07/02/07

great relaxed neighborhood bar

by vouvray

I live across the street- probably go in once a month or so with friends, and the staff is always courteous, the beer selection is good, and the food is simple good bar food. I'd highly recommend it to anyone wanting a chill neighborhood hangout.

10/06/06

No Longer the "Mens' Club" it Used to Be

by sflefthander

I think the negative reviews here stem from a longing for bygone days. The Roanoke, under previous ownership, was more of a clubhouse for the owner and his pals. Since changing ownership, 10 years ago, the place has become more, shall we say, democratic, leaving those used to preferential treatment bent out of shape at the idea that their every wish is no longer fulfilled.

Overall, this is a homey, warm, comfortable space. I have been there many times and have always found the staff to be welcoming and friendly. They're generally smart and funny, too, which may also have rubbed some customers -- those who prefer their drinks served by zombies or attractively human-looking robots -- the wrong way. Me, I'll take some banter with my beer, thanks.

And the nachos can't be beat.

• Pros: A microcosm of Seattle. Always.
• Cons: Ping pong tables usually already occupied.

09/22/06

Non-regulars treated rudely by staff and patrons.

by thegoodguy

I have been to this establishment 3 times in the last 25 years. Each time I was either ignored or scowled at by the staff and given dirty looks by the regulars. This is a cliqueish room and probably a great hangout if you are a regular or nearby resident, but outsiders are made to feel quite unwelcome. For the record, my appearance and demeanor are normal for the neighborhood.

• Pros: none to speak of
• Cons: parking, service, ambience

Good, basic food and friendly confines make this laid-back bar and grill feel like a second home.

by Contributor

The Scene
Neighborhood sports bars don't get much more authentic than the Roanoke. From the local T-ball team trophies on the wall to the mounted deer head and requisite dogs-playing-poker embroidery, it looks and feels like a sports fan's rumpus room circa 1979. And patrons revel in it: Each night finds regulars gathered around the bar to jaw at the TV and share a joke with the bartender, while college students and work-a-days unwind over nachos and macrobrews at the surrounding tables.

The Draw
Roanoke does simple things right and sticks with them. Its wide selection of brews and simple but varied menu, including sandwiches, salads and chili, all satisfy, as do the veggie lasagna and Roanoke Burrito. But it's the standard burgers, BLTs and Hoss Dogs that hit the mark with no-frills gratification.

09/25/03

Unpretentious comfort

by greg_hickman

If you're expecting 4-star service at this neighborhood watering hole keep on moving up 10th E. to Cassis. If you find an occasional lapse in attentive service when ordering at the bar (no table service), chalk it up to the staff (usually one bartender and one cook per shift) kabitzing with regulars and making acquaintances with new patrons...or, they're just plain busy serving up delicious drinks and inviting meals. Hang on, they'll get around to you and your needs in due time. Seek out your favorite sporting event on one of 5 picture-perfect TVs or ping pong it in the beer garden out back.

• Pros: Reliable staff, Good beer selection, Good grub
• Cons: Poor reading light

07/29/03

even the menu says their service slacks

by lpjeter

This Cheers-like neighborhood tavern has stepped up to liquor-by-the-drink but certainly lacks the care, cleanliness and class it once had. If you enjoy consistent, considerate, cheerful, polite and prompt service, then you must time your patronage to the shifts of the few staff who do a competent job. Also give special credit for taco and soup specials plus the toasty pot-bellied stove during the winter.

• Pros: micro Mondays, taco specials, a dozen taps
• Cons: ghastly service, minimal smoke venting, rundown & dowdy

10/04/02

roanoke rocks!

by price914

This place is a great cozy neighborhood hangout, where people don't care what you wear and everyone's comfortable. Great food, and ping pong outside. Lots of beer and cocktails to choose from. Close to the UW, so it's easy to meet pre and post-Husky games and avoid the traffic.