It was just good home-cooking, that sums it up. Nothing fancy, just finger-licking good, juicy, saucy bbq chicken with all the flavors of the grill and perfectly seared steak. We didn't have reservations (and we should have - it's teeny tiny inside) but the waitress/bartender graciously accommodated us. Don't balk at the prices either - your meal includes a generous cheese and bread board (can't beat fresh rolls!), salad, usually one side and then dessert which was a delicate lemon bar with blueberries when we visited - sharp, sweet and packed with lemony goodness Tucked in a corner of Nelson County in the basement of an old church, it's a small, cozy, local gem - I mean, I ordered a Diet Coke and needed to wait like 10 minutes because they were out making a grocery run to restock - it's that small! But I LOVE the idea of a local joint serving up really good grub and stepping out to the local grocer for their soft drink Bottom Line: don't miss this stop the next time you are touring Nelson County wine country! read more

Mountain Mama’s - a tray of food - Seafood Near Me - Lovingston, Virginia

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Love this place! Not only is the food incredible, but the owners and staff are so friendly! If I lived closer, I'd be there a lot! read more

Mountain Mama’s - a man sitting at a table with a plate of food - Seafood Near Me - Lovingston, Virginia

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Wasn't quite sure about this place based on so few reviews, but we had to go that direction any way, so.... First, it's very important you know it is located in the basement of an old church and you enter via a side door. Also, as soon as you enter there is a narrow landing with no handrails. The door opens inward so it's a little awkward, but nothing so drastic that a person can't handle. Second, as for the reviewer disappointed they were turned away even though several open tables, blaming it on preference toward locals versus travelers. We ran into same situation. However, the tables had Reserved signs on them. As soon as we got inside we were asked if we had reservations, so I knew we were in trouble. But the staff did consult their bookings, so it's not like we were brushed off. And they offered a seat in 45 minutes. We were going to the grocery store anyway, so decided to go there first. When I mentioned a concern about the milk, they said they could put it in their fridge! So I really don't see them discriminating against travelers. Money is money. Third, the prices are high. But- as others have said- you get a free appetizer and desert. So if you figure in the cost of both, the price isn't too far from the norm. The food is plentiful and also EXCELLENT, so based on those aspects, the price is right on. Our appetizer was two small, braised rolls filled with cheese (pimento?) and some grapes. There was mustard for dipping the bread, which was straight from the oven. We ordered pork chops and steamed shrimp (on Special that night). We both got salad. The alternative is greens and while we both love greens, I was craving a salad. We also both got Mac n Cheese. The shrimp was perfect. No Old Bay seasoning but they were large (I was thinking inland= small so I was happy to see the size). Perfectly steamed and tasted great. Two huge pork chops. I mean huge. Hubby said they were great. But the Mac n Cheese. OMGee. It looked delicious, and it was. I was mistakenly given a baked potato, but rather than grab my plate and make me wait for the Mac (like most restaurants), the waitress just brought me a bowl of it. Dessert was a delicious lemon bar with fresh blueberries. Not a huge portion but it was so decadently sweet, we couldn't have handled a large piece. As it was, we left with four take out containers because we couldn't finish ANY of the dishes. Including some grapes from the appetizer board. But not the dessert! We ate every crumb of that! Felt a little rushed at the end. After giving us our dessert the waitress placed two plastic bags on our table for the take out containers. We were enjoying our dessert so hadn't bothered with them yet. She came over and took care of this, which on its face seems helpful, but she was hurried, so it felt more of an "can you hurry up and get out feeling". It wasn't overly obnoxious. I only mention it because it put a little damper on an otherwise delightful experience. I definitely recommend this place. We have a family member (lives an hour away) who has been twice and recommended it when they found out we were staying in Amherst. So glad they did. read more

Food (steak) was a B-- ; a bit too much fat on ribeyes. Pork chop a C --; bit tough and dry. Sides and salads very good Biggest disappointment was ambiance. Glaring, very bright fluorescent lights. Cold near door and excessive noise if seated near kitchen. Like being in an old junior high lunchroom. Put on wall sconces with warm lights and candles at tables. Screen off kitchen. Keep dark. read more

It is very easy to drive by this restaurant and not realize that you've missed it. And that is something you want to avoid. The food that we received was some of the best food that we've had in a long time. My crabcakes were good but our steaks were amazing. Along with your meal you get a charcuterie board and dessert neither of which we were expecting. It was definitely worth the drive and I hope we get the opportunity in the near future to repeat the drive. read more

We stopped into Mountain Mama's on a road trip. We were pleasantly surprised with how welcoming they were. The food was delicious and there was a great variety of options on the menu. All together it was a feel good spot and we will definitely try to come back again! read more

Perfect spot. Don't hesitate -- go and enjoy. Great food and great service. Mac & cheese was to die for, bbq chicken thighs too.

Traveled up to Tyro, VA from Virginia Beach with a group of friends and decided to stop in Nelson County to eat. We found this spot on google maps and it had great reviews so that helped us pick. Everyone had something different and were all pleased with their selections. I ordered the ribeye and though it was definitely not medium rare like I asked for, it was absolutely delicious!!! Seasoned very well. I also enjoyed the veggie kabobs!!! Place was small and quaint... Looked to have only about 4 tables total. Random spot in the basement of a house with a normal entryway not like what you would typically see for a restaurant. I loved the uniqueness and staff was friendly. I'm giving 4 stars instead of 5 stars due to the long wait. It took over 45 minutes after ordering to receive our meals. read more

The food tasted nothing like we thought it would. The crab cakes were much more bread than crab and had a very strong flavor. We ordered the greens. They were inedible. I don't know what spices they used but we couldn't eat it. The steak was OK. The service was not good at all. It was a bitter cold eve so we asked for hot tea. None. Decaf coffee. None. He brought her lukewarm water. We had to ask for every.litle.thing. Vinegar, butter, sweetener. Took forever. He acted like he couldn't care less. I sent a private message to the restaurant to complain. Silence. I guess they don't really care. I never write bad reviews. This time was different. Good luck. read more

Walked in with another family and was turned away due to no seating. There were two 4 top tables and a double table empty waiting for customers. It was very obvious they didn't want to serve out of towners. Such a disappointment with the servers way of turning our business away. read more

WOW, what an incredible meal. We sat at the bar and had excellent service by Kelly! I have travel all over and I would put their ribeye against all the big steakhouse's. Very fair prices. My wife had the bourbon bacon sweet potatoes and it was awesome! The have a new Chef and he came out to talk with us. Don't miss out on this jewel in Lovingston! read more

Made the trip to Lovingston to Mountain Mama's for my wife's b-day on the suggestion of some of her friends and the drive from the Lynchburg area was well worth the trip. We had reservations which it was busy on our night but quite a few locals walked in w/o one & had no problem getting a table even though it's not very large. If driving any distance, I would probably recommend as a precaution. Our party of four all agreed that the sirloin steaks were the best we have had in the area for some time. The other couple w/ us who were big fans & regular patrons of The Crown Sterling said it was equal in flavor but better b/c the steak size is much larger. My wife & I who grew up near the Chesapeake Bay also had the crab cakes are always skeptical of seafood served "inland" and were pleasantly surprised by the flavor & amount of crab used. Were they the best crab cakes we have eaten? No but definitely some of the best inland. I would order them again. The bar does not have draft beer but has a decent selection beers & a fairly wide selection of wines. Service was also excellent especially considering we only saw 3-4 employees. We would definitely make the drive again. read more

Great place good staff and fantastic food. If you call in advance they will have your order ready to take out or call for reservations.