Milton Tire & Grill

In a town that already feels like Mayberry, RFD, finding a dual purpose tire-​lunch place seems somehow fitting. Admittedly, had I not read David W’s review, I surely would have bypassed this enterprise. So glad I did not because Milton Tire & Grill is a genuine slice of Americana.
The owner, Patsy, is a gracious and engaging hostess, as well as a skilled cook. She also is a member of the Milton glitterati inasmuch as she grew up in the beautiful and historically significant Thomas Day home. Thomas Day was a distinguished African-​American cabinet maker whose work is in the White House. Indeed, Patsy’s family donated the property to Milton.
The menu is very limited. I no longer eat hot dogs and hamburgers, which are the centerpiece of the lunch menu. Happily, Patsy had a wonderful selection of veggie-​centric dishes. The fried okra was the best I have ever had, as were the greens. Because I was in the South, I also had sweet tea instead of my usual unsweetened and Patsy’s was terrific.
Definitely worth a visit if you need a break from the doings at VIR or happen to be in Milton.

If you frequent Virginia International Raceway (VIR) often as we do, you know the limitations on food options nearby.
Onsite you’ve got track food from the Pagoda Grill (improving a bit but not so great) and the Oak Tree Tavern (avoid unless you go during an off time). You’ve got Millie’s Pizza just outside the track in Milton (Millie is not afraid of the cheese nor the bread, but terrible service and canned ingredients). And right across the street from Millie’s you’ve got Milton Tire and Grill (MT&G).
Yes, you read that right. It’s a combo tire store and restaurant… You can peer right through the lunch counter room to the bay with the fan belts hanging on the wall. The mechanic abandons his tire business during the lunch rush to help with chef duties.
It’s a tiny place with four tables and a few seats at the counter. It’s an old place that I’d peered at for years and never gone until they invested in a new sign that let me know they were actually still in business last year.
Tired of the meager local options for lunch, a few of us loaded up at the paddock and went there at lunch to try it. And have now been back four times over the last few months.
This is a small lunch counter run by a nice lady named Patsy who might remind you of your grandmother. There is a limited menu of stuff from what I’ve seen. Burgers, hot dogs and a special or two (yesterday it was a steak and cheese hoagie), sometimes southern specialties. The food is ok and frankly not what I’d come here for except for the homemade desserts (more on that later), you should come here for the experience and the company.
Patsy is very attentive and makes everyone who comes feel special. Service is fast for cook to order. Each time I’ve been Patsy has had some homemade desert on individual plates at the counter. Yesterday’s was coconut pie… My wife got some and I stole a bite and loved it. And I hate coconut pie usually.
I’d recommend giving this place a shot if you are at the track. Patsy is at church on Sunday so come on Saturday or during the week.