Village Grill

The Village Grill at 1802 Memorial Avenue is Roanoke’s version of the 1982 television show, “Cheers,” where “everybody knows your name.” If you’re too young to recall this popular sitcom, just stroll inside The Village Grill and you’ll get it – casual, friendly, six televisions to quench the most avid of sports thirsts, a pool table and two bocce courts, all flanking by two outdoor patios. Plus, there’s great basic food, and six different types of beer.

On a Wednesday night, sultry if not hot, the waitress assured us that the side of buffalo chips was favored, as well as the Junior Arsonist burger (hot … did I mention HOT?), the Nantucket wrap and the Cajun quesadilla. Sandwiches, burgers, wraps and quesadillas, as well as a nice mix of drafts (including Roanoke’s own Railhouse and a Wisconsin sunset wheat), wine and mixed drinks make this a comfortable place to meet friends and take a break from your own kitchen.

We ordered the Buffalo wrap, the Junior Arsonist and the Cajun quesadilla, along with fries and buffalo chips, a couple of Rail drafts and a sweet, sweet Coca Cola, and stretched out legs out under the shade of an outdoor table. Soon the patio filled, one with a bunch of post-game guys who were dusty, thirsty and hopefully triumphant. Several date tables, a couple of women for a night out, and sports fans indoors watching the screens rounded out the customers for this early evening.

The Village Grill, a long-standing Grandin Village institution, has been under new ownership since January 2009, but hasn’t missed a beat. In fact, owner Nathan Webster, just shy of 30 years old, has brought young eyes and a fresh outlook to create a go-to place for this neighborhood. It is open for lunch and dinner, Sunday through Saturday, closing late Thursday through Saturday (2 a.m.) and midnight the other nights.

All those nights can be pretty exciting, in a positive way.  Webster books live local entertainment – acoustic and bands – for Thursday through Saturday nights; on Sundays, he holds bocce league tournaments and every other Sunday, acoustic acts; “muscle car Monday” is gaining in popularity as proud owners can park, gawk and boast while slaking their thirst; Tuesdays is for 99-cent tacos, all day, and Wednesday is karaoke.

Webster is also turning around the menu to affordable fare that runs the gamut from $12.95 for the most expensive entrée, served with salad and garlic toast points, to the crunchy and delectable fried pickle appetizer for $6.95.  There is something to suit all desires – salads, vegetarian fare, hearty meat dishes, spicy bites and a children’s menu.

While the grill does take reservations, which is probably advisable for a large group, the walk-in crowd is a staple. The restaurant also caters.
Webster described his place as “laid back … a neighborhood-friendly bar and grill.”  It is exactly that. He observed that people his age complain that there’s not much to do in Roanoke, but he asserts that there is stuff to do – at his grill.  “They come here to eat, hang out, and it’s a good location,” he said.  “This is their bar, as well as mine,” he said.

For more information, see their website, www.villagegrillroanoke.com, which will also direct you to their Facebook page.