It was very crowded which would lead you to believe the food was pretty good. I can honestly say I wasn’t disappointed in my sandwich fare, but not overly impressed either. The atmosphere of the place is very modern with artwork from Roanoke’s past on the walls in the entryway.

I chose the onion rings over the fries and these were excellent. Done just right if you ask me. My sandwich (the Cuban Pork) was a little on the bland side. Don’t get me wrong, it was tasty but I think could’ve used a little more attention to the right combination of herbs and/or spices.

All in all it was a good lunchtime meal with the downtown crowd.

The respectfully restored log cabin is the perfect spot for a cup of iced tea during this heat wave and the hot tea was perfect too (try the strawberry!). Bagels baked fresh after you order them is a unique offering not to be found in the Roanoke Valley. (They also have scones, yum!) It is tastefully decorated and with the beautiful wood floors and electic collection of tables and furniture, a perfect place to meet for tea time.

I had the artichoke heart and spinach bagle with strawberry tea. I also tried the cinnamon scone, it was all very good. They have many different bagle varieties and spreads to choose from with a large selection of teas as well. Allison particularly liked the tea warmer they bring to your table to keep your tea piping hot, just the way she likes it.

I believe the atmosphere and light fare make the perfect place for a business meeting, so future real estate clients can expect to go there!

Allison and myself and good friends Andrew and Polly ate there over the weekend and ordered up two pizzas. I personally thought the atmosphere is fantastic. We dined outdoors on their patio complete with big screen television (showing the race, blah!), ceiling fans and comfortable seats. The service was excellent and the smell from the brick oven really built up some anticipation! They have a great variety of pizzas to choose from or you can customize your own.

All in all I highly recommend stopping by this charming little restaurant for a great time and excellent food.

Directions can be found on the Fork in the Alley website, but if you know where First Presbyterian Church is at Jefferson Street and Crystal Spring Avenue, it’s behind and to the side of it (off of Crystal Spring Avenue). It’s also behind it’s sister restaurant, Spoon on the Avenue.