Visiting Pocahontas? This new restaurant is a must-try.

Spring is a big season for tourism in Tazewell County! Each year, April and May mark the annual opening of the Pocahontas Exhibition Mine tours, as well as the kickoff for ATV and motorcycle riding seasons. 

This spring, there’s another stop you need to add to your itinerary: Pocahontas’ newest restaurant, Ole No. 3 Restaurant and Bar! 

Located beside the historic Pocahontas Exhibition Coal Mine, the eatery features a little bit of everything, from tasty appetizers, to steak and seafood entrees, hand-crafted cocktails and salads, and beer on tap.

Named after the Pocahontas No. 3 coal seam, Ole No. 3 pays homage to our region’s rich mining history. If you look closely, you’ll notice that several items on the menu come with a local twist, including regionally-themed cocktails like the “Dust n’ Dirt,” “Miners Marg,” and “Black Diamond,” as well as a “Coal Dust Cheesecake,” and the “Coal Fired Traditional Wings.” 

Since they opened their doors in December, owner Thomas Wimmer said the restaurant has received nothing but love from the Pocahontas community and visitors alike.

“We could not have done it without the Town of Pocahontas and all the support they have given us during this venture,” Wimmer said. 

In addition to their standard menu (which you can check out online!), Wimmer and his crew add new dishes to their list of weekday and weekend specials every week. Switching up their offerings gives customers something to look forward to. 

As of last month, the restaurant is now open seven days per week for lunch, dinner, and late night bites. 

“Extending our hours for lunch and seven days a week allows us to better serve the community and support the exhibition mine tours being in April and May,” he added.

Local’s tip: Since featured dishes change weekly, be sure to try that dish you’ve got your eye on – it may not be on the following week’s list of specials!  

If you’re on the hunt for some great live music and activities, Ole No. 3 also hosts live entertainment on Fridays and Saturdays from 7-10 p.m. featuring regional artists from Tazewell County and beyond.

“We have had a lot of great local talent come to Ole No.3 such as Lily Comer, Jonah Carden, Terry Mullins, Barry Bowman, Matt Deal, Wild Fire Honey, Makenzie Phipps and so many more,” Wimmer said. 

The restaurant also has a game room for billiards and ax throwing. In the near future, Wimmer said he has lots of plans for new and exciting events, including ax throwing and billiard tournaments, bike nights with drink and food specials, and outdoor music and dining areas.

What to try: 

For new and returning visitors, Wimmer said he recommends the Tomahawk steak. 

“I’ve never had a steak anywhere that I’ve traveled that tasted this good!” Wimmer said. “It’s 2.5 lbs, 1.5-2” thick and is tender and full of flavors! And nothing is better than the 52 oz “Fish Bowl” full of your favorite cold beer to wash it down!  We have several favorites on tap and bottles, but my pick is Michelob Ultra.

Wimmer said he and his staff are looking forward to seeing new faces and returning customers in the season to come.

“We can only anticipate what business will be like in the coming weeks with tourism and ATV riding season soon to open up,” Wimmer said. “We cannot thank everyone for all of the support we have received this far.”  

Visit Ole No. 3 at 217 Shop Hollow Rd., Pocahontas, Virginia 24635. Follow Ole No. 3 on Facebook to catch the latest meal deals and upcoming entertainment.