Riverside Tavern: A Local Favorite for Bar Experience in Richmond, VA

Been going here for years. It is the Southside gem you have been looking for. Cozy atmosphere with great food and cocktails. The staff is incredibly friendly. The patios are great for an afternoon hang with friends. Make sure you find time to come on a Tuesday dinner for the smash burger special.

OKAY, I have discovered my favorite dirty martini in the entire world at Riverside Tavern. When I ordered it, our server warned me that they make their own homemade brine with peppercinis, pickles, and olives. LET ME TELL YOU… best thing I’ve ever tasted in my life. The food was also absolutely phenomenal. The nachos were to die for and we didn’t even get chicken or anything on them. The fried chicken sandwich and fries were so fresh crunchy, crispy, and savory. My Cajun Alfredo was delicious. It was such a big portion. I had leftovers. I wish we could’ve tried dessert. The service was amazing and there was such a welcoming, loving atmosphere. It feels like such a safe space for everyone. I specifically was looking for a business to support during the January 30 strike, now Riverside Tavern has become our new favorite spot.

I got bean cakes which were absolutely amazing. The waitor was really nice and attentive even when he was busy. The establishment is very small having seating around the bar, lined by the window, about 5 booths and plenty outdoor seating. I did not like that the bathrooms were outside on the side of the building but I did appreciate how clean they were considering where they were. I will go back for more bean cakes!! My friend really enjoyed their chicken tenders and mac n cheese.

One of the best "Tavern" experiences in recent memory! Food is outstanding , drinks are great, and the service is stellar! A "must visit" after a hard day at the office! Never had better Nachos, I couldn't get even a nibble of the wife's Cobb Salad, and my fries were divine !!!! Check out the light display in the men's room!!

Wasn't too busy on a Sunday afternoon, they have a little parking lot. They have some patio chairs right out front, a bar and some seating inside and then a patio outside. The patio is covered and has 2 heaters. We walked into the bar and the bartender directed us outside where our server came out and got us waters. She helped us turn the heaters on and got us settled as we waited for the rest of our family to arrive. For apps, we ordered the Fried Oysters and the chicken tenders with BBQ sauce. The chicken tenders came with fries as well. The oysters were good, nice and crispy. The tenders were also delicious, especially with the BBQ sauce. The fries, while they looked crispy, were just a tad soggy for my taste. For our entrees, I ordered the Fried Chicken Sandwich and my husband ordered the cubano. Our family ordered salads with salmon. Everything looked delicious and was fairly quick to come out. My sandwich came with ranch and it definitely helped tone down the saltiness of the Fried chicken. Just eating the chicken alone was too salty and I had asked for my fries extra crispy which were amazing. The cubano sandwich was good and well made and the side of Brussels my husband got were also crispy. The salads and the salmon looked good, definitely cooked well. Our server was very friendly and accommodating. The person who helped bring out our drinks also ended up bringing out some bacon for our dog and was so kind. The patio is dog friendly but I would recommend brining a towel or mat for your pup to lay on. Overall, great service and good food!

Been meaning to leave this review for a bit... We've eaten at Riverside twice now; the second time we brought family along and we'll definitely be back! Special shout out to our waitress Rachel as well folks in the kitchen who took the time and attention to make absolutely sure our daughter's meal was dairy free. It was very busy and it's likely a rare request, but we truly appreciate it when we can go out for a meal together as a fam and trust that we're in good hands. Food and service were both awesome! Thanks ya'll!

Found this place by accident. We needed dinner for us and our 2 dogs. I don't know where to even begin (first our dogs are 52 pounds each and scared little babies because the world has them labeled 1. By their size and 2. By their appearance so we are very cautious where we go our job is to protect them from the unjust judgemental world) this place excepted us all in. The service was amazing the food was awesome the atmosphere was it's own but so awesome. The customer's around us seemed to be regulars and they welcomed us in like we were one of them. The dogs were loved on by all we all talked and laughed and basically ate drank and where merry the dogs because so comfortable they fell asleep. I know if and when I have to come back for my next doctor's appointment I will be coming back here. Thank you to everyone for a wonderful night.

Went on Saturday to get lunch around 12.30 pm they were not busy at the time we entered. There were 2 tables but it was a bigger group like at least 4 people. When we ordered there was another big group coming. We waited around 15 - 20 minutes for a simple sandwich, didn't know why it took so long. Sandwich were delicious. The hash potato was crispy on the outside and also had good taste. My husband got the panini spicy pork and it was great especially the chimmichurri sauce that came with it. The seat was a little uncomfortable to sit because the table leg was in the way so we had to sit in the middle and both our legs kicked each other all the time.