DC is a great dining destination. But it’s worth exploring outside of DC to find some great dining gems. Front Royal, Virginia is a little over an hour outside of the city. But it combines gorgeous scenery and surprisingly delicious restaurants. It’s worth the drive to this small foodie town near DC!

Front Royal is a small town of 15,000 residents. It’s home to a charming downtown area and a gorgeous backdrop of Virginia mountains.

Flickr/milknosugar

Front Royal often acts as the entrance to Skyline Drive and Shenandoah National Park. So many Washingtonians pass through on their way to hikes or camping trips. But it might be worth stick around for a meal. Because Front Royal is quite a foodie town with some fantastic local restaurants including these top 7:

Flickr/lcm1863

  1. Spelunkers Frozen Custard and Cavern Burgers

Yelp/Spelunker’s Burgers & Frozen Custard

Yelp/Rich W. Spelunkers is an iconic spot in Front Royal. It’s not your average drive thru place! They serve fresh made to order burgers and amazing ice cream! 116 South St, Front Royal, VA 22630

  1. Pavemint Taphouse

Yelp/Lane T.

Yelp/Kathy A. Pavemint Taphouse is a “farm to street” restaurant that serves delicious street food favorites made from the freshest ingredients. 9 S Commerce Ave, Front Royal, VA 22630

  1. Blue Wing Frog

Yelp/David C.

Yelp/Kem K. Blue Wing Frog is a fun cafe style restaurant with a constantly revolving menu. Sit at the big picnic table and enjoy one of their great sandwiches or entrees! 219 Chester St, Front Royal, VA 22630

  1. Thunwa Thai

Yelp/Bill N.

Yelp/Stacie M. Thunwai is a family owned Thai food spot. Their menu consists of delicious flavorful fried rice, noodles and other favorites. 10 S Commerce St, Front Royal, VA 22630

  1. Element

Yelp/Bruce K.

Yelp/Bora P. Element is one of the most beautiful restaurants in the area. You can find fresh takes on favorite dishes here and plenty of charm! 317 E Main St, Front Royal, VA 22630

  1. Ben’s Family Cuisines

Yelp/Shravya N.

Yelp/David T. Don’t let the minimalistic exterior fool you! Ben’s is one of the best family owned Chinese food places in the area! 654 W 11th St, Front Royal, VA 22630

  1. Yamafuji

Yelp/Neal E.

Yelp/Susan J. If you are craving fantastic sushi, Yamafuji is the best place for you! They also have great hibachi and on Sundays, they offer all you can eat sushi! 241 Chester St, Front Royal, VA 22630

If you are interested in heading to Front Royal, you should definitely continue on your trip and experience this beautiful fall foliage drive!

Flickr/milknosugar

Flickr/lcm1863

Yelp/Spelunker’s Burgers & Frozen Custard

Yelp/Rich W.

Spelunkers is an iconic spot in Front Royal. It’s not your average drive thru place! They serve fresh made to order burgers and amazing ice cream! 116 South St, Front Royal, VA 22630

Yelp/Lane T.

Yelp/Kathy A.

Pavemint Taphouse is a “farm to street” restaurant that serves delicious street food favorites made from the freshest ingredients. 9 S Commerce Ave, Front Royal, VA 22630

Yelp/David C.

Yelp/Kem K.

Blue Wing Frog is a fun cafe style restaurant with a constantly revolving menu. Sit at the big picnic table and enjoy one of their great sandwiches or entrees! 219 Chester St, Front Royal, VA 22630

Yelp/Bill N.

Yelp/Stacie M.

Thunwai is a family owned Thai food spot. Their menu consists of delicious flavorful fried rice, noodles and other favorites. 10 S Commerce St, Front Royal, VA 22630

Yelp/Bruce K.

Yelp/Bora P.

Element is one of the most beautiful restaurants in the area. You can find fresh takes on favorite dishes here and plenty of charm! 317 E Main St, Front Royal, VA 22630

Yelp/Shravya N.

Yelp/David T.

Don’t let the minimalistic exterior fool you! Ben’s is one of the best family owned Chinese food places in the area! 654 W 11th St, Front Royal, VA 22630

Yelp/Neal E.

Yelp/Susan J.

If you are craving fantastic sushi, Yamafuji is the best place for you! They also have great hibachi and on Sundays, they offer all you can eat sushi! 241 Chester St, Front Royal, VA 22630

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