Nestled in the charming town of Draper, Virginia, The Draper Mercantile and Trading Company offers an inviting culinary escape that feels like a trip back in time. This delightful café not only serves up phenomenal food but also embodies the spirit of community and warmth, making it a must-visit destination along the bustling Interstate 81.
As soon as you step inside, the atmosphere envelops you with a cozy ambiance complemented by the rustic decor of an old mercantile building. Patrons rave about the friendly service, highlighting staff members like Heather and Leslie, whose attentiveness and cheerfulness enhance the dining experience. The café evokes feelings of nostalgia while providing modern culinary delights that will tantalize your taste buds.
Let's talk about the menu—a true treasure trove for both casual diners and food enthusiasts. Start your day with a beverage from their extensive selection of specialty drinks. Whether it's a Mixed Berry Smoothie or a Chai Tea Latte, there's a refreshing option for everyone. The breakfast offerings too are noteworthy; diners have praised the ham, egg, and cheese croissant and the creative fried green tomatoes with cheesy pimento grits.
For lunch or dinner, the menu continues to impress. The Classic Ruben is a standout, described as truly classic, while the French dip has been hailed as the best outside of family kitchens. Add to this a lovely selection of desserts including their celebrated lemon mascarpone blueberry cake and ice cream sundaes, and you round off your meal with a touch of sweetness.
But The Draper Mercantile is not just about fantastic food; it also boasts a quaint gift shop brimming with local handicrafts, souvenirs, and delicious coffee blends perfect for taking home. Customers, like Chad Palmer and Crystal Brown, emphasize how this delightful shopping experience pairs perfectly with the eatery’s vibrant atmosphere—making it a holistic stop for visitors and locals alike.
In conclusion, The Draper Mercantile and Trading Company is a culinary gem that has something for everyone. From the sustainable and delicious menu to the inviting service and charming surroundings, it promises a memorable experience that will beckon you to return time and again. If you find yourself in Draper, don't just drive by—stop in and treat yourself to its many offerings; you'll leave satisfied and looking forward to your next visit.
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Chad Palmer
06/08/2025
What an amazing stop, of you're driving on interstate 81 this is probably the best place for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The staff was fantastic and our waitress Heather was extremely polite and friendly. The ham egg and cheese croissant was delicious, everyone liked their food and it was all made better with the little coffee shop inside. Neat old mercantile building with gifts and souvenirs.
Joe R
24/06/2025
This is one of those places that you hope to find while traveling and seeing a new area. A perfect down home feel with the service and quality to match. The food was absolutely delicious and the service was quick, friendly and professional. So many cool decorations and little boutiques with amazing items to buy. If you’re driving through or staying a while, definitely find a way to make this one of your stops. You won’t be disappointed.
Eosian Rios
21/06/2025
Hands down the best French dip I've had outside the family restaurant in 25 years. Everything was wonderful. The ambience is great; bustling without feeling crowded or busy or rushed. The staff were all delightful, especially Sarah H, who was clever, attentive, friendly and helpful. Will be coming back.
Crystal Brown
05/06/2025
My husband and I were in town for weekend and got a recommendation to give this place a try. I am extremely glad we listened. Our breakfast was SO GOOD! We shared the Fried Green Tomatoes with Cheesy Pimento Grits and we also shared a sandwich combo. Even my regular house coffee was really good( which they do sell in their gift shoppes) The place has a very charming and cozy atmosphere. And the service was wonderful. Our waitress was Leslie. She was very friendly and upbeat. She took great care of us!! Would definitely recommend this to everyone. I would love to come back again sometime and try out more of the menu.
Mountains Are Best
31/05/2025
Another excellent visit for lunch. Classic Ruben was truly classic, wife loved salmon, green tomatoes and pimento cheese was way past tasty, lemon mascarpone blueberry cake was superb. #1 Great breakfast! Clean, nice. Service good, food tasty. Coffee of all stripes. Nice associated store too.
James Amster
17/05/2025
We are driving from dallas to NYC and were looking for a place to eat that wasn’t corporate garbage. I saw this place and thought “that looks good.” Understatement of the year. The food was OUTSTANDING. Heather, our server, was awesome. the atmosphere is what Cracker Barrel should be, if it wasn’t generic and lame. If I could give 6 stars, I would
Carrie Grant
15/05/2025
If you’re traveling down Interstate 81, this is the place to stop and relax for a bit! It feels as if you’ve gone back in time, when the food was cooked by your grandmother and you’re sitting at her kitchen table. We stopped for breakfast first thing on a Sunday morning, and the food was quick and delicious. The biscuits were bigger than a cat’s head - truly huge! Our server Leslie was as sweet as could be. We will be back on our next adventure. Picture a Cracker Barrel with better food and merchandise you might actually want. And don’t let the vultures scare you away, they love the place too.
Stephanie Trumpower
28/04/2025
While traveling down 81, we stopped for breakfast at Thee Draper Village. The shops are adorable and staff incredibly welcoming. At the Draper Merc Cafe, we ordered the Good Morning, Draper! and the biscuits and gravy. Eggs cooked to order, bacon perfectly cooked, potatoes well seasoned and tender. The real star of this meal is the ridiculously fluffy and thick, buttery biscuit served with white gravy. Nearly 3 inches thick, this was hands down the best biscuit I’ve ever eaten (apologies to my grandmother). Another star in Draper Village was our server, Nikitta. She was sweet as pie and provided superior service. She even gave us a map of the village and shared highlights of each spot. We would definitely return and encourage anyone driving through the area to stop for a spell and enjoy the hospitality!