Rarely have I walked into a restaurant and felt so good about it, as I did when I discovered this…read morecasual American restaurant known for its hearty meals, friendly atmosphere, and affordability.
After being awarded the Yelp 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, businesses, and entertainment venues, 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 Don Ho's Restaurant & Lounge in Hollins, Virginia, is a perfect example.
Located off Lee Highway, in Hollins, Virginia, a road less traveled by me, until I decided to take it in search of this gem of a restaurant, which until then I had no idea it existed, even though it has been opened for 25 years. On its parking lot sign it clearly states "Serving The Area Since 2000."
From the simple architectural design design of its building and humble entrance, you would never imagine what the inside would hold for you. As I opened the door and walked in, the first thing I saw was a little Christmas tree that you could tell was decorated with lots of love. The reasantly renovated dining room was clean and cozy with a combination of booths, tables and chairs, and some small high round tables with high chairs. In the center of the restaurant was a square counter with the cashier station, the Pepsi products machine, some desserts and Christmas decorations.
As I was looking around a friendly and very hospitable waitress welcomed me and said I could have a seat anywhere I liked, handed me a copy of the menu, and took my drink order. I ordered a Pepsi to drink. After returning with my drink, she took my food order. I ordered a cup of their Chili Beans to start off with, and as my main entrée the Half Pound Black Angus Cheese Burger with their special fries.
First of all the Chili Beans were amazing. One of the best that I have ever had, and one of my favorite foods. I invite you to view my photographs accompanying this review to get a better sense of the place and its food. Then came the burger. It was delicious with fresh soft burger buns and all the toppings a good burger should have. And their unique fries were one-of-a-kind. The waitress came by to check on me at the appropriate times and to provide drink refills. For dessert I had a slice of one of the best Key Lime Pies that I had ever had. The merengue on it tasted like the home-made one my mother used to make when I was growing up.
When I was finished, my waitress encouraged me to go take a look at the Lounge in the back room. It was nice, with two pool tables, a colorful lit bar, tables and chairs, booths, large screen tv, and even a small stage.There, besides drinking and eating, you can shoot pool or sing karaoke. Smoking is allowed in the lounge, which has a special ventilation system. However, the restaurant side of the establishment is completely non-smoking.
Before leaving I got to meet the owner himself and felt the great attachment he has for his restaurant of many years, for his staff that has been with him for years, for his loyal customers, and for his son and general manager Jo Jo, who is learning all he can from his dad and hopes one day to take over the restaurant and continue the family tradition.
As I was leaving, after a very satisfying dining experience, I noticed some Award plaques on the wall. This year 2025, Don Ho's had cleaned up in the Roanoke Times readers awards for best bar, waitstaff, restaurant, burger and best customer service at a restaurant.
I highly recommend this one-of-a-kind restaurant & lounge, and who knows, maybe when you go and visit, you'll run into me there, because I definitely am planning to return real soon.
