Tucked away along Catawba Valley Drive in a charming 1907 farmhouse, The Homeplace in Catawba, Virginia has become one of the most talked-about restaurants in the entire state. People drive for hours just to get a seat at this family-style Southern restaurant, and the wait is almost always worth it.
With heaping platters of fried chicken, homemade biscuits, and classic sides served right to your table, it feels less like dining out and more like Sunday supper at grandma’s house. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a longtime fan, here are 13 reasons why fried chicken lovers across Virginia simply cannot stop raving about The Homeplace.
The Legendary Fried Chicken That Started It All
Some dishes just have a way of stopping conversation at the table — and the fried chicken at The Homeplace is exactly that kind of food. Reviewers consistently call it the standout favorite, with one family of 12 declaring it the highlight of their entire Memorial Day weekend trip to the Roanoke area.
The chicken arrives golden, crispy on the outside, and impressively juicy on the inside — especially impressive for pieces that can easily dry out during cooking. One guest noted it was “amazingly juicy” for a cut that typically struggles to stay moist…