[BJWilliams]

The only real local places ive been to/enjoyed are The Cavalier and Texas Inn. I only ever got one thing at La Carreta (and yet it still keeps getting Best of FlameFans every year)

[From the class of 09]

The only real local places ive been to/enjoyed are The Cavalier and Texas Inn. I only ever got one thing at La Carreta (and yet it still keeps getting Best of FlameFans every year)

This is ridiculous...The 'burg food secenes isn't that of a large city but it has a number of decent local places in every part of town.

From my house I can walk to a pizza place, italian restaurant, sandwhich shop, burger/dive bar, and english pub.

The only time I eat at a chain is when I'm out of town and don't have anyone to recomend a good local place. The positive to chains is you know what you're getting, average.

[Humble_Opinion]

Yeah... Texas Steakhouse... oops.

[BJWilliams]

As I said, those are the only places I have been to. if I had been able to go to a few more places, I would have spoken differently. I'd like to check out the sports trivia night at rivermont pizza next time I am in town during the week

[adam42381]

How is it possible to live in Lynchburg as long as you did and only visit 3 local restaurants? You must love those big chains.

[ALUmnus]

I know there aren't many good local/non-chain options in the 'burg, but people getting excited about a national chain casual dining establishment makes me sad.

Honestly, these two things are not related. Like just about anywhere else, there are probably more good local options that can be supported by the area. It's about newness, people around here love something new, especially if it involved eating.

[BJWilliams]

How is it possible to live in Lynchburg as long as you did and only visit 3 local restaurants? You must love those big chains.

Eh...love wouldnt be the right word. I enjoy them, but mostly they were easily accessible. I didn't really go toward Rivermont much and when I went to Forest it usually was for work at the prototype building so getting something from Taco Bell was easy. I should add two other places I have made a trip to and thats Neighbors Place and Upper Crust. I'd of gladly accepted an invite to any of the local establishments otherwise (well that and having money too)

[Chris Lang]

Anyone who says there aren't good local food options in Lynchburg isn't trying. Get off Wards Road at some point and explore.

[Purple Haize]

Anyone who says there aren't good local food options in Lynchburg isn't trying. Get off Wards Road at some point and explore.

I agree 100% unless you are talking Italian. I just don't like local options.

[jbock13]

It's even more exciting if you live in Roanoke and don't even have the big national chains!

[Kolzilla41]

Anyone who says there aren't good local food options in Lynchburg isn't trying. Get off Wards Road at some point and explore.

I agree 100% unless you are talking Italian. I just don't like local options.

Really? I think Isabella's is delicious. Mangia 's food is good but their service lacks a lot in my opinion. I know we frequent more local places than chains. The two chains we do occasionally go to are Roadhouse and CFA.

[Purple Haize]

Anyone who says there aren't good local food options in Lynchburg isn't trying. Get off Wards Road at some point and explore.

I agree 100% unless you are talking Italian. I just don't like local options.

Really? I think Isabella's is delicious. Mangia 's food is good but their service lacks a lot in my opinion. I know we frequent more local places than chains. The two chains we do occasionally go to are Roadhouse and CFA.

Yeah, I know a lot of people like Isabella's and I've been there a couple of times. But it's been awhile. I do like the salads at Roadhouse. Yellow Submarine is good but I know the guy who owns the Jersey Mikes so I consider that local. Did Main St Market and CAO today. I'd say we mix it up quite a bit but we eat out a lot

[badger74]

So many more in the area too. Pho, decent Chinese, Thai, Tea rooms, we eat out often and rarely at any chain except CFA. BTW Zaxby's ??? Nothing much there--just fried chicken bits. Meh.

BTW finally here full-time now. And fully retired. YES!!

[Purple Haize]

So many more in the area too. Pho, decent Chinese, Thai, Tea rooms, we eat out often and rarely at any chain except CFA. BTW Zaxby's ??? Nothing much there--just fried chicken bits. Meh.

BTW finally here full-time now. And fully retired. YES!!

Application to the revoked!

[Sly Fox]

Congratulations, badger74!

Pho in the Lynchburg? Banh Mi as well? I have to admit that I am pleasantly surprised by the rapid growth of Vietnamese food across the nation.

[Cider Jim]

Sly, we just had a restaurant open up in Forest that advertises "Vietnamese Noodles" (I think that's actually the name of the restaurant). I really don't know what that is or what it tastes like. Have anyone been or had that kind of noodles before?

[Purple Haize]

Sly, we just had a restaurant open up in Forest that advertises "Vietnamese Noodles" (I think that's actually the name of the restaurant). I really don't know what that is or what it tastes like. Have anyone been or had that kind of noodles before?

Why not ask the fat guy? I have had Pho noodles and they are surprisingly good. Not something I'd go out of the way for but good.

[ATrain]

It's even more exciting if you live in Roanoke and don't even have the big national chains!

CLEARLY someone NEVER goes by Valley View Mall or down 419 (Electric Rd).

That said, Downtown Roanoke does have some great local eateries. Salem also has a couple good ones as well.

Also, Isabella's (in Boonsboro) does have good Italian, and I did enjoy getting pizza from Upper Crust when I lived in Wyndhurst, my parents like Neighbor's Place and Waterstone (downtown) is good as well.

[ALUmnus]

I had Pho at a place on Timberlake last year and it was nasty. Probably won't be trying any Vietnamese again for a while.

[Sly Fox]

Vietnamese noodles are indeed called Pho. Ask the proprietors for the proper pronunciation. Down here in Texas, all SE Asian immigrants have to be processed through Houston. Combined with all of the families who worked with the US Government during the way that were moved here to become fishermen, we have a huge Vietnamese population here in Houston and on my sid eof town in particular. There are probably 100 Pho shops within 20 miles of my house. I'm not a huge fan but it makes a nice diversion every now and then.

As for Banh Mi .... that is another story altogether. They are sandwiches made fanous in Saigon and now all the rage in places with Vietnamese populations like Houston & Los Angeles. They are served on baguettes (French influence from colonial days) and feature seasoned meats. Think your typical sandwich shop with a ton of flavor added. My son & I are big fans.

[Kolzilla41]

So is there anything new coming here? There is a Charlie's Chicken in the old La Carreta on Timberlake.

[jbock13]

It's even more exciting if you live in Roanoke and don't even have the big national chains!

CLEARLY someone NEVER goes by Valley View Mall or down 419 (Electric Rd).

That said, Downtown Roanoke does have some great local eateries. Salem also has a couple good ones as well.

Also, Isabella's (in Boonsboro) does have good Italian, and I did enjoy getting pizza from Upper Crust when I lived in Wyndhurst, my parents like Neighbor's Place and Waterstone (downtown) is good as well.

My apologies, I meant to refer to things like Cheesecake Factory, or Mellow Mushroom. Moe's is non existent as well.

[ATrain]

It's even more exciting if you live in Roanoke and don't even have the big national chains!

CLEARLY someone NEVER goes by Valley View Mall or down 419 (Electric Rd).

That said, Downtown Roanoke does have some great local eateries. Salem also has a couple good ones as well.

Also, Isabella's (in Boonsboro) does have good Italian, and I did enjoy getting pizza from Upper Crust when I lived in Wyndhurst, my parents like Neighbor's Place and Waterstone (downtown) is good as well.

My apologies, I meant to refer to things like Cheesecake Factory, or Mellow Mushroom. Moe's is non existent as well.

Blacksburg has a Mellow Mushroom, give it time...Roanoke will get one too. If it makes you feel any better, I have to go all the way to Rockwall, Arlington or Frisco for one.

Moe's...well, there's a Moe's Deli off of Melrose Ave Truthfully no idea why there isn't one in the Valley View area. Seems like it would fit right in.

Cheesecake Factory...yeah, maybe when Trader Joe's comes to Roanoke too

However, you do have Carraba's, Cheddars, Smokey Bones and Abuellos

[ALUmnus]

your use of the emoticon sometimes confuses me

[jcmanson]

Mellow Mushroom is the last chain that comes to mind whenthinking of aucky chains. Actually, they don't come to mind, at all.