02/19/09

A hidden gem in the jungle of richmond, no wonder its been there over 80 years!

by MynameisSlim

I walked into the diner for the first time about a year and change ago. It seemed nice, they had just finished renovations if i remember correctly. I had been heard all sorts of things about the place, both good and bad. Like most people the bad reviews stuck in my head but i was in the area and they are 24 hours so i decided 'why not?' I was seated within seconds by a very polite waitress. The service was quick and the wait staff treated me like an old friend and talked to me and made me feel good about giving it a chance. I checked out the menu, great prices by the way. I ordered a soup and salad, it was fresh and tasted so good i ordered an entree AND desert. I usually don't order more than soup and salad but the service was so good, the wait staff was so polite and the whole atmosphere was just perfect. The manager on shift came over during my meal, asked me about the service, talked to me and truly cared about the welfare of the restaurant. He also told me about the historic significance of the building as its been standing since 1861 and a restaurant since 1926! I took home a carry out menu and ive been eating there every week since. Don't listen to the negative hype, plenty of people will complain but not everything is 5 stars. This diner is truly a landmark both for historical sake and for foodies of all ages. I recently ate in and had the same great service. The day waitress and day manager were both eager to take comments and questions and chat with me. Such a friendly environment and the best food on Main St IMHO.You're only cheating yourself if you don't stop by and grab a bite. Truly a place worth visiting every day if you need a hot meal, a friendly chat, a cold beer, and a good good time. Did i mention they're 24-7? I went during the day, usually about noon - 1pm. Check it out, you wont be disappointed i assure you.

• Pros: Service, Food, Atmosphere, Cleamliness, Location, Everything!
• Cons: None

02/09/09

DRESS NICE, LADIES

by RonHorse

was Twittered about this place by my bro Brody. got there, needless to say, seated IMMEDIATELY. my waitress looked like she just seen a ghost. ordered my coffee "up" and "dirty" and best believe there were no hassles. ordered a Cloudyburger with grape dippin sauce. every sensory nerve on my taste buds was SCINTILLATED and TITILLATED but they made me go to the car for ketchup packets. but c'mon this diner can sure CUT A MUSTARD packet. thats when i saw the hostess shove some dude. all the charming regulars are really gross and the owners hair was all burnt off. he looked like a lame raisin but my meal was frickin Kream of the Krop.

• Pros: sweet
• Cons: regs

01/30/08

Greasy Spoon or Just Greasy?

by WMWetzel

The newly remodeled diner leaves a lot to be desired. I too had hoped that the owner of this diner would make some great improvements when the city made them clean the place up but, that is not the case. The service is really sub standard and most of the wait staff appear to be very disinterested in the customers. The ?regulars? really seem to be treated well but the customers that just happen in seem to wait for long periods of time for any form of service. It also concerns me that they feel the need to post an armed security officer at the front of the diner? The diner is owned by the same guy that owns Daddy Rabbits and the Candy Bar strip clubs and I think that may be the same atmosphere that he is going for here. I recommend that you drive the extra mile and try another restaurant.

• Pros: Very cheap food
• Cons: You get what you pay for...

08/21/07

best inexpensive breakast

by fdabney3

The 3rd St Diner is a great place to eat breakfast anytime of the day. The new renovation has transformed the restaurant into a cozy place to dine. The breakfast was most excellent. I use to order take out (club or burger) and the food was always good and at a reasonable price. I just dined there last Wednesday and the food and service was first rate.

• Pros: taste of the food and service
• Cons: no handicap accessibility

04/17/07

slow service, smoky, cold food, long wait for lukewarm coffee and tea

by starry12

I had hopes for the recently remodeled diner, but was disappointed. I went for breakfast in the late morning, but the atmosphere was more of a smoky bar. Service was almost nonexistent. After waiting 10-15 minutes for coffee and to place our food order we got up to ask what had happened to our drinks. We were informed that the coffee machine was broken and they were microwaving cold coffee cup by cup. We cancelled that coffee order! There was one server behind the bar and another server or helper who would come by the table to get an order but could answer no questions, and then would never return. When the food finally did come, one order was wrong and the other served with cold bacon and mushy hash browns

( I had specifically asked if the hash browns could be crispy and well done and was told by the server that it wouldn't be a problem). At least the eggs and biscuit were eatable. It was a frustrating experience and disappointing as the restaurant is in a good location and could be a pleasant diner if more attention were given to the food and service. It may be a good place for smokers who want to go to the bar at night for a drink, but not for anyone who wants a meal and friendly service.

10/20/05

horrible service

by wooww

the waitresses were rude and provided just about no service. it was late, but that is no excuse to have to wait an hour and a half for breakfast-type food. eggs and pancakes really don't take all that long to cook.

08/14/03

More Richmond than Civil War history, this neon-spirited, greasy spoon ensconces bar-goers in a "rivah-city" mist.

by Contributor

The Scene
With more character than a Woody Allen movie, 3rd Street has a funky interior--part diner, part loft, part Key West dive. The balcony, bar and high windows set the scene for this urban-chic mecca. Who's going? You'll see everyone from corporate CEOs to good ol' boys in this urban diner. Sunday mornings are fairly colorful, but the main attraction is on weekends after the bars close--taste of the Wild West saloon, sans the shootouts. Look for "hair of the dog" morning folks or those skipping the Old Dominion Club (after hours club) to have a drunken breakfast, share some drunken company or just smoke cigarettes.

The Food
French toast is the best breakfast item of note. Also a great place to grab a cheeseburger and fries, but don't forget the lime-ade (a Richmond staple).

12/28/02

Umm... Yea

by Redheadedtiger

3rd Street Dinner is a decent place to go study or read a book but I wouldn't go just for the food, it isn't exactly great. The only people that do go for the food are college students with the late night munchies.

11/11/02

Good Food - Eclectic Crowd

by yummm

I love to eat here - any time of day. The food is great, the service is above-average, and the crowd is fun and eclectic.

10/22/02

Urban eclectic

by miahammster

Classic urban eclectic, from pancakes to eggs, from burgers to even uptown "greasy spoon", this place garners my vote for an all around dining experience. Classic dishes, yet cheap to moderate prices, 3rd Street has more than earned its reputation as a Richmond dining staple.

• Pros: inexpensive
• Cons: parking really stinks