The Homeplace

This was our first time visiting the area and we were told that The Swinging Bridge was a very good…read moreplace to eat. Well they certainly did not disappoint! The staff was super friendly, very accommodating, and were very pleasant to our children. The food was absolutely delicious and cooked perfectly. The table was very roomy and we were not smashed up against another party or each other. It was very cozy.

The place is surely worth a visit. If you're wanting to try the Bison just do a burger or if it's…read moreon the menu do the chili. I have no problem paying top dollar for a good steak and if I cook bison at home it usually turns out pretty good. Bison is low in fat and can be a little tough. The pinto beans and cornbread were delicious. Taste the slab of seasoned butter before using it on your steak or cornbread. . . It's not for everyone. The coffee here is very good. Potato salad was also tasty and the fried green tomatoes were a nice appetizer. Our waitress Shelia was very attentive and on the spot. The ambiance was nice.

Looking at the end of the sunset from the back of the dining room.

Prime Rib with a side of green beans and creamy mac and cheese

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Parking is on opposite side of the gas station behind me in the photo.

Iron & Oar Grill

4.2(9 reviews)

24.7 mi

This place has disappointed for the last time. Arrived and the place was virtually empty (6 tables…read moreoccupied). Placed order for an easy meal (2 hotdogs with onion rings and the wife ordered a vegetable plate) sat for an hour with no food. Too bad because we live in Eagle rock and this is the only restaurant in town. Won't be back unless things change. Again...man I miss I miss Ma and Pa's. Well, I'm sorry your daughter and grandchildren went through that horrible experience and I understand why you left. If your staff couldn't keep up with the demand they should have made an announcement and shut down the place. Not like I had ordered a five course meal though. Also, what's up with no hot water in the bathrooms and no hand towels in the dispenser? That's got to be a health code violation.

The food was delicious. The service was excellent. I didn't get photos of our food but the Mac n…read morecheese was very good. The bbq fries were so good they were hard to stop eating even after you were full. Their special burger with pork bbq and onion rings is huge! The sauce on that burger was so good. I definitely recommend that you stop by for friendly people and tasty food.

Philly

Burger, 'Rings, Brews

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The Iron Burger

The LocaL WV

4.5(53 reviews)

73.9 mi

Gave it 3 stars because I had to give some to review here…read more Call before you go. We showed up at 7:30 on a Sunday night and it closed.

Nicely surprised by interior. Clean with comfortable spaces for eating and hanging out. Table games…read morewere available to grab and play in addition to the pool table, and also an outdoor seating area. Staff were friendly and did a great job. The food was very tasty! Got a cheeseburger with hand cut fries-delicious. My husband had the steak hoagie, which also was delicious!

More family fun moments at the local

Buffalo wings

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A beautiful family having lunch

Sycamore Station

5.0(3 reviews)

5.4 mi

This business was started by a mother-daughter duo, Maggie and Nancy Pace, who first operated as a…read morefood truck called Sycamore Snacks in 2022. They built the brick-and-mortar location on family land, paying homage to a general store their family ran in the same area in the 1920's. 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 Sycamore Station, in Salem, Virginia, is a perfect example. When I learned about this place, I was thrilled and felt compelled to plan an immediate visit to discover it closer. Sycamore Station in Salem, VA, opened in July 2024, with the mission to build community through a multi-purpose space that offers a café, local retail goods, and variety of classes and events, while also honoring its local history and connection to the environment. Its aim is to be a place where people can gather, connect with each other, and enjoy the natural setting of the Hanging Rock area. Situated near trailheads for Carvins Cove, the Hanging Rock Battlefield Trail, and MacAfee Knob, this establishment features locally sourced food, baked goods, sandwiches, and grain bowls. The retail section sells artisanal goods from local artists. This casual, cozy café, with a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere, and comfortable ambiance, is a place with a cute architectural design, and an interior with a minimalist decor and a wide variety of gift items, such as artworks like oil and watercolor paintings, ceramics, woodworks, greeting cards, miniature brass animals, bottles of local honey, birdhouses, jewelry, books, stuffed animals, keychains, and other interesting items that can make wonderful gifts. I was so lucky to have been able to meet the mother and daughter co-owners of the place. They both have warm and wonderful personalities and gave me a warm welcome, and lots of information about the history about their business. The daughter is very talented, that designed and made the beautiful natural wood tables of the place. The mother is so organized and has a great sense of space, that she has everything in a perfect set-up. Her attention to detail is also exemplary. This can be seen in the small glass vases filled with natural tiny flowers of the area, and set-up on all the dining tables of the café. I also had the privilege of meeting the artist Anne Schellenberger, who painted the watercolor of the original building of the place, and is the Instructor of the upcoming Workshop: Adventures in Watercolor. To eat I ordered from the wall menu a Turkey Reuben Sandwich with an Iced Mocha Coffee to drink. Then for dessert I had a Home-Made Brown Butter Oatmeal Cream Pie together with a Bowl with a scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream with Reese's Peanut Butter Cups and Chocolate syrup toppings. Everything was so fresh and delicious. I specially liked the type of bread of my sandwich and the way it was toasted. I also ended up purchasing a miniature water color original painting by the Professional Watercolor Artist, Rebecca Bradbury. I highly recommend this place and can assure you that you will feel so good inside, that you will want to return soon, and many times more.

Best little coffee shop in the area with wonderfully curated local goods. Love stopping in to…read moresupport them as often as I can.

An artwork lit up by a lamp.

My Iced Mocha Coffee with whipped cream on top.

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The outdoor seating area.

Pine Top Restaurant

4.0(4 reviews)

10.2 mi

We visited Pine Top Restaurant for a late lunch on a Wednesday. It was quiet but definitely got…read morebusier as the early dinner crowd arrived. We were told we could seat anywhere as we came in the door and chose a booth on the left side of the restaurant. We were here for hot dogs (I'm trying to get a hot dog in each county and city in Virginia). I got mine with chili, mustard and cole slaw. My mom got hers with onions, relish and mustard. We also got an order of loaded (bacon and cheese) fries. The food came out quickly. The hot dogs were good. Mine was loaded, so much so that the cole slaw...juice(?) was coating much of the bun. Making a mess of an already messy dish. I don't know that the chili or the cole slaw really stood out so it was just ok. The loaded cheese fries were generous topped by cheese. Unfortunately, it was nacho cheese sauce and I just prefer shredded cheese on cheese fries over the stodgy cheese sauce. We still ate them, of course, but not my preference.

The food is always delicious. The chicken wings are fall off the bone moist. I have not ordered…read moreanything in didn't like.

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Hot Dogs

Angelle's Diner

4.4(455 reviews)

11.4 mi

Yelp reviewers, thank you for the recommendation! I'm just passing through (Louisiana to Niagara…read moreFalls) and did a quick search for a good place to eat in this area before I booked my hotel & I'm thrilled I made time for Angelle's Diner! I made lots of friends in the outdoor dining area since I have my sweet dog. My new friends recommended hamburgers & the BLT. I decided to strike out on my own & ordered the Country Fried Steak with white gravy. Now I'm from Texas & I love CFS, so when I tell you it was good, that means something!!! It was fresh & hot! Fresh okra that you can tell was hand breaded (amazing, my first of the season since we've had so much rain in LA)! The onion rings were also awesome. The ranch was a little runny but it tasted great (I just would have liked more sticking to the ORs)! Patty was great!!! Super helpful & attentive. She brought my pup water & then brought him refills. That has never happened to me before! Doggie owners, I felt welcomed. All that plus a really nice fruity cake for dessert cost $23.58! I feel weird giving my meal a 10 (since I'm from TX & the food is a Texan staple) but it's well deserved. Great ending to a very long day driving!

I made a mistake coming here on Father's Day. It was busy! I sat at the bar or counter. I had to…read morewait a long time for my food because they were busy. The chicken tender skillet. It was a special. The dish was so good that I ate it all. I think this dish should be on the menu. The food is so tasty here. The waitress was excellent too. The ambiance is a dive diner which I love! Keep up the great work!

Chicken waffles

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Hollywood's Restaurant & Bakery

4.4(463 reviews)

9.4 mi

For our last night of our stay in Roanoke we wanted to have a special dinner at a local restaurant…read more I am really glad we found Hollywood's. Debbie, our waitress was fantastic. Great stories and excellent service. I had the Catfish Matrimony, my wife had the Club, and the rest had the half rack of ribs, filet and meatloaf sandwich. The portions were huge. The Catfish was fresh and cooked perfectly. The half rack of ribs was a large portion of very meaty, tasty and tender ribs. The meatloaf sandwich had enough meatloaf for another meal. The filet was great and my wife loved her club sandwich. We were all so full, we had to take dessert to go. The carrot cake cake was great. Thank you again Debbie, we had a great farewell dinner.

Dinner portions were good. Waitress was very busy but nice. We got the raspberry brownie for…read moredessert and my daughter loved it! She gave it 5 stars

The peanut butter pie with vanilla ice cream. Simply delicious!

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Restaurant Dining Area

Jack Brown's Beer & Burger Joint - Roanoke

4.3(655 reviews)

12.1 mi

My sister and I stopped at Jack Brown's Beer & Burger Joint in Roanoke after two ladies at the L&L…read moreshop downtown recommended it, and it turned out to be an amazing experience. The place is small but quaint, with dim lighting, a full bar, and a fun mix of music genres that keeps the vibe relaxed but lively. I ordered the Gregg Brady, and my sister had the Doctor Gozo, both made with 100% Wagyu beef. You can taste the quality immediately. I added mushrooms and grilled onions for a small extra fee, and had my BBQ chips that come on it, on the side. We shared the crinkle‑cut fries, which came with their incredible house sauce. The sauce was so good I asked if they sold it, they do not, but the waitress sent me home with some samples for free. Service was fast and friendly. The waitresses were dressed in black tank tops, black shorts, and black shoes, and every one of them worked with a smile, like they were glad you came. The restaurant entrance itself is handicap accessible, but the bathrooms are not, they're very clean but also very small and too tight for a wheelchair to fit inside. One of the coolest things about Jack Brown's is their Beer Club. If you drink 100 different beers, you become a "Notcher." If you drink 1,000, different beers you become a "Saint." On Saint's Day, Saints get all food and drinks free, unlimited, with no tab. It's a huge part of their culture and adds to the fun, and a loyal community. Overall, the food was phenomenal, the staff went above and beyond, and the atmosphere made the whole visit top notch. I will definitely be coming back the next time I roll through this part of town. How to Become a Notcher (repeat for the Saints) To achieve Notcher status, individuals must follow these steps: 1. Visit a Jack Brown's location: Start by walking into any Jack Brown's Beer & Burger Joint. 2. Request a Notcher list: Ask for the Notcher list to begin your journey. 3. Try 100 different beers: Sample 100 different beers to reach Notcher status. 4. Join the community: Once you hit 100, you become part of the Notch Club, which includes various events and celebrations. This program encourages beer lovers to explore different flavors and styles while fostering a sense of community.

My sister ordered the Greg Brady and I had the Dr. Gonzo -- both burgers were delicious! The…read moreburgers are made with Wagyu beef, and while you can get a "regular" burger here, the specialty burgers are creative, varied, and definitely worth exploring. The crinkle-cut fries were good too, but one of the stars of the show was their house sauce -- a mayo-based sauce with herbs and spices that was so tasty we had to get some to go. Service was prompt and friendly, and for those so inclined, there's also a great selection of specialty beers. The atmosphere is fun and memorable -- the rock 'n' roll was loud enough to add energy but not so loud that we couldn't have a conversation. The decor is quirky and kitschy (think a skeleton on a bicycle and a chandelier made entirely of bras). The couple behind us also enjoyed their selections, with "The Elvis" being a standout. Even though it came highly recommended, I just can't bring myself to put peanut butter on my hamburger. That said, next time I'm in Roanoke, Jack Brown's will definitely be on my list for a return visit!

The cashier station next to the bar of the restaurant.

The Fried Oreos inside a box with white paper and a black plastic fork to eat them with.

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Close-up of a black plastic fork holding a fried Oreo.

The Meeting Place Restaurant

4.4(65 reviews)

41.3 mi

The service was top tier, and the Bacon Jack Chicken sandwich was the best chicken sandwich I have…read moreever had. The portions were filling. :-)

Great breakfast! The service was spot on even though every table was filled. We were seated and…read moreoffered coffee, orange juice almost immediately and placed our orders. Wife commented, 'the best biscuits I've ever had!' I had the corned beef hash & eggs w/toast. Everything was expertly prepared & served. Although, the restaurant was quite busy, it wasn't so loud that you couldn't have a normal conversation like many others. We both felt a kind of hometown vibe and enjoyed our visit. Look forward coming back.

The Meeting Place, Asbury

Omelet and sausage patties at The Meeting Place, Asbury

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Restaurant

North Star Restaurant

4.2(80 reviews)

22.1 mi

(Very) small town diner. A favorite of locals. The building is an open floor plan double wide that…read moreseems to have been renovated in the last few years. Walk in and seat yourself, one server serves the whole room. The food is okay, needs salt and seasoning but good for the price. Myself and two children ate for $16, can't get breakfast anywhere else that cheap. Bring cash, as it is a cash only establishment.

If you're looking for ambiance, the North Star restaurant isn't for you. If you're looking for an…read moreexcellent burger and are near Buchanan, VA, the North Star will not disappoint. The North Star is a clean Virginia roadside diner offering delicious food. My neighbor and I were visiting Buchanan to have his John Deere mower serviced, and we asked the salespeople where we could get a good lunch. The staff unanimously recommended the North Star, but we were cautioned not to order the double-cheeseburger unless we were very hungry. They were right. It is rare to get a burger prepared exactly the way I prefer one (cheese, ketchup, and loaded with grilled onions), and the North Star didn't disappoint. My friend ordered the double-cheeseburger and loved his meal as well. The fries were really good, and reminiscent of New York diner fries. My wife and I have been back more than a few times when we are in the mood for an excellent burger.

The kitchen with a pan of freshly baked biscuits.

A picture is worth a thousand words.

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Bacon and eggs

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11 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Christian S.

Elite 18

279

12 years ago

Sooooo... the Home Place is out in the hills and kind of hard to find. It s very pretty farm-style home on a large plot of land that gives you the idea that you're eating at someone's farm house. There were a ton of people there and there was a long wait for a table. Since we were with a group we didn't have to wait. The food is served prix fixe family style with waitresses bringing dishes for everyone to share at your table. The food is plentiful and good tasting. Nothing really stands out (although the fried chicken got great reviews) but overall nothing was lacking. There was a wait to check out as you do not pay your waitress and instead pay Grandpa upstairs - he's super nice though so it's worth the wait. read more

Bud B.

15 years ago

We ate at The Homeplace last (Saturday) night. The place was slammed at 4PM and only got more crowded by 6pm, we waited on the porch on the swing. The food was excellent and every one of the staff we met was polite and friendly, even in the chaos. The fried chicken is off the chart. They could do some things better with the process, it took 15 minutes to pay, but it was still worth it. The Homeplace is on our list of must go when we are in the area, just can't be in a hurry. read more

Gage G.

18 years ago

This is my favorite restaurant! The food here reminds me of growing up and eating dinner at my grandparents. I have taken lots of people that have come to visit to this place and not one person has eaten here and not absolutely loved the food. Don't go by any review here. Go and eat there and let your stomach do the talking! read more

Jeff H.

118

11 years ago

This is by far the BEST HOME COOKED meal you can get eating out. I would HIGHLY recommend them.

Stranger D.

17 years ago

No reason for this place to NOT get 5 stars. Amazing food. Wait can be a bear, sometimes.

Debbie M.

13 years ago

Best place on earth! We take everyone from out of town there! Highly recommended!

Melissa T.

15 years ago

It's basically heaven on earth in my book.

Linda Jo W.

242

13 years ago

Ummmmmmmmmmmmmmmm...one word...Yum

Tracey L.

11 years ago

There;s no place like home...

L P.

Elite 17

125

12 years ago

Great southern cooking.

Charles J.

15 years ago

Over rated

The Homeplace - tradamerican - Updated August 2026

People who viewed The Homeplace also viewed

The River and Rail

4.3

(326 reviews)

•$$$

This year I chose this restaurant above all others to celebrate my birthday, and I wasn't…read moredisappointed. It highly went beyond the highest of my expectations, and delivered an extraordinary dining experience. After making an appointment for five o'clock and mentioning that I would be celebrating my birthday there on that day, I wondered how it would be, for everytime I have dined there, their attention to detail has been superb, and their cuisine has been exquisite. The day finally arrived and I was standing by the door at five minutes to the hour. Inside I could see through their large front windows the movement of all the staff getting ready for the opening of the restaurant. At exactly five o'clock, the hostess approached and opened the door for me to enter. She warmly greeted me and apologized for not being able to give me the table I requested because they needed it to unite with other tables for a large group they would be having. But they had prepared another one in front of the open kitchen for me, where I would be able to observe the Chef and other cooks preparing my food. It was definitely to my satisfaction, and when she took me there I was very impressed with the small detail on the table of a Happy Birthday card from the restaurant signed by everyone there and suspended by a little stand. Things like that are priceless in my eyes. Shortly afterwards, my friendly and efficient server Ivy, came by, wished me a Happy Birthday and took my order. To drink I had my favorite Mocktail there, the Butterfly Kisses. As appetizer I ordered the Oyster Wraps. And for my main entrée, the Hanger Steak, my favorite item in their menu and that of all the other restaurants around the area. My server did an excellent job of bringing out my ordered items in a well-paced manner. I noticed the small but significant detail that the chef had of serving me a slightly larger amount of Hanger Steak than the usual, and this meant more to me than any of the other complimentary desserts which are given in most other restaurants on your birthday. The Hanger Steak was so delicious. I invite you to view my photographs accompanying this review to get a better sense of the place and the high-quality of their food. Also to read my former review where I explain what a Hanger Steak is all about. For the Grand Finale of my Birthday meal I had their Panna Cotta dessert deliver with a burning birthday candle on top, another wonderful detail that many restaurants leave out now-a-days yet is so meaningful to many of us. This was truly a memorable dining experience. One that I will always remember and cherish dearly.

While The River and Rail has many things going for it: great location, adorable atmosphere, fancy…read moreand delicious cocktails and delicious food, one thing they don't have going for them is their ability to stay true to their operating hours. My friend and I walked in at 9 o'clock EXACTLY on a Thursday night to have a drink. The sign on the door said they were open until 10:00. There were 4 or 5 tables seated, enjoying dinner and cocktails. 5 or 6 people at the bar. There was no one to start with at the actual hostess stand and servers saw us standing at the door but did not approach us even though there was an hour left on their operating time. So we walked directly to the bar and sat down. We had just eaten at Fork in the Alley so all we wanted was one drink and we figured an hour was plenty of time to get that done. The first thing the bartender said to us was "The kitchen is closed." Not "hello" or "Hey what can I get you?" but the kitchen is closed. I said "oh I'm sorry I thought you closed at 10:00." He said "well, that's up for debate we were actually discussing that right now. We're basically closed but you can have a drink because it's not like the rest of these people are going anywhere." What do you mean that's up for discussion? Your hours say you're open till 10 o'clock, it's 9 o'clock I have an hour to eat and have drinks! The other bartender, or perhaps he was only a bar back, gave us a very disapproving look. I get it, I work in the food service industry. I'm a server at a 4 diamond restaurant, and I hate when people walk in minutes before we close and want to sit down. But if we post that we're open until 10 and you walk in at 9:45 I'm going to serve you and treat you like anyone else that walked in at 6:00 because it's your tips that pay my bills and put food on my table. It's definitely not the hourly wage I get from my employer! And as a server I never walk into a restaurant with less than 30 minutes to close. And it's more like an hour if I'm looking to eat a meal. I know you want to go home. When it's the end of the night and I'm at work, so do I! But there's an hour left and I wanted one drink. That's it! We continued to get disappointed looks from a few other employees even though we weren't the last people in the place. I told my friend (it's 9:45 at this point) that we obviously need to go since servers are standing around looking at us like we've got the plague. We paid our bill and promptly left. Two couples still at the bar. It's 9:59 right now as I'm writing this at home (you're still technically open btw) but I left feeling like I had stayed hours past your closing time. It's a real shame because we really enjoyed our drinks! They were super yummy! And I'm always getting asked by guests where's a good place for a late night cocktail and I used to recommend The River and Rail right along with Lucky's because we had a shuttle that would take guests out, but after tonight I won't be doing that anymore. Because there's nothing worse than feeling unwelcome at a restaurant that is still open.

Chip & Jo's

4.4

(100 reviews)

Having recently moved to Roanoke, we headed here on a recommendation from son and dil. The diner…read morewas busy but spots were open for us. From a great comprehensive breakfast menu and over a big cup of coffee, we ordered. I had the "Little Boy" that include 2 eggs and 2 either bacon or sausage. A pancake and biscuit w sausage gravy accompanied the eggs and bacon! She had chip beef gravy over toast, a hard to find favorite of hers! Service was quick, pleasant and efficient, the breakfast was yummy, ample and a great experience! Glad we discovered a nice old school diner w a great menu, great vibe and service!

Food is out of this world. No matter if you go for breakfast, lunch or dinner you get the best…read morefood and service. It has the old time southern atmosphere Best sausage gravy and hot dogs

Angelle's Diner

3.9

(134 reviews)

Large tasty portions. They are happy to accommodate picky kids. Nice atmosphere. My granddaughter…read morethought she was at a fancy restaurant.

My brother and I were in town and decided to grab dinner at Angelle's. Hannah T was such a…read moredelightful, diligent server and offered great suggestions for our meals. We were so impressed with the food and service that we decided to return for breakfast the next morning. Malena H gave the same excellence in hospitality as Hannah. The breakfast was phenomenal! Hats off to the servers, staff, and managers who keep customer service their top priority.

Wildflour Cafe at Towers

4.0

(115 reviews)

It's a toss up. When it is good it is four stars when it is not it is two, but it is hard to know…read morewhat you are going to get when you sit down. There are multiple food options for anyone and nice options for dessert. The space is kind of dark and laid out weird and service makes us feel like we are in the way.

We liked Wildflour's Sunday brunch so much that we went two Sundays in a row. The pancakes, Wagyu…read morehash and Chesapeake Benedict were all delicious: perfectly cooked and well-flavored. Micah was an excellent server. We are adding Wildflour to our Sunday rotation.

Dogwood Restaurant

4.0

(84 reviews)

I've been here many times but it's been over 5 years since I did a review. Still great service and…read moregood fresh ingredients. The place is nice inside too. The only thing I don't like about their breakfast is there is no platter that includes gravy you have to pay $3 more for it. The gravy is great and the bacon is cooked perfectly

It's always a pleasure to go to this down home country restaurant!!! The service is timely…read moreThe atmosphere is wonderful and the cooking is great!!!

Coach & Four

3.7

(177 reviews)

There are restaurants that you discover out of nowhere, just to become unforgettable. Ones that you…read moreused to drive pass them without realizing what you were missing. Until that one day that you decided to stop, and explore a whole new culinary world. After having been selected as number 4 of the Top 50 most prolific Elites of 2025, a year when I also was awarded the Yelp Triad Squad Photographer of the Year Award at the 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 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 Coach & Four Restaurant, in Roanoke Virginia is a perfect example. At first it was just a large colonial house turned restaurant on Williamson Road in Roanoke, Virginia. But once I decided to stop and explore it, it has become one of my favorite restaurants in Roanoke, Virginia. Its uniqueness lies not only in its colonial atmosphere and in its classic American cuisine, but primarily in its amazing staff that from the time you walk in begin to make your fine-dining experience one that you'll always remember and cherish dearly. Their refined behavior creates a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere that create unforgettable dining experiences. Today, after having gone through one of the worst snow and ice storms in years, I decided to not allow the icy roads to hold me back, and requested a Lyft to take me there for dinner. As soon as I arrived, the friendly host came out to greet me and take me to a table of my choice. My server from the first time I dined there, happened to recognize me and took me to the booth where I had dined the first time I ever dined there. We discussed a Mocktail for me to drink and she came back with an amazing drink, and a small meatball as an "amuse-bouche," designed to prepare ones palate for the meal. After studying the restaurant's extensive menu, I ordered their Bacon Wrapped Scallops as appetizer. For my main entrée I ordered the Prime Rib Combination that consisted of a generous portion of roasted prime rib served with a delicious lobster tail. For the two sides that came with my main entree, I had their famous tossed salad with their in-house made blue cheese dressing and a loaded baked potato. The scallops were not so big in size but big in flavor and texture. The salad was amazing, as always. The main entrée looked well at first, but when I cut into the prime rib it was too well done to be able to appreciate the flavor of the meat. But my server came by, as promised, to see if the prime rib was cooked to my satisfaction, and when I told her it was too well done for my original request of medium-rare, she gracefully apologized and took it back. Returning shortly with another piece of prime rib more to my liking. For dessert I had a slice of Pecan Pie a la mode, which by the way was amazingly delicious. I highly recommend this restaurant for one of the best fine-dining experiences of your life. And am looking forward to returning and ordering ahead of time their Baked Alaska to have for dessert.

As we were leaving, a man with a Trump hat tried to start a fight with another table telling them…read moreto meet him at the bar down the road. They appeared to be Senior Citizens and one had handicap issues, and the funny part was, I don't think they even heard him, even though he was yelling. What was a decent meal turned into an uneasy situation.

Alexander's

4.2

(86 reviews)

•$$$

Alexander's is located in the heart of downtown Roanoke. For my purposes I could not have asked…read morefor a better location. I had inquired with the restaurant a month or so in advance of my visit (I was concerned about the dress code) and they were spot on. I wore jeans and a buton down and was quite comfortable (and not out of place). It's a very nice restaurant, but it's certainly not "stuffy." Service was excellent. Food was phenomenal. Dinner started with some nice bread (and really good butter), and a salad came with my lamb ragu. It was all really good. The lamb was super rich and very flavorful. My only suggestion would be to serve the ragu over the polenta, and to add more vegetables. As it was, the dinner was "just enough;" I wasn't stuffed but I wasn's hungry, either. Really good dinner!

There are times when one encounters very special restaurants that can only be described as…read more"priceless." And every time one returns to dine there, it only serves to reinforce the perfect attachment that one has acquired from the very first time they dined there and had the pleasure of enjoying an extraordinary fine dining experience. After having been selected as number 4 of Yelp's Top 50 most prolific Elites of 2025, a year when I also was 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 and bring them to the attention of the public, but also to return to those special ones, that have made a difference in my life and highlight them, for the benefit of the public, so they too can have an opportunity to appreciate the qualities of a one-of-a-kind fine dining experience. And Alexander's, in the heart of Downtown Roanoke, is a perfect example. From the moment I arrived and walked through their door, I was greeted in such a way, by none other than Bjorn, the Dining Room Manager himself, that made me feel appreciated and immediately made me feel at home. Neither the coldness of the weather nor the accumulated snow could hinder me from my decision to dine here this evening. I was the first one to arrive after they opened their doors. Since the streets were still icy and filled with snow, I left my Lexus at home and took a Lyft to the restaurant, which was not far from my neighborhood, the Historic Old Southwest. Since it was a slow night due to the weather, the Dining Room Manager himself doubled as my server for the evening. To drink, we discussed my flavor liking for a Mocktail, and he came up with a special one, that ended up tasting amazing. To dine, I started with the Deconstructed cajunese california roll appetizer. It was amazingly delicious! Then I had a Salad vinaigrette, which was included with every entrée, and a French Baguette with a cube of butter. The baguette slices with butter were so fresh, soft in the inside and crispy on the outside, that they confirmed my view that the quality of a restaurant's bread and butter is a reflection of the quality of the restaurant and its cuisine. I invite you to view my photographs accompanying this review to get a better sense of the place and the quality of their food. As my main entrée, I had the Grilled filet of beef, sauce marchand de vin, cooked medium-rare. The filet was cooked to perfection, just as ordered, so tender, juicy, and flavorful. It was a culinary masterpiece from Chef and General Manager, Boni M. Webb, who graciously came out to greet me, and gave me an opportunity to personally celebrate her magnificent cuisine. She reminded me of my Japanese student who obtained the best grade in my Business class at the university where I taught. She was very humble and kind. As the Grand Finale dessert, on the advice of my server and general manager, I ordered their Glace au chocolat. It was wonderful. What an outstanding dining experience I once again had in this outstanding restaurant with a unique combination of exceptional food, atmosphere, and heartfelt service. I highly recommend it, and can't wait to return.

Billy's

3.7

(395 reviews)

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People ask me all the time: "What is your favorite restaurant in Roanoke, Virginia?" And my reply,…read moreafter considering all of the wonderful restaurants in this Star City is ... "Billy's", in the heart of Downtown Roanoke. After having been selected as number 4 of Yelp's Top 50 most prolific Elites of 2025, a year when I also was 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 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 Billy's in Downtown Roanoke, Virginia, is a perfect example. From the very first time I visited and dined at Billy's, I fell in love with it. I don't know if it was its history. Its historic building was constructed in 1912 and originally housed the Ritz Hotel. Then in 1979 John and Betsy Williams opened "Billy Ritz," named in homage to the building's history and a former local saloon. For 29 years (1979 - 2007) the Williamses operated the restaurant, making it a popular downtown fixture. In 2007 the restaurant closed and in 2008 the building was purchased by new owners: Neel and Neal Keesee. Following extensive renovations that preserved its historic character, the restaurant reopened in May 2012 as "Billy's". And since then Billy's operates as a popular downtown dining spot with a focus on fine dining, and is celebrated for maintaining a piece of old downtown Roanoke history while providing modern, upscale dining. Or maybe it is, its refined American cuisine with a focus on steaks and fresh seafood, such as scallops, shrimps, lobsters, mahi-mahi, southern salmon, or catch of the day. Or its drinks, a well-curated bourbon bar with an extensive wine list and signature cocktails. It might also be its elegant and historic atmosphere, with a clasic dining room, a trendy outdoor patio, and private dining rooms to host private events and celebrations. Or even its corner location in one of the most valuable and desired areas in the heart of Downtown Roanoke. But even if all of the above are an important factor in my selection, I would say that last but most important of all is its staff; from its managers, its cooks, its bartenders, and its servers. They are not only knowledgeable, professional, and hospitable, but together form a team with the goal of making you feel at home there and having an extraordinary dining experience. That's why I say: "Any day can be made special by dining at Billy's." This Saturday, I went to dine there after making my reservation in the Open Table app. Even though they could not honor my initial table request for a window view table in the main dining room, the manager was kind enough to accommodate me at a window view table of another very quaint dining room facing the outdoor patio. I believe it was table 54, served by the very friendly, kind, and efficient server, Savannah. She first brought me an amazing drink prepared by my favorite bartender. Then she gracefully took my order. I had Four Bacon Wrapped Scallops as appetizer. An 8oz Filet cooked medium-rare with a Lobster Tail enhancement, Cheddar Smashed Potatoes, and Grilled Asparagus, as my main entrée. And for dessert, my favorite, their famous Crème Brûlée. She did an excellent job in making sure I was well taken care of by coming by at the appropriate times and even when she was serving a large table in the main dining room, she made sure to send the principal host to see if I needed anything. As I was dining, the restaurant's manager came by my table to say hello, and that is something I truly appreciate from any quality restaurant I dine at. What an outstanding dining experience. And even if I was only one customer dining there that busy evening, the following day I received a text message from one of my fellow Yelpers who was in town for a week of conferences and was looking for a place for a "friends' get-together. And without any hesitation I recommended Billy's. If a picture is worth a thousand words, a good word is worth many customers. And thus, I give this restaurant a 5 Star and now you know why.

Always heard about Billy's, so decided to give it a try. As…read morewe walked in, we were greeted by Melia, the hostess. She was very cheerful and friendly.I liked how there is actually space between the tables . The restaurant is spacious and nicely decorated. Our waitress Melissa was excellent. She had some great suggestions on what to try as we were first time guests. The calamari was fresh and crunchy. The glazed bacon was delicious. The lamb chop lollipops were ok, too raw. Caesar salad was tasty and one order is enough for 4 people. My NY strip steak was tender and cooked to perfection. I tried a side of risotto and was definitely not disappointed. I find they have a good selection of wines as well. Billy's is definitely a great choice for a nice dinner!

The Hatch

3.3

(171 reviews)