The Best Places to Visit in Blacksburg, Virginia

Last week, the “Top 20 Best College Towns” list dropped, and Blacksburg, Virginia made it (as they should). Now, I probably would’ve moved Blacksburg closer to #1 on the list, but I am happy that they are starting to get some of the respect they deserve. Considering we’re heading to Blacksburg, Virginia in a couple of days, I figured I’d list some of the best restaurants, bars and spots around town. 

Before we start, let’s keep in mind that I graduated from Virginia Tech in 2020. I can’t imagine a ton has changed down there, but I did hear that Sharkey’s got rid of the patio deck outside to put in a rooftop. As a guy who spent damn-near every night at Sharkey’s my senior year, I’m extremely excited to see this new rooftop. Sharkey’s is where good friends go, and it’s probably my favorite bar on the planet. The drinks are cheap, the wings are really good, and the vibes are always immaculate. If you’ve never been to Sharkey’s before, and you’re in town this weekend for the PITT @ VT game, make it a point to check it out before you leave. 

Honorable mentions: TOT's, Hokie House, Champs

Now you might get suspicious after hearing about some really good fish tacos in the middle of land-locked Virginia, but I’m telling you… they are elite.  The BBQ Mahi Mahi tacos and the side of jalapeno mashers was my favorite meal in Blacksburg for four years. I am praying that when we go to Blacksburg this weekend, they are just as good as they used to be. Cabo Fish Taco is the #1 place I recommend to anyone visiting Blacksburg. 

Honorable mention: Souvlaki, PK’s (get the wing bites)

Look, I absolutely love Cook Out and they are honestly very hard to find unless you live in the Southeastern United States. Luckily for the Hokies, Blacksburg does have a Cook Out. On the weekends, you can expect to wait upwards of 45 minutes for a tray. I remember calling a DD when I was back in the fraternity years ago to pick me up from a social and take me to Cook Out for a tray and a milkshake… those were the days. 

I’d be lying if I felt good about leaving out a local spot for the best late-night food in Blacksburg. That’s why I also need to include Benny’s in this article. If you aren’t hip to Benny’s (or sometimes known as Benny Marzano’s), they whip up cheap slices to-go that are bigger than your head. Most importantly, they are actually good and open super late. It’s also right by the bars and campus, making Benny’s easily accessible. If you’re hungry after leaving Sharkey’s this weekend, grab a slice on the way home. 

Honorable mentions: D.P. Dough, DX (on campus), Zeppolli’s 

If you’ve ever been annoyed by how value-oriented a Virginia Tech alumni is, it probably has something to do with the Pylons on campus. Each pylon represents one of Virginia Tech’s core principles: 

• Brotherhood 

• Honor

• Leadership

• Sacrifice

• Service

• Loyalty

• Duty

• Ut Prosim (the university slogan, meaning “that I may serve”)

The Pylons also provide a beautiful view of campus and the Drillfield, which is considered the center of campus and one of the more crowded areas in town (when class is in session). It is rumored that seniors will go there in the middle of their last night in town before graduating and hit golf balls into the Drillfield using beer cans as golf tees. I can’t confirm or deny that statement is true, though. 

Also, I figured I didn’t have to include this, but I’ll say it anyway… obviously Lane Stadium during a game is the best place on campus to check out, but that’s a given.

Honorable mention: the Drillfield, the Duck Pond, Virginia Tech Golf Course, Burruss Hall 

I’m not even a big donut guy, but Carol Lee has some of the best donuts I’ve ever had. Talk about an unbelievable hangover cure, Carol Lee Donuts is up there as one of the best options possible. Give it a try if you’re in Blacksburg this weekend. 

Honorable mentions: Our Daily Bread, Joe’s Diner, West End Brunch (on campus, only on Sundays)

There aren’t many better tailgating experiences in college football than Blacksburg, Virginia on a gameday. Even when the team sucks, the students show up. It means something to them, and I’ve been to a decent amount of college tailgates at different schools… nothing surpasses Center Street on a gameday.