Rarely have I walked into a restaurant and felt so good about it, as I did when I discovered this…read morecasual American restaurant known for its hearty meals, friendly atmosphere, and affordability. After being awarded the Yelp Triad 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, 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 Don Ho's Restaurant & Lounge in Hollins, Virginia, is a perfect example. Located off Lee Highway, in Hollins, Virginia, a road less traveled by me, until I decided to take it in search of this gem of a restaurant, which until then I had no idea it existed, even though it has been opened for 25 years. On its parking lot sign it clearly states "Serving The Area Since 2000." From the simple architectural design design of its building and humble entrance, you would never imagine what the inside would hold for you. As I opened the door and walked in, the first thing I saw was a little Christmas tree that you could tell was decorated with lots of love. The reasantly renovated dining room was clean and cozy with a combination of booths, tables and chairs, and some small high round tables with high chairs. In the center of the restaurant was a square counter with the cashier station, the Pepsi products machine, some desserts and Christmas decorations. As I was looking around a friendly and very hospitable waitress welcomed me and said I could have a seat anywhere I liked, handed me a copy of the menu, and took my drink order. I ordered a Pepsi to drink. After returning with my drink, she took my food order. I ordered a cup of their Chili Beans to start off with, and as my main entrée the Half Pound Black Angus Cheese Burger with their special fries. First of all the Chili Beans were amazing. One of the best that I have ever had, and one of my favorite foods. I invite you to view my photographs accompanying this review to get a better sense of the place and its food. Then came the burger. It was delicious with fresh soft burger buns and all the toppings a good burger should have. And their unique fries were one-of-a-kind. The waitress came by to check on me at the appropriate times and to provide drink refills. For dessert I had a slice of one of the best Key Lime Pies that I had ever had. The merengue on it tasted like the home-made one my mother used to make when I was growing up. When I was finished, my waitress encouraged me to go take a look at the Lounge in the back room. It was nice, with two pool tables, a colorful lit bar, tables and chairs, booths, large screen tv, and even a small stage.There, besides drinking and eating, you can shoot pool or sing karaoke. Smoking is allowed in the lounge, which has a special ventilation system. However, the restaurant side of the establishment is completely non-smoking. Before leaving I got to meet the owner himself and felt the great attachment he has for his restaurant of many years, for his staff that has been with him for years, for his loyal customers, and for his son and general manager Jo Jo, who is learning all he can from his dad and hopes one day to take over the restaurant and continue the family tradition. As I was leaving, after a very satisfying dining experience, I noticed some Award plaques on the wall. This year 2025, Don Ho's had cleaned up in the Roanoke Times readers awards for best bar, waitstaff, restaurant, burger and best customer service at a restaurant. I highly recommend this one-of-a-kind restaurant & lounge, and who knows, maybe when you go and visit, you'll run into me there, because I definitely am planning to return real soon.

Well my 1st time at Don Ho. It was a small patronage and 75% seniors. I'm a senior. So not really a…read morething for me. The menu was average and prices average. Service good. The decor modest and really not very welcoming. A little too modest. Not sure what this restaurant is trying to be. Name and decor not really similar and we were there in the last week. Food was good so that would be a reason to perhaps return and try again.

A very unexpected swanky bar in Floyd,Va. It'll throw you for a loop if you're not ready when you…read morewalk in, we were. Think prohibition. The joint takes you into the prohibition era. The staff play into it very well. The bartender was super cool. The lady at the front door stayed in character (so cool). Helpful hint ... buffalo nickel. Once in, it is a super dark and cozy classy place. Great selection of wine and cocktails. Small selection of beer. Had the very tasty Chef burger. The Mango Habanero cheese curds were tasty. Checkout the upstairs... I'd revisit this place again.

A place to go back in time! They are a prohibition…read moreestablishment theme/vibe. Fun wall decoration and art. Makes you feel like you are on a different timeline. Food was great! We ordered the seared ahi tuna, filets, and ravioli. Everything was delicious and fresh. Id recommend if you are quiet hungry and want to order the ravioli to perhaps order something else to pair with it as it only comes with 4 raviolis. Let's talk drinks. They are seasonal so they had an apple smoked old fashioned which was delicious and a whole experience as they bring it in a container with the smoke in it 10/10 recommend! They have a yummy spicy orange margarita and really good non alcoholic drinks that taste like alcoholic drinks! Service was great! Our server had really good suggestions and was attentive and up front with items that where not available.

A few coworkers and I decided to try this place after work. It's a fairly new place. When we…read morewalked in it had the feel of an old time diner, nothing elaborate or fancy. Just tables and a few pool tables. Every single staff member we came in contact with was friendly and amazing! All of us ordered the same meal. Fish and shrimp. Listen, I was worried about eating seafood in a new city and at a new place, it was BEYOND DELICIOUS! The portion sizes were ridiculous! We all had leftovers to box up. The fish was crispy on the outside and tender and delicious on inside. The shrimp.. worthy of seconds! Service was spot on. After talking with the server for a bit, next time we are diving in to the "taste of the islands." I portion of all meats cooked for the day! Can't Wait!! Go here! Eat here!

Great place to eat, food was delicious and season to taste (chicken wings (fried, lemon pepper,…read morebbq) fries, (regular and sweet potato), Mac n cheese. Great service, Great cooks, pleasant personalities and good atmosphere. Visiting the area and will come back.

Good food and a wonderful bartender! It's always friendly and comforting! Clean and service…read moreoriented to patrons without a lot of frivolity.

Not handicapped accessible and they acted like serving us was an imposition. The food was adequate…read morebut nothing to go back for.

It has been years since I have been here. I usually went because a friend dragged me with them. The…read moremusic was always mundane. The DJ seemed like he only knew how to play a very select few of songs (the majority which were already overplayed and terrible). The food was subpar. The drinks were a natural disaster in a glass. They were either so strong they would knock the wind out of you after each sip, or they were so weak and flavorless that watered down tea has more flavor. There were hardly any decent people ever up there. Just about everyone there looked/acted like they were hooked on drugs. Fortunately I got rid of my trashy friend and I haven't been back to that place since. If you want decent drinks and music, my suggestion is to build a rock fire pit, make drinks yourself and invite your friends over for a bon fire.

I was told to leave because I complained about the smell? I tried to explain to them that something…read morewas stinking up the place.

We were just passing through Lynchburg, and ran across this adorable little stop. It was a Sunday…read moreafternoon late and they had a live musician, playing great songs on the front patio. What a great stop. Wine, (we did a white and a reserve, all flights are $20) and charcuterie board , with the most amazing crusty bread, fresh from the oven. (We ordered double.... And had no leftovers.) The board was expertly crafted and the flavors paired well with the wines. We were so full we didn't need dinner. The outside has more tables than the small inside.... But this is a must try! Hopefully you get to hear an amazing musician with your wine.

We walked in right before they were closing and Logan was gracious to allow us to order glasses of…read morewine and sit outside with the really cool table top fire pits. It was a wonderful way to end our evening. A very cool ambiance.

The new menu for breakfast and lunch makes the DAV lounge and kitchen a great place to meet and…read moreeat. You can get a great full breakfast there, and their platters, sandwiches, and sides are delicious. I had their french fries all by themselves yesterday just for a late afternoon treat, and they were just right. Come on by!

From the owner: The Thrift Store and Lounge sales go to helping Veteransread more

Food was okay. Nothing too special. For my steak salad, I requested medium rare... and it was…read moredefinitely not medium rare. The steak was somewhat seasoned. The vinaigrette dressing really saved it flavor wise. The veggies tasted fresh. My boyfriend said that the rice as a side was not worth it since they gave only a little. The smashed potatoes were not seasoned that well. Our server was kind. We luckily got a window seat so the view was very nice. Overall, a mid food experience but with a beautiful view.

Our lunch at the Peaks of Otter Lodge restaurant was delicious today. The longtime buffet was not…read moreopen. My pan-seared trout with vegetables and and my husband's shrimp and grits were both properly cooked and very tasty. The one mile walk around Abbot Lake next to the Lodge after lunch was shady, paved and beautiful.