Types of restaurants in Virginia based on size, food, and other characteristics

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New restaurants are opening in Virginia almost daily. However, not all restaurants are the same type.

Restaurants are classified based on size, menu style, preparation methods, pricing, and how the food is served to customers. Below are the types of restaurants in Virginia, along with their descriptions.

Bistro

Bistro is a classic term for a small restaurant. In Virginia, bistros usually have fewer tables and a relatively inexpensive, simple menu. A bistro is described as a neighborhood restaurant with community ties and a warm, cozy, inviting atmosphere.

Buffet (all-you-can-eat) Restaurant

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Buffets are self-serve all you can eat restaurants where guests pay a fixed price and serve themselves by filling their plates with various foods as often as they like. Example: Golden Corral

Café

A café is a small restaurant that serves coffee, cappuccinos, espresso, and tea. The food is typically a selection of sandwiches, pastries, and other baked goods that customers order at the counter and take to their seats.

Cafeteria

A cafeteria is a restaurant serving ready-cooked food arranged behind a food-serving counter. There is no table service. Typically, a customer takes a tray and pushes it along a track in front of the counter, and announces to a server their selections.

Coffee House or Coffee Shop

Coffeehouses are casual restaurants without table service that offer coffee and other beverages. A coffeehouse may also serve food, such as light snacks, sandwiches, muffins, cakes, breads, donuts, and pastries.

Concession Stand

A concession stand, also known as a refreshment stand, snack kiosk, or snack bar, is a very small space where people can buy food or snacks at an entertainment venue. Foods often sold include tacos, hot dogs, soft pretzels, popcorn, cotton candy, and bottled water.

Diner

Diners are inexpensive restaurants that are sometimes open 24/7 and serve homestyle breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Most diners serve breakfast all day and throughout the night.

Fast Food

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Fast food restaurants have limited seating. Customers order at a counter from a limited menu posted on the wall and take their food to a seat. The menu usually includes burgers, sandwiches, fries, and soft drinks. Most fast food restaurants have drive-thru service. Examples: McDonald's, Burger King, and Chick-fil-A.

Food Truck

A food truck is a large motorized vehicle equipped to store, transport, cook, prepare, serve, and sell food. Food trucks have become popular in Virginia because they sell food at businesses, events, parks, and even residential neighborhoods. They can be described as compact kitchens on wheels.

Ghost Restaurant

A ghost restaurant is a restaurant that operates without a storefront. It is just a kitchen where sales are performed digitally, and food orders are usually delivered or are available for pick up.

Greasy Spoon

Greasy spoon is a colloquial term for a small eatery that serves food at a low cost. It is similar to "a hole-in-the-wall restaurant."

Grill

A grill restaurant serves grilled food, such as chicken, fish, hot dogs, and burgers.

Pop-Up Restaurant

Pop-up restaurants have become popular in Virginia. They occupy a space for a short time.

Tavern

A tavern is a type of restaurant that combines a bar and a restaurant. Taverns often have a more sophisticated atmosphere than bars and may offer a wider selection of beers, wines, and spirits at higher prices.