River City Diner

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southerncross

Joined 4 years ago

Nostalgic, but ripped off on fake crabmeat. While looking for an interesting new restaurant to try, my husband and I decided to try River City Diner based on a newspaper article which featured the positive visit by a local food critic. We found parking easy, the location next to the Farmer's Market and Main Street Station were a real plus, and the owner had done a great job renovating the space and decorating in an appropriate theme for the area. We enjoyed seeing familiar signs of old Richmond. We both ordered breakfast. For him, the crabcake and two eggs over light. For me, the 3-egg seafood omelet featuring Chesapeake Bay blue crab. My husband and I eat fresh crabmeat frequently, buying it right off the boat on the Eastern Shore at times. We are both good cooks and love fresh CB blue crab. I was enticed by the sound of the omelet and he the crabcake, but we were both very disappointed. For starters, what was used was not blue crabmeat. We were familiar with what the cook used: canned claw meat from either Taiwan or the Philippines. It is inferior, cheaper, and nearly tasteless. It doesn't even come close to being a substitute for the "real" thing that we native Virginians know and love. We ordered meals with crabmeat because we thought we would be getting crabmeat. They can get away with using canned claw meat on anything except the omelet. It is listed on the menu as Chesapeake Bay blue crab, and it definitely was NOT. Shame on you River City. Thirty one dollars is lot to pay for five eggs and a small pile of cheap canned crab claw meat. I will come back and try other dishes to be fair about the rest of the food, but it will not be seafood of any kind. The service was very good until time to settle the check. We had to bring it to a smoke filled bar and wait for the cashier to get off the phone. I wish my first impression had been different. We will try again.

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omaryak

Joined 8 years ago

Best local diner experience. With the longest hours outside of being open 24/7 and food that satisfies the most discerning of palates, this is the best diner experience you're going to get out of Richmond. The ambience holds true to the 50s era golden age of dining experiences, though unfortunately the prices reflect all too well the inflation that has taken place since then. Still, with the quality of the food you order, the only inflation you might be worrying about is that of your waistline.

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Contributor

Joined 10 years ago

Whether you're polishing off a night of dancing or simply want to polish off a burger, this diner won't disappoint.. The Scene
Although there are more than enough cutesy '50s-inspired diners in the area to make greasers gag, River City Diner stands out in the crowd. The kitschy jukebox and chrome decor is a perfect complement to the standard diner offerings?plus you'll find your mood instantly lifted by the flashy colors and friendly service.

The Food
Breakfast is served any time of day or night, and the shakes are especially good here. You won't find many heart-friendly entrees on the menu, but this is a great place if it's late and you just want to fill your stomach with some old-fashioned favorites. Especially good after a night out: a three-egg omelette.

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BrandyInRich

Joined 10 years ago

Cool Spot. I had a few friends come up from Williamsburg. We had dinner there and was served by a wonderful waiter. The food was brought to the table w/in 10-15 minutes of us placing our order. The appetizer came pretty fast as well. The portions were more than enough and I found myself having to ask for a to-go box. This is a great place for people who want something out of the ordinary. I loved the jukebox at every booth. If you are looking for perfection don't go but if you want a nice atmosphere to chill w/ friends or family, with good service and good food try it.

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dm445

Joined 10 years ago

best place downtown. Good enough food, a friendly waitstaff, great music... each time I come back, I wonder why I ever left to begin with.

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sherlock1120

Joined 10 years ago

Great Family Atmosphere. River City Diner has a great family atmosphere with a 1950's type diner theme. The food is great and very reasonable. There is a jukebox that plays songs from the past. Each booth has jukebox control with speaker. Of course you could eat at the counter rather than a booth if you prefer. I highly recommend this establishment.

Doesn't Recommend

adw0work

Joined 11 years ago

Fabulous Food Sorry Service. The food is great, the decorations tasteful throughout the restaurant. The service is even pretty good if you get there at a busy time. On the other hand, if you arrive when things are slow, you will be lucky if someone asks you for your drink order after 30 minutes of waiting. I have seen people who wanted to leave (after their meal) and stood and yelled for someone, anyone, to take their money. That is truely sad.

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ColonialSally

Joined 11 years ago

Memorabilia Heaven. Food, service, price were good. The memorabilia at the River City Diner on Main Street is fantastic. It brings back many old memories. Try their club sandwiches, they are great.

Doesn't Recommend

LINDAL

Joined 11 years ago

DISAPPOINTED. MY HUSBAND AND I HAD A SUNDAY LUNCH HERE AND WAS DISAPPOINTED. I GOT A STEAK SANDWICH WHICH TO ME WAS TOO GREASY. THE ATMOSPHERE WAS COLD BUT I GUESS THEY WERE DOING THEIR BEST TO BRING BACK THE FEELINGS OF 1950'S AND 60'S. JUST MAYBE IF I HAD GONE ANOTHER DAY OR NIGHT MY OPINION MAY HAVE BEEN DIFFERENT SINCE THERE WERE ONLY 4 PEOPLE EATING....

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buncobabe

Joined 11 years ago

Tasty. We love the burgers. Try the Hawaiian, it's a blast. Kids love the hats and jukeboxes. Lot's of fun