I've been to Lafayette Tavern 4x since they've opened and have two more reservations on the books. I think it's a great addition to the Richmond dining scene, though not without some hiccups. Visit 1 (March): My boyfriend and I sat along the wall of half booths. We were seated next to a couple of girls who were obscenely loud, to the point that my boyfriend said his eardrum hurt after we left. The food was phenomenal for the most part that trip - we had the bucatini with slab bacon (me), spicy shells (him), plus the leeks and creamed spinach. For drinks, I had the Fogcutter (whew, strong) and he ordered a bottle of expensive orange wine. Dessert-wise, he had the banana-brulee cheesecake and I had the cream and berries (not my favorite, but different). Service was friendly and prompt. We were interested to try more, so I was pleased when I randomly woke up around 1:15 am on April 1 and was able to score some May reservations. Visit 2 (May): Earlier this month, we stopped in again the night of Mother's Day. I was surprised to see the restaurant wasn't full, perhaps that was by design due to the holiday. We were seated in the two-tops in the middle of the room, which we much preferred, as we didn't have neighbors screaming in our ears. That visit, he tried the double mint Julip, and I tried the Tommy Collins and an Espresso Martini (both delightful). For an app, he ordered a sashimi special that he loved. I ordered the French dip that came with fries and added the lemon garlic aioli (yum). That time, he had the bucatini since he enjoyed mine so much the first go-around. For dessert, I mixed it up with the $18 ice cream sundae: worth. every! penny. Our server was super sweet too. I had mentioned I had two other reservations on the books and was bummed I couldn't make them for 3 people, so she suggested talking to the host. As we were walking out, the host wrote my details down in a notebook, including that the one reservation was a birthday res, and said she'd follow up the next week. She didn't, so that was disappointing but I guess understandable considering their popularity. Visit 3 (Mid-May): This visit started well with a "welcome back!" from our server to me. I was with a friend this time, and we were seated in the middle, so I was hyped about that. I had spent quite a bit of time talking up the food. She and I opted to split the fries and creamed spinach to start. Both great, but we wanted to save room for the rest of our meal too. She ordered the salmon and I ordered the chopped salad for my main. Not gonna lie, the chopped salad was not my favorite and it was pretty hard to eat as it kept falling out of the bowl. I opted to box the whole thing to give to my boyfriend instead, and focused on dessert. We also asked if we could split the remainder of our sides since we were going to different places and were told that was no problem. Our desserts were delightful! My friend had the chocolate mousse and loved it, and I had the sundae again ha. We had to ask for boxes for our desserts too, because we were so full. They were boxed, we paid the bill, and then right as we were going to leave, we reminded our server that we needed our other courses too. This is where things got a little strange. She came back and apparently our food had been given away to another table. She asked how they could make it right, so we asked if we could have the food remade being that we had so much of it left. She agreed. A manager stopped over, assured us everything was being remade, and then shortly after came back with the bags. I asked to confirm that the sides were separated, and he said yes, the fries in one, spinach in another, so when I clarified that we were splitting them to go to two different destinations, he rolled his eyes at me. Like sir, I saw that haha. Anyway, eventually it was sorted but it did make for a long night. Visit 4 (Yesterday): I stopped in for a mildly belated birthday dinner, as I wanted to celebrate here even after a weekend away. Our server was pleasant, but I did notice she doted pretty heavily on a couple celebrating their anniversary at the next table over. They were given free champagne to start and had "happy anniversary" written on their table. From what I could gather, they seemed to be a high-value table. If you celebrate a birthday here, note that they'll ask "who's birthday is it?" and then light a candle in your dessert and walk away. For our apps, we had the fries with aioli and the fried artichoke hearts to start. Both were soo good, especially the artichoke hearts! For our meals, my mom teetered pretty heavily before landing on the chicken based on our server's suggestion. She said it was okay but heavily salted. She gave my boyfriend her leftovers (lucky dude, right?). I ordered the filet, which was lovely. We both had sundaes for dessert (love). Yelp just capped my review ha, that's new. Anyway, all in all, I'd give this spot 4.5 stars. read more

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I did not enjoy my meal but the space is nice. I had the lamb chops, spicy shell noodles (no flavor, seasoning, nothing), bacon slice (over cooked, dry, and too much fat) ... Maybe I was expecting the food to be great because of all the hype? It's a solid two at best... read more

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I had to wait for about 30 mins outside to sit at the bar. I got there early because they are hard to get last minute reservations for. I think the food is so good , the pasta was light . The bartender recommended the fried Artichokes with lemon sauce and they were so darn good. I could not leave without trying their infamous Banana Crème Brûlée Cheesecake and oh how can you say no . The ambiance gave a romantic vintage Italian tavern , with dark leather seating and dim lighting . I really enjoyed eating here and would come back here for a fancy dinner with the girls or even a date . I want to try the Buffalo Octopus next.. read more

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Another beautiful fast, friendly and delicious dinner from Lafayette Tavern. It is still the best steak in Richmond with the most impeccable service. read more

The style and ambience in here is just top-notch. They thought about everything down to the staff attire. The food we got was great. We only got a couple apps and entree to share and it all tasted good. The people are all really friendly and helpful. I had the best espresso martini in town and every drink was delicious after. The spicy shells were very good and perfectly cooked-could use a little more creaminess to it. The yellowtail was also well done and I enjoyed the crispy rice with it. I recommend coming here just arrive as early as possible if you don't have a reservation. read more

Get the onion rings. They are the most delicious onion rings I've ever had. Don't sleep on the Buffalo octopus either. It was a perfect buffalo sauce and the octopus was cooked really well. The steak was also delicious and doesn't even need the sauce we got for it. I also really liked the veal parmigiana, which was huge, and the creamed spinach. Can you even go to a steakhouse and not get creamed spinach?? I also liked the fries but I ordered way too much food and had to take a bunch home. While the food was expensive, it was worth it and certainly enough of it. read more

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The owners did not disappoint creating this cool new restaurant! The food is delicious, the ambience does feel like a cool New York steakhouse, and the service is some of the best that Richmond has to offer! Everything on the menu sounds absolutely delicious, but I got oysters and the French dip, with a dirty martini! Everything was absolutely amazing! read more

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Had such a great experience at Lafayette Tavern! Michael was hands down one of the best servers I've had in a while--attentive, friendly, and really elevated the whole meal. I loved the small details, like the branded olive pick in my dirty martini, which also was made to perfection. Best French onion soup in Richmond! The steak was cooked to perfection, and the Caesar salad was honestly the best I've ever had. Everything felt thoughtful and well executed and I loved the energy in the restaurant. Lives up to the hype and definitely looking forward to coming back! read more

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Here's my hot take. I wanted to try "Richmond's hottest new spot"... and I did. The vibe is fun and playful. It is loud but I was well aware of that prior to going. It was also the temperature of a walk in freezer- ridiculously cold. We ordered two cocktails which were fine. I was expecting something a bit more based on all the town's talk. We opted for the blue fin tuna with strawberry and aguachile as well as the wedge. Again, they were both fine. For our dinner entrees we chose the bone-in veal parmesan and the salmon. We both enjoyed these and they were cooked well. I paired my veal with a chilled red Italian wine and it was a delicious pairing. Dessert was my favorite part- that bruleed banana cheesecake is decadent in all the right ways. If I were to go back- it would be to grab a glass of wine or cocktail at the bar with that cheesecake. read more

Literally one of my favorite spots to go in the city! Vibes and service are unmatched and I have a whole list of favorite dishes. The French Dip and Burger are my current faves, but honesty so much more is good too. And don't sleep on the desserts. Wish more restaurants in Richmond would bring this energy... but don't take my work, try for yourself! read more

I visited Lafayette Tavern with a friend for dinner and had a wonderful time! Our server, Colleen, walked us through the menu and pointed out different options for both of our dietary needs. She was very attentive and made the experience a 10/10. We started off with the baby basil Negroni mocktail. It was delicious - perfectly balanced and not too sweet. I ordered the Cesar salad as my app and was blown away. I loved the anchovy slivers and loved the croutons even more! Our server let us know that they use the local bread from Stella's and I loved that the outside was crunchy but the inside was soft. I ordered the salmon as my main, which was also delicious. I almost never finish my mains as I get full quickly, but I could not resist eating the entire salmon dish. The ambiance at Lafayette is so nice and intimate, I felt completely transported. The vibes reminded me of New York City. I absolutely cannot wait to be back and try more of the menu! read more

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Lafayette Tavern has to be the most trending place right now in Richmond. Impossible to get a reservation, as it's weeks if not months in advance. I will say, it was definitely worth the way, because my friends and I celebrated a birthday and we had the best time at Lafayette Tavern. It lived up to the hype; spicy shells with vodka was outstanding, the Caesar salad is one of the best in the city, NY strip cooked perfectly medium rare. BUT the real star of the show was the Hamachi with crispy rice. I have been dreaming about it ever since I went, and I can't wait to go back just to sit at the bar and eat that with a dirty martini. We also had a chocolate mousse, which was decadent and rich, and dessert cocktails, such as the grasshopper. The grasshopper truly reminds you of those thin mint Girl Scout cookies, nostalgic and delicious. The atmosphere is the perfect combination of an elevated steakhouse meets a neighborhood dive bar. Can't wait to go back! read more

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The vibe and service were great, but the food was a letdown. The burger tasted like my mom's meatloaf made with Lipton French onion soup mix, the salmon came out cold and underdone, and both the leek appetizer and hashbrown side were served cold. The hamachi crispy rice was decent, everything after that went downhill. Even the banana cheesecake tasted off. Instead of sweet‑and‑salty, it was just salty. The execution did not meet the price point. Great ambiance for an Instagram story, which feels like more of a priority for them than the food. read more

Wonderful restaurant- a combination of both "fancy" but also inviting. The fried artichoke hearts are so good. I love the lemon aioli. Caesar salad maybe the best I've had? Steak was seasoned to perfection and had great flavor. Got mushrooms, onion rings and the green butter peas for sides. It's really nice seeing a restaurant that knows what it is and executes. 3 months in and it's firing on all cylinders, they just get it. Service is unparalleled. and the interior is truly sick- so cool read more

Lafayette Tavern - NY strip - American Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

Amazing food! Everything was phenomenal and service was great! It was tough to get a reservation but well worth it. Will visit again! read more

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The hamachi with crispy rice was by far the best bite. Runner up was the prime rib French dip - the dip broth was delicious! Felt that the fried artichokes were just ok. I'd recommend bringing a jacket because they keep the inside temp pretty chilly read more

Just had dinner at Lafayette Tavern. Can't say enough about the restaurant. I arrived early so I could get a spot at the bar. Eric, the bartender, made recommendations that were spot on. From the deluxe hashbrowns to the dark chocolate mousse he knew what was good. I had the New York strip with the au poivre sauce and it was definitely one of the best steaks I've had in Richmond. read more

Lafayette Tavern - American Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

What a beautiful restaurant! Right away you are transported to what feels like a cozy 1920s speakeasy. Gorgeous touches to everything. Service is on point, menu is creative and drinks are strong. The place was packed on a Wednesday night from the time we walked in around 9PM until the time we left, around 1030PM. I will say the acoustics in here are incredibly loud so you will have to speak loudly to hear. But we are looking forward to coming here again, maybe after dinner this time to try some of their desserts. Very impressed. read more

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No one is being honest about the food. Atmosphere is great but the food is so bad. Carbonara is a dish that you can judge a restaurant by as it's so easy to make. Theirs is the worst i have ever had. read more

Lafayette tavern was a great experience but fell a bit short of the hype. Appetizers and drinks are very good. The hashbrown was good but the ceviche type dish with the crispy rice left a lot to be desired. The actual fish was good but the crispy rice tasted like a poorly seasoned tater tot. The Cesar salad was very good. The star of the night was the spicy shells. It just had a very unique flavor and was really delicious, I would come back for that dish. read more

Lafayette is an uber-cute, cozy hidden gem with such a warm atmosphere. The customer service was attentive from start to finish, easily a 10. The appetizers were good, and the drinks were definitely the highlight of our visit. I only ordered a salad since I wasn't very hungry, and it was decent. I gave it four stars because, for me personally, the menu was just okay. I was hoping for more seafood options. That said, I'd still return for the vibe, the service, and those drinks. read more

listen. the concept is great. the ambiance is awesome and the service was stellar. but the food? just not it. not even close. salmon was sweet, raw, and cold. generals hash brown was inedible. banana cheesecake was salty with a strange splotch of banana syrup on the side. and idk the rest was a miss too. very scene-y. grab a drink and a small app. skip the full dinner. read more

Great ambience but gets loud . Caesar salads dressing was very fishy .Salad came out the same time as the entree! New York strip was very tough . Hard to chew . read more

Extremely disappointing food. We tried multiple apps and multiple entrees, nothing stood out. The NY Strip had no sear on it and was very mid - what's the point of the broiler? "Spicy" pasta had no sauce. Entrees were served cold. Hashbrown was terrible - stale and barely edible. People rave about the "vibe" and "energy". I think Richmonders are just used to hole in the wall restaurants; they will marvel at anything fancy. The interior is decorated nicely, it indeed has a high energy and nice vibe to it. Not really anything crazy. It certainly doesn't make up for the food, and it's nothing unique compared to other cities across the country. read more

They nailed the Goodfellas/Scorsese/NYC vibe (dark, moody, classic, cool) without trying too hard or feeling disingenuous. It's a feeling we honestly haven't been able to find anywhere else in Richmond yet. The service was exceptional from start to finish. We had the hamachi and crispy rice, buffalo octopus (chef's kiss), pork chop, and spicy shells. Every dish hit. We were jealous when the table next to us got the Caesar salad... (another reason to come back). We closed it out with an ice cream sundae, with the homemade schlag (heavy German whipped cream) because of course. And an espresso martini to boot. The GM and owners stopped by our table multiple times just to check in. That always makes a place feel special, and it shows they actually care how the night lands. Already looking forward to spending many more hours here. This one's a keeper! read more

Absolutely incredible. Easily a top 5 restaurant in Richmond despite only being open a short while. The burger is simple yet perfect. The spicy shells are outstanding and every app we tried was flawless. Service is excellent. Absolutely zero complaints. Paced perfectly, knowledgeable staff, everything. The ambiance is excellent. Loud but not chaotic with music that matches the vibe. Great great spot. read more

We have been trying for months to get a reservation every time I get on the OpenTable app. It tells me that there's a reservation at 9:30 after it accepted my reservation. This is terrible business practice. If you call they let you stay on the phone a few minutes and then they hang up on you or they keep you on the phone forever. Don't bother going to this restaurant because you can't get in.. disappointed to be customer read more

Wow oh wow, I just left Lafayette Tavern and it hits. Great interior, with a New York City feel. The menu is well balanced and the stand out for me was the tavern burger. The caramelized onions and the meat were spot on. Nicely done! Can't wait to go back and try some more things on the menu. read more

I was very happily surprised by this restaurant. It's received a lot of hype, so I'm always a bit skeptical when this happens. But it did not disappoint. I lived outside of NYC for 5 years and this reminds me of a typical NYC tavern. It's dark, quiet, great for a date. We sat at the bar and had great service. They had several great mocktails options too, which I appreciated. We got the fried artichokes and the leeks to start, which we both loved. I'd definitely get them again. I got the burger for the main with onion rings and again, I'll definitely be back to repeat. I will note, the move here is to arrive near 5pm at opening, have them put your number down, then wait to receive a text. It took us two hours to be seated, but if you stop by at 5pm, that'll put you at a prime time 7pm dinner spot. Overall this is a great date night experience. read more

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Went on a weekday night around 8 with two friends. Negronis were decent (not best not worst). Chicken was a bit salty. Tuna tartar not very flavorful but saved by the crispy rice. Ambiance, service and design are the reasons to go! read more

The ambience and service was incredible, and drinks were great! We really enjoyed the Caesar salad, onion rings and buffalo octopus app. The steaks were disappointing. They lacked seasoning and came out luke warm. I even sent mine back because it was undercooked. If you order the steak, it's almost a must to add a sauce. read more

Incredible service and food!! We were completely blown away by the spicy vodka shells and the oysters, as well as our dessert and cocktails. Would recommend this lovely little place to anyone who enjoys a beautiful meal and dazzling service. read more

I wanted to like this place, but am extremely disappointed. Ambiance is lovely, great bar. The prices are ridiculous for just so-so food. I found the menu very abstract. It's all over the place. My friend got the pasta dish. There was not much taste. I got the French dip which was only ok. The French Fries were good, so there's that! We got a wine by the glass, it was $22.00 a glass. I love Stella's and will continue to go there. This family has good restaurants, I guess that's why I was disappointed in this one. read more

Lafayette Tavern is a stellar restaurant. I dined there on a Friday afternoon. The vibe is laid back but elegant. I had the Fog Cutter for my first cocktail. It had a sweet flavor that I like. I had Spicy Shells à la Vodka as my entree. The shells were hot and had a delicious flavor. I then ordered the Expresso Martini. It had a great flavor and any coffee fan would love it. I would recommend this restaurant to anyone. The service and the meals are incredible! read more

The ambiance was very nice. Our server was very friendly and knowledgeable. The food was good, however, the à la carte ordering style isn't my preferred style. read more

Not sure what to say here besides what an amazing restaurant. I am truly taken aback. The veal parm is pounded perfectly thin, the burger was perfectly cooked, and I'm not a big dessert person but I will continue to dream about the banana Brulee cheesecake. Music and ambiance are amazing... and most importantly; the cocktails and wine list read more

First review was spot on .. Manhattan familia vibe! had the Carbonara which was totally underwhelming .. lacked the eggy flavor and any of the flavor from the slab bacon .. add the oil and a yoke please! Yours was underwhelming and dry! Partner had the Salmon and while nicely cooked lacked flavor. All in all great vibe but the kitchen needs a little help. read more