Stephenson’s

Location

This is a favorite eating-place for popular mystery writer Margaret Maron, who lives nearby and is a distant cousin of the late Paul Stephenson, who started the restaurant. It is now managed by his son, Andy. Even if you don’t see Margaret Maron when you visit, you will surely see some of the models for the characters in her books among the diverse people who frequent the restaurant. When you’re eating your chicken and barbecue and slaw, don’t forget to leave room for the banana pudding. Stephenson’s is probably the only barbecue restaurant in the country that has a commercial nursery next door. Paul’s brother and renowned poet Shelby Stephenson says Paul started “messing around” with plants not long after opening the restaurant and pretty soon was selling plants. The business grew and grew. Today the nursery business is strictly wholesale, but that won’t keep you from checking it out after your meal.

Hrs: Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-8 p.m. (9 p.m. in summer)