Roma Carry Out

Reviews

• Janet K.

  star star star star star 1 June 2026

  I can't vouch for all of their food since we always get the same thing, but I CAN say that both items we order here are THE BEST ever:
  1. fried chicken-thin crispy skin, juicy meat, perfectly seasoned-they blow the competition away...addictive!
  2. lemonade-made from scratch when you order-perfect balance between sweet and tart-wonderful!
  Mary (owner?) is so friendly and efficient.
  This is a neighborhood treasure!

• James K.

  star star star star star 20 May 2026

  Great pizza! Moved down from nyc and this stuff is good! Highly Recommend to those of you craving a slice!

• Anya F.

  star star star star star 19 May 2026

  I don't think I've ever said this in the 193 reviews I've written (now 194), but this place is Woohoo! As good as it gets!
  
  I used to eat here all the time when I was 7...in 1992. I would get the hot roast beef with fries and gravy. If I was super hungry, I'd also get the Western fries. Sometimes, as a family, we'd get spaghetti and meatballs. We all had our go-to dishes.  
  
  For the past 26 years, I have scoured the earth for that sauce, the meatballs, the Western fries, and the hot roast beef with fries and gravy. Unfortunately, my family had only lived in Phoenix for a year. I couldn't remember where I'd gotten them, much less thought it was all at the same restaurant.
  
  It sounds stupid when I say it out loud now, but there was a time when I was spending $3,000 a month on eating out. Don't worry, I'm seriously judging myself along with you. California, Seattle, New York, Florida, DC, and two road trips in between, I had been unsuccessful. A part of me, as a scientist, wants to chalk up how great her food was to the familiarity and comfort of it. Do you have a great memory of a food or meal that you try again only to be like, it's not as good as I remember?
  
  I went to the Phoenix Goodwill because I saw online that they have a 50% off everything sale on the last Saturday every month. It's out of the way, but I figured it was worth a shot. Then I spotted Roma's and thought, wait, I've eaten there before.
  
  When I walked in, I saw Mary, a shockingly familiar face given I barely remember my childhood. Nervous, I ordered the hot roast beef with fries and gravy, three meatballs, and the Western fries. I wanted to order everything off the menu, but alas, I can just eat so much. I wish I hadn't played it safe and gotten the spaghetti instead of just the meatballs, because I also remember their noodles being amazing too.
  
  Today, my mind was blown again, just like when I was 7. No food has even come close, aside from I guess, chocolate milk haha. Which is liquid ambrosia.  
  
  My search is over, but alas, I am moving to New York next month. I am heart-wrenched and almost considering staying just for Mary's food. It is that mind-blowing. I would buy your meal if I could, just so you could understand.  
  
  They do take credit card, as I saw some folks mention they're cash only. The place is super clean. The walls have plaques from the fire department, who they've been supporting for 40 years. As if I could love this place anymore, they support their community. #sustainablebusiness
  
  I work at a restaurant that I thought had the best food in the DMV (DC, Maryland, Virginia), but so awkward, Roma's...I'm in love. LOVE! SO MUCH! AH!
  
  Obviously, you'd go to Baltimore to hang out with friends or to get drinks. But if you're craving bomb food, head here instead. Phoenix is a bit out of the way, but it's worth the trip. Besides, the drive is beautiful and mostly part of Maryland's scenic byway, which itself makes a wonderful date. You'll save a ton of money and be far more satisfied here than with anything in the city.
  
  If you're a millennial like me, you may wonder why this place doesn't have 600 reviews given it's been around for over 40 years. Don't let that stop you. Most of the folks who go are older, and probably don't go on Yelp. Roma's probably also struggles to attract younger folks given its location in a strip mall, the diner-style seating, and it being in Phoenix. People my age just don't live in Phoenix.
  
  After reading the other reviews that were written by older folks, they take off stars for the craziest things that you'd never see for restaurants in NYC or Seattle. I don't think these folks realize how much power Yelp now has, and how the reviews can easily make or break a restaurant. Too easily. No bathroom? It's mostly takeout! Crappy salad bar? You don't win friends with salad! (Simpsons reference). The Purdue sign? Why do you even care? They've fixed the cash only issue. The bread to meat ratio I can understand. Maybe call ahead to make sure you're getting one of the ladies.
  
  Super food. Just super. It tasted exactly like I remembered, which has never happened (fish-filet, anyone?). After a lifetime of hearing, "It's not as good as it used to be", I'm happy to say that despite being at the age where I have started saying that, Roma's is not the case. I see in the reviews that new ownership looming overhead, and I'm sad. I hope that Mary is retiring and that the transition is a wonderful experience - she's earned it.
  
  This is one of those places that you encounter once in a lifetime. I'll spare you the details of the astounding taste, texture, and packaging, because it's like trying to describe ice cream to someone who's never had ice cream.
  
  Just go!

• Peter M.

  star star star star star 17 May 2026

  Mary the owner is the bomb. She is the real deal and not only does she have the same name as my mother they are very similar cooks.  So when I need comfort food and my mom is at my sisters I can always stop by Roma and get fed.  
  
  The steak sandwich is super but get the upgrade.  Just ask Mary for the best cut of steak and you will not be disappointed

• C B.

  star star star star_border star_border 7 May 2026

  I was in the area running an errand and it was lunch time--plus I needed to make a "pit stop".  While there was a major chain restaurant right next door, I thought I rather support the "small guy" over the "big guy".  There were two older ladies working the grill and counter--seem like they were very experienced.  
  
  I looked at their menu, and was tempted to get a pizza but decided to go with the ribeye steak sub instead.  While waiting for my sub, I hoped to use the facilities (restrooms) but there were none.  Apparently, they were opened before this requirement, or perhaps, their jurisdiction doesn't require it---Either way, no bathrooms--to wash your hands or to relieve yourself.
  
  So, while I thought about the solution to my problem, I looked around.  They have some very interesting vintage items (maps, pictures, news clippings, etc) that any local historian would take interest.
  
  They also have a make-your-own-salad-to-go salad bar which seemed unique to me.
  
  I took home the sub and ate it later.  Great sub...not so big, but delicious.
  
  Conclusion:  The ribeye sub is a good choice here, but empty your bladder first before coming over.