Tuscarora Mill
Leesburg / American / $$$
Who’s got game? Tuskie’s, as Tuscarora Mill is affectionately known, has got it in spades. A daily special could include a mighty rack of wild boar or elegant venison loin. An annual wild-game dinner is a six-course affair that might comprise anything from Buffalo-style alligator to nilgai antelope with uni.
It might sound like this is a spot for pushing culinary boundaries. But in fact, the menu is more in tune with the surroundings. And those are something to remember—a grain mill built in 1899, lovingly restored. While foodies and hunters alike may salivate for the more esoteric meats, there’s something for everyone here.
This is the kind of place where big families gather because the filet mignon with scalloped potatoes is every bit as solid as the meatloaf or the Barn Yard “au jus,” a craveable take on French dip with smoked beef brisket and pork. And everyone in the group can agree on the warm butterscotch bread pudding. Rather than whipped cream or ice cream, it’s topped with rich vanilla-bean mousse.
See this: Ask to sit in the historic front section, amid the vestiges of the old mill.
Eat this: The Barn Yard “au jus,” grilled pork rib-eye, warm butterscotch bread pudding
Service: You’ll marvel as servers recite the long list of specials.
When to dine here: Your big group can’t decide on just one type of food but wants an upscale environment.
Feature image by Alice Levitt
This post originally appeared in our November 2021 issue’s Best Restaurants cover story. For more food reviews, subscribe to our weekly newsletter.
