Food and Culture - The Roanoke Rambler

Corner Booth: Wasena Bakery Expansion, Mexican Restaurant, Mead and Show Pony Feature in Our Inaugural Food Column

In our monthly Corner Booth food column, we'll feature restaurant openings, closings, changes, a first-impression review, and more.

Food

From Buzzy New Restaurant Openings to Savory Cocktails, Here's What Roanoke's Food Scene Has in Store for 2025

From buzzy new restaurants to big mushroom energy, these are the destinations, dishes and drinks we can’t wait to try in the new year.

Food

New Coffee Shops Keep Percolating in Roanoke's Old Southwest Neighborhood

From a focus on in-season beans to a coffee shop and bakery, Roanoke's Old Southwest neighborhood is getting new places to java.

Food

New Roanoke Restaurant Openings This Fall Offer Diversity in Cuisine and Concept

New Roanoke area eateries include Gianni’s, A1 Afghan Restaurant & Grocery, Jaybird Tavern, Panda Boba, and Inka Grill’s new downtown location.

Food

Show Pony, Restaurant of Refined Comfort Food, Plans To Open in Former Local Roots Site

Show Pony aims to be a bar-forward neighborhood joint, with refined yet accessible comfort food in a classy setting.

Business

Former Local Roots Employees Await Payment After Roanoke Restaurant Closed Abruptly

The Grandin Village restaurant is awaiting a federal tax credit in order to make employees whole, according to a former owner.

Business

Local Roots, Pioneer in Roanoke's Farm-to-Table Restaurant Scene, Closes

The restaurant, which first opened in 2007, made no public announcement about the sudden closure.

Food

These 4 Foodie Destinations Are Worth the Drive from Roanoke

Wine and charcuterie with mountain views, English afternoon tea, retro pints and pub grub, and eclectic small plates.

Travel

For a Retro Road Trip, Get Your Kicks on Route 11, Where Monumental Kitsch Abounds

An hour north of Roanoke, you’ll find larger-than-life attractions along U.S. 11 — the Route 66 of Virginia's Blue Ridge.

Travel

36 Hours in Blacksburg

There's more to this New River Valley college town than hikes and higher ed.

Business

Feline Fine? Not One but Two Cat Cafés Compete for Cuddles and Adoptions in Roanoke

Two different visions — both combining cats and cafés — are competing for the attention of Roanoke cat lovers.

Food

In Roanoke's Food Scene, Mergers and Acquisition Offer Path To Nimble Growth

Owners of local Roanoke food establishments say recent shifts will allow them to reinvest in the business and grow anew.

Essay

These Photos Show How Roanoke Caught a Glimpse of the Solar Eclipse

Though the solar eclipse was often thwarted by cloud cover, residents saw a phenomenon that won't happen again in these parts for two decades.

Food

Where To Satisfy Your Snack Cravings? These 3 Shops Bring Worldly Flair to Roanoke Valley

Score Mexican ice cream, Japanese chips, Swiss chocolate, and more at these three Roanoke Valley snack shops.

Food

From Pizza To Pretzels, Food Pop-Ups Are Making Roanoke's Dining Scene Shine

Roanoke foodie entrepreneurs have found freedom and flexibility following a pop-up business model in lieu of a traditional restaurant or even a food truck.

Drink

Roanoke's Only Distillery Revives Regional Spirits History After 100-Year Dry Spell

Three brothers are reviving a tradition that Roanoke hasn’t seen in more than 100 years.

Food

Restaurant Roundup: New Eateries Include O.T.H. Chophouse & Oyster Bar, Brood, Six and Sky, Laughing Bull and Fruits & Roots

From a rooftop restaurant featuring upscale seafood to a burger ramen fusion, check out these new and recent eateries in the Roanoke area.

Interview

7 Questions with John Park, Roanoke's 'Food Evangelist'

Park talks his love for food, his knowledge of the Roanoke food scene and how he made a business out of being a food influencer.