Dots is almost always my go-to these days. It's not fancy, but the food is amazing, the service is friendly, and it's usually fairly easy to get a table. Sitting on the porch in mild weather is especially pleasant. Their specials are always the best! read more

Staff is very friendly and personable foods good! But the service and the smiles make it worth the stop

The quintessential greasy spoon diner in MacArthur Ave. Gets busy for Sunday brunch but the food is great. I usually go for the eggs Benedict but last time I got the fish sandwich and it was awesome. Staff is super friendly and quick. read more

My partner and I have been wanting to try Dots Back Inn for a while. It is a small restaurant with almost always a wait during rush hour. Luckily we were able to find seats at the bar. The overall vibe and aesthetic is very cute and fun. In terms of the food, some items were better than others. We ordered the onion rings as an appetizer and we were pretty disappointed; they were bland and seemed frozen. I got the Italian sub and overall it was really good. Pro tip - I suggest getting the Italian dressing on the side because it made the sub super messy and soggy. My partner ordered the steak and cheese. He was really happy with how much meat was included but disappointed that they used American (or maybe cheddar) cheese instead of provolone like the menu listed. We both got a side of fries which my partner loved. I thought they were good but wish they would have been described as "home fries" because they ended up being potatoes, not French fries. We shared a piece of the cheddar and jalopeno corn bread which I thought was delicious, maybe the best part of the meal. My partner liked it but was disappointed that they heat it up in a microwave. We each ended with a slice of the Elvis pie which I thought was delicious. All in all, the experience was decent, I'd give it a 6.5/10. We won't be rushing back but would like to return at some point to try other menu items. Oh and I love that they offer some non alcoholic beer options! read more

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Heard many things about this place, finally tried and wow, it did not disappoint, friendly fast service, LARGE quantity of food, excellent and tasty. Cozy restaurant with outdoor seating. We will definitely go back. read more

Good service and great food. The staff is highly engaged and have a nice welcoming attitude.

Eating indoors with friends and a big cockroash was climbing up the wall where my friend was sitting. It was fast and went into the wall. I was always told that when you see 1 cockroash there are many more. The food, coleslaw, potato salad and tuna salad tasted like it was sitting outside too long! Told waitress about cockroash. She didn't state I am so sorry or I will tell manager. She said nothing. Gave us a look like oh well! I won't be eating there after seeing the cockroach! read more

I have only been to Dot's back once, but it was absolutely fantastic! This quaint eatery has wonderful food and great service! The Fried Oysters Benedict was sublime, as were the chocolate banana pancakes! It is definitely one of my favorite restaurants in the world, and I have traveled to 6 of the 7 continents! Believe me, you won't be disappointed! read more

Remember when this place was called Toms Toms? Yes, I'm that old!! We used to live in the area and come here all the time! Not much has changed over the years. The name is new, but the place is still a cool, casual hang out! It's a dimly lit, nostalgic spot with all kinds of funky décor and memorabilia lining the walls. As you grab a table or rustic booth, you'll hear some awesome 70's rock music playing in the background. There's also a covered outdoor seating area. Lots of locals frequent this RVA landmark! It's not a snazzy joint but folks come here for the food, and drinks, and hang... (The restrooms are tiny, so you'll just have to make do! So don't expect too much.) The wait staff is a little brusque, but it adds to the vibe of the place. "What'll it be?" We came for breakfast and ordered the blueberry pancakes which were cooked just the way I like them, fluffy and a little crispy on the edges. I asked for extra blueberries because they were hiding in the batter... not too many to be found. We had scrambled eggs and grits too! The grits were good, not too soupy. We would've liked a refill on our coffees, but alas, it never came. Nevertheless, I love the homey atmosphere and the memories I've had here! I'll surely come back to Dot's Back! read more

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Just your average diner. Be prepared to go home smelling like grease though. Would not visit again.

I am usually happy about some diner food but this place was a greasy smelly mess - we ordered a streak and cheese - there was more cheese and onion then meat and the bread was like a hot dog roll. They grill some food right in the bar which makes the whole restaurant stink up and we. won't even go into the service read more

My good friend Guy Fieri recommended this RVA hotspot. This place somehow has a unique diner/bar vibe. Good if you want to go on a date or watch a game. The menu is large and offers something for everyone. I have a big appetite but couldn't finish the pesto pasta. read more

Dots Back Inn - Chicken Pesto Pasta. - Diners Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

I never wanted my burger to end. Even when it was falling apart from all the delicious sauces, I was scooping it up with my bare hands like an animal it was so good. Every bite had a new surprising flavor - I promise I mean this in the best possible way. Do I dare say this is the best food in Richmond? Yeah, I fucking do. My husband says it's really good but can't support my opinion that it's the best in Richmond. Please settle this domestic dispute. Go. Eat. Then respond. read more

We went after Phase 2 of COVID-19. The staff followed all protocols of social distancing/wearing masks and it made me more comfortable eating there after the several month-long stay at home order. Inside, patrons were seated every other booth apart and the patio was also open for dine-in. Our server was just lovely. I had a cheeseburger with fries - it really hit the spot. Sometimes you're just craving a classic, y'know? The patty was cooked exactly medium which is what I ordered. Yay! The LTO (lettuce/tomato/onion) were fresh. The side of fries that came with my food was more akin to deep-fried home fries rather than actual 'string' shaped fries, but there they were still delicious. The wheat bun was an interesting touch, but I wasn't mad at it. This is a nice local spot with charm and character. Would definitely come back again! read more

I had the cheeseburger with provolone and got a side of fried potato wedges. The burger came with lettuce, onion and tomato (I skipped the mayo). Overall, the burger was pretty good. Bun was soft and tasty. The fries were chunky wedges, crispy outside, luscious inside. This place is a 3.5 for me, but the fries and retro feel bump it up for me. The pricing was also reasonable. read more

Dots is a great local neighborhood spot! Their Mediterranean Pis is one of my favorite apps in the entire city

Always friendly and fast service both dine in and take out!!!! Try their Reuben or 5 star nachos read more

The kind of place where kids can be kids, no dirty looks, just smiles from the staff and even patrons, laid back and the food is awesome, I'm not one to think pancakes are typically "worth it", I tried my kids chocolate chip pancakes and they were so good! I got an omelette and home fries, gosh the home fries were crispy and tasty and perfect. Corned beef hash that my brother got was maybe the best I've had. Our waitress Laura was a gem, would go back just to chat with her again. Most importantly, the vibes were immaculate. read more

Friendly staff. Busy, but wait was short. Home fries-amazing! Other food was delicious, too. Dog friendly. read more

Ugh,, 02/14/21 visited Dots Back for brunch. If you have a hankering for cold beer than Dots Back Inn is your establishment . Stay away from the food. Take a look in bathroom and decide if you want to eat here. Urine smelling bathroom that has not been properly cleaned in a minute . Started off this shit show with some not so palatable broccoli and cheese soup. Texture was wrong flavor was wrong and the presentation was wrong. (See pictures) Service was lack luster and it was obvious that the waitress did not want to be there. The sailor sandwich was good but the potato fries were cold and we had to wait longer than 20 minutes for a beer. This place use to be a lot better food wise and service wise. Clean the bathroom up and know what your serving the public . The broccoli cheese soup is the worst soup I have EVER had .. hands down . read more

Dots Back Inn - More Shitty soup - Diners Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

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I picked this place because it was on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. The parking made me want to take a Clonapen, but all good once in the restaurant. This was my second time here. If my burger is any reflection on the rest of the burgers, then by all means, order a burger. I ordered the blue cheese burger, medium, and it came out after a short wait, indeed medium--moist and juicy and blueey cheesey as all. My ordered a PB&J for my son, which he proceeded to throw on the floor, and they didn't seem to mind at all, which was another plus. I was offered dessert by the waitress and decided to give it a go. They are made by a local woman and delivered to the restaurant. I chose lemon, my girlfriend chose chocolate chess. Man oh man...were they super! I would have paid half the price just to eat the crust. I tried my girlfriend's and it was so rich (sound of slow, but escalating applause...). I would go there again when in Richmond for sure. read more

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I had such a nasty meal here. It was so so gross. The mashed potatoes tasted soapy, the mahi was chewy and the darker parts weren't trimmed before cooking, and the rice and beans were literally just unseasoned canned beans tipped into a bowl with like 5 pieces of rice. There were flies everywhere. The staff seemed nice enough but nothing can make up for how narsty that meal was. I will say members of my party had fried fish that was good. read more

At first glance, Dots looks like a small neighborhood grill, but it is rather large with additional seating outside! Inside it is cozy and very inviting with amazing food!! Had the brunch specials...oyster eggs Benedict-oh man, it was delicious and my friend had fried trout eggs Benedict which she said was excellent. Definitely on the "must" return to list. Cant wait to try other menu items!! read more

Probably one of the best burgers I've tasted in Richmond in a long time. Several options for getting the burger dressed and their sides are equally enjoyable. A neighborhood gem that provides decent options for repeat customers. read more

The corned beef on the Reuben was so tough you literally couldn't bite it. You have to take it off and cut it into small pieces. Not to mention they don't have thousand island. They serve it with tomato paste. yuck. Who ever said tomato paste tastes good on a sandwich? It doesn't. The bathroom is a joke. It's so small it's ridiculous. It's also dirty. read more

This cute little diner spot was really great! We stopped in here on a Wednesday around 11am so it was lunch time! The waitress was really nice and allowed us to sit anywhere we wanted. There were only a few other people dining indoors and some outdoors. The service was interesting. The waitress seemed nice but also cold in the same breath. I don't know what her deal was. I honestly paid her no mind eventually. As for food. I ordered the steak and cheese sammich with fries. I really didn't know what to expect but I was very very pleased with my meal. The sandwich had so much flavor! It wasn't too big, just enough to fill me up without feeling over stuffed. The fries were nice thick potatoes perfectly salted. Overall, it was a great dining experience. I wish I lived closer so I could try more items on the menu. There's also a full bar but I was on the clock so no fireball shots for me. Sad story. read more

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Dots is a classic hole in the wall unique spot to eat. I have only had their breakfast and quite honestly i will go back just for that. I went on a random Thursday and got seated immediately. I ordered the Colorado omelet with potatoes and toast. My girlfriend got blueberry pancakes with bacon. Super friendly staff taking care of the whole place (not busy at this time). The food came out very quick. The omelette was super juicy with tons of cheese, the potatoes had a perfect crisp with great flavor, and the toast was just a classic buttered toast. The pancakes were crispy on the outside with the perfect fluff on the inside. Great flavor paired with the saltiness of the bacon. Will be going back for more very soon! read more

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Brunch at Dots Back Inn is a hidden gem in Richmond. The mimosas are strong & cheap (best combo, right?!) and the brunch menu is extensive with diner-type food. I had the pancake wrapped andouille sausage and shared it between two people with sides. The portion is HUGE. Everything we had was cooked to perfection. Service was quick and friendly. We sat on the enclosed patio which provided a nice sunny, yet cool atmosphere. read more

Dots Back Inn - Diners Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

Always a favorite! Old fashioned diner style restaurant offering indoor and outdoor dining! Good service! Good food! Love the old time feel of this restaurant! Highly recommend. Good for couples or families. read more

Not bad. I like that they have some gluten free options and the outside seating is cute.

Many people have probably heard about DOTs Back Inn because Guy Fieri plugged it on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. I wish I could say I've ordered a lot of different things on the menu but I can't. I ordered what they list on the menu as a "Steak and Cheese sub". I fully expected to get something that resembled a Philly Cheesesteak but what I got instead was something that can best be described as an In-N-Out double-double with grilled onions on a sub roll. For those that don't know what In-N-Out is, this is some pretty high praise. The description is "top sirloin and cheese with grilled onions, lettuce, tomato and mayo" where I come from this is a burger on a sub roll instead of a bun. The nomenclature threw me off but I'm glad it did. My taste buds were in heaven. The grilled onions infused with the ground top sirloin created a symphony of flavor. It's very good and I get it almost every time I go. The other item I've tried is the tuna melt. The reason it's so popular is because they make the tuna fresh, probably daily. Between fresh and canned tuna, obviously the difference is night and day. Not to mention the cheese is always perfectly melted. read more

If you want a stylish, swanky spot that serves up culinary masterpieces, this is NOT the place for you. People go to Dots because it's a neighborhood gem of a diner, and because they can go as they are in very casual dress. You might have difficulty finding the door. There's no curb appeal. There's not even any interior appeal, but the waitresses will call you Sugar and Hon, and you will enjoy a great no frills meal to the sound of The Pretenders, Joan Jett and maybe some Ace of Base. You will also leave smelling like a kitchen, but you WON'T break your budget. Know that this place is practically packed all day long, so you might have to wait for a table. read more

Dots Back Inn - Delicious bacon cheeseburger (Famous Amos) and fries. - Diners Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

Still totally dig this place - still undecided between the two tuna melts as to which is my favorite. One day I think it's the Hot Julie, the next it's the other one (that I cannot remember the name of, maybe it's just a regular tuna melt?). The Hot Julie is served on a soft yummy bun and the other is open face. Their tater tots are out of this world. VERY yummy and the perfect amount of crispness!! I go at least once during each of my visits to Richmond. Partly because of convenience and partly because it is SO DAMNED good! That being said, it is highly likely I will go again before I leave at the crack of dawn on Wednesday. :) The staff is always friendly and helpful, too. During COVID, they were invited to add patio tables in front of the adjoining property to help expand their seating area. I truly love our businesses and landlords came together during the pandemic. It makes my heart happy! read more

Dots Back Inn has an extensive menu and serves a lot of really yummy food. It was a little tricky finding street parking, but nothing too crazy. The restaurant itself is a little noisy inside, but mostly because it is filled with a lively bunch of customers. Service is good, and the interior definitely feels like a diner. I ate a delicious onion tart appetizer, soup, and frog legs. All of the food was very tasty, and portions were large. I finished off my meal with a warm, freshly baked blueberry muffin topped with ice cream. I LOVE MUFFINS! =) Dots Back Inn is a great place to come for a casual meal. read more

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How does this place not have 5 stars? Oh right, cranky people. I moved to town about 3 weeks ago and have already been here 4 times--it's awesome. Great diner menu, cheap drinks, and excellent food. I've had the porkchop sandwich, steak and eggs, and fried artichokes (during their happy hour). All were delicious! They're busy and don't have a lot of staff which maybe explains the wait some people reference, but everything has come out quickly when I've been there. What "makes it" for me is the chill neighborhood vibe and the outside deck seating in the front (though the inside is really cool too). Very happy to have a go-to spot :) read more

Fantastic neighborhood eatery with bustling business and a small deck for dining in the front. Other than parking being a little challenging owing to my difficulty walking, it was a perfect dining experience. The inside area was loud and festive and vibrant and we were looking to chat so we opted to wait for a seat on the outside deck. We waited about 10 mins and we were seated. Great choice. We had our teas until the table opened up and perused the menu. We settled on the bean burger and the fried catfish with two sides. The food was excellent. The bean burger was huge! The pesto was a nice complement as were the fried potato discs. They catfish was perfectly seasoned. The roasted beets and asparagus were cooked just the way I like it. The service was excellent. I would definitely go back if ever in Richmond again. read more

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Not sure what food you want ? Come to Dot's - the diner menu has a bit of everything - salads, sandwiches, burgers, and entrees. I had a burger with onions, cheese, and bbq sauce - tasty and cooked to order. The fries were half round potatoes baked and crispy. We had the biggest, fattest fried oysters and they were delish. Service was good, but a bit slow when busy and prices averaged between 15 & 20 no matter the item. read more

Food is still good but there is not any type of sanitary practices. Waitresses pickup plates with food etc off tables then proceed to scrape into a refuse bin using customers utensils, and then drop in a bin for washing. At no time have they worn any type of glove or even washed/sanitized their hands between doing this and serving food. Nasty!! read more

I would consider this a hole in the wall. Just about any item on the menu you could want or ask for. Something for everyone. Friendly service and good food. Well worth the experience. Parking might be a challenge and I can't wait to go back. read more

About a month ago, we ate there (on the patio) with our dog. Went to have lunch there today and were told they don't allow dogs (except service dogs) on the patio. Manager said there were issues with allergies and that was the reason for the decision. Sorely disappointed. read more