Hurricane Helene Update

We are thinking of our neighbors in SWVA and are grateful for the first responders and organizations that are providing assistance. Virginia's Blue Ridge region (Cities of Roanoke & Salem and Counties of Botetourt, Franklin, & Roanoke) was fortunate to sustain minimal damage from the storm and our local businesses are open and ready to welcome visitors. Learn More

Image
Search
Search
×

Bar Crawl in Downtown Roanoke, VA

The Downtown Roanoke Bar Crawl is a fun way to experience many of the unique restaurants and bars of Roanoke's Historic Downtown district.

We've created this self-guided, walkable crawl that leads you to some of the most popular watering holes in Downtown Roanoke and offers some advice and recommendations on what you should try.

The selections cover a broad range of drinks, including local craft beer, signature cocktails, and wines from around the world. Even the pickiest drinker will find something to enjoy on the crawl!

From the couple who's looking for a fun night on the town, to the large group that wants to create a wandering party, this bar crawl will lead you on a night full of delicious drinks in Virginia's Blue Ridge. With all the options, it might take you a couple nights!

As always, please drink responsibly.

The bars are listed in alphabetical order. Refer to our map to pick out the spots you want to visit during your crawl.

Cheers!

Alejandro's

 

A photo posted by Liz Long (@lizclong07) on

Have a fiesta and enjoy some margaritas at this popular Mexican restaurant! You'll want to wash down your chips and salsa with a Texas Margarita - the restaurant's Award-Winning margarita that consists of Gold Tequila, Triple Sec, Harlequin, Gran Gala, Lime Juice, Orange Juice, Sweet & Sour, Margarita mix, and a splash of club soda & coke, served on the rocks.

Billy's

 

A video posted by Billy's Roanoke (@billysroanoke) on

Located in a building that once operated as a brothel among the heart of Roanoke's bar district for thirsty railroad workers during the city's early days, Billy's is now a hip restaurant with a beautiful, classic bar that serves creative takes on classic cocktails.

We recommend either the Scout Fashion or the Prohibition Punch. The Scout Fashion is the Billy's take on an Old Fashioned, with muddle dark Italian cherries, brown sugar cube, chocolate bitters, Old Scout Bourbon, and an orange slice. The Prohibition Punch is a mixture of dark rum, Grand Marnier, Passion Fruit Liqueur, fresh lemon juice & champagne.

Big Lick Brewing Company

Big Lick Brewing Company Patio - Roanoke VA

This downtown brewery features an awesome taproom with some tasty brews. The small scale production allows them to frequently change what's being brewed, but you can't go wrong with any of the options at Big Lick!

Corned Beef & Co.

Pick the perfect cocktail at Corned Beef & Co, such as the Kettle One Madras or any other drink that can be made from over 100 choices of liquor.

There's always a party at Corned Beef & Co., such as dancing on Wednesday through Saturday or Karaoke on Thursdays. They also feature a beautiful rooftop patio and a fantastic dining menu.

Jack Brown's

 

A photo posted by Jack Browns Roanoke (@jbsroanoke) on

There's always a good crowd at Jack Brown's! And with some of the best burgers in town and a selection of over 130 beers, it's easy to see why it's so popular!

Lucky

 

A video posted by Lucky (@luckyroanoke) on

With bartenders who've received extensive training in the art of creating delicious cocktails, the selection of drinks at Lucky is as good as you'll find anywhere in the country and the atmosphere is second-to-none.

Try The Cube - a giant ice cube comprised of juiced ginger root and gala apples, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, juniper berries, allspice, hibiscus, vanilla bean, sugar and a pinch of salt. This incredible cocktail is served in a rocks glass and smoked with Applewood and 2 ounces of small batch bourbon.

You'll also love The Handsome Devil, which features Smooth Ambler Old Scout Bourbon, Lillet Blanc, mint, lemon, sugar and peach bitters.

Martin's Downtown Bar & Grill

 

A photo posted by @martinsdowntown on

Known for being one of the best nightlife spots in Virginia's Blue Ridge, Martin's Downtown Bar & Grill is home to great drinks and great live music. Martin's offers live music at least five nights a week that starts at 10:00pm. And how can you not love a place where one of the most popular drinks is named after the owner?!

The Jason Martin Special (JMS) is a blend of citrus vodka, blue curacao, and sour mix. There's also the Frozen Cali Bomb, which is made from orange vodka, cranberry juice, and red bull. Or, you can try the Moscow Mule - a mix of vodka and ginger beer that's served in a copper mug.


Late Night Eats

Because any night of drinking isn't complete without some late night dining, here are some great spots in Downtown Roanoke that stay open into the early morning hours to quench your appetite.

Benny Marconi's

 

A photo posted by Benny Marconi's (@bennymarconis) on

Your vision may be blurry, but it's not playing tricks on you when you see the slice of pizza from Benny Marconi's that's the size of your head! It's enormous, delicious, and the restaurant is open until 2am. Benny's pizza FTW!

Jack Brown's

 

A photo posted by Jack Browns Roanoke (@jbsroanoke) on

The 100% all natural Wagyu beef burgers from Jack Brown's will really hit the spot when you're craving something tasty. Jack Brown's also offers daily burger specials that feature some unique combinations of toppings.

Texas Tavern

Many nights of partying have included a stop at this local landmark. Open 24 hours a day, the Texas Tavern is the perfect nightcap after you've hit all the bars. Sober up with a Cheesy Western burger and a bowl of "Chile" with onions.

Roanoke Region Spotlight

Visit local craft breweries that are producing award-winning beer.