Front Burner: New ethnic food on Williamson Road
Spicy Seafood Hot Pot at Wonju Korean Restaurant. Photo by Sam Dean l The Roanoke Times.
Williamson Road was once the unofficial Main Street of Roanoke, where young folks went cruising on Friday nights, out-of-towners stayed in spiffy motels and regulars satisfied cravings for a Buddy Boy burger at Lendy’s drive-in.
Today, a lot of folks still view Williamson Road as a ghost of its former self, haunted by abandoned shells of Americana. The truth is, this traffic artery is bustling in a whole new way that makes it an exciting, diverse place for food lovers such as myself.
Wendy Jones, executive director of the Williamson Road Area Business Association, calls the road a “melting pot” and a business incubator for entrepreneurs who hail from all over the world, specifically Mexico, South America, Asia and the Middle East. Because rent is more affordable there than in places like downtown Roanoke or Grandin Village, it’s a perfect place for aspiring restaurateurs and grocers to anchor themselves and build a business, Jones said.
Over the past 10 years, Williamson Road has become a diversity corridor dotted with ethnic markets and restaurants. But the scene has changed a bit since the last time I wrote about this, so I thought it was time to update readers on some exciting additions to the neighborhood, including new Korean, Mexican and Cuban restaurants, a new halal food store and a market that carries ingredients for just about every Asian cuisine you can imagine.
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June 23, 2010 - 1:38 PM
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That picture looks absolutely delicious.
I live a block away from Blue Nile and been wondering if they had meat in there. Im stopping in tonight to check out the goat and lamb. Halal meats are always raised the way nature intended.
Other than that, Id have to say that Wmson Rd is perhaps one of the most disappointing aspects of Rke since moving back here from DC. I really expected more. There are so many roach motels, abandon lots, seedy merchants. I envisioned a strip like Little River Tpk in Fairfax or Gallows Rd, just bustling with so many shops mixed with apartment complexes, etc.
I see where you’re coming from, nll, but I think it’s a lot better than it was when we moved over to that area about 6 years ago. At least some of the eyesore buildings have been torn down and some new businesses have gone in. Also, we have the diverse mix that other neighborhoods in Roanoke do not have.
The only problem with Worldwide Food is they never seem to be open. Most times I’ve stopped by the door is locked, even during normal business hours. I agree they have a huge selection, but it doesn’t do a bit of good if the customer can’t get in.
When we were looking at houses I didn’t even want to drive down Williamson Rd., but having lived there for the past seven years it has really grown on me. There are all kinds of mom and pop stores and restaurants (Hello, New Yorker) and not just an endless line of corporate crap.
I love living off Williamson Road. We moved over here from Cave Spring eleven years ago. It is a very convenient location and the houses built in the 30′s and 40′s are wonderful.
Why didn’t you mention Carncieria Lily, a Fully Stocked Mexican Meat Market located next door to Guys and Dolls. The marinated Carne Asada and Short Ribs are very good.
I think it’s very easy for people to misjudge the Williamson Road area based on some of the eyesores still remaining. While there are some spots that appear seedy and in need of renovation, etc. there have been big improvements in the past several years. Sharon’s observation of the homes from the 30′s and 40′s is right on the mark. Lindsey, thanks for highlighting some of the more industrious people hoping to bring Williamson Road back on its feet.