Sometimes you need a quick, satisfying burger after a long day in the coalfields. Sometimes you crave a comforting plate of biscuits and gravy. And other times, you deserve a celebratory steak dinner with all the trimmings. Norton delivers every time. If hearty Appalachian flavors and genuine hospitality speak to your soul, this guide is your key to the best tables in town.
The Wood Booger Grill
$ | (276) 325-0551 | WEBSITE
Tucked right in the heart of town, this spot serves up a varied menu with satisfying meals that keep both locals and visitors coming back. The burger and BBQ sandwich are solid choices, while the chicken philly is extremely delicious and filling—definitely worth ordering. They also do comfort classics well, like the mac and cheese and those good, crispy fries, though some might find them a touch inconsistent.
With reasonable prices and a friendly, welcoming staff, it’s easy to see why this place feels like a smashing jewel. Sure, the entrance is a bit small and the atmosphere can lean a little damp, but dishes like the pork chops and marinated chicken breast are to die for, making it a spot worth visiting for a hearty, no-fuss meal.
Applebee’s Grill + Bar
$$ | (276) 679-5790 | WEBSITE
Applebee’s Grill + Bar is a casual dining chain, and it’s been a reliable spot in Norton for years. The restaurant offers a variety of dishes, with things like juicy hamburgers, crispy onion rings, and perfectly seasoned fries, which you should definitely get for the table. The blackened Cajun salmon and bourbon street chicken and shrimp were particularly enjoyed during our visit.
They also have those 2 for $25, $30, and $35 deals that include an appetizer to share—great for groups looking for value. The service is attentive, and they handle special requests well, even for take-out orders. With wheelchair accessibility and plenty of parking, it’s an easy choice for a laid-back dinner or a quick pick-up, serving up fresh and tasty options without any fuss.
Taco Bell
$ | (276) 679-3226 | WEBSITE
There’s drive-thru desperation (admit it, we’ve all been there), and then there are quick, satisfying meals that cost less than a movie ticket. Taco Bell is the latter. The fast-food spot in Norton is the perfect place to grab a bag of tacos to enjoy with their $8, three-item combo. All of the Mexican-inspired food is comforting, whether you’re eating a bean burrito, a crunchy taco, or nachos with cheese sauce.
Hardee’s
$ | (540) 679-7347 | WEBSITE
Norton was missing a standout fast-food breakfast. And the town was missing a place that does biscuits right. Now, the area has both. Hardee’s looks like any other drive-thru chain, but it stands out for its fluffy, well-prepared biscuits made with care. In the morning, there’s a kitchen staff that’s especially attentive, making this location feel unique and special.
But if you want to focus on takeout, use the smooth process and just double-check your order before leaving the good-sized parking lot adjacent to the hotel.
Los Rodeos Mexican Restaurant
$ | (276) 325-0793 | WEBSITE
The location says it all. This drive-up-only Walmart shopping center spot serves some of the best Mexican food in town. Located in Norton, VA, you’ll find a clean, quiet dining room where families try to make the impossible choice between the must-try ground beef chimichanga, tasty tamales, enchiladas, and burritos on the menu and which salsa to pair them with (we suggest the great cheese dip and the fresh salsa).
If you can, grab a seat near the kitchen to watch tortilla chips get fried light and thin, friendly staff zig-zagging between tables, and to cut down the travel time between these fresh dishes leaving the kitchen and reaching your table. The prices are a bit high but worth it for the generous portions and spectacular service, with little surprises like balloons for kids making it a favorite go-to place.
Snack Shack
$ | (276) 679-1529 | WEBSITE
Snack Shack makes fantastic comfort food, and they have an especially impressive selection of homemade desserts. But it’s the grilled cheese that makes this walk-up spot a standout in Norton. The sandwich is the perfect crispy, gooey treat for every casual craving. The buttery, golden bread comes filled with melted American cheese, fresh tomato slices, and some notably sharp cheddar. The latter is what you’ll be thinking about after you leave.
Captain D’s
$ | (276) 679-0508 | WEBSITE
After a two-piece fish dinner, hushpuppies, coleslaw, drink, and tip, you’re looking at $15-ish per person at this Norton seafood spot. That price includes friendly and efficient service, clean tables to enjoy your meal, and $2 sweet teas (or the additional $3 upgrade to lemonade that comes with unlimited refills).
There’s a mix of straightforward options—think crispy fish fillets or golden chicken tenders with tartar sauce or ketchup—and more satisfying dishes, like flaky white fish with lemon wedges and seasoned fries. You may find similar convenience for less elsewhere, but not the consistently tasty food that makes you feel like you got a good deal.
New Alfredo’s
$ | (276) 325-7310 | WEBSITE
During dinnertime, this Norton restaurant can get cozy. But once you catch the aroma of baked cheese and taste the baked spaghetti and fried pickles, you’ll know it’s worth the visit. Most dishes on the menu are under $18, and you’ll be thinking about the baked spaghetti through the next day. With perfectly toasted cheese, steamed spaghetti, and well-balanced sauces in the dish, the only thing that’ll hold you back is deciding whether to save room for the stuffed shells or manicotti.
Mi Finca Mexican Restaurant
$ | (276) 679-3330 | WEBSITE
Mi Finca’s $12 lunch special has been around forever, and on most days, it’s still worth the money. You might eat expertly cooked flautas covered in fresh guacamole and sour cream, and spongy churros to end your casual lunch or family dinner. And whether you’re at the crowded counter watching the staff quickly assemble plates or sitting at one of the brightly lit tables with a group of friends, you’ll feel like everybody working at the Norton restaurant can somehow read your mind.
Come here if you have something simple to celebrate, but heads up—sometimes we leave stuffed.
Pal’s
$ | (276) 679-2210 | WEBSITE
Pal’s is a compact, no-frills joint in Norton that always has a steady stream of cars at the drive-thru that could give the local bank line a run for its money. The classic combos come loaded with things like chili dogs, Frenchie fries, and vanilla shakes, but there are also heartier picks like chili burgers and sauce burgers, as well as a solid selection of breakfast items if for some reason you hit a fast-food spot but aren’t in the mood for lunch.
The space is on the tidy side, but it can work for a quick stop with your buddies that spent the morning debating whether the cheddar rounds or the peach tea is the real star of the show.
Fishtales
$ | (276) 679-1651 | WEBSITE
Thanks to its enormous shark sculptures, colorful murals, and lively aquarium, this seafood spot is always full of families enjoying hush puppies and sharing seafood platters. You should be one of them—Fishtales in Norton serves some of the best fried catfish in the region (our favorite is the generously portioned, shrimp-stuffed ‘sea monsters’).
Plus, you can usually stop by without a reservation, order a few plates like crispy popcorn shrimp and buttery grilled filets, and spend the rest of the evening sipping sweet tea and sharing stories. Come on a weekend and you’ll have a great view of the kids marveling at the aquarium or a server bringing out overflowing baskets.
