County Smoak, Lynchburg VA

July 2024

When a restaurant opens in May 2020 and survives this long, they must be doing something right. But I failed it.

I arrived during a downpour, then entered and ordered the brisket sandwich. As I waited, I listened to the girl behind counter talk to a regular about the restaurant’s history. It opened just after the COVID-19 pandemic began, but people kept supporting it. Four years later, and it was still going strong.

Unfortunately, in listening to this conversation, I built up high hopes for their food. I got my brisket sandwich, bit into it, and while it was flavorful, it didn’t astound me. But I don’t know what “astounding” food would have tasted like. I was expecting something otherworldly, so I didn’t pay attention to the actual food in front of me.

Please, learn from my mistake. Clear your preconceptions and enjoy what you’re experiencing for what it is, not what you think it should be.

I failed this place. I want to return and truly appreciate their food sometime.

Conditions: 88° F and sunny