Riverside Tavern — Restaurant in Richmond

Extremely DISSAPOINTING.

From the walk in. I felt unwelcome and was in my opinion attended in a unfriendly kinda way.

I seated myself , was brought water which was just in a manner dumped on the table as the waitress walked past me.

Eventually another waitress just a seemingly unwelcoming asked me what I'd like to drink. I ordered a beer, this took a while but I got it, in a tin , dumped on the table without a polite "Would you like a glass" BAD Service 👎

Anyhow I persevered now due to my research on their online menu knew what I wanted to order and expected what I had seen online. But did have to ask 3 times for a glass for my beer.

Well I placed my order, once again in what I felt to be unfriendly unwelcoming attitude. Any way I had my mind set on getting a great meal as seen pictured. Online Steak Chimmichuri with " Roasted VegetableS"

What arrived was steak with one side instead of two sides ? "NO ROASTED VEGETABLES" just mashed potatoes and 4 strands of asparagus. That's it.

A huge contrast and disappointment from whats depicted and advertised. Not the same thing - manager told me it's an old menu ?? Well then "What's it doing online advertising your meals" that's kinda false misleading advertising and marketing.

Well, I decided that they would not be able to satisfy my order based on that received and thst I had seen advertised and desired. The manager was good and did try to make amends

But due to my percieved unwelcomed presence by both waitresses I decided to leave.

Pity I may have enjoyed the meal had ai received what I believed I had ordered.

Be nice if the service was way way better and more welcoming/warming. Instead of the cold shoulder approach I perceived and experienced.

Maybe...

Wasn't too busy on a Sunday afternoon, they have a little parking lot. They have some patio chairs right out front, a bar and some seating inside and then a patio outside. The patio is covered and has 2 heaters.

We walked into the bar and the bartender directed us outside where our server came out and got us waters. She helped us turn the heaters on and got us settled as we waited for the rest of our family to arrive.

For apps, we ordered the Fried Oysters and the chicken tenders with BBQ sauce. The chicken tenders came with fries as well. The oysters were good, nice and crispy. The tenders were also delicious, especially with the BBQ sauce. The fries, while they looked crispy, were just a tad soggy for my taste.

For our entrees, I ordered the Fried Chicken Sandwich and my husband ordered the cubano. Our family ordered salads with salmon. Everything looked delicious and was fairly quick to come out. My sandwich came with ranch and it definitely helped tone down the saltiness of the Fried chicken. Just eating the chicken alone was too salty and I had asked for my fries extra crispy which were amazing. The cubano sandwich was good and well made and the side of Brussels my husband got were also crispy. The salads and the salmon looked good, definitely cooked well.

Our server was very friendly and accommodating. The person who helped bring out our drinks also ended up bringing out some bacon for our dog and was so kind. The patio is dog friendly but I would recommend brining a towel or mat for your pup to lay on.

Overall, great service...

Never judge a book by the cover. As a solo diner, I was apprehensive walking in to what looked like a bar as from the outside parking lot it looks like the tavern in its name.

I came for the Cobb but I capitulated and proceeded to have the best freaking fried chicken sammie in a loooong time. Maybe ever?! The sauce and toppings were the right proportions. Nothing overwhelmed the star of the show—the chicken cutlet pounded tender, salty and seasoned and fried to perfection.

An ice cold Modelo and chicken sandwich with a pile of delicious tots for under $25–yes, please! My only regret—too clucking full for the tres leche desert special.

Hospitality and service—kind attentive welcoming! Beautiful flowers from a local garden were being refreshed as I dined on each surrounding table, a love language for the spirit and warmth of the place itself.

It was too hot for the patio surrounded by planter boxes with herbs and seasonal annuals but such a smart little oasis. I also appreciated the artwork (available for sale) on the walls by one of RT’s own.

I was too early for happy hour but the menu (sliders, nachos, has me planning a visit at this time during my next visit. Do yourself a favor and skip waiting in the lengthy lines down the street at the Chick Filet and go to RT instead. Thank you Riverside Tavern for the great food service and hospitality. I’ll...