Had an amazing experience. The salad prepared by the table was unique. Service was exceptional…read more Drinks were delicious but took a minute. Great place to take a date or have a gathering!

There are restaurants that you discover out of nowhere, just to become unforgettable. Ones that you…read moreused to drive pass them without realizing what you were missing. Until that one day that you decided to stop, and explore a whole new culinary world. After having been selected as number 4 of the Top 50 most prolific Elites of 2025, a year when I also was awarded the Yelp Triad Squad Photographer of the Year Award at the 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 Coach & Four Restaurant, in Roanoke Virginia is a perfect example. At first it was just a large colonial house turned restaurant on Williamson Road in Roanoke, Virginia. But once I decided to stop and explore it, it has become one of my favorite restaurants in Roanoke, Virginia. Its uniqueness lies not only in its colonial atmosphere and in its classic American cuisine, but primarily in its amazing staff that from the time you walk in begin to make your fine-dining experience one that you'll always remember and cherish dearly. Their refined behavior creates a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere that create unforgettable dining experiences. Today, after having gone through one of the worst snow and ice storms in years, I decided to not allow the icy roads to hold me back, and requested a Lyft to take me there for dinner. As soon as I arrived, the friendly host came out to greet me and take me to a table of my choice. My server from the first time I dined there, happened to recognize me and took me to the booth where I had dined the first time I ever dined there. We discussed a Mocktail for me to drink and she came back with an amazing drink, and a small meatball as an "amuse-bouche," designed to prepare ones palate for the meal. After studying the restaurant's extensive menu, I ordered their Bacon Wrapped Scallops as appetizer. For my main entrée I ordered the Prime Rib Combination that consisted of a generous portion of roasted prime rib served with a delicious lobster tail. For the two sides that came with my main entree, I had their famous tossed salad with their in-house made blue cheese dressing and a loaded baked potato. The scallops were not so big in size but big in flavor and texture. The salad was amazing, as always. The main entrée looked well at first, but when I cut into the prime rib it was too well done to be able to appreciate the flavor of the meat. But my server came by, as promised, to see if the prime rib was cooked to my satisfaction, and when I told her it was too well done for my original request of medium-rare, she gracefully apologized and took it back. Returning shortly with another piece of prime rib more to my liking. For dessert I had a slice of Pecan Pie a la mode, which by the way was amazingly delicious. I highly recommend this restaurant for one of the best fine-dining experiences of your life. And am looking forward to returning and ordering ahead of time their Baked Alaska to have for dessert.

I love this place is the true definition of a classic diner very fast service the food is excellent…read moreand everybody is so nice and kind would highly recommend

Sometimes the least expected roads can take you to places that not even your wildest imagination…read morecan reach. This was the case this morning, when after coming out of my yearly physical examination, I decided to take the Yellow Mountain Road and have breakfast at Lucy Kat's Diner. 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 Lucy Kat's Diner, in Roanoke, Virginia, is a perfect example. As I drove my Lexus up the narrow, curvy, road, I wondered if the destination would be worth the drive. But after I arrived and entered the diner, its nostalgic charm, and reason for its existence, captivated my soul. The diner was almost full of steady customers who along with me, appreciated the welcoming atmosphere, tasty food, and fast and friendly service at reasonable prices. It didn't take long for Kat, the owner of the diner, to recognize that I was new there, and come to give me a warm newcomer greeting, serve me a cup of coffee, and take my order. But before she did this, she answered my question of: "Where did the first name of the diner came from?" She quickly disclosed that Lucy was her beloved grandma, and that the restaurant came to be based on the dream her grandma Lucy shared with her of wanting one day to open a diner. In her honor, she did so. The interior of the diner was very clean and organized, painted yellow, with hardwood floors, and full of roaster decorations. At first I sat in the dining room on the side because all the tables in the main dining room were taken. But as soon one got empty, I asked if she could move me there, for a better appreciation of the place and a greater connection to the diner and its customers. When she was ready to take my order, I ordered from the Breakfast Specials, a number 5. It included a Pork Tenderloin, 2 fried eggs (mine, over-easy), a breakfast side (mine, hashbrowns), and a biscuit or toast (mine white toast). I also requested if she could add 2 strips of bacon and charge me extra for them. While my breakfast was being prepared by her assistant of almost 8 years, she made sure my cup of coffee was always full and that I had a glass of iced water on my table for me. As she brought out my food order, everything looked perfect. The pork tenderloin was just the right size and thickness, breaded and fried. The over-easy eggs were cooked to perfection. And my white toast had butter spread all over them. The hashbrowns were also done well. And the bacon strips were meaty and cooked just right. I highly recommend this diner for breakfast or lunch. It has a welcoming and friendly ambiance, good food at reasonable prices, and an amazing customer service. All things needed for an exceptional dining experience.

We went there every day of our stay for breakfast…read more Cute diner with hard working staff. Expect a wait but they turn tables quick enough. It is worth it. Large portions of well made food.

Having recently moved to Roanoke, we headed here on a recommendation from son and dil. The diner…read morewas busy but spots were open for us. From a great comprehensive breakfast menu and over a big cup of coffee, we ordered. I had the "Little Boy" that include 2 eggs and 2 either bacon or sausage. A pancake and biscuit w sausage gravy accompanied the eggs and bacon! She had chip beef gravy over toast, a hard to find favorite of hers! Service was quick, pleasant and efficient, the breakfast was yummy, ample and a great experience! Glad we discovered a nice old school diner w a great menu, great vibe and service!

Found this spot on a Sunday looking for breakfast with out of town guests. It's nestled among other…read morespots, seems to be newer in a clean little mini-mall. On entering we're greeted by a very personable lady who instantly seats us at one of maybe 5 tables and takes drink orders. We quickly feel at home and welcomed! Along with bakery items in cases at the front, the menu is breakfast item comprehensive. Two of us ordered French toast w bacon and eggs, while another ordered a bacon egg and cheese bagel. Food was brought out, and was yummy. Bacon and eggs are hard to mess up while the French toast was from a nice maybe sourdough baguette? This is a pleasant easy calm breakfast spot... I'll be back and remember to take home some bagels and croissants!

Full Moon Cafe is once again open in a smaller but cozier location, but with the same wonderful…read moreowners as before. 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 the Full Moon Cafe, in Cave Spring, Virginia, is a perfect example. After the close and retirement of the Korean natives, husband and wife, co-owners of the Full Moon Café, and a beloved couple of our community, we all missed this delightful and passionate couple who made our breakfasts and lunches so entertaining and wonderful, not only for their amazing in-house made bakery items like bagels, croissants, pastries, and chocolate chips cookies, to name a few, but for their warm and cheerful personalities. But we understood that there comes a time when people grow older and are supposed to retire, so we wished them well as they left for a month vacation trip to their country of origin, Korea, to visit relatives and recall meaningful places from their youth. But after they returned from their trip, they spent hours at home with nothing to do and became bored. This actually missed their Cafe and the satisfaction they got from the work they did there and their customers who filled them with compliments. As a college student in a prestigious University, I once was asked to write a paper answering this question: "If money wasn't a problem, would you rather live a life of all work, or a life of all play?" Most of the students answered right away, "Of all play, of all play. I work because I have to to pay the bills." But I decided to go research the topic before I came out with an answer. And what I found will amaze you. The correct answer is neither. We need to work to feel fullfiling and tired. Works gives meaning to our lives at the same time that it entertains us, and makes our leisure time more relaxed and meaningful. Just as hunger makes our food more desirable and satisfying. So it is natural why owner Francis Moon and his wife have come out of retirement and in November 2025 the cafe reopened at a renovated space, just a few doors down from its previous spot, in the Shoppes at West Village complex. Today, after finding out the good news yesterday, I woke up early in the morning, and drove down to their new place to welcome them back and have breakfast there. I found the restaurant to have a warmer and cozier ambiance compared to their previous one. It could be a combination of the smaller size, the decor, the lighting treatment, and the location in which the morning sun shines on it from the front. The owners were pleased to see me, just as I was to see them return. After serving me a cup of coffee to drink, they took my breakfast order of an Onion Bagel with Cream Cheese to start with, and two fried eggs over easy with bacon, home fries, and white toast. The breakfast was very good. As I was eating it, other customers arrived and also were glad to see them back and welcome them back. A little girl, that came with her dad to pick up an order of bagels, was delighted to see the amazing cookies one again, that Mr Moon gave her one and she cherished it and wrapped it up in a napkin to take home and have it later. I totally recommend this restaurant to all and encourage you to give them your total support, in appreciation for there return and their amazing service to our community through what they do best.

I can't think of a better location for Henrietta's Cafe than Melrose Plaza in Roanoke, Virginia…read more When I first heard about this Cafe, I immediately wanted to go try it out, and today I had an opportunity to do so. Just as Melrose Plaza itself, Henrietta's Cafe far exceeded my highest of expectations. After many times of driving by Melrose Plaza, today I made a U turn in my Lexus and ended up in their ample parking lot. As I walked over to the Plaza, I was first very impressed by its beautiful contemporary architectural design. Inside, I was greeted by a friendly young lady in the Plaza's Information Center, and she pointed out where the café in the Market on Melrose was situated. It was located right next to the Market entrance. I was impressed by its clean and colorful look with beautiful ceiling lighting treatment. The ambiance of the place was so cool and relaxing, that I immediately felt right at home, looking forward to having some home cooking. At the beginning of the line, there was a Grab & Go section with large display refrigerators containing prepared food and drinks so you can take with you on your way to work or you can also eat these items in their dining area if you're not looking for hot food. On the way to the ordering counter you can find tall square baskets with some snack items many of which were on sale. The menu was on the wall posted on those boards that you set up letter by letter. And then came the glass display cases. First the refrigerated one with deli meats and cold items such as their famous potato salad. Then the hot one with their Fried Chicken, Fried Fish, Hot Dogs, and hot sides. A very friendly and hospitable young gentleman greeted you and explained the different combinations you could order. All at very reasonable prices. He then served them for you in a sturdy black clamshell container. I ordered two Fried Chicken Breasts with two sides, potato salad and sweet potatoes. And a Dr Pepper from the softdrink machine. Then paid at the counter with my Harvard Alumni World Mastercard. It was all so simple and convenient. Since I was dining in, they put my order on a tray, and gave me some quality plastic utensils. 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. For dessert I picked up a Coconut Cream Pie that came in a box and were available next to the register. The food was simply exquisite. The fried chicken was crispy on the outside and juicy in the inside. The potato salad was very flavorful. And the sweet potato was amazing. They were smashed and cooked with a sweet sauce that contained some type of nuts. I sat down at one of the dining table to enjoy my dinner while observing all the other customers ordering to-go and some to eat-in. Later on when I visited the Market, there was a beautiful quote on the wall about the importance of food and how "food not only reaffirms our Humanity but the Joy of Being Alive." I highly recommend this cozy Café with wonderful food and very friendly and hospitable servers. And am myself looking forward to returning for breakfast one of these mornings.

Chicken wings are outrageously delicious! Service with a smile! Restaurant was clean and…read morecomfortable. An all around good experience.

As much as I love dining at a fine-dining restaurant for dinner, I enjoy the excitement of getting…read moreup early in the morning to have breakfast at a cozy breakfast diner. The Greenwood Family Restaurant is a beloved local dining spot with a "real-American feel, known for its classic home-style cooking, country-style meals, generous portions, and friendly service. It has been operating since 1952 in Troutville, Virginia (just north of Roanoke). But it nearly faced closure permanently in 2021 when management announced on their social media that the restaurant would serve its final meals on June 19, 2021, citing pandemic hardships, staffing issues, and a prospective buyer. However before the scheduled closure, the community rallied behind the diner to keep it going, and new owners stepped in to purchase and run the business, continuing the tradition of home-style cooking. Today it operates with updated hours and is open Tuesday through Sunday. After finding out about this restaurant, I couldn't resist but to wake up early on a Wednesday morning to go have breakfast there. Got into my pearl white Lexus and took the scenic route to drive there, with the comfort of music from my car radio in the background, while enjoying the beautiful view. I knew I had arrived when I saw the restaurant's iconic road sign which immediately stood out. I was very impressed by how well the building was maintained throughout all these years. Inside, it looked new but with that "real-American" diner feel of the past. I was greeted by a friendly young lady who welcomed me and asked what I wanted to drink while I looked at the menu. I asked for coffee. When she came back with my hot coffee I placed my breakfast order of a Greenwood Omelet with white toast and Southern fried apples. As she went to place my order, I studied the menu some more and was surprised to see so many Southern items that I liked and are not always easy to find. Items such as Country Style Steak, Catfish Filet, Fried Clams, Pork Tenderloin, Center Cut Country Ham, Fried Okra, Corn Fritters, and homemade Cobblers, among other things. I enjoyed the ambiance of the place: the colors the walls were painted, its hardwood floors, its large windows that brought in the light, and its cozy fireplace in the back dining room. 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. When my food arrived it was delicious. The omelet was filled with fresh items and cooked just right to perfection. The Fried Apples tasted great. Even the buttered toast looked so appetizing and tasted so good. And the coffee was quality coffee. Other customers came in to also e joy a wonderful meal and dining experience. In conclusion, if ever you're near the area I highly recommend you came and try it out. You will not only enjoy a comfortable and amazing dining experience, but will discover first hand why this diner is so beloved by the community.

I decided to come here as a memory visit from years ago when the restaurant was a friendly, family…read morerun, inviting place to eat. I was hoping for at least some of the hospitality and delicious country food of years past visits (1980's/1990's). This is definitely not the same as it once was. The food was decent enough, but nothing so spectacular that I would drive out of my way to return for. The wait staff was distantly friendly, but efficient. The owner/manager was quite rude and uninviting to the extent of being insulting and condescending. I accepted the change in food and atmosphere, but I will not return after being treated so rudely by the person in charge. The restaurant takes cash only but does not tell you that until you try to pay, then degrades you for not knowing. There is an atm as your only option to get cash to pay for the overpriced meal, but it charges a ridiculous fee. When I apologized for not knowing the cash only policy, the owner/manager rudely informed me that is why there is an atm and a fee for using it and that everyone already knows they only take cash. Everyone except "outsiders". She continued to make snide comments about non locals coming in there trying to pay without cash and next time if we plan to eat to bring cash or pay the atm. The owner/manager was also obsessed with loudly complaining about noone wanting to work. Perhaps her attitude could be a reason? Also, while eating, there was an employee in the kitchen area coughing, snorting, spitting and genuinely being nasty around food being prepared for customers. Again, not a good impression or one that I would ever make a return trip for. So sad considering there aren't many options in the area.

We celebrated a milestone anniversary here tonight and enjoyed every bite of it! The bread and…read morelocally sourced salads were a delicious start to my grilled lamb steak and my husband's Louisiana shrimp etouffee. His pecan tart and my cheesecake were excellent. My prosecco and elderflower spritz was refreshing. And the service was as good as ever in the quiet atmosphere. We will return.

Alexander's is located in the heart of downtown Roanoke. For my purposes I could not have asked…read morefor a better location. I had inquired with the restaurant a month or so in advance of my visit (I was concerned about the dress code) and they were spot on. I wore jeans and a buton down and was quite comfortable (and not out of place). It's a very nice restaurant, but it's certainly not "stuffy." Service was excellent. Food was phenomenal. Dinner started with some nice bread (and really good butter), and a salad came with my lamb ragu. It was all really good. The lamb was super rich and very flavorful. My only suggestion would be to serve the ragu over the polenta, and to add more vegetables. As it was, the dinner was "just enough;" I wasn't stuffed but I wasn's hungry, either. Really good dinner!

The Grandin Village community is a very active and involved one as evidenced by the number of…read moreevents they organize and attend yearly. For this reason it is very appropriate that the name of this restaurant is what it is. Located in a key location next to the Grandin Theatre in the Grandin Village, it is centrally situated for people to visit right before or after they go watch a movie or attend any other activity in the neighborhood, or even a place to meet with family or friends for some good times, drinking, eating, talking, or even to enjoy playing some pool. One day I decided to stop by to grab a bite on my way to an activity and see how it was like. I entered and waited to be greeted and seated but no one around greeted me. I thought to myself, "Maybe here they expect you to find an empty table and sit down." So I went and did just this on one of the booths. While I waited I looked around and noticed a variety of different age people. Some were drinking and watching a football gave on one of the large screen TVs above the bar counter on the left side of the restaurant. Others were seated at the bar, drinking and talking with someone they hadn't seen in a long time. Two who seemed like best of friends were seated at one of the booths on the right of the restaurant and talking, drinking, and eating. While others were at the back of the restaurant enjoying a game of pool. The server finally showed up and pointed up to what I thought was a decoration, telling me that was a menu. After asking what I wanted to drink I ordered a sweet tea. The menu had a brief but very nice variety of food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. When the server came back I ordered a Black Dog (Half Pound Burger w/ Swiss). And asked him to add cheese, bacon, and mushrooms. With a side of Brew City Fries. You can tell I was hungry. When my food arrived the burger bun was fresh and soft with a very large meat patty that was well cooked but soft, nice amount of the extras, and some amazing fries. This is the perfect place to come alone or with family or friends to spend some good time, eating, drinking, watching a game on TV, talking , socializing, or enjoying an innocent game of pool in a relaxed and friendly environment.

Best little bar in Roanoke. Food is cheap and delicious. These places don't exist anymore. I hope…read moreit never goes anywhere.