Evelyn’s Pantry is hometown deli on Monterey’s main street

By Lynn R. Mitchell

Autumn was on full display on the patio of Evelyn’s Pantry on Monterey’s main street the last day of September 2014. The warm days of fall are an invitation to visitors and locals to take their lunch outside and enjoy the beauty of Virginia’s “Little Switzerland” that looks more like New England at this time of year. On a cold day, a bowl of owner Donna Hooke’s homemade hot vegetable soup hits the spot sitting at a table in front of the stone fireplace. On a warm day, a deli sandwich and a scoop of frozen yogurt or ice cream is in order. Evelyn’s is our go-to eatery in Monterey year-round so we’ve seen it in all seasons and even when trudging through snow to get to the door … nothing fancy … just an informal gathering place. (See also Finding autumn in Highland County, Va, more than four dozen photos of vivid fall colors 2014).

Evelyn’s not only provides deli food but there are shelves with bulk foods, candies, snacks, and more, similar to the Cheese Shop in Stuarts Draft and the Bulk Food Store at Dayton Farmers Market.

Owner Donna, who grew up in the Mill Gap area of Highland County (pictured behind the counter), named the deli after her grandmother. Depending on the time of year, you can find choices of salads (potato, macaroni, broccoli), deviled eggs, muffins, a variety of sandwiches as well as homemade desserts. Donna has been in business 17 years, running the deli with help from her son Charlie and daughter Jennifer.

More photos from earlier trips to Evelyn’s throughout the years (see Lunch at Evelyn’s Pantry in Monterey).

 

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
September 30, 2014

Cross-posted at SWAC Girl