We were passing through on our way to NC and stopped for dinner. So glad we did! The service was great and the food was delicious. And the food tho! I ordered the shrimp and grits, my husband got the maple shrimp. Both were good, but the grits really stole the show. My daughter got butter noodles. Pro tip - dump the noodles into the empty grits bowl, mop up the remnants of the cream sauce. Mmmmmm. My son ordered the chicken sandwich with the Alabama BBQ sauce. Also so good. Place was clean and well done inside. The RHCP playlist really topped everything off. read more

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Took the Virginia Creeper Trail from Abingdon to Damascus and rode around town for a bit before finding this great little café for lunch. The food was amazing--I had the shrimp and grits and they were outstanding. If you're visiting Damascus, I would definitely recommend stopping here to eat. read more

Wilson's Cafe and Grill - Cafes Near Me - Damascus, Virginia

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Food - 5 stars. Shrimp and Grits were awesome. Trout was amazing! Trouts on the dinner menu u only (so after 5:00), but Shrimp and Grits is also on the lunch menu. Service - 5 stars. Just the right balance of service and conversation, very attentive, never had to flag anyone down for anything Ambiance - 5 stars, nice bar, nice decor, not really noisy and able to enjoy quiet table conversations while dining. If you're in Damascus, or passing through, stop in. read more

I had their Alfredo and their Patty salad literally a five star meal. was out and she is absolutely wonderful. The food quality is unparalleled. Not only is this. Just absolutely a Jewel here in Damascus Virginia. It's worth the drive from anywhere. The owner Ralph open the restaurant and fed everybody during Helene. Good people on it. Good people work there good actually great food lives here just go!!! read more

Honestly, we discovered that we went to the wrong place. However!! Best mistake we made in Damascus!! Food was amazing, service was good, cook was super nice!! Did I say food was amazing!!?? Bourbon collection was very impressive too... read more

We spent a week in Damascus and this was the standout . Wilson's cafe has both coffee and delicious food. I got a banh MI and Mac and potato salad. The potato salad has a nice fattiness to it. I'm not sure what they put inside but it was great. There was also a bar but we didn't try any libations. Staff was nice and welcoming. Our food came fast. The restaurant looked like an old general store. Try this place! read more

Wilson's Cafe and Grill - Cafes Near Me - Damascus, Virginia

Words really can't express how good the food was at Wilson's. In such a small town, finding a 5 star dining spot is shocking but everything was delicious. So good in fact my group went back the next day for more. I would classify the menu as upscale food but at amazing prices. Everything was great! I got the Keeg the first day-the chicken was seasoned to perfection, homemade pickles were amazing, and the orzo pasta salad was a great addition. The second day I got the Black and bleu and it was so good I've been on a bleu cheese kick ever since! The burger was perfectly cooked, a good portion of the bleu cheese, and the bun was perfectly toasted. Service was amazing-the staff really made you feel at home. If you're ever in the area, stopping is a must! read more

Wilson Cafe hands down has the best food in Damascus. Impressive customer service accompanied by stellar fresh food is a major plus. Daily lunch specials available and coffee/desserts available as well. All the food was seasoned to perfection. Plan on going a 3rd time this week! read more

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We ate at the restaurant during Trial Days In Damascus. I had the Nancy Rollup with a salad. It was great fresh and delicious. Wife had teriyaki chicken sandwich. She did not like it. Tasted like a fish sandwich. The bathroom and dining room, tables were clean and fresh . Waitress was not that good, but ok. Would have to consider returning to this place . read more

Really smacking good to great food, top notch service and suuuuupa clean. So nice to have the chance to eat here on short notice. Bahn Mi's were great, lamb giros were way good and btw, the burgers were yep, you guessed it, can't miss. Here's all that's left from 8 plates. Whew. It was smashingly great! Go getchasum! read more

Wilson's Cafe and Grill - The small remaining evidence of being here. Amazing food! - Cafes Near Me - Damascus, Virginia

The Club burger and kettle chips were insanely good but the banana pudding was absolutely the best I've had ever!

Made reservations for 3 not needed there were plenty of tables. A casual cafe some pics on the wall. No table cloths or flowers on tables. It was very noisy staff hanging pictures while we are eating. I wore a dress waitress wore blue jean shorts and tennis shoes. Service was quick pleasant and attentive. We enjoyed our meals we all shared two types of burgers both wonderful smokes flavor, potatoes salad is killer, home made salad dressing very nice salad. My entree was shrimp n grits very flavorful served with toasted yummy bread. So Many details kudos to the chef. Every little detail was so appreciated. We ask our waitress to convey our happiness to the chef. The crab burger also very good. For desert we tried the banana pudding so Fresh and great taste and we also had a unique cake slice. It was a homemade apple spice with bacon and to sweet white icing. I'm going to make that at home with cream cheese icing instead. Overall we were very pleased went for early dinner but dinner not served until 5 it was 4:30. So we had to Choose off lunch menu that was my only upset. Oh they have a full bar too. We tried black berry crown royal and coke with a lime yummy too. We will be back after 5 next time. Most importantly, Wilson's offers a pay it forward option for fire victims hungry but no money. We bought two. Every restaurant should be so compassionate. What a little surprise restaurant only 30 mins from Meadowview. Put this place on your must try list. read more

Wilson's Cafe and Grill is for lovers. Three couples had a gourmet 5 course meal for Valentine's Day. I was excited to try some new dishes from this exclusive menu and they did not disappoint me. The pork belly tasted like caramelized bacon soaked in maple syrup. It paired so perfectly with my Old Fashioned, I could've ended my meal right there and been completely happy. But I'm glad I didn't because the Pear Salad was delicious. A poached pear wedge with delicate greens, nuts, tangy dressing and chunks of blue cheese. I had the chicken and gnocchi soup, it had incredible creamy flavor and the gnocchi tasted like tender dumplings. But my wife and others had the Beet Soup and EVERYONE loved it... Earthy, peppery sweet, creamy and satisfying. My wife and I shared the lobster dish and the filet mignon, I took pictures see below. It was a very great meal overall. They were busy, but everyone is always very friendly and very welcoming. Despite having a large crowd, our seating was comfortable and private. I hope for the Beet Soup to be on their regular menu. And I almost forgot to mention the dessert platter, three yummy treats for each couple to share. This was a super idea for a very special day, nice work guys! read more

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Have been several times The food has been delicious every time Priced very reasonably and friendly staff one of the best crab cake sandwiches Tonight had fried hot honey walnut encrusted shrimp- excellent! read more

I highly recommend making a trip to Damascus just to dine here. Wilson's cafe may be my favorite dinner spot in town. They have a delicious menu with great options. The kitchen puts a wonderful Appalachian twist on all the specials. They have a great social media presence. The staff is kind, welcoming, and provides great recommendations on both the food and the area! Love this place and these people. Wilson's stepped up for the whole town both during and after Hurricane Helene. #DamascusStrong read more

Outstanding food! Tons of variety. Great service. This was in our top two places that we ate at during our entire trip to North Carolina.

Excellent double burger! Meat is of very good quality and quantity. I asked them for a double burger (no cheese) with select condiments. The waitress took the order and shortly thereafter the order was ready as take out as I asked. Food was still hot when I got back to my hotel room. Excellent flavor, good quantity and quality. At least for the burger at almost 9 pm at their closing, burger and service was excellent. Highly recommend off this small statistical sample size. Overall, very good experience, especially at closing time. They genuinely showed smiles and seemed glad I was there. Wilson's Cafe and Grill is a high recommend. We'll certainly be back when I'm town. read more

Wilson's Cafe and Grill in Damascus is absolutely wonderful. The menu has beautiful options, food is spot-on-amazing, staff are friendly, prices are great!! If you've not gone... go!! read more

Wilson's Cafe and Grill - Espresso rubbed lamb lollipops with carrot, potato, poached oyster mushrooms and candied rosemary. - Cafes Near Me - Damascus, Virginia

Incredible place you must try the burger on pretzel roll Very pleasant environment and great hospitality Staff very friendly Food beyond delicious read more

Wilson's Cafe and Grill - Cafes Near Me - Damascus, Virginia

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100% recommend. Food is delicious, the bread cubes they bring out are amazing, and gluten free. We had a burger and trout and both were plenty of food. Didn't need a dessert. Service was solid, not overwhelming and not slow. It is very laid back, not a fancy place so wear jeans or whatever you are comfortable in and you will fit in. Wish we had come earlier this week but will come back next time in town. Completely recommend! read more

What an cool place with amazing food. A good variety of food choice and very creative. All 3 of us were happy with our seafood choices. Fantastic service from the servers and chef. read more

Hubby and I popped in after riding the Creeper trail. The staff was great. He recommend this specialty smash burger with candied jalapenos, candied bacon, and sweet aioli... which sounds super sweet, but it wasn't. It was probably the most delicious burger I've ever had in my life. The place is clean and super cute too. read more

Wilson's Cafe and Grill - Smash Burger - Cafes Near Me - Damascus, Virginia

Amazing food and fantastic service. Cocktails were delicious as well with nice ambiance. Definitely will be returning!

My husband and I stopped to have some dinner after riding our bicycles on the Virginia Creeper Trail. Let me tell you, it did not disappoint!!! Exquisite and delicious meal is what he had. I was so impressed with the presentation alone that I didn't even take any photos of our dinners (completely unlike me!) The ambiance is classy but not to the point where we felt uncomfortable walking in with a T shirt, shorts and birkenstocks. The hostess was very friendly and accommodating since I wanted to sit at a table where I could still see our bicycles. She let me chose a spot. The waitress was also friendly and very personable. We were given 3 different varieties of fresh bread with cinnamon butter as well as regular butter. Our salads were fresh and chilled to perfection. The salmon was fresh (not previously frozen) and so creamy The blackened chicken was perfectly cooked and extremely juicy with phenomenal flavor! I can not wait to go back. Compliments to the Chef!!!! Well done read more

Stopped in after riding on the Creeper Trail. We were immediately struck by how the place a bit classier than we were expecting. But this is Trail Town, USA and a couple of sweaty people didn't bother them a bit. We were welcomed and given extra water. We both tried the grilled cheese and tomato soup. Holy Cow! That was the best grilled cheese I ever had. Thin apple slices, apple butter and if I remember right, Gouda cheese. Gooey and delicious. Very nice folks, very good food and pretty low price. Can't ask for more than that. Edit: It was Havarti cheese. We went back for dinner and I checked. Dinner was awesome too. read more

Best black and blue burger I have ever had. I came into town for my birthday hike and was looking for cold beer and a burger after my hike. The service was awesomw read more

Wilson's Cafe and Grill - Black and blue burger and potato salad - Cafes Near Me - Damascus, Virginia

As a resident of storm torn SW Virginia, my husband and I try to support local businesses as much as possible. Well, let me tell you that this is a destination restaurant and well worth the drive from Abingdon!! The food was simply amazing, from the house salad with zingy avocado ranch dressing to the entrees: grilled scallops with truffle mashed potatoes, and roasted farm fresh green beans for me, shrimp and grits for my husband. The ambiance is subtle and soothing, the wait staff attentive but not hovering, and the prices are incredibly reasonable. We will absolutely be back! read more

Amazing food, incredible service, and the atmosphere is inviting. while the food is fine dinner the setting is causal and relaxed. We will be add this gem to our frequent placing we eat. read more

Wilson's Cafe and Grill - Shrimp and Grits - Cafes Near Me - Damascus, Virginia

A wonderful find during my section hike of the AT. Food and service were fantastic and I highly recommend it. I only wish that I had stayed in town long enough to try the other items on their menu. read more

the menu is fantastic and the service and execution is wonderful, one of my favorite places in Damascus.

By far the best meal we had in Damascus. Can't wait to take our friends when we are back in town again. The service was amazing and the food was so good. read more

We went twice on our trip and both times were excellent! Very friendly, attentive service. We inside and out and both were really comfortable. I got the chickpea salad both times, it was that good (once with chicken and once with shrimp). My husband got the gyro and it looked amazing. He said it was delicious! Would definitely recommend. read more

Wilson's Cafe and Grill - Chickpea salad with shrimp (after mixed together) - Cafes Near Me - Damascus, Virginia

Fantastic place, food was amazing. Olivia was a great waitress and suggesting Lamb Shank special was spot on and just fabulous. The Chef stopped by and was friendly we made sure to tell him how great the food was. Even talked the table next to us to order the lamb special, will definitely be back and taste the Fall menu. read more

A Gem in the mountains!! Wow! We had the Candied Bacon appetizer, Lollipop Lamb Chops, and Shrimp & Grits - spectacular. The service was excellent, beer and wine on point - we are going back for lunch before we head out of town! read more

Wow! Best burger ever! I had the Swiss and shroom burger with potato salad and was amazed. Served in a pretzel bun, it was truly one of the best I ever ate. I highly recommend Wilson's for the food, service and ambience. read more

What an amazing and unexpected find on our way to NC! Pulled off the road at this unassuming little restaurant whose Yelp description does not do it justice. Someone took great care in choosing every element from the substantial flatware and plates to the hilarious artwork in the bathroom. It is charming in its decor and the staff super friendly. The food shows a kitchen that has serious training. We just got burgers but the mushrooms on the burger were oyster mushrooms and the black and blue burger was made with Maytag blue. Both were delicious and the plates were garnished with a sprinkle of fresh pea sprouts. Very upscale. The side orzo salad was perfectly seasoned and delicate in flavor. We had no plans for dessert but the choices of chocolate peppermint roll and red velvet cake were too hard to resist. The peppermint roll was so light and minty it was like eating a cloud. Beyond Delicious! So glad we randomly pulled off the road here. If you are in the area don't miss it. Next time we come through the area we plan to make sure to time it for evening as the dinner menu was very enticing. I just wish I lived anywhere near Wilson's. read more

It's amazingly deceptive with a rustic entry and inside the local charm borders on an upscale effort. Ezra, our server was knowledgeable and warmly attentive. The food was simply superb, fresh salad, salmon cooked to order, a pork chop I'll crave when we leave. Well worth your time and cost to visit as often as you are able. We plan both a lunch and another dinner visits! read more

Good food friendly, quick service. Shrimp and grits very good. Large burgers. Limited selection but several options

I was unsure I was going to write a review, but we have friends who own restaurants and they remind me that they want to know. After reading the other positive reviews, I feel badly to post ours. Earlier in the day on 5/20/25, we were encouraged to come back to eat after biking so we accepted the invitation. In short, the food was very good, atmosphere warm and welcoming. I am a fan of bourbons and the display of several of my favorites made me smile Our server made me sad. She was not welcoming. Not once did she check on us during 3 courses and I had to ask for more water and iced tea because she NEVER came to our table. Bear in mind that there were 2 servers and 3 occupied tables!!!!!! The server appeared as though she had been serving for years and clearly should have known the basics of service. We were offended. For an area that is rebuilding and thus, so dependent upon tourism, we were stunned to have been ignored. Most of her time was spent cleaning glasses on other tables versus the provision of sound service. read more