C'mon folks! Step it up! I know for a fact that there are many more places serving craft beer than what is reflected in the directory entry for your fine city. You are a crossroads metro area and lots of people pass through there that would appreciate knowing what the Valley has to offer. I myself get there infrequently, but have not had the opportunity to visit and review the places that I have heard about popping up. Cork & Crust, Wasena City Tap Room, 1906 Ale House, Beamer's 25, Growler's, 501 Speakeasy--none of these places even have entries yet, much less reviews. And you're not getting off any easier Salem! Three reviews for you new brewery Parkway, the most recent of which was in May shortly after they opened. No reviews at all for Mac & Bob's, which I know from a friend who works there has really stepped up their game lately when it comes to craft beer. Get the word out. Help me plan my next visit to the Star City!
I concur, I am there 2 or 3 times a year visiting family, and I would love to know more about the places to go and everything. I love the beers made by Parkway and Sunken City and it would be great to see them getting more love.
Just go to Parkway and Blue 5, that pretty much covers anything worth doing/drinking in Roanoke. Jack Browns is a pretty cool place in the downtown market. I would suggest avoiding Beamers, Wasena, and 1906 if you are looking for an above average beer list. Lived here 32 years and it is what it is. What could have been had we landed Sierra Nevada a few years back. Last night Blue 5 had a killer BCBS event, which they will do again tonight!
Just go to Parkway and Blue 5, that pretty much covers anything worth doing/drinking in Roanoke. Jack Browns is a pretty cool place in the downtown market. I would suggest avoiding Beamers, Wasena, and 1906 if you are looking for an above average beer list. Lived here 32 years and it is what it is. What could have been had we landed Sierra Nevada a few years back. Last night Blue 5 had a killer BCBS event, which they will do again tonight!
No, what I am looking for is a variety of experiences in a new place, all with different vibes and offerings. If you want more places to have an above average beer list, you have to show them some support. Good beer spots in a new market have to be grown. If you don't show interest, and you suggest that everyone else frequent only a couple of places (and even avoid others!), you will end up with nothing but Ruby Tuesdays and the ilk. Which is exactly what you had ten years ago. A perfect example is Mac & Bobs in Salem. Still a college-oriented sports-themed bar as they have been for decades, but they have seen the growing interest in craft beer and they have determined that they are going to expand to meet that market and become the best beer bar in town--adding tap towers, new cooler space, dedicated and trained staff--all unimaginable a short time back. They may not be the best bar in a market like Baltimore, but you're fooling yourself if you say it's not worth going to in a market like the Roanoke Valley. Insinuating that there are only two places worth going in a city the size of Roanoke is ludicrous. People's tastes vary, and the beer list is not the only draw for many. Expand your horizons a little bit.
Wow - lived here 32 years and it took someone from West Virginia to open my eyes to the beer scene in Roanoke. Thank you! May I suggest Roanoke Railhouse next time you are in town.
You're a good man, but obviously not the audience I was seeking. Only 32 years? Here's a hint: I'm not from West Virginia my friend. Just been absent from my hometown for a while. I appreciate that last suggestion but have been aware of the Railhouse since their inception in '09. Your implied condescension speaks volumes about your willingness to write a local place off with minimal experience. Cheers.
