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The Front Row

4.2 (9 reviews)
Open • 5:00 pm - 1:00 am (Next day)
Updated 2 months ago

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8 months ago

Helpful 5
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2 years ago

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3 years ago

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3 years ago

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8 years ago

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8 years ago

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6 years ago

Ate there on a cold night had the white chicken chile. It was great. The service was top rate.

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8 years ago

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8 years ago

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Bernard's - A fork holding a piece of Filet and Scallop from the Filet & Scallops Special of the Day.

Bernard's

(348 reviews)

$$

I have eaten at some of the best restaurants in the world, but in none have I had such a wonderful…read moredining experience like I always do at Bernard's Gastropub & Eatery. After having been selected as number 4 of Yelp's Top 50 most prolific Elites of 2025, a year when I also was 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 and bring them to the attention of the public, but also to return to those special ones, that have made a difference in my life and highlight them, for the benefit of the public, so they too can have an opportunity to appreciate the qualities of a one-of-a-kind fine dining experience. And Bernard's Gastropub & Eatery in Downtown Roanoke, is a perfect example. Bernard's was born out of the love of two culinary aficionados turned professionals that in someway have managed to create a restaurant with an environment that transmits this intimate love to the hearts of their customers through the attention to detail in its extraordinary customer service and amazing culinary masterpieces. Today, I felt like dining at this restaurant, which I admire for its consistency in always far exceeding my high expectations of what a fine-dining restaurant should be all about. Not knowing if they would have a table for me at this late time on a Saturday early evening, I drove in my pearl white Lexus to the nearest private parking lot and gave them a call to inquire as if they could give me a reservation for the next ten minutes. A gentleman, who later I found out was named Matthew, and would be my server, answered the phone with a very polite and welcoming voice; answering my question of what was the special dish of the day and to come on down, that my reservation was assured. As soon as I arrived to the small, very elegant foyer in front of the Host's station, he came out to greet me and instantly recognized who I was. My only request was that he give me a low table because at my age seating at a high table was a bit uncomfortable. He went back to see what he could find and ended setting me up with what I consider one of the best tables of the house, and I was so appreciative of his last minute accommodation. The menu was already setup on my table. He poured water from a special bottle into my water glass and asked if I wanted something else to drink. I asked for a Mocktail and since he also was a bartender, he prepared me one of the best mocktails I've ever had. To dine, I started out with their Mussels Carbonara appetizer, which came in a bacon parmesan cream sauce that was simply amazing, and served with toast points. As my main entrée I had the Dinner Special of the Night, the Seafood Trio. It had a delicious, giant size crab cake in the middle, scallops, and shrimps, with parmesan risotto sautéed heirloom tomato, spinach, and nice size asparagus, with a burre blanc sauce. I invite you to view my photographs accompanying this review to get a better sense of the high-quality of their food and magnificent ambiance of the place. Everything was so delicious that only one word could ever describe them: priceless! For dessert I had their very famous Butterscotch Banana Pudding, which the chef makes at the moment ordered. It looked spectacular and tasted amazingly delicious: a culinary work of art. What a great way for the Gran Finale of an extraordinary dining experience!

Salty Salty They have potential to be good…read more But they use the same seasoning on fries - and French Onion Soup. Sub par food expensive. Not worth it.

Kirk & Soul - My Oxtail dish and a Coke.

Kirk & Soul

(9 reviews)

This weekend I was fortunate enough to be able to attend Kirk & Soul's Second Soft Opening and it…read morewas amazing. After being awarded the NC Triad Yelp 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 Kirk & Soul, in Downtown, Roanoke, Virginia, is a perfect example. I loved the interior renovations of this new restaurant. Its beautiful hardwood floors contrasts perfectly with the lovely and very elegant black dining furniture, comprised of booths, tables and chairs, and bar counter, all with outstanding black marbalized table tops that give the place class. The restaurant's simple decor seems to emphasize its best features. Its high ceiling painted black also gives it a nice touch. And the large windows that go all around the corner bring in the light making the hardwood floors and table top shine to highlight their best features.The restaurant also has an open second floor, as well as a corner three steps high stage for bringing live entertainment that will provide the place with another exclusive detail to attract its clientele. I had an opportunity to meet the restaurant's manager, Blake, and he had great ideas that, when implemented, could most likely make this place one of the most talked about or highly regarded restaurants in the heart of fine dining in downtown Roanoke. Owner Justin Hayden described the menu of this Second Soft Opening as "a soul food Caribbean-style menu with a New Age twist." It included dishes such as Jerk Chicken with rice and beans, Oxtail Rasta Pasta, Classic Cheese Burger, Loaded Fries or Nachos, Wing Basket with your choice of sauce, and Garden Salad. Hopefully in the future they will also include other Caribbean dishes from other Caribbean Islands such as Cuba, Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico, who have excellent cuisines. Today I ordered the Oxtail Rasta Pasta and a Coke to drink. I was the first one there and had to leave early because I had another commitment. The dish looked and tasted delicious, with just the right amount of seasoning. I highly recommend this new restaurant to all, and am looking forward to returning when it's in full function.

Read reviews before we came so we knew that it would be an order at the bar and the food brought to…read moreour table kind of vibe. Our table was clean, vibe was good, food came pretty quickly but was clearly cooked to order (so not super super fast). Our food was excellent. Flavor on the jerk chicken was great. Catfish was delicious, fries were a surprise standout. I'm not usually a French fry person but these were cut thick enough to be fluffy inside which still have a really nice crisp exterior texture and they were fried at the right temp and didn't have that old oil taste you get a lot of places. Primary flavors: potato & salt. Owner came out toward the end of our visit and made sure everything was delicious. Really nice guy, he said they were going to add more soul food to the menu in 2026. I hope this restaurant makes a go of it, we will be back the next time we come down to see family.

Lucky Restaurant - Close-up of a spoonful of one of the Oysters from my appetizer after having been dipped in the sauce.

Lucky Restaurant

(367 reviews)

$$

First time trying Lucky and I'd give it a 4.5 rounded up to a 5. The menu is local farm based so it…read morechanges seasonally and is a bit limited. I was disappointed because I was hoping to try a soup or scallops I'd seen in Yelp pics but they weren't in the menu this time. Which is the roll of the dice you pay for fresh creative menus. Dining area and bar have a nice vibe with attractive art work. Dim lighting and smaller tables make it cute for a date or a solo business diner like myself. The lucky cube drink was creative and tasty. Brussel sprouts were also unique with a tahini sauce on top and perfectly crispy chickpeas. I'd seen "Smoke in Chimneys Trout" on a few menus in Roanoke this trip but never heard of that before. Looked it up and learned something new. They are trout that are local and prized for living in a lime stone aquifer rather than a river. Giving them a clean light slightly sweet taste, no essence of mud that can come with other river fish. I've never ordered trout in a restaurant, But when in Rome... Lol. The fish itself and the portion was really good. Wish I could remember my waitress' name. She was knowledgeable and just had a really warm, friendly energy.

I came in for the fried chicken because other reviews were very positive .. the coating was v…read morecrunchy , plus , however it was really burnt ! Ir was really over cooked ; plus had little flavor . Needs a little salt and pepper .... Better chicken at Popeyes or Bojangles .. Mashed potatoes were excellent . I wa not impressed with the Kale and still think there may be fatback in it ... even though the server swore there was no pork on the dish .. anyway you can try for yourself .. maybe I just came on an off night . My server was very nice ( Alyssa ) BTW.

Village Grill - A fork holding a French Fries with ketchup.

Village Grill

(98 reviews)

$$

We had lunch at Village Grill after my granddaughter's dance recital at the Grandin Theater. The…read morewaiter was super friendly, attentive and accommodating. We all had smash burgers and they were yummy. Best part was that they had the Olaf toy my granddaughter left there weeks ago.

Right in the heart of Grandin Village one finds the Village Grill. The place to go to "Fire Up the…read moreFun." From the very first time I went there, I felt right at home. It's a place you are welcomed from the time you step in. The food and drinks are wonderful, and the service is extraordinary. 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 it would be appropriate this year to go back to this restaurant and write a follow-up review, since my initial review was one of my reviews that contributed to me obtaining this highly esteemed Award. When I arrived the place was full. People enjoying quality time with significant others, in a comfortable environment, drinking and eating to their hearts desire. I stood there, waiting to be seated, and somehow I didn't mind the wait. Who would be my server, Chelsea came and greeted me with a smile, letting me know that soon she would have a table for me. And this was not a fake promise like they tell you at other places to keep your hopes up. As soon as some customers left a table near by she went to clean it and set.it up for me. Last time I came here, I came with.a friend, this time I came along. And you know what, it didn't mind to her the size of the party, she treated everyone the same. With the same respect and caring attitude. And you know what. This is really what makes tje big difference in coming to eat here. In no time at all she had me seated at a 4 person booth looking over the menu and enjoying a Strawberry Saffron Tonic Mocktail which was the first thing I ordered. You know what, it doesn't matter what drink you have to enjoy yourself and have a good time, it's just a matter of attitude. Right then and there, you can sayI hadva great attitude of life. This is the kind of feeling this place brings out in their customers. More than customers, they see us as their guests. Even though I was looking at the menu, I already knew what I was going to have. A sandwich that ever since I moved to Roanoke, has become my favorite of them all in this Star City: The Ricky Ricardo of the Village Grill. Having been born in Cuba and grown up in Miami and Puerto Rico, I have learned to appreciate a good Cuban Sandwich. And this is not only one that comes close to it, but has perfected it with their golden touch and creativity, and yet maintaining it true identity. There is nothing greater one can say from an item from the menu. The fries that accompanied it were also amazing. My server Chelsea provided great service, coming by at the appropriate times to check on me. For dessert, I had the Cheesecake Du Jour that happened to be Peanut Butter, my favorite. What a Wonderful dining experience I had here. Needless to say, I highly recommend this place for its great ambiance, magnificent food, and excellent service. I can't say enough good things about it. I invite you to view my photographs that accompany this review and see for yourself, and then go visit this place and experience the magic.

Bison Head Cigar & Lounge - Inside where the cigars are kept.

Bison Head Cigar & Lounge

(3 reviews)

The other day as I was driving down Campbell Ave, I noticed that a new establishment had opened in…read morethe heart of Downtown Roanoke. As I got closer and read the window sign with the store's name, I was able to discover that it was a cigar store and lounge. To be clearer, it was named Bison Head Cigar and Lounge. 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. Bison Head Cigar and Lounge, in Downtown Roanoke, Virginia, is a perfect example. Cigars have played a very important role throughout the years. People have enjoyed smoking them after having a good meal and an after dinner drink. We've also had a long-standing tradition of new fathers handing out cigars to celebrate the birth of a child. This custom being symbolic of the father's pride and achievement in becoming a parent.This tradition has Native American origins and evolved over centuries, particularly during times when men were not present during childbirth and would smoke cigars to pass the time while waiting. The custom gained popularity in Colonial America and continued through the 20th century, as fathers waited outside the birthroom (which was often a separate room in the home) and smoked cigars to manage the anxiety and pass the hours. While less common today due to hospital birth and changing social norms, it remains a cherished and endearing gestures for many proud parents. The act is a way to share the happy news and celebrate with friends, family, and colleagues. Many new fathers now choose other ways to celebrate, but giving out cigars is still a thoughtful way to mark this momentous occasion. Over the years, cigar smoking has become integrated into various cultural practices and traditions. From a way to celebrate victories (such as the example mentioned above) to a symbol of power and relaxation for world leaders, to simply an enjoyable experience after having an exquisite meal, to watching a football game on a large screen tv in a relaxing ambiance, such as in cigar lounges found in major cities. Cigar lounges are social spaces designed for people to relax and enjoy cigars, featuring comfortable seating. Private lounges require a membership fee to join. While Public lounges, such in the case of Bison Head Cigar & Lounge, are open to anyone, offering a casual and inclusive environment. When I visited this new business, a very friendly and distinguished gentleman warmly greeted and welcomed me to the establishment. He gave me a tour of the place which consisted of a large size room with an extensive variety of cigars for sale in boxes or individually. And a comfortable lounge in a relaxed environment containing leather furniture and a large screen TV. The classic elegance of its exposed brick walls and hardwood floors makes this cigar lounge a haven for cigar aficionados. Especially in a time when finding a suitable place to enjoyba good cigar is both difficult and expensive. Here, all customers have to do is purchase their cigars there for the privilege of enjoying lounge alone, or in the company of good friends, while having pleasant conversations or viewing a football game on their large screen TV. Even though the current cigar variety is extensive, I would like to suggest the implementation of a special ordering service. This would allow customers to request specific, currently unavailable cigars, which the store could then source for them, incorporating a profit margin. This addition would cater to discerning patrons and enhance customer loyalty.

I'm up first for the first review. I hope this place stays around, it's perfect for someone like me…read morewho enjoys cigars in a spacious place where you can just relax. There's not many places to enjoy a stick in Roanoke, and it is in the perfect location in the Square. I was given a great recommendation, and Andrew was knowledgeable about the cigars. I picked up a new stick. Going to make this my every weekend spot to enjoy a Saturday or Sunday stick. One recommendation for the future...could there be chocolate or hot coffee for purchase to go with the cigars? Some cigars pair well with both.

The Front Row - bars - Updated May 2026

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