185 — Restaurant in Poquoson

I've had 185 on my to try list for far too long and seized an opportunity that found me in Newport News...close enough!

If traveling off I64 it's about 15 min drive or so to their front door. They offer parking, but not too many spaces. I'm unsure where overflow would be. The exterior is downright roadside dive feel which I adored! I noticed an outdoor patio on the side available on season.

Upon entering for a weekday late last lunch I was asked to sit wherever I liked. The small dining room is more country than dive. 185 offers large tables for group dining. The kitchen is open for customer viewing which I enjoyed. I utilized the restroom which was clean with proper supplies.

The Yelp app offers a check-in deal for a FREE drink. My waitress was the owner and she got menus and we discussed options. She was friendly, smiling and even singing along to overhead tunes. The atmosphere was comfortable for a solo experience. Most other tables were occupied by groups. I ordered a sweet vanilla ice coffee and water. My water was immediately placed on the table in a plastic cup.

After reviewing the fabulous menu options and accompanying pics on the Yelp app menu site which is very helpful. I had been eyeballing the shrimp & grits which is a dish I love, but often it's underwhelming. When it was time to order my drink had yet to arrive. To my delight the owner was happy that I chose a favorite dish.

My ice coffee arrived also in a plastic cup with lid & straw. It was super and perfectly sweet as ordered. I can't hide my disappointment that drinks are in plastic cups. So for me this is a deduction on their score without tasting a bite.

My pretty white bowl of piping hot shrimp & grits hit the table within 15 minutes and looked amazing! It's picky, but there was cheese on the side of the bowl stuck to the side. The utensils were sturdy and packaged in a paper bag. The grits come with a large spoon.

Let's get to the taste of the gorgeous contents of the bowl. The dish visually could have been elevated when wiped down. The top and interior side had residue. Picky I know, but presentation maters. First bite I knew it was a grand slam. The flavors popped with some heat, but did not distract from the taste. There is sauce on the table for those that want more heat. The shrimp was prepped exquisitely, I think a bit of cayenne pepper, but unsure. The grits had a unique flavor that had me smile ear to ear on every bite. It's the best shrimp & grits dish I've had in COCA and holds its own among those I've had in NOLA.

It was an honor that Chef Rosario came out to check on me. We chatted a bit and I learned he came from Missouri. The business has been open four years, but he came in more recently. The original chef is still involved and smokes meats.

The overall experience deserves high praise, however a 4.5 rounding down seems to fit best. I understands the challenges of small businesses, but would like to see them use drink glasses. We are no longer in the pandemic era and they are not a fast food restaurant. For regulars they offer a loyalty program. I can't...

This is an update to my original post. I have eat at 185 a few more times since, hence the lowered review. Had one of the burgers; disappointed that it was not cooked as I ordered…why ask if you’re going to cook it however you deem. There is no way that burger should be priced so high. Really, an $18 burger if memory serves me correctly. I’m thinking about $12 too much for what got served. Biggest complaint; I tried the brisket burrito. Paid $27 for it and a couple drinks (nonalcoholic). Brisket burrito should be called the potato burrito because there was far more potatoes than brisket once I cut into it. This was or will be my last meal at 185. *original post * First of all, I want to say that I don’t know anyone that works there. I have been to this restaurant a handful of times. Awesome idea but like many other things…it needs some work. Yes, the parking lot is small and tight; what are you going to do? Accept it or simply go some place else. I honestly believe these people are trying hard and doing the best with what they have. The size of the place is small and loud. Again, what are ya gonna do? I think the waiteress’ could be better trained and groomed. The food, it’s kind of hit and miss. One time, the food was amazing that brought me back again. The next time, I was shocked at the amount of grease I could taste in my meal. The word is called consistency. Oh, and allow me to express or comment about another person playing the race card…you are an idiot!!! He and his wife sit there for an hour without service??? Anyone that has an IQ over 20 knows that no one is going to go unnoticed in a small restaurant for a complete hour. Stop being the problem!!! And specifically for that person who left the review and gladly noted black / white…wake up!!! White is a...

As a long time customer of this establishment, I recently visited 185 Restaurant with high hopes, as their menu looked incredibly enticing as always. However, my experience was extremely disappointing, as the restaurant did not honor their menu. Several of the items I had hoped to order were either unavailable or significantly altered from what was advertised on the menu.

As today is Mother's Day, my wife's first at that, she, our newborn, and I all looked forward in sharing this special day together at our favorite local brunch spot. I even called ahead the day before to ensure the same menu used daily would be available and the hours were the same and the representative stated it would be. L

On such a beautiful sunny day our day was darkened when we arrived to find out (after waiting 30 minutes) that the menu presented before us wasn't the daily menu. When we asked for the daily menu they said they were only doing what was on today's menu and couldn't accommodate us. This place is known for their amazing burgers and didn't have any of what we were looking for on this menu.

Just to make sure I didn't hear wrong, I even check their social media, website, and Yelp to see if this menu change was advertised and it wasn't. As a long time customer I don't appreciate our favorite local brunch spot ruining this special day for our family.

We are seriously considering never returning here again due to this sour taste...or lack thereof...left in our memory.

Please do...