The first thing that attracted me to this Shack was the graphic design of its logo. It was simple,…read moreyet very effective, to communicate what this place was all about. Yet never in my wildest dream would I have imagined that it was designed by a kid, the nephew of the owner. 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 Subshack in Salem, Virginia, is the perfect example. After arriving to this Sub Shop located in a small strip mall in the middle of nowhere, in Salem, Virginia, the friendly owner of the place, who has a wonderful personality, gave me a warm welcome and immediately, in a nutshell, told me the story of how this place came to be. Born and raised in New York and having lived for many years in North Carolina, the opportunity of opening up this business here in Salem, Virginia came up and he literally went for it. And aren't we lucky he did because it is an ingenious little Sub Shop, a product of two persons who let their imagination run wild and then worked hard to see their dream of owning a little restaurant come true. And don't be confused by its name, it simply means a small place where large Subs are made for people to savor and enjoy. Thus we have: the "SUBSHACK." This restaurant is mostly for orders To-Go, yet outdoor, in front, it has a picnic table, for customers who would enjoy eating there during the warm Seasons of the year. They bake their own Sub bread in-house daily, and also have daily Specials. Today's Special was: "BUY ANY LARGE SUB GET A FREE DRINK & CHIPS." So I ordered their large Italian Sub. The Sub bread was gigantic and their Deli meats were also quality and huge. On top of this there was a large list of ingredients you could add to the Sub. I invite you to view my photographs accompanying this review and see for yourselves. Besides Hot and Cold Subs, they also serve Paninis, Desserts, and Milkshakes and Smoothies. I can't wait to return and try their Cuban Panini. In conclusion I definitely recommend this Sub place as a very unique place if you're looking for good food, prepared in a welcoming and friendly environment, by a warm and kindhearted individual.

Excellent service and freshly prepared food tucked back into a small area off of Apperson. I was…read morereally impressed with their attention to detail and food quality. I will be back again. Highly recommended!

Located in Cave Spring Corner, an open-air strip shopping mall in Cave Spring, Virginia, to my…read moresurprise, is this award-wining national franchised restaurant chain. 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 Capriotti's Sandwich Shop, is the perfect example. Capriotti's Sandwich Shop is known for its slow-roasted turkey subs, especially the "Bobbie," which was voted "The Greatest Sandwich in America" by AOL.com. The Bobbie features homemade turkey, cranberry sauce, stuffing, and mayo on a soft roll. Capriotti's also roasts whole turkeys in-house nightly, hand-pulls the meat, and makes its own meatballs and coleslaw.  After discovering the hideout of this outstanding sandwich shop, and receiving many positive feedback from my friends that have eaten there, I drove up to the place to discover first hand one of Cave Spring's greatest secret. From the design of its outdoor sign to its interior design and decor, this sandwich shop calls attention to its focus on quality and uniqueness, and in being the best of the best. For example it uses American Wagyu Beef for its Cheese Steak Sub and Restaurant News has named this the Best Sandwich in Vegas. As soon as I entered, I was impressed by all the colorful signs with photos of their amazing sandwiches and references to the awards they have received, and how one of them even made a fan "cry while eating" it. One of their employees warmly greeted me and after I asked him, explained how was the ordering system. There was a size display sign to help you get a sense of the different sizes, and then high above there were three lit up menus of items from where to choose from. I ordered an American Wagyu Cheese Steak medium Sub, with fries, and a softdrink. After paying, I was given a paper cup to go serve myself my drink while they started preparing my order. In the meantime I walked around and documented the place with photographs and video clips to make my review more lively and real to the readers. When I was called to pick up my order. It came in an aluminum tray on top of a piece of paper. The Sub on one side cut in half anf the fries on the other side. I was first impressed by their fresh and soft bread, then by the quality of their meat and ingredients, and lastly by their fries. Their texture was crispy and light to allow you to eat them all without feeling heavily full. I immediately downloaded their app to take advantage of their reward program because for sure I knew I would return. I found out that they also offer catering and brought home a brochure about it. I highly recommend this amazing Sandwich Shop, for its friendly staff, its clean and comfortable environment, its pleasant ambiance, and last but not least, for their extraordinary sandwiches.

First off, any restaurant that serves up a nearly 18" sub as the LARGE is a winner to me…read more Try their turkey sub with the stuffing and cranberry sauce. It's Thanksgiving dinner on bready goodness. Very well done and anytime I have been in there, they are super courteous and provide excellent service. I've only eaten their food via takeout, so I can't say much to the ambiance to their restaurant, but it's nice and offers plenty of room inside. Their subs are superior - try them sometime!

I had heard about Jersey Mike's through word of mouth, but never had I imagined in my wildest dream…read morehow good it would be; nor that it would be "Above the rest." 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 Jersey Mike's Subs, near the Tanglewood Mall, in Roanoke, Virginia, is a perfect example. Located in a modern small strip mall next to Panda Express on the premises of Tanglewood Mall, this small sub shop has always been there since I knew about it. But now all of a sudden, I was tired of hearing about it, and decided to go see for myself and experience what the hype is all about. When I arrived I parked on one of the parking spaces in front of the sub shop. Its front was all windows with a bright red OPEN sign. Its shop front sign read "Since 1956 Jersey Mike's Subs." Little did I know that Jersey Mike's Subs began in 1956 as Mike's Subs, a single store sandwich shop in Point Pleasant, New Jersey, founded by Mike Ingravalo. Then in 1975, a 17 year old employee named Peter Cancro purchased the business with a loan from his football coach and began to grow it. The company was rebranded as Jersey Mike's Subs in 1987 to emphasize its New Jersey origins, and under Cancro's leadership, it expanded to become the national and international chain it is today. As I got closer to its glass door, the glow of its light inside somehow told me that this was not your usual sub shop. The place was clean and organized, with a wall of black & white photographs celebrating its origin. And a team of friendly and efficient employees behind the counter preparing the subs of the customers lined up. When my term to order came up, I ordered The Original Italian, in white sub buns, regular size. As soon as I ordered, the young lady employee started to slice the fresh meats for my sub and piling them up on the freshly baked sub buns. Then she passed it on to another employee who asked me if I wanted it Mike's Way with "the Juice." Little did I know at the time what that meant, but she described it as with onions, lettuce, tomatoes, spices, and the Juice (a red wine vinigar & olive oil blend). It did not take long for me to assimilate the jargon here. Then, after placing large amounts of these items in the sub, she asked me if I wanted any other ingredient from there, and she placed generous amounts of the items I requested, such as pickles and banana peppers. When she finished, I realized that that has been the Italian Sub with the most fresh meats and toppings that I have ever had. And I understood first hand why they call it "Above the Rest." I made it a combo with chips and a Cherry Pepsi softdrink. I invite you to view my photographs and video clips accompanying this review to get a better sense of the place and the quality of the food. Then you will realize why I highly recommend this sub shop. And why I had an extraordinary dining experience here. One above the rest.

Had a very nice experience with Princess and Pink Hair! VERY accommodating and friendly especially…read moreduring a busy time of day! Great, fresh, customized sandwiches! Be back soon!

The food is very good & tastes. If you're looking for great hamburgers & sandwich's this is the…read moreplace to go to

Portions are too small for the prices they charge. $12 for a chicken Philly and $4 extra for fries!…read moreAtmosphere and staff are nice but it's not worth the final bill!

A nice specialty grocery with deli counter…read more I was too late to catch the deli counter but browsed and got a loaf of sourdough from a vendor. From my limited experience I would return.

Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined such an extraordinary Grocery and Cafe that opened…read moreits doors in 2019 after quality extensive renovations to Tinnell's Finer Foods, when it closed its doors after 82 years of serving the South Roanoke community. When I came to visit this place for the first time I had no idea that it had a close relationship to the River and Rail Restaurant which I reviewed last year, giving it the highest rank of my Five Star reviews ever. When doing my research for this review I found out that the long-time Roanoke residents, Whit and Lauren Ellerman, the owners of Crystal Spring Grocery, are also the owners of the River and Rail Restaurant, located on the same block as Crystal Spring Grocery. The Ellermans clearly have an eye for recognizing the possibilities of vacant buildings and the talents of others and a vision of how they can come up with something as wonderful as this establishment. Gourmet grocery store and Cafe is a short definition of what Crystal Spring Grocery Company is all about. But I must go more in depth of what makes it so special and unique beside being gourmet. First of all I was very impressed with the interior design of the building space. Simple yet beautiful in its simplicity. I particularly loved its shiny whitish gray floors, and the green furniture and design, throughout the Grocery as well as Cafe. Also, I was very impressed with the windows and lighting treatment of the place. Second, I was very impressed with the quality and organization of the food items and wines, in the Grocery area. Third, with the menu items and quality of the food coming out of the kitchen of the Cafe. I had an Iced Sweet Tea to drink, and a Chicken Sandwich with Fries to eat. Everything was amazingly delicious. And last, but not least, I was highly impressed with the quality of your employees; with the ones behind the counter up front and the ones taking the orders and handing them out in the Cafe area. They all were so friendly and welcoming and at the same time so knowledgeable and organized, providing exceptional customer service individual and working as Team players. I highly recommend this Grocery and Cafe to everyone reading my review and viewing my photographs accompanying this review. This place is another gem in the this neighborhood.

Sometimes in the least expected places you find the most delicious culinary treasures. This is the…read morecase of Bellacino's Pizza & Grinders, which I happened to discover while driving pass by the Old Country Plaza, in Roanoke, Virginia. 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 Bellacino's Pizza & Grinders, in Roanoke, Virginia, is a perfect example. When I saw a sign for this Italian Restaurant, there was something in me that told me I had to stop to try it. I arrived around 6:00 pm for dinner, as the gray clouds started to form. But even before I walked in, I ran into a customer walking out carrying his box of pizza and looking so happy and satisfied. So much so that I told him who I was and asked permission to take a photograph to include in my review, and he gladly obliged. Then I looked at all the signs they had on the windows and proceeded to walk in the restaurant. It had a comfortable feeling to it and you could tell that almost all the customers there were repeat customers. I saw a menu on the wall and began to study it. When it was my turn to order at the counter a very friendly and kind young lady greated me and took my order. I ordered an 8 inch Bellacino's Pride Pizza as my main entrée. It contained pepperoni, ham, sausage, mushrooms, green peppers, onion, black olives & mozzarella cheese. To drink they had Pepsi products so I had a regular Pepsi with free refills. As I waited I saw that all their employees worked closely together in teamwork. When my food was ready one of their employees brought it out to my table. That was a welcome gesture since in many pizza places you have to get up and get it. The Pizza was 8 inches, just the right size for one person. In most places they don't have this size. It looked wonderful and tasted amazingly delicious. I invite you to view my photographs accompanying this review to get a better sense of the place and the quality of the food. It tasted so good. From flavor and texture of it dough to the freshness and flavor of its ingredients, and the quality of its sauce and mozzarella cheese. I enjoyed eating it so much that in the future I plan to bring a in a plastic bag some chorizo (Spanish sausage), and ask them to make me a pizza with this. In conclusion, I highly recommend this Pizza Place. For its relaxing ambiance, amazingly food, and excellent customer service, exceeding my highest expectations and providing an extraordinary dining experience. What a great pizza review to end the celebration of the National Month of the Pizza!

Placed an order for pickup and got a 16" cheese and 16" vegetable pizza. Pizza was hot and ready…read morewhen I arrived to pick it up. Staff was friendly and appeared to be happy to be there. Received great, friendly, and prompt service. Inside of restaurant was clean and very pleasant. Looked like a great place to visit and eat. Looking forward to coming back. Pizza was cut in square pieces - not my favorite, but pizza was delicious. I can deal with the square pieces for good pizza, but you probably need to specify with them if you are not one who likes changes from tradition.

Chicago Dogs keep me coming back Friendly service…read more Relaxed Atmosphere to chill with a friend over a drink.

Today, just only two weeks after opening, I discovered a very unique family-owned business by two…read morevery friendly and unique husband and wife partners. 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 shops and 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 7 Stars Lounge in West Downtown Roanoke, Virginia, is the perfect example. 7 Stars Lounge is a very unique business indeed. It's a combination of a Cigar Lounge, Bar, and Cafe. After retiring, Larry the co-owner with his wife Mini decided to open a business that embodied the things that they enjoy most in life. The husband enjoys smoking a good cigar, relaxing in a leather recliner, while watching a large screen TV or talking with friends. So originated the concept of a Cigar Lounge. In their business, this lounge is located in a separate adjacent room with leather recliners, side tables, large screen TVs, and two pool tables. Just outside of this room is a humidifier room where they have a great variety of quality cigars for sale. While other Cigar Lounges make you pay for a membership in order to enjoy the place. Here, as long as you purchase any item from the Cigar store, Bar, or Cafe. You have the right to enjoy the Cigar Lounge for free. The wife's, who is a Chinese native, and co-owner of the business, favorite food is the Chicago Hot Dog. So they decided that the Cafe specialty would center around the genuine Chicago-style Hot Dog, with autentic Vienna Beef Hot Dogs. This hot dog is inserted into a soft poppyseed bun and topped with mustard, Chicago-style relish, chopped onions, half-sliced tomatoes, a pickle spear, and a sport pepper, to give it that extra crunch and flavor. Besides this, they also have other Hot Dogs like the Chili Hot Dog, the Kraut Hot Dog, and the Original Hot Dog. As for me I like a good hot dog, so I welcome this new addition to the culinary lineup in the Star City. The menu also includes some Sandwiches, Breakfast Sandwiches, Bakery items, Salads, and authentic Fried Rice cooked by the wife. She is also planning on cooking freshly made donuts from scratch. The Bar they plan to have will only have beers (draft brews like Stella Artois and Heineken plus bottles and cans) and a selection of wines. The restaurant's space itself is a nice size and furnished with quality wood tables and chairs. They already plan to hold a group party their which will consume a selection of items from their menu. Today, I ordered two Chicago style Hot Dogs and a can of Dr Pepper to drink. And they tasted amazingly delicious. Specially the quality of the Vienna Beef franks, which is known for their signature snap, that you don't find in many other hot dog places. And the fresh and soft poppyseed buns that topped off the favor and texture of the dogs, not including the other wonderful ingredients. I'm not a smoker so one of my concerns going to eat there was if the smoke of the Cigar Lounge would reach the Cafe, and I can assure you it didn't. The door that devides the two is very tight. My other concern was the parking situation. But in front of the business they have several parking spaces for the exclusive use of their customers. I highly recommend this place for those who enjoy the different items I've written about in this review. The owners are so friendly and nice that we should give them our support. I'm looking forward to returning one morning to have breakfast there, and to trying out their homemade donuts and fried rice.

The food is amazing. I got the Titanic Sandwich it was fire. The service was good. I would…read morerecommend going. The only problems I've had is the bathroom is dirty sometimes. Overall a good place to eat.

A fun sandwich shop with a full bar. It is a solid pick for any size group, with options for just…read moreabout anyone. There are salads, soup and sandwiches. The food comes out fast and servers are friendly a the bathrooms can be a little funky, which always leads me to wonder how the kitchen is. They have a nice patio during the warm months and large doors that open to the patio, but have not seen them open a while.