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Violet's
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
Violet's
8.3
A modern tavern vibe—craft cocktails, a standout burger, and seasonal American plates—anchored on Clement Street. Recent stewardship refresh keeps the room buzzy while preserving its neighborhood DNA.
Must-Try Dishes:
Double-patty tavern burger, Fried chicken with biscuits, Roasted onion dip with house chips
Scores:
Value: 6.4
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Cocktail-centric New American tavern energy with a serious burger.
Who should go: Cocktail lovers and modern tavern fans
When to visit: Early evening before peak bar rush
What to order: Tavern burger, fried chicken, onion dip
Insider tip: Snag bar stools for faster seating and full menu access.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only—usually manageable on Clement before 6:30pm, but tight on weekends. No valet or lot nearby.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans and a button-up or dress work fine. Slightly elevated vibe makes it worth leaning polished for evening visits.
Noise level: Moderate buzz—energetic bar crowd but conversation is still comfortable at most tables.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: No wait; bar and tables usually open.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—strong selection of seasonal vegetable sides and salads.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 adaptable options if you request modifications.
Gluten-free options: Yes—several mains and sides can be prepared gluten-free upon request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The lighting, cocktails, and lively-but-not-too-loud atmosphere make it ideal for a casual yet polished first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Walk-ins can usually find bar seating early evening or after 8:30pm. Reservations recommended for peak dinner windows.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially—best suited for adults or older teens. No dedicated kids’ menu or booster seats.
Best For
Better for: Cocktail-forward nights and elevated bar fare—it outperforms nearby spots on drink program and burger quality.
Skip if: You’re after a quiet family meal or large-group reservation—noise and space make that tricky.
Violet's
8.2
Tavern from the Fiorella team with a standout tavern burger, strong cocktails, and a polished room. Friday and Saturday service runs later than most in the neighborhood, making it a dependable end-of-week burger stop.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tavern Burger with cheddar, Shoestring fries, Fried chicken sandwich (alt)
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: A refined tavern burger in a cocktail-forward space with later weekend hours.
Who should go: Burger lovers who also want cocktails
When to visit: Fri–Sat evenings for later kitchen hours
What to order: Tavern burger, fries, a mezcal or mezcal-leaning cocktail
Insider tip: Bar seats turn over quicker—good move for two.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Clement and adjacent residential blocks is the only option; easier before 7pm but can be tight after dinner hours.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans and nice tops are fine, but most guests lean polished for date nights or cocktails.
Noise level: Moderate — lively bar hum but you can still hold a conversation at tables.
Weekend wait: Expect 30–45 minutes without a reservation, especially after 8pm.
Weekday lunch: Closed for lunch; early evening walk-ins usually seated quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: A few solid options including salads and non-meat appetizers, though the burger dominates the menu.
Vegan options: Limited — modifications possible but not a focus.
Gluten-free options: Gluten-free modifications available on request; staff accommodates substitutions when possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the low lighting, craft cocktails, and upscale tavern feel make it one of the best first-date options in the Richmond.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually possible early evening or at the bar; prime hours (7–9pm) on weekends fill up quickly, so book ahead.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young kids — more suited to adults or older teens given the bar-forward vibe and dim lighting.
Best For
Better for: Violet’s excels in blending an elevated burger experience with a true cocktail program and design-driven atmosphere.
Skip if: Skip if you’re seeking a quick, casual bite or large family table — this is a refined tavern meant for smaller groups or date nights.
Violet's
8.1
Neighborhood tavern where the kitchen treats fried chicken like a centerpiece, pairing crisp, well-seasoned bird with a craft-cocktail program and a polished, low-lit room. It’s a go-to for date-night chicken with more finesse than diner fare.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fried Chicken Dinner, Deviled Eggs, Grilled Pork Chop
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Chef-driven fried chicken in a cocktail-forward tavern setting.
Who should go: Couples and small groups seeking polish
When to visit: Reserve weekends; walk in early on weeknights
What to order: Fried chicken; seasonal vegetable sides; a house old fashioned
Insider tip: Bar seats are first-come and often open before prime hours.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; generally available within two blocks before 7pm but fills up quickly on weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans are fine but most guests dress up slightly for date night.
Noise level: Moderate—lively hum from the bar, but still easy to hold conversation at a table.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation, especially after 7pm.
Weekday lunch: N/A—open primarily for dinner service; early weeknights have minimal wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—seasonal vegetable sides and salads are available.
Vegan options: Limited—most dishes include dairy or poultry, but some sides can be modified.
Gluten-free options: Yes—fried chicken can be substituted or paired with gluten-free options; staff is knowledgeable.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—dim lighting, polished service, and strong cocktails create an intimate vibe without being too formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly—bar and high-top seating are first-come and often open before 6:30pm, but reservations are advised on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially—menu and ambiance cater more to adults, though well-behaved older kids are fine early in the evening.
Best For
Better for: A refined fried chicken dinner paired with quality cocktails in a cozy, date-night setting.
Skip if: You’re seeking casual counter service or large family-style portions—this is more upscale tavern than diner.
Violet's
8.4
A polished tavern burger built on quality beef, proper sear, and well-tuned toppings—served with crisp chimichurri fries. The bar program and warm service make it an easy burger-and-cocktail night that still feels neighborhood.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tavern Burger (Flannery beef), Impossible Burger, Chimichurri Fries
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Well-sourced tavern burger with dialed-in toppings and fries.
Who should go: Burger lovers who want cocktails, too
When to visit: Weeknights at opening for easy seats
What to order: Tavern Burger; Impossible Burger; fries with aioli
Insider tip: Bar seats get full menu and quick turns.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Clement and nearby avenues; typically available within a few blocks but can fill fast after 6pm—no valet service.
Dress code: Smart casual—dark jeans or casual dresses fit in; a bit elevated if seated at the bar for cocktails.
Noise level: Moderate—buzzing bar energy but still conversational at tables; bar area can get lively after 7pm.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation, especially for groups or patio tables.
Weekday lunch: No wait; early dinner before 6:30pm usually seats immediately.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—Impossible Burger and a few salads available.
Vegan options: Limited—can modify the Impossible Burger and some sides; check with staff for sauce swaps.
Gluten-free options: Yes—gluten-free bun available upon request; fries are fried separately.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—Violet’s hits the sweet spot between relaxed and refined. Dim lighting, polished cocktails, and a stellar burger make for an easy, low-pressure date night.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, yes—walk-ins are accepted, though bar and patio seating fill quickly on weekends. Arrive before 6:30pm for best odds.
Is it kid-friendly? Not primarily—more of an adult tavern vibe, though older kids are fine early evening before the bar crowd arrives.
Best For
Better for: Top choice for pairing a gourmet burger with excellent cocktails in a stylish setting.
Skip if: You want a quick, grab-and-go burger or a quiet family dinner—this is a polished tavern, not a diner.
Violet's
8.4
Casual-cool tavern with a California lens—excellent cocktails, raw bar staples, and a signature burger anchor a tight dinner menu. It’s an easy date-night choice with a lively bar and polished service.
Must-Try Dishes:
Violet’s Tavern Burger, Oysters on the Half Shell, Seasonal Fish Crudo
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Cocktail-forward tavern with a standout burger and raw bar.
Who should go: Cocktail lovers and date-night diners
When to visit: Weeknights at opening for easier bar seats
What to order: Tavern burger; oysters; seasonal crudo
Insider tip: Bar seats get quick service and full menu access.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Clement and nearby avenues; spots can be competitive after 6pm—allow time or use rideshare.
Dress code: Smart casual—stylish jeans and a nice top fit right in; it leans polished but not formal.
Noise level: Moderate—buzzing bar energy, but still possible to hold a conversation at tables or early seatings.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation; the bar fills first.
Weekday lunch: N/A—dinner only service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—seasonal veggie mains and salads rotate on the menu.
Vegan options: Limited—can modify some starters or sides upon request.
Gluten-free options: Yes—several dishes like crudo, oysters, and salads are naturally gluten-free; staff is knowledgeable.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—dim lighting, excellent cocktails, and intimate bar seating make it ideal for a relaxed but polished first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often possible for two if you arrive right at opening or try for bar seats; weekends require a wait otherwise.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially—focused on adult dining and cocktails; fine for older teens but not suited to small children.
Best For
Better for: Stronger craft cocktail program and ambiance than most neighborhood spots; a more elevated feel than casual taverns nearby.
Skip if: You’re seeking a quiet or family-oriented meal—its lively atmosphere and bar-forward focus suit adults best.