The Roast Grill — Restaurant in Raleigh

My name is James G and today I went to the roast grill after hearing of its solidified history in all reaches of the triangle. Upon obtaining the cash needed to eat there, I entered the establishment to find Kathy and George, the two owners and bosses who warmly welcome you to have a seat and enjoy some hotdogs. I was asked what I wanted and I went for 4 dogs all the way with a classic coke and even baklava (take out the clove!). The baklava indeed was the best I’ve had and I explained in detail to George what stuck out about this delicious Greek pastry. I thoroughly enjoyed my meal which included a tip for all of $20. During my meal I was able to converse with George about the Grill, asking questions that wouldn’t even pertain to the restaurant. We chatted about what makes a good dog, where to get them, why the combo is so good, and even what we didn’t like to eat outside of hotdogs. I hate grapefruit and George I learned doesn’t like Souse. I promised a good review because they provided exemplary service and just an experience that you don’t have anywhere else. They went above and beyond, Kathy even slid me a water to keep my beak wet. Genuinely I enjoyed the time spent with George and Kathy, and yearn for more. I will be back and I really do look forward to sharing more life experiences with these two down to earth but legendary individuals. Another gentleman there referred to them as mom and dad and even that guy was so welcoming, helpful, and full of positive interaction. Thank you guys for a lunch that did positively affect my life, and this will not be the last time that I enjoy The Roast Grill. If there was anything else I could do to support this business, I’d love to learn but this is all I could muster for now. Best wishes to this business and the community that allow it to be there...

I had my first hot dog here when I was in highschool and had been stopping in to Marsh Woodwinds to get some pads on my sax replaced. Since it was almost lunch time, the guy working the counter said he'd replace the pads for free if I picked up lunch for him and the shop owner while the stayed. He gave me their order and some cash to pay for it and even said I should get myself a dog or two if I wanted to. He said they were the best in town.

When I crossed the street and looked at the place he had just praised so highly, it didn't exactly look like I imagined. The outside facade is pretty beat up and more than a few of the letters in the neon sign no longer lit up. Despite its appearence, the name matched so I figured it was at least the right place but that he had to have been exaggerating about the food. The appearence inside is certainly better - rather than looking a bit run down its more that it has character and actually looks about as old as it is.

I placed the order, including two basic dogs with chili and mustard for myself, and they had it ready for me in about a minute. After that I was hooked and would make weekly trips there with friends during lunch - given the distance to my school at the time this would have been impossible at any place less speedy. I'm not entirely sure though why I found the place so endearing though. The hotdogs were probably the best I've had in the area, cheap and served fast. They were still just hotdogs though - admittedly charred just the way I like them and with a good balance of toppings. I think there's something about the place that, for lack of a better and less condescending description, I have to simply...

Stopped by today for lunch and was greeted with a hello and be right with you. Old School Customer, Place definitely hasn't been updated and honestly I liked that. It reminded me of a place I used to go as a child. I didn't like that they didn't serve ketchup because I like a hotdog with Ketchup & Chili but the gentleman behind the counter assured me that I didn't need it because the Chili was homemade. It was good but I did miss my ketchup.

They take cash only and I had to walk to the ATM but I honestly didn't mind that either. All in all, the hotdog was great, the customer service was great. The old school vibe and classic Coke in a bottle was the perfect touch to the vibe.

I will definitely go back and bring my own ketchup because everything else was spot on for this hidden gem in a modernized Downtown Raleigh.

Also, I'd like to add that they informed me they just celebrated 84 years in business. I feel blessed to be able to witness 84 Years of Entrepreneurship at its finest and I sincerely hope that you're able to continue to thrive in today's world because that is what America is truly built on....