Texas Tavern — Restaurant in Roanoke

I almost never leave reviews (and especially not one-star reviews) for restaurants/venues that I visit, but after the experience my partner and I just had at Texas Tavern, I feel like this needs to be said.

My one-star rating has very little to do with the food, which is pretty basic diner food, and a lot more to do with the atrocious service we received from one of the Tavern's employees. I don't say this lightly, but honestly, the entire incident felt very racially-motivated.

Last night, my partner and I visited Texas Tavern for the first time. There were two employees working and only one other customer eating when we walked in. We sat at the counter, ordered our food to-go, paid (and tipped) without any issues.

About five minutes into the wait, one of the employees, an older man, packed our food into a couple of bags, but set them behind the counter and proceeded to help other customers that trickled in.

For the next fifteen minutes, we watched as new customers (some with larger orders than ours) got their food and left while we waited patiently for ours to be ready. We made eye-contact with the older employee several times, but he didn't say a word to us.

Eventually, the cook looked at the older employee, and said, "Are you going to give them their food?"

The older employee sighed and plopped our food (which had been sitting behind the counter for close to 20 minutes, completely finished) down in front of us. When my partner asked if the food had been finished the whole time, the older employee looked at him, shrugged and smirked. No apology. No explanation.

It was pretty clear to us that this employee's behavior wasn't an accident, and the cold burgers we ended up eating weren't worth the horrendous service.

For a “family-owned” establishment whose business model revolves around making people feel comfortable and welcome while they enjoy classic diner fare, all I can say is that was NOT our...

By far one of the worst upkept places iv ever had the misfortune of stepping in. The old drunken woman behind the counter seemed to not be able to understand English or a willingness to talk with us at all. Been waiting almost a year to be able to get a chance to stop in, and despite walking in with the highest of hopes for this little hole in the wall. Being insulted for not understanding what was being said and how this place functions or operates, wasnt the warmest of welcomes. Attempted to order anyway, So we placed our order and then I was directed to the Atm in the corner, which has an obscene withdrawl charge. Because they were apparently cash only. This was the absolute worst and most uncomfortable environment in everyway possible. Most regretted attempt at an experience that iv ever encountered. Iv worked and operated many food establishments for over 19 years, the hot dogs were not refrigerated nor the condiments CLEARLY they have a deal worked out with the local health inspector because just by basic food and health and safety food handling knowledge, that place was just rancid to say the least. After me and my wife felt so out of place,embarrassed and insulted all at the same time, all this because we have never been there before as we were poked fun of further. The entire experience felt more like that of a hazing ritual then a Friday night out enjoying a food establishment that iv never been before. I encourage any and everyone to steer clear and far. Not worth the Hassel not to mention they charge 3 dollars. Cash. Per 15 miniutes, to park in their parking lot to get food from their establishment aka customers. Places like this are disgraceful. And are the problem in culinary. That place really dulls the shine of this beautiful...

The Texas Tavern holds a very special place in my heart. My father took me here for the first time in the mid-1990's. Got what they called "streakers" (just a plain hotdog). Graduated up to getting their bowls of chili and eventually their Cheesy Westerns. For the longest time I was reticent of trying their hotdog chile. Dad always would say, "It's great! You'll love it - You'll never have a 'hot without it, once you try it." Oh how right your were, Dad. Anytime after that, if I was hesitant on trying something new, he'd just say "it's like chile on the hotdog."

The cuisine is simple but VERY flavorful. It brings with it a whole history of Roanoke with it, one that has been passed from generation to generation. Everyone is equal at the T'n'T - Everyone has the same service, the same food, and pays the same way. "They don't cash checks, or play with bumble-bees." ;-) They have 10 stools, the very same 10 stools from 90 years ago, when the place opened. They are cash-only, but last time I was there, they had an ATM in-house and one just down the street. Its open 24-hours, 363.5 days out of the year. They close early on Christmas Eve and stay closed through Christmas Day.

This place has fabulous hotdogs, hamburgers, bean chili, and a meaty hotdog chile. They also serve breakfast from 5am-10am. Matt, Tim, and the rest of the guys have made it their life's work to make this place one of Roanoke's finest and longest serving restaurants. It is also, by far, my absolute favorite place to eat. Go, savor, and enjoy every minute of your time in the 'Tavern - no matter the hour. 1000/10 - Would recommend this...