By Hunter Milligan

Goochland’s finest, Satterwhite’s Restaurant, has been around since 1997. Drive down West Broad Street (Route 250) towards Goochland, about 10 minutes past Short Pump Town Center, and look for a sizeable white building that looks similar to a house. You can’t miss it. 

When you first arrive at Satterwhite’s, you will find a gravel parking lot full of pick up trucks and SUV’s. You know you have found yourself a gem when the entire fire department eats there. Satterwhite’s definitely has a southern comfort feeling. It is just what you’re looking for. In today’s world, breakfast spots are being taken over by food chains like Waffle House, First Watch, Cracker Barrel, but it is important that we keep sacred places like Satterwhite’s running.  

Satterwhite’s is a staple of the Goochland community. It sits at an intersection that breaks Oilville, Manakin-Sabot, Rockville, and Broad Street apart. It is hard to walk into Satterwhite’s and not see someone you know. I would argue Satterwhite’s isn’t a restaurant, but more of a community. 

Satterwhite’s offers, in my opinion, the most affordable yet fulfilling order in town: THE BIGGEST BREAKFAST IN TOWN (BBIT). The BBIT allows you to get three eggs, choice of meat or pancakes, hash browns or potatoes, and your choice of a biscuit or toast, all for eight dollars and seventy-five cents. According to Will Hanson (‘21), “the Biggest Breakfast In Town is unmatched.” There is nothing better than getting your day started with a fresh glass of orange juice and the BBIT. Pender Bauhan (‘21), a Goochland native, describes her weekly tradition to Satterwhite’s: “Every Sunday, I go to Satterwhite’s and get my usual gravy biscuit, eggs, and sausage with a decaf coffee with my dad and sister. It’s my favorite tradition.”

The only negative thing about Satterwhite’s is the potential for long waits. Due to their small dining area, it is difficult to show up on a weekend and immediately be seated. But I would argue this isn’t a detrimental thing, as the wait allows you to meet many more local names you might not have heard before.

Along with Satterwhite’s food, the environment is unmatched. There is nothing better than a small southern hospitality breakfast spot. Michael Stewart (‘20), another Goochland native and Satterwhite’s connoisseur, describes it as “the hidden gem of Goochland.” I couldn’t agree more. 

I recently went to Satterwhite’s, and time and time again they don’t disappoint. After walking in and sitting down in one of their iconic red booths, I was greeted by the waitress that has served me for nearly ten years now. The problem I find with national food chains is there is no brotherhood, no connection to the place, but rather only their easily replicated food. Satterwhite’s offers that sense of community, so tight that I don’t even need to say my order anymore. The conversation usually goes something like this:

“Would you like your usual, honey?”

“Yes, Ma’am.”

My “usual” consists of two biscuits with eggs, bacon, sausages, and a side of potatoes. I take the eggs, bacon, and sausage, and my biscuit and stack them on top of each other. There is nothing better. 

Trey Boll (‘20), a frequent flier at Satterwhite’s, says, “There is nothing better than hitting Satterwhite’s in the morning, then playing 18 holes.” I can attest to this, as I firmly believe getting a full stomach at Satterwhite’s not only boosts team morale but sheds around four strokes off of your golf game. 

While my visits to Satterwhite’s will soon be less frequent, as I’m off to college in the fall, I can safely say that, while home, my summer will consist of many “usuals” at Satterwhite’s with my family, my buddies, and, frankly, anyone that wants to go. Satterwhite’s isn’t a restaurant, but rather an experience, and if you haven’t been there yet, then you’re just missing out.

Photo credits: TripAdvisor user duffey3700.