Rustic steak dinner

Quick restaurant review

We're pretty avid watchers of the UNC TV show, NC Weekend, and always enjoy Bob Gardner's segments on places to eat across the state (apparently he's the state's barbecue authority). So when we saw an episode with Bob at a steakhouse not too far from our house, we decided to make a road trip. This was back in the spring of 2005 (I think!).

All we knew was they had great steak - better than Angus Barn, we heard. We were game! Where is this magical place? Middleburg, NC. Just north of Henderson, in Vance County, just barely south of Virginia and Kerr Lake. The restaurant, the aptly named Middleburg Steakhouse.



Our favorite thing to order - the filet mignon (absolutely delicious)! Their smallest 6oz portion is all you need (and you can't beat the price - $14.95). The price includes one trip to their well stocked salad bar, a side item (potato, veggies, rice) and homemade rolls. If that doesn't fill you up, start out with their stuffed mushroom caps or finish with their hot fudge chocolate cake. YUM. They also have several other cuts of steak along with chicken and seafood. One quick warning - we're fairly certain there is no "non smoking" area so be prepared for some smokers. The second level seems to be the worst offender for smoke, so we usually try to dine early, with the 'early bird,' 65+ crowd (they aren't usually big chain smokers!).

Warning - history info, for the non-nerdy readers, skip ahead
(taken from "HomegrownHandmade" - awesome NC info website)

Built between 1932 and 1934 by local residents and funded by the Civil Works Administration (CWA). All of the materials used in construction were donated by local businesses and residents. The log building was designed so any individual log could be removed and replaced without upsetting the logs next to it. For many years the building was the focal point of all community activities. As time passed and travel became less difficult, residents began to venture further outside the community and use of the building lessened. For many years the building stood abandoned and was often vandalized and used by hoboes traveling on the nearby railroad. In 1976, Irvin Greenway and his son Tommy, both local residents, leased the building with plans to convert it into a restaurant. Six months of extensive renovations followed. All lighting, plumbing and electrical were replaced along with a new roof. With the exception of a few minor innovations, the interior and exterior remain as originally constructed over fifty years ago. A large stone fireplace and rough hand cut logs create a rustic but cozy atmosphere for evening dinners. Menu consists of steaks, seafood and salad bar. Beer and wine are also available.



From visitnc.com

"Middleburg Steak House is a local landmark in Middleburg (outside of Henderson). The atmosphere of this old 1934 log building is rustic and casual. Dine in front of a large stone fireplace as you relax in the main dinning room surrounded by exposed hand hewn logs. Only minutes away from the Historic District of Henderson's downtown area. Reservations suggested. Dinner only. Menu consists of steaks, seafood and salad bar. Beer and wine are also available. 252-492-7088"

Location: US 1 North & Hwy 158 (from I-85 take exit 220)
Middleburg, NC
Hours: Wed. thru Sat. 5:30 - 10pm; Sun. 5:30 - 9pm
Attire: Casual