This local family business opend around three years ago in a strip mall on East Washington Ave, in…read moreVinton, Virginia. Today I happened to be in the area with a friend and after having dinner at a Chinese restaurant we decided to go there to have ice-cream for dessert. When we arrived we noticed that the Ice Cream Parlor and Restaurant shares a large parking lot with the other stores of that Mall, and it's located in the last storefront on the left of the strip mall. The sign high above of the front of the business reads: Lickidy Split - ICE CREAM & MORE. And on the windows it mentions: HOT DOGS and BBQ. So this is not only an Ice Cream Parlor alone, it is also a restaurant selling comfort food ss well. The windows and the restaurant inside were very clean and organized. It had a sign with the names of the 40 flavors of Hershey's Ice Cream available there. The dining area was filled mostly with mostly square tables with different color tablecloths that gave the place a joyful look and unique decor, even though they did not have many other decorations. Since it had a very long open space and plenty of tables and chairs; including a lined up line of extra chairs. Next to the ordering counter, it had a traditional Hershey's Ice Cream freezer full of all the current flavors they currently had. On the wall before the cashier counter it had a Bulletin Board for their customers and other local businesses to post their business cards. It also had some wooden shelves with homemade jams, candies, and earrings made by local artists to sell here. As soon as we were in front of the ordering counter a very friendly young lady came out to greet and welcome us, and to take and serve our order. We both ordered a waffle cone with a scoop of the Premium Gold Caramel Cheesecake Cookie Monster. Although the waffle cones didn't seem made fresh there, they were crunchy, and the ice cream was amazingly delicious. We enjoyed eating them in this relaxed and cook environment. We found that this is definitely the place to go for a good cold and sweet treat on a hot Summer day.

Nice little place with great selections, tried there banana split Needed help to finish lol…read moreFriendly gals , great portions , very clean. And great milk shakes and hot dogs. Take the little ones they'll love it.

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.

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!!

Good ice cream and service. The lady accomodated our special requests with a smile. A fun place.read more

Staying at SML and wanted to come into town to do some laundry and head to Beale's. We swung by…read moreMagic Ice Cream based on local recommendation. Psychedelic ice cream stand with a friendly staff. I got their take on the blizzard. It was good, but basic with both Oreos and Reese's PB cups. There was plenty of outdoor seating on picnic tables. Nice refreshing spot if in town and needing something cold and sweet.

This ice cream is regionally prominent, but the source is here. It's a building that is a ways off…read morethe highway, but was nonetheless busy on the midweek afternoon I stopped by. Their hours are not very late, and I imagine there aren't a ton of passersby after dark but it's a little puzzling to me that they're not open at least until the evening in summer. The ice cream flavor selection is considerable. Given the setting, this is not a place you'd go for non-dairy frozen desserts, it is definitely ice cream. Their peanut butter cup flavor hit the spot for me. A seasonal raspberry truffle didn't quite; the raspberry flavor was strong, but there were some ice crystals and overall textural unevenness and the chocolate truffles were not present in sufficient numbers for my liking. There is also a store which houses a small amount of produce and other fresh and preserved items, as well as a deli counter with some prepared food. I didn't find a ton of interest outside of the ice cream I came for.

What a lovely little dairy and sandwich shop. I have never had milk that tasted so good!read more

Went to dinner on recommendation from dil. It's a fun old school diner w old school simple fare…read more Cheeseburger and onion rings for me, corn dog for wife. Sodas on styrofoam cups. It's an easy, quick, fun spot!

****THIS IS A CASH ONLY BUSINESS*****…read more Don't be ridiculous and leave a business a one star over that! Onto the review - Our first time trying this place - previous reviews said to try the burgers and hot dogs. We got burgers, chili cheese dogs and chicken nuggets for one of our kids. Everything was delicious, freshly made, came out piping hot. It's an older restaurant feeling inside but plenty of table and chairs, there is also a little bar to sit at. The owners of the restaurant were very friendly, and we'd definitely be back to try more items. Please note - they only accept CASH no credit. They also serve soft serve ice cream - for a small 2.95 and you get a good amount. Definitely stop by and check them out.

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!

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!