Nothing presumptuous about this hole in the wall deli located in a clean, small space, with hardly…read moreany decorations at all. Just a brochure menu with this saying on the cover: "Generous portions, made fresh, specifically for you." 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 Joe's Deli, in Salem, Virginia, is a perfect example. Located right next to the City of Salem Farmer's Market and its parking lot, where you can conveniently park for up to two hours, enough time to park and walk across the street to Joe's Deli to have something to eat.While I was walking, I noticed a mural with a rendition of people eating at Joe's Deli painted on the side of the building, which I found very interesting. Once inside, during around lunch time, the restaurant was modern and clean with a minimalist decor. The dining area had both regular size and high tables and chairs, and also a small bar counter with a large screen TV and a framed American Flag under it. On the wall leading to the ordering counter there was a poster with a QR code to be able to skip the line by ordering online on their website. Next to this there was another poster with the Roanoke College Wrestling schedule for the season. The atmosphere here was incredibly warm and inviting, making for a really comfortable experience. On top of that, this was by far one of the cleanest delis I've ever visited; it's clear they take take great take great pride in their space. I waited in line as a lady in front of me was making her order at the ordering counter and a gentleman was waiting standing up for his take-out order. While I waited I took a menu brochure from the counter and planned what to order. When it was my turn to order, a friendly lady greated me at the ordering counter and answered some questions that I had about what I was planning to order. I ordered a Reuben Pastrami that came on a white rye bread, and included a bag of chips. To drink I ordered a Pepsi since they carried Pepsi products. When my order was ready they called my name and I went to pick it up. The sandwich came wrapped in a nice, heavyweight waxed sandwich paper. When I opened it at my table, the sandwich was humongous, filled with a generous amount of quality Pastrami, Swiss cheese, Sauerkraut, and Thousand Island on a white rye bread, and was toasted. It was amazingly delicious! So much so that I went back and complimented the owner and chef of the restaurant, in person through the window that led to the kitchen. I highly recommend this deli for breakfast or lunch. For they have the qualities of a great Delicatessen, focusing on quality ingredients, generous portions, and excellent service.

The pastrami was amazing. Everything you want in a deli. The staff was friendly and very helpful…read more Food was amazing.

Got dinner this evening…read more I got the lamb gyro with a side of fries. The food was excellent. The service was also quick and respectful. I highly recommend giving it a try. There is also someplace to sit outside to eat when it's not super hot. I will be back.

It is said that good things come in small packages, and this tiny Mediterranean and Middle Eastern…read morerestaurant perfectly embodies this saying. Since it opened its doors in 2017 in Salem, Virginia, this small but very popular, family-owned restaurant by Egyptian immigrants is known for its fresh made-to-order gyros, falafel, and Greek salads, just to name a few. Today I had the opportunity to visit this restaurant and discover the qualities that make this tiny restaurant in the middle of nowhere so popular. Because of its small size, most of its customers orders are take outs. But it also has a counter inside with around 3 to 4 stools so that customers who prefer to eat their food in the restaurant can. When I arrived, I parked my Lexus in a space right in front of the restaurant and noticed that there are not that many parking spots around. That is another reason why most of its sells are take-out orders. Customers can either call in their orders and drop by to pick it up, or park for a few minutes, make their order, and watch it being made, and then take it with them to enjoy at home. In good, warm weather, they do have two picnic tables outdoors where their customers can eat. Inside, I was able to meet the husband of the family who runs the business. He was very friendly and kind, a native of Egypt with a wife and 5 siblings. He gave me a warm welcome and took my eat-in order. The menu (which had Halal food) was displayed inside a Coca-Cola stand. To drink I grabbed a Mountain Dew from their drinks display refrigerator they have with Coke products. To eat I ordered their Gyro Special: Gyro meat served with rice and a small salad. It came with a special salad dressing and a sauce to put on the meat. The kitchen and the restaurant itself were very clean and all the ingredients used were very fresh and quality products. I sat on one of the stools, in front of the counter and watched him prepare my food. After paying for it with a credit card, I began to enjoy eating it. The salad was very fresh, made right before my eyes. The meat was Broiled right then and there, and the rice had a yellow tone and tasted unbearably delicious! As I was eating, the owner/chef put up a sign on the counter that read: "Please wait. I'm praying. thank you." I then figured out he must be Muslim and as soon as he finished praying I said to him: "As-salamu alaykum." He appreciated my nice words. While I was there, two other customers came in and ordered takeout food. For dessert I ordered an in-house made Baklava. The shape didn't look so good but the flavor did taste good. He told me that I could eat it with my hands but since they didn't have a restroom to wash my hands afterwards, I asked for a plastic fork to eat it with. Their prices were very reasonable and their portions very generous. I paid for the Baklava and thanked him for the wonderful service. The food was so genuine and delicious that whenever I'm in this area next time, I will definitely stop by and dine there again.

My favorite local restaurant in the entire southwest Virginia region. Primarily family-owned…read more Delicious menu items that sre consistent every time and friendly staff. I've been to Italy and this restaurant is the closest to going to Italy anyone will ever get, from flavors to ambiance. At lunchtime this restaurant also offers a buffet which is a great idea if you're a first-time diner. ALWAYS save room for their homemade gelato!! Their gelato is best I've ever had outside of Italy itself! We love, love, love this place. (Also, squeaky clean bathrooms)

The welcoming atmosphere at this Italian restaurant was evident from the moment I walked in. I was…read moregreeted by the Host with open arms, and this brought back happy memories of the time I visited Italy with my parents when I was growing up, and I was immersed in the true spirit of Italian Hospitality. As I was seated at the table of my choice, it made me feel as comfortable as the other guests there that you could clearly see were satisfied repeat customers. My server Suzana, who later I found out was from Bosnia and carrying a child, had such a friendly and warm personality, and attention to detail, that she was the ideal server that one could ever imagine. The menu featured a variety of exquisite options, and I selected the following: a Coke to drink, the Fried Calamari as appetizer, a House Salad with homemade Italian Vinaigrette dressing, and as my main entrée Scallops Fiorentino. My server also brought me soft freshly baked bread with three dips to dip the bread in. The food was amazingly delicious and served in large portions at reasonable prices. My server checked on me at the appropriate times and always kept my glass filled up to the rim with Coke. As the Grand finale I had their famous Pumpkin Tiramisu which is only made during this time of the year, together with a small homemade Mango Gelato. Both desserts tasted marvelous. In conclusion, I highly recommend this Italian Restaurant for an unforgettable dining experience.

Tucked away in a quaint and charming little house in Salem, Virginia, I stumbled upon a true gem: a…read morefamily-run, hole-in-the-wall, Mexican spot serving up flavors so genuine, they transported me back to a little Tijuana taqueria I had visited years ago. This small and unassuming Mexican restaurant, Diablos Tacos & Tamales, is located on East 4th Street, Salem, in a small strip mall next to a laundromat. At first it was hard find. I actually passed by it and had to turn around, but when I did, its restaurant front beckoned me with its charming facade. I parked my Lexus in a parking space in front of the restaurant, who's parking lot accommodated a fairly decent amount of cars. The restaurant's front comprised of a bay window and a glass door, with a pine swag along the top of the bay window and a red bow underneath of their simple, yet effective, name with logo sign above the bay window. Humble decorations for the Holiday Season, nevertheless, clearly cheering things up. As I entered the restaurant, I immediately found it quaint, with only five tables. It was very clean and had a warm, friendly environment. Its colorful furniture seemed to give it character and transport you to another place in time. A friendly young lady greeted and welcomed me and had me seat at the table of my choice. I sat at the table next to the bay window, which provided exceptional lighting for my cellphone camera to capture the food served here. I already had a feeling that it would be a genuine Mexican Cuisine, one that tasted as home-cooking as possible. My server handed me a copy of the menu and took my drink order. I ordered an Horchata drink. She then brought me a basket with freshly made tortilla chips and a little bowl of salsa. The chips were thin, crispy, and so tasty that they easily melted in your mouth giving you a joyous sensation. One of the best, if not the best tortilla chips that I have ever had. The salsa was also very unique. It was not thick but rather very liquidy, yet tasty. When my server brought me my drink, I complimented her on the chips and she confirmed that they were made in-house daily. Chatting with my server, I found out that the owners and cooks of this family restaurant were from Mexico City, and that they had opened this restaurant around two years ago. The word "Diablos," in the restaurant's name comes from the owners love of one of their soccer team: "Deportivo Toluca Futbol Club," one of the most iconic and winning teams of Mexican futbol. Also known as "Los Diablos Rojos." The team was founded in 1917 and received this name by the inspiration of one of its best players nicknamed "El Diablo." To dine, I started with 3 Street Tacos Al Pastor (made with marinated pork, chorizo, and pineapple). They were absolutely mouthwatering, starting from their in-house made tortilla, to their filling, and cilantro, onion, and salsa. Then I was going to have a Pork Tamale, but since it was Monday, and they are closed Sundays, at 2 o'clock they were still making the tamales, in order to have them fresh for dinner. So, instead I had a Burrito Al Pastor. You have to see it to believe it. I invite you to view my photographs and video clips to get a better sense of the place and the quality of their food. For dessert, they were out of Flan, so I ordered their other alternative dessert, Tres Leches, also made in-house. It was the most delicious Tres Leches that I have ever had. By its texture and flavor, one could tell it was home made. For in this restaurant one felt like being at home. I highly recommend it for its quality and genuine Mexican Cuisine, it relaxing ambiance, and its amazing service. All contributing to an extraordinary dining experience.

Nice people! Our order was taken quickly, fresh chips and salsa were delicious and our meal was…read morefantastic! Try the chicken soup adding crushed tortillas. The bomb! It's a hidden gem. Small, but clean and welcoming.

Dropping our son to college. Somehow saw Yelps Top 100 sandwich places in the USA. Just a short…read moredrive from Virginia Tech in Salem. Located in beside a gas station. Going in we asked the locals what to get- everything. That didn't help with great selection of sandwiches and wraps. The place has some hand carvings on the wall- Nepalese. The owner is very pleasant and helpful. We chatted a bit after we got our sandwiches to go. We got three sandwiches- the Brooklyn, the Manhattan, and Chicken tandoori. All sandwiches were amazing. But the chicken tandoori stood out the most- amazing flavors!!! Highly recommend it. We also got some fries. They also sell cookies and some Punjabi snacks. Definitely will hit this place again when we come visit.

Great food! Service is always good. Would definitely recommend. Now I'm just putting words to get…read moreto the 85 characters.

Food, service, ambiance, all amazing and I was hooked from day one. I have been to bother multiple…read moretimes location which are located in Christiansburg and Roanoke. My go to are the bibimbap and tonkotsu. I've also had several smoothies, personal favs are the açaí and the green detox.

I wasn't expecting much from Rainbowl, but the chef's special burrito bowl was delicious. Perfect…read morefor quick, easy, on-the-go dining. The place is clean and the owner was really friendly. Customer service from the staff behind the counter wasn't the friendliest. Still worth a stop if you want something fast and tasty.

Relied on Yelp for restaurants and decided on Mac & Bobs. Popular local place and Sam took good…read morecare of us. We beat the college crowd getting there before 6PM. My Caesar salad was very good as was my chicken parm. My wife opted for Tai chicken bowl( nice little kick). Both portions were good sized. Plenty of alcohol options so we choice beers and wine with our entrees. Going forward, we shall make this a regular stop on our way North.

Place is cute inside, it's spacey and there's a dining area + a bar area. It is incredibly loud if…read moreyou go past 7pm so be mindful of that (lots of college kids including myself + friend groups watching the games). It also gets busy quick! If there's one thing this place can't mess up it's some chicken tenders. They are a staple here. I think they are ridiculously priced, but they are also ridiculously good. The honey mustard is a must with them. I have not been really impressed by the other menu items I've tried, I've gotten a calzone in the past and the fish and chips and they were both average. Service is always 50/50, either someone who is super attentive or someone who will ignore you and never refill your glass for the majority of the time you're there. Overall this place is kind of average, it's $$ for what it is but it's fun with friends. 100% recommend those tenders though.

Love their food first off. The staff there can guide you if you don't know what to order off that…read moredelicious menu they have to offer. It is beautiful in there and presentation is presenting. Service is better than the A-1 sauce in my fridge & so is their sauces Their food is better than a lot of other restaurants in the area as well. Remember this is locally owned so that says a lot. You'd be a little bit silly if you choose another restaurant ... can't lie lol especially if you're a food explorer! Their delicious desserts BTW goodness I ate like three different plates

Excellent service, food and ambience!! I would definitely recommend to anyone who hasn't tried! We…read morewere traveling through and found a gem!