Dining in and around Mathews County has never been easier. We have more restaurants to choose from than ever before! This coastal town boasts a mix of restaurants that cater to just about any craving you may have on your visit. From fine dining and fresh seafood to hearth baked pizzas and Mexican cuisine or local BBQ for your picnic basket, Mathews has you covered. Here’s a list of our favorites all located within minutes of the Inn.
Southwind Pizza Café
Eclectic Eatery with fresh foods and creative twists. Located in the downtown Mathews County historic area…and they deliver!
Southwind Pizza and Cafe is located in “downtown” Mathews, and is known for their handmade hearth baked pizzas featuring unique ingredients and flavor combinations. This place is definitely NOT your average pizza joint. They feature diverse daily specials and craft beers on tap and a variety of wines. Lunch and dinner specials feature fresh local seafood and produce as well as other seasonal creative options. They also cater to dietary needs of all kinds. From Vegetarian to Vegan to Gluten free and beyond. Just ask, and they can usually modify most of their offerings. Enjoy a meal on the front porch overlooking the historic courthouse green or meet new friends at the friendly bar area.
Southwind also hosts a “Jam Night” where local musicians and music fans alike can come together to make great music and good times. If you happen to play an instrument or sing and want to join in, they are always welcoming. We have had several guests perform on Jam Night, (some planned and some spontaneous), and all have had a great time! Of course it is always fun to just be a spectator as well.
Check out their Facebook Page for daily lunch and dinner specials.
Richardson’s Café
Great Diner with old-time TV hits and milkshakes, located just a block or so down from Southwinds in downtown Mathews County.
Located on the corner of Main St. and Church St. within 5 miles of the Inn. Richardson’s is a restored and remodeled historic building that was once a Rexall Drug store. Step into Richardson’s, and you will immediately feel like you are going back in time to a 50’s style diner and soda shoppe. They only play old black and white sitcoms on the TVs over the soda fountain area, and highlight old photographs of downtown Mathews County as well as the County’s best known former resident, 1930’s Film Actress Toby Wing.
Richardson’s menu includes soups, salads, sandwiches and deserts but features daily lunch and dinner specials that are quite creative while still maintaining a sense of “down home” southern diner style flair. Featuring local seafood including fried oysters, seasonal fish and crab cakes along with other favorite dishes like fried chicken, meatloaf and BBQ, this place has something for everyone. Oh yeah, don’t forget about sundaes, milkshakes, cones, scoops, and floats available all day.
Check out their Facebook Page for daily lunch and dinner specials. 804-725-7772.
The White Dog Bistro
Definitely the “date night” or special occasion spot.
Located on Church Street in historic Downtown, The White Dog Bistro is a true gem in our little town of Mathews. Elegant but with a casual atmosphere. Fresh seafood, local produce, vegan, vegetarian, and gluten free options available. The White Dog is located in an old historic building that used to be one of the first hotels in Mathews County. It has been beautifully restored and remodeled and offers up all the history of the grand old hotel with the comfort and casualness that you would expect in a bayside town.
Reservations recommended. (We can make reservations for you, just let us know) Check out their Facebook Page for daily lunch and dinner specials. 804-725-7680. Winter Hours and Summer hours may vary, when planning your next stay, check their website and facebook page for current hours and open days of the week.
White Dog Bistro Website
Hole In The Wall
Mathews County only waterfront dining! This Gem is just a short drive away, and the views are worth the scenic drive to get there!
Located on Gwynn’s Island right after you cross the bridge, you can’t miss it to the right. This is our only water-front restaurant and you can dine and enjoy beautiful bay views and sunsets with large picture windows. They offer outdoor deck seating during warmer weather. Features local raw oysters as well as other local seafood, grill items and daily specials. Full-service Bar. Note that the restaurant is elevated for better water views but does have an outdoor elevator for those who are not able to do stairs. Features a Tuesday night Oyster Special.
Check out their Facebook Page for daily lunch and dinner specials. 804-505-1005
Hole in the Wall
Mi Casa Azteca
Enjoy your tacos and margaritas on the outdoor patio!
Located right on Main Street downtown, Mi Casa Azteca has all your standard Mexican favorites, with daily specials for lunch and dinner. Behind the restaurant is a full bar with jukebox and pool tables as well as some tables for seating. This is a great place to catch a game and have a cold brew or Margarita, and bar is often open late. Outdoor seating is available and they also deliver from 5-8pm. Perfect if you don’t want to leave the Inn, or if you came by boat.
Check out their Facebook Page for current Hours of operation, and daily lunch and dinner specials.
804-725-7272. Menu
Mi Casa Azteca on facebook
Mathews Grill and Deli
This place delivers to the Inn as well!
Located right on Main Street downtown, right next to Mi Casa. Serving pizza, pasta, steaks, wings, burgers, subs, etc., a great place for a quick bite in a relaxed setting. Your typical diner feel, stop by or get your food delivered from 5-8pm.
Check out their Facebook Page for Hours of Operations and daily lunch and dinner specials. 804-505-1024.
Mathews Grill and Deli on Facebook
Howard-Dooley Café
Southern -Style diner, seafood platters and nightly specials. Sometimes even live music on weekends.
Located right off 198 right near the intersection with Rt 14. One of our newer restaurants serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. It’s easy to find as it’s one of the first restaurants you come across when arriving into Mathews via Rt 14. Not far at all from the downtown, courthouse area. Their BBQ is very popular with locals and they offer a large variety of daily lunch and dinner specials.
Check out their Facebook Page for daily lunch and dinner specials.
804-725-9996.
Howard Dooley Cafe on Facebook
Salty Dog Pizzeria
Sicilian style pizza, pasta and subs.
Located downtown, on Buckley Hall Rd, right past the Courthouse and DMV. They have specialty pizzas, and lots of toppings to create your own. Gluten free as well as crustless/low carb pizzas also available. Apps, subs, calzones and a salad bar round out the menu. Eat in or take out.
804-505-1014
Salty Dog Pizzeria on Facebook
Island Stop Market
Great Spot for picnic items, sandwiches, and fresh seafood or meats for grilling at the Inn!
Located right up our lane, so an easy walk or bike ride away. These people are awesome! A cute little market that offers everything from fishing gear and bait to a little wine room in the back. Freshly made to order sandwiches as well as great crab cakes, deviled crab and other fresh seafood. Lots of great sides as well including a loaded potato salad and kale/broccoli salad. This is the perfect place to pick up a picnic to enjoy on one of our nearby beaches or just at the Inn. They smoke their own Beef Brisket and Pork BBQ, and even offer hand tossed pizzas from Thursday through Sunday. They also offer house-cut steaks and ground beef. Call ahead to pre-order fresh oysters or crabs to take home with you as well.
Hours: Sun-Thur deli closes at 6:30pm and Fri & Sat at 7:30pm. 804-725-2323
Island Stop Market on Facebook
Backwoods BBQ
House smoked BBQ with southern style sides. Eat in and take out, but Limited seating available inside. Located in downtown Mathews County.
Backwoods BBQ is now open! Doug Walkers BBQ first came to Mathews via his BBQ truck, parked in an old gas station parking lot. Early Summer of 2022, Backwoods BBQ opened up its own storefront on Main Street right next to Ace Hardware. The smell of smoked pork still wafts through town tempting passersby Monday through Friday. Inside the shop expect a clean space with a simple dining area and a deli cooler for grab and go items. The menu includes favorites like signature ribs, North-Carolina-style barbecue, brisket and southern style sides such as potato salad, corn bread, Cole Slaw, and macaroni salad.
Dine-in or Take-out available. Phone 804-210-9349
The Seafood Shack
Fresh seafood market and eatery.
Located downtown next to M & M building supply. The Seafood Shack started out as a food truck and has recently settled into a brick and mortar. It’s a family-owned market that offers fresh seafood and delicious seafood meals. Perfect to grab some fresh local seafood and bring back to throw on one of the grills here at the Inn or to get an already made meal. Now offering a full menu with ABC and an indoor dining area!
Hours: Hours vary seasonally so check the website or Facebook for more info.
804-725-6934.
The Seafood Shack on Facebook
Hardees and Subway
Hours: Both are open until 10pm and are located on Main street in Mathews. (within 5 miles of the Inn at Tabbs Creek)
Shun Xing Chinese Restaurant
Hours: Open Mon-Sat 11am-10pm and Sun 12-10pm. 804-725-4682 and located next to Food Lion on Main Street in Mathews.
View complete list of Restaurants in Mathews at VisitMathews.com
