Burtons Grill & Bar — Restaurant in Richmond

A Great Spot — Unless You Enjoy Fresh Lobster or Full Glasses”

Burton’s Bar & Grill is one of those places that proves popularity doesn’t always mean perfection. The restaurant is always packed, no matter the time of day — which I actually respect. A crowd usually means good food, good vibes, or at least good marketing. The atmosphere checks out: dim but not dungeon-level lighting, upbeat without being chaotic, and an easygoing crowd that feels comfortable and mixed. You don’t feel out of place here — unless, of course, you’re a five-year-old eating dinner at the bar. Because apparently, that’s allowed now. Nothing says “family-friendly” like apple juice next to an IPA.

The bar itself is lively, and while I’m not a bar guy, I’ll admit it’s a pleasant wait. The staff keeps things moving, and the people-watching alone is worth the price of a drink. Tables, however, are another story. If you come with a party of eight, expect to play musical chairs and have someone trapped in a corner like they’re in restaurant time-out. I’ve learned to just ask for two tables of four next to each other — practical and far less claustrophobic.

Now, on to what really matters: the food. I’ve been here four times, and generally, it’s been impressive. The wings? Excellent. Crispy, flavorful, and consistently solid. Pair that with a club soda and some citrus, and I’m happy. The Short Rib Grilled Cheese — yes, a $24 sandwich — is worth every penny. It’s rich, tender, and the kind of dish that makes you question your life choices in the best way possible. Every appetizer I’ve tried has been a hit.

And then came the Lobster Roll Incident — the culinary equivalent of being betrayed by someone you trusted. At $31, I expected something worthy of its price tag. What I got tasted like regret and low tide. The lobster was fishy, bad textured, and so overcooked it could’ve doubled as jerky. I gagged. Twice.

I even gave it a redemption bite (2nd bite) after cleansing my palate like a sommelier, and it still failed the audition. I didn’t complain — mostly because I didn’t want to relive the trauma by talking about it — but the untouched plate should’ve said it all. The server noticed, but apparently decided empathy wasn’t part of the service that night.

Speaking of service: pleasant personality, poor execution. Refills were a self-managed activity, and for a nearly $300 tab, I expected fewer empty glasses and a bit more awareness. I shouldn’t have to ask each time.

Still, I can’t quit Burton’s. The energy, the food (minus the seafood tragedy), and the overall vibe keep pulling me back. It’s fun, it’s lively, and when they get it right, it’s fantastic. But next time, I’ll be sticking to wings, salmon, short ribs and steering clear of anything that once lived...

I have to share my extreme disappointment after dining at Burton’s tonight. I’d been so excited to go there ever since I learned about its extensive GF menu. My husband made reservations for my bday, and it was one of the worst dining experiences I’ve had in recent memory. The hostess had us wait 15 minutes despite having a reservation because they were “cleaning a table” for us. When we arrived at the table, it still wasn’t clean. We walked past it when we got there and it was empty. We waited another 5 minutes for someone to clean the table. Finally, we were seated 20 minutes after our reservation. It then took approximately 15 minutes to receive water. By the time we placed our order, we had been there almost 40 minutes. This is not because we didn’t know what we wanted. It’s because the service was that slow. Every time our waiter left the table it was a minimum of 10-15 minutes before we saw home again. Often it was longer. I kept thinking the food would make up for it. Wrong. I ordered the crab crusted haddock with mashed potatoes and asparagus. It was completely flavorless. I asked the server for a side of the sauce thinking it might help. He forgot. 15-20 minutes later I finally got it. The sauce did not help. It had no flavor. It was like dipping the fish in milk. My husband got the gnocchi, and it was fine. The lobster was overcooked though. The atmosphere inside was incredibly loud. Paying the bill and getting boxes was probably another 15 minute wait if not longer. When visiting the restrooms, the water in the faucet is one temp, hot. My daughter winced in visible discomfort the whole time I washed her hands and said it was burning her. This is not a complete list of their failings. Just the ones that stand out. I am beyond disappointed. My hopes had been so high. If we weren’t celebrating a special occasion, I would have asked to speak to a manager. I chose not to because my husband was clearly already so bummed that the special birthday dinner he planned did not go at all as we envisioned, and I didn’t want to add any drama to our evening. Not one staff member made us feel like we were valued or important, and the food was awful. Despite being gluten free, I would rather eat somewhere with far fewer options and have a delicious meal with great service than waste my time and money at this restaurant. After tonight, I cannot...

This was my second time visiting Burton's Grill & Bar. This visit was for a ladies' brunch. We did make reservations, so if you are visiting with a group be sure to make your reservations in advance. I gave food 4 stars, service 5 stars, and atmosphere 5 stars.

Food: the eggs benedict with crab cake option, was good. This time it was a smaller portion of crab compared to last visit, but not a big deal. Chicken and waffles once again was great, but chicken was lacking seasoning for some. To really enjoy the sweet and savory flavor of this dish, eat the chicken and waffles together. If you separate the two, it may taste as though the chicken lacks seasoning (just a note for anyone who likes to pick their food apart). The waffles are sweet, so keep that in mind if you do not like sweetness. Overall it is an amazing dish. The hashbrowns were savory, and the sausage gravy was a good addition.

Service: was amazing from start to finish. Arriving 30 minutes ahead of our reserved time, I was able to sit at the beautiful bar (which by the way ladies, there are hooks underneath to hold your purse). I enjoyed a delicious mocktail (this is a great option for anyone who doesn't drink alcohol, but looking for a beautifully crafted and delicious drink). All staff at the bar provided friendly and professional service while waiting for the remaining members of our party to arrive. The waiting staff provided excellent service and was attentive to all of our requests.

Atmosphere: We enjoyed the wonderful vibe and elegance of the restaurant. The decor gave an overall pleasant and relaxed feel which really enhances the dining experience.

Overall, this restaurant is amazing. Keep in mind it is located in Carytown so you will have to find parking, but it...