Off the Grid, just outside of Sperryville, VA in Rappahannock County, is one of the most eco-friendly restaurants in the country. In our effort to produce climate-friendly food we are 100% solar-powered, and strive for zero waste and carbon-neutral operations.

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Key to our operation is an on-site small-scale farm where we keep hens and ducks for free-range eggs, and source some of our produce. We practice carbon-reduction farming by working the soil in no-till methods, plant rotation and planting carbon-friendly crops such as hemp. Meat options served are pasture-raised chicken, breakfast sausage and pork. We carefully select meats from local farms (Whiffletree Farm and other local partners) that meet our standards for sustainability and humane farming practices, while vegan and vegetarian items feature prominently on our menu. We look forward to partnerships with hyper local producers of seasonal ingredients, such as Waterpenny Farm and Thorton River Orchards.

 

Off the Grid is completely powered by a solar array in a back field. The 30 kw system can be seen from the outdoor seating next to the Thornton River.  An old fruit stand was refurbished into a level-2 charging center for electric vehicles, where guests can charge their EV’s for free. The building itself was remodeled with energy efficient equipment and insulation. Energy efficient windows and other fixtures were repurposed from local remodeling jobs.  In other sustainability goals, Off the Grid staff work hard to reduce our waste through repurposing, recycling, and composting on site.

 

At Off the Grid, we make dishes from scratch and make all of our own beverages such as sodas and spritzers, while carrying locally-made kombucha, organic teas, and local coffee (roasted for us right down the street at Central Coffee Roasters).  We have a full liquor license and serve beer and wine on tap only, avoiding bottled beverages. Guests can buy reusable or returnable growlers of beer or wine to take off-premise. 

 

With our tag line Eat Local ~ Taste Global, our menu features dishes such as Thai Panang curry, Bahn mi sandwich, chicken, fig and goat cheese sandwich, pulled pork, and several inventive salads, wraps, and Chef's Daily Specials.  We are always working to be part of the community, let us know how we can collaborate. 

 

Located just 6 miles east of the Thornton Gap entrance to the Skyline Drive on, Off the Grid is on the Thornton River, borders the Shenandoah National Park and is 1 mile west of the charming town of Sperryville.