Big Lick Brewing Company, LLC

Should You Book Big Lick Brewing Company?

If you want a low-key, unpretentious spot in downtown Roanoke to drink local craft beer without spending much, Big Lick Brewing Company on Salem Ave SW is a solid call. It is easy to get into, easy on the wallet, and the kind of place where a Tuesday night feels as comfortable as a Friday. For anyone comparing options across Roanoke's bar scene, this is the go-to for value-driven craft beer without the fuss.

What to Expect

Big Lick sits in a direct taproom format — think exposed brick, communal tables, and the visual anchor of a working brewery behind the bar. The room reads industrial-casual, which works for the price point. This is not a craft cocktail lounge or a wine-forward dining room; it is a brewery taproom, and it leans into that identity without apology. The crowd tends toward the approachable end of the spectrum: locals, after-work groups, and visitors working through Roanoke's bar options. Compared to more polished venues like Fortunato or bloom Restaurant & Wine Bar, Big Lick trades finish for friendliness — and for many people, that is the right trade.

Late-Night Viability

As the evening deepens, Big Lick holds up better than quieter dining-focused spots in the area. The taproom energy tends to build rather than fade as the night progresses, making it a reasonable anchor for a bar crawl or a second stop after dinner. It is not a late-night destination in the sense that Bar Leather Apron or Jewel of the South are in their respective cities, but for Roanoke, the atmosphere at Big Lick is among the more durable options once the clock moves past 9 PM. If you want a quieter close to the night, consider Lucky Restaurant instead.

Leading Time to Visit

Weekday evenings give you the most room to breathe and a better chance of getting a seat without maneuvering. Friday and Saturday nights draw a fuller crowd, which adds energy but also noise. If you are value-hunting, check whether the brewery runs weekday specials , taprooms at this tier frequently do, and the per-pint cost is already competitive against Roanoke's full-service bar alternatives. For context on the full Roanoke bar scene, see our full Roanoke bars guide.