Bar West
Bar & grill · Far West ·

Bar West

Bar & grill · Far West ·

American classics, cocktails, dog menu, elegant patio

happy hour
delicious food
great cocktails
attentive service
friendly staff
outdoor patio
good service
pimento cheese
Bar West by null
Bar West by null
Bar West by null
Bar West by null
Bar West by null
Bar West by null
Bar West by null
Bar West by null
Bar West by null
Bar West by null
Bar West by null
Bar West by null
Bar West by null
Bar West by null
Bar West by null
Bar West by null
Bar West by null
Bar West by null
Bar West by null
Bar West by null
Bar West by null
Bar West by null
Bar West by null
Bar West by null
Bar West by null
Bar West by null
Bar West by null
Bar West by null
Bar West by null
Bar West by null
Bar West by null
Bar West by null
Bar West by null
Bar West by null
Bar West by null
Bar West by null
Bar West by null
Bar West by null
Bar West by null
Bar West by null
Bar West by null
Bar West by null
Bar West by null
Bar West by null

Information

5811 Grove Ave, Richmond, VA 23226 Get directions

$20–30

Reserve a table
Order delivery
See Menu
Restroom
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Cozy
Trendy

Information

Static Map

5811 Grove Ave, Richmond, VA 23226 Get directions

+1 804 531 9270
barwest804.com
@barwest.804

$20–30 · Menu

Reserve a table

Features

•Restroom
•Popular for lunch
•Popular for dinner
•Cozy
•Trendy
•Family friendly
•Good for groups
•Good for solo dining

Last updated

Dec 22, 2025

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@eater
391,575 Postcards · 10,993 Cities

Where Should I Host My 50-Person Party in Portland? | Eater Portland

"For an event with kids, I think Bar West is the best bet: the set-menu options include a number of kid-friendly items like snacking boards, roast chicken, and pasta, making it easy to accommodate families." - Brooke Jackson-Glidden

https://pdx.eater.com/2023/4/25/23696289/ask-eater-private-events-portland-restaurants-50-people-wedding-reception-birthday
Bar West
@eater
391,575 Postcards · 10,993 Cities

A Running List of Portland Restaurants and Bars Checking Proof of Vaccination for Indoor Dining | Eater Portland

"Proof of vaccination is required to dine inside; unvaccinated customers are free to dine outdoors." - Brooke Jackson-Glidden

https://pdx.eater.com/2021/8/6/22612213/restaurants-bars-proof-of-vaccine-carding-portland-covid
Bar West
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391,575 Postcards · 10,993 Cities

Restaurants, Kitchens, and Mutual Aid Groups Helping With Wildfire Relief | Eater Portland

"Bar West, a stylish cocktail and wine bar that closed its patio service due to smoke, is accepting and distributing donations of food and clothing to organizations such as Feed the Mass and C3NE church and food pantry." - Alex Frane

https://pdx.eater.com/2020/9/11/21431328/restaurants-helping-oregon-fires
Bar West
@eater
391,575 Postcards · 10,993 Cities

A List of Portland Restaurants Reopening for Patio or Dine-In Service | Eater Portland

"The cocktail bar added tables to a small courtyard to serve fizzes and spritzes alongside pasta and flatbreads." - Alex Frane

https://pdx.eater.com/2020/6/18/21295061/bars-restaurants-reopening-friday-covid-multnomah-county
Bar West
@eater
391,575 Postcards · 10,993 Cities

Spotted Pig alum Julian Calcott Is the New Chef de Cuisine at Beast | Eater Portland

"I learned that former Beast chef de cuisine Lucian Prellwitz is leaving to head to the incoming Northwest restaurant and event space Bar West." - Brooke Jackson-Glidden

https://pdx.eater.com/2018/10/5/17941126/a-new-york-culinary-hotshot-is-moving-into-the-beast-kitchen
Bar West

Eric B.

Google
Right away I was greeted by my server Terrence who had a perpetual smile and a very fluid motion to his step--not sure I've ever noticed that in a server--graceful w strength. At any rate, he was extremely friendly and kind, even bringing my dogs a water bowl unasked. I ordered a sparkling wine (happy hour) and some dog biscuits (there's a dog menu!) to start, and a gin cocktail with some PB Pup Cups for the dogs next. The covered patio has fans so it was easily 20 degrees cooler sitting there outside than walking my dogs on the sidewalk. The covered patio is very elegant compared to the typical umbrellas on tables on concrete elsewhere, and has a fireplace and a couple of tv's too, though I was happy music was being piped outside over the tv volume being unmuted. People visiting all seem to love dogs. 5 stars! We'll be regulars walking from Carytown I suspect.

Betsy A.

Google
What a fun little spot with great food and adorable atmosphere with a fireplace inside and outside!! Great place to meet up with friends for a cocktail and dinner or Happy Hour!! Parking in back! Long large bar and very accommodating and friendly staff!!! Can’t wait to go back!!!

Meghan Wright K.

Google
We hosted our rehearsal dinner and welcome party in the back room of Bar West, and it was the perfect venue!! Shout out to Autumn, as well as Heather, for making the process so smooth from the beginning. The space was beautifully arranged, the food was absolutely delicious, the bar was smooth and rarely had a line, the logistics were flawless, we had a mic and TV all set up, and so much more. Autumn was such a pleasure to work with - I so appreciated her responsiveness, attention to detail, answering all my questions, checking in through the night, and overall so accommodating. Thank you again for everything. I will highly recommend Bar West for events in the future!!

Claire C.

Google
Ellie’s hospitality truly elevated our visit. A great hostess doesn’t just seat you — they make you feel welcome, looked after, and excited to be there. She did exactly that. Highly impressed! Ellie exemplifies what great service should feel like!

Anastasia C.

Google
This place is great. It can get pretty loud if it’s a busy night but you’re still able to hear those with you at your table. The nachos are some of the best. They are very filling and I would totally come just for those and some drinks with friends. Everything we had came out quickly and tasted great. Our server was very attentive as well. Always coming around to see if we needed anything. Highly recommend for a date night.

Tara K.

Google
Five- stars all around! We recently hosted a private event on their front porch and it was a perfect setting. Autumn went above and beyond to make sure our event was set of for success and was such a warm and professional presence the day of! Landon did a fantastic job providing drink service during the event and I'd definitely recommend them for your event needs!

Nathan B.

Google
First time at Bar West today. Highly recommend. Very good upscale dining in a relaxed environment. The dry rub on the wings was amazing. The edamame salad was a great side option to the chicken sandwich, which was also very good. The Chef and owner, Brandon made an extra spicy hot sauce when I told him I am a big fan of the show Hot ones. The pimento cheese, bread and pork belly were absolutely delicious starters. I highly recommend this place after my experience. They also have a brunch and dinner menu that I would love to come back and try. Thank you to the staff for and Chefs for my experience today!

Danielle S.

Google
Very cool place to experience! The decor is inviting and open concept. Plenty of seating inside and the back covered patio. The cocktails were delicious!!! The kids enjoyed the apple cider too. The nachos and brussel sprouts were so delicious! I love crispy brussel sprouts with bacon and cheese. The best entree was the steak!!!! So much flavor. I definitely wasn't expecting that. We saw a lot of burgers coming out to other tables and we're very tempted to get that. Excellent customer service!!! I would definitely go back.
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Jenny H.

Yelp
Met a friend on an evening overcast afternoon and we sat outside. This use to be cafe caturra which I really miss but seems like they have the tomato soup caturra use to have at least. The patio has fans and a fireplace which is helpful to keep away flies in the summer and a nice heat source in the winter. Service was quick, friendly and helpful. Terrence suggested the Trio option for the best value which I liked but the turkey bacon ranch was not as tasty as it sounded. Kind of on the bland no side. Really enjoyed the tomato soup and the salad was just okay.
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Lauren L.

Yelp
This was a great place for a happy hour after work! I was worried about finding parking, but there was plenty of street parking around. I arrived and was seated immediately. I asked what the rotating cider was on tap and it was a seasonal PUMPKIN Downeast Cider. It was so refreshing and not over the top pumpkin. I loved it. Thankfully I was able to try it before ordering the whole glass! We got the pimento cheese and fried mozzarella. Both were very fresh and yummy. I will say the fried mozzarella reminded me of cheese curds from Wisconsin. It was a nice twist on mozzarella sticks and it came with plenty to share. The staff was delightful and very helpful! They have good happy hour specials. They had great seating inside, outside, at the bar and close to the open garage doors. Great options! I will definitely be back with more friends!
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Eric B.

Yelp
Right away I was greeted by my server Terrence who had a perpetual smile and a very fluid motion to his step--not sure I've ever noticed that in a server--graceful w strength. At any rate, he was extremely friendly and kind, even bringing my dogs a water bowl unasked. I ordered a sparkling wine (happy hour) and some dog biscuits (there's a dog menu!) to start, and a gin cocktail with some PB Pup Cups for the dogs next. The covered patio has fans so it was easily 20 degrees cooler sitting there outside than walking my dogs on the sidewalk. The covered patio is very elegant compared to the typical umbrellas on tables on concrete elsewhere, and has a fireplace and a couple of tv's too, though I was happy music was being piped outside over the tv volume being unmuted. People visiting all seem to love dogs. 5 stars! We'll be regulars walking from Carytown I suspect.
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LeAn H.

Yelp
Wowza, I thought I had added my previous photos from before it was changed to Bar West, but because it looks amazing..I have to leave it attach. (it's the NY Strip, Broccoli, and Coco loco.) It was girl's night out and we decided to hit this place up when it had changed. Be prepared to park at a distance because there is limited parking in the back and you should be able to parallel park on Grove. I lucked out and somehow got a spot in the front of the restaurant. I had a couple of drinks at the bar while it was HH and I was waiting for the rest of my group to show up. It was us 5 ladies and got to sit in a very large booth area inside the restaurant. The server was fantastic. His recommendation was great and would totally get the same order the next time I am here. The group decided on splitting the nachos as the appetizer. The cheese pour pretty much sums up what we thought of this amazing dish and portion to share among all of us. As for the entree, I got the server's recommendation of their spicy fried chicken sandwich with pasta salad. OMG, no regerts. This sandwich....AMAZING. I haven't had a delicious fried chicken sandwich like this in a very long time. The pasta salad was a great side to have as well. Again, it was a great chicken sandwich and I would recommend it to anyone else who reads this review. haha. Enjoy!
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Troy B.

Yelp
We have eaten here a few times and it is always good. There is some limited parking behind the place but lots of street options. They have a decent cocktail and beer offering. The four of us had a mix of entrees... mostly a mix of salmon and steak. All of which was good. They do have indoor and outdoor seating. Our service has always been good and the place gives off a positive feeling that makes you want to relax and talk with friends.
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Harrison C.

Yelp
Had such a good time last week! I got the pulled pork grilled cheese with a side of pasta salad and it was so good! The staff was lovely and it was certainly a happening place on a Friday night! I got an espresso martini which was also great. Prices were reasonable and overall a great experience!
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Mary A.

Yelp
A fun setting and delightfully decorated. We enjoyed our experience. A little loud with a "bar"'feeling. The drinks and food were both good. We loved seeing Santa!! Our server was really good as well.
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Claira C.

Yelp
Super delicious! Definitely slow slow service on a Saturday brunch, but I will definitely be returning.
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Caitlin A.

Yelp
I have only ever been for brunch, and every time the food was great! Service is hit or miss (time-wise, not in terms of friendliness) but of course can be explained by busy hours. I love the outdoor options - both the front patio (weather permitting) and the covered back patio (dog friendly too!). Reasonably priced, good vibes, no real complaints! I love the mozzarella balls appetizers and the breakfast bowls! Their coffee and espresso martinis are excellent as well.
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Jonique M.

Yelp
Came here on a whim because I wanted a strawberry lemon drop. I ended up getting a draft strawberry lemonade (I think that's what it's called) and it was DELICIOUS. I downed the first one and ordered two more. Con here is that I wasn't even slightly tipsy after 3 drinks which is rare for me. Ordered the fried chicken sandwich from their all day menu since we arrived right before the end of lunch. It's a pretty large sandwich and I gotta say it's pretty tasty. The dill aioli is good and I'm not a person who likes pickles. Wish my fries were fresher but they were tasty. Overall, it was a good time. The staff was nice. The atmosphere is laid back. They've got TVs available for sports. I would come back here.
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Chandni D.

Yelp
Checked out Bar West it's so cute inside! Got to sit at the bar and the service was amazing. I went for their happy hour which was a really good deal $6 for select cocktails that are decent. I didn't love their calamari it was on the sweeter side which isn't my favorite. I also got the fried chicken sandwich (spicy) and it was good! I'd definitely come here for their happy hour deals!
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Bridget M.

Yelp
Came here in between a wedding ceremony and the reception to watch some football and have a few drinks. The cocktails were really well made and the service was friendly. We had the nachos, which were very good and this place is super cute! I like the open kitchen, and it's also got a sports bar vibe because of the TVs. Loved it!
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Elyza B.

Yelp
I didn't expect to be so impressed with Bar West, but the food truly blew me away! We came in (a party of 2) on Black Friday around 7:30pm, and were seated immediately. I ordered the chicken and dumplings, and my partner got their salmon- both were mouth-watering and delicious. We stole bites off each other's plates all evening, and had no leftovers whatsoever! I would go back just for those dumplings, they were incredible! The restaurant itself is really cute as well, although pretty loud. The waitstaff were very nice, but seemed a little confused as to who should be doing what, and therefore neglected some of their tables. Other than that, it was a nice atmosphere and a great experience.
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Chris L.

Yelp
I'm giving them a rare 5star on first visit This place is crowded and I can tell you why There food is great Good service Good bartenders This is the newer go to place on Grove I had the scallops with grits Highly recommend one of best I have had My wife's steak and frites was very good Only thing wrong with it was it wasn't the scallops and grits Had pimento cheese appetizer Very good Sweet pickles a nice touch Go here ! Only issue - only 2 single stall bathroom for whole place so long line
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Maria T.

Yelp
Love this cool restaurant near Libbie and Grove. The outside seating area is warm and welcoming and inside is bright but still maintains a cozy vibe. With indoor and outdoor fireplaces, this is a fabulous place for those chilly fall and winter days! The bar is sleek and gorgeous, and i loved the intimate booths. The menu is limited and thoughtful as they have a unique flair to their dishes. It was difficult to chose just one meal as they all looked incredible. I settled on the taco salad! This was one of the best taco salads I have had in ages! The tortilla bowl was light and crispy filled with a magical combination of zesty flavors! The chicken was tender and well-seasoned with fresh ingredients in every delicious layer and topped with creamy avocado slices, served with a delectable sauce! We also had the plantains which were just as amazing! I loved this spot so much that I came back the next day! I will definitely try all the options as I visit this spot again and again!

Patty N.

Yelp
A fun barish atmosphere. The host/waiter seemed like he didn't want to be there and was very stoic and verbally apathetic. The food was good- FOR a BAR. Not alotof choice but again - if you are looking for a bar and bar food. It is good
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Ellen H.

Yelp
A couple of us girls went for a wine down brunch and this place was poppin! I lovelovelove their brunch deal and the ambience. If I could hang here for hours, I would! Their drinks are pretty good but can be pricey but they do have specials so stop in and see if you they have something you like. The people there are definitely not the off the street type - most everyone here is dressed up casually and I see a lot of formal wear more towards the evenings. The parking can get competitive and the outdoor seating can too, especially on a nice day, but they can also open up the "wall" to get the open feel. 10/10 would recommend, especially when you're looking for somewhere a bit classy.

Y J.

Yelp
Our family visited Richmond & Yelped for a good steak. We settled on Bar West. The venue was attractive, especially the area for patrons with pets. Staff was Great! Hubby tried the Huli Huli wings. Tiny but tasty. Daughter had edamame salad with added salmon. Salmon was a smidge over cooked Peppa devoured her chicken breast. I had pork belly app. & Steak & Frites. Appetizer was tasty but 80% fat & waay too expensive. I've only had one steak worse than this one. Not close to the medium I asked for, & grisly-totally inedible.
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R Terrell F.

Yelp
The food and service were excellent. Nice outdoor front patio with great heaters and a nice fireplace. Our dog enjoyed it as much as we did.
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Lena M.

Yelp
3.5 Stars! This place has an incredible vibe. My boyfriend and I went to check it out on opening night. The aesthetic and interior design is so much fun! The open kitchen is a lovely touch too, especially with the wood fire on display for all. I loved the energy. Everyone was buzzing with joy. We had a few waitresses help us. They all had big smiles on their faces and were very attentive. My rating system is heavily based on the food. Where this place killed it with ambience, service, and presentation, I felt like there was room for improvement with the food. This being said, I'd still be open to going back and trying more! My biggest critique is adding less salt. Here is what we tried (note: we tried every taco on the menu) : Blue Corn Toastada: These chips were yummy! It's not often I find myself thinking, wow I love the color of my food right now. Our waitress was so kind and brought us a second basket for our queso. Unfortunately, the second basket was drowning in salt. Queso Blanco: It's cheese! Cheese is a beautiful thing. They did this well, VERY WELL. It was rich and creamy. I'd go back for this alone. Wood-Grilled Corn Tortillas (tacos served on this): I don't quite have the word to describe this, but it was soft and a delight to eat. It fell apart easily, but the wood grilled part made it magic and worth it. Brisket & Tomato: The brisket was salt. I wish it wasn't, but it was just filled with salt. The potato chips on top didn't do much for me either. I wasn't able to enjoy this one as much. Pork & Citrus The pickled cabbage was the zest this taco needed, but I found the pork to be a bit dry. Shrimp & Arbol Chile Salt..I would've liked this a little more if the shrimp wasn't as salty as it was. Potato & Poblano This was our favorite one. The potatoes were prepared just right. Crunchy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. The combo of salsa verde, grilled corn, and manchego complimented the potatoes and poblanos. FCT: It kills me to say this taco fell flat for me because THE CHICKEN WAS INCREDIBLE. Buttery, crispy, flakey heaven. I would buy a dish of this chicken alone. This would've been my favorite taco if the sweet potato and white sauce had a bit more of a kick. Perhaps some citrus would've done the trick. This place had a very inclusive menu that highlighted what contained gluten, treenuts, peanuts, pork, shellfish, and what was vegetarian. I'm happy I tried it, even if my review does come off a little salty.
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Frederick T.

Yelp
As neighborhood "college" bars go, Bar West ranks at the top of the list. The menu is creative -- they actually have delicious breakfast options on weekends -- the food and prep are quality, and the staff is professional and welcoming. We usually make a weekly visit, and our favorite server, Meghan, makes sure everything is as we like it. I should also mention the craft cocktails... they're quite amazing, too. If you're looking for a casual night out, or just a pleasant cocktail experience, don't miss this joint!
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May-May R.

Yelp
We were attending an art show next door and were able to make a same day reservation for a party for 7pm. I love the decor - from the murals on the wall to the crocodile above the fireplace. They also have a very small parking lot behind the restaurant - if that's full, you'll have to look for street parking nearby. My husband got a coconut lime drink which he LOVED. The mussels were also delicious and in my opinion, the star of the meal. I got the lobster enchiladas which were pretty good - kudos to them for lots of fresh lobster but weren't my favorite. Our table also got the arepas and tacos and said they were delicious. The churros were piping hot, sugary and delicious - perfectly paired with a very strong cappuccino. The menu is unique - I only knocked one star off because I wasn't thrilled with my food but I wouldn't let that deter you from going - it's a great new spot in Richmond!
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Michael C.

Yelp
Pros: the food was great. The crab dip was so good. The service was excellent, and the ambiance is great. We have been there before and enjoyed our experience each time. Cons: It is extremely loud when crowded. Makes a dinner date difficult as they don't have anything to help with the noise. Recently they switched to gender neutral bathrooms.... They have two small single bathrooms, so this doesn't work when the restaurant is crowded. The girls from the bar traveled to the rest room in packs, making it impossible to get in and out. The line wrapped around the bar at one point. Since I was there on a dinner date, this was a bit frustrating. Overall, we really enjoyed our experience and will be back.
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Da'Vette J.

Yelp
Had high hopes for this place since it replaced a gem 'Cocodrilo'. Hate to say it but I won't be back. I'll give bullet points to save a whole ordeal: -Asked for medium well bacon cheeseburger but got medium with no bacon instead -Ordered pasta salad as a side but got cold fries instead (dry/bland pasta salad arrived after hunting our waiter down) -Asked for no tomato but had tomato. -Wait time to sit during a busy time was FAST but wait time to be seen by a waitress/waiter was like we were forgotten about -Etc. Overall, this place had a horrible first re-impression on me. I'd give zero stars if possible. I guess a positive is the waiter decided not to charge us for the bacon that didn't arrive

Julia W.

Yelp
Delicious, this was a great spot with an amazing location. More of a sports bar. I was expecting it to be a bit cozier but still worth the trip.
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Sean C.

Yelp
This place runs like a fine-tuned machine. Super responsive service, quick bar service, kind staff, great music, fun athmosphere with two large outdoor terraces, open kitchen and the food was exemplary. I will be back.
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Laurie L.

Yelp
This place is a hidden gem! Great drinks and wonderful food. It looks like they change the menu every so often, which I love!! I got the frozen drinks flight and all of the drinks were delicious. For appetizers they had clam strips. Yes clam strips in Richmond?!! Say no more. I grew up eating clam strips in New England area and to find something kind of similar in Richmond was a gold mine! They were so yummy with a kick to it. They actually had the full clam strip and not just diced meat into the breading which most places do. For my entree, I got the barbacoa tacos. You have a choice of flour or corn tortillas. I got the flour and you can tell they are definitely home made. It also comes with pickled cabbage and a corn mixture. It was all soooo good!! I wanted to get dessert but we were so full. I highly recommend eating here!
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Stephen M.

Yelp
My wife and I arrived at Barwest slightly before the reservation, and after waiting a A short while, were seated. . The time to get any type of service was slow, and the hostess decided to go get us some water. The waitress was nice and trying to accommodate us, but I believe the kitchen was backed up. After we decided to not go with the Prix Fixe, we ordered drinks and an appetizer. We both ordered the sandwich with the chop salad and pay a little extra for chop salad. My burger was not cooked to order. Those still juicy was overcooked. The salads weren't chopped they were regular salad. My wife ordered the chicken sandwich, which has not sat well with her since she started to eat half of it. The other half is now being thrown out . What we realized is this is just a bar with food not a restaurant that serves drinks. Really sorry to give unflattering review, but I can't point anything other than a friendly waitress and receptionist as positive for our visit.
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Shelley B.

Yelp
After returning from almost a month in the Yucatan eating some of the most amazing food I've ever had, I experienced, as a self-described foodie, what I can only describe as a foodpression. Nothing was particularly appetizing to me and everything just felt unsatisfactory. My friend and I were long overdue for a hang sesh and decided to check Cocodrilo out. It was nothing short of spectacular and cured me of my food sads! From the chips and salsa to dessert, every bite was delectable. And the drinks!! So inspired! Usually my friend and I try to order different things but with both wanted those short ribs so bad we both ended up ordering the same thing. And when I tell you I was on the verge of licking my plate clean, I am not even exaggerating! I was convinced I'd be here every week but alas life happened. But fortunately, my bf and I were able to make it for their Dia De Los Muertos prix fixe celebration. A 3 course meal for $35 is a damn good deal these days and this did not disappoint. Again all of the dishes we tried were on point but that mole sauce was on another level. If you haven't checked this place out do yourself a favor and get yourself a table ASAP!
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Steve I.

Yelp
First time visit will definitely be back. Great vibe with music playing, fireplace inside to lounge by, and outside on the patio they have plenty of heaters to keep you warm on a cool day. We were there during brunch and enjoyed our meals. If you like mimosas, they had a good deal on a bucket of mimosas as well. Several TVs around you can see sports, but definitely not a sports bar atmosphere.
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Diane M.

Yelp
6/14 update. Still 3.5 stars... but trending up. We live right around the corner and decided to come for dinner because I didn't want to cook. The place was HOPPING early on a Wednesday evening, which makes me happy. Dinner was a mixed bag: some things phenomenal, some not so much. Too much salt was our major complaint. We had the arugula and chopped salads to start. Both were generous portions and delicious. For entrees, my husband got the steak frites, I got the mussel special, and we ordered the fried green tomato special to share. The steak on the steak frites was too salty to eat. We sent it back and got a new portion, which was OK; still salty and the steak cooked a little over medium rare. The fries were EXCELLENT. The fried green tomatoes were the bomb. Crispy but not greasy, fresh tomatoes, wonderful corn relish, and a spicy sauce that made us want to lick the plate. The mussels were plump and tender, but the sauce they came with was oily and too salty. Oily? No oil needed with mussels. We just ate them without the sauce and were happy. The accompanying sourdough was crisp and light... delish! We tried the white Beaujolais with dinner, and like it very much... I hope the rest of the wine menu proves to be well-curated. Bar West seems to be doing well. Message to the well-respected chefs: just because you are as good as you need to be, doesn't mean you shouldn't be as good as you could be.
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James M.

Yelp
Seven of us dined at cocodrilo last Friday night. It was an incredible experience. Despite only being open for two weeks, the restaurant is firing on all cylinders. It's clear that the industry pros who hail from places like Shagbark, Lemaire and River Roll who own and run the place know what they're doing! First, parking is a breeze in the free lot behind the building which is in the old Cafe Catura space at Libbie and Paterson. You enter from Paterson via a large and inviting front porch that was packed with diners enjoying a warm, early Spring evening. The interior is bright and open, with tables that run down the center of the space flanked by an open kitchen on one side and a massive bar on the other. It's not huge, but plans are still in the works for an another covered patio on the back that will add 50 more seats. A stone fireplace at the front, flanked by comfy chairs and a sofa provides a lovely spot for a nosh and a drink. The vibe feels fancy, but hip. It's a place where you can get drunk on margaritas at the bar while chowing down on tacos or take a client out to impress them. Our group settled in at our high top table near the rear of the restaurant. It provided a perfect vantage point from which to take in the vibrancy of the space. We ordered cocktails from the specialty list. I had the Plovers Old Fashioned made with brown sugar and orange bitters. It hit the spot. My fiancé had the Coco Loco, a frozen concoction with rum, coconut and lime. It was visually stunning and equally delicious. I typically don't like sweet frozen drinks, but this was so well-balanced I almost ordered one for myself. The consistency was almost meringue-like, as if they took ice and whipped it. I will definitely enjoy that on their patio next time. We ordered the queso dip with chorizo for the table. It was rich and creamy, with spicy sausage nestled in the center. The blue corn chips that came with it made for a visually stunning presentation. We also shared the yellowfin tuna starter. Oh.my.goodness. Big chunks of raw tuna mixed with jicama, avocado and mango made for an explosion of flavor. A quenelle of a whipped coconut cream is the proverbial icing on the cake. The perfectly fried and seasoned plantains provided a welcome crunch. I ordered the NY Strip for my entree. Out came a massive, wood-grilled steak perfectly charred on the outside and spot-on med rare inside. It was seasoned within an inch of its life and came with a bright, herbaceous chimichurri and salsa macha. Fried parsnips and crumbled peanuts added texture. A small dish of crispy but pillowy yucca (I think) fries, rounded out the dish. I had plenty to take home for another meal. I enjoyed a couple of glasses of stags leap Cabernet, chosen from a small but thoughtful wine list. My boo and I shared the chocolate bar for dessert. The consistency was somewhere between a cake and brownie, but with a rich, intense flavor. It definitely satiated my chocolate craving. The service was notable, especially for a new restaurant. Not a single water glass sat empty the entire night, and every need and whim was attended to. Our server thoughtfully offered to split the checks because our party was a mix of singles and couples. I don't know exactly how much the total bill was, but my guess is that it was $80-$90 per person including tax and tip. Worth every penny and then some. This is going to be a welcome addition to the RVA food scene. -- eating dinner with great friends at co*co*dri*lo.
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Samantha F.

Yelp
Uhm...so this place was ok. It is very cute, with a massive bar and the patio out front has always been great no matter what restaurant was in this spot. I got here early for a work happy hour to grab our reserved table, and unfortunately was put off right away when I was told the happy hour was only at the bar. I said I would go over to the bar and order my drink there while I waited for everyone to show up, and they told me I would still not get the happy hour if I did that...so yeah, empty place and you are going to limit someone on a $2 off happy hour drink...not great. Other than that our service was fine, and we ordered several appetizers and drinks for about 8 people. The Paloma was great, and people liked their frozen margaritas. The food...other than the house made corn tortillas which were really really good, it was just ok, and expensive. We got the charred carrots, the shishitos & chorizo, salsa & queso, and the carnitas pork shank taco "platter." Sadly the chorizo in the appetizer was awful, like eating a block of salt, I had to spit it out. And we thought the "platter" of tacos would be already made, but no, they give you a pork shank and you have to make your own. Sadly the meat was not that great and it was very expensive for what you got. They did nicely give us two extra corn tortillas for the platter, which as I mentioned were the best part of the night. So yeah...a meh from me. I think you can do better in this price range.
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Sus S.

Yelp
I've been twice now and enjoyed both times. Usually the food is spot on but the nachos this last time weren't great. The chips were stale/soggy by the time it came out and the meat was pretty dry. I do love their crab dip though - make sure you ask for extra crackers bc they never give you enough. Good little chicken wings too and enough are given to split.
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Priscilla N.

Yelp
To start off , they have a private parking lot in the back. The setting in here is a vibe. Lovely seating with staple pieces that draws your attention. They have a huge bar along with booths, dim lighting and soft background music. We started off with some cocktails. Great cocktails with a good amount of alcohol. I ordered the duck breast. I was a bit hesitant about it but my boyfriend and the waiter convinced me and I'm so glad I got it. It was AMAZING. Came with a nice creamy sauce. Not too spicy and some walnuts and salad on top. It was good. 10/10 My boyfriend got the NY strip with yucca fries on the side. That was also amazing. The fries were perfectly crisp. The NY strip was tender and juicy. 10/10 Service was also great. Everyone was welcoming and attentive. We went close to closing time and they still took their time and served us. Didn't rush us and took some good pictures of us after. Food came out pretty fast as well. 100% would recommend this place.
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Hope C.

Yelp
I came here with friends for the first time. We got a bunch of the appetizers and they were great! We got the nachos, fried mozzarella, butter flight, and burrata. All were great! The drinks were also good. Our server was nice. My only complaint is that the wings are super tiny. I asked the server if they are always that small and she said "yes, they're flats". The wings are indeed all flats and I knew that when ordering but did not expect them to be that small. The sauce on them was good though and they did put a lot of them on the plate. But the puny size was honestly comical . The whole table had a good laugh.
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Shannon H.

Yelp
I'm confused as how to rate this place--TERRIFIC experience during two visits late in 2022 (they'd only been open since mid-year) then suddenly they closed in January for "rebranding," which in this case sounds like "turning it into TGI Fridays." I was told they're putting up scads of big screen TV inside so you can always find your game which, great, I guess? But why sacrifice a place with unique personality, menu and bar -- which seemed to always be busy -- to create a suburban sports bar? Ah well, easy come, easy go. Maybe Cocodrilo is really Spanish for "could be anywhere."
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Karen L.

Yelp
Bar West is a wonderful place to have lunch! We've never been for dinner - at least not yet - but we've had amazing experiences there not only with the food but with Megan as our excellent server! She is efficient, friendly and has made us want to come back over and over! They have an awesome lunch combo that is delicious! Highly recommend!!
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Sue F.

Yelp
Whoever did the design selections for this restaurant did a tremendous job. It's well lit, welcoming and comfortable while being sleek and trendy. Came here for lunch and the $12 trio had enough options for whatever you're craving. The turkey bacon small sandwich with the slaw was great. Bartender was friendly but not overbearing so I was comfortable dining by myself without pressure.

Harold C.

Yelp
BarWest was great! Our server was busy yet very attentive. Drinks were order... then the food came out perfect. Got the crab cake sandwich. Love the patio... weather was just cool enough. Highly recommend this place for four guests... five or more risks having to eat inside which is a shame since the two patios are great!

Romaine M.

Yelp
Been there maybe a dozen times and always loved the Nachos and wings. I went recently and it seems like they swapped out the amazing wings they used to carry which were so petite and delicious. Now they serve larger wings just like everyone else and the flavor is not there. Please Please go back to the wings you used to serve it really made for a unique experience.
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Katie S.

Yelp
Ordered a little bit of everything: appetizers, tacos, woodfired entrees, and desserts. Each plate that hit our table was artfully crafted and intentionally seasoned. The queso was sharp, the salsas spicy. The crispy potatoes were a work of ART in that sauce . My salmon was cooked to perfection in a cool coconut broth and herby veggie salad. Partner's steak was cooked perfectly and coated in a delicious chimichurri sauce. We also ordered the bread pudding for dessert and it was top notch . Overall, color me impressed: upscale ambiance and high quality menu & ingredients. Will definitely continue to support this neighborhood spot !
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Shaina M.

Yelp
Lovely location, delicious food, and the friendliest wait staff! This is a must try for anyone in the Richmond area. My husband and I snuck over here the first Friday of opening week and we were not disappointed! We are so glad we were able to snag the reservation when we did. I had the cocoloco to drink (yum!) and if you enjoy coconut and rum I'd recommend this. We shared the Sweet Potato Tamale as an appetizer - very good flavor and texture. The broth was tangy and really complimented the dish We couldn't decide on which taco to try so we did the FCT and the shrimp tacos. Both were very good. Don't let the two tacos fool you. They are larger and fuller than a street taco. We also got a side of broccolini and the crispy potatoes. Both were great sides to compliment the meal and perfect for sharing. We cannot wait to come back and try more dishes! Hopefully we have room for dessert too.
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Sandra W.

Yelp
Cool, new spot for us near-westenders... the four stars does directly to their house-made ranch dressing, which is insanely delicious I get it every time. Side of fries + ranch. Side of cucumbers + ranch. Wings + ranch, but I don't eat meat so I just eat the ranch. Also, their salmon dish is amazing. And their pimento cheese appy is my favorite... with the pickles and the bread. Perfect bites. Staff is great as well! Ask for Frankie the bartender or Andy the waiter -- both are incredible!
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Emma G.

Yelp
The staff was nice but the food was bland. If you like plain food it is a good option/ seemed fresh. I was just disappointed in the lack of flavor.
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Joseph D.

Yelp
I absolutely love this place. The food was absolutely amazing. They must have trained chefs because even the presentation was so awesome I felt bad eating it lol. Prompt service, staff was all very attentive to every guest. Had a great double date night here. I plan on coming back a lot!
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Rodock W.

Yelp
The muggy, wet night's air, left condensation on Mr. RVA's flatcap. His instincts alerted him that his steps were being closely watched through glowing, peering eyes. Looking over his shoulders, he saw nothing but logs of wood surrounding a magnificent azul door; luring him with a sense of calm. Then suddenly, without warning, I was swallowed whole and was now, in the Belly of the Beast. Light bulbs hung from it's spine like fireflies; their glow illuminating exposed white brick walls. Mahogany wood floors and white stone tabletops added to the warmth & allure. of the atmosphere. Patrons seemed unbothered being on the inside of this enormous, fiery enclosure. I gazed to my left to see an Egyptian Plover looking surprisingly calm; at home on the scales of the large, semiaquatic reptile known for it's unbridled power. This chic, neighborhood restaurant received it's genesis three weeks ago; with service and food comparable to years in the business. This can only be attributed to the Quadruple Hitters, Brad Slemaker, Rob Long, Tara Schleinkofer & Brandon MacConnell; each with extensive resumes highlighting years of service in the restaurant & hospitality industry. This Latin-inspired ubicación offers mouthwatering cuisine, handcrafted cocktails, & wines hailing from South America. Ladies and Gentlemen of Discovering RVA, emerging from the depths & rising to greatness, Cocodrilo. @cocodrilorva . Appetizer¹- Shrimp & Crab Claws~ Chilled Crab Claws & Jumbo Shrimp, Morita Chiles, chunks of Avacado, sliced Olives, served with Saltine Crackers. . Appetizer²- Masa Gnocchi~ Freshly made Gnocchi, complimented by Maitakes, aged Manchego, Herb Salsa & topped with a Soft Egg. . Entree- Duck Breast~ Savory sliced Duck Breast, drizzled in a sweet Guava & Mezcal Sauce, Winter Squash, Almonds, escorted by chopped Frisée. . Wine Pairing- A glass of Malbec, Amalaya Esperanza Por Un Milagro, Salta, Argentina. . Jeff- Thank you so much for your rapport, recommendations, and hospitality. . Brad, Tara & Rob- Thank you for Everything! Much Obliged & Te veo pronto. . Please, if you haven't already, follow me on my official Instagram page @Discoveringrva and take a journey with the Gentleman, "Mr. RVA" to uncover the hidden gems of our noteworthy city. . #discoveringrva . #804 #va #virginia #rva #richmond #richmondva #rvadine #rvaeats #Rvafood #food #foodies #foodshare #foodstagram #foodiesofinstagram #yummy #foodblog #foodblogger #foodlover #foodpost #foodography #delicious #delish #foodpic #eating #foodandwine #eeeeeats #foodiegram #igfood #forkyeah
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Grover O.

Yelp
My wife and I came in last night at 7:50, waited a few minutes to meet the hostess which wasn't a big deal. We were seated at a high top right across from the kitchen and bar, a great location. Then the wait began......Plenty of staff both on the front side of the house and the back but still we waited. 10 minutes went by, my wife got up and asked the bartender if someone was going to see us. Meanwhile three waiters were hanging out at the point of sale and talking but not engaging any customers. The Bartender, that my wife spoke to goes and tells the manager behind the bar, we both see this now and so we're expecting some service, nope just stared at us.... Service till midnight huh??? Finally we got up walked and left, my wife told the hostess on the way out nobody ever came to wait on us, she just shrugged her shoulders. Walked across the street to Jack Browns and was seated and waited on promptly. Bar West might be good, but who knows we never got the chance.
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Terry J.

Yelp
What a cute place, wonderful environment. Service was pretty decent and the bar selection was plentiful. The flounder with the shrimp was delicious. Others in my party got the NY Strip and said it was wonderful. Great size and filling. Parking is minimal, but it's worth the hassle.