The first thing that attracted me to this Shack was the graphic design of its logo. It was simple,…read moreyet very effective, to communicate what this place was all about. Yet never in my wildest dream would I have imagined that it was designed by a kid, the nephew of the owner. After being awarded the Triad Yelper of the Year 2024 Award at the Yelpies Award Ceremony last year, an event that honored the highest-performing Yelp Elites, I decided that this year, as an All-Star Yelp Elite, I not only wanted to be the first to discover new restaurants 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 Subshack in Salem, Virginia, is the perfect example. After arriving to this Sub Shop located in a small strip mall in the middle of nowhere, in Salem, Virginia, the friendly owner of the place, who has a wonderful personality, gave me a warm welcome and immediately, in a nutshell, told me the story of how this place came to be. Born and raised in New York and having lived for many years in North Carolina, the opportunity of opening up this business here in Salem, Virginia came up and he literally went for it. And aren't we lucky he did because it is an ingenious little Sub Shop, a product of two persons who let their imagination run wild and then worked hard to see their dream of owning a little restaurant come true. And don't be confused by its name, it simply means a small place where large Subs are made for people to savor and enjoy. Thus we have: the "SUBSHACK." This restaurant is mostly for orders To-Go, yet outdoor, in front, it has a picnic table, for customers who would enjoy eating there during the warm Seasons of the year. They bake their own Sub bread in-house daily, and also have daily Specials. Today's Special was: "BUY ANY LARGE SUB GET A FREE DRINK & CHIPS." So I ordered their large Italian Sub. The Sub bread was gigantic and their Deli meats were also quality and huge. On top of this there was a large list of ingredients you could add to the Sub. I invite you to view my photographs accompanying this review and see for yourselves. Besides Hot and Cold Subs, they also serve Paninis, Desserts, and Milkshakes and Smoothies. I can't wait to return and try their Cuban Panini. In conclusion I definitely recommend this Sub place as a very unique place if you're looking for good food, prepared in a welcoming and friendly environment, by a warm and kindhearted individual.

Excellent service and freshly prepared food tucked back into a small area off of Apperson. I was…read morereally impressed with their attention to detail and food quality. I will be back again. Highly recommended!

Minority owned by a husband and wife, although if you ask the husband he says she is the boss!…read more The menu is ever changing. Just as they opened the owner brought out a plank with the newest additions, from a creek burger to a pickle burger with ranch and toppings. My wife had the pickle burger and said it was delicious, while I had the bacon cheese burger with thicker cut bacon. (Note this is not what was listed in the other yelp write ups, the owner said the thick cut was replaced with a slightly thinner cut.) The fries weren't much to speak of, shoe strings but they were hot! Everything was. All was delicious. If you see this place, read the menu and enjoy!

Great place great staff great food. Great venue. Mark it a stop awesome and it's local who doesn't…read morewant to support local

We were looking for a place to have a bite after a long drive. Lews was recommended to us for good…read morefood. The food did not disappoint, but the lack of attention to the dining space makes it difficult to consider returning. With improved cleanliness and upkeep customers will be willing to return.

Take-out customers get preference for dine-in table people, who are left watching their fingernails…read moregrow, awaiting long periods for food which is not always good. "Ambiance" can only be described as "run down". We have patronized this place for many years (at least once a week) when things were better, but that has ENDED!

The first time I saw a copy of the colorful brochure with solid black background of Porta Bella…read morePizza, I was curious to find out more about this Italian and American cuisine restaurant with a Mediterranean flair. Located in an old house at 1132 Salem Ave SW, Roanoke, Virginia. It's front is creatively painted with the colors of the Italian flag, in such a way that it can't help but to stand out in the middle of this eclectic neighborhood. This laid back restaurant is the creation of some Egyptian entrepreneurs who decided to put together a menu that included pizzas, calzones, stromboli, pastas, salads, burgers, sandwiches, and added some Mediterranean items such as Gyro and Falafel Platters, and Baklava for dessert, among others. And something that I discovered while at the restaurant was that all the meats used there are 100% Certified Halal Premium Quality. In other words, this means no pork products are used. The inside of restaurant was nothing fancy, but natural polished hardwood floors and original ceiling, gave character to the place, that even being old was very clean and organized. When I arrived I was greeted with a warm and friendly welcome by what I think was one of the owners of the restaurant. I ordered a Dr Pepper to drink and a small Super Supreme Pizza to eat. The pizza tasted delicious, especially with the cheese that was used to prepare it. Another customer eating there at the moment was eating and Cheese Calzone, and he allowed me to photograph it for me to include in this review. I recommend this restaurant, especially for those who don't eat pork or pork products, because the taste was so good you couldn't tell that the ingredients were of this nature. They are also available for catering special meetings or gatherings at very reasonable prices.

The absolute best calzone I have had in a long time. Made fresh to order & a small is only $10,…read morelarge enough for 2 people. Came out in 15-20 mins

I dared to go off the beaten paths in search of an Italian family-owned restaurant where they made…read moreNew York style pizzas; and literally across the street from the well known and famous Montano's International Gourmet Restaurant, I discovered this small, nothing fancy, Italian Eatery owned and run by an older couple husband and wife Italian immigrants. After being awarded the Triad Yelper of the Year 2024 Award at the Yelpies Award Ceremony last year, an event that honored the highest-performing Yelp Elites, I decided that this year, as an All-Star Yelp Elite, I not only wanted to be the first to discover new restaurants 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 Tony Avellino's Italian Eatery is the perfect example. Located in an old but clean, small restaurant space off Franklin Road, in Roanoke, Virginia, with an ample parking lot, Tony Avellino's stands alone there, that for unknown passers-byers could seem not to be open if it were not be for its well lit red "OPEN" sign behind one of its windows. As I arrived and walked in, the place looked empty, so I walked around and looked into a what seemed to be like a storage room that doubled as the dishwashing room and office. I heard some voices and said: "Is anybody home?" Suddenly, this delightful older couple who were Italian immigrants, and the owners of the restaurant came out to warmly greet me, and as they did, the place suddenly acquired another dimension. It reminded me of the trip to Italy that I took with my family when I was a boy, and the beauty of that country, and its people, who made you feel at home in their home. I enjoyed talking with both the husband and wife, and seeing them work together running their family-owned business. They had a colorful menu published but the wife ask me what I felt like eating today: a pizza, their Special Cheese Steak Sub, Pasta, or one of their Half-Pound Burgers. I definitely wanted to try their New York style pizza so I ordered their 12" size Pepperoni and Mushroom Pizza with a Root Beer. The husband quickly started making my pizza and allowed me to record the process with photos and videos that I could include in my review. The Pizza tasted amazing. There are times that in simple, quality ingredients, one can uncover an extraordinary flavor. While I was eating, other customers started arriving. Some to eat in, some to take out. What a beautiful site of a couple earning a living through the labor of something they enjoy doing and are good at, and their customers enjoying the fruit of their labor. I highly recommend this restaurant. Go there, support this delightful couple, and enjoy their warmth and wonderful food.

3.5 Stars Great…read morepizza for a local spot. Beware - a little pricy but the pizza had better flavor than a National chain. $31 for a 12" stuffed pizza & order of cheesy bread. WOW! The stuffed pizza w/ pepperoni & sausage had fresh mozzarella which was tasty and the crust was cooked well. Cheesy bread seemed like a hoagie roll sliced up w/ melted cheese - not sure it was worth $8. Store itself looked run down and in need of some renovations. Maybe that's the ambiance they are looking for - the vintage or "we been here forever" look. The staff was friendly, smiling & looked to like their job! I would probably give them another try but would definitely look for specials or coupons to make it all worth while.

Tucked away in an unassuming strip mall on Electric Road in Salem, Virginia, Papa's Pizza is truly…read morea diamond of an Italian restaurant and one of the best kept secrets of the City of Salem. After having been selected as number 4 of the Top 50 most prolific Elites of 2025, a year when I also was awarded the Yelp Triad Squad Photographer of the Year Award at the Yelpies 2025 Award Ceremony, an event that honored the highest-performing Yelp Elites, and where last year I was awarded the Yelp Triad Squad Yelper of the Year Award, I decided that this year, as an All-Star Yelp Elite, I not only wanted to be the first to discover new restaurants 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 Papa's Pizza in Salem, Virginia is the perfect example. This family-owned and operated Italian Restaurant, located in Ridgewood Farms Shopping Center is one of those rare gems of the City of Salem, Virginia. For some time now, on my way from Roanoke to Salem, Virginia on Electric Road, I would ride by this "Pizzeria Italiana" in my Lexus wondering how its cuisine would be. Then today, while I was driving, took the turn that lead me to the Pizza shop. As I arrived, a beautiful blue sky with white clouds framed the building where the restaurant was located, almost like warning me that I was up to something good. Inside, the place was clean in a relaxed environment, with the dining room in the shape of Virginia and containing both tables and booths, behind a low was that led you through the ordering line. They had a couple of tvs with videos showing some of the items on the menu. And the main decoration items were framed American and Italian flags next to two pizza paddles with Best of Virginia Winner and Readers Choice Award. Behind the ordering counter, a friendly young gentleman greeted and welcomed me and provided me with a menu. I ordered a House Salad with balsamic vinaigrette dressing and a 10" Personal Supreme Pizza. And l had a softdrink to drink. I went and sat at a table and the order taker / server first brought me the salad and then the pizza to my table. The salad was so fresh and delicious. You have to see it to believe it. I invite you to view my photographs accompanying this review to get a better sense of the place and the quality of their food. And the pizza, the pizza was amazing! From the perfect crust cooked to perfection, to the fresh ingredients placed in generous amounts, to the splendid tasting pizza sauce and cheese. I then went to their dessert refrigerated display case and ordered a slice of their Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake. The perfect dessert for the Grand Finale of an extraordinary dining experience.

Definitely my favorite pizza spot in Roanoke , the food is delicious, staff is great, the pizza is…read morefantastic

I've been following their social media for awhile now and finally had the chance to try their…read morelobster roll! I'm a fan of a Connecticut style roll (hot buttered lobster roll) so this was on my must-try list. The roll was expensive ($25) for a very small roll (we finished it in three bites) BUT it did contain both claw and tail meat. The roll was fresh and buttery and the lobster was cooked well. I only wished the lobster contained a little more butter. They had other items on the menu such as crab fries, coconut shrimp and on Facebook they show snow crab rolls coming soon (yuuum). The staff were really kind and even threw in a few fries for us to try. Overall, a nice experience but just expect to spend some money!

Note that this review is for the food truck when it was in RVA…read more Ok, so I should have tempered my expectations because this is a food truck, and I'm not in Maine, though with the lines and the social media hype, I was hoping to be blown away. Sadly, I wasn't. Service: I stood in line for 40 minutes before I ordered and then another 12 minutes for my food. Yes, there was a line ahead of me, yet there really was zero sense of urgency to move that line at above a snails pace. I also had to ask for forks and napkins Sandwich was pretty small, and lobster was chopped up and heavily seasoned. IMHO, it didn't taste fresh either, like maybe the seasoning was an attempt to cover the quality or freshness. Roll was not sturdy enough to support the lobster (pretty sure it was a cheap hotdog bun) Two sandwiches =$52. Alot for what it was and for lunch at a food truck My rating rationale Service +.5 Food~Taste/flavor/quality +1. Presentation +1 Atmosphere/vibe Value

Many, including myself, have highly praised this pizza shop located in Vinton, Virginia for its…read morehigh-quality New York-style pizzas, but did you know that besides pizzas, they make the most amazing Cheese Steak Subs around. After having been selected as number 4 of Yelp's Top 50 most prolific Elites of 2025, a year when I also was awarded the Yelp Triad Squad Photographer of the Year Award at their Yelpies 2025 Award Ceremony, an event that honored the highest-performing Yelp Elites, and where last year I was awarded the Yelp Triad Squad Yelper of the Year Award, 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 New York Pizza in Vinton, Virginia, is a perfect example. The other day I felt like having one of their Cheese Steak Subs which they call "Cheese Steak Special," and contain steak, cheese, mushrooms, fried onions & green peppers. Yet, I didn't feel like going out. So I got my cellphone and ordered one through the DoorDash app. At $16.95, plus tax, delivery fees, and tip, it might seem expensive for a foot long sub delivered, but when you think of the satisfaction you will get from its taste, it becomes priceless. At least to me it is, for when I consider the fresh, soft bun it comes in, the high-quality of the seasoned steak chopped in little pieces (to give it more flavor), in very generous amount, and the other fresh ingredients, together with the flavorful cheese, it totally makes my day. I'm filled up after having a extremely tasty sub. It was delivered hot (inside a styrofoam clamshell that are considered excellent for keeping hot foods hot) by a friendly DoorDasher who arrived in the promised time, providing exceptional customer service by storing it in a special container to further keep it hot along the way, ringing my doorbell, and thanking me for the order and the tip I left for him through DoorDash. I invite you to view my photographs and video accompanying this review to get a better sense of the high-quality, tasty sub. And then I highly recommend you try it out, either at the restaurant or in home ordered through DoorDash. I can assure you you'll love it.

Any bad reviews here are from self-righteous dog lovers. They have great Pizza and service. I've…read morebeen eating here for 24 years. Appalachian Americans are mostly opinionated and stupid. You should all care about humans as much as you do this alleged animal abuse.

Do not order this garbage! I ordered two subs one regular cheesesteak and one chipotle cheesesteak…read morethey were both horrible. They did not have the cheese sauce on them like in the picture and they were greasy and gross. Worst cheesesteak I've ever had. I just found out that this is a ghost kitchen at IHOP avoid at all costs.

From the owner: Hungry? Size matters! Get your cheesesteak fix satisfied with a 6″ Classic Cheesesteak and a bucket…read moreof Loaded Cheesesteak Fries. Get spicy with the Chipotle Cheesesteak. Love Buffalo Chicken? We got Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak for you! End on a high note with our Brownie Bites. Pardon My Cheesesteak is available for delivery and pick up in select locations nationwide!

This place is amazing!! Daphanie is the best!! Must try the boudin!! Great atmosphere and people…read morerunning the place!!

This place is off the charts!! If could give it more stars I would!!! Everyone on our Crew loves…read morewalking in and ordering with Daphne or Daphnie sorry I'm not sure how she spells her name she is the best! Best Smoked wings I have ever had, Greens were great!