Nothing beats going to Fardowners on a Friday night. You walk in through the red door, reaching the hosts’ stand within a few steps. Depending on your arrival time and your party size they’ll either seat you at the high tables in the back left corner, a perfect spot for date nights or reunions; or in the booth sections adjacent from each other near the front, tables that are favored by families and friend groups alike. But if you’re really lucky, or perhaps your party is simply big enough in number, they’ll seat you at the bay window table, the perfect spot for watching passersby or the seemingly endless cargo trains that frequent Crozet. Regardless of where you sit, the experience remains the same. From any seat you’ll hear the various sports on TV, the murmur of steady conversations running in the background, and the ambiance of familiarity and coziness.
Fardowners was established 17 years ago and has remained a staple of Crozet ever since. Named after a group of Irish immigrants who worked for the Blue Ridge Railway Co., the restaurant pays homage to its name with framed photos of the Blue Ridge Tunnel and Claudius Crozet, the unofficial town founder of Crozet and engineer responsible for the tunnel.
Aside from the familiarity of the place, Fardowners’ offers an exceptional range of food. Here are my go-to menu items:
Huevos Rancheros: This brunch staple is flavorful, tasty, and always pairs well with hot sauce. The dish features sunnyside eggs on top of salsa, sour cream, guac, and refried beans all laid on corn tortillas, and is an amazing savory dish.
Pancakes: There is nothing quite like a Fardowners’ pancake. Although basic, their pancakes are always made well: light, fluffy, and amazing with maple syrup and butter.
Fardowners’ Burger: Sometimes the best meal is a classic, all-American burger, and Fardowners’ does not disappoint. What I always love about their burger is the pretzel bun, it adds a little something extra. Although I usually opt out of the provolone in favor of cheddar, the Fardowners’ burger overall is a great choice.
Fardowners’ Salad: Their salad features an original take on the Balsamic dressing, unlike any other I have had. Although thicker than normal, the dressing has much more flavor, and pairs well with their simplistic salad ingredients.
French Fries: I am not usually one for french fries, however, I always enjoy them at Fardowners’. Their fries are less greasy and crispier than those of fast food chains, and they feature an amazing seasoning blend that makes them more delicious than most french fries.
Whether you’re searching for something different or your usual pub fare, Fardowners’ is a great choice. The welcoming staff, familial atmosphere, and tasty yet not expensive food all combine to make for a great dining experience.
