River Bend Bistro & Wine Bar — Restaurant in Virginia

We had stopped coming to this place last year because the food quality had declined but decided today to give another try based on recent reviews. The good news is the food is good again! Bad news is the service is still terrible. The servers are young and inexperienced which isn't their fault, of course. It is evident that the management has put zero into training in the basics, however. We waited 30 minutes with empty glasses of water after placing our order. Literally had to grab the server as he was chatting up another table to remind him we had ordered wine. I was brought the wrong entree which prompted a conversation by two servers looming on each side of me about what to do while someone else's entree cooled in front of me. Asked for a to go box which was plopped unceremoniously on the table. Pro tip; servers should take the remainder to the kitchen and pack your to go container. While fumbling with the to go, I accidentally knocked over and shattered the empty wine glass (no offer ever to refill during the meal) no one, including hosts or servers present, offered to help as I picked up glass shards from the table and floor. Everyone kept their gaze firmly on the floor in front of their feet. Finally, as we left with my elderly mother and another patron using a walker in front of us, not one single employee thought to get the door for us much less thank us for our business. The kitchen is still super slow. Our Cheeseburger was good but not cooked to the requested temperature. The place is way too noisy...

Have supported this place throughout the years, even had an event there. Recently had dinner, which was fine but nothing to rave about. Tried again today for a bday lunch. Very disappointed. Our server seemed new as she was not able to explain the menu very well and was unversed in the details of serving - such as bringing plates with the shared appetizers and promptly removing plates that we stacked at the end of the table. She also failed to bring a plate for the child when we asked for plates. Then she brought tiny plates for the entree we were sharing. She also forgot to order one of the dishes. Food - lackluster except for the burger - which was good. Fries, however, were not hot and that is a huge turnoff for me. We tried the clams and watermelon flatbread starters. Clams were exceedingly salty. Flatbread presentation was not very appealing - watermelon would have been better served as a slab to take advantage of the color and crispness of melon, instead it was small brownish chunks on a toasted baguette slice - a miss on what is usually a great idea. We also ordered the steak sandwiches and were surprised to find they are served cold…2 in our party did not expect that. The most positive aspect of our meal is that it was not over-priced. We also had lattes, which were good. People love this place and I am failing to see why. The bar is good for drinks and snacks but missed the...

I have been going here for years. This is definitely my go to place for date night, an intimate girls night out, or just to grab some really tasty food. I've never been disappointed. Not only are the staff friendly and down-to-Earth, but the owner is the chef who works every time I've been there. You can see her popping in and out as she frolics in her moments of free time with return customers and close friends who help keep the business poppin.

This place is so good, that I really believe this is a gem! Food is consistent and delicious. Cheese selection is always fresh and exciting. The chef really takes pride in her work and it shows. Her rotating menu as well as seasonal cocktails are just proof to any foodie of a person who is passionate about food and the dining experience.

If you want to grab a seat at the bar and sneak a peek at the amazing chef as she pops by for a refreshment, or take a seat at a table and enjoy some quaint romantic moments w your guest, you will love it.

Because the food is amazing, it is a little pricey. Be prepared to drop at least $80-$100 for two people. However, there are better priced items on the menu, as well as drinks. My personal favs are the Cotswold mac n cheese w crispy onions, ANYTHING with duck (especially the salad), and the...