The Draper Mercantile and Trading Company — Restaurant in Pulaski

We have been to the Draper Merch many times and looked forward to a good breakfast last Friday, however what we got was a complete surprise. When we arrived there were 3 people working up front. After we were seated everyone working disappeared except our waitress and it was clear she was on her own with us and everyone seated after us. Unfortunately I couldn't find a regular breakfast platter on the new ritzy menu, but found out by asking the waitress that I could get one by ordering the breakfast sandwich as a platter (eggs with cheese, sausage or bacon, potatoes and toast). I've never heard of a breakfast place not having a normal breakfast platter as an offering on the menu. I asked for cheddar cheese on my eggs and was surprised when my meal came and my eggs were covered with Kraft sandwich cheese slices...yuck! After scraping that disgusting cheese off my eggs I could see why they were covered...they were brown and overcooked like a sponge. My side of potatoes clearly came out of a bag of frozen potatoes from the grocery and my toast was so hard it could be used as a hockey puck. I did like the sausage, the only thing I ate on my plate. There were four of us having breakfast together and they were not pleased either...it was not a good breakfast for any of us and definitely not worth the increased cost from the new ritzy menu!! Not only did I spend $26 for the one piece of sausage I ate, but it took almost an hour to be served our food. This is unacceptable especially when there was only one other table seated when we arrived. People who came in after us actually received their food before we did. Upon leaving, the consensus was that none of us would be...

This was one of the most pleasant, unexpected surprises I have ever had while on a long road trip. Originally, we saw the sign on the highway for this coffee shop, and we planned to make a stop to grab some coffees for the road. Little did we know we would be quickly transported into the most strikingly cozy, spacious and family-friendly Café in all Virginia. We decided to order lunch and coffee. The sandwiches were simple for their collective ingredients, yet succulent and unpretentious - both hearty and light at the same time. You could tell the coffees were roasted superbly and mixed with an abundance of care, as even the level of sugar was only just enough to excite, but not too much steal the focus away from the masterfully concocted mixture of flavors, coffee and creamers. Our server Jada provided an incomparably hospitable service and made us laugh many times over the course of our quick meal. The dispersement of cute little markets for souvenirs and goodies only further contributed to the unified character and Southern charm that this breathtaking shop offered. I can't wait for my next visit, and implore any travelers to make a quick stop for themselves so they can truly understand this unexpected, enveloping warmth that can only be felt at...

5/25 - Quite a bit different experience the 2nd time around. Husband was completely disgusted when he waited to use bathroom, and young man (late teens/early 20s) came out. No flush and no hand washing, went directly to table with 5 or 6 other people - yuck! Espresso machine is broken so no special coffee drinks available. However they were brewing coffee and did make me a mocha when I asked ($5 +). However, they still had all their boards up listing their drinks that they couldn't make. The cups are very flimsy/lids don't fit tight and mine spilled while driving to go see The New River. I was very disappointed that there were no peanut butter cookies. This time all their cookies were wrapped. They didn't look as appealing as when they are laid out in a tray so didn't buy any. Price for t-shirts now $30! Seriously? They are very soft, comfortable t-shirts, but still.

6/24 - It was a really wonderful place to stop for a coffee and a peanut butter cookie. The mercantile is so fun to shop. So many wonderful and varied items to look at and purchase. We will definitely have to return every time we come...