Leadbelly's Restaurant

I live in Reedville, and eat here at least once a week. The food is always, inexpensive, good, and consistent. They're not trying to be Le Bernardin so don't expect parmesean tuiles with your deconstructed fish sandwich. If you want a great meal at an affordable price then this is your spot. Come by car, or boat (we always stop for lunch on our way out with friends on the boat). They have cold beer, a full bar, and a screened in covered patio to enjoy those warm days. As for service, this place can get busy and everyone comes at once. So sit wherever you'd like, I can assure you the servers know you are there. It might take a minute for them to take your order, because they are just working through all the people who came in just before you. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the breeze.

We came for a good old-style fried seafood dinner and got exactly that. Scallops and cod fried perfectly and hush puppies to die for. A real gem. Good fast service, even though it was hopping on a Thursday evening. Yum!

Walked in, received dirty looks, told to sit anywhere, no one came to take our order. See ya!

I'm giving this place 4 mainly because we were totally surprised, in a really good way. We'd been here several years ago and it was just meh...nothing special. We drove by last year and it looked closed down. Being on the Northern Neck, there's only a hand full of decent restaurants. We thought we'd give Leadbelly's at the Fairport Marina another look-see because we heard it WAS open. Glad we did!Nothing fancy. Nothing. It's a Marina. You can smell the sea lingering from the work boats docked there. There's outdoor screened porch seating, but it was closed "due to extreme heat". The waitresses wear t-shirts advertising the restaurant...and they wear flip-flops...probably against code, but what the heck.There were 4 of us. I ordered the fried oyster appetizer ($12) with a side of fried cabbage ($2.25) My dinner mates each ordered the oyster platter for $20 which came with 2 sides and "big butt rolls". Now...we've been going to another place where the oysters are tasty, but the portions have shrunk over time. When our friendly waitress (who grew up on the water and didn't eat seafood) brought our meals, I was pleasantly surprised at the huge mound of oysters. They had just the right amount of breading and the fried cabbage was delicious, cooked just right. I forgot to count how many oysters I had, but I know this: I got a big mess (a whole lot) of plump fried oysters for not a lot of money. My buddies had more on their plates than I had for the appetizer portion and they couldn't finish...they toted the remains home. If you are in the area of Fairport on the Northern Neck of Virgina, definitely give this place a try. Down home, local hangout is worth the trip!

The food is great! The service is good. It is very rustic and perfect location for either by land or water.

Drinks, appetizers were good until the restaurant became packed.Lunch turned into 3 hours having to go inside from the outdoor porch seating 3 times asking about the food order and requesting soda refills.Was told by a local it was (NNK) Northern Neck Time. Presumably a a slow pace but, for sure 3 hours is not suitable..When we did finally receive lunch the onion rings were cold.

We go to Leadbelly's about once a month. We enjoy sitting on their screen porch for lunch overlooking the water. Prices are fair, food is quite good and service is always friendly. That sums it up! Highly recommend this rustic, come as you are, little hole in the wall!

service n ambiance were great. Food , not so good. My wife n i both had the shrimp sandwich... worst ever. Shrimp looked like out of a small can from mkt n smashed.. no visible shrimp. also 7 wings for $7. look like they were from EtiopiaBlue cheese n crackers were great. Cheese berger was fair

Visited on Friday, May 26, 2023 around 6pm. Starting our season on the bay, this local spot is usually very busy. We were surprised when their were only a hand full of cars in the parking lot; especially for Memorial Day Weekend.Although the entire experience was a disappointment, I will hit the highlights.We were there for over 2 hours. It took about an hour and half for our dinner to come out. We had to ask repeatedly for our dinner salads. I ordered the "Spaghetti Special" for $12.95 which boasted being served with Garlic Bread. What I got was a child portion served with a single slice of toasted sandwich bread. There was no meat in the sauce and the edges of the sauce were "dry bruised" like it was microwaved within an inch of its life.Two other diners ordered the Friday Night Steak Dinner Special for $24.95 which has always been a hit for regular dinners. What came to the table could only be described as "scraps".. like what you would give to the dogs once you were done. There was barely any meat and mostly fat and gristle. Waited for the sides to come out with the steak which was a tiny portion. The very nice waitress admitted she did not want the steaks to get cold just because the sides were not ready. As a positive, the steak sub and fried shrimp dinner that was ordered at the table was noted as good.. however,, the fries that accompanied them were cool and soggy and mostly left untouched. Discussing the experience with neighbors later on, we learned that many locals have stopped eating there in recent months for similar disappointing experiences. We do not wish to harm these newer owners; only encourage them to improve and usher in a return to quality; what has been a steady favorite and "go to" in this area for years and years. And to warn those who seek a good meal of what they may face should they choose to dine here.

I drove from daytona Florida cuz o heard rumors..this old dude from Massachusetts bought the place never even cooked a grilled cheese but has art for creating monetary empires..I sent some culinary scouts on a stealth mission..the results were all positive..he has putP together a team of sucess..they replied the food all looked it was prepared for a photo shoot..the flavour profile on all the dishes they ordered was spot on..so if u enjoy seafood..get off ur ass nd xperience it first hand..u won't regret it..Charlie Bean