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.

We went there every day of our stay for breakfast…read more Cute diner with hard working staff. Expect a wait but they turn tables quick enough. It is worth it. Large portions of well made food.

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!

As much as I love dining at a fine-dining restaurant for dinner, I enjoy the excitement of getting…read moreup early in the morning to have breakfast at a cozy breakfast diner. The Greenwood Family Restaurant is a beloved local dining spot with a "real-American feel, known for its classic home-style cooking, country-style meals, generous portions, and friendly service. It has been operating since 1952 in Troutville, Virginia (just north of Roanoke). But it nearly faced closure permanently in 2021 when management announced on their social media that the restaurant would serve its final meals on June 19, 2021, citing pandemic hardships, staffing issues, and a prospective buyer. However before the scheduled closure, the community rallied behind the diner to keep it going, and new owners stepped in to purchase and run the business, continuing the tradition of home-style cooking. Today it operates with updated hours and is open Tuesday through Sunday. After finding out about this restaurant, I couldn't resist but to wake up early on a Wednesday morning to go have breakfast there. Got into my pearl white Lexus and took the scenic route to drive there, with the comfort of music from my car radio in the background, while enjoying the beautiful view. I knew I had arrived when I saw the restaurant's iconic road sign which immediately stood out. I was very impressed by how well the building was maintained throughout all these years. Inside, it looked new but with that "real-American" diner feel of the past. I was greeted by a friendly young lady who welcomed me and asked what I wanted to drink while I looked at the menu. I asked for coffee. When she came back with my hot coffee I placed my breakfast order of a Greenwood Omelet with white toast and Southern fried apples. As she went to place my order, I studied the menu some more and was surprised to see so many Southern items that I liked and are not always easy to find. Items such as Country Style Steak, Catfish Filet, Fried Clams, Pork Tenderloin, Center Cut Country Ham, Fried Okra, Corn Fritters, and homemade Cobblers, among other things. I enjoyed the ambiance of the place: the colors the walls were painted, its hardwood floors, its large windows that brought in the light, and its cozy fireplace in the back dining room. 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. When my food arrived it was delicious. The omelet was filled with fresh items and cooked just right to perfection. The Fried Apples tasted great. Even the buttered toast looked so appetizing and tasted so good. And the coffee was quality coffee. Other customers came in to also e joy a wonderful meal and dining experience. In conclusion, if ever you're near the area I highly recommend you came and try it out. You will not only enjoy a comfortable and amazing dining experience, but will discover first hand why this diner is so beloved by the community.

I decided to come here as a memory visit from years ago when the restaurant was a friendly, family…read morerun, inviting place to eat. I was hoping for at least some of the hospitality and delicious country food of years past visits (1980's/1990's). This is definitely not the same as it once was. The food was decent enough, but nothing so spectacular that I would drive out of my way to return for. The wait staff was distantly friendly, but efficient. The owner/manager was quite rude and uninviting to the extent of being insulting and condescending. I accepted the change in food and atmosphere, but I will not return after being treated so rudely by the person in charge. The restaurant takes cash only but does not tell you that until you try to pay, then degrades you for not knowing. There is an atm as your only option to get cash to pay for the overpriced meal, but it charges a ridiculous fee. When I apologized for not knowing the cash only policy, the owner/manager rudely informed me that is why there is an atm and a fee for using it and that everyone already knows they only take cash. Everyone except "outsiders". She continued to make snide comments about non locals coming in there trying to pay without cash and next time if we plan to eat to bring cash or pay the atm. The owner/manager was also obsessed with loudly complaining about noone wanting to work. Perhaps her attitude could be a reason? Also, while eating, there was an employee in the kitchen area coughing, snorting, spitting and genuinely being nasty around food being prepared for customers. Again, not a good impression or one that I would ever make a return trip for. So sad considering there aren't many options in the area.

Had the Gobbler bowl and it was delicious. Biscuit equally as good. Blueberry pie with vanilla ice…read morecream was the perfect ending. Delightful staff. Will be returning.

If you're into Southern Home Cooking then The Blacksburg Tavern In Blacksburg, Virginia is sure to…read moreknock your socks off. They offer a nationally acclaimed menu that's been featured on NPR, Southern Living Magazine and even the ACC Network. They offer their own parking lot in the rear A huge rarity in a college area. It was clean and maintained. It was a treat to meet the owner in front of the tavern tending to landscaping needs. The historic homes facade presents beautifully. There is also outdoor seating. Our party of seven enjoyed a Sunday brunch while knowing little about the establishment. We were promptly greeted with a smile and menus and seated on the front room. Each of the four interior rooms has a fireplace and nostalgic photos adorn the walls. They also have a small bar with a focus on bourbon. The menu had one hit after another with authentic Southern cooking. The description calls it a "Traditional Regional Farmers Menu."No question the fried chicken is the hero. Five out of seven got the fried chicken. Others the chili and meatloaf. A plate of biscuits and cornbread were placed on the table after drinks placed. The history of the tavern on the menu is worthy of your time. The owner, originally from Blacksburg moved from California to restore for his own home. Later opening the restaurant. His goal to keep the structure original and true to purpose as a tavern. The owner himself comes from a family of tavern proprietors. I digress too long! The FOOD ALREADY!!! Well as you have probably already guessed it was impressive and exceeded my expectations. Every main, every side was a home run. From the mash potatoes & gravy to the macaroni & cheese, backed apples and green beans, to the rarely found succotash. All fabulous! Only starter was ham biscuits which were good. Mains of chili and meatloaf strong. But it was the fried chicken that brings local and tourist alike in the door. The chicken was cooked up to perfection and deliciously moist The breading was exceptional as well with no dripping grease and a medium crispy finish. The only desert ordered was the brownie & ice-cream. So yummy! The owner Daniel checked in on us before departing which made our experience even more special. The Blacksburg Tavern is a Southwestern Virginia gem that's a must to dine at. Checkout was efficient and prices affordable for large quality dishes. I will return later this year and hope to catch live music. Highly recommend.

Sat out on the porch with our pup Evie. Beautiful scenery…read moreand the sounds of the country. Adorable and clean this restaurant truly is a beautiful place to get away and reconnect with the country life. We will visit often.

Outstanding Southern cooking. Best cheesy grits ever. Fried chicken. Fried bologna sandwich. Hush…read morepuppies. Peach Cobbler. No nonsense real deal food. Cute, homey place. Server was very friendly and helpful. If I lived in the area, I'd be in there every week!

I often enjoy lunch from here. The service is friendly and the food is very good! I like the…read moremeatloaf and collard greens best.

I visited Lynchburg, VA with intentions of supporting excellent businesses who were also…read moreblack-owned. Listen, I was most determined to find food that would make me dance when I ate it! Using a blog post from the town's website, I made my list of places to visit- Home Cookin' wasn't on it. On a whim as we returned to our lodge, I googled "soul food". Behold, Home Cookin' came up, and it was in my area! It was a God deal. In fact, Home Cookin's love-filled soul food inspired a praise dance as I ate it! Sooo good! Plus...Home Cookin's staff was warm and welcoming- like I was their family visiting their home. Their service was quick, but I didn't feel rushed. They even invited me to come back and see them again before I left town. I did! And here's why: I could hardly contain my excitement for the opportunity to enjoy their home cooking again! Sooo good! (Pictured: Well-seasoned baked chicken, green beans that reminded me of my grandma Hattie's, creamy macaroni and cheese that I devoured, and the fried-to-order fish meal I savored on my second visit. Not pictured: Homemade Sprite Pound Cake and Peach Cobbler- both of which I indulged with pleasure!)

Food was delicious. Enough for 6+ people. I ordered the HAVE IT ALL. I ordered take out. When I…read moreopened the bag, everything was placed , just as the server described. Will recommend and eat here again.

Reasantly Due South Pit-Cooked BBQ was added to the "Most Loved" status on DoorDash, so today I…read moredecided to stay in and have someone bring me something tasty from a restaurant that since my first visit I have considered the best BBQ spot in Southwest Virginia. I invite you to read my first review of this restaurant and view my photographs accompanying it, which was one of my reviews that influenced in my selection as number 4 of Yelp's Top 50 most prolific Elites of 2025. As a DoorDash VIP customer, I pulled up Due South BBQ in their app and as I did so I still could remember the amazing taste of their BBQ food from when I visited them for the very first time on January 28, 2025 with a good friend of mine and gave them a 5 Star review. I decided to order the Big Slop which included a Jumbo Pulled Pork Sandwich with three sides and three hushpuppies. As my three sides I chose Mac & Cheese, Coleslaw, and Fried Okra. And for the two sauces I picked the Sweet Red and the Alabama White. I submitted my order with my DoorDasher tip included and waited for the delivery. Not long after the order arrived at the estimated time with a friendly DoorDasher who delivered it intact and still hot. It came inside one of those ordinary plastic bags with the words Thank you on it, with the receipt attached. I opened the bag in my kitchen and the food came in two see-through plastic containers. One with all the food and a small separate one with the bun on the side as I had asked for. Everything looked so fresh and delicious. Including the three cylindrical shaped hushpuppies. I got one of my plastic forks and placed some of the pulled pork on the bun with the sweet red sauce and still had some pork left to eat with the other items which were served in generous portions. Everything was amazingly delicious. Rare are the restaurants that can deliver their food and it arrive in a similar state as in the restaurant. Although I still prefer eating at the restaurant for its warm and cozy ambiance. Once again I highly recommend this BBQ restaurant and I'm sure that if you try it out the food will win you over and their amazing service will make you want to return back for more.

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.

Food is delicious. Atmosphere is pleasant. Service was fine…read more The chips are really great and everything is tasty. Really like this place for when friends and neighbors come to visit

So it was a very nice Sunday morning in Roanoke. Nice fall type weather and four big hungry dudes…read more One of us had seen some good reviews for Hatch. We were going to be ready at about ten o'clock and they opened at ten o'clock. We were worried there might be a line but happened to be the first table. They sat us in a nice both and the room was well lit. Music was kind of all over the place. Our waitress was Aubrey and she rocked. She answered our menu questions. She kept our drinks full and we all ate until we were full. The food was good not great. We got a big breakfast platter. All four of us. It was a lot of food. The waffle was really good. The eggs were bland but Texas Pete helped that. The potatoes were dry, Pete from Texas helped that too. They had a chicken on a gravy biscuit. The chicken was good but not nearly enough gravy. The Busch it was dry and crumbled and was disappointing.

I stopped in for lunch while I was in town for training and had high hopes based on the menu. I…read moreordered the fried green tomatoes and the creamy salmon with mashed sweet potatoes and hush puppies. Unfortunately, the food was disappointing. The fried green tomatoes and hush puppies were overcooked to the point that they were barely edible. While the salmon had a nice flavor, it was also overcooked. The mashed sweet potatoes had powdered sugar added, which made them much sweeter than expected and overpowered the natural flavor. The bright spot of the experience was the service. The servers were incredibly sweet, attentive, and made sure I had everything I needed. I truly appreciated their hospitality. I hope the kitchen can improve its consistency because the staff certainly deserves better food to serve.