Imagine it, a Friday night after a long week, and you’re looking for something fun to do. Somewhere with great food choices, ice cold beer, and and live music. Look no further than The Iron Horse Restaurant in Wartrace.
Located on the historic square, The Iron Horse is the only place in Bedford County with authentic brick oven pizza and ap- petizers that are out of this world. I went with a big group of friends and family to see our very own friend, Wade Walker, play live music. He comes all the way from Huntsville, Alabama, and it’s such a treat to hear him strum his guitar and sing live. Of course Walker isn’t the only musician who plays here. The Iron Horse hosts many musicians, open mic nights, and even karaoke.
We ordered many different appetizers before diving into our brick oven pizzas, which are masterfully crafted by hand. The pickle fries had the perfect crunchy-fried exterior while retaining their authentic pickle taste. As someone who doesn’t like pickles, even I couldn’t stop eating these. The cheese sticks are massive and filled with melty cheese, served with a hearty marinara sauce. The chicken wings come in many styles, but we ordered the hickory smoked barbecue chicken wings. The sauce was sweet with a mouth-watering smokey taste that captures all that South- ern barbecue lives up to be.
The main attraction is their brick oven pizza, which I cannot get enough of. The crust is as soft as a pillow with crisp edges that only a brick oven can create. The options for a custom pizza are endless. Of course pepperoni is a great choice, but why not up the flavor profile by adding bacon, garlic, and feta for an even more outstand- ing taste. Or add jalapeños for that extra punch of heat. Whatever you choose, you will be satisfied with every bite.
This go-to venue is small in size but offers massive entertainment with some of the best pizza and appetizers you can get your hands on. Come for the food, stay for the live music, you’ll probably even run into a familiar face or two at The Iron Horse. -GN