Dot's Back Inn
Richmond, VA 23227-4051
Phone: (804) 266-3167
- Price:
- $
- Hours:
- Mon-Sat 9am-12am
Editorial Review for Dot's Back Inn – by Carter Trumbo
The Scene
Weekdays fill every seat for the daily Blue Plate lunch specials. What man could resist a plate full of meatloaf and gravy with the bar TV turned to the sports channel? Walls display authentic kitchen kitsch, the servers are called "waitresses," and twinkling Christmas tree lights create a cheery neighborhood atmosphere.
The Food
Dot's is a bar that serves good food. Blue Plate Specials have a strong following (meatloaf, roast turkey, pot roast type dishes), and there are always two nightly specials (including a fresh catch of the day). You can get the "same ole, same ole" sides but also home cut fries, black beans and rice and a spicy red potato salad. Order the chocolate pie for dessert--it's fudgy, rich, covered with real whipped cream, and "made by a little lady in the neighborhood."
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User Reviews for Dot's Back Inn
08/04/2008 Posted by member3567
I give Dot's 2 stars because they have great potential, as seen on Food Network's Diners, etc. but they waste it on their regulars. I was invited by 2 friends to check the place out. We went on a weekday at around 8 and the place was half-full which, with the size of the restaurant, means there were about 15 people. It took 20 minutes to receive our drinks, 2 waters and a bottle of beer, and another 30 minutes before our orders were taken. Meanwhile, the regular customers received frequent visits from the wait staff and seemed to be in good spirits. I ordered one of the burgers they offer and it came to me severely undercooked, I scraped out half of it in order to avoid having to send it back but that only left me with a bite or two. My eyes were burning from the smoke and my group was getting crabby. We stuck it out to give them a fair chance, but the food was nowhere near what we expected. This may be a case of too high expectations, but if a restaurant is featured on Food Network, I expect a lot more. Maybe if we return they will remember us and give better service, but I doubt we'll ever go back.
Pros: Fast Seating, cheap eats
Cons: Slow service, street parking, smoky atmosphere
06/18/2008 Posted by buymedaisies
I had seen Dots Back inn on the food channel and had decided to give it a try. I also read the reviews here before going. I decided to hopefully time my visit right to avoid the "smoky" atmosphere other reviewers complained about and I did get lucky. If you make a visit between the lunch and dinner crowds when there are very few people there its not bad at all. There were no smoke problems and the service was quick. Its a small place so even a few smokers in one area can make the entire place smell even with the fans going but luckily we were only one of two couples there and no one was smoking but a few of the actual wait staff and they were smoking right at the front door. I realized this isnt a 5 star restraunt but a little courtesy would go a long way. as for the food it was good. The chips and salsa were great, tasted like they made the salsa homemade, it had a great taste that wasnt to spicy, that meant you could really taste the tomatoe and garlic in it, I loved it. We ordered the fresh catch of the day which was catfish. I ordered it blackened as a sandwich. the tartar sauce they use is great. the blackening seasoning was very salty so if you dont like heavy salt flavorings have your food grilled instead. I will opt for that next time, and yes I would go again. but like i said, time it right for a more enjoyable meal.
Pros: great food
Cons: smoky atmosphere
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