The story
Established in 2001 and anchored at 104 South Jefferson Street in downtown Roanoke, Frankie Rowland's Steakhouse has spent more than two decades earning its reputation as the city's premier destination for Certified Angus Beef and Prime steaks. The kind of place people return to for anniversaries and milestones — and keep coming back to simply because the standard holds.
The foundation is the steak: Certified Angus Beef and Prime cuts prepared with the seriousness the designation demands. But what distinguishes Frankie Rowland's within Roanoke's American steakhouse landscape is the depth of its beverage program. Over 200 wines are on offer, overseen by three trained sommeliers on the floor who can guide any table through pairings without pretension. That commitment earned the restaurant Wine Spectator's 2025 Award of Excellence — recognition the guide reserves for establishments with outstanding wine lists that pair well with their menus. It is a distinction Frankie Rowland's wears naturally rather than loudly.
For bourbon drinkers, the list runs to more than 120 selections, spanning everyday favorites, classics, and rare finds. The cocktail program leans into craft and seasonality — the house pineapple martini, made with fresh pineapple, has become something of a signature — and house-made desserts close the meal on the same careful note.
The bar and lounge open at 4 p.m., giving guests a relaxed lead-in before dinner service begins at 5. The steakhouse accommodates private parties as well, making it a natural choice for corporate dinners and celebrations that call for a proper room and attentive table service. With nearly 800 reviews averaging 4.5 stars, the consistency guests describe — "perfect, always" — speaks to a kitchen and floor team that take repetition seriously.
For anyone seeking a classic American steakhouse experience in Roanoke, with the wine credentials to match, Frankie Rowland's remains the benchmark.
Recognition
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