Culs Courthouse Grille — Restaurant in Contiguous United States

Cul's is one of the coolest restaurants I've ever experienced.

It's almost magical in that it seems to appear out of nowhere like a little mystical oasis of a café that one wished for before starvation sets in with its flickering neon open sign and the welcoming warm glow of fairy lights within.

The menu is intelligent and offbeat but unprepossessing. The staff are friendly and incredibly efficient. There's an eclectic motif of general store memorabilia mixed with artifacts of the historic area in which it resides as well as a particular attention paid to the history of Charles City residents. It also chronicles its more transient cyclists customers who stop by to rest from pedaling the Capitol Trail with a colorful map and guest book register.

The owners mother never fails to walk by each table to personally check-in with diners or greet new guests. She has a friendly fluidity in how she so effortlessly interacts with people as if she's known you for years.

The food is delicious, fresh, and unassumingly innovative. Make sure you try the cobblers, and for that matter, anything that touts it was made by Miss Viv -- especially the homemade bread and chicken salad. "Miss Viv" is Vivian Greene, a native of Charles City, and a local legend known for being able to cook or bake anything without the need of a recipe. She's a genius. But hurry, for she's very soon to retire... Let's just hope she catalogs some of her recipes from her head to paper before she departs. I know I'd be willing to pay generously for any recipe she's...

I decided to visit because Ethan Hawke had visited a few days earlier and people were raving about it. I get there and the outside looked like it hadn’t been cleaned or updated since the 70s(first red flag). We we walk in and the place smelled like mildew(second red flag), sat in a booth and the cushions were so worn that it felt like sitting on concrete. Ordered a burger and fries(can’t mess that up right?) and waited. While looking around, the place was dirty and not kept up. They had a bunch of old time pictures and things trying to have a rustic look, but the place itself was just plain dirty. I went to the bathroom while waiting and as I lifted the seat up, it fell off onto the floor. As I walked back to the table I noticed the floors were coming up in places which made me trip over some of the boards. After getting our food, the burgers were dry and the fries were hard as a rock. We partially ate the food and during the meal I kept swatting at bugs/mosquitos. We ended up leaving early and both agreed that we would never go back(drove an hour to get there). When I got home I was itchy and noticed welps on my legs, neck and ear! I’m sure this place was ok maybe in 1970, but it’s run down and wasted away now. The owner walked around to each table and talked to everyone except us, I assume he knew the others but wouldn’t you treat new customers just as nice? Anyway, do yourself a favor and skip this place, it’s...

I read about Culs Courthouse Grille in a newsletter I receive called "Only In Virginia". The history intrigued me, so planned a Harley ride with my husband. The drive from Churchland via Hwy 10 to Route 5 was beautiful. Can't wait to do it again when the foliage turns color.

Anyway, Culs Courthouse Grille did not disappoint. For an appetizer we tried the onion rings. There were plenty and very tasty. The breading was just right. For lunch I tried the crab cake special with a side of pasta. The pasta could have used a few more cherry tomatoes, but was very delicious. The crab cake sandwich was also delicious, not a lot of filler. I took a couple of bites of the sandwich and then set aside the bun to savor the taste of the crab cake. The pairing of pasta salad and crab cake was perfect. My husband had the club sandwich and chips, which I tried the chips and kept going back for more.

We were greeted when we first arrived and told to have a seat of our choice. Service was great. Staff is very friendly. My husband and I both agree...