Slainte!

Miss Vinegar hadn't realized that a certain amount of creeping cynicism had set in with her quest for restaurants. Too much chain food, perhaps? Too much settling for takeout? Too much purple stuff?

Whatever the reason, she resolutely did not get her hopes up for the newest Irish pub to hit the Roanoke area. And she was wrong. Very wrong.


Annie Moore's
Rte. 419 near North Cross School, Roanoke

The Food-- Nothing short of perfection, and Miss Vinegar does not say that lightly, particularly of a menu as onion-intensive as the one at Annie Moore's. From the potato cakes appetizer with bacon, cheese and sour cream to the bread pudding with whiskey sauce (and drizzled with raspberry sauce!), Miss Vinegar had the pleasure of experiencing a nearly perfect meal. Bangers and mash (here known as Bangers & More), shepherd's pie and the like appear on the entrées, and a large selection of sandwiches and salads should make everyone happy regardless of their tolerance for corned beef and cabbage.


The Service-- Fantastic! Miss Vinegar received prompt attention to all special requests from her own server and heard other staff members helpfully explaining the nature of Guinness stout to other patrons.

The Ambience-- If Miss Vinegar had pictured the perfect pub-restaurant to herself, it would have included dark old furniture, a large wooden bar, parchment-colored walls and stained-glass windows. The owners of Annie Moore's clearly pictured it that way, too.

Special Touches-- An extensive list of Irish-themed drinks, ranging in dignity from single-malt whiskey to Nutty Irishman Shooters.


Overall: ***** (a very pleased five stars out of five)