Reader seeks great “hole-in-the-wall” restaurants
Probably not the kind of hole in the wall she’s talking about. Photo by Lindsey Nair | The Roanoke Times.
From the reader email file today comes a request from a reader named Jessica. This is what Jessica had to say in her message to me:
“So here is the question: Looking for ‘hole in the wall’ restaurants in Salem/Roanoke. Decent food, good (great is better) price, and alcohol are are must. Any thoughts?”
So, blog readers, just what do you think of when you hear the term “hole-in-the-wall restaurant”? I think of a dark little place that looks as if it would be scary to eat there, but when you give it a shot it’s surprisingly good. One official definition of the term is “A small dingy place, esp. a bar or restaurant.”
I can think of plenty of hole-in-the-wall places that serve alcohol, but I can’t say whether they have decent food. And I can think of some hole-in-the-wall places that have good food but do not serve alcohol. What lies in the area where those two circles overlap?
I’ll start by throwing out one idea: The Community Inn in Grandin Village. We’ve enjoyed some decent cheeseburgers and other bar food at the CI, which has a friendly, neighborhood vibe.
How would you answer this question?
February 22, 2013 - 6:01 AM
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Abbott’s restaurant on Garden City Blvd. Great breakfast, burgers, sandwiches, etc.! It’s been around for close to 20 years.
Best Hole-in-the-Wall restaurant I ever visited was The Tune Inn a few blocks behind the Capitol building in Washington, DC. Excellent cheeseburgers. The waitress read our palms and told our fortunes. They had an old german shephard dog that greeted everyone. Stuffed animals (the taxidermy types, not teddy bears!) and WVU memorabilia lined the walls. I was a regular while I was in DC. Imagine my surprise when I saw it not too long ago on Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-In’s and Dives”. It truly was a dive.
I’ve not found an equivalent in Roanoke/Salem. The Community Inn is close. I’ll throw out Flanary’s in downton Roanoke. Not really a “dive” per se, but the vibe is close, a good neighborhood watering hole feeling. The food is good and there is a full bar.
Cornerstone Bar & Grill in Downtown Roanoke. I think most people just consider it a bar but they have really good food and great lunch specials during the week.
I’d recommend a “pop-up” hole-in-the-wall that’s been really good lately…the dynamic duo of Parkway Brewing and Bruno’s Gastrotruck in Salem. Bruno’s has been at Parkway Brewing for a few days of the week the past few weeks, and although I don’t consider Parkway Brewing “dingy,” it’s a whole other vibe than an bar or restaurant.
I’ve had Parkway’s Bridge Builder Blonde beer and Bruno’s Seoul Burger; both are awesome.
Parkway’s site here: http://parkwaybrewing.com
Bruno’s site here: http://www.brunosgastrotruck.com/
Check both of their Facebook pages for days/times they’ll be open.
Jim, I thought about Abbott’s but I wasn’t sure whether they serve alcohol. Even if they don’t, I agree that’s a great place to eat.
O.K. that place sounds fascinating – you had me at the old German shepherd. Haha!
Blue Ridge, great suggestion. I love the buffalo chips at Cornerstone.
Roy, I had no idea Bruno’s has been parking at Parkway Brewing Co. That’s like a match made in heaven. I need to check and see if they’re going to be there on a Saturday – on a weekday, I won’t be able to partake of half of the match
A great “hole in the wall” would be El Charly for authentic Mexican food. It’s on Melrose. Highly recommended.
Papa D’s on Williamson feels like an old-time beer joint. Good food, especially the steak subs.
Red Jasmine, in Vinton, may seem an odd choice, but it certain has that hole-in-the-wall vibe to it. The food is, in my opinion, some of the best Thai under the Star, and they have a full bar. Try a Singha beer with the food.
Lindsey, you’re in luck it looks like:
from their FB page:
Bruno’s GastroTruck
20 hours ago
We are starting our 3 day fun fest at Parkway Brewing Company tonight! Come hang out and drink some great beers and let John make you some great grub! Schedule as follows:
Thursday 4-8
Friday 4-8ish (or as long as KENO want to kick it)
Saturday 1-7
Woo hoo! I’m supposed to be cleaning out the basement on Saturday, but everybody needs a break from the chores for a late lunch and a beer, right??
Community Inn!!!!
If you are looking for “the best” burger in town go to Allsports. They are killer! They cook them medium to well done and have many to choose from. Their subs and wings are also killer.
the coffee pot has it all. daily mon. thru fri. lunch buffet. they serve beer, wine, and liquor too. they offer happy hour specials on food and beverages. sandwiches, appitizers and pizza is available from their regular menu. on wednesday evenings they have a barbque buffet with a live bluegrass band. great bartenders, a fabulous fireplace plus live music on the weekends.
Lindsey,
If you get out to Parkway this Saturday…don’t be sad if you don’t see Bruno’s truck outside…he actually parks the truck *Inside* the brewery and serves right there. He has an electric hookup for power.
Absolutely!
From what I read on Amanda’s blog, a new hole in the wall just opened in Salem….The PourHouse.
Abbott’s serves beer.
Parkway is pouring some great brew. Add a Bruno’s burger and duck fat fries…Heaven!
Great suggestions still coming in, folks. Thanks. How could I forget the Coffee Pot?
Since Abbott’s serves beer, it should definitely be on Jessica’s list.
Thanks for the tip about Bruno’s parking inside the building, Roy. There’s plenty of space in there!
Lew’s in Hollins. Definite hole in the wall with great food, big variety!
Also there’s Billy’s Barn…a bit of a dive, but serves great food.
File this one under great food/prices, but no alcohol: Paul’s on Franklin Road in downtown Roanoke. Feels like the infamous Seinfeld diner … and serves my favorite Greek food in town. I can’t get enough of their chicken souvlaki and salad.
Community Inn!! Awesome burgers and ice cold draft beer!!
Veranda Bistro.
I’ve avoided ever visiting some of these suggested spots (e.g. Allsports, Coffee Pot), because I have heard smoking is permitted (I don’t care if it’s in another room). Are some of these recommended places non-smoking?
Xinachtli in Salem.
How about Blues BBQ on the market? Great brisket and wings.
Blue Ridge Restaurant in Floyd, Va!!!
Bob’s restaurant in Vinton, best burgers and cold beer!
The deli shop on walnut. Great pizza
JillC, some of these places still have designated smoking sections, but many do not. Your best bet would be to call ahead and ask.
What about the place that was Jimmy V’s? Is that still open? I loved all their food and cold beer.
Speaking of Floyd, whenever I can get up there, I’ve always had a great experience at Oddfellows. Great local food, prepared fresh and always a very diverse crowd!
http://www.oddfellascantina.com/
25: Xinachtli is closed. Urbanspoon lists them as “temporarily closed”, but it hasn’t been open for a while. Amanda was checking on it on the Storefront blog. It’s a shame, because that was a great little place with awesome food.
Jimmie V’s is the best! Great sandwiches and good pizza. Got beer and wine. Actually a few cuts above hole in the wall, but still, our go-to place. People went to “destination” restaurants for anniversaries and such. Most of those are now closed. We go to Jimmie’s!
The Deli Shoppe pizza is good but sad to say they lost their liquor license a few years back.
JillC, if you want to try Allsports, you can go to the one in the Market Bldg. No smoking in there. I don’t think they have everything that their standalone spots do, but they do have all lthe wings, and I think all the burgers. Their menu has expanded recently.
I agree with Stephanie about Paul’s. I had their special the other day, meatloaf, mashed potatoes another veggie and a roll for $5 something. They are always packed at lunchtime and takeout containers are stacked on the counter waiting to be picked up. Speedy, speedy service too.
YES we serve the coldest beer around ,pool table in the back,just never made a big deal about serving alcohol. We rely on the the food,stop on in
My favorites are Lews in Hollins and the Pancake House on Apperson. Chianti in salem is more pricey but overlooked.
Also Pauls downtown (open lunch only)
Abracababra in salem. 5 seats (only room for 3 though) and wicked fresh felafel. Light airy Hummus, a pickled and preserved vegetable and condiment bar full of homemade toppings. Gyro’s also but the felafel is king here. Owner has a great personality. He studies you while you eat! Great food though!
Jimmy Sardines in the grandin area. Small, but great pizza and pasta with several different craft beers available! I will also add village grill.
No alcohol, but Aesy’s on Campbell is a great stop for lunch. It has long bee a family favorite. Our newest favorite — Jimmy Sardines! Pizza, pasta, subs, beer and wine — can’t go wrong.
C I have been going there since the 40′s. great food,great friends. Service very good.
Is fork in the alley on crystal spring a great hard to find hole in the wall?
The Mill Iron Grill !! 15 minutes from Roaonke on Rt 24 towards SML (10 minutes past William Byrd High) The absolutely BEST burgers in Bedford/SML area. Char broiled and delicious, always fresh toppings, and perfectly cooked. They have great “daily specials”, soups, sandwiches, and entrees all made from scratch. Their made on site cheesecake is the best south of NYC. And……ice cold beer to go with those awesome burgers. Great service and great food….highly recommended.
JillC (#24), Allsports on Grandin and in Salem both have smoking bars but they are in separate rooms and sealed off from the dinning area. You can definitely dine in a smoke free environment at all their locations and they have the best wings around. Village Grill is also a great place to go.
Perkys on 29 just north of Alta Vista. Great steaks and a huge beer list. Good mixed drinks.
Chucks Sea Food on Patterson ave s.w.is not much to look at but it has the best fish sandwiches in town.
Ditto odd fellas and deli shop
Community Inn is high on my list for the Grandin area. It has the “Cheers” atmosphere. On a side note; The Village Grill has been serving Sushi on Wed. nights for several weeks now. The Sushi is really good and the prices are also. Their Sushi Chef is the same gentleman who owned Tokyo Express when it was in the Market Building.
They don’t serve alcohol but does anyplace say hole-in-the-wall better than Texas Tavern. Cheezy Western with double meat can’t be beat.
How about the River Rock in Salem. Was last there several years ago and had a great cheeseburger in a pita bread.
Deli Shoppe does have great 5 topping pizza. Haven’t been there in years. Haven’t they gotten their ABC license back yet?
Abcababra is not good. Just went there to try a gyro because I saw a gyro sign outside. I love gyros! I was so disappointed. He gave me a pita with meat and sour cream or yogurt seasoned with something that tasted like nutmeg. It’s supposed to be cucumber but had none. He gave it to me and told me to dress it myself at this little condiment station. Worst gyro I’ve ever had. I’m surprised because the owner appeared to be Greek.
Oh and I agree with RP. Paul’s downtown is absolutely killer. No alcohol but really good gyros!
You have to come to Vinton and experience the yummy food and cold beer at Bob’s. They have amazing burgers and great chili cheese dogs. After Mike knows your name, he will never forget it. As soon as you walk in, he pull your beer out of the cooler and has it ready. They have daily meal specials as well. There isn’t anything they can’t make.
Don’t forget the River Rock in west Salem!!!
I saw that the Mill Iron Grill had quite a bit of cars out front on a late Saturday afternoon last week. I’m glad to see it doing well as nothing has survived there in the past. Now that that sight is supported with a Blogger’s testimonial, I’m going to have to plan a stop there next time we drive to the Lake via Rt 24
Cornerstone bar and grill is a hole in the wall. went in there. The place was dirty and trashy. Would certainily not eat there! Makes downtown look trashy!
Not sure if you’d consider it a “dive”, but I highly recommend Remini’s on Brambleton.
I have a a few suggestions.. The Fillin Station on Williamson Road has AMAZING food. Daily specials, burgers and a full bar. Also, 460 Roadhouse on Orange Ave. — again, awesome food and a full bar. The Coffee Pot on Brambleton — Best. Pizza. EVER! Also, wonderful bar-b-que and cheese fries!! And, of coures, a full bar. Not to mention, these places have EXCELLENT karaoke.
Fun times can be had by all.
The Mill Iron Grill on rt.24 ten minutes out of Vinton on the right, is definitly a great hole in the wall. And if you like a good burger, order The Mill Iron Burger though they have a wide variety. Wings are always good, and they make the Blue Cheese dressing in house its the best I’ve ever had. Beer prices are reasonable, for the area They have bands and kereoke on the weekends too. Check The Mill Iron Grill on FB.
One last suggestion — Spikes over on Memorial Ave around the corner from the grandin.
And yes, Mill Iron Grill has awesome food as well as a bar.. Karaoke on Saturday nights.
Spikes has great food, I just cant sit in a R.J. Reynolds factory and eat, maybe a better ventilation system would help.
My husband and I love little hole in the wall places to eat…We believe they are usually the best places to get a great meal at the price that will please most everyone….We live in Franklin County and live on the lake with a few choices on the lake to eat…We drive down 122 and take 24 to the Mill Iron Grill…We heard so many great things about the Mill Iron so we decided to give it a try a year ago and we are there several times a week..The food is really good I have not had anything bad…The clam chowder is the best I’ve ever had with a true home made taste…The burgers are the best anywhere!!!! and I do mean ANYWHERE!!! We will continue to drive 25 minutes to eat at the MILL IRON GRILL…its well worth the drive!!!