Rockwood — Restaurant in Virginia

0/10 recommend this place, and if I could give zero stars, I would.

The outside atmosphere was actually enjoyable, and beautifully decorated/set up. However, it doesn’t make up for the disappointing time that we had on our first time at this restaurant.

This was the first and it will most definitely be the last time we go to this restaurant.

The food for happy hour was a little pricier than most other places, and it was absolutely bland, as if the professionals in the back had never even heard of basic salt and pepper. The egg roll wrapper was greasy, and the beer cheese had virtually no flavor. The tacos made me regret my decision of ordering them, and I know I could’ve gotten a better taco from the Taco Bell across the street. My husband and friend ordered the chicken sandwich, both commented that their chicken was dry, under-seasoned, and cold, almost as if it had been sitting out for a while and it was completely forgotten about, and then brought out. The only redeeming food that we had all night were the sides (fries and corn bread).

Our waitress, while nice and pleasant when present, basically disappeared for a majority of the experience. She commented on how it wasn’t as busy as it usually is due to a local concert, but that only cements in my mind, that she could’ve been more present. My friend, husband and I all had water. She never offered to refill, and the one time my friend requested more water, she brought out the pitcher, filled her cup and then walked away. I’ve never had an experience at a restaurant where we were not offered a refill at least.

I know I may get flack for this, but the tip. I understand large groups get an automatic tip added to the bill. I understand that 100%, and I believe that is a justified practice. But what constitutes a “large party?” I personally do not believe that 4 adults, 2 kids and a baby (she didn’t eat anything, she sat in a high chair the entire time) is a large party by any stretch of the imagination, but apparently here it does. I am usually a generous tipper, at least always giving a minimum of 15% even for a mediocre service. But I do not think it’s fair to be given this automatic tip, without being told upfront that we were considered a large party. I’ve been to other restaurants with upwards of 15 people, and we still don’t get charged the large party tip. So why would we be considered a large party with what is basically 6 people eating, 7 to...

Daisy was an exceptional bartender, effortlessly elevating the dining experience with her warm demeanor, expert knowledge, and impeccable service. Her attention to detail and genuine enthusiasm for mixology ensured that every drink she crafted was not just a beverage, but a work of art. With Daisy behind the bar, patrons could always count on receiving personalized recommendations, innovative cocktails, and a welcoming atmosphere that kept them coming back for more. Her dedication to her craft and her ability to connect with customers made her a standout in the industry, leaving a lasting impression on all who had the pleasure of being served by her.

Kara's exceptional managerial skills and warm demeanor make her a standout leader at Rockwoods. Her dedication to ensuring every patron feels welcome and valued is truly commendable. Kara's friendly and approachable nature creates a welcoming atmosphere, fostering a sense of community among customers and staff alike. She goes above and beyond to ensure that every guest has a memorable experience, whether it's their first visit or they're a regular. Kara's professionalism, coupled with her genuine care for the satisfaction of those she serves, makes her an integral part of the Rockwoods experience.

Rockwoods is renowned for its delectable Philly steak and cheese sandwich, featuring tender slices of steak smothered in melted cheese, all nestled within a soft, toasted roll—a true delight for the taste buds. Their tomato soup is a comforting classic, crafted with ripe tomatoes and aromatic herbs, offering a warm and satisfying experience with every spoonful. And let's not forget about their mouthwatering chicken tacos, showcasing tender, flavorful chicken paired with fresh toppings and nestled in warm tortillas—a culinary masterpiece that's sure to please any palate. Whether you're craving savory sandwiches, comforting soups, or flavorful tacos, Rockwoods never...

I hadn't been to Rockwood in what felt like a year so I decided I would stop by for some lunch. I had always enjoyed eating here in the past, the fried chicken sandwich was huge and delicious and the sidewinder fries were amazing. I always left feeling full and satisfied. Unfortunately, the experience I had recently was not the same. When I sat down at the booth I glanced over the new menu and thought that most of the items looked pretty good. I had decided to order the BBQ Bacon Cheddar Burger and the fries. When the food came out I was pretty disappointed with what I got. The burger was pretty small and the sesame seed bun overpowered most of the contents. There was no BBQ to be tasted, just a little BBQ sauce, the cheddar cheese looked liked slightly melted plastic and the meat was pretty dry. The fries were the worst part of the meal . I was expecting the delicious sidewinder fries that I had gotten every time before but on my tray were unsalted, bland soggy fries. They were truly pretty awful. When the waitress asked me how everything was I inquired about the sidewinder fries and she told me that they were an "option" that you have to ask for. However, on the menu it just said "all burgers come with "hand cut fries". I asked if they were an upcharge and she said "no". I wish she had brought up the fact that different fries were available as I would have gotten the much better and tastier sidewinder fries for no extra charge over the inferior "hand cut fries". So note - if you are going to get fries; GET THE SIDEWINDER FRIES and thank me later.

Overall like I said, pretty disappointing. I felt that for the same price, Fosters, Smashburger, Jimbos or even Wendy's Baconator and fries are a far better choice than the burger and fries I ate today. I wish I could say I will be back and who knows what the future holds but after todays experience I can't say I will. Bring back the...