This was the first time coming here and it was very good. The service was exceptional!!! The food…read morewas hot when it came out. The table had Ribs, corn pudding, collards, baked beans, hamburger steak with onions and gravy, macaroni and cheese and gizzards. All was said to be delicious.

This is definitely a hidden gem! The food was delicious. My entire party enjoyed their food. You…read moremight give it the side eye- doesn't look like a typical lil spot you might go too. We said- let's give it a try and we were so glad we did. I walked in and said- that man is lickin all his fingers- lawd must be good! He didn't lift his head up from his plate! We left happy, satisfied and full! Just before we left- another table ordered ribs- man...fallin off the bone! The wings are cooked fresh- breaded in house. The collard greens season with pork meat- delicious. The good folks were so nice- very pleasant and helpful. The restaurant has a quiet small setting. Not loud but comforting. Please go in order some food and enjoy! Prices are fantastic too. We will definitely be back!

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!)

From the outside, this restaurant tends to attract people to enter and try it out. And that is…read moreprecisely what I did today. I guess I was impressed with all the food picture posters taped to its front windows. I really had high expectations that I would enjoy it and its food. But there are times that no matter how much you try, you are disappointed. And this was one of those times. Inside, I was impressed with the restaurant's colorful and lively decor, especially its very creative bar design. The place was almost empty with only one family dining at one of the booths. The very hospitable and friendly owner welcomed me, took me to one of the booths and handed me a menu. To drink I ordered a Pineapple Soda. For appetizer I ordered a Beef Patty and Cornbread. And for my main entrée, I ordered from their Specialty section of the menu, The Caribbica Plantain Burger. Between the owner and his wife they served me the different items of my order. The Jamaican Pineapple Soft Drink came in a bottle. As was about to drink it from the bottle when the owner's wife brought me a glass with ice. As I was pouring the soda into the glass, I noticed that it didn't look too clean. Then they brought me a plate with the Beef Patty and a square piece of corn bread. The patty didn't look too fresh. Its dough had wrinkles, like if it was not served fresh but reheated in a microwave. The cornbread was somewhat tasteless. I didn't complain because I didn't want to hurt their feelings, since they were so nice people. The wife of the owner comes by and asked what I wanted on my burger, without telling me that there was an extra fee for some of the items she mentioned. I then notice that a young Asian couple that were dining there got up and went to the counter and spent some time there discussing before they walked out. When the Caribbica Plantain Burger arrived, the first thing I noticed was that it was served with chips, and not with seasonal fries like listed on the menu, and that the sweet fried plantains were not acting as buns like in the menu description. But it looked good so I went on to eat it. As I was eating it, I noticed it did have buns under the plantains, but they weren't that fresh and you could tell that the burger patty came from being frozen and had become dry in the process on unfreezing it. The plantains were the only good thing about this burger. But I didn't complain. I ate what I could, waited, and asked what they had for dessert. It was either Chocolate cake ot Coconut cake. They told me they had ran out of their Rum cake. So I ordered the Coconut cake. When the slice arrived, I noticed it looked a bit dry. Even the frosting was not soft. Like if it was sliced and sitting there for a long time. Then I tasted a piece and what a disappointment. It tasted like insecticide. I could not stand it anymore. I called over the lady server and explained why I would not eat this cake and returned it. The husband came by and asked if I wanted the Chocolate cake instead. I told him, No Thanks. When I walked over to the restroom to wash my hands, I passed by the kitchen and it didn't look very clean at all. Afterwards, I paid my bill, and when I got home, I noticed the following statement written on the bottom of the receipt: "ALL SALES ARE FINAL. No refunds. Same day exchanges with receipt may apply at management's discretion. By dining with us, guests agree to house policies." I definitely not recommend this restaurant at all, and consider it one of my worst dining experiences ever and a waste of my money.

Omg this place is amazing. The best red snapper outside of the Caribbean. Everything on the menu is…read moreso good.

I discovered this charming little restaurant as I was driving around Roanoke, Virginia, in search…read moreof new places to eat that pop up all the time. 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 Bless Ya Soul Soulfood Restaurant in Roanoke, Virginia, is the perfect example. Located off Williamson Road, this restaurant has a relaxed and warm atmosphere, a menu with soul comfort food, and it's owned and operated by a friendly couple. As soon as I entered the door, I was warmly greeted and welcomed by the couple. Was asked to be seated where I felt comfortable at, and was given a copy of their simple but colorful and well-designed menu. They also had a sign up with their Daily Specials and Sides. While looking at their menu I enjoyed reading their slogan "Food for ya soul," and the fact that they mention there that they're open to menu suggestions. I ended up ordering Onion Rings as appetizer and Fried Porkchop with Mac N Cheese as my side. The main course also came with a grilled Texas Toast. The size of the Porkshop was humongous. It was breaded and fried, and served over an aluminum foil inside a clamshell disposable container. I had some problems cutting it because even though it was big, it had a few bones inside which I could not see because they were covered up with the breading. I mentioned this to them but they told me that their customers like to see bones in their porkchops. The Mac N Cheese tasted good but the macaroni pasta was a bit crunched and mixed with the blog of melted cheese. The Texas Toast tasted delicious by the way they had toasted it on the grill. The Onion Rings were not evenly round nor evenly battered and some of the rings were broken into pieces, but the taste was what mattered. After finishing my food I felt full, after all this is how comfort food should leave you feeling. Let's support this young couple I as they eagerly attempt to bring a taste soul into our lives and by doing so even reach our souls.

It's a bit loud in here with the music, game machine, ac, open cooking area, and conversations so I…read morecouldn't hear the server too well. It's a small spot I almost missed while parking to go ro another establishment but decided to check it out since I love soul food. . I don't think it's suitable to dine in because it is so compact and the bar seating area is where they keep their personal items. One of the tables is being used to hold the specials of the day. There are two high seat tables. I tried sitting on it but the seats were not comfortable. The place itself is not large enough to accommodate a walker or wheelchair so any one with one might consider takeout instead. It has a small and limited menu. I was expecting standard soul food but the only a few items on it. The sides are standard and the pork chop is about there is for a standard soul food restaurant. I was hoping for some real soul fried chicken or cornbread. Service was good. Food took about 20 minutes so be sure to allot for time or call in advance. I wasn't happy about the long wait but the pork chop was delicious. Perfectly seasoned and cooked. One of the best I've ever had. Surprisingly a very nice gentleman paid for my meal. I had no idea and I wish I could have thanked him. It has been a rough day so his kindness went a long way with me. I will come back if in the area. I think the food quality should bring business once the word is out. I just hope the small space can accommodate for people wanting to dine in.

Food is finger licking good, all you can eat buffet. Buffet is small but consists of fried chicken,…read morefried fish, green beans, cabbage, mac & cheese, salad bar, peach cobbler among other delights. Waitress was a very nice, efficient young lady that kept our drinks refreshed and checked on us often. There was a steady flow of customers while we were there. Bathrooms were clean. This restaurant has a nice mom and pop feel to it.

Great food, a little loud but good service. The waitress…read morewas amazing. Just need to have a space that people can actually talk without being drowned out from all the kitchen noise

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.

Roanoke's Historic Grandin Village has many restaurants of all sizes and types but one that stands…read moreout is Rockfish Food & Wine. Founded in 2005 by Olivia and Rocky Byrd, this family-owned and operated fine-dining restaurant was established to bring a high-end yet relaxed seafood and wine dining experience to this area. It offers a seasonal menu and an extensive wine list of over 270 selections. After being ranked 4th among Yelp's Top 50 Most Prolific Elites of 2025, a distinction recognizing my consistent community engagement and high-quality contributions, I decided that this year, as an All-Star Yelp Elite, I not only wanted to be the first to discover new restaurants, businesses, and establishments, and bring them to the attention of the public, but also to go back and write follow-up reviews on those places that impressed me the most during 2025, and Rockfish Food & Wine located in the heart of Grandin Village, one of the most desirable neighborhoods in Roanoke, Virginia, is the perfect example of one of them. After making a 5 o'clock reservation on the Toast platform from the restaurant's website, I did some errands and then proceeded to drive to the restaurant located at 1402 Grandin Road. (This is considered the Main Street of this neighborhood) The restaurant's building is located next to a small 7-Eleven, and doesn't have parking, but I found plenty of on-street parking spaces good for an hour or in some cases two, and free after 5 o'clock. I picked one of them and parked my pearl white Lexus there. When I entered the restaurant, a young, elegant lady greeted and welcomed me behind the Host's station. Soon after she took me to the requested booth, I found out her name was Kayla and she would be my server. While I was reviewing the menu, she brought me a carafe of cold water with a glass, and a small dish with slices of a baguette and butter. She then took my order. To drink, besides the water, I ordered a Strawberry Fields Mocktail. It had just the right taste and was brought to my table by the bartender herself. To dine I started off with a Crispy Oysters appetizer which was delicious. Followed by a Dinner Mixed Green Salad, which was one of the most delicious salads I've ever had at a restaurant. It had many ingredients and tasted amazingly delicious. For my main entrée I had their Ribeye Filet Au Poivre median rare. It came served with roasted mushrooms, green beans, and cheesy mashed potatoes, and was cooked medium-rare just as I ordered it. I invite you to view my photographs accompanying this review to get a better sense of the place and the high-quality food. My server provided exceptional customer service, filling my glass with water, and pointing me out the restaurant's owner who was an elegantly dressed, distinguish looking lady with lots of charm and a great personality, who had moved here with her husband and co-owner from California's central coast with a vision of creating a fine-dining restaurant which they felt the local area needed. I also found out through my server that every Thursday the restaurant had live Jazz music to a full house audience, and I would need to make reservations early. Seated at the table next to mine were a distinguished looking couple which I established conversation with and found out that the lady was Dr. Laura Treanor, the fifth president of Virginia Western Community College, who began her term on July 1, 2025. She had succeeded Dr. Robert "Bobby" Sandel, who retired after over two decades of service, and is leading the college with a focus on institutional effectiveness, instructional quality, and student success. For dessert I had their Vanilla Cheesecake with mixed berry sauce, which had missing the fresh berries described on the menu. I had just had such an extraordinary dining experience that I didn't even mention it. Before leaving and after paying the bill with my Harvard Alumni World Mastercard, I had the opportunity of meeting the founder and co-owner of the restaurant, Olivia, and thanking her and her husband for such a wonderful dining experience I had today and always whenever I dine there.

Based on noticeably high prices we went expecting a high end dining experience and got just the…read moreopposite! The server was friendly and helpful but that is the only positive comment. 1. The Caesar Salad was really small, over-dressed and croutons, dry, hard and not bite-sized. 2. Fried Oysters were greasy, tasteless, overpriced, mostly breading, overly watery. Not an appropriate way to prepare Oysters. 3. The deep-fried Grits were breaded with Panco, not the right product as they are grease sponges and the Grits were mushy, too few and came with no dipping sauce. 4. The Tuna Tacos were the best item but only average at best. Very little tuna tartar and not chopped, not much flavor, served over tiny, raw, corn tortillas that should have been buttered and crisped in a pan. 5. The live Jazz with Lenny Marcus was great but the PA system was poor and one could not understand the vocals. 6. Seated right under a ceiling fan on high and AC set low and was quite uncomfortable.

Excited to try this vegan place which opens at noon. Showed up at 12:15 and place was dark and…read moredoors were locked. There was a woman inside sitting at a table on her phone. She looked up and mouthed something, I guess maybe "closed." Not a good business model, so went someplace else. I wouldn't have made this review had she just had the decency to come to the door and explain what was going on

You have never tasted vegan food quite like this. I have tasted various items on the menu and the…read moreegg rolls are my favorite but not one dish has disappointed me. Nice spot to chill and eat or take out.