Though the name doesn't allude to it, I've heard many people say Lakeside Tavern has the best Korean food in the area. I decided to invite a large group and give it a go during a weeknight. It is very much a neighborhood dive bar so I would set your expectations for atmosphere/service/prices from that standpoint. It seemed like there were a lot of regulars. They have bar seating, high tops, and tables. They have karaoke every weeknight and live music during weekends. The kitchen is run by an older Korean lady so be patient and give some grace. They have Korean food and normal American bar food. She makes the Korean food from scratch. I really enjoyed my bulgogi and Korean wings. If I return, I'd try calling to get my order in earlier so I don't have to wait as long. read more

See all

This place is a GEM. Take all your expectations and leave them at the door. Do you enjoy kareoke? Do you enjoy cheap beverages? Do you enjoy dive bar vibes? Do you enjoy people celebrating their lot in life? Do you like going to a place with weirdos where you... as a weirdo... can thrive? Well.... You found it! I promise you. You will leave with memories. Quality is a state of mind when you adventure out in this world. This place has QUALITY just not the type normies quantify read more

Very hole in the wall spot! Not crowded on Saturday evening but they were setting up for live music. I wanted a glass of bubbly but all they had is Chardonnay. Maybe not my favorite place but I always like exploring small/local spots- I really value experiencing the true culture/vibe of a new city/suburb. It's a little further out from downtown but closer to where I was staying. Had a decent time overall though. read more

See all

Stopped on this neighborhood joint for karaoke. Everyone truly seemed to know each other and everyone was very nice. It was cool to see MUCH older folks there to sing as well. Unfortunately, the karaoke sound system isn't that great. You barely sound amplified and the screen with lyrics kept going in and out. The food was kinda sad, too. When you order onion rings, which are 50 cents more than fries, you get four. And they're small. My friend's fried dumplings were over-fried. And they're deep fried versus pan fried. My breakfast burger was okay, but the cheese wasn't melted and there was way too much bread for the bun. read more

Lakeside Tavern - Bars Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

See all

Recently I went there for the first time. If there was no other place to go I'd probably go back, but there are other places, so no. I went around 5:00, and it was pretty dark in there. I hate dark places like that bc I worry there are bugs I can't see. Smells a bit musty and has a light cigarette odor. I almost turned around and walked out, saying I forgot something in my car, because I didn't feel like the bartender was all that thrilled I was there. She was more pleasant after I ordered, though. There were about 4 other patrons there, all sitting at the bar. I picked a table. The bartender gave me a menu and said that at dinner they have only bar service. I don't know what that means but she said to come up and give her my order when I was ready. For sodas, they have your standard coke products minus Pibb. I ordered a BLT and fries. They have crinkle cut fries and they were very good. If I went back to this place it would be just for fries. Unfortunately the BLT had been made too early-- the timing wasn't right so the fries were hot and the BLT was cold. Some may like it that way, but I prefer the toast and bacon to be warm. I wanted to finish my fries since they were so good, but I had to bolt after I got a phone call. In summary, not the worst place, but I wouldn't go back, though I'm glad I went because of the crinkle cut fries. read more

Seated quickly and hungry from the aroma of food wafting throughout. Ambiance is very good and the place was relatively quiet due to arriving after the dinnercrowd. read more

Great casual bar that that happens to have a Korean food portion of their menu including bibimbap, bulgogi, Korean style wings, mandu guk. The wings are so crispy and delicious. Also has a pool table! Will be back! read more

See all

I didn't know quite what to expect when I went to Lakeside Tavern for the first time but it's become a regular spot for me. They have Karaoke every weeknight and an eclectic mix of singers and regular bar goers. They have typical bar food but I've been pleasantly surprised by their Korean food offerings. See ya there! read more

I'm all about a little hole in the wall bar/restaurant! This no frills neighborhood tavern located in Lakeside is kind of dingy on the outside and dark and dim on the inside. I went in for lunch and the place was pretty quiet. The bar, decorated with twinkle lights, was dotted with afternoon barflies playing "pinball", party poker/slots games and dudes just hanging out drinking beer. There was a stage where bands play at night and a pool table in the back. I'm sure this joint can get pretty rowdy in the evenings with the Southern Rock bands and Karaoke. I ordered a club and a Lakeside Salad with chicken. The sandwich was decent, a little skimpy on the bacon and the fries weren't very hot but it was ok! My salad was fresh and tasty, but again, would've been better with more ingredients. Basically it was lettuce with carrots and cucumber. It was slow coming out and I even called ahead. Oh well... I gathered this is more of a night club type bar to grab some beers and party. The food is an afterthought. The girl at the bar who took my order, was pleasant enough and I enjoyed chilling out, on a barstool soaking in the vibe while waiting for my food. This wouldn't be my "go to" spot but I could see hanging here for some good ole down home music and a PBR or a Rolling Rock. read more

See all

As an ex-Pennsylvanian, the one thing I've never been able to get over is the Virginia concept of "there are no bars". There are plenty of restaurants, most of which have a bar, but order your first beer and you're immediately presented with a menu, and the (legal, don't blame the bartender) expectation that you're having dinner. Which is why I love Lakeside Tavern. Yes, it's a restaurant and the food is good. Basic menu plus incredibly good Korean cuisine. The owner is Korean and a very good cook. But walk in there, and you're walking into a damn good, knuckle dragging, shot and a beer, Harley riding bar. Just like I left in Johnstown, PA. And they obviously sell enough food to not have to shove "we're a restaurant" in your face. Saturday night is live music, and I've never heard a bad band down there. Considering the place. Just go. Kick back and plan on having a pleasant stay in one of the very few real bars in Richmond. It's only a mile from The Diamond, which makes it nice before and/or after Richmond Flying Squirrels games. read more

No. No. Nope. Never again. Worst service, actually, no service and we were literally the only people in there at the time.

Does heaven exist? Maybe. It depends on who you ask. If you were to ask me I'd say, "Probably not in the classic religious sense, as it is written, because that seems exaggerated and fictitious, and was created in order to pollute the minds of the hopeful, yet timid. But who am I to say? I could be totally incorrect." But if a cool ass bar exists that makes me feel like I'm in some metaphorical version of heaven, then it's Lakeside Tavern. I am an anxious guy, in real life, so karaoke is generally a panic-inducing thing that I wouldn't ever consider doing. But at Lakeside I would seriously consider doing it! The patrons don't care if you can sing well or if you sing poorly! It's a judgement-free zone! The regulars make you feel like family, and not in a contrived Olive Garden sense, but in a real-ass way. Also I'd be amiss to not mention the fact that they have the most bomb Bi Bim Bop outside of...I don't know, because I'm not Korean so my opinion is best taken with a grain of salt. But I swear to yahweh that it's really good! It's made by the two gentlemen who bartend's mom, and it's made with love and care, and it's absolutely delicious. Go to Lakeside. Leave your shitty Scott's Addition brewery loving ass in Scott's Addition. You'll find me at Lakeside, with a Budweiser in my hand, watching some dude sing "With Arms Wide Open" or "Spirit of the Radio" with a smile on my face. God bless. read more

What a great hole-in-the-wall bar! They have a smoking room in the back. The night we were there they had karaoke which was a hoot to watch. They seem to have some regulars. The bar is straight out of the 70's and the bartender was friendly. If you are looking to do something different and feeling adventurous try it out. Enjoy! read more

This is the best bar in lakeside hands down. No judgements jerks. Just straight cut act right crowd with awesome Food and service. Not your every day run of the mill crowd. Get the appetizer sampler and a few pints. No regrets unless you like to have headaches and heartaches. At that point you've put yourself in that position. Pool table available and a room for the smoking customer. Engage in a riveting conversation with some of the locals! Or keep to yourself and enjoy an atmosphere of laughter and jokes amongst you. long story short... there is a little bit of everything at the Tavern as long as you carry an open mind. read more

Great place and awesome people and excellent food... If you are an overly sensitive snow flake or an uppity asshole you probably won't enjoy it... But if you are a normal well rounded person you will have a great time. read more

The place just stinks inside. Foul odor that doesn't get better the longer you sit there. I wasn't drinking that day was driving so I ordered cup of coffee. There was only 2 other people in there. Bar tender served me a cold cup of coffee with coffee mate container that was almost empty. Sugar container was empty after I used it. Never offered me a refill and charged me 2.75 Starbucks charges less for hot coffee! Glad to leave that awful stench and poor service. read more

Amazing place, super casual, friendly staff, friendly regulars! We moved a special celebration here after a "fancy" bar treated us like the scum on their shoes. Some of the patrons at Lakeside Tavern met us out front and wanted to know what we were celebrating. They welcomed us at the door and were friendly and gracious and kept the drinks coming. We showed up with about 30 people they weren't planning for and they never missed a beat. Excellent service and always a fun atmosphere. I'm sure me and the whole crew will be back because no one has stopped asking about when we can do it again! read more

Disgusting place. Smells like cigarette smoke. Has microwavable food and doesn't look like it's ever been cleaned.

I have absolutely loved coming here for countless years, even spent my birthday there this year on a cold snowy day when they were the oy place open in my area. I come mostly for karaoke, where Tony runs great sound and always looks out for his regular singers. Karaoke is Monday through Thursday, where they begin around 7:30 to 8:00 PM. Let's talk about bar food....this place has some of the best mozarella cheese sticks money can buy! Cheese fries to be devoured in an instant. The bartender is top notch, making great drinks for the regulars with more than generous pours! I cannot stress that enough on the drinks people!!! There is smoking in the back where the men's bathroom is and outside. The crowd is casual and very greeting to new customers. They will cheer for all singers, especially the regulars and really good ones. I totally recommend this establishment for a fun early night, as they end before midnight. read more

I love the Korean style chicken wings and the atmosphere, it's relaxing and everyone is really friendly. I have never been there before and can't wait to go back and try some of the Korean dishes. read more

It's a pretty garbage establishment. The bartender is almost comically bad, maybe the worst bartender I've ever experienced; he is slow, surly, unpleasant, he speaks too quietly and then smirks when you have to ask him to repeat himself. The decor is like a dive bar from rural Georgia, but without any of the country charm. They have karaoke most nights, which isn't the *worst* thing, unless you hate karaoke (and honestly most people don't like karaoke). On the weekends they often have crummy cover bands and you have to pay a cover charge to get in. Beer selection is pretty outdated and uninteresting. The men's room doesn't have locks on it, so you'll regularly walk in on someone urinating in there. Now, the upside is, it's pretty cheap. Their happy hour in particular is quite a good deal, and even after happy hour you can usually get more than a few drinks without breaking the bank. It's low-key (obviously) and usually not very crowded. It has a sort of blue-collar aesthetic to it that's not terrible. Folks are generally pretty friendly, aside from the bartender. All in all: if you want some cheap domestic drafts and bottles and some nice drunk company, go here---it won't be the worst time of your life. If you want atmosphere, competent service, an updated drink list, and a place where a karaoke machine isn't belching out Martina McBride songs every night, then avoid this joint. It's really a matter of what you're looking for. read more

Love this place. It's definitely quirky and step and knowing you're walking into a no fuss no pretense hole in the wall bar but if you like weird dive bars, this place is a gem. read more

Great food and fair prices. The karaoke is quite possibly the best in Richmond. The KJ Tony Kohlhepp of Symphonic Karaoke & DJ Service runs the fairest karaoke show I've seen in the area with great sound and a huge selection of karaoke and music. He makes it so fun for everyone. Plus some of the best singers in the area frequent the show. You're missing out if you haven't stopped by. His show is every Monday thru Wednesday night from 7:45pm till 11:45pm read more