Amazing burgers and get the loaded fries. The fried Oreos are also a super nice treat.read more

My sister and I stopped at Jack Brown's Beer & Burger Joint in Roanoke after two ladies at the L&L…read moreshop downtown recommended it, and it turned out to be an amazing experience. The place is small but quaint, with dim lighting, a full bar, and a fun mix of music genres that keeps the vibe relaxed but lively. I ordered the Gregg Brady, and my sister had the Doctor Gozo, both made with 100% Wagyu beef. You can taste the quality immediately. I added mushrooms and grilled onions for a small extra fee, and had my BBQ chips that come on it, on the side. We shared the crinkle‑cut fries, which came with their incredible house sauce. The sauce was so good I asked if they sold it, they do not, but the waitress sent me home with some samples for free. Service was fast and friendly. The waitresses were dressed in black tank tops, black shorts, and black shoes, and every one of them worked with a smile, like they were glad you came. The restaurant entrance itself is handicap accessible, but the bathrooms are not, they're very clean but also very small and too tight for a wheelchair to fit inside. One of the coolest things about Jack Brown's is their Beer Club. If you drink 100 different beers, you become a "Notcher." If you drink 1,000, different beers you become a "Saint." On Saint's Day, Saints get all food and drinks free, unlimited, with no tab. It's a huge part of their culture and adds to the fun, and a loyal community. Overall, the food was phenomenal, the staff went above and beyond, and the atmosphere made the whole visit top notch. I will definitely be coming back the next time I roll through this part of town. How to Become a Notcher (repeat for the Saints) To achieve Notcher status, individuals must follow these steps: 1. Visit a Jack Brown's location: Start by walking into any Jack Brown's Beer & Burger Joint. 2. Request a Notcher list: Ask for the Notcher list to begin your journey. 3. Try 100 different beers: Sample 100 different beers to reach Notcher status. 4. Join the community: Once you hit 100, you become part of the Notch Club, which includes various events and celebrations. This program encourages beer lovers to explore different flavors and styles while fostering a sense of community.

Great food and beer! Stopped in for a flight and a snack, and was pleasantly surprised at the…read moreamount of options with both food and drink. We ordered some truffle fries and the jalapeño popper burger, and both were delicious. The beers were all fantastic, but J particularly enjoyed the pecan amber ale. Our food and drinks came out quickly and we were very well taken care of. We had a nice seat outdoors on the patio area and people watched. We will definitely be back when the tap list rotates!

It's pretty clear that this place has no idea how to make pretzel bites. You should advertise them…read moreas salad croutons. Didn't taste anything like pretzel at all. Also the buffalo chicken macaroni is one of the worst I've ever tried. I'm glad this place isn't in my hometown. They would have closed by now.

I have eaten at some of the best restaurants in the world, but in none have I had such a wonderful…read moredining experience like I always do at Bernard's Gastropub & Eatery. 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 bring them to the attention of the public, but also to return to those special ones, that have made a difference in my life and highlight them, for the benefit of the public, so they too can have an opportunity to appreciate the qualities of a one-of-a-kind fine dining experience. And Bernard's Gastropub & Eatery in Downtown Roanoke, is a perfect example. Bernard's was born out of the love of two culinary aficionados turned professionals that in someway have managed to create a restaurant with an environment that transmits this intimate love to the hearts of their customers through the attention to detail in its extraordinary customer service and amazing culinary masterpieces. Today, I felt like dining at this restaurant, which I admire for its consistency in always far exceeding my high expectations of what a fine-dining restaurant should be all about. Not knowing if they would have a table for me at this late time on a Saturday early evening, I drove in my pearl white Lexus to the nearest private parking lot and gave them a call to inquire as if they could give me a reservation for the next ten minutes. A gentleman, who later I found out was named Matthew, and would be my server, answered the phone with a very polite and welcoming voice; answering my question of what was the special dish of the day and to come on down, that my reservation was assured. As soon as I arrived to the small, very elegant foyer in front of the Host's station, he came out to greet me and instantly recognized who I was. My only request was that he give me a low table because at my age seating at a high table was a bit uncomfortable. He went back to see what he could find and ended setting me up with what I consider one of the best tables of the house, and I was so appreciative of his last minute accommodation. The menu was already setup on my table. He poured water from a special bottle into my water glass and asked if I wanted something else to drink. I asked for a Mocktail and since he also was a bartender, he prepared me one of the best mocktails I've ever had. To dine, I started out with their Mussels Carbonara appetizer, which came in a bacon parmesan cream sauce that was simply amazing, and served with toast points. As my main entrée I had the Dinner Special of the Night, the Seafood Trio. It had a delicious, giant size crab cake in the middle, scallops, and shrimps, with parmesan risotto sautéed heirloom tomato, spinach, and nice size asparagus, with a burre blanc sauce. I invite you to view my photographs accompanying this review to get a better sense of the high-quality of their food and magnificent ambiance of the place. Everything was so delicious that only one word could ever describe them: priceless! For dessert I had their very famous Butterscotch Banana Pudding, which the chef makes at the moment ordered. It looked spectacular and tasted amazingly delicious: a culinary work of art. What a great way for the Gran Finale of an extraordinary dining experience!

Salty Salty They have potential to be good…read more But they use the same seasoning on fries - and French Onion Soup. Sub par food expensive. Not worth it.

Every time I dine at this restaurant I have a memorable dining experience. One of my favorite items…read moreon their summer menu is their R&R Hanger Steak. A Hanger steak is a long, flat, flavorful cut reminiscent of flank steak and skirt steak, only more tender. In the US, hanger steak is most commonly called "hanging tender" or "butcher's steak." It gets the latter nickname because it was historically a "secret" cut that butchers would keep for themselves rather than sell to the public. Other names you might see on menus for this cut are Hanging tenderloin and Bistro steak. All that I know is that it's the best piece of meat that I have ever eaten and it has been at this restaurant. So that was the main reason I came to dine here today and my expectations were completely fulfilled. When I arrived, I was greeted by a friendly, young lady with the warm welcoming of a regular guest. She happily took me to the table I had requested when I made my reservation online. It was a table facing the bar with their open kitchen on the right of me. I like to watch the bartenders and chefs in action as they create their amazing drinks and culinary masterpieces. Immediately after I was seated my server Tim came by with the usual familiar greeting, welcoming me once again for returning to dine there and thanking me for being such a loyal customer. I had the usual cold water and this time started off with one of their Butterfly Kisses Mocktails. It both looked and tasted amazing. For appetizer I had their VA Oyster Wraps, followed by their special salad of the day. And for the main entrée I had their R&R Hanger Steak. Everything was timed appropriately and was served at the right timing. I invite you to view my photographs accompanying this review to get a better sense of the place and the high-quality of their food and drinks. For dessert I had my favorite, their Dark Chocolate Panna Cotta. What a way to end a spectacular dinner. I highly recommend this restaurant for an exceptional fine dining experience.

While The River and Rail has many things going for it: great location, adorable atmosphere, fancy…read moreand delicious cocktails and delicious food, one thing they don't have going for them is their ability to stay true to their operating hours. My friend and I walked in at 9 o'clock EXACTLY on a Thursday night to have a drink. The sign on the door said they were open until 10:00. There were 4 or 5 tables seated, enjoying dinner and cocktails. 5 or 6 people at the bar. There was no one to start with at the actual hostess stand and servers saw us standing at the door but did not approach us even though there was an hour left on their operating time. So we walked directly to the bar and sat down. We had just eaten at Fork in the Alley so all we wanted was one drink and we figured an hour was plenty of time to get that done. The first thing the bartender said to us was "The kitchen is closed." Not "hello" or "Hey what can I get you?" but the kitchen is closed. I said "oh I'm sorry I thought you closed at 10:00." He said "well, that's up for debate we were actually discussing that right now. We're basically closed but you can have a drink because it's not like the rest of these people are going anywhere." What do you mean that's up for discussion? Your hours say you're open till 10 o'clock, it's 9 o'clock I have an hour to eat and have drinks! The other bartender, or perhaps he was only a bar back, gave us a very disapproving look. I get it, I work in the food service industry. I'm a server at a 4 diamond restaurant, and I hate when people walk in minutes before we close and want to sit down. But if we post that we're open until 10 and you walk in at 9:45 I'm going to serve you and treat you like anyone else that walked in at 6:00 because it's your tips that pay my bills and put food on my table. It's definitely not the hourly wage I get from my employer! And as a server I never walk into a restaurant with less than 30 minutes to close. And it's more like an hour if I'm looking to eat a meal. I know you want to go home. When it's the end of the night and I'm at work, so do I! But there's an hour left and I wanted one drink. That's it! We continued to get disappointed looks from a few other employees even though we weren't the last people in the place. I told my friend (it's 9:45 at this point) that we obviously need to go since servers are standing around looking at us like we've got the plague. We paid our bill and promptly left. Two couples still at the bar. It's 9:59 right now as I'm writing this at home (you're still technically open btw) but I left feeling like I had stayed hours past your closing time. It's a real shame because we really enjoyed our drinks! They were super yummy! And I'm always getting asked by guests where's a good place for a late night cocktail and I used to recommend The River and Rail right along with Lucky's because we had a shuttle that would take guests out, but after tonight I won't be doing that anymore. Because there's nothing worse than feeling unwelcome at a restaurant that is still open.

First time making a review in Roanoke. But we needed a quick place to eat that would allow our…read morefurry pal eat with us. In comes this gem of a place. Food here was pretty great. The ambiance was impressive. It kind of (like a lot of Roanoke for that matter) was upscale redneck and just good times. One of my favorite vibes. The band was excellent. The service was good. And the outdoor seating area was surprisingly perfect. Would come again.

Right in the heart of Grandin Village one finds the Village Grill. The place to go to "Fire Up the…read moreFun." From the very first time I went there, I felt right at home. It's a place you are welcomed from the time you step in. The food and drinks are wonderful, and the service is extraordinary. 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 it would be appropriate this year to go back to this restaurant and write a follow-up review, since my initial review was one of my reviews that contributed to me obtaining this highly esteemed Award. When I arrived the place was full. People enjoying quality time with significant others, in a comfortable environment, drinking and eating to their hearts desire. I stood there, waiting to be seated, and somehow I didn't mind the wait. Who would be my server, Chelsea came and greeted me with a smile, letting me know that soon she would have a table for me. And this was not a fake promise like they tell you at other places to keep your hopes up. As soon as some customers left a table near by she went to clean it and set.it up for me. Last time I came here, I came with.a friend, this time I came along. And you know what, it didn't mind to her the size of the party, she treated everyone the same. With the same respect and caring attitude. And you know what. This is really what makes tje big difference in coming to eat here. In no time at all she had me seated at a 4 person booth looking over the menu and enjoying a Strawberry Saffron Tonic Mocktail which was the first thing I ordered. You know what, it doesn't matter what drink you have to enjoy yourself and have a good time, it's just a matter of attitude. Right then and there, you can sayI hadva great attitude of life. This is the kind of feeling this place brings out in their customers. More than customers, they see us as their guests. Even though I was looking at the menu, I already knew what I was going to have. A sandwich that ever since I moved to Roanoke, has become my favorite of them all in this Star City: The Ricky Ricardo of the Village Grill. Having been born in Cuba and grown up in Miami and Puerto Rico, I have learned to appreciate a good Cuban Sandwich. And this is not only one that comes close to it, but has perfected it with their golden touch and creativity, and yet maintaining it true identity. There is nothing greater one can say from an item from the menu. The fries that accompanied it were also amazing. My server Chelsea provided great service, coming by at the appropriate times to check on me. For dessert, I had the Cheesecake Du Jour that happened to be Peanut Butter, my favorite. What a Wonderful dining experience I had here. Needless to say, I highly recommend this place for its great ambiance, magnificent food, and excellent service. I can't say enough good things about it. I invite you to view my photographs that accompany this review and see for yourself, and then go visit this place and experience the magic.

I've oftentimes have driven by this establishment and wondered what's inside. So today I decided to…read morego and explore it. After all, I've often liked to sit in the front row when attending live events. What I found was a bit disappointing. More than a restaurant this is a place to drink beer and cocktails while watching a game on a large screen TV. It has a very limited food menu and when I went the place seemed deserted. While I was there only one other customer came in, drank two beers while watching the big screen TV, talked.over the phone, and left. My server was very nice and friendly, but the food left much to be desired. I ordered a BBQ Burger that was listed on the menu as a 1/3 lb Angus burger with onion rings, bacon, cheddar cheese, and BBQ sauce. Sounded great but I invite you to view my photographs accompanying this review. The beef patty was small and dry and the one onion ring looked beaten. Even though it has a pool table in the back and signs up that seemed to have activities going on throughout the week, this is not a place that I would like to be in the front row, especially for the poor quality of their food and questionable ambiance.

I don't get the positive reviews. We went for lunch on a weekday and the place was dead. The…read morewaitress was inside watching TV and the cook was outside smoking. The ambience of the place left much to be desired. I won't eat at a restaurant that is empty at a time it should be full. I figure others know what I don't. Not recommended.

Great place to grab affordable, tasty, home cooked food! Try it and you'll love it. I have eaten…read morethere 3 times in the last couple months and never disappointed.

Food is great, I never remember the guy that is always there but he isn't tho owner, he loves…read moreworking and talking with the customers. He's great

First time trying Lucky and I'd give it a 4.5 rounded up to a 5. The menu is local farm based so it…read morechanges seasonally and is a bit limited. I was disappointed because I was hoping to try a soup or scallops I'd seen in Yelp pics but they weren't in the menu this time. Which is the roll of the dice you pay for fresh creative menus. Dining area and bar have a nice vibe with attractive art work. Dim lighting and smaller tables make it cute for a date or a solo business diner like myself. The lucky cube drink was creative and tasty. Brussel sprouts were also unique with a tahini sauce on top and perfectly crispy chickpeas. I'd seen "Smoke in Chimneys Trout" on a few menus in Roanoke this trip but never heard of that before. Looked it up and learned something new. They are trout that are local and prized for living in a lime stone aquifer rather than a river. Giving them a clean light slightly sweet taste, no essence of mud that can come with other river fish. I've never ordered trout in a restaurant, But when in Rome... Lol. The fish itself and the portion was really good. Wish I could remember my waitress' name. She was knowledgeable and just had a really warm, friendly energy.

I came in for the fried chicken because other reviews were very positive .. the coating was v…read morecrunchy , plus , however it was really burnt ! Ir was really over cooked ; plus had little flavor . Needs a little salt and pepper .... Better chicken at Popeyes or Bojangles .. Mashed potatoes were excellent . I wa not impressed with the Kale and still think there may be fatback in it ... even though the server swore there was no pork on the dish .. anyway you can try for yourself .. maybe I just came on an off night . My server was very nice ( Alyssa ) BTW.

Repeat visitor here, for several meetings and events. The brews and the ambiance and family…read morefriendly vibe are the high marks for this establishment. They also have a private meeting room that can be reserved. Have always had friendly service at the bar. After many visits over a couple years: The menu offerings and their quality do not match the rest of the place. They have some good sandwiches, the burgers, smash burger style, are adequate and the twisted fries are very good. The Mediterranean Bowl is good and is a cool, fresh option. The "wings" are chopped up chicken thighs. Meh. Beer cheese is on many of the items; not everyone cares for beer cheese and a non beer cheese sauce option would be a good option for families with finicky littles. I will continue to visit for the events, family vibes, and drinks, hoping the food will improve.

Had a lovely time at this fine establishment while visiting the Blue Ridge Mountains for leafing…read more They had great drink selection, live music, cozy outdoor area, and decent food. Service was fast and friendly also. Parking was lacking though .

The fact that they get their bread donated and its left outside in the morning the day before the…read morestore opens at 845am is the sole reason I will NEVER step foot in there. Edit: its now 9:30am and the paper bag full of bread is still sitting on the stoop. At this point it most definitely has had cockroaches, flies, mice, and rats crawling all over it.

I cannot believe I have not written a review for this place when I go literally every week. Show…read morePony is such an amazing addition to the Roanoke area. Every Monday they have $2 oysters which always makes it worth going. The drinks here are AMAZING!!! it's so unique and so delicious! I enjoy that the food menu will have rotating items on top of permanent items. I cannot recommend the chicken tenders more. Everyone who works there is always nice and welcoming.