Stanley's — Restaurant in Richmond

I would like to begin by acknowledging that the Philly cheesesteaks were some of the best I’ve ever had—flavorful, well-prepared, and truly impressive. Unfortunately, the quality of the food was overshadowed by one of the most disappointing dine-in experiences I’ve encountered.

Upon arrival, my partner and I stood at the entrance for an extended period without being greeted or acknowledged. Multiple staff members walked past us without a word, creating an awkward and unwelcoming atmosphere. It wasn’t until a bartender finally noticed us that we received any attention. We inquired about an available table near the entrance, only to be told it was reserved for takeout guests. Moments later, however, another couple walked in and was seated at that very same table without hesitation.

This inconsistency felt not only unfair but also deeply uncomfortable. When I expressed my concern to the bartender, we decided to switch to takeout to avoid further discomfort. Unfortunately, the situation escalated. It became clear that the staff had begun discussing the issue among themselves at the bar—within earshot—which resulted in several employees giving us unwelcome looks, making the environment even more tense.

To add to the unprofessionalism, one of the servers was seen engaging in personal affection with someone sitting at the bar, who appeared to be her boyfriend. She was serving customers and then returning to embrace and kiss him between tasks—behavior that is far from appropriate in any professional dining establishment.

This experience was disappointing, not because of a single mistake, but due to a pattern of disregard and unprofessional conduct. I would have appreciated the presence of a manager to address the situation directly, but no one ever stepped in.

Great food deserves great service, and it’s unfortunate when the latter detracts so significantly from the...

This was our first time here today. We wanted to go give these cheesesteaks a try but sadly our experience was not a good one. We got a meatball sub and while it wasn’t the best I’ve had, it was a good one! The sauce was very aromatic and flavorful which I love in a tomato sauce. And the meatballs were yummy too(reason for 3 stars instead of less). However, the cheesesteak was not edible in my opinion. I took 2 bites and got such an overwhelming flavor of cheese and salt, I couldn’t keep eating it. The sandwich sounds great with the fresh bread, ribeye, cheese, peppers and onions but I think whoever made it was way too heavy handed with the cheddar and salt. It was literally all we could taste, it was not edible. When we told our waiter we didn’t like it, he could not have been more condescending towards us saying “I’m sorry you don’t like a ChEeSESteaK with too much CheEse” and was very combative. We were hoping to try another sandwich instead or have ours remade but once we said something, we no longer felt welcome. I’m Happy they refused to remake our food cus this place gave me the vibe someone would spit in it!!

I’m from Pennsylvania (near Philly) and have had my fair share of cheesesteaks and this was not a good one. Bad customer service, please be nicer to customers.

Will not...

The food is incredible. Probably the best sandwich and potato salad in the city.

The service and management is awful. Two of the last three times we have been turned away during business hours because:

1. they ran out of bread…what?! You aren’t open Monday (I get, industry thing), nor Tues (you aren’t a Michelin starred restaurant, be open more), a short window for lunch and dinner Wed- Sat, just dinner on Sunday, and have been open for YEARS. So you should know how much product you can/should move to maximize profit. How does this happen? Shocking having lived in and traveled to lots of major markets throughout the country, never have I experienced this.

2. Today (Sat) we went for lunch and were turned away because “we got too busy so decided to closed early.” Excuse me? You’re open for dinner in 3-4hrs, you CAN serve us and choose not to make more money. Again, shocking.

I won’t be back and warn anyone thinking of going to call…oh yeah, you can’t do that, because they don’t have a PHONE NUMBER. Oh and you have to go in to get a to-go order…at a sandwich restaurant…

I think they are allergic to making money and sustaining their business.

Good luck with your hobby. Great food. Awful business....