Fork in the Alley

Fork in the Alley, in Roanoke, VA or FITA, is the place you want to go to when you want a hot dog outside of your father’s mustard, onion, chili routine.

The restaurant is rather small and tucked away from the street, making it somewhat hard to find unless you know what you’re looking for. This is definitely a locals’ favorite; it has a cozy and somewhat Bohemian feel. There is an outdoor area with large, comfortable wicker-type chairs that seem to encourage lounging. A second outdoor area is enclosed in heavy canvas, making you feel as though you are dining indoors. Wood adorns the inside of the restaurant giving it a pub-like atmosphere. If you imbibe, there is usually something interesting on tap beyond the usual macro offerings. If you know your beer, you will be pleased to see local/micro offerings.

What to eat at Fork In The Ally

With toppings such as Dijon mustard, chipotle mayo, olive relish, homemade pepper relish, cheese slaw (interesting!), homemade pimento cheese prepared at the local gourmet food shop next door (Tinnell’s), among others, there’s certainly enough options to liven up the common dog.

You also have your choice of meat: Kosher beef, half-smoke, Italian sausage, and bratwurst. The price is reasonable at $2.95 to $3.75 per dog, which includes a side item. Sides include coleslaw, chef’s veggie, french fries, cheese slaw, pasta salad, oven-baked mac and cheese, garlic focaccia bread, or a side salad. If you have a hearty appetite, you can add a second dog for a mere $1.95 extra.

Wood-fired pizza. You must decide whether you want a 10-inch small or 14-inch large pie, and choose the type of sauce. Sauces include herbed olive oil parmesan, herbed ricotta, Alfredo, and a traditional red sauce. Here’s the run-down on the specialty pizza prices: 10-inch small is $12.95; 14-inch large is $17.95.

As a last note, if you are looking for an adventure, try the Welsh rarebit.

Original post by Kevin M