Texas Tavern

Texas Tavern is the #1 place to go for a good hot dog and chile. I enjoy going there whenever I desire a good hot dog and chile. They’re the best!!!

Who doesn’t love TT? Love everything!

Gets 5 stars because its a local icon! It is an experience and one that has to be passed down through generations. MY kids even love coming to the TT!

Awesome little dive — a staple in Roanoke. A must try at least once. Little burgers taste so much better when you’ve been drinking. Since heading over there, I’ve seen quite a few news stories that they also do a lot to support the community so I like that :)

The burger was fair and their version of chili was different but at night it seems that there are not very many choices. The food is not the reason people come in but rather the atmosphere. A 10 stool diner is not common but the staff provide a show with your dinner.

Texas Tavern is the #01 dive in Roanoke. Take a drive down Church Ave, and you’ll see why: a tiny brick and mortar building that houses a counter, 10 seats, and a no-​frills menu of hamburgers, hot dogs, and «chile» from a recipe that’s almost 100 years old.
Walking in, I could tell there was a system in place, and the two hardworking gentlemen behind the counter didn’t have time to deal with questions — they were too busy cooking, throwing banter, and dishing up greasy grub. Therefore, I thought I’d give fellow tourists tips so that you can keep up with the slick system when it’s your turn to order:
(01) «Bowl» = Code for «bowl of chili» — Everyone gets a bowl of chili. It’s a recipe heavy on the meat + beans, and every customer adds a swirl of TT’s vinegar-​based mustard that sits on the counter. I recommend the swirl to give it a little pizzazz.
(02) «Bowl with» = Code for «bowl of chili with diced onions on top» — This is a personal preference.
(03) «Cheesy Western» = a burger with American cheese, pickle, fried egg, onion, and a sweet yellow relish — This is the most popular item on the menu. My guess is because of the fried egg with browned edges and the Texas Tavern relish on top of the thin patty.
There are other options on the menu, but if you ask any local, use combination (01) & (03) or (02) & (03), and you’ll have an iconic Roanoke meal for DIRT CHEAP. What more could you want from a tasty greasy spoon?

You will find much better burgers and better chili dogs in America than at Texas Tavern, but there’s something to be said for experiencing them at this particular place. It’s hard to find such places still left in America with such a storied past and with affordable food that most anyone can afford. I did enjoy my juicy burger, and the chili dog with onions was great. My whole order came to $ 6.
Better than the food was the people watching. The diversity of characters in this place was hilarious, and I loved listening to the cook and guests banter. That alone was worth the experience.

It’s a Roanoke classic, but I’m not really sure why. The staff is mouthy and funny and the hours are convenient but the food is nothing to write home about. You have to bring Roanoke first-​timers by to try it but let it end there.