Not long ago, I stopped by Wasena Tap and Grill to congratulate, owner, Ted Snyder on being featured on WDBJ’s Hometown Eats. While there, I wanted to get lunch and decided to try something “outside” of my usual tastes. As I looked through the menu, the Veggie Deluxe Wrap caught my eye. I’m not a vegetarian, but the description sounded amazing: Roasted onions, peppers, mushrooms, lettuce, tomato, avocado, black olives, banana peppers, chevre, balsamic. So I ordered it and took a picture to share on social. That picture is here (above) and when I posted, MANY were interested to know more about the wrap… so I decided to feature “Wasena Tap and Grill” on the blog this week!
Someone had wanted to know about the sauce, but that was simply the house salsa for the tortilla chips that came along with it. The wrap was TASTY! I was very much impressed with the flavors and would definitely order it again.
So how did I find this place? I found it when searching for restaurants here in the Roanoke Valley. My former employment taught me how to look for and find great restaurants to check out. When I first reached out, I learned that Ted, a longtime chef, was the NEW owner of the establishment. He was actually involved with the establishment’s creation in 2012 after being approached by the original owner, Doug Robinson.
My research found that Snyder has since been instrumental in designing the menu and kitchen layout, helping the restaurant become a community catalyst in the Wasena neighborhood of Roanoke.
You’ll find Wasena City Tap Room and Grill tucked into the River House building at 806 Wasena Ave SW, Roanoke. It sits right at the intersection of Wasena Park, the Greenway, and the Roanoke River. It’s a locale tailor-made for wanderers, bikers, park-goers, and anyone who wants to slide into a spot without feeling like they’re stepping into a chain restaurant.
When you walk in, you’ll see exposed beams, warm lighting, and a mix of booth and table seating. It has that industrial-meets-cozy pub feel. The outdoor seating puts you close to the greenway and river—perfect for a summer afternoon.
Right off the bat, you’ll notice the core promise: elevated pub fare + craft beer + neighborhood warmth. The “neighborhood meeting place” lives in the way they host events, run specials, and consistently expand their food and drink offerings. Their menu focuses on familiar favorites made with care. From juicy burgers to stone-fired pizzas, every dish is built to keep things simple but flavorful. As notes with the wrap I ordered, they do also offer vegan options, so there’s something for everyone to enjoy. And with 30+ beers on tap, there’s plenty of choices including a wide selection of local and craft brews to pair with your meal. If cocktails are more your style, you’ll find some great choices there as well—perfect for happy hour or a casual night out.
If you live in or travel through Roanoke, be sure to check out the local spot that’s been quietly winning hearts—Wasena City Tap Room & Grill. It’s not just a place to eat; it’s a meeting place, breathing life into its neighborhood with food, beer, live music, and the kind of laid-back vibe that makes you want to stay a little longer.
