La Bodega Latin Kitchen & Cocktails RVA — Restaurant in Richmond

Arrived with a guest who had visited previously. The decor is a bit loud not really a Bodega setting with seating like in NY/NJ but the concept is understood; this could work for Richmond locals. Service was okay, unfortunately the server who appeared new was already getting comfortable being on their cell phone which affected service. Luckily the place is small enough we could easily get their attention; unfortunately, I had to get out of my seat and approach the bar a couple of times to get it. We were the only customers at the time. We started with Croquetas de Jamón: I found them bland and doughy in taste; as if raw. The shredded lettuce was out of place specially for a finger food. Guest ordered Chicharron Cuchifrito: The Chicharron was red, instead of patacones it came with burnt sweet plantains. The arroz con grandules did have good flavor. Ordered the Bandeja Paisa: The white rice although loose it wasn't quite white, probably due to unnecessary seasoning; white rice tastes great cooked with just salt and oil; this rice wasn't good. The beans were clearly canned and bland; they shouldn't use kidney beans for this dish. The chorizo was dry due to over frying. The marinade on the steak did not compliment it. The red Chicharron didn't look or taste fresh. The sweet plantains were burnt. The arepa tasted good and was warm. The avocado looked fresh. The sunny egg was more of a medium egg. Their Bodega Sauce wasn't as good as the Mayo-Ketchup. They do have a good aji but I had to ask for it; it wasn't offered. I figured they would have it being they have the B. Paisa. The food isn't all there, perhaps their other Latin options are better but I won't be back for a while and it's not ready for me to bring...

Now the main reason I gave them a 1 🌟 is because of the SERVICE. The FOOD WAS amazing!!! It was a fusion of EVERY THING Hispanic/ Latino/ Latinx ...THE atmosphere gave me that UP top vibe for THAT 5 🌟's... But the waitress was rude and ultimately the downfall!!! She had an attitude the moment we CAME IN... I have Haitian and Dominican ancestry... So I REALLY was digging the whole scene, and so was my wife... Then my WIFE soon disliked it ALL because of the WAITRESS... NEVER checked on us during the course of the meal... Spoke rudely to my WIFE when she ask her a question about the menu... So MY wife was REALLY upset the rest of our meal... Unhappy WIFE means NO tip... But guess WHAT!!! They automatically pull for gratuity 15%... So THAT means EVEN IF THE SERVICE IS trash... You STILL giving someone SOMETHING THEY don't deserve... YES we ALL work... I understand THAT people ABUSE the tip by not tipping FOR quality service... Hence, broke, cheap people!!!!! But My wife and I are NOT ONE OF THOSE people!!! To just BRINGING us the FOOD and BRINGING me the CHECK Impolitely DOES NOT constitute funds... Attitude of servitude is what WAITING tables is ALL ABOUT!!! They ARE the FIRST people THAT the customers are in contact WITH... If YOU DON'T HAVE a host(ess) ... They are part of the main experience in a restaurant!!! GET better...

Food is amazing! Period! Been there a couple times. Tried some apps and had the Cuban. Everything was absolutely delicious. Can't wait to go back. All the people complaining about the added gratuity are nerds. It states it right on the menu. They add 15%. If they missed it that's on them. There's a lot of restaurants doing this. Adding 15% is nothing considering all the work they're putting in. If you don't want to add anything on top of that then don't. Honestly, that seems to be the biggest negative in the reviews. Given the fact that they deliver such great food and the fact that the portions are huge it really shouldn't matter at the end of the day. The place is super small and the people are busting their butts. They have always been super kind and again, the food is amazing. I think this place is great. Everyone should give it a try. If the automatic tipping thing is bothering you then take yourself to Applebees and get a cobb salad. Let us all know how that works...