There are restaurants you go to for a quick burger, or a family dinner with sticky tables, or to watch the game on too many screens. This guide is strictly for bar & grills. Not that those other spots don’t serve food—they do. But the places on this list take their craft beers and their cast-iron skillets equally seriously. If you want a perfect pint alongside a perfect patty melt, start here.
The Grill at Waterford
$ | (804) 763-0555 | WEBSITE
If you are in a comfort-food-craving mood, try to visit The Grill at Waterford during the week, when it’s a little less crowded. You might struggle to find parking in the bustling shopping center on Saturday evenings. But just because it’s intimate and friendly does not mean The Grill at Waterford isn’t serious about their dishes.
Not only do they all fall within the $18-$28 range (thankfully, a reasonable price for a quality meal in Midlothian these days), but they are well-seasoned, hearty, and expertly prepared to order.
Shooters sports bar and grill
$ | (804) 349-0186 | WEBSITE
Take someone to Shooters and they’ll think you’re the kind of person who knows where the real fun happens. It’s impossible to miss this spot, which offers a newly renovated interior with pool tables, dart boards, and a welcoming, lively atmosphere. It’s an appropriately chill place to enjoy a very good $14 burger or some naked garlic Parmesan wings.
They do justice to the classics—steak quesadillas made with love, cheese quesadillas with mushrooms, jalapeño, and grilled onions for vegetarians—but also have some popular rotating options like breaded wings for those who prefer them. It’s not the most upscale dining in the area, but if friendly staff, attentive service even during busy times, and a great time with music and activities are a priority, go here.
Taylor’s At Market Square
$ | (804) 763-6305 | WEBSITE
You would think that our sports-loving, beer-drinking town would be a magnet for great bar and grills. But you’d be wrong. Midlothian only has one good one, and it’s Taylor’s At Market Square. So if you’re a fan of burgers and cold beers, you should make your way here eventually. They don’t stray from the bar and grill playbook here. The food is hearty, heavy on flavor, and features a famous burger we could eat every day.
If none of that speaks to you, they have some pretty jaw-dropping tuna bites that come with a side of fried pickles.
Jack Brown’s Beer & Burger Joint Richmond
$$ | (804) 285-1758 | WEBSITE
Jack Brown’s Beer & Burger Joint is becoming a Richmond institution. For years now, this spot has been a rare common ground. It makes just as much sense for visitors craving a classic burger and craft beers as it does for locals who want a fun night out and excellent food. The Cobra Kai burger is a standout on the menu, and it’s a creation made for RVA. You can dress it up to your liking, pair it with their great fries, and wash it down with one of their many craft beers.
Perhaps the most impressive thing is how they maintain the quality of their burgers and service even when the joint is slammed.
Cities Bar & Grill
$$ | (804) 728-2908 | WEBSITE
Cities Bar & Grill is like a celebration of American bar culture. Except you can eat the party, so it’s more satisfying. They’re genuinely committed to the vibe at this Richmond-area spot, which can be a restaurant or a dance floor, depending on where you stand. The kitchen staff (they go by chefs here) serve up quality dishes and occasionally whip out crowd-pleasers like the lamb and crab cakes.
The main dining area is always lively, but there’s a bit more breathing room in the ample space for dancing. The best thing here is the fairly straightforward asparagus: fresh, well-seasoned, and cooked just right, all prepared so carefully there are little hints of char at the edges.
Pour House
$ | (804) 364-9083 | WEBSITE
Pour House’s beers have a sports fan’s heart, and while we love everything here (especially the cheeseburgers served with the same generous portions as the classic American grill that perfected them), the menu revolves around miraculously good wings worthy of making regulars swear loyalty. Taco Tuesday runs weekly with special pricing, but this spot should also be your game-day destination when watching any sort of match in Midlothian.
The tacos are flavorful delights, but arrive early because everyone will have the same idea.
The Beach House
$ | (804) 612-6116 | WEBSITE
This bar and grill spot serves as a reliable neighborhood hangout for both casual meals and drinks. The burgers and onion rings make up the classic bar food staples, and they’re satisfying and well-executed without being extraordinary. Each has a straightforward appeal. The burger has a juicy patty that doesn’t overwhelm until you take that first bite. The wings come with a crispy exterior and a tangy sauce for dipping.
And they all pair nicely with the cocktails and beers that fill out the drink menu. The outdoor patio with big open windows offers a relaxed vibe, especially on pleasant days, while the indoor space stays reasonably crowded with a mix of regulars and newcomers. It’s the kind of place where the food hits the spot, particularly after a couple of drinks, and the friendly bartender keeps things lively.
For those craving something different, the Indian dishes like butter naan and chicken biryani bring an authentic Hyderabadi flavor that stands out amid the bar fare. Overall, it’s a solid choice for a laid-back outing where everything from the Caesar wrap with shrimp to the mutton biryani feels satisfying in its own way.
Bar West
$$ | (804) 531-9270 | WEBSITE
Bar West is a restaurant that can also be a great bar and grill—as long as you’re cool with either hanging out on the covered patio or arriving early enough to snag a seat at the bar. The food is generally well-regarded. We like the crab dip and chicken wings for casual nights. But you’ll see most tables enjoying the patio for a reason. It has fans, a fireplace, and a couple of TVs, creating a comfortable environment for diners and their pets.
It’s worth coming right when the doors open (or a few minutes before) to sit at the bar inside, where you can people-watch and behold the sight of attentive servers like Landon and Terrence, who contribute to a welcoming atmosphere. However, it can get extremely loud when crowded, making private conversations or dinner dates challenging. The service is commendable, with some servers going the extra mile, like bringing water bowls for dogs.
Despite recent changes to gender-neutral bathrooms leading to long lines during peak hours, Bar West remains a recommended dining destination for its overall positive experience and inclusive vibe.
Sportspage Bar and Grille
$ | (804) 379-1844 | WEBSITE
$12 cocktails might not make the regulars at Sportspage Bar and Grille blink, but they’re a solid game-day treat for the rest of us. That’s what you find at this classic Midlothian spot, which is an appropriately no-frills setting to settle in for a game. The interior could use an upgrade, but you’re not just paying for atmosphere. Friendly staff dressed like they’re ready to cheer along serve up strong drinks in sturdy pint glasses you’re not afraid to handle.
It’s all good, but they have a few wing varieties we really love, like the perfectly crispy boneless wings, praised as some of the best ever, made with flavorful sauces that keep customers returning over many years.
Tavern 19
$ | (804) 601-8611 | WEBSITE
This golf club pub within the Independence Golf Club clubhouse is still committed to the whole tavern thing. It takes walk-ins and welcomes you with a casual entrance. Inside, it’s almost too spacious to miss the friendly servers like Diane, who are attentive, provide excellent service, and often come with genuine smiles. Some of the most satisfying dishes include the brisket salad and buffalo chicken wrap, while others involve being delighted by desserts like the red velvet Nightingale bar.
This place is a straightforward nod to pub comfort.
Sushi Masa Henrico
$$ | (804) 270-7799 | WEBSITE
Midlothian has no shortage of all-you-can-eat sushi spots where the fish tastes like it’s been sitting around, but Sushi Masa Henrico is a fresh-made haven. This bright restaurant sits just off a main road, through a simple storefront, and is always a reliable place to enjoy high-quality sushi without breaking the bank. The made-to-order menu covers all the bases, and even features something called the ‘Double Crunchy Roll’ for around $18. You probably do need that in your life.
We’re always happy enough here with something from the all-you-can-eat selection, like the sashimi that features large pieces of fresh fish, timely service, and an overall wonderful value.
