K&W Cafeteria has been a staple in my life since I was a kid. I used to go to the location at Tanglewood, and now that this is the only one left, it's my go-to spot whenever I'm back in town. I always order the chicken tenders and baked spaghetti with two dinner rolls--and it's consistently delicious every time. Prices vary depending on what you get. For my meal and my brother's, it came to about $42. That's a bit pricey compared to other local options, but I'm willing to pay it since K&W is unique to Roanoke and holds a lot of nostalgia for me. The staff serving the food were incredibly friendly, and the servers were great as well. The only downside--and the reason for my 4/5 rating--is that the restrooms were pretty dirty. Otherwise, it's a place I'll keep coming back to whenever I'm in town. read more

K&W Cafeteria - American Near Me - Roanoke, Virginia

Had a chance to visit this place on a Saturday morning before washing my car (they seem to share the parking lot, or right across from each other)...when walking in it reminded me of a place that's been there for a while and have survived many generations- like my grandma would've eaten here as a youth. They have an assembly line and assemble the food as you move down the line....pretty small portions compared to today's expectations (probably servings we SHOULD be having). the food was OK.. nothing salt, pepper and hot sauce couldn't fix. The waitresses were very attentive and was ready to bring you anything else you may have needed. Old school interior, very spacious, Nostalgic if you will... give this place a try if you want to avoid the crazy crowds and mass feeding frenzy of the more contemporary buffet restaurants in the area. read more

I have always enjoyed eating at this cafeteria; however, I believe they have made some changes for the worse. I would always go there when I was hungry for pinto beans. Unfortunately, they no longer taste good. My husband and I also found the same issue with their fried fish. Thankfully, most of their food options are good as in the past. read more

Posting again since it has been a while. The target audience for this restaurant is anyone over 60. They show up in droves. It is a gathering place for locals. The place needs updating. The booths are old, but still comfy. The food choices are varied. It isn't Michelin cooking but the food is decent. My guest had three fish options and enjoyed her choice. There are lots of vegetables and salads. The servers are wearing masks and I noticed that a few older people (like my guest) had trouble hearing everything. The portions are large and you can get a to go container (small plastic or large foam) if you don't finish. The French fries weren't memorable. The Mac and cheese and Lima beans were the best. One advantage to having a line is that you have a minute to look at all the options before you take your tray. When someone has a walker or wheelchair, the cashier rings a bell and an employee carries the tray for your guest. This is really appreciated. The separate to go area (directly beside the cafe) needs better signage. We almost walked in. The servers are so quick that they don't always linger when you need something. They staff stayed busy the entire visit. read more

K&W Cafeteria - American Near Me - Roanoke, Virginia

Addendum to previous review. Prices shown on website must be 5 years old. Baked spaghetti $7.39. Vegetables $3.50 each. I spent over eleven dollars for spaghetti and a small spoonful of green beans. Selections not nearly as varied as in the past. (No bread available?) Individual prices no longer shown on receipts, total only. One must ask for an itemized ticket. I have dined at this cafeteria for 30+ years, this is not some idle rant, it is disheartening to see how far they've fallen. read more

We went Easter Sunday and they were rolling! Super busy but super friendly! Food was good

There are times when their menu servings are much too salty--not good for individuals suffering with hypertension. The service is adequate and the ambiance is good. read more

Visited here today to grab lunch, specifically the spaghetti was very sweet. I've never had it and it was not just right. Also, sweet potatoes were very sweet as well. Out of the whole meal only thing I was able to enjoy was the mac and cheese. Very disappointed for the price I had paid for 3 meals. read more

First walking in there is no signs telling you where to go, when you get through the door way there are even less information on what to do. You grab a tray and pick from what is on the hot plate, they have sides, main dishes like "stir fry" with choice of meat and desserts. The prices are listed for each item so you pay for each plate you ask for. Then you choose a drink. The air vents, every single one of them are EXTREMELY moldy. One of the booths had an employees empty lunch boxes all over it. My "stir fry" was SATURATED in soy sauce, my rice was swimming in it. My daughter got spaghetti broccoli and a roll, it was okay nothing too great. I like that the kids meals are just small portions of adult meals. Would I come back? No. Was it bad service? Also No. But the food was lacking and it doesn't seem very new customer friendly. read more

K&W Cafeteria - Kids meal Baked Spaghetti Steamed Broccoli Soft Roll - American Near Me - Roanoke, Virginia

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Always Great! I hated this place as a child but love it as an adult. Go figure! They always have great desserts and enough to choose from to make a great meal. read more

ASHAL he always has a smile he always greets when people come the door myself as well always gives quality customer service

The place is clean and large. Lots of seating spaces. However, very confusing where to go and what to do. They have a side door that we thought was main door. But it was a take out area that had no seating. We almost left thinking it was just a take out business (as we wanted to sit down and relax as we are). No one offered to help and direct us either. I sort of wondered around and found a hall way back to the main restaurant area. They had lots of food varieties, which was nice. However. most dishes were prepared like TV dinners style and canned goods type food. But, good sized portions served. For the price it was reasonable. They had items like several types of salads, jello, whipped sweet potatoes, broccoli, ribs, fried chicken, fruit, ham, spaghetti, pie, etc. It's not an all you can eat buffet. Though it's a buffet style place, you pay for each item you ask them to place on your dish. including sides, salads, main course, desserts, drinks. It's quick to be served, at least when we were there ( late lunch) too. Nice to have cloth napkins too. Main problem was that their bath rooms were out of service. Not a good situation for a restaurant. Forgot to get any photos but here are some examples from their food pictures (which is a good representation of the actual foods that can be ordered.) read more

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The food is very Bland, it has little taste. The prices are expensive for what you get. I bought a gift certificate for a friend. They gave me a $5 gift certificate. I went for lunch, and evidently my meal was a special. The cashier refused to give me $5 off of the special price. She marked up the price , and then used my $5 discount. I never visit here anyway. Now, I know I won't. read more

Food is always very good, had the white fish and chicken and dumplings in the past. Service is quick and friendly. Clean and pleasant atmosphere. Will be back. read more

Well to start the food was mediocre at best. The baked chicken looked like it was fried. The sweet potato casserole needed sugar and everything else that makes it taste down home good. Chicken and dumplings, cabbage, mac and cheese could all be improved upon. As far as cleanliness goes, it looks like it hasn't been cleaned since it opened. The vents are filthy as is the carpet read more

K&W Cafeteria - American Near Me - Roanoke, Virginia

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Twice now have been served COLD food here! I realize the concern for burning the BLUE HAIRS' hands when passing dishes to them but give me a break! No one wants bland, cold and over-priced food. Next time I'll patronize one of the NUMEROUS competitors nearby... read more

The food was great. The people serving were nice. The tables were a little bit crowded and the chairs are comfortable. read more

K&W Cafeteria - a bowl of soup and a bowl of soup on a tray - American Near Me - Roanoke, Virginia

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Went to K&W for the first time in years. The food totally sucked. And was way overpriced, I could have went to a steak house and got better food for a better price. Why they closed their restaurant in Salem Va is puzzling. It was the best one in the valley. Was the worst experience we have had in a long time. read more

Everything at K&W is awesome. Food is always great. Baked Spaghetti and Roast beef are my favorites. Mashed potatoes are the best I've ever had. Staple of my childhood read more

Food was warm and tasty!! Our first time here and the staff was so friendly and helpful!! The food was great and they had a great selection!! read more

My sister and I came in with my elderly parents for breakfast. We were running late and got there a few minutes before breakfast ends. Everyone that works there were very understanding and didn't Rush us or make us feel bad about getting there at the end of breakfast. They offered us everything they have available. They made my sister a waffle which takes a few minutes but didn't act out out. The food was very good. Tasted like real country cooking. The service in the dining room was very good. The server checked on us regularly and made sure we had everything we needed. The dining room is very big and offers tables and booths. It's a very relaxed atmosphere. It would be great for families and children. read more

I've been enjoying K&W all my life. My grandparents started taking me early on. Good comfort food and something for most anyone. The mac and cheese is my favorite. I've never had anything there that i didn't like. read more

My family had been eating at K&W in myrtle beach for decades. LOVE LOVE LOVE thos buffets. Soooo disappointed they left the area. We all based our vacations on making sure we'd be going to K&W. M sad. read more

Would give 0 if possible. Forgot my whole main entree in a family meal so had to go back the next day just to get it with no additional attempt to rectify. So had the sides one night and the spaghetti the next night. Check your order before you leave! read more

I have been visiting this restaurant for some time now and recently the food is cold. I do enjoy the baked chicken. I like it with gravy but I have to get the dark gravy because it helps warm the dish. I also ask that it be served in a bowl. It seems that this request is annoying to some servers. In addition to my chicken being cold so were my mashed potatoes this last visit. I wonder how can this be served from the hot steam table. I have decided to go to the Golden Coral where there is a larger selection and I have never had a problem with hot food being served cold or vise versa. Plus I can serve myself at the GC. Hot chicken and gravy is never cold. read more

Picked up an egg custard pie and knew something was wrong when I tried to cut a slice. How do you make a pie and put the crust on the top and nothing underneath. Tried calling x 20 minutes and no one answered the phone. Now the custard will break down. Normally the pies are very good but this is a first. Now I will have to drive 50 miles to return it. These pies are very costly. This will be the last time for sure read more

This was the worst restaurant I have ever been too. I went with my family and we all experienced food poisoning. I had the grilled chicken and onions. My chicken was cold as well as my onions. My father got the fish. It was spoiled. It was cold, old and slimy. He has been extremely sick from this. My mom got the meat loaf and it was cold. She has food poisoning. My sliver ware was not washed and stained. My drink cup had not been washed properly. I highly recommend not going here. read more

In the past, was pretty good. Today, it was not. My friend ordered the fried chicken special and never got her chicken. I had fried fish and broccoli. The broccoli was room temperature, but the fish was colder than that. There was no one to hear complaints or to refill drinks. We were both really disappointed. read more

I know, I know - this just seems silly - Yelping a cafeteria - But K&W is as good as it gets for cafeteria food. No matter when we come home to Roanoke my family and I always plan a trip to K&W. See the thing is, we aren't blue haired old ladies, but they might be on to something 'cause the food is delish! The afternoon we went in for lunch we saw the funniest thing ever! Two little oldies (a couple in their early 90's at least) were sitting at a booth in along the wall. On their table they had 5 plates of various pies, and nothing else! They were each taking bites of pie and then passing them back and forth! I mean, I know their pies are great and its hard to select your favorites - but they may have a new methodology to not depriving yourself of delicious finds! When you go in, you never know what you are going to get that day, so sometimes I get pre-line jitters before I can see what is on tap for the day. When I get into the line and I can glance over people's heads and see what my options are I tend to settle down. Favorites for lunch include: Baked Spaghetti Chicken Livers and Onions Grilled Chicken and Onions Roast Beef with Gravy Fried Fish Green Beans Baked Macaroni Mashed Potatoes Fried Okra (You can order a veggie plate with 3 veggies on a little divider plate. - Yummo, for when you just can't decide!) This past week we went twice. Once for lunch and once for a huge family breakfast. I had never previously gone in for breakfast, but quickly learned this is the place to eat breakfast in Roanoke! Granny claimed it was not as good as "Hotel Roanoke", but come on gramma, this was 1/5th of the price! For breakfast I ordered two hotcakes and a side of eggs and bacon. Everything was perfectly cooked, and these pancakes were faboo! Everything was served fresh and brought out to the table. Coffee was hot and had good flavor, and the price on everything was cheap, cheap, cheap! Others ordered waffles, omelets, and french toast. Everyone cleaned their plates and I heard no complaints! Obviously you are not going here for the world's best decor or customer service, but for cafeteria food this place has it goin' on! read more

The food is awful! I took a bite out of everything I bought but honestly couldn't stand any of it. I got the baked spaghetti. The only reason I got that was because the people that serve the food that you stand in line for rush you through it like they are herding cattle. THE WORST FOOD EVER. It is filled with senior citizens and my guess for that is that the older you get the more you lose your tastebuds. We were not asked how we liked the food when we left for obvious reasons. I came home and made a sandwich. DO NOT EAT HERE. read more

My Mom and I stopped in early Sat morning for breakfast. The breakfast food was straightforward early morning fare- eggs any number of ways, sausages, bacon, etc. The coffee was really bad by my standards (not organic, shade-grown), but then this is not Peet's on Market Street in San Francisco. The food was fine (AND CHEAP) and the dining room is smoke-free! read more

K&W never surprises, but it doesn't disappoint either. The cafeteria-style menu is pretty typical "dinner at Grandma's" fare, but Grandma never had a spread like this. Everything is abundant and affordable, and 95% of the time, it's hot and fresh. (Word to the wise: go early otherwise you might get something a little colder or warmer than it should be) A few words on cafeteria etiquette at K&W: 1) Utilize the helpful menu at the head of the serving line and decide what you want so that when you're asked, you can keep the line moving. 2) If you're the first person in line, tell the cashier at the end of the serving line how many people are in your party. 3) Don't lose your receipt! 4) Take everything off your tray and place it in the tray return before you eat. 5) After completing your wonderful dining experience, stay with your party until you pay for your meal. Once you sit down, the ever-capable waitstaff is at your service getting your condiments, refilling your drinks, procuring to-go boxes, even getting extra dessert or another piece of chicken. On a good day, you'll never get better service anywhere. The only reason I didn't give this place five stars is because I prefer the Tanglewood Mall location across town. read more

Disgusting! I was so upset of the choices they gave you to select from! I got the chicken tenders, and those were okay but see everything else can go! I'll never go here again! Try with caution! read more

Always friendly service. Check for tour buses in the parking lot. Great quick breakfast or lunch stop for vegetables Be patient with the canes and walkers crowd. This is a favorite sighting that always makes me smile read more

One of my earliest memories is of the swirly carpeting at K&W (which has since changed). I am not kidding. My mother took me here once a week until I was 10 or so and it shows. When I'm not at K&W I get antsy if I have to pay more than $3.99 for a plate of chicken tenders and it's just not a meal without a roll and ridiculously sized slice of pie to finish. Definitely get the macaroni and cheese and mashed potatoes. The Baked Spaghetti and ham steak are always winners. The chopped steak is nothing to write home about, but it's not terrible. The best part? The plethora of desserts. And people watching. Don't ever change, K&W. read more

K&W is okay. Not a big deal really. Mostly hit and misses. When I ordered mine soft, I got 'em firm. Still, they tasted like any other scrambled egg. Their pork cutlet is pretty good. But the gravy was a little too sweet and grainy. Get the biscuit, but skip the sausage gravy. You're better off drowning it in butter. Definitely skip the smoked sausage. There's way too many bone chips. Just awful. Surprisingly, I found their coffee was quite good. They even had regular milk. And their new potatoes are off the hook. Skins on. Firm and seasoned nicely with naturally, sweet chunky onion. I would go back to K&W's just for those taters. read more

Eating at a cafeteria reminds me of my grandmother. Pure comfort food. Start with a colorful congealed salad. Then fried fish, roast beef, baked spaghetti , or fried chicken. Then sweet potatoes with marshmallows and fried okra. Next pick your pie. No room for spicy cornbread. Take your ticket and tray and have a seat. Pay the cashier when you're done, no waiting. This place was busy and I was glad this chain has been around since 1930s. Perfect fast food that isn't a burger and just as inexpensive. read more

This place is very awkward had weird lettuce and taste really weird. And you can't get stuff on your own so you feel like you don't get everything you want! read more

K&W Cafeteria - Only good thing was the fruit weird bacon - American Near Me - Roanoke, Virginia

Usually one of my favorite places to eat because it's great food and quick service. Tonight however the line wasn't moving and workers were concentrated on getting takeout orders over serving customers standing in front of them. My experience was standing in line and having a to go order prepared for somebody four people behind me. Won't be returning anytime soon. Very disappointed. read more

The last two times I have come and ordered the country style steak with gravy and rice, it has been red/raw and I have had to take it back. Then, last night when we ate there, the mashed potatoes and gravy tasted different than normal. I was not impressed. It's old and out dated, but in clean condition. I also wanted to say THANK YOU to the manager on duty for believing us and letting us come back the next day to pay! read more