Undercover Diner Visits The Depot Grille

Located right next to the train tracks in downtown Lynchburg, Depot Grille has long been a staple for casual dining with a historic touch. Known for its hearty portions and welcoming atmosphere, it’s a go-to spot for a relaxed meal with friends or family. On a recent visit, I enjoyed a girls’ lunch with my mom, sister, aunt, and cousin—an afternoon filled with tasty food and great company.

Depot’s extensive menu always makes for a tough decision, but I often find myself coming back to their chicken tenders, which I believe are the best in town. They are consistently crispy, juicy, and thick—everything you want in a tender. This time, my mom and I opted for the Chicken Tender Salad ($17), a generous portion of leaf lettuce topped with cheddar cheese, bacon, tomatoes, and four of Depot’s famous fried tenders. You can order it traditional or buffalo-style; we chose traditional. Even with its satisfying flavors and textures, the portion was large enough that we each took half home for later. A side of ranch and honey mustard completed the dish perfectly.

My sister, looking for a lighter choice, went with the Half Chicken Tender Salad, which offered a smaller but still satisfying version of our meal.

Meanwhile, my aunt and cousin decided to share the Parmesan Encrusted Chicken Sandwich ($15), a flavorful combination of red onion, spinach, red peppers, sriracha aioli, and crispy parmesan-crusted chicken on toasted sourdough. They raved about the taste but noted that the bread quickly became soggy. The real highlight for them? The fries—always golden, crispy, and delicious.

Beyond the food, the service was fast and friendly, adding to the overall enjoyable experience. Depot Grille is still a reliable choice for a satisfying meal in a cozy, historic setting. Whether you're craving a fresh salad, a hearty sandwich, or just some of the best chicken tenders in town, you can’t go wrong here.