Saturday Spot: The Girl and The Raven-Abingdon, VA

I am going to be honest with you. I like to eat out just as much as I like cooking. Going out to eat is one of my favorite things to do, and I would be remiss if I didn’t include that in this blog! Saturdays are almost always spent either trying a new restaurant or chowing down at a favorite spot. This weekend, my husband and I got an invite we couldn’t pass up to try a new coffee and food place in Abingdon, VA with our awesome friends, and let me tell ya, it did not disappoint…to the point we may have eaten breakfast AND lunch there. Hey, don’t judge us! We took a drive through the beautiful nearby Emory and Henry campus between meals to digest, okay?!

First, let’s talk asthetic. Have you ever wanted to enjoy a latte in a Hallmark-esque-historic-home-turned-coffeehouse? This is your spot. The all white victorian style home sits on the main drag of gorgeous downtown Abingdon, sharing the road with landmarks like the Martha Washington Inn and Barter Theater. Indoor and outdoor seating is available, as well as a drive thru. We were sat in a side room adjacent to the glorious case filled with tarts and other goodies and barista station that boasted huge windows, a fireplace, and minimal decor. Honestly, perfection.

Water was waiting on the table for us, a smart move in my opinion! The menu was small, but packed with goodies like West Coast Toast, Quiche, Biscuits, and more. I ordered the West Coast Toast which was one slice of wheatberry bread topped with avocado butter, radishes, sprouts, cucumbers, onions, sunflower seeds, and what they called B & B reduction. I don’t know what that was, but it was a sweet and tasty compliment to the toast! My husband and friend’s husband both ordered a generous square biscuit with egg, bacon, and pimento cheese and boy, did they love it! My friend ordered the biscuit and gravy with an egg. I loved the attention to detail that each dish offered- you can really tell these people love what they do!

The Girl and the Raven offer a host of coffee drinks. We had at our table lattes including chai tea, chai latte with pumpkin, and more. The chai was mellow and creamy, with a garnish of cinnamon and perhaps nutmeg that will make you think of Christmas! They came in the sweetest teal mugs with saucers. My heart just loved it! They also offer juices, which I can’t wait to try out. What’s even better? Their coffee beans are ethically sourced!

Lunch came with another small menu, but honestly, you couldn’t ask for more! With offerings like avocado toast, quiche, a slew of sandwiches, soup, salad, and more, there is something for everyone, even a kids menu with grilled cheese and PB&J. Today’s special was a roast beef sandwich with all the trimming and a curried chicken and rice soup. I ended up with what’s called “The Social Sampler” that was divine! It included a scoop of egg salad, pimento cheese, and chicken salad along with slices of toasted bread. Each “salad” was delicious, but the chicken salad was probably my favorite. I paired it off with a side of kettle chips (my favorite!) and the soup special, which added a tasty kick to my meal! The rest of the table ordered the Hungry Savage sandwich which each one of them absolutely loved it! This sandwich has pulled chicken with bacon, pepperjack cheese, spicy dijonnaise, and B&B pickles on wheatberry bread. Sounds amazing, right? The menu has lots more options that we can’t wait to try!

To top it all off, the service was so sweet and timely. Everyone we encountered at The Girl and The Raven were simply happy to see us, complete strangers. I even believe it was the owner himself who dropped by each table to ensure we were enjoying ourselves. Personality, that is what makes small businesses my favorite. This sweet restaurant is the perfect spot for a date, quick pick-up, girls day, self care day, and more. I hope you will try it soon!

VISIT THE GIRL AND THE RAVEN HERE: https://thegirlandtheravencafe.com/