River City Diner delivers a standard diner experience. It's not anything special, but if you want basic breakfast food, this place fits the bill. I've been here a few times and have tried a variety of things on the menu. Everything has been decent, and the service is usually fine. Today's visit had pleasant, if a little inattentive service and our food was hot and made to order. The big turn off around eating here is that it never really feels clean. The bottles of condiments on the table were grimy, our menus had bits of food caked on them, and it seemed like everything was covered in a thin layer of syrup as the floors, seats, table, and things on the table were sticky. read more

About a few months ago, I was on a quest to try an RVA breakfast spot that I had never been to before. Along on my journey, I stumbled across River City Diner. For many years, I had past this establishment but never had the urge to go inside due to the abundance of other breakfast spots within a 2 mile radius. So how did my experience go? To find out, read below. The Good: The Server- The server that waited on my table was very friendly, upfront, and tried her best to give the highest level of service possible. I certainly do not fault her for the experience. The Bad: Food- I ordered a create your own omelet which came with a side of home fries and a pancake. When the food arrived the first time, it was as cold as could be. The eggs in the omelet were dry, the home fries initially looked like onions before a quick taste test determined that they were bland string potatoes called home fries. The pancake had no distinct flavor to it. Service as a Whole- While the server did her best, the rest of the dining experience was pretty bad. The food had taken over 20 minutes to come out of the kitchen. This may be normal to some food connoisseurs but customers who were seated and placed their orders after me received their food before me. That's a huge issue. When the food initially came out, the presentation and quality was a huge failure. The food was sent back to the kitchen to be remade and the only thing that seemed different from the first time was that the temp of the food seemed to be 5 F higher. Overall- The experience was pretty bad and I dont see myself coming back here anytime soon. One Star. read more

River City Diner - Omelette with a strip of cheese and home fries. - Diners Near Me - Midlothian, Virginia

On two days we had 2 fabulous lunches here, and were blessed with the same wonderful service by Annette, our waitress both days. I loved the barbecue and the Reuben Sandwich, along with accompanying salad with delicious Balsamic dressing. read more

Found his place searching for breakfast near Chesterfield Towne Center. Hubby and I walked in at about 8:38 on a Sunday night(they closed at 9pm). Most staff were cleaning up while maybe 2 or 3 patrons finished up their meals. We were greeted immediately as most staff smiled, waved or spoke very kindly to us. The shakes only took about 5-6mins to whip up. After seeing a few reviews we decided to try out the milkshakes. I ordered a large Strawberry and Boo got a large Peanut Butter. While we waited we checked out the really cool decor and watched our server scoop the ice cream to make our shakes. They were definitely refreshing. No artificial tasting flavors and when I tell you I had at least 10 real, WHOLE, strawberries in my shake, I'm not kidding. I LIVE for the fruit on the bottom and was not let down with only little specks throughout. Bae's peanut butter shake was great too and the after taste was that of Jiff straight from the jar. We will definitely be back to sit down and try more at this diner. Only got milkshakes but the ambiance and the friendly staff left us excited to return! read more

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Stopped in here for brunch after the Monument Ave 10K on Saturday. I grew up in the area and had been to River City Diner many times. The interior definitely has the diner feel. The outside "patio" is just really odd and doesn't seem to fit. Our waitress really seemed to be fawning over the tables around us. They may have been regulars. Our service was certainly fine but seemed lacking when compared to others nearby. I had the breakfast garbage plate. Home fries, scrambled eggs, cheese, all covered with sausage gravy. It was ok. The home fries and onions had an odd grey color to them. The sausage gravy was a major let down. Needed more actual sausage and more salt and pepper. Almost had a sweet taste to it. Not my favorite. The major redeeming factor was the Chocolate Peanut Butter Milkshake I got. I Love a good milkshake and this one was definitely tasty. Lots of it too! Rich and creamy. Perfect! I'll go back for milkshakes and I try a different entree next time, maybe the chicken and waffles sandwich. read more

Always a good spot to come when you and the significant other can't really decide what to eat! Staff is always friendly and helpful!!! read more

Very good food. Large portions. Took my son and his family there for brunch. Very nice service. Very busy. Everyone really enjoyed it. I was really impressed. Just good food in a nice environment. Only had to wait 10 minutes on Sunday for a table. read more

Great atmosphere of nostalgia. Good service especially since they were closing within the hour. Yummy milkshakes and everyone enjoyed their food. Great place to go with kids. read more

I went here for dinner. On Wednesday nights, after 5pm, kids eat free. I had the crab cake dinner. The crab cakes were a very good size and tasted very good. The hush puppies were great as well. I wasn't able to finish it all, but I surely tried. It was that good. Even the roumalade sauce is good, on both the crab cakes and the hush puppies. I could've mixed it with some sriracha for more of a kick. It is good on its own, though. Great diner food is hard to come by these days. I shall return here, though. The service was great, too. The waitress was very helpful, attebive, and accommodating. read more

River City Diner - The crab cakes and hush puppies. A very generous portion - Diners Near Me - Midlothian, Virginia

You don't find too many diners in Virginia, but this is a good one. Being from Long Island New York I'm used to diners being on every other street corner. This was a good find. The food was just as expected. Portion sizes were great. Definitely had a doggie bag. Service was good. We were seated right away even though the place was jumping for a Sunday after church. The one issue I have is minor. There is an item on the menu called the garbage plate. I didn't try it because I didn't want to ruin the true experience. The garbage plate is best served at Nick Tahou's in Rochester late at night after a long night of drinking. read more

River City Diner - Chicken and waffles. Yummy - Diners Near Me - Midlothian, Virginia

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River City Diner has been one of my favorite places to grab breakfast or dinner for several years now! The breakfast is exactly how you would imagine a classic American diner style breakfast. They have just about everything you'd need for the perfect kickstart to a day. The serving sizes here are HUGE. Not a bad thing at all!! You're definitely getting as much as you're paying for(or more??)! I've never left without a stuffed belly and a leftover box. I absolutely adore the Sausage Gravy Plus (biscuits and gravy, eggs, and a side) and the Coalter's Country Cousin (country fried steak with white gravy, eggs, and a side). They also offer the best pancakes too!! The ambience is fun, retro, and casual. A perfect place to eat out at!! The service is fantastic too! If you've never been here, definitely try it out. Try a milkshake too! read more

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My waiter was sweet, and brought me my food quickly. My food was good, too. I got the chunky monkey pancakes, which almost look horrible, but taste the exact opposite. The melted chocolate was so rich and sweet, and the banana added some healthiness. I was a little turned off by the pecans because they were hard compared to the texture of pancakes, but they tasted good so I can't knock them for that. read more

River City Diner - Chunky monkey pancakes- they look bad but taste amazing! - Diners Near Me - Midlothian, Virginia

We are from NJ Diner capital of the world. River City is a very good diner with good breakfasts and lunch. You get what you order even if it is off the menu. We recommend read more

YUMMMM! I have been to River City Diner twice and both times was a great experience. It is an old school diner feel with tableside jukeboxes, lifesize Elvis and tube lighting! The first time I went with my husband I got breakfast food. I am not a huge fan of breakfast food, but that day I was craving it. Our waitress was so nice and made sure that everything was quick and delicious. The second time I went I got the Philly Cheesesteak. It was amazing. I would recommend getting it with american cheese, it melts better. Our waiter was very nice and checked in on us often enough. My husband got the Rueban and ate every bite. I will definitely be back and will write more! read more

What a great place to go with the family! I've been going here since I was a kid and still request it when I get dinner with my grandparents. Great and unique menu options while still having the basics. The inside has that retro feel to it. I've never had an unfriendly waiter and the price is great for the amount of food you'll get. read more

I wish I could say it was good but the sandwich came with a small, cold pile of old fries. Then they made my autistic son a milkshake with a cherry. He only likes plan things because of the autism and that was explained and ordered. They took the milkshake to remake it but had instead took the cherry out and stirred it back up. Lucky I caught it. This is not the first time this restaurant has messed up an order and put something on that shouldn't have been on and they want to scrape it off and call it a day. It's not just a health code violation but it shows their lack of respect towards people and disabilities. read more

I'm a Jersey guy who's grown up eating at diners my whole life. In most parts of the country they don't "get" the Jersey diner experience...and that's ok...we don't really "get" the BBQ thing in Jersey so I know it's a regional thing. Anyway, we stopped in here before heading out to drive home...actually, my Brother in law suggested it and bought my daughter and I breakfast. He's from NY so he knows good diners and I knew that if this was his suggestion it'd be good to go...and it was. Great ambiance and decor in this place. Loved the Elvis and James Dean statues and the lighting harkens back to an old-time diner. My daughter ordered her favorite diner food (and for the third time in three days), chocolate chip pancakes and scrambled eggs and I ordered French toast, eggs fried hard, and grits along with some coffee. Our waitress seemed a little too stark for this kind of place, but she got us our food fairly quickly and the orders were correct. She also made sure our drinks were all topped off. The food was great...Really great. My daughters pancakes were huge and she actually couldn't finish them. My French toast was about as close to perfect as you can get in a diner and the grits were great. Grits is another thing we don't "get" in Jersey so when they are on a menu somewhere I get them. I would 100% come back here the next time I'm down in the area visiting my brother in law... read more

This place is the absolute best inside and out! The food is GREAT! Our service during each visit (4x) has been implacable, no complaints! Yum! I love this place and the service. Nice portion sizes! Casual laid back environment.. read more

I really want to like this place. The atmosphere is light, welcoming, comfortable and family oriented. That being said...the food has to be good. Your a diner-- breakfast should be the best thing on the menu. The buscuits are ok. The omlet came out hot and exactly the way I ordered it. The hashbrowns were just terrible. Like they shredded the potatoes then let them sit out and oxidize. By the time they reach my plate, they are practically grey. My server was friendly and helpful! That was a bright ending to a meal that does not leave me craving more. read more

With costs going up in these fast food chains, I tried this diner to purchase what I would normally order from those places. I got a cheeseburger with the fixins and french fries. I picked it up. When I got it home it was still hot and was so incredibly delicious. I now want to try everything there. The person I picked it up from inside was so helpful and kind. I will return and have referred so many to this restaurant. read more

Just stopped for a quick lunch burger and fries. The fries were cold, greasy and had obviously been sitting in a basket for a while. Nobody checked to see if the food was ok so I ate the burger which was ok at best and that was it. They took $1.18 off my bill for the fries. They just lost a customer.. read more

So the ONLY reason i'm giving this a 1 star is because of one employee. I don't know her name but she's blond, middle-aged(?) and worked there for around 45yrs (according to her). My 2 friends and i finished paying, she sat down next to me in my booth after one of my friends left, and proceeded to say "can i teach you a life lesson honey?" then goes on to talk bout how the waiters and waitresses work hard, which i stated that i agreed. She went on to say something bout tips, not knowing I had her tip in my hand. So i slowly raise my hand holding her tip, she then says "oh i didn't mean to assume anything or make assumptions and such." then walked away. I usually put the tip on the table before leaving the restaurant, which i still ended up doing. Other than that the place has got good food and i've been there multiple times and have been met with great employees. The lady was passive aggressive and honestly made me uncomfortable from her sitting down next to me in my booth. read more

We had to wait 30 minutes to get sat because they were extremely busy. When we got sat we weren't 6 feet apart from other guests. The food did come out extremely fast though. The server was nice. But the food was not that good. I had some German potato salad and it was disgusting. The fries were good. My daughter liked her tuna melt though, and my son in law thought the crab cake sandwich was ok. My club sandwich was dry with no Mayo. I would go back to give another try but not anytime soon. read more

one of our favorites for breakfast. food is always perfect, great selection, good value, friendly professional service.

I've been here twice in the past month and just don't understand the bad reviews. Maybe they're from a previous management era or maybe just written by people expecting a Michelin star dining experience. It's a diner. Both of my visits demonstrated clean tables, clean lemons (really?), clean plates, cups, tableware, floors, windows, water, air, language, and babies. I'm certainly not suggesting that a customer isn't entitled to a clean and sanitary dining experience but I just didn't see any problems myself. Now for the reason I came in the first place: the food. I arrived with a Living Social promo so had to spend $20 and I was dining solo, which wasn't as difficult to do as I thought it might be. I started with a fresh-made limeade @ $2.99 for an unlimited portion. I knew I wouldn't drink much more than one but for only 50 cents more than a regular soda, it seemed like the way to go. It was excellent and limey, though maybe a little too sweet. For dinner, I ordered a bacon & cheese Gus burger cooked medium rare -- yes, they can do medium rare. It was excellent and cooked perfectly! I added my favorite condiments and proceeded to thoroughly enjoy it. It was a 5-napkin burger...flavorful and juicy. I also upgraded my side to onion rings, which were crispy but nothing very special. I realized I was hitting about $15 on my $20 promo so needed (yes, needed) to order dessert. Desserts are traditionally a strong point for diners like River City and they did not disappoint. I ordered the River Bottom Pie, which turned out to be cake. Semantics aside, it was deliciously rich chocolate cake partnered with vanilla and coffee ice cream and topped with chocolate sauce, whipped cream and nuts. I uploaded a picture as proof of its decadence. I should have also ordered coffee to break up some of the sweetness but this was definitely a good dessert! I expect I'll return to River City, even without a promo coupon. They're friendly, fast, and thorough in their table service. The food is good and it's a cool-looking place. read more

River City Diner - Roasted red pepper crab soup is outstanding! - Diners Near Me - Midlothian, Virginia

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My first time coming here. The atmosphere is retro, really liked seeing Triumphs and Harleys on the wall. We came for breakfast, there were not a whole lot of people there. The service was pretty slow but friendly. The food was okay, but small portions. To be honest Waffle House and Cracker Barrel are better. read more

Decided to try this place out for the 1st time with my cousins. We ordered the pizza fries which were ok. The cheese should of covered the plate and more pepperoni. I order the chicken fried chicken when is good however the sides of mac and cheese and corn really didnt have a taste. Had no seasoning or flavor. read more

River City Diner - Diners Near Me - Midlothian, Virginia

I've been going to River City Diner for over 15 years. They have a good breakfast and their burgers are decent. I've had the breakfast garbage plate, Coalter's Country Cousin, The Luau, Chicken Fried Chicken, Beef Liver and Onions, and the Southern Country Fried Steak. Even though I've tried to branch out Caolter's Country Cousin will always be my favorite. The country fried steak is always consistent, and the scrambled eggs are always delicious. I don't really care for their home fries (they could use some improvement). If you're in the mood for breakfast food, go for the Coalter's Country Cousin. You will not regret it read more

River City Diner - Coalter's Country Cousin to go - Diners Near Me - Midlothian, Virginia

Advertising "Richmond's best Reuben" I had to try it. Ummm, no. Too bready, not toasted well enough, so the sandwich quickly became soggy on the bottom. Meat was tough and not as spicy as good corned beef should be. Service was good. There's that anyway. read more

River City Diner - Diners Near Me - Midlothian, Virginia

This is my favorite diner. The food is good. Friendly staff . The deco takes me to an area I've never been. It's all American I love it. Awesome place read more

River City Diner - River city - Diners Near Me - Midlothian, Virginia

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Milkshakes! That is the only word you need to know. Okay maybe you need more than that? Am I the only person who would have been in the car with only that word? Okay welcome to a step back into time with an old school diner. Think sock hop soda fountain era. What draws me to this restaurant...beyond the milkshakes...is the unique blend of food. From pizza fries (i know right) to HUGE AS YOUR FACE waffles this place is amazing when it comes to food. One the frequent occasions that I have visited the atmosphere was low key without a huge amount of foot traffic. Milkshakes? Yes they have them and they are AMAZING. Real ice cream blended to perfection. The waitress was also pretty amazing, unobtrusive, and a delight all around. Sooo GO ALREADY Don't forget the Milkshakes! read more

We came here over the weekend for brunch. There were not many people, and we got seated immediately. I ordered the "chunky monkey" pancakes (chocolate / banana / pecan). It came with three large pancakes, and all were very fluffy; and the diner was very generous with the chocolate (sugar overload - but yummy). My husband ordered the tuna melt, and that was exactly what he was craving. He would certainly recommend that. We also ordered fried pickles as appetizer (yeah - I recognize that it is weird to start brunch with fried pickles, but I never turn down some fried pickles). I like fried pickles with dill pickles but River City Diner used bread and butter pickles, but we still enjoyed them. Service was very good, restaurant was clean (not always a given with diners); and the 1960's décor creates a fun relaxed atmosphere. The check was $31, including the drinks we ordered. We were very satisfied. read more

This is my new favorite go to spot! Food is great, service is even better, and the ambiance is wonderful! Chill back and stuff your face with chicken and waffles, then grab an amazing shake! Great for kids and the whole family. read more

I had a few meeting scheduled since I am from out of town, so I told the server I would be taking the table for a while and hoped that wouldn't be an issue. He was so welcoming and happy to make my day easy. Resetting my table after each meeting and always being hospitable! The food was great and the atmosphere was welcoming. Will return next time I'm around the area! read more

Its a diner and what you would expect. Also has small bar/domestic beers on tap. 50's theme - for some reason my daughter hates it and won't eat here. I guess it could be a tad cleaner but overall it is (don't take my daughters word for it). She did say stay away from the mashed potatoes. You looking for breakfast place or some homestyle food, burgers, dogs in a casual atmosphere this a good choice (as long as your kids don't have something against a nostalgia theme). They should - great ice cream and shakes too. read more

All I can is amazing! With a large group, brunch is a hard place to find to fit 15 people. Has soon as we entered they had a table ready for us. Our waiter Hunter, was so amazing and knowledgeable of everything. Super friendly and patient with our group was also a plus. The food was another plus and definitely worth coming back. This was definitely a win for my family and I. Will definitely be back. Ps. On Wednesday kids eat free! read more

Eh.. It was ok. My burger had a dab of BBQ and tiny French fries, like the bottom of the bag. We stopped here after pictures and grabbed some lunch hubby was really Unhappy with his food. Service was good, our waitress was friendly and we were greatest by the hostess right away. May or may not come back. read more

River City Diner - BBQ Cheddar Gus - Diners Near Me - Midlothian, Virginia

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This rating is specific to delivery through Uber Eats. I hate to do this, because I normally enjoy the food at River City Diner. Go to the restaurant and enjoy the good food and service, but DO NOT ORDER DELIVERY, through any service. Out of my past three delivery orders, two have been incorrect - in one case things were left off my order (so I paid for things I didn't get), and in one case ingredients were included that weren't part of my order that made it inedible due to dietary restrictions. While the in-restaurant experience is friendly and delicious, there is obviously no care at all given to delivery orders. A 66% fail rate is pretty poor. I called and talked to a very nice person, but "we're real busy," just isn't a valid excuse. If you're too busy to handle delivery, then stop accepting online orders. Sorry to see a good restaurant trending down and not valuing basic customer service like getting an order correct. read more

Great retro decor, good food, reasonable prices, nice staff and very clean. Sports fan and family friendly without forcing sports on everyone read more

I was given awesome service today! I wasn't greeted directly because there was no one at the front "desk" but once I was noticed they helped me right away. I was directed to the bar for takeout orders, and my order was taken pronto. I was asking for a specifically made sandwich, one I love back home. They don't have it on the menu, but helped me build it, it came out awesome! Better than back home. Chicken strip sandwich, with provolone, bacon and ranch on toasted bread. Yum - mazing. I was given one huge fat coffee that made my day, and my food came out in 6 minutes flat. Overall great experience and I'll be eating here often. Thanks guys! read more

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