My family and I go here almost weekly . The staff is nice and the menu has a variety of items!…read moreThere are little games to play such as mini shuffleboard and chess. It is always very quiet and relaxing. We love TJ's Java & Sno!

What a gem of a place! - I was looking for "not-starbucks" on my drive to NC from Maryland. What…read moreamazingly wonderful and upbeat folks...serving with JOY, from the heart. The menu is massive and the vibe is local and sweet. They were not kidding when they said the iced tea is good. I'm a tea snob and wow, they nailed theirs. They make it with spring water and added tapioca pearls to make it fun! Stop in. Be prepared to smile. You will not be disappointed! AND!!! If you've got road fatigue with the family, this is a great place to stretch your legs and play yard games with the kids. Enjoy!

I was roaming around the Grandin village area of Roanoke and found Pop's ice cream next to Gianni's…read morerestaurant. Perfect for dessert or late dinner. Spoiler alert: I ended up getting 2 pints of ice cream for dinner. The price was pretty good, as far as ice cream goes. $8 per carton and that wasn't that bad actually. I arrived here around 5:30pm on a Thursday afternoon. I had just finished my late lunch at Gianni's restaurant next door and needed to find dinner before heading to my airbnb for the night. I didn't want to walk 0.25 miles from my Airbnb to Grandin Avenue later that night, so I just decided to have ice cream for dinner. It worked out very favorably for me actually. I probably spent about 20 minutes here. The ambiance was interesting and felt like a 60's diner. There wasn't much going on at the time, but it was good to be here to be shopping for ice cream. There was a large selection of ice cream that was scratched onto the board in the store. Plenty of flavors but I ended up getting Oreo and chocolate, which was quite heavenly. The restaurant itself was small but clean. Like a 60's diner that kept things true to form. The service was quick and simple while being typical and friendly. I definitely enjoyed and would recommend coming here if you enjoy authentic ice cream in the Roanoke area. For the most part though, the experience here was uneventful. It would be cool if my travels permit me to return here in the future. But for now, I was glad to have come here and experienced the ice cream. I enjoyed the chocolate more than the Oreo, but both were delicious and quite enjoyable. It put a smile on my face for sure. The overall experience here at POP's ice cream in Grandin Village, Roanoke Virginia was very good and made my stomach happy. Although I could have eaten my ice cream at the restaurant, it was close to sunset and wanted to be at my Airbnb for the night before I get lost. It was cool to talk to the dude behind the counter for a couple of minutes before trying to decide what flavors I wanted that day. Just felt a little interesting there, the vibe and the ambiance being there on a random Thursday afternoon being a tourist. It wasn't a long experience here, since ice cream typically is a fast transaction. The flavors change regularly, since they write the flavors on a large chalk board and it seems like it's easy to change at any given time. I love the chocolate of course. Oops. I forgotten that they do have other offerings like actual food items, which I could have bought for dinner, but I was focused on the ice cream, which is very authentic and made in house everyday. If my future travels permit me to return to Roanoke, I will be back to sample other offerings here at Pop's and also try out other flavors of the authentic ice cream that the locals have raved for. Kind of feels like this place is popular with kids and people who love their ice cream. I just happened to come during the slower period, as March isn't usually the time of year to have ice cream in Virginia. For the most part though, my tastebuds wanted the chocolate ice cream for dessert and I was happy to have it on my short trip to Roanoke. Definitely recommended if you are passing through or vacationing in Roanoke, like how I was. POP's Ice Cream and Soda shop is located at 1916 Memorial Ave SW in the Grandin Village district of Roanoke, Virginia. They accept major credit cards as well as cash. As far as parking goes, it is very limited. Your best bet is to find street parking where you can find it nearby in the residential areas and walk on over. It's a walkable neighborhood and doesn't seem like they get a lot of vehicular traffic on any given day. If you enjoy public transportation in the city of Roanoke, you can ride routes 65 or 71 and walk on over after getting off the bus. I got here by walking from the 3rd street bus station, which was 2 miles away. Way to build up that appetite, I guess. The prices here are good and competitive. Supporting local businesses is where it's at here. There's always uber and Lyft if you desire comfort and convenience at your fingertips. If you are here in Roanoke and want to enjoy delicious and authentic ice cream, consider coming over here and enjoy. There's also other things they can offer to enjoy too, but make sure you ask for a menu or else you will miss out on the other stuff Pop's has on their menu. You will not regret it I promise. 5.0 stars for the overall experience. Support local! A+

Walked in on a rainy afternoon right at opening, I have been wanting to try Pop's for a while and…read morethe opportunity presented itself for my visit. Pop's has been a part of the neighborhood for almost two decades now. The proprietor greeted us walking in and was setting up for his day. The interior is a time warp back to when things were simplier, more relaxed and just a better way of life, like when sodas were fountain drinks made by hand. Grilled cheese is the thing here, along with hand drawn fountain drinks, crafted ice cream sundaes, a variety of cones, with a tomato bisque and a daily soup. There are hard menus (old school) and a daily broad overhead behind the register. We both opted for the board special grilled cheese, it was a great choice and then a cup of each, the tomato bisque and the potato soup as the daily special. I had a cream soda with my meal and it was like a step back in time, made fresh with the good ice and a fresh head of cream. Its an ice cream shop, how can you not have ice cream after a good lunch? So, after my healthy meal what better than a hot fudge sundae to balance it all out! This is a really rich dessert and so tasty, vanilla ice cream on top of a big fudge brownie, fresh whipped cream, fudge sauce and topped with a cherry, classic. A cool retro vibe, excellent grilled cheese sandwich options, tomato soup always and a huge selection of fountain drinks, sundaes and ice cream combinations. Well worth a stop. 4.5 Stars - rounded up for our gracious host, recommended and I will be back 01051

On a hot summer day this place is like finding a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. What better…read morethan a smooth, fruit-flavored frozen dessert made from water, sugar, and real fruit juices or purees. Simple things in life like this refreshing product are what bring the best joys to our lives. After having been selected as number 4 of Yelp's Top 50 most prolific Elites of 2025, a year when I was also 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, businesses, and entertainment venues, 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 Jersey Water Ice, located in the Northwest of Roanoke, Virginia is a perfect example. Today I was finally able to meet the enthusiastic entrepreneur who came up with the idea of starting this business for the benefit of all those in his community and those who find out about it like I did searching for cold, refreshing items that will help me keep cool in these hot summer days. Darren Wiggins, a friendly Atlantic City, New Jersey native with a strong love and affection for the City of Roanoke is the sole owner of Jersey Water Ice and the person who had the vision of starting this business in his neighborhood to uplift the people of his community and bring them the joy that only refreshing water ice and comfort food can bring. He came to Roanoke in 2009 and started JWI in 2018 operating out of a van he turned into a foodtruck serving what he saw as a need in his community: a lite flavorful icy delight. Most famously known and sold as "Italian ice," in most parts of the US, however traditionally called water ice by residents in Philadelphia and South Jersey. Having a granular but silky texture that sits between a slushy and a firm sorbet. At first I had trouble finding the little eatery located on 622 11th Street NW, but I gave the owner a call and he gave me clear directions how to find it and even though he was about to close for the day he was graciously enough to wait for me so that I could try his amazing and refreshing product. When I arrived he greeted me with a warm welcome. The eatery was small but very clean and cozy with beautiful hardwood floors and a couple of lovely hand-made benches. All the food was put away since he was about to close but I put my attention to the display freezer where the water ice were stored. He had flavors such as Lemon, Mango, Cherry, Blue Raspberry, Cotton Candy, and Pina Colada, among others. I ordered a small cup of the Pina Colada. It was so soft, creamy, and refreshing, as well as very tasty. After he closed the eatery and we were outside still talking, a car with one of his loyal customers stopped to see if the place was open. He chatted with him and invited him to come back the next day. We talked about his ideas for expansion and then we said goodbye and he drove off in his Cadillac as I stayed a while longer finishing my water ice. In conclusion I highly recommend this place when you feel like eating comfort food and refreshing water ice. The owner is very welcoming and positive, and has a wonderful personality and from looking at the menu, great food and cold, refreshing treats.

I've gotten lunch sandwiches from Jersey Ice twice now and they have both been phenomenal! I work…read morearound the corner and guys from my job order from here all the time. The Ice is smooth and creamy! It's a small, non-descript shop but HUGE on flavor and service! Definity a MUST! You will Absolutely LOVE IT!!

Looking for a place to have some dessert after finishing having an early dinner, I happened to find…read morethis place by the name of Sugar Cube Cafe. And never in my wildest dreams did I imagine what I would find inside. 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 Sugar Cube Cafe in Roanoke, Virginia, is the perfect example. This family-owned Bakery, Cafe, and Gift Shop is located in a small outdoor strip mall across from the Valley View Mall in Roanoke, Virginia. The owners are a husband and wife couple with a very enthusiastic family member who works there welcoming the customers, introducimg its products, and taking the customers orders. From the time I parked my car in the extensive parking lot next to their corner shop, a van parked next to me and it so happened to be the owner of the shop who is of Asian origin. When he saw I was headed the way of the shop, he introduced himself and gave me a warm welcome. Later inside I had the opportunity of meeting his wife and co-owner, who made my Boba Coffee that I ordered. When I entered the shop I was just expecting to find gourmet cupcakes, but what I found besides the wonderful cupcakes, were gourmet cheesecakes, macaroons, bubble coffee and tea, milkshakes, ice creams, mini pancakes, large cookies, and even Ramen Noodles and Udon, among other treats. The shop also had many stuffed animals and Asian dolls and posters and toys. I ordered a Midnight Magic Cupcake and a Boba Coffee with French Vanilla Cream. The Cupcake was $5.00 and the Boba Coffee was $10.00. The items here are not cheap, but they are definitely worth the money. I invite you to view my photographs and videos accompanying my review to get a better sense of the place and its products for sale there. It has a cozy atmosphere and friendly staff. And I highly recommend you give them a visit and support their business. You will be happy you did.

Extremely awesome experience! Highly recommend! Staff was amazing, atmosphere was amazing, food…read moreand deserts were great!

Delicious ice cream and cookies. I had a flight of 4 small scoops of ice cream and a cookie. I…read morehad Maple Pecan, blue Vanilla, Pumpkin Pie & ??? (lol I forgot the 4th one) with a snicker doodle cookie. Every one of the ice creams were so flavorful and delicious. The cookie was great! Nice and chewy. The inside is a bit dirty, the bench cushions look like it has seen some kids with ice cream drippings. It wasn't unsanitary however. Service was great. The girl behind the counter was very nice and pleasant to speak with. I highly recommend giving Rookies a try.

I first reviewed Rookie's (Handcrafted Ice Cream Sandwiches) when it opened at the Patrick Henry…read moreHistoric building in Downtown Roanoke; just across the street from the Social Security building and the Roanoke Public Library - Downtown Branch. I did so after having visited it several times, having had their ice-cream and homemade cookies, and having talked to and interviewed their store employees as well as their truck driver who brings their ice-cream and cookie dough from Lynchburg, Virginia. Now that Rookie's has relocated from their Downtown Roanoke store to Cave Springs, at 3549 Electric Rd, Suite D, I have decided to visit their new location, and write an update review. I urge all the readers to this review to also go back and read my first review and accompanied photographs to learn more about the history of the company. For Rookie's is more than just an Ice Cream Parlor. It's a place where desserts and friends meet to create something memorable. Their employees are encouraged to establish conversations with their customers and answer questions about their company and their products. And their comfortable ambiance and seating area contribute to the enjoyment and extraordinary sweet dining experience while people socialize with family and friends, and share quality time with them. The new location is more family-friendly and has more parking than their previous location. The residents of Cave Springs have welcomed Rookie's with open arms and have become steady customers in a relatively short period of time. I was impressed to find out that it is located in thr same Shopping Center as Cafe Asia 2 Restaurant, one of my favorites Asian Restaurants. Rookie's continues to offer different flavors of cookies, homemade ice cream, and signature ice cream sandwiches, in a clean and simple interior design relaxing environment, and with excellent customer service from their warm, knowledgeable, and friendly staff. Today I visited the new location with a friend and both of us interacted with the servers and had ice-cream sandwiches. Mine was Mint Chocolate Chip cookies with Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream. The combination of the two made the perfect sweet snack or dessert. During the time we were there chatting and enjoying our ice-cream sandwich, we saw many other customers come in and do the same. It seems that Rookie's made a great strategic move for a win win situation between the company and its customers. A quote from the owner of the community I feel best describes it best: "We believe that community is built on a foundation of celebrating something good and we believe our handcrafted ice cream sandwiches. Ice cream, cookies & milk will bring you together! We're all about the memories made and the nostalgia we hope you feel whenever you tuck in to a treat with friends and family." All of Rookie's ice cream is handcrafted in Lynchburg, and they offer vegan and gluten-free options. Rookie's hopes to continue expanding to other locations, with some customers even asking for a location in North Carolina. I highly recommend this business and its products, and consider it one of the City of Roanoke's gem.

This is a to-go hut for morning beverages. It has a few food options but not much that appealed to…read moreme. I went for the seasonal choice: a pumpkin spice chai. The flavor was missing a note or two. I did appreciate the option to get oat milk at no extra charge. Wouldn't go out of my way again, but glad it's there as the region doesn't have a ton of this.

Brand new drive thru coffee shop in Roanoke!…read more Running latte was recently founded by a Roanoke local, and the drive-thru-only coffee stand is situated on Electric Ave. Wide variety of flavors (using natural syrups without dyes!) and options for the coffee lovers and those looking for a sparkling energy drink for the day. Reasonably priced and great customer service! They'll need to continue to improve their speeds if looking for a pick me up before work, but very hopeful for this shop to drive up business soon!

Most charming coffee shop we've ever been to. The lattes were jam up too! The friendly staff really…read morecomplimented the whole experience.

Practically, right in my own back yard, in the heart of the Historic Old Southwest, in Roanoke,…read moreVirginia, I discovered one of the Star City's best kept secret. This quaint Bakery & Coffee House, found inside a beautiful Victorian house. 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 Albemarle Bakery & Coffee House is the perfect example. Today, I woke up early in the morning to go have breakfast there and try it out. I arrived at the Coffee House not long after it opened. Housed in a beautifully renovated Victorian house in the exclusive neighborhood of the Old Southwest in Roanoke, Virginia, it had a simple, lovely landscape and a sign of the small business up front. I walked up the stairs to the porch and there was a sign hanging that said: "Come in. We are Open." I did as the sign said and found myself in what at first seemed like an empty house, but after going to the back room through the dining rooms, I discovered the ordering counter and kitchen, where the coffees were made. A friendly young lady by the name of Jennifer greeted and welcomed me to this place. Then she took my order. I ordered a Bacon, Egg & Cheese Breakfast Bun, a Morning Glory Muffin, and a large Café Mocha. Everything was baked fresh and my coffee was made at the moment. When everything was ready, the server brought the items to the counter and I brought them to my table. Everything tasted wonderfully. It was nice to have a bakery so close by. I also enjoyed the ambiance inside this renovated Victorian house which was decorated with several paintings, beautiful Tiffany style chandeliers, and besides the dining rooms also had a Little Library room. While I was there, several regulars came by, who had been coming for years. And you could clearly see that they enjoyed having this Bakery & Coffee House here in the middle of their neighborhood. I highly recommend this place to anyone who lives in the neighborhood, and to those who don't, come by and give us a visit, this is the perfect excuse to do so. And besides the baked goods and coffee, you will be able to appreciate why this neighborhood is referred as the Historic Old Southwest and deeply valued as such.

I've eaten at different Frozen Yogurt places. Some of them have simple decor and charge by the size…read moreof the cup. Others are more lively decorated and charge by the weight of your cup. Some have you serve your own toppings. Others allow only the staff to manipulate the toppings. But this Sweet Frog Pemium Frozen Yogurt located at 1339 Towne Square Blvd in Roanoke, Virginia was one of the best, if not the best, Frozen Yogurt places that I have ever been. I was very much impressed by the amazing interior design and decor of the store, by the extraordinary selection of Yogurt flavors, by the huge variety of toppings available, and most of all, by the friendly and welcoming customer service. When I arrived a young lady employee greeted me with a big welcoming smile and asked if this was my first time visiting the store. When I answered in the affirmative, she took me for a tour of the store that also explained how the Yogurt is served by you in any of the different size of bowls. You then could ask for any of the toppings which the employee will serve with plastic gloves on. And finally, they weigh your cup of icecream and you are charged by the pound. Then you pay and take your cup to one of the white tables in the colorful dining area, where you can amazingly enjoy as you share some quality time with your family and friends. While I was there, many customers visited the place, a father and son, a mother and daughter, and a young group of 4 young girls, among others. One could clearly see that this small local business was very much loved in this community. Definitely, I highly recommend this Premium Frozen Yogurt parlor to all. It is a happy place, to go to, leaving all of your worries behind, to enjoy an excellent treat and quality time by yourself or with family and friends.

We waited what seemed like FOREVER for this location to open. Love some Sweet Frog!! Great…read moreselection of flavors and a huge topping bar. I highly recommend a gift card for birthday presents. Don't forget to get a frequent buyer card. Last couple of times in there was a smell of soured mop water however. Hope they do better about that...