Winks Bar — Restaurant in Richmond

I'd like to start this review off by being totally transparent here. This isn't the biggest place, neither is it the quickest place. However, what it is is something by itself, completely making it a truly unique experience to be had by all.

John, the owner, is an interesting cat, with his approach as the proprietor, cook, bartender, prep cook, and short order cook. There is only one thing he makes, and that's hamburgers. The varieties available that day are listed on the blackboard on the wall to your right when you walk in.

The drinks available are on a blackboard on the wall to your left, and these are limited to a few domestics. Soft drinks are limited to bottled water or Ale eight one. Order placement is limited to your seating, which is limited to 12 stools at the counter. Orders are taken beginning at the left end of the counter, moving to the right, one order at a time, one burger completion at a time.

Be forwarned that this isn't the place to go if you're in a hurry! The decor is somewhere between dive bar and Americana diner with stickers from all over the country on the walls and ceiling. There's an old BMX bike hanging from the ceiling to the extreme left ceiling, as well as a couple of vintage skateboard decks and motor cycle parts to round out the decor.

The structure itself is an old diner car circa 1950, housing this curiously eclectic collection. There are a few stools against the left back wall where you can sit while you wait for the counter stools to become available.

When we entered, the proprietor was playing some really great stoner metal from the band Sleep that wasn't overly loud but added yet another touch to the already unique experience. We were a party of five, all having a great time in this intimate place, enjoying each other's company and that of the owner John.

John's hamburgers are started out as balls of ground beef that are flattened out on a griddle that is limited in size, yet adequate to include the strips of bacon for your order.

If needed, there are a few tables outside to sit once you've received your order. Hours of operation are limited, and John closes once he's sold out. Check hours in advance on John's Winks Facebook page for specials and hours.

A really cool experience with a local business owner, the type that needs your help to thrive, keeping our downtowns alive.

I can't...

Wink's is special. Very special. John Dale has created here the perfect little burger joint, a redneck izakaya, a y'allternative oasis.

He is the man that Bruce Lee feared, a man who has practiced one kick ten thousand times, only that kick is a lacy smashed patty, juicy and crunchy and incredibly flavorful.

He cooks two burgers at a time, it takes as long as it takes, and no matter how long that is, it's worth it. There's cheap beer while you wait, slightly less cheap selections from Dreaming Creek, and your choice of Grippo's barbecue chips or plain Lay's. He does a special or two every weekend. Sometimes there's bourbon, which he sells at cost.

This is, no joke, the best hamburger I've ever eaten, and I've eaten hamburgers all over the galaxy.

I debated making this a one-star review in the hopes that it'd keep out the amateurs, the tourists, the turkeys, and the people who just don't get it the way I, the smartest person in the world, do, but my man is rolling a perfect game and that is bad juju.

Drop whatever horrible thing you're planning on jamming into your gullet and get one of these immediately. You will see the...

Wink's is one of the main reasons why I love Richmond. EXCELLENT food, great energy and you just walk in and feel like you're home. We have become regulars at Wink's and I'm always happy to see the same faces (and new as well), grab some grub and chat with John Dale, the owner. It has a very unique, buzzing ambiance and it's easy to feel comfortable there.

I know I've mentioned the great vibe, but the show stealer has to be the food. One of my favorites is the vegetarian friendly black bean burger with an egg on top. I also absolutely love a classic cheeseburger with bacon and egg on top. They're served with Lays chips or Grippos.

Honestly, Wink's has the best burgers in the city. The prices are suprub and the quality is top notch. Also, they serve a house made mustard that is out of this world.

if you've not tried it out, do yourself a favor and go...