Amazing!! Authentic and pure Puerto Rican food. I know because I am boricua and I can tell…read more Delicious and fresh. Is like tasting the island. My new favorite place.

We like to try foods that are unfamiliar to us, so we jumped at the chance to try some Puerto Rican…read moresnacks when we found this restaurant while in Roanoke recently. We were more interested in some snacks, so we concentrated on the "Everyday Menu" rather than the "Daily Specials" (which were complete meals). We were at a disadvantage as that part of the menu was in Spanish, which we don't speak. We were familiar with the Empanadas on the menu, as these stuffed fried pastries are common throughout Latin America, Spain, and Portugal. We ordered one each of the chicken and beef empanadas ($3 each). We also ordered an Alcapurrias ($3.50), which was completely unfamiliar to us. We found online later that these are famous Puerto Rican stuffed fritters that are commonly sold at roadside stands. The dough is made from a starchy vegetable, either green plantains or grated yucca, then stuffed with a savory mixture of ground meat or pork. The filled dough is shaped into a cylinder and deep fried. Overall, we mostly enjoyed the snacks and, if we were to return to Roanoke, we would return to this restaurant to try more Puerto Rican foods. We can't speak to the authenticity of any of the snacks -- but found that both of the empanadas had a generous amount of meat and were fried to crispy golden crusts. For our tastes, they were somewhat dry and we would've liked to have some kind of dipping sauce to balance out the dryness. We enjoyed the Alcapurrias a bit less as there was very little filling and it was overpowered by the dough. It too was quite dry. Service was a bit slow but, that said, the snacks were freshly fried while we waited. They were also well-priced.

The flavor of Cuban cuisine is alive and well at this small restaurant but with a big menu of…read moreexquisite Cuban culinary masterpieces. 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 uncover those found in hidden paths that for one reason or another have not reached the public in its totality. And Cuban Island Restaurant, in Roanoke, Virginia, is a perfect example. Founded in 2010 by Cuban immigrants, Estela Gonzalez-Perez and Manuel Hidalgo, after three years of owning and running a successful food truck by the same name, today in its 16th year as a physical restaurant, Cuban Island continues to operate as a family business using recipes passed down from Estela's grandmother. Speaking of comfort food, I consider the cuisine of Cuba, Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico, one of the most comforting of them all. And here on Williamson Road, in the Hollins area of Roanoke, Virginia, we have a restaurant that though small in size, has gained a National reputation for autentic, home-cooked Cuban staples. I invite you to read my first review of this restaurant which I consider one of my best reviews ever, and to view my photographs accompanying that review to get a better sense of the place and its food. Today, I decided to do a follow-up review of this restaurant, even though I have continued to dine here and order their food through DoorDash. I arrived on an early Wednesday evening to the place, and it was as sparkling clean as ever. Bright and colorful, with a casual, welcoming, and family-friendly atmosphere. One of the walls of the restaurant is filled with framed articles and well deserved awards that the restaurant has received throughout the years. I was greeted by a friendly gentleman who invited me to take a seat and handed me a copy of their colorful menu with tiny illustrations of their main meals and drinks. To drink I ordered a Batido de Mamey (Mamey Shake). Mamey is one of my favorite tropical fruits, and when ripe it is very sweet and creamy. As appetizer I ordered three Croquetas de Jamon. They were so crispy on the outside and so soft and tasty in the inside. And for my main entrée, I had their Puerco Frito (Fried Pork). These are also called "Masas de Puerco Fritas." They are chunks of pork fried to perfection. Where the outside is crispy and inside is soft with the pork natural juices. For the two sides I had Rice & Beans and Sweet Plantains. The food was served freshly cooked, in generous portions, and with its authentic flavors. What a meal! And to top it off, at very reasonable prices. For dessert I had a traditional flan, which was given to me in the original container where it was made. I would recommend that it be turned around and placed on a plate and served this way. By doing so you get a better look of the flan and can appreciate its taste even better. The food was so much, that I got full and still was able to take home part of it, to heat up and have for a meal on the following day. And that is precisely what I did. I highly recommend this restaurant. Once you try it once, I can assure you it will become one of your favorite restaurants and food.

I was super excited to try this authentic Cuban restaurant, especially after seeing all the amazing…read morereviews and seeing that it was marked as one of the top best Cuban restaurants in the USA. I added it to my trip itinerary months ago. After driving for 5hrs on my route, I stopped in. I arrived around 12PM and there were 2 people sitting inside the restaurant. My greeting was lukewarm and I was seated in a cold corner and provided with a menu. After about 7 minutes, no water, no check in. Seeing the staff talking to each other and joking during that time period, I decided to take my service elsewhere. They did not seem like they cared, and I definitely did not want to be eating anyones food who is not genuinely present. It was a nice try. Yall, please implement the Southern hospitality.

Arroz con gandules and pernil! You have to try this dish if you go. Typical Puerto Rican dish…read more Family run. Small peaceful place to enjoy a lunch, dinner.

Nice vibe for an intimate date or someplace that isn't loud, amazing food with such a variety of…read moretastes.

My husband is not very adventurous when it comes to food. He almost always orders chicken even when…read morewe go to a steakhouse. Thanks to Yelp reviews, I was able to convince him to try Gloria's while on a road trip. A huge accomplishment and he is still raving about the exceptional food, restaurant environment and low price! I ordered the fish tacos while hubs chose the Salvadoran Enchiladas with, of course, chicken. Topped it off with the caramel flan and ice cream float. After eating one of my fish tacos, he admitted that if we are ever able to return, he would be willing to order the fish tacos they were so fantastic. A huge surprise after 30 years of fast food and chicken!

I love Salvadoran food, and I was visiting my mother in Staunton, so I knew we'd have to check it…read moreout! Since the weather was nice, we ate in the outdoor section. Didn't get an opportunity to see the indoor section of the restaurant. The server was very friendly, but they were very busy and it did affect speed of service. In terms of beverages, I ordered horchata because I always order horchata. I have yet to meet a horchata I didn't like, and this was no exception. Sweet and delicious. I ordered birria tacos and a loroco pupusa. The birria was tasty and savory, as to be expected. Like most people, I dip my tacos in the broth because it's delicious. The loroco pupusa was really cheesy, which is a plus for me. All in all, this was a great place and I look forward to going back to try other items on their menu.

For some time now people lined up in long lines with the hope of getting a taste of Mama Jean's BBQ…read moreout of their very popular Food truck. But today, they didn't have to, because the owner's dream of having one day a brick-and-mortar Mama Jean's BBQ Restaurant came true! After being awarded the Yelp NC 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 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 Mama Jean's BBQ Restaurant, in Roanoke, Virginia, is a perfect example. At precisely 11:00AM this morning, the long awaited Mama Jean's BBQ Restaurant finally opened its doors to the public, and I was fortunate enough to be one of the first ones to be there for this momentous occasion. Located at 3404 Brandon Ave in Southwest Roanoke, it occupies the building where Jimmy V's Restaurant used to be, but with a complete renovation that went above my highest expectations. I arrived early at about 10:30AM when people were just starting to arrive and line up on a covered porch surrounding one side of the building. I quickly parked my Lexus in their conveniant parking lot and got in line. A gentleman standing in line next to me from Brent Mountain was planning on getting his Smoked Turkey and gravy, to take to their Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow, on Thanksgiving Day. As we waited in line to enter the restaurant, two restaurant's lady employees came around to take alcohol drink orders and credit card payments, and then brought back their drinks so they could drink while waiting. Along the porch, they had these warmers to warm the customers up in the evenings since they now planned to stay open until 7:00PM, The new hours of operation would be Wednesdays through Sunday 11:AM to 7:00PM. Inside, I was very impressed with the simple yet eclectic decor with artworks hanging from the walls which were a combination red bricks and white painted walls. The shiny flores and light treatment made the restaurant stand out. The bar was also decorated in very good taste. The small size of the place just gave it a warm and cozy ambiance in which one could enjoy their food and drinks. Most people were ordering their food by the pound to take out, but a few, like me, ordered ours to dine in and experience Mama Jean's BBQ in the comfort of a brick-and-mortar restaurant. The lady and gentleman, at the ordering counter were very friendly and helpful. When I explained I wanted to dine in and try a couple of BBQ items and sides, the lady suggested that I design my own try with one meat and two sides. Iincreased it to two meats: 1/4 lb of Pulled Pork and 1/4 lb of Brisket, with sides of Coleslaw and Mashed Potatoes. To drink I had a Cherry Coke. When the food was ready a server would call out our name and bring it to our table. On the condiment table they had the plastic silverware, together with the different BBQ sauces. The food was amazingly delicious. Now I knew fist hand what all the hipe was.all about. I would have had one of their banana puddings as dessert but it was getting late for my 12 Noon appointment for my haircut. I highly recommend this brick-and-mortar BBQ restaurant that used to be a Food Truck, and invite you to view my photographs and video clips that accompany this review to get a better sense of the place and the quality of its food.

Out on the road, I visit a lot of restaurants, because let's be honest, on the road, there's not…read moremuch better than a good piece of meat. Consequently, I end up at a lot of BBQ joints. On New Years Day, 2026, I found myself at a new BBQ hotspot in Roanoke, VA. Welcome to Mama Jean's. They started as a food truck, 2018. In 2025, they moved into a building. It reminds me of every BBQ joint in Alabama or Mississippi. If they have any problems right now, it's not enough seating. The menu glowed with all the BBQ mainstays, brisket, pulled pork... And then I hit something I don't recognize, baudin balls. This Louisiana specialty is a ball of pork and brisket and fried like a hushpuppy. For a BBQ lover, like myself, it is perfection. But I am distracted, let's keep going. The ambiance of this place is pure southern hospitality. Everyone knows your name and works together to make sure no one leaves this place unsatisfied. My own experience was brought to me by a lovely lady who will from this moment forward be known as, her Majesty, Queen Daphne. She took the time to make sure I understood what I needed and was pleased with the experience. This team understands customer service! And finally, the highlight of Mama Jean's BBQ, the meal! I ordered, well, everything. Brisket, pork, some ribs. Heck, I even bought the hat... From the moment I took my first bite of the brisket, I knew every cent I spent was well given. I mean do the kids need a college education? Maybe. Do I need this brisket? Definitely. It melted in my mouth. I took the whole sausage, not all at once mind you. You have to build up to that. You ladies understand. Make sure you don't forget the balls, baudin balls. Served five at a time, they are the perfect side dish for that moment when the flavor of the sausage veritably explodes in your mouth. Ah, Mama Jean, I will be coming back to Roanoke if for nothing more than your meat... Follow on note, this is a family friendly restaurant... ;-)

I had hoped for better food from this food truck. My spring rolls were dripping with oil and had…read morevery little filling. Our shrimp tacos had 3 tiny bay shrimp the size of a quarter, and no shredded cabbage or any other standard taco filings. The panini looked like they were from a kids menu. They charge a lot for very little food of substandard quality. I would not recommend this food to anyone. Plus, there was no bacon on the menu.

From the owner: Scratch made and locally sourced sandwiches, fusion tacos, soups and salads.read more

I attended the friends and family soft opening tonight and what a beautiful evening for this food…read moretrucks debut. There were many in attendance and with my family present, it was great to have such a smorgasbord to taste! For starters, all the ingredients are fresh - except the fries - and you can really taste the freshness. Smash burgers were on point and many options left you wanting to try each one. I think we had at least three different ones - including the classic smash, the Kenny smash and the plain smash. All served on amazing soft Martins potato buns. We also had a couple hot dogs - the manhattan and the Star City. Loved the Dr Pepper chili sauce and the NYC onion sauce was a mix of mustard, ketchup in onions and spices and blended nicely with the sauerkraut and spicy mustard. French fries are crispy and battered and cooked perfect. My brother in law ordered the Gahbage plate - a favorite from Rochester, NY and it is not for the lite eater! It is a packed meal of hamburger, hot dog, on top of the fries and topped with chili meat sauce, mustard and a side of macaroni pasta salad on top. Wow. A lot of food!! My sister had the chopped cheese and it was fabulous. We also purchase a couple of cookies that were being offered from a local bakery and they were gobbled up as well. Prices are amazing and felt we could have easily paid more for each item! This was the inaugural kickoff of the food truck and I easily see this as being a favorite in the area. Service was awesome - friendly staff wanting to make you full and hope you return. And yes - we will be following this truck and yes. we will return. Great job!

The Star City Bodega have the best hotdogs and fries in the Roanoke area. Their prices are very…read morereasonable and service is top notch. I think they are the BEST food truck in the Roanoke!

To be clear, this is a food truck, and I am rating it as such. It is set up in a gas station…read moreparking lot. They did put out a single table for me to eat there, but it has nothing to offer in the way of ambience. Weather may also be a factor, and when I arrived at the post opening time they were still setting up. The reason I have a high opinion of the place is not any of those things, but that it offers the distinctive home-cooked taste of a cuisine that is not otherwise available in the region to my knowledge. It is vegetarian South Indian and most of the options revolve around lentils and spices. I sampled a preparation I hadn't had before of ildi, a steamed rice and lentil cake, with some mouthwatering spicy powder. My spicy dosa, which I made it clear I wanted really spicy, was indeed fiery, but also possessed the delightful crispness and mix of sour and savory flavors distinctive to this cuisine. I also note that sometimes the salt in sambar overwhelms me but I didn't have a particularly tough time here; the flavors of the spices were enough without the ridiculous oversalting that some restaurants do. It is a taste that I would be happy to come back for in the near term and I would try virtually everything they offer.

absolutely amazing food!! this little food truck puts out some of best Indian food bar none. first…read moreSudha is a very sweet lady who is more then helpful for those who might not know some of the dishes. All of the food here is vegetarian, but she can cook these dishes with such a depth of flavor and perfection that even the most ardent carnivore will be blown away. We had the masala dosa, samosa chat, dahi puri, vegetable manchurian, and finished everything off with a magi lassi and an order of carrot dessert. everything was seasoned perfectly, with layer upon layer of flavor. There is a nice sitting area next to the truck where you can sit an enjoy your meal. please take an opportunity to venture to out to this incredible dining spot and let Sudha take your taste buds on an adventure.

I truly believe this is the best burger in all of Virginia (and I've tried a lot of burgers!)!!!…read more My personal favorite is the I'm So Bleu burger - blue cheese crumbles with an onion ring?!?! Gastronomically brilliant! Thin crispy fries. I cold soda. Nothing better :)

Food truck had a limited menu. Selected the steak sandwich…read more Ready in about 7 minutes; came with Ruffled potato chips. Sandwich was delicious. Will absolutely eat here again. Initially I thought it was a little pricy, but it was loaded with meat, and very tender.

Oh man, I'm so happy we got to dine here and on Cinco de Mayo - fun! The food was delicious,…read moreeveryone was so friendly - I even recognize people from TikTok (super cool) - it was a vibe. We got there fairly early - the parking lot was BUSY but we got seated right away, and had the sweetest young gal as our waitress (she had mentioned she only had been there 3 months) - very polite and explained things well. You must get the fresh guacamole and chips - SO FRESH - you can taste it! Everything we had was so fresh, flavorful, hot and delicious! If you're in the area or visiting - must try!

I stopped here for lunch! Amazing food! I ordered the agua fresca melón, which was very hydrating…read moreand refreshing. Alongside the chips and guacamole! Peaking to the appetite! Yum! For my main course, I ordered the street tacos. One carne asada, pollo, barbacoa, tripa frito. All delicious and flavorful! The salsas also hit the spot. The reason for 3 stars instead of 5, is the fact that service was mediocre. After my food was dropped off, my waitress Joselyn did not check in once. When she dropped off the check, she never picked it up. I had to walk to the front to pay for my meal. Great place, but customer service can be improved. I did share my concerns with management. Ambiance is nice and upbeat!