Really need to do a current update of reviews over the past six months or so to get a good idea of…read morewhat to expect. I've had good and bad there, but it really depends upon the number of staff serving and preparing the food. This is a problem all over the Valley and I really feel for them and all the other places sincerely trying their best to provide a good meal to their patrons. The Dogwood is the only place that seems to have sufficient staffing. Would love to know what they are going to maintain that. I for one have made it a point to over-tip everywhere to help encourage the servers to stay around and enjoy their work. It is a truly honorable profession!

There are times that the simple things in life bring the most pleasure. For instance, I enjoy…read morediscovering out of the way breakfast restaurants and then on my days off, getting up early in the morning and going to these small but cozy, one of a kind places and enjoying a nice hometown breakfast in a relaxed environment and meeting new and interesting people; the owners, cooks, and servers of these small businesses who provide a product and service that bring joy to the members of our community and to those who are visiting it. After spending some time searching for one of these places, I found one called Jerry's Family Restaurant. I was attracted by the name of the restaurant, but also by the red building in the shape of a country barn, where it was the restaurant was housed. As I arrived at the place following my GPS, the red barn shaped building got closer and closer, and I could read Jerry's Family Restaurant, "Home Style Eats." Breakfast and Lunch Daily. Precisely what I was looking for. As I entered the place, I was impressed by how even though the building was old, it was very clean and painted and decorated in simple but very good taste. Chad, who was doubling up as my host/server, greeted me warmly, took me to my booth, and handed me a copy of the menu. Before even reading the menu, I looked around and admired the very well maintained Walnut hardwood floors contrasting with the light beige and white painted walls and ceilings. I ordered coffee to drink with cream and sugar, and Chad, my server, didn't take long to have the hot and freshly brewed coffee on my table, together with a glass of cold ice water. For breakfast, I ordered Three Eggs over easy with Bacon, Fried Yukon potatoes, w/onions, and white toast. And with French Toast as a little something extra. As I was waiting for my food, many other customers came in and were seated, and a lady came in with a "to go" order as well. Whom I guess was the owner/cook, a very nice lady, came out from the kitchen area and up to me and said hello, making me feel at home, as I waited for the home cooked food. Then Chad brought me the food and filled my coffee cup with some more freshly brewed and hot coffee. Everything tasted delicious. Take a look at my photographs, and you will be able to appreciate it better. After all, they say that "A picture is worth a thousand words." Then read the menu that I also photographed to be able to read the nice variety of both breakfast and lunch items available. And somehow eating my food in this cozy, warm, and friendly environment made it taste even better. I highly recommend this place to everyone reading my review and can assure you that you'll have a unique dining experience like no other.

Our server was attentive, cheerful, and helped accommodate our kiddo who has dietary restrictions…read more The food was fresh, hot, and delicious! We enjoyed eating out on the patio watching the sun go down behind the mountains. We were simply passing through from PA to TN and were happy to find this gem! We enjoyed the fried pickles, burgers, Reuben, and kids menu.

From a friend Lets…read morestart with the charge for a TOGO order charge. Nevermind they didn't spell Mustard correct. Feels like when a restaurant charges you more for using a debit card vs. cash. It's the price of doing business. The price is the price. Deal with it or don't take cards at all. And $9 for cheesecake that looks like the picture attached.

Third time I have been here. Amazing biscuits, wonderful staff. I always make sure to eat here when…read moretraveling through the area. Grab a breakfast sandwich or biscuit with apple butter. Can't beat it.

Got the food to go but it was good. Found this place on a whelm on the way to TN coming from VA…read moreSafari park. Burgers were made from patties smashed right in front of you. The fried bologna took me back was so good with some mustard. Love the charred on my thick cut beef bologna biscuit. Definitely would go back again!!

On a hot summer day this place is like finding a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. What better…read morethan a smooth, fruit-flavored frozen dessert made from water, sugar, and real fruit juices or purees. Simple things in life like this refreshing product are what bring the best joys to our lives. After having been selected as number 4 of Yelp's Top 50 most prolific Elites of 2025, a year when I was also 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, 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 Jersey Water Ice, located in the Northwest of Roanoke, Virginia is a perfect example. Today I was finally able to meet the enthusiastic entrepreneur who came up with the idea of starting this business for the benefit of all those in his community and those who find out about it like I did searching for cold, refreshing items that will help me keep cool in these hot summer days. Darren Wiggins, a friendly Atlantic City, New Jersey native with a strong love and affection for the City of Roanoke is the sole owner of Jersey Water Ice and the person who had the vision of starting this business in his neighborhood to uplift the people of his community and bring them the joy that only refreshing water ice and comfort food can bring. He came to Roanoke in 2009 and started JWI in 2018 operating out of a van he turned into a foodtruck serving what he saw as a need in his community: a lite flavorful icy delight. Most famously known and sold as "Italian ice," in most parts of the US, however traditionally called water ice by residents in Philadelphia and South Jersey. Having a granular but silky texture that sits between a slushy and a firm sorbet. At first I had trouble finding the little eatery located on 622 11th Street NW, but I gave the owner a call and he gave me clear directions how to find it and even though he was about to close for the day he was graciously enough to wait for me so that I could try his amazing and refreshing product. When I arrived he greeted me with a warm welcome. The eatery was small but very clean and cozy with beautiful hardwood floors and a couple of lovely hand-made benches. All the food was put away since he was about to close but I put my attention to the display freezer where the water ice were stored. He had flavors such as Lemon, Mango, Cherry, Blue Raspberry, Cotton Candy, and Pina Colada, among others. I ordered a small cup of the Pina Colada. It was so soft, creamy, and refreshing, as well as very tasty. After he closed the eatery and we were outside still talking, a car with one of his loyal customers stopped to see if the place was open. He chatted with him and invited him to come back the next day. We talked about his ideas for expansion and then we said goodbye and he drove off in his Cadillac as I stayed a while longer finishing my water ice. In conclusion I highly recommend this place when you feel like eating comfort food and refreshing water ice. The owner is very welcoming and positive, and has a wonderful personality and from looking at the menu, great food and cold, refreshing treats.

Kind service, a friendly face and amazingly tasty and refreshing treat. I love everything about…read morethis establishment. . highly recommend to anyone looking for a sweet refreshing treat.

The food is amazing service is always great for a small business the workers are 1st class love…read morethat place...

Great service. Good burger. Highly recommended by the locals here when I asked. Little hard to find…read morethe door lol but the bartender helped us

10/10 quick and friendly service! Portions are incredible for the price point. Took an entire…read morecollege soccer team of 40 girls and it was less than $200. They accommodated us and if we're ever back in Roanoke we will be back!!

Ordered a taco salad which was just beans from a can. with no seasoning and small cup of salsa and…read moresalad on top I asked if it would be okay to swap it for just 2 hotdogs around the same price was told that was okay go to pay then I'm told I have to pay for both anyway... also not to mention the waiter wasn't the best forgot my drink didn't check on the table once the food was brought out.1/10

Today I took the road less traveled and ended up in a little gem of a family-owned and operated,…read moreneighborhood restaurant since 1982 by David and Penny Price. Located in Salem, Virginia, this warm and cozy restaurant with window view to the Roanoke River is known for its popular burgers, especially the "Hot Rock," and other casual American fare like sandwiches, subs, hot dogs, onion rings, and crispy fries. Small in size, yet it has received many awards throughout the years, including "Best Burger" from The Roanoker Magazine in 2013. When I arrived to the place, I parked my Lexus over a bed of rocks parking lot, right outside, in the front area of the restaurant, and walked towards it. Inside, there was a small foyer with a bulletin board that had a copy of the menu, some Best of Salem Gold Awards, and some business cards from members of the community and customers of the restaurant. Then there was a bar on the left with a pool table on the right, and many Sports memorabilia on the walls of the establishment. It seems the owner was a great fan of the Virginia Cavaliers. Then in the back there was the dining room with a few tables, and a couple of them had a window view of the Roanoke River. Shortly after I arrived the friendly and very hospitable owner, came out of the kitchen and gave me a warm welcome, asking me to take a seat where I liked. I went and sat at one of the tables with the window view. To drink I ordered a Coke and to eat I ordered their famous "Hot Rock" Burger at the owner's recommendation when I asked him what he would recommend for this my first time dining there. The description on the menu of this burger was a "Hand formed fresh lean ground beef, provolone cheese, grilled onions, bacon, lettuce, tomato, mayo, hot peppers, Italian dressing on pita bread." It was served with potato chips and pickles, or for an extra price you could have it with crispy fries or onion rings. I ordered it with onion rings. While I waited, I looked around at all the pictures and memorabilia on the walls, and I looked through the window at the Roanoke River water flowing. I invite you to view my photographs accompanying this review to get a better sense of the place and the quality of their food. When the food arrived, everything tasted fresh and delicious. The burger was cut in half for convenience in eating it. The onion rings had a thick batter that kept them together and were easy to eat. The owner came by to check on me and see if the food was of my liking. We also talked about how he has owned and ran this restaurant for over 43 years. At first the restaurant was also opened at night, but now it's only open from eleven in the morning until two-thirty in the afternoon daily, and closed on Sundays. This makes it easier on him now that he's older, but you can tell he enjoys to continue running his restaurant and serving his customers. Because of its quality food, reasonable prices, and friendly service. I can see why this little restaurant is a local favorite for lunch or a casual meal and I completely give it my total support and urge you to do the same.

One of my favorite spots! Great food! Have been coming here for 45 years and other restaurants…read morewould have a hard time beating these burgers,dogs, subs, pitas,french fries and other food they serve. You should definitely take the time to try, oh and a ice cold beer goes really well with and food choice!

Delis are a dime a dozen, but sometimes in those rare moments in life, like finding a needle in a…read morehaystack, one encounters a priceless one, and that is precisely what happened to me when I discovered Mike's Deli. This very popular American deli in the Hollins area of Roanoke, Virginia came to my attention through word of mouth, and I couldn't resist to put aside some time to go have lunch there, and experience first hand what a one-of-a-kind deli is all about. When I arrived, I parked my Lexus in a parking space right in front of the deli. Even though it was established in 2012, its physical building looked like new with clean red bricks and a beautiful French window on the right of its freshly painted blue door, and an equally beautiful Bay window on the left, leading to the dining room. Inside, the owner Mike personally greeted and welcomed me with open arms. His friendly and cheerful personality made me feel at home right away. The place had a basic, clean, and unpretentious environment. It's dining room had blue tables with comfortable chairs, and positive, noble words on its wall like: "Thankful," "Blessed," and "Love conquers all things." The menu featured a wonderful, unique variety of hot and cold submarines, sandwiches, and homemade sides. Such as "The Farmhouse," a house specialty with chicken salad, crispy bacon, and creamy Russian dressing. Their homemade desserts such as Baklava and Banana Pudding looked delicious as they were displayed next to a variety of others. After looking at their menu, I ordered a Lemonade to drink, a Ruben Sandwich to eat, and a homemade Banana Pudding for dessert. The sandwich was exquisite, the drink was refreshing, and the dessert was truly amazing. And the service by the owner himself was extraordinary. I invite you to view my photographs accompanying this review to get a better sense of the place and its food, and highly recommend you give them a visit. I can assure you, you'll be forever grateful you did. I can't wait to return and try one of their other unique sandwiches on the menu.

Delicious sub at a reasonable price! The Bacon Cheeser Pleaser hit the spot and the Baklava was…read morefresh & delicious. The owner was friendly and down to earth. A welcoming environment and clean dining space. This place is a Roanoke original under the current ownership for 20 years. Was a short walk or shuttle ride from Southern Team where I was waiting on an oil change.