Red Robin Gourmet Burgers (Roanoke, VA)

Who doesn't love a good burger every now and then? I do mean a good burger, not Hardee's or McDonald's. So the title of gourmet burgers can be a good bet for what you are hankering for. Located on the outside of glorious Valley View Mall, Red Robin has a variety of burgers and fixes for any appetite. Behold the first appetizer of the fried jalapeno coins w/ ranch. I am a man of heat, so having the fried goodness of fresh jalapenos was right on target. The

second appetizer is the Chili Chili con Queso, a delightful mix of queso cheese and chili w/ tortilla chips. The taste is more of chili and not of cheese a bit disappointing since there is more cheese. Now on to the main dish. the Pub Burger (Ale-braised onions and mushrooms, creamy peppercorn-ranch, melted Cheddar and Swiss cheese, on a toasty onion bun). This burger was tasty, but did have a bland taste. Other burgers that I have had here have a better taste for the patty, but this one seemed to be lacking. The best part about this was that bottomless fries. thought I only ate one round of fries it is nice to have the option.
The service was OK and friendly for it to be New Years Eve. So on the devouring scale, the Red Robin gets a 7. Need to work on the taste of the patties though to truly make this gourmet. So for a decent burger at a good price, then this is the place for you.

Outback Steakhouse (Roanoke, VA)

Yes another steakhouse chain has arrived on this food blog and the reviews  may or may not be what you are expecting. The Outback Steakhouse, located on 220 south, has the usual feel of all Outback's. From the overly priced menu, long and monotonous waits, and most of the time horrible service. So on the chance that you do get in to the place in under an hour, be ready to wait for your drink and beg for the free bread. So when I finally got the meal pictured above (8oz sirloin, lobster tails, and sweet potato) I was so hungry that i wasn't. The food was well prepared but can i get a refill on my tea here?! So lets break this down wait, wait, wait, good food, wait on check. On the devouring scale this restaurant rates a 5 due to food alone, service and wait is a 2. If you are just dying to eat here then go ahead just be warned you may have to wait.

Jersey Lily's (Roanoke, VA)

 

Steakhouses, a good one is hard to come by, but this one is a good option if you are in the mood. Located on 460 near the bicycle shop, this place brings a sense of Texas to the Roanoke Valley. The food selection is what you can typically find in a steakhouse, but with their own twist. Start off with a cool drink and free rolls w/ butter, who doesn't love rolls. The meal pictured above is the chicken tenders dinner with fries, cole slaw, and honey mustard. A fried food paradise, the chicken and fries are greasy but worth it. the cole slaw can vary from being sweet to sour depending on how it is made. Service here can be iffy and slow, but it also has a good side. On the devouring scale it would come in at a 7, but can fall to a 6 with food quality and service. It is worth a try for once, and if you like the experience try it again.