The Roosevelt

My friends and I had a fantastic time indulging in multiple rounds of Lemon Drop Martinis, along with delicious appetizers like cornbread and wings, followed by a delightful dinner. Our server was exceptional, making the evening even more special as we celebrated my friend's birthday. To our surprise, they treated my friend to a complimentary glass of Prosecco adorned with a birthday candle. We couldn't resist sharing our entrees, which included smoked brisket meatballs, pan-roasted shrimp, and fried catfish, all of which were incredibly tasty. The portions were generous enough for sharing, and the fried catfish was simply the best we've ever tasted, prompting us to order some to take home. I wholeheartedly recommend this place for a cozy evening with friends or family!

The Roosevelt’s name is intended to evoke a memory of the time when food was local and real. Historical photos adorn the walls. The menu changes often and features elevated but unpretentious southern food. We had catfish, pot roast, chicken wings, shrimp, and cauliflower. While the restaurant is serene and old world, the bar scene is quite fun.

12/10. This place is phenomenal. The food and service were both top notch. Also, lucky for me they have A LOT of gluten free options, for those who have allergies or sensitivities to gluten. I figured they would have at least a few options but according to our server, either the owner or the head chef has celiac so they try to incorporate several gluten free options for guests. So we ordered the fried broccolette, the seven hills 16 oz ribeye, and the Greg’s catch of the day. The broccolette might not sound that interesting but it was actually super delicious and 10 times better than we thought it would be. We only ordered after our server (i think her name is Kat) recommended it. The ribeye was really good on its own, but the Greg’s catch was the pride and joy of the evening. I didn’t know what panisse was before this evening and now I know it’s one of my favorite food items. It was paired with a trout/salmon like fish and it had a sauce spread all around it too. That dish would be my recommendation to anyone. Our server, Kat, explained a lot to us and was super helpful with recommendations. Definitely coming back.

The food here is amazing! I order the catfish every time I go. It is flavorful and fried perfectly. The service here is also top tier. I love how the menu updates to make sure that the ingredients are fresh and flavorful.

Dinner was amazing. We had the brisket and Catfish along with some apps. Wonderful mocktails and a great wine list. Such a charming spot in a lovely walkable neighborhood with plenty of street parking.

Arrived to an intimate, homey vibe. The hostess and service staff were welcoming and courteous. Fun takes on southern favorites and great portions, you will definitely be able to share or take home leftovers. The scallops were melt in your mouth delicious and the compressed watermelon was inventive. Def recommend!

Incredible dinner. Love the atmosphere. Love the food. Love the wine! Our server, Natalie was amazing!

Tuesday is fried chicken day. I missed that by a day by showing up on a Wednesday. My server was very kind in asking the kitchen if they could accommodate (they couldn’t). I ended up with the ribeye. Slightly undercooked, I was disappointed that I was presented with a chewy, pre-sliced steak. Despite this, I received exceptional service and the atmosphere was charming. For bourbon enthusiasts, they have an extensive selection.

The Roosevelt was an amazing experience. My fiance and I came for our anniversary and had one of the best meals in Richmond. We started with the cornbread, which was a hearty portion and very moist. We then followed up our starter with the buttermilk braised brisket which was one of the most tender cuts of meat I've enjoyed in some time. The start of the show for us was the collard greens though. We finished out the night with the cheer wine cake which was absolutely delicious and very inventive. Overall, this was an amazing experience. Everything from the cocktail program to the sides was well thought out and had you feeling like you were experiencing an elevated comfort food meal.

My fiancé adores The Roosevelt. We've only been once, but he talks about returning non-stop. Unfortunately, their reservations sell out fast because it's a good place, so by the time we remember we want to go, there are no tables left to reserve. It's a charming restaurant located in Church Hill. We went for a romantic dinner after getting engaged. Our server was super kind, when we shared we just got engaged, she brought us two complimentary glasses of bubbly. I also ordered a delicious glass of orange wine after. I love doing food family style, so we shared the corn bread, fried catfish, and buttermilk braised brisket. The brisket was my favorite, I loved the collard greens. The catfish was a bit salty for me, but still good. My fiancé adored everything. Most of my friends love this restaurant too. I can't wait to return to try more things.

A cold November evening was a perfect time to try The Roosevelt. The physical space is warm and inviting, and the menu full of comforting, innovative Southern food. Service was efficient and friendly. For appetizers we had the lemon feta and fried Florentino. Both were excellent. The feta was the star of the show - creamy feta with a crispy crust, sitting atop two delicious sauces. It was served with toasted pita, which was perfectly charred and very fluffy. The fried Florentino had a light tempura crust and the accompanying oil and pesto were divine. I just wish the Florentino had a bit more salt after frying to highlight the flavor. Both of these appetizers were very generously portioned. For dinner we had the buttermilk braised brisket and the pan roasted shrimp. The brisket was out of this world. Tender and not smothered in sauce so the rich beef flavor came through. The jade sauce that was spooned over the brisket was bright and flavorful. The brisket was served with collards and grits, and oh my, both do the South proud. The shrimp was a disappointment. It was perfectly cooked, but it had a very strong flavor, as though it was past its prime. The shrimp was served with those fantastic grits. I was so full after the appetizers that I really didn't want an entree, or I would have said something. I just took a few bites of the grits and savored my wine while my husband tried to finish his brisket (he couldn't.) This restaurant is delightful and definitely worth a visit. We will be back.

I had an incredible experience at this restaurant! The cornbread I started with was absolutely phenomenal--easily the best I've had in years, and I highly recommend it to everyone. My steak entrée was cooked to perfection, and the Brussels sprouts were expertly prepared with just the right amount of flavor and texture. On top of the outstanding food, the welcoming and warm ambiance made the meal even more enjoyable. I can't wait to return and explore more of the menu!

Lovely hole in the wall in Church Hill. Upscale ambiance and fantastic service. The food is excellent and the staff were extremely knowledgeable regarding food descriptions and allergies. I highly recommend!!

Love the ambiance of this place! It's not that big so make reservations. I'm only in town for a few weeks but my coworkers and I have already came twice. The food is amazing! I loved the broccolini appetizer too!

Food was amazing and bartenders were the best!!!! Sit at the bar and let them guide your night you won't regret it.

Is there more than 5 stars? This might have been one of my favorite Richmond dining experiences. Jonmichael is a treasure seriously he could have told me to eat one handed with an eye patch and I would have done it all his recommendations were so good. As usual I ordered a dirty martini and that was amazingly well done but the scene stealer was the cold brew martini so good! We went out on a limb and had the chicken liver mousse as an appetizer and talk about buttery melts in your mouth decadence. For dinner we got the ribeye and it was cooked to medium rare perfection. Would absolutely return, would absolutely sit at the bar again. Would definitely try the seersucker next!

Still hitting the marks in excellent food and service. The meat/seafood is always perfectly cooked with a phenomenal sear/crust. The use of acid to balance dishes is also on great. Although I enjoyed the halibut I did feel its pairings slightly overpowered the fish. Regardless, I would still maintain my previous rating, the chef is so wonderful here.

I had high expectations for the Roosevelt and the drinks were delicious but the food, while not bad, didn't live up to the hype. I found the sauces surrounding the pork butt to be delicious, but the meat by itself was very plain.

Wow this was such a great restaurant! It's perfect for special occasions. The food was great, the servers were very friendly and it was overall such a cute atmosphere! We started with drinks from the bar and they were sublime! We got the pork and the fried catfish and each were uniquely delicious! The staff was wonderfully attentive asking for any allergies as soon as we sat down! As someone with several food allergies, that was a much appreciated touch that I'd like to see other restaurants pick up! Overall an amazing experience! Can't wait to go back!

I went for the first time for their NYE prix fixe menu. The food was fantastic, and the menu encouraged me to try new things. The filet was exceptionally good - well cooked with a nice red center, but crisp outside. Our server was also quite knowledgeable and kind! Course timing was flawless and the bar had no issue keeping up. The restaurant itself is cozy and intimate, reservations highly recommended.

Street parking was pretty easy. The atmosphere is inviting and great for a date night. Our waitress started off a little eager to turn our table even though they weren't busy but when she realized we were there to spend some time she balanced her approach better. We got 3 appetizers, smoked chicken wings, cornbread and lemon pepper feta. They were all amazing! My favorite was the feta but we cleaned all 3 plates. Then for dinner 2 of us had the salmon and 2 had the burger. We all really enjoyed our plates. The salmon was flavorful and cooked really well the sides and broth around it was the perfect support. The fries that came with the burger were crisp and well seasoned. Finally, we got the rice pudding and the pear dessert. The rice pudding was unique and the biggest surprise of the night but delicious. The highlight of the night was the seersucker drink. We all ended up ordering one. It was well balanced - a bit sweet & Smokey.

A warm venue with great service. I strongly recommend a reservation as the ambiance is so warm and inviting you unintentionally stay awhile. In fact some of the tables that were there before us were still there when we left. Food was delicious! And definitely filling. I read polarizing things about the cornbread. I will say is more mealy and perhaps dry than your typical cornbread but I still found it delicious.

First thoughts: Really cute spot. The people next to us were nice and told us how much they loved the place. Second thoughts: I can't read anything on the menu hahaha. I feel like I cannot give this place an accurate review because this isn't my style of restaurant. I didn't like the consistency of the cornbread and the butter tasted plain, I don't eat pork, I don't like warm tomatoes, I don't like anything spicy, I don't like anything too greasy (fries) or salty (complimentary popcorn), and I don't like double cheeseburgers. I DID like the taste of my burger, it was cooked very well. I took off one of my patties and my husband ate the other one with no bread! That's how good it was. Everyone seems to love this place to do not take my review to heart!

I'm a huge fan of chef Leah and I've been trying to get here for months but really hate the drive to Richmond but I finally made it. I called my order in for cornbread, perfectly seasoned fried catfish with grits and an amazing tomato gravy that was worth the drive. I also had a side of greens that were also good. I wasn't a fan of the cornbread but would definitely return.

Wow! Troy was excellent and attentive. He gave recommendations that demonstrated that he was knowledgeable about the food. I am gluten free so I appreciated the options. The catfish was delicious. Everyone at the table enjoyed the cornbread. To top it off the Uncle Nearest Old Fashioned was perfect. Next time you are in Richmond make it for dinner!

I love this place. Great drinks. Great food. Great service. I have the chicken liver mousse board and the manakintowne salad last time and could not have been happier. My husband had the steak and said it was one of the best steaks he's had in Richmond. Every time we dine here I always say we should come more often because they never disappoint.

This is my wife and my destination restaurant in Richmond. Food is very creative and the menu is always changing. Drinks are the best in town.

I'm sad that I only started frequenting the Roosevelt this summer. I work basically around the corner and pass by at least once a week. Now, that I've discovered it, I'm all in. I have eaten at the bar, at a table and even gotten takeout. The service is always top notch! The bartenders are very knowledgeable and make amazing signature cocktails. It's not a big place, but that's what I like about it. It is very cozy, warm, and inviting. I will eventually expand my palate here, but my favorite dish by far is the fried catfish with tomato gravy!!!! Lawd!!! It is soooo good, and I NEVER order catfish when I go to restaurants. I ordered it for takeout once when my dad was visiting and he was shocked at how crispy the catfish was even after traveling to the other side of town. I absolutely recommend The Roosevelt. It can definitely get busy in there, but it is worth the wait!

I came here on a Thursday night reservation with 7 others for a family dinner. None of us had eaten here before, and we chose solely based on word of mouth and the availability of a reservation. The experience we had was wonderful. We started with some small plates - two orders of cornbread with maple butter, fried broccolette, and lemon pepper feta with regular AND gluten free bread so I could partake. The cornbread and broccolette were fully eaten and the feta was almost finished by the end of the night. A couple of people in our group also ordered wine and cocktails and were quite pleased with those as well. For our meals we had a wide range, but me and my partner ordered the Brown Butter Skate Wing and Tobacco Smoked Pork Butt. The skate wing was on a bed of lobster chowder with leeks and it was absolutely delicious. The fish was buttery soft and not fishy at all, and the lobster chowder paired very well with the taste and texture of the skate wing. I had the tobacco smoked pork butt which came with red peas and collards, which I absolutely could not get enough of. The pork butt was tender and juicy and flavorful, and the jade sauce was a great addition that wasn't too overpowering. Others in our party had the burger, fried catfish, and scallops, and all were extremely pleased and satisfied. Our waitress was attentive and kind, and we never had to ask for anything because she could gauge our needs before we could. Overall, we had a wonderful time and all of us have started planning our next visit.

My colleague and I dined here for dinner. We made a reservation and highly recommend. It's a popular spot and filled up pretty quickly. The service was amazing. We were given recommendations and they asked about food allergies which I have several. The food was freshly prepared and served in reasonable portion sizes. It's an intimate and quaint setting for dining.

I was pleasantly surprised by this restaurant! The reviews seemed a bit mixed but I can honestly say this was a great choice! The place is small and cozy and feels like you are stepping into an old school parlor room. We ordered the fried oysters and rapini, which were both really good! The fried oyster came with popcorn, which was a bit quirky but actually paired nicely with the oyster. And the rapini had this really bright sauce that helped balance the bitter taste of the rapini. For our entrees, we ordered rockfish with beans and fried greens which was delicious! And also ordered the confit duck leg with grits and fried greens. Truly nothing bad to say about these options. The dishes were cooked perfectly and everything is flavorful. Definitely worth the try!

Whew! When I tell you the Roosevelt raised the Bar!! OMG! I was extremely impressed! Let's start with I was very skeptical with ordering the fried catfish because all fried fish meals in RVA aren't made the same and I wasn't sure how the fish would mesh with the tomato gravy. Well, not only did it mesh it's now in a committed relationship and I'm never turning back! The catfish was fried to perfection it was tender on the inside and had the right amount of crunch on the outside. Not sure how they cooked it so perfectly, but I'm hooked! The butter rice was a great asset to the fish and I longed for a smidgen more. The tomato gravy was so good I requested some toast points so that I could sop it all up! They should definitely consider bottling it! Rao's watch out! The ambience speaks for itself! It's a semi-upscale set-up with a full bar. The decor is modern and very sleek. The bartenders were very friendly and welcoming! I started the night sitting at the bar alone as I waited for a few friends to arrive and they made me very comfortable. If you haven't been to the Roosevelt add them to the top of your list! Perfect for small gatherings (2-4ppl)

The food was good but not exceptional. What really makes this place special is the ambiance. It's intimate and cozy. The bar is exceptional and I'm not big into that sort of thing. My family members that enjoyed an adult beverage were really impressed. I loved the way the bar was set up.. fascinating old school design/display. On street parking was open and spaces available. Service was great also. We had a number of people so parties over 6 have 20% already in the bill. We have a little extra because service was great. Overall, I'd return. In my own, as a couple or with a group.

Cute place. Good service. Food quality has MUCH to be desired. Deviled eggs had box crackers, chicken wings in 4 minutes? (Clearly precooked), goat cheese was decent. Tobacco pork. The greens were clearly prepped days prior and overall it was okay. Didn't make dessert due to poor food quality. May try again in a year. TBD PS. With an amazing bread store across the street why not get some bread from there?

Fancy casual spot - you could dress up but I also saw people in jeans. Very swanky interior and love the menu options. Some dishes hit the spot, while others were a total miss or just OK. We ordered the broccoli, and lobster dumplings as an appetizer to share in our group of 3 and had three entrées; seared mushrooms, fried catfish, and the smoked yam and crème brûlée for dessert. I loved my vegetarian option the smoke yam. Excellent smoked flavor on the black eyed peas and collard greens. Fried cauliflower was firm, crispy and soft center. Perfect dish. Only could have wanted more. My friends loved their seared mushroom and thought fried catfish was good, not amazing. The lobster dumpling was such a mild flavor to the point I was wondering was there any bits of lobster in it at all? The shaved fennel was the best part of this dish. There were 4 dumplings. The crème brûlée was terrible and tiny - it tasted like meat was at the bottom. Potentially rancid or just horrible flavor. My group and I were deciding 'do we send it back?' We decided if our server asked us 'how was it?' Then we would. But, they did not ask, so we just suffered in silence and I regret it because it truly was inedible.

The Roosevelt gets it right. Milo was a fantastic server, - they squeezed us in before a 7pm reservation but still made sure we had a great experience. The Gumbo and Cheeseburger were two of the best meals we have had this year. They also really nail the finer details like a metal straw in my otherwise ordinary coke, well maintained restrooms, and a well curated menu. The overall ambiance was so lovely and we really enjoyed our visit!

Outstanding dinner. Shared two small plates, oysters with chorizo, and chicken liver mouse with onions and excellent bread. Both terrific. Shared catch of day (haddock), done perfectly. Service was mostly good, except plates not cleared as we finished them. Tables are pretty well spread out, but room is a little too noisy. Cocktail and mocktail both very good. Were able to get table without reservation at 6:00 Friday because they save a couple of tables for walk-ins.

Lovely romantic atmosphere. The drinks were fun and delicious and the food had great portions for a date night. Had a great experience at Roosevelt and hope to be back soon! I recommend getting a reservation because this place is very popular

Really enjoyed visiting this quaint Churchill bar/restaurant. The food and drink was great and many options for us vegetarians! But the best part of the experience was the cozy atmosphere and nice service. Even if it was a busy night, we got seats at the bar and the service was, friendly, and efficient. I also liked talking with friendly customers. Truly a neighborhood gem

Went here after an evening out and had good food and great vibes. The ambiance is soo quant and one that makes you want to stay longer! The drink were unique and packed a punch! The feta was my absolute fav, crunchy outside silky smooth inside and the honeycomb up top rounded it all out. Hummus was also good and I would definitely come back again to try other items!

I really really wanted to love this place. My boyfriend and I took a trip to Richmond and stumbled upon The Roosevelt, we stopped in for an early dinner. Coming in we loved the atmosphere and decor of the restaurant. We were truly admiring how unique the restaurant was. We started off with their Chicken Wings, literally an absolute MUST! Their wings were so unique, it was perfectly cooked, crunchy on the outside, still juicy on the inside. I absolutely love the bbq rub with the Alabama white sauce drizzled on top. They were one of the best wings I've had. Buttermilk Fried Oysters, were good, I cannot say great and that it wowed me in anyway. Our entree was pretty disappointing. Hands down they did absolutely beautifully on their presentation!!! Our Pork Loin and Roasted Chicken, however were over cooked. They were both very dry and did not wow us in anyway. I don't know if the overcooked protein just ruined my experience therefore, the entire dish just was not pleasing to us in anyway. I would hope that they just had a bad night and that the overcooked protein is just a one off, because it is a very nice atmosphere to be at. Hopefully when we do visit Richmond again, maybe we will give this place another try.

One of my favorites... The Roosevelt never disappoints. Great place to celebrate friends, family, birthdays, date night or just because! Seating is limit, so reserve ahead. The staff were so attentive and friendly, explained the menu to us. No pressure to hussle us out, made us feel very welcomed. The food is amazing! A feast for the eyes and the palette, always! It is obvious that the menu is thought through and the ingredients are fresh. Definitely will return. Check them out!

Great service, good drinks, and really good food! Three of us, Scallops, Flounder and Rabbit...outstanding. Highly recommend!

When I went I sat at the bar. I personally believe life happens at the bar. The bartenders were cool they gave great recommendations on drinks and food. I got the Fried Chinese Long Beans, Cornbread, Seared Scallops, and Carolina Rice Pudding. The Seared Scallops were top tier. I would go back a 100 times for those.

We absolutely enjoyed everything at the Roosevelt, honestly quite shocked we didn't visit this restaurant sooner!! It's this cute little place on Churchhill, parking was easy to find. We love the decoration and ambiance of this place, it's very much a classic old-school American restaurant vibe. The cocktail we ordered is just beyond amazing!! So many different flavors!! Prob one of the best cocktails i've had in RVA!! Food are very delicious, and they do have a variety of vegetarian or fish dish, and everything feels seasonal, and the platings are beautiful. Our server was very patient, and very professional. Our glasses were never empty. We will be coming back soon i'm sure!!

I have only stopped in here for drink and not had dinner Of course drinks always great They had an excellent tequila pineapple type drink of the day Waitress was friendly with great suggestions Terrific at her job I had the steak and it was very good Another person had the tuna and it looked great and they said it was very good as well Peanut grits I had on side were good but not terrific Also was not a fan of the bannana creme pie (I'm spoiled as few compare to the ones at emerils restaurants) Overall it is a solid 4 star with repeat visits could move up to a 5 Must visit restaurant great for business or date nights as well On the smaller side so reservations are a must

The 4 of us had a wonderful dinner at this cozy and welcoming restaurant. I had the Fried Catfish, something I don't usually order but it was truly delicious. To accompany it I also had the cornbread with maple bourbon butter - very nice. My wife had the Smoked Chicken Wings with a side of Rice Grits and both were good. For dessert? What else? The 4 of us shared the Mississippi Mud Cake. Lovely. The service was perfect and the interior of the restaurant was warm and had a friendly feel. This is a place that is easy to return to. Location: 5 stars Food: 5 stars Service: 5 stars Value: 4 stars Ambiance/Décor: 5 stars

The service could not have been worse if they planned it. I made a reservation for my brother a chef, author, a grad of the Culinary Institue and Cornell professor who taught cooking and dining room management. I wanted to show off this East End place, There was a mix-up in our reservation time--THAT HAPPENS. The gentleman who greeted us could not have been more rude if he tried. Rude, condescending, dismissive. We were embarrassed and left. He was not even apologetic. My brother reviewed many major restaurants in the country for American Express and was appalled at our treatment. Of course, there can be confusion on reservations, that happens. What should not happen is a rude greeter at the door. As a player in the East End community--I will not be speaking well of this place.

One of the most creative meals I've had. The place was packed on a Thursday night, filled with young and old, black and white, and the service was impeccable. The space is intimate enough for a date night, and big enough for a large group. The bartender made me a perfect Manhattan and was rather entertaining as he told me all about the dozens of Rye and Bourbon choices they offer. I had a goat cheese appetizer that both looked and tasted fabulous. I followed that with a fried soft shell crab on a bed of tasty potatoes. If you're in Richmond and want a great dining experience, you've got to try the Roosevelt.

Went here for a late dinner and had amazing service and loved the ambiance! The heart of palm cakes and okra pickles were among the best dishes I've had in Richmond. The cocktail menu was also fantastic!

Hadn't been in years, but had a good memory of this restaurant. Wow! The food was amazing! My hubby had catfish and i had flounder, but never like this! Flavors popping! In my hubby's words, "Stupid Good!

Great as per usual! We always have hreat tood and service at the Roosevelt. Their pimento cheese is awesome, don't skip it!

Wonderful. Small place - make reservations.Delicious, creative and a well crafted menu.

This place is the real deal. Amazing drinks, great food, reasonable prices. I highly recommend sitting at the bar and watching the bartenders work.

Great Saturday walk in experience Best cocktail I've had in Richmond Stellar service Really good food High ceilings so it's a bit loud Can't think of any other downside

Service was spot on - the server helped us make decisions on drinks and foods based on our tastes & hunger level! The food was delicious too! We had several small plates and split the hamburger. I would highly recommend the wings, cornbread and hamburger as my favorite items! The hamburger did come with two Pattie's so certainly splittable in my opinion! A bit of a smaller space but not cramped feeing in anyway - a great spot for a special meal!

Not too sure why I have not reviewed The Roosevelt! I've been here many a time in the last ten years. They've been closed for awhile due to Covid so it was exciting to be back and have dinner. I have to say I've always enjoyed the ambience of The Roosevelt! Has a slight old timey feel. Food was amazing... definitely one of the best restaurants in RVA! We got a few different appetizers since we went with our friends. We got the Lamb Belly (super flavorful), the special shrimp dish (fresh and light) and a soft shell crab (yummy had to have one before soft shell crab season ended). For entrees my husband got the bone in pork loin, cooked perfectly. I got the bistro steak... perfect medium rare, so delicious with the chimichurri sauce. Our friends got the Halibut, which they also enjoyed. So glad we were able to go back and enjoy an awesome meal. Can't wait to go back!