This weekend I was fortunate enough to be able to attend Kirk & Soul's Second Soft Opening and it…read morewas amazing. After being awarded the NC Triad Yelp Squad Yelper of the Year 2024 Award at the Yelpies Award Ceremony last year, an event that honored the highest-performing Yelp Elites, celebrating their contributions and accomplishments throughout the year, I decided that this year, as an All-Star Yelp Elite, I not only wanted to be the first to discover new restaurants and businesses, and bring them to the attention of the public, but also to uncover those found in hidden paths that for one reason or another have not reached the public in its totality. And Kirk & Soul, in Downtown, Roanoke, Virginia, is a perfect example. I loved the interior renovations of this new restaurant. Its beautiful hardwood floors contrasts perfectly with the lovely and very elegant black dining furniture, comprised of booths, tables and chairs, and bar counter, all with outstanding black marbalized table tops that give the place class. The restaurant's simple decor seems to emphasize its best features. Its high ceiling painted black also gives it a nice touch. And the large windows that go all around the corner bring in the light making the hardwood floors and table top shine to highlight their best features.The restaurant also has an open second floor, as well as a corner three steps high stage for bringing live entertainment that will provide the place with another exclusive detail to attract its clientele. I had an opportunity to meet the restaurant's manager, Blake, and he had great ideas that, when implemented, could most likely make this place one of the most talked about or highly regarded restaurants in the heart of fine dining in downtown Roanoke. Owner Justin Hayden described the menu of this Second Soft Opening as "a soul food Caribbean-style menu with a New Age twist." It included dishes such as Jerk Chicken with rice and beans, Oxtail Rasta Pasta, Classic Cheese Burger, Loaded Fries or Nachos, Wing Basket with your choice of sauce, and Garden Salad. Hopefully in the future they will also include other Caribbean dishes from other Caribbean Islands such as Cuba, Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico, who have excellent cuisines. Today I ordered the Oxtail Rasta Pasta and a Coke to drink. I was the first one there and had to leave early because I had another commitment. The dish looked and tasted delicious, with just the right amount of seasoning. I highly recommend this new restaurant to all, and am looking forward to returning when it's in full function.

Read reviews before we came so we knew that it would be an order at the bar and the food brought to…read moreour table kind of vibe. Our table was clean, vibe was good, food came pretty quickly but was clearly cooked to order (so not super super fast). Our food was excellent. Flavor on the jerk chicken was great. Catfish was delicious, fries were a surprise standout. I'm not usually a French fry person but these were cut thick enough to be fluffy inside which still have a really nice crisp exterior texture and they were fried at the right temp and didn't have that old oil taste you get a lot of places. Primary flavors: potato & salt. Owner came out toward the end of our visit and made sure everything was delicious. Really nice guy, he said they were going to add more soul food to the menu in 2026. I hope this restaurant makes a go of it, we will be back the next time we come down to see family.

From the outside, this restaurant tends to attract people to enter and try it out. And that is…read moreprecisely what I did today. I guess I was impressed with all the food picture posters taped to its front windows. I really had high expectations that I would enjoy it and its food. But there are times that no matter how much you try, you are disappointed. And this was one of those times. Inside, I was impressed with the restaurant's colorful and lively decor, especially its very creative bar design. The place was almost empty with only one family dining at one of the booths. The very hospitable and friendly owner welcomed me, took me to one of the booths and handed me a menu. To drink I ordered a Pineapple Soda. For appetizer I ordered a Beef Patty and Cornbread. And for my main entrée, I ordered from their Specialty section of the menu, The Caribbica Plantain Burger. Between the owner and his wife they served me the different items of my order. The Jamaican Pineapple Soft Drink came in a bottle. As was about to drink it from the bottle when the owner's wife brought me a glass with ice. As I was pouring the soda into the glass, I noticed that it didn't look too clean. Then they brought me a plate with the Beef Patty and a square piece of corn bread. The patty didn't look too fresh. Its dough had wrinkles, like if it was not served fresh but reheated in a microwave. The cornbread was somewhat tasteless. I didn't complain because I didn't want to hurt their feelings, since they were so nice people. The wife of the owner comes by and asked what I wanted on my burger, without telling me that there was an extra fee for some of the items she mentioned. I then notice that a young Asian couple that were dining there got up and went to the counter and spent some time there discussing before they walked out. When the Caribbica Plantain Burger arrived, the first thing I noticed was that it was served with chips, and not with seasonal fries like listed on the menu, and that the sweet fried plantains were not acting as buns like in the menu description. But it looked good so I went on to eat it. As I was eating it, I noticed it did have buns under the plantains, but they weren't that fresh and you could tell that the burger patty came from being frozen and had become dry in the process on unfreezing it. The plantains were the only good thing about this burger. But I didn't complain. I ate what I could, waited, and asked what they had for dessert. It was either Chocolate cake ot Coconut cake. They told me they had ran out of their Rum cake. So I ordered the Coconut cake. When the slice arrived, I noticed it looked a bit dry. Even the frosting was not soft. Like if it was sliced and sitting there for a long time. Then I tasted a piece and what a disappointment. It tasted like insecticide. I could not stand it anymore. I called over the lady server and explained why I would not eat this cake and returned it. The husband came by and asked if I wanted the Chocolate cake instead. I told him, No Thanks. When I walked over to the restroom to wash my hands, I passed by the kitchen and it didn't look very clean at all. Afterwards, I paid my bill, and when I got home, I noticed the following statement written on the bottom of the receipt: "ALL SALES ARE FINAL. No refunds. Same day exchanges with receipt may apply at management's discretion. By dining with us, guests agree to house policies." I definitely not recommend this restaurant at all, and consider it one of my worst dining experiences ever and a waste of my money.

Omg this place is amazing. The best red snapper outside of the Caribbean. Everything on the menu is…read moreso good.

After being ranked 4th among Yelp's Top 50 Most Prolific Elites of 2025, a distinction recognizing…read moremy consistent community engagement and high-quality contributions, I decided that this year, as an All-Star Yelp Elite, I not only wanted to be the first to discover new restaurants and businesses, and bring them to the attention of the public, but also to go back and write follow-up reviews on those restaurants that impressed me the most during 2025, and The River and Rail Restaurant located in Roanoke, Virginia, is a perfect example of one of them. Going back to this restaurant after the great honor that I had received from Yelp, made me recall the first time that I dined here. I invite you that after reading this review, you go back and read that one, and view my photographs accompanying it, because it's one of which I am most proud of, and an experience that I will never forget and forever cherish. I arrived at the restaurant on time at five o'clock sharp and as I waited for them to open I had an opportunity to meet and chat with a couple who had been loyal customers of this restaurant for years since it first opened. They, as well as I, were aware of the beautiful location of the restaurant on one of the most exclusive neighborhoods of Roanoke. As soon as the doors opened, I allowed them to enter first and then when the host came back she gave me a warm and friendly greeting, welcoming me back, and took me to an ideal table, where I had a perfect view of the entire restaurant, from their open kitchen, to their bar, to the entire dining room and entrance, allowing me to capture in photographs the real feel of the ambiance of this cozy, yet elegant, upscale Southern, New-American restaurant known for its scratch-made dishes using locally-sourced, seasonal ingredients, including house-cured meats and pickled vegetables, as well as very creative cocktails. Shortly after I was seated, my delightful server Caroline arrived, and after a warm greeting took my order. To drink I order their Strawberry Fields Forever Mocktail. As appetizer I ordered a half dozen Oysters together with their famous Oyster Wraps. And as my main entrée, the Painted Hills Filet, cooked medium-rare. All the staff seemed so happy to see me and the manager came by to say hello and congratulate me for my outstanding Yelp accomplishment of 2025. My excellent server made sure that my order was well-paced, came by at the appropriate times to fill my glass with water and see if all was to my liking. Everything tasted amazingly delicious. Starting from the unique taste of my creative mocktail, to my flavorful appetizer, to my exquisite Filet main entrée that was so tender and cooked just right. The chefs in this fine dining restaurant are amazing and the quality of their meats is top notch. For dessert I had one of my favorite desserts, since I first had it there, their Dark Chocolate Panna Cotta. This dessert is absolutely mouthwatering. What an extraordinary dining experience I once again had there. Fine dining at its best. For those very special occasions, I highly recommend this restaurant. Or you can always make any day special, by dining there.

What a great find. We stopped in Roanoke for the night along our travels. The menu is small,…read morewhich I love. For starters, we ordered the fried corn bread and an oyster dish which was a fried oyster wrapped in tender lettuce with kimchi, radish, and a special sauce. It was delicious!! My main dish was a blackened catfish with collard greens, turnips, etc., also delicious. The drink menu is extensive and very creative. We will definitely go back.

This was the first time coming here and it was very good. The service was exceptional!!! The food…read morewas hot when it came out. The table had Ribs, corn pudding, collards, baked beans, hamburger steak with onions and gravy, macaroni and cheese and gizzards. All was said to be delicious.

This is definitely a hidden gem! The food was delicious. My entire party enjoyed their food. You…read moremight give it the side eye- doesn't look like a typical lil spot you might go too. We said- let's give it a try and we were so glad we did. I walked in and said- that man is lickin all his fingers- lawd must be good! He didn't lift his head up from his plate! We left happy, satisfied and full! Just before we left- another table ordered ribs- man...fallin off the bone! The wings are cooked fresh- breaded in house. The collard greens season with pork meat- delicious. The good folks were so nice- very pleasant and helpful. The restaurant has a quiet small setting. Not loud but comforting. Please go in order some food and enjoy! Prices are fantastic too. We will definitely be back!

Been open for three weeks and the food is delicious if you want lunch you better get there early…read moreshe might run out but she definitely will reopen at 5pm. Like I said she is a new place come out and give her some soul food

Delicious Food!! We tried the breakfast club sandwiches today, both were amazing! Fresh sausage,…read morecrunchy tater tots and gravy to dip! Country Ham on the other was just as tasty. Have also had some of the specials and everything has been delicious! *this is located inside the gas station- it is a pick to go type place*

Terrible never again the Mac n cheese wasn't good at all, 5 wing pieces, greens for $15.00,…read moreservice was slow 15 minutes or more, etc I will never come back

food was not good at all nothing had seasoning the fried chicken looked promising but it didnt have…read moreno flavor. the mac and cheese had me sssoo disappointed it tasted like sweet mayo aka disgusting i didnt even take a second bite. i am so upset never again.

I often enjoy lunch from here. The service is friendly and the food is very good! I like the…read moremeatloaf and collard greens best.

I visited Lynchburg, VA with intentions of supporting excellent businesses who were also…read moreblack-owned. Listen, I was most determined to find food that would make me dance when I ate it! Using a blog post from the town's website, I made my list of places to visit- Home Cookin' wasn't on it. On a whim as we returned to our lodge, I googled "soul food". Behold, Home Cookin' came up, and it was in my area! It was a God deal. In fact, Home Cookin's love-filled soul food inspired a praise dance as I ate it! Sooo good! Plus...Home Cookin's staff was warm and welcoming- like I was their family visiting their home. Their service was quick, but I didn't feel rushed. They even invited me to come back and see them again before I left town. I did! And here's why: I could hardly contain my excitement for the opportunity to enjoy their home cooking again! Sooo good! (Pictured: Well-seasoned baked chicken, green beans that reminded me of my grandma Hattie's, creamy macaroni and cheese that I devoured, and the fried-to-order fish meal I savored on my second visit. Not pictured: Homemade Sprite Pound Cake and Peach Cobbler- both of which I indulged with pleasure!)

The Gumbo Hut quickly became our favorite restaurant in town -- and one of our favorites overall!…read moreThe owner is a hard working woman who recognized us from previous orders and is very friendly and patient. She operates the entire business by herself! She is so impressive! The food is fantastic, I always get their chicken and my boyfriend loves the jambalaya and gumbo. Please come try The Gumbo Hut and give them the love they deserve!

Had incredible takeout from here, left a review on DoorDash but wanted to leave one here as well…read more This is some of the best food I've had in the area. I tried the gumbo (ofc), the catfish fillet, the jambalaya jalepeno poppers, one of the sodas, and the Dulce de leche cake. It was all so so good. Every bite was better than the last, you can tell the food is made with passion and love. The portions are large so I've got delicious leftovers for days - though despite being full, I may finish the cake because it is just perfection.

Excited to try this vegan place which opens at noon. Showed up at 12:15 and place was dark and…read moredoors were locked. There was a woman inside sitting at a table on her phone. She looked up and mouthed something, I guess maybe "closed." Not a good business model, so went someplace else. I wouldn't have made this review had she just had the decency to come to the door and explain what was going on

You have never tasted vegan food quite like this. I have tasted various items on the menu and the…read moreegg rolls are my favorite but not one dish has disappointed me. Nice spot to chill and eat or take out.

As the same with the Richmond location, the Cobra Kai double I ordered with crinkle cut and sweet…read morepotato fries paired with Jack Brown's signature sauce all were nothing short of perfect! One taste and you are in love! The service is attentive and friendly as the restaurant itself is decorative and pleasant to enjoy yourself within! My guess is that we should expect nothing less than perfection with every location!

First time at this location for Jack Browns which is store #2 in the chain. I had on my list the…read morelast visit and did not make it. They were packed before 5 PM on a Friday. But honestly the place is tiny. My visit with wife was brief by design. We sat at the bar and got cheeseburgers and water to move onto something else planned. Amazing service from multiple staff and yum burgers. Easy checkout and decent value. Hopefully a return visit next year and I can enjoy more of the menu. I love their sweet potato fries and large beer selection. Absolutely recommend.