Let me attempt to describe the place for you. Miss Mary Bobo’s occupies a lovely white two-story Greek Revival building that faces the town square. The original structure dates back to the 1820s, with a major addition completed in 1867. Originally known as the Salmon Hotel, the building has a stately presence, rich with Southern charm. Inside, multiple dining rooms are spread across three levels, each one steeped in character. The walls are lined with vintage print wallpaper and framed photographs of Miss Mary and her guests, telling stories of decades past. Ceiling fans turn lazily overhead, and a music box plays old fashioned melodies, creating a feeling that you’ve stepped into another era. Just off the square, the restaurant sits atop a natural spring, grounding it even more deeply in the history of Lynchburg.

Miss Mary Bobo herself was a true Southern matriarch. She took over the boarding house in 1908 and ran it until her passing in 1983, just shy of her 102nd birthday. She was married to Jack Bobo, and after his death, she continued to operate the boarding house on her own—a remarkable feat for any woman of that era, especially in a small Tennessee town. Her reputation for Southern hospitality was legendary, and her midday family-style meals became the stuff of local lore. Over the years, her cooking drew not just travelers and locals, but also notable figures from far and wide. At a time when women rarely owned businesses, Miss Mary stood out as the only female proprietor of a commercial enterprise in Lynchburg, and she did it with grace, grit, and generosity.

Dining at Miss Mary Bobo’s today still feels like being welcomed into someone’s home. Guests are seated at long, communal tables, often beside people they’ve never met, which only adds to the charm. A local host joins each table, sharing stories of Miss Mary, the history of the house, and colorful tales of Lynchburg itself. The spirit of hospitality is palpable—you arrive as a stranger, but by dessert, you feel like part of the family. The food, much like the atmosphere, is warm, comforting, and undeniably Southern. The menu features traditional Southern dishes, described as “homemade and heartfelt”. Every dish is made with care and intention, evoking memories of Sunday dinners and the unmistakable comfort of homemade meals.

I can tell you this is a must on your visit to the distillery.  The fried chicken, baked apples, mac & cheese and fried okra hit home. It was a delicious meal.  And as you sit down with strangers at first, you leave knowing a bit about everyone at your table. Each table has a host that shares the properties history and has everyone introduce themselves and tell where they were from.  A true community.  For at that moment, everyone was equal.  It didn’t matter who had the biggest house or made the most money, everyone was the same for the next ninety minutes. For me, that’s the best part.

If you go, make reservations in advance and expect payment up front. Demand is high and you cannot just walk in.