If it’s an authentic contemporary southern meal with “Big Easy” flair that you’re looking for, you may not need to purchase an airline ticket to New Orleans. Step into SoRo Chill & Grille and smell aroma from the Cajun spices that fill the air.
Named after the nearby South Roanoke neighborhood, the new locally owned and operated eatery’s doors were opened last September by owners Angela Drinkard and Ron Revia. They completed extensive renovations to the existing retail space most recently inhabited by a frame shop in Piccadilly Square Shopping Center.
The renovations include a communal table created within the bar that seats 30 people. “The communal table, often more popular in the northern states, encourages mingling with other diners and most patrons like that. It’s a less formal arrangement than a restaurant area, and bar-type foods as well as the full menu is available to order from,” remarked Drinkard. Flat screens are also featured in the lounge area.
“The eatery has two fireplaces inside, enjoyed by diners in the winter, and there is outside seating available, which has been popular for lunch with the warmer temperatures,” added Drinkard. While the owners and staff do not consider the separate dining area to be fine dining, patrons may beg to differ because Head Chef and Kitchen Manager Kristy Pilot appears to have the art of food presentation down to a science. Various bands and musicians provide musical entertainment on a rotating basis on Thursday and Saturday evenings.
Judging by the line of patrons extending to the outside deck last Saturday evening, there is no shortage of business, and those waiting to be seated appeared to be having a festive time and didn’t mind the wait.
The goal and philosophy of the owners is to invest in Southwest Virginia by patronizing local businesses and suppliers for products needed by the business. Each of the owners has their own niche. “I am more hands-on and he is more behind the scenes,” said Drinkard.
When the eatery initially opened, customers had some fun with a “trial” menu, which the owners used to get feedback so they could weed out the dishes that weren’t as popular. Two of the most popular dishes are “Shrimp and Grits” and “Pasta Mardi Gras.” A vegetarian special is featured nightly. For those who aren’t into Cajun, there are more traditional menu items including pasta dishes, seafood, burgers, clubs and salads. A mixed grill of offerings is available for both lunch and dinner and the Sunday brunch menu is extensive and varied, with all dishes made from scratch.
Drinkard and Regia have worked for and with some of the best restaurateurs in the industry. She started in the restaurant business 15 years ago and loves it. Regia grew up with his grandparents owning a restaurant in Louisiana and he also opened a Copeland’s in New Orleans under the supervision of the late Al Copeland, one of the foremost authorities on Cajun food and restaurants.
“This has always been a dream of ours,” enthused Drinkard.
Located at 3117 Franklin Road, the hours of operation are Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Friday 11 a.m. – midnight; Saturday 10 a.m. – midnight, and Sunday 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
For additional information, visit sorogrille.com.
By Susan Ayers [email protected]
Yum! I will be in Roanoke Valley in 3 weeks to visit family and I am definitely going to eat here! Thank you so much for the article
Thanks that was a great read. I can’t believe it myself, but my wife and I will have been married 10 years next weekend. We met in Italy, and we had the most delicious shrimp pasta in this little cafe in Rome. I’ve been scouring the web for a decent sounding recipe to see if I can’t make some myself to surprise her, and I even found a whole shrimp pasta homepage full of them! Thought you might like to know, you can find anything on the net nowadays it seems!
we attempted to support angela (part owner) and went several times a week until we had an encounter with her partner(part owner). it was during football season and he overheard us talking about the crowds at other places in the area and apparently was VERY offended. the food has always been hit or miss and now with his arrogance,we are giving him all the free advertisement he can stand and from the looks of the cars in the parking lot or lack thereof, the way he runs his business is showing. we will continue to spend our money @ carlos & montanos where your business is appreciated
Nasty food and ugly waitstaff, host the worst , very rude. Do not recommend going, very loud as well.