River City Diner

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. Pros: Much needed restaurant in that part of town Cons: FRESH crabmeat please more

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. more

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. Pros: nice waitstaff, good food, cool music more

Good enough food, a friendly waitstaff, great music... each time I come back, I wonder why I ever left to begin with. Pros: great milkshakes, jukebox Cons: sometimes noisy, too many little kids more

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. Pros: Good Food, Inexpensive more

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. Pros: food, decorations, friendly atmosphere Cons: service, service, service more

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. more

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.... Pros: PARKING more

We love the burgers. Try the Hawaiian, it's a blast. Kids love the hats and jukeboxes. Lot's of fun Pros: price, atmosphere, food Cons: location, service/slow more

Good atmosphere for a great price. The choice of foods, coupled with the ""unique"" atmosphere make this diner a Richmond gem. more

A great place to take a couple of friends and get some good food. you can have a conversation and not feel like everyone can hear you but also be very comfotable. It is a good place for a date! Pros: Atmosphere Cons: Parking more