Richmond, VA - The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show — Local services in Short Pump

I recently attended the Detective Dinner Show, and as a first-timer, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect but it definitely wasn’t this, haha! That said, while it wasn’t exactly what I had in mind, it turned out to be a really fun and unique experience overall. I especially enjoyed the comedic elements woven throughout the night, they kept things lighthearted and entertaining.

When you arrive, you check in and get a ticket based on your dinner entree choice, then make yourself a nametag with a made-up “code name,” which adds a playful touch. Seating is communal—tables of ten—so be prepared to meet some new people. My table included me and a friend, a couple, and a group of six, which made for an interesting dynamic.

Food-wise, my pork entree was surprisingly good—moist and well-cooked—and the chocolate cake for dessert was a nice treat. The salad at the beginning was fresh and flavorful, but the antipasto skewers were unfortunately a big miss. Definitely the low point of the meal. Also, they only serve water at your table. There's a cash bar for cocktails, beer, wine, and soda, but I do think offering something like iced tea or a basic soda with the meal would be a thoughtful touch, especially considering the ticket price.

The real highlight is how interactive the show is! If you're not someone who thinks quickly on your feet, I’d recommend coming up with a backstory for your character ahead of time, it helps you dive into the fun a little easier.

All in all, I had a great time. It’s different, funny, and a bit silly in the best way. Worth checking out if you're up for a night that blends dinner,...

This is not a Murder Mystery Dinner. There is a “murder” but the night is barely about it. It’s more of a improv-esque crowd work performance. There are two main actors who spend the evening calling on members of the audience to perform in their comedy show. You scan a QR code to look through “evidence” to solve the crime which is actually just a big punchline. If you want a real murder mystery experience this isn’t it.

The food is honestly really rough. It’s served on paper plates, plastic cups, and ridiculously skimpy. The cake dessert was the size of my thumb. One of the three courses was grapes and pretzels in a plastic cup and the other was a tablespoon of salad. For the price you pay, it’s insanely disappointing and a rip off. Also if you want more than water, you have to pay for it at the bar where you pay for them to serve you soda from a warm two liter. The staff were the only good part.

This entire thing last three looong hours and unless someone from your party paid the upcharge, your table will be ignored the entire night. There was a whole table next to me of a bachelorette party who wasn’t even spared a glance and ended up being the only table to solve their “murder”. Plus the upcharge service is nothing, a scam. It’s not a surprise they don’t want people to film this disaster. 0/10 would...

This was such a fun experience overall. I celebrated my birthday at this event, and it doubled as a date night. Courses were filling and delicious (real plates, silverware, and napkins–nothing paper or plastic). 1st course: salad; 2nd course: chicken with carrots and buttery mashed potatoes; 3rd course: a big slice of chocolate cake. Note: they only served water, and if you wanted soda or alcohol, you had to buy it from the cash bar (no card). The acting was a hoot. It was very interactive and entertaining. I was seated with eight strangers, who all came in pairs, and chatted with them a bit before the event started. There was some unexpected mingling we had to do with other diners to learn more about who the possible suspect could be, but it was still a fun time. Looking forward to...