We'll be driving south on 81 on our way to North Carolina and would like a recommendation for a place to stop and eat in or around Roanoke, VA. Any suggestions?

I am originally from Roanoke, happy to hear you are stopping by! If you are stopping in Roanoke you can eat downtown on the Market. The Market Building has a food court with every type of food, if you like BBQ, have to recommend Three Little Pigs. Other places to eat on the Market would be First Street or Angler Cafe. If you are looking for specific type of food just let me know.

Amanda

Thanks for the info Amanda. How far is it from 81? We will be heading inland from there, but don't mind going a bit out of the way. Don't really have a food preference. Just like to experience something 'local', rather than a chain restaurant, when driving through new areas.

Off of 81 it is about 5-10 minutes, nothing big at all. The downtown Market area is charming and nice to walk around, no chain restaurants in site! I would suggest taking the second Roanoke exit, not the Hollins College exit...Exit that takes you to 581 and then get off on the exit that is right pass the Civic Center, takes you downtown.

This website also might give you a little idea of downtown Roanoke and the Market area. http://www.roanoke.com/market/market.html

Let me know if you have any other questions!

Thanks for the help Amanda. I'm looking forward to stopping on the way down and that is a perfect place for us to take a break.

The Virginia chain, Country Cooking, is the only restaurant I consider in that area. It'a a serious buffet eatery. You needn't bother ordering an entree, and if you like country-style vegetables, freshly baked rolls and cornbread muffins, and a choice of desserts, you'll leave satisfied for little more than $5 per person. If memory serves, there's one in Christiansburg, one in Salem, and two in Roanoke, all near I-81.