World Flavors, Small Town: A Galax Food Tour
It starts the way it always does.
“What do you want to eat?”
“I don’t know. What do you want to eat?”
Somewhere in a car parked on Main Street or gassing up at Sheets, a couple visiting Galax is having that familiar conversation. They’re not sure what they’re hungry for—but they know they’re hungry. And in a town like Galax, that’s the best kind of problem. No matter what your cravings are, you’re about to stumble into something good. Welcome to your Galax Food Tour.
From fried catfish to street tacos, this small Blue Ridge Mountain town has a surprisingly global reach—all delivered with a mom-and-pop touch. You won’t find fast food gimmicks or franchised sameness here. Instead, you’ll find local kitchens serving up tasty dishes and treating you like family.
Here’s your unofficial passport to where the locals eat.
Stop #1: The Hub – Fried Fish and Family Favorites
1007 S Main St, Galax, VA 24333
Our Galax Food Tour kicks off with a local staple: The Hub. Don’t let the unassuming building fool you—this spot is fried fish central and has a loyal following to prove it.
If your idea of comfort involves hushpuppies and golden-brown catfish that crackles when you bite into it, you’re in the right place. This Calabash-style seafood restaurant is all about no-fuss Southern classics served up fast, hot, and in heaping portions.
One reviewer summed it up perfectly: “The fish was some of the best I’ve ever had! The batter was perfect.” It’s the kind of place where folks know your order before you say it and where seafood and hospitality come with equal generosity.
Stop #2: Canton Restaurant – Lo Mein and Vegetarian Picks
114 S Main St, Galax, VA 24333
Every small town has a Chinese takeout spot, but Canton stands out for two reasons: it’s consistent, and it’s got something for everyone—including vegetarians.
Need some lo mein to get through a rainy afternoon? Want crispy spring rolls and egg drop soup to warm you up after a walk along the New River Trail? Canton’s got you covered. Prefer tofu over pork? You’ll find that here, too, and it’s tasty.
One reviewer put it simply: “Always fresh, tasty, and hot. We especially love the veggie options!” That’s high praise in a town known more for biscuits than bok choy.
Canton has earned its place on the Galax Food Tour. It’s been a Main Street fixture for decades and has loyal customers and takeout boxes stacked to the ceiling.
Stop #3: County Line Cafe – Southern Comfort at Its Best
956 E Stuart Dr, Galax, VA 24333
Now we’re headed deep into Southern comfort food territory. Tucked along East Stuart Drive (Route 58 on Google Maps), County Line Cafe is where the biscuits are the size of your fist, the bacon’s crisp, and the coffee never runs dry.
It’s a “home-style” kind of place, where the parking lot is always full, and the griddle stays hot from open to close. Think plate-sized pancakes, eggs done however you like, and daily specials that rotate through the Southern trinity of meatloaf, chicken, and fish.
Locals don’t just eat here—they swear by it. One Facebook review reads: “Best breakfast in the county—worth the drive every time.”
On this Galax Food Tour, County Line is your comfort-food layover. You won’t leave hungry. You might not leave at all.
Stop #4: R.J.’s Pizza & Subs – Your Italian Fix, Galax Style
1006 E Stuart Dr, Galax, VA 24333
Craving something cheesy, saucy, and straight from the oven? R.J.’s Pizza & Subs has been serving the Galax area since 1986, and their decades of experience show up in every slice.
The pizza? Crisp crust, generous toppings, and a flavor that keeps locals coming back. The subs? Toasted, stacked, and fresh. Whether it’s a pepperoni pie or a meatball sub, this family-run business delivers satisfying Italian-American staples with no shortcuts.
One customer raved, “Best pizza in Galax! We come here every week.”
RJs is where your Italian cravings are satisfied.
Stop #5: El Rio Grande – Street Tacos and Bold Flavor
1055 E Stuart Dr, Galax, VA 24333
Ready for a change of pace? Cue the sizzle from the open kitchen at El Rio Grande, where fajitas hiss on hot plates, and tacos come dressed in fresh cilantro, lime, and just the right kick of spice.
Sure, they’ve got the combo platters and queso dip you’d expect. But the real draw? The street tacos. These little handheld flavor bombs are everything you want on a lazy afternoon—warm tortillas, juicy meat, and that satisfying zing of authenticity.
One reviewer captured the vibe: “Street tacos are amazing. I could eat them every day!” Honestly, it’s the same for me.
El Rio Grande doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel. They just make the wheel taste really, really good. It’s a crucial leg on the Galax Food Tour—and a favorite of locals and visitors alike.
Stop #6: Creek Bottom Brewing – Burgers, Brews, and Live Tunes
307 Meadow St, Galax, VA 24333
If this food tour had a final stop where you could kick back and stay awhile, it’d be Creek Bottom Brewing.
More than just a restaurant, this is a brewery, a distillery, and a community hub all rolled into one. It’s where burgers meet craft beer, pizza meets patio seating, and you never have to choose between a dinner out and live music—it’s all happening here.
They’ve got activity nights, trivia, acoustic sets, and seasonal beer releases. But the food holds its own: wood-fired pizzas, locally-sourced burgers, and wings with more flavor options than your average grocery store chip aisle.
As one reviewer put it: “Great beer, great food, and the live music is always a bonus!”
This isn’t just the last stop on the Galax Food Tour—it’s the one you’ll probably come back to tomorrow.
Bringing It All Home: the Galax Food Tour
So, what do you want to eat?
In Galax, the answer isn’t so complicated. Whether you’re just passing through or in town for the weekend, this small city dishes out something for every craving—and every kind of eater.
From Southern breakfasts to sizzling tacos, crispy fish to lo mein, and burgers under string lights, the Galax Food Tour proves that you don’t need a big city to eat big. You just need a place with heart, flavor, and a few well-loved kitchens.
Next time you’re in Galax, skip the drive-thru. Take the scenic route—one plate at a time.
Wayne Jordan is a Galax-based writer and storyteller. His Scots-Irish ancestors settled in the Blue Ridge Mountains in 1760, and he has deep roots there. The author of four books, Wayne is a retired Senior Editor for WorthPoint Corporation, a long-time columnist for Kovels Antique Trader Magazine, and a contributor to regional newspapers and travel publications. He blogs at BlueRidgeTales.com.
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