Revel Market and Bar — Restaurant in Virginia

I have never taken the time to write a restaurant review but after dinner last night I felt the need to make other patrons aware of what they may be in for.

We went for happy hour which ends at 6:00. We arrived at 5:50 and it felt a bit frazzled trying to get our order in by 6:00. We were told where to sit and then asked to come out to the lobby to place our order at the register since the dining staff was busy. No big deal the restaurant recently opened and I would expect they have kinks to work out.

We ordered every happy hour menu minus the sausage roll to sample it all. The descriptions on the menu were very well written promising deliciousness to come. This simply was not the case. Every item lacked salt and flavor. The mushroom tartine tasted like hosptital food it was so bland. The meatballs in tomato sauce had no flavor. How is that even possible? The oyster Rockefeller was cold. The duck fat fritters were mushy and flavorless. We ordered the house made “red” sangria and they brought a tasteless white sangria. When I asked if they had a red sangria like the menu stated the waitress was very accommodating and quick to offer and alternative.

We ordered a flank steak with chimichirru off the dinner menu and that had the most flavor but the flavor was in the sauce the meat was very bland.

Bottom line is the staff was kind and accommodating but there is no excuse to serve that kind of food. Clearly the cooks were not tasting as they went. Not even sure they have salt in the kitchen! We wish this restaurant well and were so excited to have a new option in Lakeside but it won’t last long if the quality of the food...

I don't often give an eatery 5 stars after my first visit, however, everything about Revel was 5 star quality. From the moment I walked into the restaurant and being greeted sincerely and very kindly, until the moment I left feeling excited and satisfied with my meal, my drinks and the level of attentiveness from the wait staff, I was provided 5 star service! My dining guest and I had the happy hour Old Fashioned and White Sangria and both drinks were plentiful and delicious. We were lucky enough to order many items off the happy hour menu to include the filet mignon beef tartar, mushroom tartine, house made meatballs and sausage roll, and everything was exceptional and served in portions that could be a meal on its own or easily and happily shared. Food was brought out quickly even though every seat was full and staffing limited, temperature was perfect on the food items and the taste...amazingly delicious! So much so, we kept ordering other foods off the menu to taste and try with not one disappointment! I had red wine with my meal and it paired excellently with most all the dishes I was tasting. Ended the evening with another cocktail, that was even better than the first....happiness, food coma and the other drinks may have attributed to the enjoyment of that last drink, however the quality ingredients likely was the true culprit. If you are considering a visit to Revel, I highly encourage it. I will be...

This place was awesome. The food was some of the best and unique I’ve had in the Richmond area. The drinks and service were great, too. Seemed a little out of place in Lakeside, but things are changing it seems.

Both the food and the cocktails seemed especially curated and the prices (ie value) were great. Got lucky with seats at the bar—no reservation but would try for one next time considering how busy and amazing the food is/was.

The bone marrow/escargot was some of the best I’ve ever had. Steak tartare and crab tartine were also delicious. I didn’t try too much of the cocktail menu but my Watermelon Mojito was great (I opted for the alcohol version but it’s supposed to be a mocktail). Judging by the menu and what I saw the bartenders doing, I could tell they’re putting in that extra effort. My company had some of the other cocktails and I tried them. All great.

Only constructive criticism I’d offer is to to finish the ceiling and maybe up the aesthetic a bit. Again the food was amongst some of the best I’ve had in Richmond area, period. I’ll come back regardless but could see some folks being weird about it.

Staff was very personable and parking was easy. Awesome to see new restaurants that are actually trying to serve exceptional and crafted cuisine rather than reinventing same old tired food, eg pizza, wings, burgers, tacos, sandwiches, etc. Keep it up, Revel!

Wish I’d taken...