Miss Mary Bobo's Restaurant

Restaurant · Lynchburg, Moore County

Miss Mary Bobo's Restaurant

Restaurant · Lynchburg, Moore County

4

295 Main St, Lynchburg, TN 37352

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Miss Mary Bobo's Restaurant by null
Miss Mary Bobo's Restaurant by null
Miss Mary Bobo's Restaurant by null
Miss Mary Bobo's Restaurant by null
Miss Mary Bobo's Restaurant by null
Miss Mary Bobo's Restaurant by null
Miss Mary Bobo's Restaurant by null
Miss Mary Bobo's Restaurant by null
Miss Mary Bobo's Restaurant by null
Miss Mary Bobo's Restaurant by null
Miss Mary Bobo's Restaurant by null
Miss Mary Bobo's Restaurant by null
Miss Mary Bobo's Restaurant by null
Miss Mary Bobo's Restaurant by null
Miss Mary Bobo's Restaurant by null
Miss Mary Bobo's Restaurant by null
Miss Mary Bobo's Restaurant by null
Miss Mary Bobo's Restaurant by null
Miss Mary Bobo's Restaurant by null
Miss Mary Bobo's Restaurant by null
Miss Mary Bobo's Restaurant by null
Miss Mary Bobo's Restaurant by null
Miss Mary Bobo's Restaurant by null
Miss Mary Bobo's Restaurant by null
Miss Mary Bobo's Restaurant by null
Miss Mary Bobo's Restaurant by null
Miss Mary Bobo's Restaurant by null
Miss Mary Bobo's Restaurant by null
Miss Mary Bobo's Restaurant by null
Miss Mary Bobo's Restaurant by null
Miss Mary Bobo's Restaurant by null
Miss Mary Bobo's Restaurant by null
Miss Mary Bobo's Restaurant by null
Miss Mary Bobo's Restaurant by null
Miss Mary Bobo's Restaurant by null
Miss Mary Bobo's Restaurant by null
Miss Mary Bobo's Restaurant by null
Miss Mary Bobo's Restaurant by null
Miss Mary Bobo's Restaurant by null
Miss Mary Bobo's Restaurant by null
Miss Mary Bobo's Restaurant by null

Highlights

Experience Southern charm and history as you savor delicious communal fare in a beautifully appointed antebellum mansion, where every meal feels like time travel.  

Featured in Eater
Featured in Conde Nast Traveler
Featured in Food & Wine

295 Main St, Lynchburg, TN 37352 Get directions

missmarybobos.com

$20–30

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295 Main St, Lynchburg, TN 37352 Get directions

+1 931 759 7394
missmarybobos.com

$20–30

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Last updated

Mar 14, 2025

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@cntraveler

"Town’s original boarding house with family style meals and history lessons."

Where to Go for Labor Day Weekend to Avoid the Crowds
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@eater

"If you plan on making the pilgrimage down to Lynchburg to visit the Jack Daniel's Distillery, plan a stop at Miss Mary Bobo's for some traditional Southern cooking. Yes, it can be overrun by tourists, but it's been in business since 1908, making it worth a visit." - Delia Jo Ramsey

18 Restaurants Worth a Drive Out of Nashville - Eater Nashville
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@cntraveler

"Operated in the original area boarding house, Miss Mary Bobo's serves folks scattered throughout the large rooms of a three-story home. Meals are family-style and you’re encouraged to introduce yourselves before sharing a large Lazy Susan table that facilitates passing and sharing food. Each table is staffed by a charming hostess—often an empty nester who has taken on the role as a volunteer gig—whose long, engaging stories make the time fly by and add some historical context to what you’re seeing and eating." - Margaret Littman

3 Best Day Trips from Nashville | Condé Nast Traveler
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@foodandwine

"For 75 years, Miss Mary fed lodgers family-style at her friendly antebellum home, purchased by the Jack Daniel Distillery after she passed. Enjoy unique feasts such as meatloaf and baked whiskey apples." - Food & Wine Editors

A Road Trip Through the American South Worthy of Dame Helen Mirren
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Carol

Google
A lovely historical place to visit and sit down and learn some local history! The food was delicious. I was with a group of 5 ladies from my church and we were sat with 3 other fine ladies and a wonderful hostess who made sure we all knew each other. Some names and numbers were even exchanged, so new friends were made! What a lovely place to eat and enjoy a peaceful lunch with friends and new friends. Definitely a place to eat at when you are in the area! I hope to be back soon!

Stephanie Byrd

Google
A fun dining experience where you can enjoy good southern food, family style! Dine in an old boarding house and hear stories of Miss Mary Bobo and beautiful Lynchburg told by your host who sits at the table right alongside you. You share a table with other guests from all over the world. If you enjoy good southern cuisine this a definite must-do!!

Tonya McGuire

Google
Our host Dot was so gracious and so full of history about the restaurant and Miss Mary Bobo. If you get the chance to have dinner at the restaurant, I suggest you do it. The menu is delicious and it is an experience in itself. Dot had so much interesting information and life experiences, it was amazing to talk to her. The servers are from the local college and are so nice. Take the time to go on the tour at Jack Daniels distillery and make reservations for Miss Mary Bobo's for an amazing meal and make new friends over a delicious meal.

Live Life

Google
We paid in advance and called in to ask a few questions. They were very helpful over the phone and super kind! Upon arrival they were very accommodating and they had a neat gift store. They take you to the room you dine in. You will sit with others. You NEED to buy in advance they book up and serve twice a day! The staff and food was incredible! Definitely a traditional southern experience!

J. B.

Google
Unique family friendly experience! I enjoyed the food, especially the fried okra and macaroni with cheese, but I think it’s over priced. While being served, it felt like we were being rushed. The atmosphere was nicely decorated but difficult to move around because it was too packed with people waiting. The hostess was nice but it felt awkward at times because she was asking personal questions.

Nancy

Google
Great place with a lot of history. Food is excellent fried chicken out of this world. Great place to take a group. Located in a very small town with many shops A lot of Jack Daniel’s items

Connie Adams

Google
What a great experience this was I've never been to a restaurant where my host actually sits down and eats with us. They serve the food family style and tell us the history of the house and some of the stories concerning the area and the Jack Daniel's Distillery which is next door. There wasn't a single thing that they served us that wasn't absolutely delicious. This is a must if you are going to be in town. Don't sleep on this one make your reservations you won't be sorry

Khemarith Kang

Google
What an incredible lunch experience! The hospitality and kind treatment will be a core memory for sure! The food was absolutely delicious and felt like we were welcomed into their home as one of their family members. We got to dine with Deb, Emily, and the legendary Goose & Don from Jack Daniels. We're very grateful and appreciative for everyone making this a reality!

Brian N.

Yelp
Definitely a good place. I'm not a fan of "family style", but that's my preference, nothing Miss Mary's can fix. Overall, quality was good, and Tim was our "historian", and did a great job. Super friendly staff, clean, well run, and outside is absolutely impeccably maintained. The service from all of the staff, was great.

Dan S.

Yelp
Food is excellent, service was great and the unique dining experience with Tim our historian was interesting. A must do if you're in Lynchburg.

Ken R.

Yelp
Definitely a real fun time as you dine in rooms in the old house. Always a good time, just be prepared to have a traditional family dinner. It's not cooked to order.

Kristine J.

Yelp
They have family style seating or takeout. So you have to arrive at a certain time to have breakfast or lunch there.

Michael G.

Yelp
What a great eating experience! Our hostess was so sweet. The meatloaf, baked apples and buttermilk pie our favorites but all the food was excellent! The fried okra and the Jack Daniels apples are excellent. The Broccoli Rice Casserole is a innovative dish on traditional casseroles and may change your mind if you are opposed to casserole dishes. Our room host was very informative about the restaurant and Lynchburg. The meal is served family style and you sit with strangers that you'll become friends with by the end of your meal. The staff did an awesome job keeping the conversations warm and inviting among our table. The staff were super friendly and very knowledgeable about the history of the restaurant. Definitely recommend you stop there if you have the opportunity! It's a must if you are in Lynchburg! The best in southern hospitality.

Kelsey B.

Yelp
Miss Mary Bobo's is such a great restaurant and experience. The first time we visited, we ended up in the Round Tree Room with a local historian. She told us the history of Mrs. Mary Bobo's and Lynchburg while we ate the delicious food that had been prepared for us. The meal was family style, and we sat at a table with others who were visiting Lynchburg. It was fascinating to learn about everyone and hear their stories. I've been there twice now, and each time, it has been a wonderful experience. All in all, if you are looking for a delicious meal in a historical place, I highly recommend you give Mrs. Mary Bobo's a try.

Irene B.

Yelp
I have to say, when I first sat down at the round table and a little old lady started talking and instructing our meal I thought, what have I just gotten myself in to? However, when little Ms. Carol got to talking I felt like I had just sat down at my Mamaw's house. It felt so welcoming and comfortable. The food is spread out on a lazy Susan in the middle of the table and each guest will rotate it around for you to take your proper helping. If you run out, Ms. Carol will call the attendants for more. She made sure each one of us were properly fed and didn't leave hungry. Her stories of Lynchburg and Mrs, Mary Bobo were so interesting and gave such a neat feel of the history going on in town. I loved how she had each guest introduce themselves and say what they did for a profession, as well as where we were from. It allowed everyone at the table to talk amongst ourselves and get to know new friends. My husband and I were able to hear what the locals due and where else we should visit. The food was very good. I had second helpings of the Jack Daniel soaked apples, the fried okra, and the carrot stuffing. We even had time for coffee and pie afterwards. Honestly, when our meal time was done I wasn't ready to leave. I could've stayed and talked for hours. Well worth the price and visit if you are in Lynchburg.

Kathryn S.

Yelp
Run don't walk to this place for lunch after your tour at the distillery. It was so quaint and the food was delicious. Lots of fun to sit family style with complete strangers and hear our host talk about the history of the house and area. We loved it and if you go on a day where the fried chicken is on the menu, you have won the chicken lottery. It was the best I have ever had. Have fun!!

Lori C.

Yelp
I am going to say I was pleasantly surprised!! I wasn't sure how a family style-tour event would be. It was AMAZING!! The house is gorgeous but the best part was the people!!! Everyone is so friendly. You sit at a round table with approx 14 people and a big lazy susan. Your host sits at the table with you. The food was soooo good. Fried Chicken, Collards, Cornbread, Great Northern beans, stuffed peppers it was all homemade and you could taste the love and history. I HIGHLY recommend this if you are visiting Lynchburg. A great town, lots of history, great prices. I will definitely be back!!! It was so good I didn't get any pictures!! Mike was an excellent host!!!

Lisa M.

Yelp
We ordered food to go and sat outside. We had pot roast, fried okra, green beans, mac and cheese, fried chicken, apples and chocolate pie amongst three of us. The food was amazing. The service was quick and the employees were very nice.

Sandee L.

Yelp
Come for the experience of a southern meal at a 100+ year boarding house. You'll be sitting in a dining room, family style, meaning you'll be sitting and sharing food with strangers. No picking and choosing your menu items here: you'll get to have everything on the day's menu. Apparently, fried chicken and fried okra are served at every meal, but the rest of the menu rotates. The relish, the candied apples and the fudge pie were the highlights. The candied apples and the whipped cream both have Jack Daniel's in them. Yum! Kudos on the fried okra. Usually we are not fans because it's so slimy! These were minimally slimy. The pork roast with gravy was too salty. The fried chicken (dark meat) was legit, but as expected the white meat was dry and was left untouched by the table. At $29.95/pp, the price is not bad, but don't expect to be wowed by any part of this meal. Tips go to the local college kids that work here as an internship. No alcohol: sweet tea, water and coffee (which was out because we were the last seating at 3pm). I was sad they cleared the food and didn't ask anyone if they wanted to take leftovers. Lots of food wasted.

Kristi R.

Yelp
So much fun with an amazing host. Lunch was delicious. Absolutely loved the family style experience.

Jonathan P.

Yelp
What an unusual restaurant in an unusual city, Lynchburg. I've never experienced anything like it...and LOVED it! The community seating, the host sitting at the head of the table sharing tales of the city and the uniquely southern food made for a wonderful dining experience. Highly recommend it before you go on the Jack Daniels Distillery tour.

Cheri B.

Yelp
I ate in that room last time I was there and loved it. We didn't have to interrupt people eating to request the food to be passed, we'd just spin the lazy susan.Everything we had was out of this world delicious. A server would come in the room and ask if there was anything that needed to be refilled. We had a lot refilled. I can't imagine leaving there hungry. Why didn't you just ask the hostess to have more food brought in? I've been to Miss Bobo's many many times and never once had a bad meal. I will say one time they had stuffed peppers and I wasn't thrilled with that, but that's just a personal dislike . There was plenty of other dishes I liked . I'm sorry you had a bad experience. I guess that's what makes us each unique. What one person likes another finds distasteful.

Rachel G.

Yelp
This place never disappoints. This was my second visit to the delicious Miss Bobo's. This fried chicken and fried okra is like none other. Like your grandmas (but better) -sorry not sorry. The other show stopper was the broccoli cheese and rice casserole. Everything was excellent! I love that they give you a host to talk about the grounds. And a student from Motlow to help as well. It is truly an experience. Schedule some time before or after your Jack Daniels tour to explore downtown area!

Desiree D.

Yelp
Come for the food, stay for the service. Southern hospitality at its best. You'll need reservations when coming here, we got extremely lucky by calling up ahead of time and got a last minute table. Each room has a different name, and decor. However, you'll feel like you're eating at your southern grandmas house. We chose to all do a meat and sides. I grabbed the chicken quite mac and sweet potatoes. I really liked the plate. It really felt like Thanksgiving dinner. Did it blow me away ? No. To be honest there was nothing special about the meat and sides, it was just a good meal. The mac was creamy, sweet potatoes were super sweet, and the chicken came with the dressing. I've never had chicken like this before, but I've always heard of this. The stuffing was crunchy and overall the chicken was good. For under $20 a plate, this meal will sure to fill you up. For an extra 4 bucks you can get a slice of pie. The chess pie was interesting, but not something I'd get again. The jd whipped cream was tasty. Great service and phenomenal prices. I highly suggest anyone coming here at least 1 time.

Annie M.

Yelp
If was my first time at Miss Mary Bobo's on 5/31/2022. You have to make reservations in advance (we made ours about 5 days in advance) They are now back to family style style dinning, which is what they were know for prior to Covid. You and your group (I believe 10 guests) are seated together at a large table in your own individual room (the rooms are so cute) The food is brought out family style I'm large bowels and serving dishes and placed on the table. The food is southern and some of the types of food we had was Fried chicken, cooked apples that had Jack Daniels cooked into them, potatoes. Oakra, meatloaf and green beans and broccoli cheese casserole and oatmeal pie for dessert. The food was wonderful and the people were great! You have a headed hostess who is assigned to your table that sits with you. She heads up the conversation that includes introducing yourselves. The food gets passed around and general conversation is had amongst the guests at the table. You can ask the host questions and she tells some fun stories and is warm and friendly. I Believe the workers who work at Mary's are paid to work there but the tips are split amounts the student workers and go toward there college funds. Parking is located across the street and where we parked was about a 15 minute walk to Mary's. We had a great time and would highly recommend Mary's if you are in the area.

Craig M.

Yelp
You can't visit the Jack Daniel's Distillery and not walk on over to Miss Mary Bobo's for a good home cooked meal. There is something about eating in an older house that creates that homestyle feel. Miss Mary Bobo's is not your typical open concept restaurant. There are a number of rooms throughout the entire house where guests can eat. I would guess that there would be less than 6-8 tables per room of which they could easily seat 2, 4, or parties of 8 at some of the tables. Each area is closed off so the noise level is much lower compared to some establishments. It has a more personal feel to it. The food is phenomenal. No one travels to the south to purchase fast food or even Mexican. You want to experience true southern home cooked meals and that is what I experienced. I had the fried chicken, collared greens, candied apples and fried okra. It does not get more southern than that. Fried chicken was cooked to perfection with a nice flavorful outer shell, with a juicy and tender chicken inside. This was the first time I tried collared greens and I enjoyed them. The fried okra was tasty, but the star for me was those "Lynchburg Candied Apples". Apple slices slowly cooked in the oven covered in sugar, butter and Jack Daniels. They were piping hot, but worth every bite I took. They even offer the recipe on their website for you to make at home. I was pleasantly impressed with the overall experience, the history and the food. You have to try this place out the next time you find yourself in Lynchburg or at the Jack Daniels Distillery. You will not be disappointed.

Ray F.

Yelp
If you are planning to visit the Jack Daniel Distillery, START HERE!! This is a old boarding house experience in food, hospitality, and a history lesson! It absolutely is a must to fill your belly before you walk around the distillery. It is owned by the distillery and is included in some of the tour package options. We opted to get the top of the line tour without the restaurant included, but got reservations right as it opened. It is really that good (food wise, scenic, an old time experience) so you do want to come here! You must have a reservation!! Seating is limited. Food is served family style and they did limit the seating due to COVID. The menu gives you a few options so try as much as you can as it is all good, even the stuff you wouldn't normally eat! It is mostly all you can eat, but remember you'll be walking on the tour! We had fried chicken, meatloaf, candied apples with Jack Daniel whiskey, macaroni and cheese, fried Okra and some really good cornbread! OH... lets not forget the slice of baked fudge pie!! The total list of items they do have: ENTREES:  Southern Fried Chicken, Boarding House Meatloaf, Chicken Pastry, Fried Catfish, Country-Style BBQ Ribs SIDES:  Seasoned Greens, Fried Okra, Candied Apples, Broccoli Rice Casserole, Macaroni & Cheese, Mashed Potatoes, Cornbread & Biscuits. PIES:  Chess, Fudge, Pecan, Oatmeal, or Buttermilk, served with Jack Daniel's Whipped Cream Seriously, if you are going on the tour, you will be glad to make a reservation and start here! OH, if you loved the food, the gift store downstairs has the recipes in a cookbook!

J F.

Yelp
Pretty good. Lots of rooms you eat in. We were assigned a room downstairs. They have a host eat with you. Forgot his name he's been there about a year. Food is family style. Had Fried Chicken, Roast pork with gravy, greens, broccoli rice casserole, apples with Jack Daniels, muffins, cucumbers and onions and chess pie? 1.chicken was perfect, not many breasts. 2. Pork was bland and not very good 3. Greens were amazing!!!! 4. Broccoli was good and lots of cheese. 5. Apples were very good. Great JD sauce 6. Muffins were small but very good. 7. Cucumbers were amazing and crisp. 8. Chess pie? Bland and not worth the calories. All in all a real gut bomb but good. People were pretty quiet. Some ate like it was their last meal! The host ( forgot his name) LUCY WALKER NON STOP TALKER!! Holy Toledo can that guy ramble on literally about nothing. Would of been nice to let us talk and get to know one another. This guy took the job because all of the talk radio positions must be taken. Kind of made the lunch not so fun. He was so busy flapping his yapper he really never ate his food. Would be nice to have soft drink options instead of sweet tea that only one person drank. A coke has less sugar. Hostess upstairs were super nice. Servers were amazing young girls on scholarships!! Lot better story than hearing about 25 minute rambling story about " mouse" the drinking worker

Norman A.

Yelp
Family style lunch and dinner. Prior to eating you're able to sit in their parlors and see history everywhere. They've converted the house to have dining rooms downstairs and upstairs. Everything was excellent.

Tony C.

Yelp
We had the unfortunate experience at Miss Mary Bobo's restaurant for the 1 o'clock dinner service. We heard fantastic things about this place. that we are going to be so glad we went to it and it's just an experience. The ongoing sentiment was once you eat at Mary Bobos for lunch, you are not gonna be able to have room for dinner that night. so we go into it thinking this is gonna be a really good meal and an experience on top of that. Well, it was an experience that's for sure. For starters a lunch for two people was $80 with tax. sure with today's prices etc. not too terrible because we are expecting this really good never ending lunch. well we are told to come back to the restaurant at 12:45 and wait till our room name is called by the host. Our room was fantastic "Gant" room. NOT. We were told that we were going to be in the "tolly" room. Everything went downhill from the get go. . The Tolly room is in the existing original house with all the decor and all the feel of old plantation house or whatever the feel it's going for. Our hostess called us she said follow me we will go to the Gant room. I told her we were supposed to go to the Tollyroom which is right there in the main part of the house. Nope we were switched to the Gant room which sucked. So we follow this person out the back door of the original house down, through this sort of alley/back of the building area. We went probably to the furthest point of their property to this room that was added on years ago . Everything about ambienceof the miss Bobo house experience was gone. Because at this point we were just put into a room they added on. We were stuck with 10 other pissed off people sitting at a round table staring at each other. Wondering why we're not in the main house. so we all go into the room and the food is already sitting on this table. There is a large round table with a huge lazy Susan built into it. so everybody would just slowly spin the table top and each take portions of the foods in front of them. It was ridiculous of how little food had on this table. And what we ate was a joke. We had mac & cheese. We had ham slices, but they weren't big nice spiral cut ham slices. They were little scrubs of ham on this plate. There was 10 people in this room and I swear two adult men could've eaten all the meat on that plate as their first helping. this is where we were getting pretty teed off. This city lunch experience was a joke, and we were getting ripped off. So the hostess sat at our table and she was talking about this and whatever and we waited and waited and waited and then they brought out a couple more dishes of food then we could eat. Everyone was barely taking food off these dishes because they were trying to keep food left for the next person. The hostess said oh don't worry about the food will get more. well of course that didn't happen. All they brought back out was rolls And gravy. It was ridiculous. We choked down the dry ham, the mediocre turkey with stuffing beans mac & cheese. That was it. Oh and the favorite was there fried okra which I didn't really give a shit about. To be honest everything was cold, everything was ridiculously priced at $40 a plate. I could tell people we were just like where is this big lunch that was supposed to keep us so full that we wouldn't even want to have dinner. All I gotta say is that we left, hungry, disappointed . I just think it's a bunch of hype for nothing, we had to get up and get our own water and tea when we ran out. And our fantastic dessert was a fudge brownie with a drizzle of caramel and whipped cream. Just ridiculous, so we had to get up and leave to meet at Jack Daniels for our 215 tour. as we're walking to Jack Daniels we wanted to stop and get a barbecue sandwich because we were still flipping hungry. After Jack Daniels tour, we went back to downtown and we ended up going to this barbecue place and had a full plate of food because we were starving. So one star for miss Barry Bobo. It was ridiculously overpriced, overhyped, mediocre experience, it's not really about the money it's about the hype and low quality of food service, etc. WillI go back there, absolutely not. Will I tell people to go there, absolutely not. If I can get my money back, I absolutely I would. Otherwise, Lynchburg was fun. Jack Daniels tour was fantastic and some of the small shops for interesting.

Dave B.

Yelp
Came back here again with a buddy in early July. Still enjoyed this place. Strongly recommend you make a reservation in advance because this place is busy! Fried Chicken and Meatloaf have been the only two options both times I have eaten here. The Fried Chicken is amazing! Highly recommend, I'll be back when I visit next time.

Caitlyn W.

Yelp
The student servers are excellent and the food is five star southern cooking. LOVED the atmosphere and the friendliness of the staff as soon as you walked in the door, definitely a Lynchburg must!

Steve B.

Yelp
Great food and the "host" was eager to share the history of the Miss Bobo and the area

Mark W.

Yelp
They serve family style, and you need to get reservations about a week out. Don't fret if you don't, as you can get take out and eat at one of the outside tables. I got the meatloaf and greenbeans. Fried okra and rolls. Outstanding!!!! The meatloaf was cooked just right and has a sweet tomato sauce covering it. Fried okra was crispy, and the greenbeans were tasty. Portion size was good, and the sweet tea was just right. Highly recommend

Paulette C.

Yelp
The idea of family dining with a hostess was wonderful. The food is a huge thumbs down. Someone in our group was hugely disappointed because they didn't have fried chicken. My friend said to just do fried chicken at every meal because that's what people come for. We liked the fried okra, even though we were told it was frozen then breaded and fried. There was a dish called Hominy casserole that looked like Mac-n-cheese that was sweet and NOT GOOD. The meatloaf was also sweet and was left by most of us. None of us got seconds. The best part of our visit was our hostess, the college helpers and the oatmeal pie. Guests from Nashville, recommended to an out of town couple, Monell's. They said they ALWAYS have fried chicken and their food is much better!

Cameron Hills H.

Yelp
We were recommended by many people not to miss this southern comfort food experience. The hostess and story tellers were exceptional. The ambiance was a movie set!! However, the food was off. There was no fried chicken. The catfish replacement was mushy. The baked apples and deserts were pure sugar. Additionally, we were seated with a large group of guys from a Kentucky bourbon distributor that were on a business trip buying Tennessee Whiskey. They were late so our lunch was delayed. They had been at Jack Daniels sampling all of the whiskeys so they were loud and obnoxious. We ask to be reseated but due to the delay there were no other tables open for the two of us. It was not a good experience.

Karen D.

Yelp
Unique fun experience Great family style lunch (set menu -$29 all you can eat) in private room (I think about 10 or so rooms in the house). Each room has a 'host' who joins you for lunch and talks about the restaurant and town history and interacts in casual conversation- we really enjoyed it!! We happened on an open table that day but understand you may need to make reservations ahead of time.

Darlene F.

Yelp
Good luck looking for better customer service. Out guide Carolyn? was the nicest person and was very knowledgeable about the home. Sitting at a table with people you do not know can sound scary but it was nice meeting people with different backgrounds. The food is served similar to thanksgiving dinner. Everyone serves themselves and then passes their dish to the left. The food was delicious, service was excellent, and the town beautiful. I recommend it highly.

Diane S.

Yelp
The food was delicious! Fried chicken and roast beef with gravy and mashed potatoes were the entrees. Creamy, cheesy Mac and cheese, pinto beans, fried okra, corn salad, and Jack Daniels apples were the fabulous sides. Buttermilk pie with real whipped cream was the dessert.

Bonnie D.

Yelp
Enjoyed a family style meal with other folks visiting from around the country. Catfish was great. Broccoli rice casserole one if the best ever. Spiced apples and peach cobbler for dessert. Host will join you and entertain with history of house and local area.

Sara R.

Yelp
We have been several times and we can always count on having very good food. We also love the insight of the hostess and their stories shared at the table!

Deb H.

Yelp
This is not just lunch, it's an experience. Scheduled online ahead of time for a reservation for 3 on a Wednesday in October. Family style served at a big table with other families, but that's nice for conversation. Our hostess was Sherry, who was a delight. Lunch consisted of iced tea, chicken & pastry, meatloaf, pinto beans, turnip greens, pineapple salad, cornbread rolls, and pumpkin square for dessert. I would have loved a take home box for leftovers! Clean plates all around and they even asked if we wanted coffee with dessert.

Joe D.

Yelp
Very good family iconic restaurant I'll be back every year Get the okra it's great !!!!

Sheryl M.

Yelp
If you've never been to this restaurant please put it on your bucket list. Besides great food the whole experience is unforgettable!

Jody K.

Yelp
Absolutely loved our meal. We had a wonderful time and great experience. Everything was amazing! Carolyn our hostess told stories and was so hospitable. The food was excellent especially the chicken and mashed potatoes. It was nice to sit with other people and have conversations. The food comes right out when you take your seat.

Sonja S.

Yelp
All I can say is if you thought sitting at your grandmothers table was delicious, this is the very next best thing. So blessed to have this near us. The food is outstanding.

Lindsay D.

Yelp
Great southern lunch spot in Lynchburg. It use to be an old boarding house. Ate lunch in the Grant Room downstairs. The servers are students. The food yummy. Hubby got the Meatloaf and Mac n cheese with steamed potatoes. I got the Fried chicken and green beans with fried ocra. Sweet tea was tasty. No room for dessert but I would recommend checking this place out.

David V.

Yelp
Ardis was an amazing Hostess for us during our lunch meal. The place of Miss Mary Bobos was exquisite, such a classic feel of a boarding house, nothing seem too modern, had a country taste design on the outside. On the inside, it felt like home. She was such a great storyteller with a good sense of humor. She was the best part of the meal. The meal was good, but our hostess was very hospitable. Most of the time we were laughing during our meal. The thing is to introduce yourself, where you're from and what do you do, and what brought you here to Mary Bobos. I like Southern meals. They say, if it's not fried, it's not southern. There was Fried okra, roasted chicken, roll, Mac n cheese, cranberry, ham, sweet potato pie, green beans, and the delightful pecan pie. Drinks such as sweet tea and unsweetened tea was good too. The pecan pie was also served with coffee. It was so good. The meal was good, and the host was great. You come for the experience and stay for the food. It was great experience here in Lynchburg.

Lindsey O.

Yelp
Miss Mary Bobo's is what I consider to have been my number one meal and dining experience in the USA. The food is just so tasty and authentically southern that I was happy with every last bite and enthralled by the whole experience. They serve you family style on a lazy Susan and bring out every southern dish you could imagine. BBQ chicken, pulled pork, brisket, everything good. Mac and cheese, fried okra, pecan pie at the end, and way more I'm forgetting. Each individual item is so good - I had this meal 5 years ago and I haven't forgotten it. You think the sitting with strangers thing will be weird, but it is was actually kind of enjoyable. You'll still have most of your conversation with your immediate party anyway but it was cool to have people from all over there. TIP: You NEED a reservation.

Natasha E.

Yelp
We were invited by our friends to join them for a special celebration. My husband is handicapped, we drove an hour an a half and arrived late. After struggling with the wheelchair to the second floor we finally found ourselves standing in front of one of the managers who coldly and rudely informed us that we would not be seated, kitchen is closed and any food left from our friends party has been eaten by the staff. She walked out without even offering us a glass of water. We struggled again downstairs to the car and drove another hour and a half home. This Bobo is a nono for us. Rude staff, can't comment on the food, since we didn't get any.

C W.

Yelp
This is a must do if you're going to or through Lynchburg. The food is good southern cooking. Meatloaf, fried chicken, potatoes, Mac and cheese, fried okra, Jack Daniel's stewed apples and fudge pie was the dessert of the day. There's plenty of it too and the menu changes often! Ms Carolyn was our hostess that told us the history of Miss Mary BoBo and the home where she cared for so many. Carolyn was the quintessential Southern lady and was very informative ! It's all served family style so we got to meet some great people while we are together. Be sure to make reservations to ensure a seat at the table! You will not regret it!

Veronica R.

Yelp
I've heard so many wonderful things about this place and I'm so lucky to be able to experience this. And from the moment I walked into this restaurant with my group of friends we were welcomed with open arms and friendly smiles and helping us potentially eat here since we didn't have a reservation. Our hosts were so friendly and lovely and made this experience all the more great. Our server Jean was amazing and so friendly and attendant of our orders. The way this establishment works with their workers being students on scholarships and the history behind this restaurant really makes the whole scene worth going. I would say to get a reservation because they are usually very packed.

Dillon M.

Yelp
We came here with the JD Distillery tour & sadly, we all absolutely disliked this place. Truth be told, the food was horrendous.

Athena R.

Yelp
3 stars is not bad at all - it's just not super special. This is tough...I wish I could give an extra 1/2 star for the friendly staff & the premise behind the waitstaff: college-bound students supported by the JD Distillery. But - you're looking for a place to eat, so I'll rate the food. It was good - but not $20/plate good. BBQ rib sauce is too sweet (the meat should be the highlight); sadly, the okra was overcooked/almost burnt. I love crunchy okra, but this was just shy of burnt. My husband loved his chicken pastry. The chess pie was absolutely delicious (but not recommended for diabetics - it was sooo sweet). The JD hint in the whipped cream was perfect (& don't tell anyone, but I'm not a JD fan).

Kailah M.

Yelp
What an amazing experience! Featured on YT channel "History Ate Here" the food was awesome. Huge plates full of food and dessert that is to die for. A must see stop if you are nearby and absolutely if you're visiting the distillery.

Nan E.

Yelp
Great experience! The food is good but is the experience that made this place special. This is a family style so you'll be sitting with 10 other people and sharing the food. Is all you can eat so they'll bring out more food if you're still not full. The host will sit and eat with you and tell you about the history of miss Mary Bobo or Jack Daniel's or they'll talk about anything which I didn't expect the host to sit and eat with everyone and get the conversation going but I'm glad she did it made our lunch so much better. Our host was Shelly and she made all of us feel so welcome like we're eating at our aunt house. They also have college intern serving the food as so they can earn extra money for college since the kids share the tips which I think is an amazing idea. Pls go and check this place out and don't forget to do the Jack Daniel's tour as well. You do need reservation so don't forget to call them ahead of time to make the reservation. They do treat everyone like family here. Oh and we had french coconut pie and OMG it was SOOOO GOOD!

S. W.

Yelp
A wonderful atmosphere and meal. $30 per person, for what you get. Meeting new people was very fun. Our Hostess, Vivian, was informative and a delight. The college girls waited on us and shared their educational experiences and aspirations. Very sweet kids. The house was beautiful. It takes about an hour of your time and is a delightful hour. Contrary to more negative reviews, regarding the quality of the food, it was great and seconds made the food abundant. If I were to change anything about this restaurant, it would be that they throw away all of the leftover food and a garbage pail instead of offering it to those who just paid the money to eat the food. I would rather see them, give it to a food bank, or a local kitchen here in town to people who might be under privileged and need the food. They do not offer to allow the patrons to take any of the leftovers home with them, which is unfortunate. If they were giving it to the homeless, that would be different and we would be happy to let them take our portion of leftovers to give but they don't do it that way they throw it away. I think they could do better with that.