Even if you're not sure what it is, the sign erases any doubt.
Welcome to the Wasena City Tap Room and Grill.
The name comes from the 32-beers on tap, including "root" for the more traditional taste buds.
And, the "grill" comes from a kitchen that makes just about anything.
"Everything is homemade from scratch. we put a lot of effort into it," says owner Doug Robison.
But, the Tap Room is trying to make its own way.
Nearly a century ago, this was an Icehouse.
Now, it's a restaurant in one of Roanoke's newest Ed Walker developments. Click here to see more pictures of it.
Says Robison, "He's very good at picking out locations. Same types of locations I like. Buildings with lots of character in the middle of an established neighborhood."
The character comes from the exposed brick, original windows and 38-foot restored beamed ceilings.
A far cry where it was just a couple years ago.
"If you were ever on the greenway, you'd walk by and say what is that?" says the reporter.
"Yeah, what is this giant monolithic building sitting there empty and abandoned. Well, now it's a viable enterprise," responds Robison.
The revitalization aspect appealed to Doug Robison and his wife Evie EV-e who already own the Wildflower restaurant in Roanoke.
But, something different in a different area, cinched it.
Says Robison, "To take over a space like that and make it something that creates jobs and generates revenue, it's perfect economic solution to having things just standing empty."
The restaurant has been open about 3-weeks.
Robison says its been busy.
The Tap Room is now working on growing its lunch crowd.
The Roanoke River house, which has more than 120-apartments, opened at the end of July.
It still has a few units left.
There's also one-office still available.
The big thing a lot of people are excited about is a rock climbing gym.
It was set to open this month, but the owner says it will now open in February.
