You rarely find a little restaurant in the middle of nowhere that makes you feel at home from the…read moremoment you walk in. Delicious food, a welcoming atmosphere, and attentive service, are the best words I can use to describe this gem of a restaurant.
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 entirety. And Lews Restaurant in the Hollins neighborhood of Roanoke, Virginia, is a perfect example.
From the moment I parked my car in their small parking lot and walked over to this cozy little restaurant with a slanted shaped roof, I was first welcomed by one of their customers who held the door open for me when he was entering the restaurant and saw me headed that way. That particular gesture was so meaningful to me that I abstained from taking a photograph of the outside of the restaurant and hurried along to catch the door.
As I stepped inside, the unique architectural design captivated me. The slanted wooden ceiling, peaking in a true cathedral style, lent the space a feeling of immense height while still maintaining a warm, inviting atmosphere."
It didn't take long for me to notice the sign that read: "Please SEAT YOURSELF." But almost at the same time that I had finished reading it, a friendly young lady, who ended up being my server, greeted me with a smile and a warm welcome, and invited me to sit anywhere I wished. I chose a booth next to a collage of photographs depicting major scenes from the Star City of Roanoke. I invite you to view my photographs accompanying this review to get a better sense of the place and its food.
My friendly server came by to take my order. Given that they sold Pepsi products, I chose an ice-cold Pepsi. Then I ordered the Tavern Burger and requested they add bacon. This burger was topped with fried egg, mustard, pickle, and American cheese, and served on a sesame seed bun with a side of their Beer Battered Fries. From the fresh and soft sesame seed bun,to the freshly fried egg, to the juicy and quality beef patty, and the thick, satisfying bacon and pickle, every component of this burger contributed to an amazingly delicious final result.
Needless to say, my server checked back to see how I was doing at the appropriate times and provided me with refills of my ice-cold Pepsi. To my surprise the only dessert they had was Fried Oreos and no ice-cream to accompany it. I realize that many restaurants hold on having dessert to expedite customer flow, but at least for me, a meal isn't a meal without a good, sweet dessert. And I make the recommendation of adding a few unique desserts special menu such as Peanut Butter Pie, Vanilla Ice Cream to the Fried Oreos, and a Mango Crème Brûlée. You'll be surprised, you may have customers attracted to eat here just for any of these simple but unique and delicious desserts.
In conclusion I highly recommend this little and cozy restaurant for its warm and friendly environment, its wonderful satisfying food, and last but not least, its excellent customer service. All contributing to an amazing dining experience.
