Aromas On Oak — Restaurant in Roanoke

I do not want to give this place a bad review, but I do want to share my honest feedback, as I have been in at least a dozen times now. I came in for the first time right after they opened. Based on my first experience, I didn't plan to come back but decided to wait a bit and give it another chance! There are a few things that keep me coming back... 1. The location. 2. How cute the inside is. 3. I have been in several times when the owner was there, and I appreciate how he treats his customers and how kind he is. To be honest, I am not very impressed with the coffee, especially the iced drinks, but I am also pretty picky and an avid coffee shop goer. I stick to hot beverages there now. I have tried quite a few iced lattes, but I can never taste any coffee. I have also stopped purchasing pastries there. They typically do not taste fresh and are microwaved I believe and pretty soggy. The only other not ideal thing that I have noticed the majority of the times I have visited is how loud the baristas talk amongst themselves. If it's a day where they are really busy and there are kids running around and lots of people gathering, it is completely understandable that the baristas would match that. However, I am typically there when it is very quiet and almost every customer is working, but the baristas are still so incredibly loud and hoot and holler amongst themselves. A few of the ladies never seem like they want to be there and would much rather play than work. I usually have to put headphones on to drown them out so I can focus. The only other thing I have noticed is that they allow non service animals into the establishment. On top of that, I have witnessed, on multiple occasions, baristas petting dogs and then going right back to making orders. Even though there are a few things I would really like to see be better, it is overall a good spot. Again, the owner is very kind, and I definitely want to see this coffee shop succeed. You can't go wrong with being in downtown Roanoke! I will most likely continue to come in from time to time due to...

(UPDATE 1/20/25) I’ve been back twice. The owner really took feedback to heart. We had a cappuccino, americano, spinach quiche, bacon quiche and a chocolate croissant. Everything was great!! I think the coffee is the same, but it wasn’t as bitter (maybe my taste buds are having a better day). Service was excellent (never a problem). The interior is now warm and aesthetically much more comfortable. Love the gold/green with the dark ceiling. The lighting is more subdued in all the good ways! No more ‘operating-room’ feel. Definitely recommend this place!! (Original review) Had a cortado, latte and drip coffee, as well as quiche and a muffin. Muffin was good, quiche was good but not cooked well in the center, and all of our coffees were quite bitter. Service was very kind and the store is decorated very well. (This is really petty, and the shop probably has no control, but the overhead lighting is strong fluorescent and gives a cold/operating room feel.) Will be back to try the coffee again, and I will, for the time, recommend this place. However, if I have to continue to add lots of sugar/cream to mask the bitterness it may be a deal-breaker. Fingers crossed as I want this place...

Fantastic coffee with some unique specialty drinks. My favorites so far of these have been the Tiramisu Latte, Coco-caramel latte (think liquid Samosa Girl Scout cookie, and their Magic Lemonade.

They are very supportive of the local community. They sell area small business food items and even some local charming crafts. For example, they sell bagels from Dan's Bagels, Kolaches from Donut Paradise, and baked goods from Everett & Elaine. Currently, they are selling whimsical crochet keychains from a local high school girl.

On top of all of that they hold a monthly fundraiser for some of the smaller not as well known local charities. They also have a local business of the week they support with promotion on their socials and in store.

Staff wise they are all really cool, laid back, friendly, and extra sure that you love what you ordered. If they didn't get it quite to your taste they will happily remake it for you.

The atmosphere is like a welcoming butterfly or fairy garden. There is a lot of greenery. As well as a large floral wall mural that was painted by a local artist.

They occasionally have live...