Fabulous atmosphere and service was wonderful. The food was amazing. Me and my husband loved it.

3*=A OK I came here with some friends for dinner. Place is small on seating on the inside. Lots of seating outside for warmer weather. Server was ok, stretched too thin. Almost to the point of acting like "my 20% auto gratituty is there, so I can forget things, be slow, and not check on how you like your food." Ordered 2 cocktails. Pictured is the Abysance. It was ok. My Last Word was better. Ordered the pasta dish. I was excited because the pesto seemed fresh, but it lacked seasoning. Chicken, pasta, and mushrooms were great. Too much oil seeping out of the pesto. My table mates all complained that their food was either missing seasoning, or overly spicy. This was odd because the menu didn't describe a thing to be spicy. Like the veggies and roasted potatoes were covered in some type of cayenne blend! One Ordered the creme brulee, covered in untoasted Almond flour...like why??? She dumped that off. I opted not to try desserts. I don't know if I would return to eat, maybe just for drinks. But there are at least 2 places on the block for great drinks, so I don't know if i'll be back. . read more

Barrister’s - Sandwiches Near Me - Gastonia, North Carolina

See all

From the moment you step into Barrister's, the atmosphere is warm and inviting. Quickly greeted by a wonderful server. Appetizers were delicious. We had the Brie with pita and the chicken dip. Both were fabulous. All of our entrees were delicious with one of the favorites being the salmon pesto risotto. Topped it off with a fantastic crème burlee. Highly recommend for a drink and appetizer or a relaxing dinner. You will not be disappointed. Bon appett! read more

Charming, lovely, quiet atmosphere. Came for appetizers and drinks!! The Blackened Chicken Dip and Crispy Brussels were the star of the appetizers. Would definitely recommend for a date night read more

Barrister’s - Top Plate: Brie Appetizer Bottom Plates: Crispy Brussels Sprouts and Blackened Chicken Dip - Sandwiches Near Me - Gastonia, North Carolina

See all

I have always loved this place but this was the best visit I've ever had. The head chef and waitstaff have really outdone themselves with menu, ambience, and service. We sat outside and pretty much had the beautiful patio to ourselves. The fried squash and bread/butter board was delicious and I was surprised to find out that they have a pre-fixed 4 course menu option for less than $50. That is pretty unbelievable! My dad ordered it- the starter had purple potatoes and pimento cheese (so good). I had the Cajun cream pasta. Everything digested really well (I think because of how high quality their ingredients are) and it was a really memorable time. 10/10. Thanks Barristers for how far you've come in 5 years!! read more

Barrister’s - Cajun cream pasta with shrimp and Brussels sprouts. - Sandwiches Near Me - Gastonia, North Carolina

I'm torn. The restaurant is adorable and the food was prepared quickly however the service was tough to get past. I wasn't acknowledged at all by several waitresses just standing there talking and multiple others until I obviously looked very bothered. The lady looked at the others standing around confused but yet failed to empathize or address the wait time. The pasta was really good. I will say give it a try, maybe it was just a bad night. read more

Barrister’s - Sandwiches Near Me - Gastonia, North Carolina

See all

Wonderful atmosphere. Classy but not stuffy. Delicious food with interesting flavors and excellent quality. Great waitstaff. Outside seating is exceptional. Definitely recommend for any occasion. I wish I lived close by, I'd go here all the time. This is the third time I've eaten at Barristers and it's been even better each time. read more

I've been here for lunch twice and dinner once - drinks a few times. Everyone is always very nice and willing to help. Food is always great. Today I finally decided to say something about it. I had the Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich with fries for lunch. Fries were perfectly crisped and seasoned. Chicken was so crispy and crunchy and sauce dialed into perfection I almost did an immediate double bite! Looking forward to frequenting this place more. I do wish more people knew about it and add it to their lunch or dinner rotation. Another fun fact/pro-tip - grab a drink from the bar then head up to the rooftop lounge - on a clear day you can see the Blue Ridge Mountains. read more

Met up with my Sisters, Mary E & Cathy for lunch on a sunny Nov day. We made the reservation through Resy which is similar to Open Table. The lunch menu is the same as their dinner menu with a good variety of choices. You can see my photo of the menu as is does change from time to time. My sister Cathy had the mushroom appetizer and the Caesar Salad. Mary E & I both had the grilled Salmon. I opted for the Collards rather than the risotto with cream sauce. We all agreed the service and food was excellent. You will see from my photo, it was a nice size portion and was seasoned and grilled just right. The collard greens were much better than many I've had. We really didn't need a reservation @ 1130a on a Thursday as their was only one other table occupied when we arrived. Since this restaurant is located in the Esquire Hotel which was formerly the Lawyers Building built in 1918, it has a nice historic feel to it. There is a nice bar in the main dining room and the room is open and airy with a very high ceiling. I wasn't sure how to dress, so I wore what you might consider business casual clothes. As the dining room began to fill, I noticed there were several others wearing blue jeans. There was a single table with two gentleman wearing ties & my sister recognized one as a local attorney. In my opinion, the menu for lunch is pricey. I can see the prices more reasonable for dinner. There are not a lot of similar options in the area of downtown Gastonia so that might be how they justify the prices but $26 bucks for salmon @ lunch is not something I would do on a regular basis. If you are traveling on business and staying at the hotel, I can see it as a business expense. They are following COVID guidelines and everyone we came in contact with was nice and professional. There is some free street parking in the front of the building and plenty of free parking to the side and rear of the building. They have a nice outside patio which might be nice when the weather suits. read more

This is a hidden gem! A colleague and I had lunch in their courtyard as it was perfect weather outside. Our server, Kayla was amazing, friendly, and made the experience enjoyable! The food was fantastic and had I've been able to return for dinner, I would not have hesitated! If I make it back to Gastonia, not only will I eat here again, but I will stay at the hotel! read more

A new place for us to try. It's a quaint place inside the hotel. They did well with the space. The menu has plenty of great choices. We started with the Barrata, superb. I had the Bone-In Pork Chop served on grits with a roasted Succotash. Excellent, the chop was perfectly done, nice char. Grits, amazing. Highly recommend. read more

Service great. Beautiful place. And food was amazing. We have been 3 times now and have had a great experience every time!

We were so disappointed last night. My daughter and I took my husband out for his birthday. We were not told when we booked our reservation that they had a wedding rehearsal dinner in the main dining area, so when we arrived we were seated in the downstairs bar at a table facing the service door. When the door opened, we were hit in the face with fluorescent lights. Definitely not the ambiance we had expected. We left after appetizers. I felt terrible for the server. He was very nice and great at his job. We did leave him an appropriate tip. Barrister's, we have so few choice in fine dining, please do better. read more

Gastonia's hidden gem in the land of fast food. Wonderful cocktails and service. The food is delicious. The restaurant is very nice and there's outside seating as well. read more

My first visit was awesome. The chicken fried chicken was so good. The grits were an awesome compliment to the chicken. Loved the atmosphere. The staff provided great recommendations. Looking forward to my next visit. read more

Went for breakfast. No coffee. Asked for iced tea, and was told only served at lunch. Hostess was also the waitress. Limited menu only 3 options. No music playing. A breakfast sandwich was $4 extra for meat. Only came with egg and cheese for $9 on a biscuit. The sandwich was good but the experience was not worth 30 something dollars for two waters and two sandwiches. read more

The food was amazing, and the staff was very courteous. I definitely enjoyed my date night there.

Excellent place for lunch/dinner. Cool building. Delicious food. Inventive cocktails. 10/10 would eat again! read more

Barrister’s - Cocktail list - Sandwiches Near Me - Gastonia, North Carolina

I left a sterling review of this place approximately 2 years ago and I would like to retract every word. The waitress was very kind and attentive and the water tasted fine, however those were the highlights of my visit. According to the condescending manager, there is a new owner and new management who is intending on changing the direction of the restaurant. I'm guessing this involves using subpar cuts of meat and intentionally hiring management with the attitude and competency of an earthworm. Here's a tiny tip to humanity: if solicit someone's opinion about your product, it is unacceptable to criticize their feedback. If you're incapable of receiving the tiniest bit of criticism, then you shouldn't deal with the general public. Example: "Did you love your food?" "No, not really, but it's okay..." "Oh really... tell me why you think it tasted like that. I don't understand and I don't believe you. We've never had a complaint. I love the smell of my own farts!" Anyways, if you're walking by this restaurant and want a glass of water, served by a nice waitress, I would totally recommend. However, you're going to be criticized my the manager before you leave if you ask for ice. read more

Stayed here at the new boutique hotel in downtown Gastonia - The Esquire - and had both dinner last night and breakfast day. Simply put, both experiences were 100% excellent. From last night's smoked trout dip and cheesy tots to the wood-grill charred "lite gems" heart of romaine and fantastic filet... dinner rocked. The breakfast was also outstanding - breakfast hash with pork sausage, homemade butter, local grits, and fresh-squeezed OJ! Great place to eat for any meal of the day! Everything in this gorgeous 1918 bank-turned lawyers-building is on-point. The design, staff, and all amenities. read more

See all

The restaurant is nice looking in, but If you sit looking out, its not that nice because you're looking out at the entry way where people check into the hotel. The service was good - the food was OK. Steak was a little over cooked than I wanted, and I think my guests who got the shrimp dish and the burger enjoyed it. The cheese board didn't look as good as I thought it was going to be, but hey first time for everything. Good place for drinks. Overall, It wasn't amazingly great, but it was good. It wouldn't be my first choice, but I'd come back. read more

See all

We ordered a very expensive bottle of wine...and it was totally worth it. Our table ordered the pork chop (best pork chop we've ever had) the lamb, the duck, and we ordered fried squash appetizer, and a side salad. For dessert we ordered some chocolate pie from heaven. There was not one miss in the entire meal and we can't wait to go back. read more

Food, service, and experience was great. We had the fried oyster, Appalachian Trout, southern shrimp and grits, crab fingers, the Chocolate checkered pie, and a fresh locally roasted French Press to bring it all together. Annika was super attentive and helpful and we even got a visit table side from the Chef Kyle. Will definitely be back! read more

See all

Set inside a historic building and now the Esquire Hotel this place is really a gem. The food here is just un-freaking really good! The ingredients must be super fresh they claim it to be all locally sourced and I believe it! Chef sure knows how to cook up a ribeye! I've had a really hard time finding a steak anywhere else like it. Grilled just so perfect and juicy. Even the vegetables on the side were just to die for. I've also came there during lunch and got the pulled pork sandwich If it wasn't for the fact I was just so hungry that day I probably should've taken a picture. The sandwich was Soo good as well. I heard that the fried chicken sandwich bus what they're famous for. I've seen it and will give it a try next time I go, that sandwich looks like a nice big piece of chicken fried to perfection. Service overall is good food came out not too long but not to fast where I'd believe that everything is pre cooked and reheated. Everything must be cooked to order and didn't come out cold for me. I have recommended this place to many people already! read more

We have been wanting to try this upscale restaurant for months. Today was the day. Service was outstanding and attentive. Unfortunately, the food..not so. For some reason the chef feels that he must include squash in everything. Sauce on top of pork belly, butter on top of cheese cake, stewed even when field peas were requested. This did not add to the flavor of the items in any way. They actually distracted from them. Also if I chose a vegetable from the list available, ask before you decide I should eat somewhere else. There might be reason why. Will be a long while before we go back. For $100+ meal, rather go to Webb Street. read more

The historic venue brings character. Service is friendly, efficient and anticipatory. Food is artful, tasty and plentiful. We enjoyed our date night at Barristers and will come again. read more

Reservation @7:30 for 4... every one order different dish. Compliments to the Chef!! From the wine, food deserts, DELICIOUS.. also our waitress was so nice and sweet. Will definitely ask for Alyssa when we come back and it will definitely be soon. Thanks again for a wonderful time and dinner. read more

Another place with potential but misses the mark. Neat atmosphere and nice patio but the food is not good. I ordered the mahi and it was so salty I couldn't eat it. I will continue to drive to Charlotte for consistent and reliably good restaurants at this price point. read more

Let me say this, we have been here several times in the past year & have noticed the quality of food has gone downhill. However, the bright spot of our dining experience tonight was the iced tea. Here are some of issues experienced tonight: (1) croutons on Caesar salad were the size of an ice cube and equally as hard. The dinner knife would not even cut the lettuce. We had to ask for a steak knife to cut our salads/croutons. (2). The chicken sandwich - we both had - were unbelievably dry and difficult to swallow. Had to ask for extra pimento cheese, which consisted of shredded sharp cheese with some pimentos stirred in. DRY. (3). The Brussels sprout side was tasty however they had included small cut potatoes in with these and not sure why; possibly to stretch the serving? Strange! We had to ask wait staff for more ketchup, salt and pepper, and salad dressing (we are NOT lovers of tons of salad dressing, but virtually none were on the salads. (4). The Brussels sprouts were served on the chicken sandwich plate but the sprouts had a small scrap of paper that had been reused and cut up & placed under the serving dish. When we asked about this, the lady we assume was the manager, stated it was a good way to reuse paper that they normally would have wasted to keep the dish from sliding on the large dinner plate when the servers bring it to the table (see photo). The menu has not changed substantially since spring of 2021, disappointedly. Finally, there is an abandoned large SUV in the parking lot next to the building that has been sitting there since Spring 2021 with a flat rear tire. (See photo). The receptionist told us it belongs to the owner of Barristers who lives out of the country. Apparently, they are aware of this and are not making any effort to remove this. What a sight! This place truly had potential, but lack of attention of the owner, it may not last long which is sad for Gastonia. read more

Barrister’s - Flat tire on SUV in pkg lot for greater than six month. - Sandwiches Near Me - Gastonia, North Carolina

See all

Came in for dinner and had extremely poor service. The server didn't bring wine for twenty minutes and when they did it wasn't even correct, they didn't offer bread, any accoutrements for the steak which is standard and I had to ask for salt and pepper to be brought. Truly the worst caliber or service I've received in years. read more

We feel fortunate to have Barrister's in Gaston County. I hope that we see more restaurants of their caliber open in our area. We have enjoyed the really great food and excellent customer service from Barrister's since their opening. Everything from family meals, brunch, date night, work meetings, and private events. I was so impressed with the staff and management in the coordination of our recent event. Joy and Hillary were great communicators and made the process seamless. The dining space is beautiful and our guests raved over the lovely atmosphere and the food! Definitely take the time to try this spot. You won't regret it! read more

Barrister’s - Delicious appetizers. - Sandwiches Near Me - Gastonia, North Carolina

See all

We found this amazing little place, and we love it. The atmosphere is quiet with a little old world charm. The marble and wood just come together to make for a picture perfect date night setting. The menu is small, but that means they focus on the quality of the food. We've been here two times and love the food. I will say that I have them 5 stars, and it's because of the bartender. Erica is the perfect personality to make this place work. When you come here please engage her in conversation and she will make the perfect cocktail to make your night special. read more

Barrister’s - Esquire - Sandwiches Near Me - Gastonia, North Carolina

See all

Man - I really wanted to like this place. My wife and I chose The Lawyers building restaurant for our 14th anniversary dinner. I am a foodie and a beer snob, so please consider these facts when reading my short review. Service was awesome. Attentive but not pressuring, our sever was top notch and made is feel very comfortable on this special day. I am very disappointed in the beer selection. The special was Sam Adams. Really? Fortunately they did have Buffalo Trace, so I was able to enjoy a cocktail. Draft Craft beers are a staple for restaurants today and this place has a limited pull. The menu is eclectic and has fancy words and food combinations, but it is still limited in its offering. I had the trout and my wife had a pasta special. Both were just so-so. We are looking forward to the pub in the basement and the rooftop bar, both which should be opening soon. read more

Best place to eat in Gastonia. The food is always top notch. Good for large parties or a date night. The staff is always kind, courteous, and attentive. My husband and I frequent Barristers often, but not often enough for how great it is. Cannot recommend this place enough. read more

My honey and I went here for our 25th year anniversary. We started with cocktails and the Burrata appetizer. All very good. For our main course I had the salmon with rice pilaf and carrot purée. It was amazing! My honey had the rib eye steak with apple glaze, potatoes and mushrooms. He said it was also amazing. On top of this, the service was impeccable! Thanks for making our special occasion special. read more

Had an Amazing birthday dinner with my mom. We did not make reservations, but came at a good time, and they gladly seated us. Great service, amazing food, delicious coffee and cookies. Will definitely be back! read more

Barrister’s - Sandwiches Near Me - Gastonia, North Carolina

As far as hotel restaurants go, Barrister's was top notch! There were several food options, and our group ordered the fried squash and pimento cheese to share. Their pimento spread and kettle chips are made in house. I ordered the salmon for dinner and it did not disappoint! I have a dairy allergy so I am always worried when I order out, but the restaurant actually does not cook their salmon dish with any dairy or butter. They were very accommodating and the inside area is beautiful as well. read more

One of the best meals I have had in 15 years of living here. The general manager Joy was absolutely wonderful telling us about the wine program she had developed, she was amazing! She had so much to tell us about the wine,bee loved it. We will be going back to one of her classes. Everyone at Barristers made my birthday a special moment. Thank you so much. read more

Thank you Barristers for making my Mom's Birthday a great experience. Brittany was a great waitress. Thanks for a great experience. The squash and come back sause is amazing. Everyone loved their food read more

Tonight my Family & I had a great time celebrating my wife Charmaine's Birthday at Barristers Restaurant in downtown Gastonia. The Service was outstanding, Ribeye was real good, The Duck was fantastic, Lamb Shank Great and the Bolognese was ok.... Charmaine's dessert apple crumble was awesome.... When you get a chance by all means go check out Barristers it will meet your expectations. read more

See all