Biscuits, Beans, and Apple Butter
Ask a longtime regular about The Homeplace and apple butter will probably come up within a minute. It is house-made and served alongside warm biscuits.
The biscuits themselves have plenty of supporters, though at least a few people think they could be more scratch-style. Opinions vary, which is part of the fun of comparing notes.
The side lineup reads like a country cookbook. Green beans are slow-cooked with fatback, and pinto beans are seasoned with ham hock.
Mashed potatoes with country white gravy show up on the list of favorites again and again. Coleslaw, buttered corn in summer, and macaroni and cheese also make appearances.
Fried apples are sometimes on the menu too, though they can run out on busy days. Anyone who loves them should not be shy about asking early.
Guests who prefer more sides and less meat will find plenty to fill up on. A couple of rounds of sides can make a meal by themselves.
For diners with dietary needs, staff have been helpful answering questions about gluten and cross contamination. It is always worth asking before the bowls arrive.
All of which raises the obvious question about seconds, and the answer comes with one small rule.
The Refill Rule Worth Knowing
Many people describe The Homeplace as all you can eat. That is mostly true, with one fine-print detail.
After the first round, servers bring out refills so no one leaves hungry. The bowls just keep showing up for a while.
Sides, however, are typically refilled once. After that reorder, the kitchen generally calls it.
Is that a problem? For almost everyone, no.
Groups regularly say the amount of food is huge and seems never to stop. One common bit of advice is to arrive with a very large appetite, or at least skip lunch.
Leftovers are a real thing here, and they hold up well the next day. Many families leave with containers for another full meal.
The plated option also delivers generous portions. Diners who choose it often take home half.
A smart approach is to pace the first round and save room for one refill of the favorites. That keeps the best dishes in play without wasting food.
Hot food matters too, and if something arrives lukewarm, staff have been known to offer a fresh bowl. Speaking up politely usually gets results.
And whatever strategy is chosen, leave space, because the last course has its own fans.
Cobbler Has the Final Say
Dessert at The Homeplace costs a little extra, and most tables pay it without hesitation. Cobbler is the classic finish.
Flavors rotate among options like blueberry, cherry, apple, and peach. Some days offer three choices at once, which can lead to friendly table debates.
A scoop of ice cream on top is a popular add-on. The combination has long been part of the routine for returning families.
Not every bowl wins every heart, of course. Some longtime fans remember an older crust style and feel the newer version leans more cake-like.
Others say the cobbler is just as good as they remember. That split is honest feedback from a crowd that cares deeply about tradition.
The practical tip is simple. Order one flavor per couple or small group, then share.
That way, everyone tries something different, and nobody has to choose between dessert and breathing. After a full family-style meal, sharing is usually the wise move.
With dessert done, many families do not rush to the car. Outside, the property has plenty to keep them around a little longer, and that is where the next part of the evening begins.
Porch Swings and Cornhole Boards
Waiting for a table is rarely anyone’s favorite part of dinner. At The Homeplace, it turns into a small outing of its own.
Seating is first come, first served, so guests put their names on a list and head outside. Staff call names when tables open up.
The front porch is the classic waiting spot, complete with a swing that longtime families remember from years ago. Gazebos dot the grounds for anyone who wants a seat in the shade.
Lawn games are part of the scene too. Cornhole boards stay busy, and couples who played here decades ago come back to play again.
Kids have room to wander, and families spread out across the lawn. The grounds are roomy enough that it rarely feels cramped, even on busy evenings.
After dinner, many groups linger to watch the sun set over the valley. The gazebo also makes a popular backdrop for family photos.
It is a setup that turns a long wait into a calm hour outdoors. For families with restless little ones, that makes a big difference.
The lawn has another attraction, though, and it happens to have four legs and a famously shaggy haircut.
Meet the Hairy Coos
Few restaurants can claim cows as part of the welcome committee. At The Homeplace, Highland cattle and Black Angus graze in the fields around the property.
The Highland cows, often called hairy coos or Scottish coos, are a big hit. Kids sprint down the driveway to see them at the fence after dinner.
Some of the cows are not shy at all. One named Bonnie has developed a reputation for enjoying a friendly rub.
There are also miniature cows on the grounds. The owners’ family has been known to show guests over to meet them.
Livestock to pet is one of the details that sets this place apart from a regular dinner out. For children, it can easily become the highlight of the trip.
Adults tend to enjoy it more than they expect, too. Watching the herd while the sun drops behind the hills is a peaceful way to end a meal.
A good rule is to follow any posted guidance and let the animals set the pace. Gentle hands and calm voices go a long way.
Charming animals help, but people keep returning for the folks working inside just as much.
Hospitality With a Personal Touch
Plenty of restaurants serve big portions. Fewer make guests feel personally welcomed, and that is where The Homeplace earns a lot of loyalty.
Staff are known for smiling and saying hello and goodbye to everyone, even at tables they are not assigned to. That habit holds up during rushes too.
Servers check back often, answer questions about the menu, and stay upbeat when the house is packed. Several of them have regulars who ask for them by name.
Leadership is visible on the floor. The general manager and one of the owners have been seen working every role, from clearing tables to chatting with guests.
That hands-on approach fits a family-run business. Many people say they are glad to support it in a world full of chains.
Things are not perfect every day. Some guests have noted lukewarm food or slow table clearing, especially early after the reopening.
When issues come up, managers have offered to remake dishes. That willingness to fix problems is a good sign for a team still settling in.
So who exactly is this place built for? The guest list turns out to be wonderfully broad.
Who Belongs at These Tables
Grandparents, toddlers, and trail-worn hikers can all end up in the same dining room here. It is one of the most mixed crowds in the region.
Families are the core audience, and for good reason. The shared bowls, outdoor space, and cows make it easy to bring kids of any age.
Milestone dinners have long happened here. Graduations, rehearsal dinners, and reunions are part of the house history.
Couples looking for a quiet evening also fit in nicely. A weekday visit and a sunset on the porch make for a relaxed date.
Then there are the Appalachian Trail hikers. The trail passes nearby, and thru-hikers often call this the best food of their whole trip.
That makes sense when the menu is built around refills. Hungry hikers and family-style service are a natural match.
Groups of friends and veterans’ gatherings show up too. Large parties are welcome, though they should expect longer waits on busy days.
The atmosphere has an old country feel without trying too hard. It is casual, friendly, and very much about eating together.
Knowing the crowd is half the battle, and knowing the schedule is the other half.
Hours, Prices, and Timing Your Visit
Timing is everything at The Homeplace, and the schedule is a little unusual. The doors are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday run from 4 PM to 8 PM. Saturday and Sunday open earlier, from 11 AM to 8 PM.
Meals generally fall in the $20 to $30 range per person, with dessert extra. Most people consider that very reasonable for the amount of food.
Seating is mostly first come, first served. The best move is to add your name to the list right after arriving.
Waits vary widely. A weekday group might be seated in ten minutes, while a party of nine on a Sunday evening once waited nearly three hours.
Arriving long before opening does not always help, since larger parties may be called first. A visit a little after the doors open can be smoother.
Weekend lunch can be surprisingly calm, with some guests walking right in. Saturday waits of around 30 minutes for small groups are also common.
Parking is plentiful on site. For current details, the restaurant website, thehomeplaceva.com, is the place to check.
With the logistics covered, only one question remains.
Worth the Winding Drive
Some restaurants are a quick stop. The Homeplace is closer to an evening plan.
The roast beef is the dish to build around, and the fried chicken with gravy makes a strong case for the three-meat meal. Add the sides, a biscuit with apple butter, and a shared cobbler, and the table is set.
The setting adds the rest. A 1907 farmhouse, a porch swing, cornhole, gazebos, and a herd of friendly cows turn waiting into part of the fun.
It is not flawless, and a few longtime fans still compare everything to the old days. That honesty is fair for a place with so much history behind it.
Still, most people leave full, happy, and carrying leftovers. Many say it feels like home, which was the whole point of the name.
For the best experience, come hungry, come patient, and bring people worth sharing bowls with. A weekday or weekend lunch can help skip the longest lines.
The comeback of this Catawba favorite gives old regulars a reason to return and new families a reason to start their own traditions. Save a spot on the porch swing, and stay for the sunset.
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