
The River and Rail Restaurant
Roanoke · $$$
4.7(696)

Roanoke, VA · $$$
Euro inspired fare. Old-world spirits. Downtown charm.
“After a small hiccup in service to start the evening we were absolutely delighted with our experience at Sidecar. The staff clearly went above and beyond to overcome an initial delay in taking our order that we know was caused by a problem with staff which was both unusual and frankly could have happened almost anywhere. The way it was handled however showed a genuine appreciation and respect for customers and in the long run left us with an even more positive impression of Sidecar than if we had simply had fantastic food. And yes the food was fantastic! They offer an excellent array of cocktails. The Wednesday prix fixe dinner was a great value. We added two of the Eggs Mimosa as a small appetizer and they were super. The salad that came with dinner was delicious and super fresh. The main course the night we dined was a flatiron steak served with roasted heirloom carrots and creamed spinach. Our steaks were cooked exactly how we wanted them and the spinach was excellent. The lavender ice-cream with a deconstructed baklava dessert was over the top! Very creative and the flavor was phenomenal. Between the exceptional service, the creative menu and the outstanding quality of the food we can't wait to go back to Sidecar.”
“We came for date night and were blown away. The ambiance is amazing and sets the perfect mood. Our server was incredibly sweet and made sure the kitchen was aware of allergies. Do yourself a favor and get the steak frites and caviar dip. It gets packed so I would recommend getting a reservation if you want a table”
“A Must-Visit Gem in Roanoke! Sidecar is hands-down one of the best dining experiences in Roanoke. Nestled in the heart of downtown, this modern European gastropub offers a cozy yet upscale ambiance that feels like a quick trip to Paris without leaving Virginia. From the moment you walk in, you're greeted with warmth and hospitality that makes you feel like a cherished guest. The menu is a culinary adventure—French and German-inspired dishes with a creative twist. Favorites include the Foie Gras & Lamb Meatballs, Wild Boar Bratwurst, Pan-Seared Amberjack, and the decadent Toffee Sea Salt Caramel Bread Pudding. Their Belgian Frites with Curry Ketchup are a must-try, and the Charcuterie Board is perfect for sharing. But what truly sets Sidecar apart is the cocktail program. With over 200 bourbon options and signature drinks like the Talk To Me Goose and 1929 Martini, the bar is a destination in itself. The bartenders are knowledgeable and passionate, crafting each drink with precision and flair. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just looking for a memorable night out, Sidecar delivers on all fronts—impeccable service, elevated cuisine, and an atmosphere that’s both lively and intimate. It’s no wonder it’s consistently rated among the top restaurants in Roanoke. Highly recommended. Can’t wait to return!”
“We had a great dinner at Sidecar this evening. Surprised that there wasn’t more reviews for this place. It’s a busy place and we were lucky to be able to get a seat after a couple of mins wait. New Manhattan and French 75 cocktails were delicious and a great way to start our dinner - we love Prohibition Era cocktails! We had Sidecar Oysters, Rabbit en croute, Belgian Frites and sausage platter. All were amazing. Great vibe, great cocktails and amazing menu. Highly recommended!”
“Cool spot and atmosphere with great service and a unique menu. Cocktails (B-A-N-A-N-A-S, Sangria, Pear Necessities, and Lemon Meringue) were a bit underwhelming, except for the Lemon Meringue, which perfectly lived up to its moniker. Went for all 8 selections on the Charcuterie and Fromage Board and everything was outstanding, especially the Turbinado Brûlée on the Humboldt Fog, that is special! Frites with Garlic Aioli, Brussels Sprouts, and 4-Sausage Platter were all fantastic as well, particularly enjoyed all of the spices and variety of meats in the sausages, as well as their accompaniments. Chocolate Pot De Creme for dessert was wonderful as well!”
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