Pit Stop Pasta & Grill

When you pull up to Pit Stop Pasta & Grill in Fancy Gap, don't let its facade fool you. While it looks like another brick-and-mortar burger and fries joint, what awaits is made-from-scratch savory Italian cuisine. 

Our story begins with Abraheem Rabee, who fell in love with the food industry while working his way through college at restaurants. Rabee, a mechanical engineer by trade, fueled his passion for restaurants as a side job.

When the opportunity to take over the defunct Gearhead Diner arose, he and his wife Elizabeth jumped at the chance! They kept the race car decor but overhauled the existing menu. 

In an era where cutting corners was the norm, the Rabees focused on creating their sauces and even waited to serve pizza until they could purchase a brick oven. Such passion and attention to detail make Pit Stop Pasta & Grill a gem in Fancy Gap.

The menu showcases a range of offerings from classic Italian and American choices to Mediterranean options, making Pit Stop the perfect choice for those with a wide range of preferences.

After a day exploring the Blue Ridge Parkway, make a "pit stop" at Pit Stop Pasta & Grill. This locally-owned eatery will astound you with its fresh fare!

Vibe

As mentioned, Pit Stop Pasta & Grill looks different from an Italian restaurant. The refurbished gas station, complete with a large carport where the pumps were, has more of a greasy-spoon vibe. But as the saying goes, "Don't judge a book by its cover." 

Inside, the ambiance is that of an old-time diner with booths and fluorescent lighting. The Rabees kept Gearhead Diner's racing and auto theme, which adds to the restaurant's mystique. 

Picture vintage license plates and oil company signs on the wood walls with a galvanized steel wainscot beneath. The rustic look works perfectly with Virginia's High Country vibe.

While the gas pumps are long gone, the covered area is perfect for dining outside. Metal tables and chairs dot the pavement, making it ideal for families or adventurers back from exploring Devil's Den Nature Preserve.

This eclectic eatery oozes with a vibey style that combines NASCAR, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and delicious Italian cuisine. 

Pit Stop Pasta & Grill: Menu & Drinks

Prepare for a taste treat at Pit Stop with a menu highlighting time-tested Italian-American favorites. 

The lunch menu will appeal to various palates, with options ranging from a Philly cheese steak with fries to a hot dog plate. Other options include calzones, subs, burgers, and a small NY-style pizza. 

On the lighter side, the salads are a healthy option that is also very filling. One standout is the Greek Salad with Romaine lettuce, tomatoes, onions, black olives, cucumbers, and feta cheese. If you need a little spicy kick, try the Buffalo Crispy Chicken Salad, which has black olives, crispy onion rings, and crispy chicken slathered in Buffalo sauce.

You can't go wrong with a New York-style pizza when it's time for dinner or feeding a famished lunch crowd. You'll taste the difference with their crust, which is made with homemade dough hand-tossed to your preference. You can build your own pizza or choose a signature pizza like the Mediterranean, which showcases grilled chicken, spinach, fresh tomatoes, black olives, feta cheese, and mozzarella cheese.

With so many pasta options, many patrons will have difficulty deciding which to choose. A unique dish is the Pasta du Terra, which features spinach and tomato sautéed with fresh garlic in 100% virgin olive oil and cooked with penne noodles. Baked pasta dishes like the meat lasagna and Ziti Perfecto are the perfect ending to a day at Olde Mill Golf Resort.

Pairing these delectable dishes and refreshing drinks with the serene beauty of the Blue Ridge Parkway ultimately enhances the experience, making Pit Stop Pasta & Grill a perfect pit stop on your vacation.