The Rô on Oak

Tl;dr Cool bar that offers a speakeasy decor and cocktail menu. The spirit selection here was very good. And I believe that the base of a good cocktail is a good spirit. The mixers were also made in house or at least more premium "store" bought versions. This again leads to higher level cocktails than you'd get at a more chain type restaurant. No neon colored mixers. Server was polite, but she was clearly pushing us to get drinks a bit faster. Place was hardly filling up while we were there. Around 9pm still half empty. When we ordered our second cocktail we got a bowl of popcorn with tajin. Very nice to snack on with a drink. Music gets a bit loud and is more like an early 2000s club mix. Lil John, Usher, etc. Considering the decor and vibe seems to be speakeasy, and it's not tons of seating, the music choice seemed strange. Still for the overall ability to go sit in a nicely appointed bar and have semi private seating with attentive service (and let's not forget some very choice cocktails) the Ro gets high marks from us

Amazing first experience at the latest speakeasy to pop up, and this time it’s in one of our favorite sleepy little towns. First impression of this place is that it’s a cozy little spot with tons of charm and flavor, with enough room to accommodate a quiet night out all the way up to a birthday group hang. We started out with Learning To Fly and The Night Owl as our first round of cocktails. Then we ordered the Wagyu Meatballs app and the PFB Flatbread, which were both delicious. After the bites we finished with another Night Owl and a Start Me Up. Our bartender for the evening, Jack, was awesome and provided exceptional service. 10/10 will definitely go back, so make room on your list of places to experience.

This used to be one of my favorite places to go in Roanoke after work for a nice happy hour. I went this past Thursday, 2/4, a little after 4 PM and I thought I was at a heavy metal concert. The music was terrible and loudly irritating. The music was one of my favorite things about this place as it was a nice mixture. Apparently, not anymore. My friend and I sat at the bar and had to get one of the two bartenders attention to order drinks and food. Very sad as this was one of my go to spots.

Once I walked through the curtain door I knew this place would be legit. And legit it is, cocktails are made with great attention to detail, and perfection. The atmosphere is a very nice old antique speak easy style. Definitely the spot to go to for good cocktails or to take a date on. Updating my review given the new management and changes. So I remember under the old management coming here and celebrating a birthday for a friend of mine. They had had the sparklers and gave the birthday guest a piece of free cheesecake. So tonight we came to celebrate a friends birthday, and we told the server that it was his birthday. She said they don't do the sparklers anymore, but they do something else, with lights and music etc... so I basically said great whatever to embarrass him. But little did we know that we are now getting charged for these things. The things being a Marilyn Monroe thing with cotton candy, chocolates and strawberries and the second being a birthday cake shot. Sure the Marilyn Monroe thing I can see being charged for it, but it wasn't explained to us. Now being charged the birthday cake shot is what I don't understand being charged for, like I stated nothing was explained to us, and had I not picked up the birthday person's tab... Would he have gotten charged for it? So to charge a $45 for the Marilyn thing and $13 for the birthday shot without really tell us that you're charging for it, really rubs off in the wrong way, especially when it used to be a free thing with the cheesecake. So I just caution people to think twice before telling the server that it's someone's birthday. But I will say a positive and that the server was very good with keeping the drinks coming, and was good spirited the whole time.

I cannot speak highly enough about this cocktail bar. Their drinks and so tasty and unique. We hosted a party here, and all of our guests were so impressed with the staff, the drinks, the little bites of food we had, and the vibe and decor of the bar itself. The Ro on Oak will forever be a special place in our hearts, and we cannot wait to continue celebrating life with them there! Thanks to their team for such a great event!!!

I’ve been coming to The Ro off and on for a little over a year. It used to be one of those cozy spots where you could count on friendly bartenders, great conversation, and a warm vibe that made you want to stay a while. Lately, though, it’s felt a bit different. The staff seems to change pretty often, and the familiar faces I used to look forward to seeing aren’t around much anymore. The new team is nice, but the overall energy has shifted and it’s not as welcoming as it used to be. I usually sit at the bar, and I’ve noticed management doesn’t really engage with guests the way they used to, this is what makes me the saddest. Before management changed, the old GM would greet people, make everyone feel at home, and set the tone for the place. Now, things feel a little cold and disconnected. Even the bartenders seem tense, like they’re not encouraged to chat or get to know the regulars. That’s why we haven’t been back. It’s a shame, because The Ro used to have that neighborhood charm that made it special. I really hope it can get back to that! Just great drinks, friendly faces, and a comfortable spot to unwind at the end of the day. ALSO, i’m getting old and I would love if you had at least one physical menu like a normal, inclusive space that you used to be!

The decor creates a unique atmosphere that I love. The portion sizes were bigger than I expected, which was awesome. Our server Franchesca was very nice and attentive. She suggested a drink that was a big hit. Overall, it was a great experience!

Came here last night for girls night. Drinks were great, just made happy hour. Wish there was more holiday cocktail selection. The small bites were delicious, we shared 4 plates. Deviled eggs, truffle fries, whipped ricotta and pfb flatbread. Love the atmosphere so much.