First time at this restaurant. Food and service were excellent. We had the hush puppies, strawberry spinach salad, steamed spiced shrimp and an old fashioned. All were so good. Hunter, our waiter, was taking care of multiple responsibilities while maintaining a great attitude. He checked on us frequently and was very accommodating. There were tv's around and music playing, but it was quiet enough that you could still easily have a conversation. Can't wait to go back! read more

We had a great dinner at Riptides in Chester. Food was so fresh and delicious. We loved everything we tried! Service was fast and good. We will definitely be back read more

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They have made some changes and some upgrades. Lunch was very good. Well the green beans were very good!! They were seasoned perfectly. I almost went back to get some for dinner. The crab cake sandwich was good but being that we've been in Maryland the last few weeks, air was wishing it was more lump meat. The new Gouda and bacon Mac and cheese was a zero for me. The noodles were WAYYY under cooked and the sauce was watery and had no flavor. It needs some help. The catfish nuggets were 10/10!! Fried perfectly! It's our lunch spot at work and we will be back! read more

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Good place for a dinner with lots of variety. We all had everything we wanted and entirely different dishes. Everything tasted great, service was wonderful. read more

The ambulance since and service was great. The food was subpar. I had the clam chowder and it was very watery. My husband got the seared tuna poke bowl, he says the tuna was fresh, the rice had no flavor, the mango salsa was very good and added freshness to the bowl. My kid had the fried oyster po boy, and he loved the gator bites. His favorite part of the dinner read more

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I honestly don't know where to begin! Okay so my kids and I walk in the door and a few other customers are coming in behind us. We stand in the door area and the people who came in behind us walk right around us and start to proceed to a table on their own, right about the time a lady not dressed like her servers I'm assuming (manager/owner) says "they are regulars here make sure you take good care of them" to our waitress. I'm pretty sure you can guess where this is heading. The regulars got taken care of first ABOVE everyone else. Drinks first, order first, food arrives fast. We sat for fifteen minutes before being asked anything just headed menus. No drink orders yet. We didn't receive food for 40 minutes. And when we did all of us were disappointed. Oysters on the half shell had sat shucked for so long the oysters were thin and translucent. The bad part was they were all dry and left a brown stain on the shell where they sat on the shell. Sure wish I had a chance to take a picture before they took them from the table. Oysters Rockefeller was awful too. The oysters were also not fresh and VERY small. The overwhelming amount of cheese and spinach was twice the size of the oyster to hide how small they are. Blackened tuna was average. The outer sear was minimal but the tuna was probably the only item that was closer to the ok or fresh side. Triple B burger was the second to last item brought to our table well over thirty minutes after it was ordered. Order it medium so should have a little pink. Absolutely not. Well done burger with what seems like it had zero fat in it. So it was dry and the consistency of the meat was strange like a sponge. My son had three bites and said he couldn't eat it. The VERY last item to be brought to the table which makes absolutely no sense because this is literally 45 mins after ordering, I get my wedge salad. A salad. It took that long for a salad. Maybe they contemplated not serving it to me which should have been the correct decision. I literally had to pick the bad lettuce out before I could try it. When you see the lettuce you can make your own judgment. My opinion folks is that since their regulars are SO important to them that no other patron matters ie service or quality of food that they should depend on their regulars. Let them secure their revenue and you should keep driving to a place that cares about ALL patrons but more IMPORTANTLY the quality of the food they serve. My server was outstanding though. This owner/manager watched her wait all three tables that were there while there were other waitresses. I'm not surprised either. So made sure to tip her well. I feel bad that she has to work for such horrible people. It has to be embarrassing to bring food to a table and it's mediocre at best. read more

Riptides Seafood Restaurant - Sad Rockefeller. Oysters are small and not fresh. Too much cheese and spinach to make up for small oysters - Seafood Near Me - Chester, Virginia

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Bland seafood, decent service and watered down drinks. I'd much rather go to Latitude Seafood. Stopped while visiting town and regretted it. However, a charming family-oriented restaurant. My date and I had the she crab soup, gator bites and a couple of drinks that tasted like heavy fructose corn syrup, intended on ordering entrees but it already felt like a waste of money and time. I'm from Maryland where everyone seasons their seafood- after watching other tables food come out and tasting our apps, we knew it wasn't for us. read more

Riptides Seafood Restaurant - She crab soup and gator bites - Seafood Near Me - Chester, Virginia

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We had a party of 8 and our waitress was great and pleasant & professional attitude she just needed a little help for all of our orders but she did her very best! Even when some of our entrees were incorrect or missing something ordered she took care of it quickly so for that I'm (We) were appreciative! read more

Have eaten here so many times over the years and each time it's delicious. We tried the Alligator Bites for the first time and the were amazing as an appetizer it's definitely something that you have to try. The Ambiance and Atmosphere is always great. We went before Christmas and the staff is always attentive. If you need to book an event always book with Debbie she is the Event Coordinator and she truly Sweet and Patient. They have a back room to accommodate a larger group which is always decorated very nice with a TV. The food is always fresh and portioned good I always have some to take home. read more

Riptides Seafood Restaurant - The Alligator Bites - Seafood Near Me - Chester, Virginia

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Was out tonight with a group of 10 people and my cod was overcooked. Just because we have a group of people paying on a company card does not mean we should get poor food and slow service. The drinks that were served were hit or miss. 2 people got old fashions one was filled to the top and 1 was halfway filled and he said it did not seem finished. So I'm Margarita was ordered and there was no salt on the glass as well as it tasted to him like just lime juice and something alcoholic. What a waste money. Alligator bites were overcooked. And let's talk about the key lime pie. That was the very thinnest firmest slice of key lime pie ever. And I came with a strawberry and whipped cream on the side. Who puts a strawberry with key lime pie. And who serves a quarter inch tall key lime pie that is not key lime pie.. That is just a poor excuse for a cheesecake. I'm tired of this place being hit or miss. It's a waste of money and people think it is the greatest thing because the prices are high. I also watched an elderly couple be told they had to sit on the left side instead of the right side of the house. I'm guessing they did not want old people on the right side because that's where the bar is at and it might scare the younger people away. That's just wrong for the elderly. Shame on this place. read more

Good seafood. Always good service unless they're short staffed or have a big event. I love that it's quiet and the portion size is appropriate. read more

We tried this for the first time after hearing good things and we were not disappointed. It was a Friday and not too busy when we got there but did fill up after awhile. We were seated and our server was very pleasant. We ordered some appetizers (oysters Rockefeller and fried tuna bites). The seafood platter that I ordered was so fresh and delicious and also enough for me to take some home. The crabmeat was my favorite part so buttery and fresh! I wish we had room for dessert but we will have to give it a try next time. read more

Food was not good. Sent our appetizer back. Probably won't go back. Ann Marie was great!! read more

Food and service were good. I find the ambiance to be typical for a seafood restaurant. Unfortunately, there was a leak in the roof when we were there with clients. read more

Manager needs more education in customer service. Server was lovely. Tipped her well.

Came to dinner tonight Riptid 26.oo del JUMBO shrimp dinner don't waste your money you get the same shrimp in the basket for less price. 14.99 plus a side 2.99 18.00 save your self 8.00. Spoke to the manager she didn't make it right. read more

Riptides Seafood Restaurant - Talk with my feet last time I eat here! - Seafood Near Me - Chester, Virginia

Sister took me here as a welcome back to VA dinner. All of us had good food! I very much enjoyed my tacos. The corn and spinach were also great. My niece downed a huge steak. Service and ambiance were great. Plenty of seating. I'm sure I'll be back next visit. Appreciate they are celiac aware for my celiac family ( I was only one in party not celiac!) read more

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I have been here several times. The catfish, cod, scallops and pasta dishes are excellent and the Brussels sprouts are amazing. I didn't care for the oysters Rockefeller. It has so much ch cheese and bacon that it was difficult to find the oyster much less taste it. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable about the menu. They are attentive without hovering. The dining area is comfortable, rustic and clean. I will be going back this weekend read more

Friendly greeters and great server. Decided to take mom to riptides for her birthday. She really enjoys the customer service and the wonderful food options. We were agreed with a smile and a friendly staff, and the environment was cozy and nice. The way we got was so friendly he was so attentive and made sure that we had everything that we needed. He was tall and he floated across the dining room like a professional. The menu offered many different options for seafood lovers, and those who would like chicken options at the seafood place. The team opted for appetizers of She-crab soup, which they enjoyed and clam chowder which they devoured. We also ordered their hush puppies and they were delicious as well. Everything came out hot and fresh and the party was the lighted with their choice. We ordered entrées and the portions were huge. Everybody had certain things that they wanted substituted but the restaurant was able to make those changes without any problems whatsoever. The food came out fresh. The sides came out, piping hot the people who wanted their sides to be in different dishes, but the restaurant accommodated. They brought out all types of condiments and fulfill everybody's request. Everybody was so happy that at one point communication sea salt together, except for the thing sounds of smacking lips and happy smiles. Room for dessert and was able to get slices of the Keylime pie. It was delicious. It had a wonderful balance of sweetness and the tart flavors. You enjoyed with a Keylime pie. We even decided to take a couple slices home so that we could enjoy the next day. Overall, I would say, bring your family and your friends out to Riptides. Please come early because the dining room can fill up rather quickly. The food is delicious and the prices are right. Make sure you bring your appetite because the food is bountiful on the plates. read more

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My mom and I visited Riptides restaurant, which is a family owned business, yesterday for brunch to celebrate my birthday. We had a wonderful time! The atmosphere was spot on. I love the music they play. Our server, Harley, was attentive and knowledgeable. She even took a great picture of my mom and I. The food was hot and presented well. I got the oysters Rockefeller without the bacon and a side Caesar salad. Croutons come from Buffa's bakery and are the best ever. All of my oysters were huge except for two. My mom got the fried shrimp basket which comes with fries, coleslaw and hush puppies. I also got the key lime pie. It is so delicious. Their desserts come from a bakery off site. We love this gem of a restaurant. read more

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Sad to say this was our last visit. Our first visit was fantastic but over the past year it's been going downhill . From the steaks being not cooked well (tough) to items missing from the poke bowl on several visits. On our last visit we ordered sea bass and I doubt what we got was sea bass. We were offered an alternative that was ok at best but in the end we were way overcharged for the substitute. read more

I often order from this restaurant whenever I am in town. I always order Prince Edward Island Blue Mussels. I was a little disappointed with the mussels. There were quite a few which had not opened. The Bacon Asiago Pablano Cream Sauce was watered down. However, they have the best service and I would go again next time I am in town. read more

My elderly friend loves seafood. We showed up about three minutes prior to opening. We parked very close to the outdoor dining patio gate because my elderly friend cannot walk far distances. The gate was open so I took her directly to a patio table while my husband went to the front door to engage the hostess. Meanwhile my elderly friend and I were waiting at the patio table. Keep in mind all of the numerous patio tables were empty and we were the only patrons on the patio. Suddenly a waitress entering from the parking lot, obviously showing up for work, angerily barked at me and my elderly friend "DID YOU CHECK WITH THE HOSTESS FOR YOUR TABLE?" I relied "my husband is checking with the hostess. Her tone was sharp and angry. So unnecessary. Here is the thing. My friend is 87 years old. And is prone to falling. That is why I took her directly to one of the numerous open tables on the patio. The gate was open so that is why we parked close to it. The angry waitress could clearly see she is an elderly woman. Barking angry orders at her (and me) was just nasty and unnecessary. Thank goodness this nasty waitress was not our waitress. Another waitress was our server and was AWESOME. I am sorry our experience got off to a bad start with encountering a mad employee just because my elderly friend needed to go directly to a table to sit instead of walking all the way into the restaurant and backtracking all the way back to the patio. Our actual waitress gets five stars. The experience with the arriving to work waitress angerly barking at my elderly friend was not ok and I did not appreciate it, at all. read more

Great appetizer (best Gator Bites in the state) and great service (Charnitha). TY Riptide's.

What a delicious and delightful spot. First off, the music was a whole vibe. I almost forgot where I was. Everything from SWV, Michael Jackson, Temptations to Mary J Blige. I was shooting. I was meeting a friend in the area and he said the food wouldn't disappoint and he was right. I started out wanting shrimp. I mean, it's VA, Duh. So, I got their firecracker shrimp, and they were delicious. The shrimp was fresh and large with a delectable spicy Thai sauce and a bed of spring mix to garnish. The sauce and peppery greens really meshed well together. We indulged in the shrimp plate with a classic loaded backed potato and cheesy broccoli. I settled on 2 hugemoungus crack cakes with a tangy and zesty romulade. I wanted to balance the meal with their sweet potato casserole and large heavy battered sweet onion rings. The Crab cakes were fully favored with a comfortable amount of seasoning and a bright lemon infusion throughout each meaty bite. The robust romulade really enchanted the sweetness of the cake. The sweet casserole was also palatable and played well with the cake. I wanted the sweetness. However, the onion ring shocked me. They were high, delicious, and very sweet. I wasn't expecting it. The specific sauce for them also enhanced the flavor profile. They were crispy and strong and not overly greasy. I loved the taste of them. This spot is a hidden gem. Run don't walk. I thoroughly enjoyed my food and the establishment. Great comply chill spot that's not uptight or pretentious. read more

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This is a great local seafood restaurant in Chester Virginia. The food is excellent. Service is timely. The ambience is nice and cozy. Great place for date night. read more

This was recommended to us to try and wow! The food was amazing and full of flavor. The staff were all friendly read more

Riptides Seafood Restaurant - Blackened whiting with onions, green beans, scallops and spinach - Seafood Near Me - Chester, Virginia

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My wife and I met a friend for dinner at Riptides last week. The greeting we received was cheerful and friendly as usual. We were seated promptly and were attended to immediately. Service was efficient and not rushed. The restaurant is clean and has a great atmosphere. My friend's tuna Poke' Bowl was sensational. Looking across the table, I wished that I ordered one! The tuna was served rare (perfect as ordered). My wife's Butterflied Shrimp Poke' Bowl was also perfect, as ordered. I ordered the Ahi Tuna Steak (rare) and it didn't look anything like my friend's tuna and didn't taste like tuna. After the fact, I think they got the order mixed up,I believe I was served swordfish steaks. Mistakes happen when things are busy. I I would expect that the person who got my tuna was well satisfied The swordfish was cooked properly (rare as ordered) I like swordfish, so not a big deal except that looked and tasted like it had been frozen. All things considered, we had a great time and I recommend Riptides and we will be back. read more

1st visit- absolutely fantastic! Our waitress Callie took great care of us. The appetizers we ordered, crab dip & Tuna bites were delicious. The blackened mahi tacos were as good as I've ever had. The pumpkin martini was incredible. Can't wait to return- this is a new favorite! read more

I took a group of employees out to Riptides for dinner while staying in the area. It was recommended by a colleague. Im glad they did. The service was amazing, the vibe is kind of cool, and the food was spot on. Fresh ingredients and tasty. I will return on my next trip to the area. read more

This was our first time here. We were a large group of 15 people. They had plenty of room to accommodate our party. The service was great. Joe street was our main server and he was so patient with our visually impaired friends. Big kudos to him! The other servers that helped him were giving everyone the wrong drinks and wrong salads so that wasn't so great. The food, welp, my husband had the flounder and was very disappointed in how small the portion was and it wasn't visually appealing. I, on the other hand, had the linguini Pescadore(sp) in white wine sauce and it was amazing! I would visit again just to eat this. 4 stars because the food was a bit hit and miss this time and the mixed up orders had everyone confused. Will definitely give it another try!!! read more

We started with the appetizers pictured. They were delicious. Each plate has 5 on the plate. I ordered the riptide special and added a 7oz lobster tail to it. Riptide special has scallops, lump crab meat, and shrimp sautéed in a white wine butter sauce. Spouse got the Atlantic salmon with brown sugar and pecan brandy sauce. Our server is Diane. She is excellent. They opened a back room for us since there were so many people waiting for tables. And this room filled up fast. The food was terrific. I enjoyed every bite. Yes I still had left overs. The food is worth the drive we had to do to get here. For where we live it was an hour drive. But it was all so good. This dessert is out of the world good. I love it. read more

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This restaurant is awesome! We've been coming here for several years. When we have parties, we order the Steamed Shrimp Tray. It is always a big hit! Seasoned to perfection, like only Italians know how! Thank you Buffa Family for always providing us with the quality of the food and great service!! read more

Came here for a screenwriters meetup. I was pleasantly surprised by the atmosphere. Nice patio. Interior was welcoming. Wait staff was outstanding. Knew when to come check on us, bring the check. Professional. Food came out quickly. I had literally just eaten, so I wasn't hungry and just ordered a Brussels sprouts appetizer, which was good enough. Not the best, but not the worst. I'd definitely come back when in the area to try more things on the menu. Pricing seemed right, but then again, I didn't really look because I wasn't eating much. read more

Really a great place. I've been driving by for several years and stopped in yesterday for the first time. (Now I'm kicking myself for those years of missed opportunity!) The staff was as friendly as could be. The restaurant was spotless and -- this is surprising for a restaurant that serves a lot of seafood -- didn't have that "fish-fog" smell that can accumulate over time. I had a home-bound relative that had a craving for fish, so that was the reason for my stop. But I'm so glad that I got dinner for her and myself. She ordered the "Speciality" flounder and I had the catfish. Unfortunately this was take-out, so it wasn't 100% as fresh and crispy to eat as it was at the time it was served (due to 10 minutes travel time) but it was still delicious! The portions were generous and the selection of sides was impressive. (The Sweet Potato Casserole is a highly recommended!) I've got a new seafood joint now whenever I'm in the RVA. read more

They have amazing food and I love the virgin Pina coladas and the alligator bites are my favorite

Worst dining experience. Was there on a Sunday evening. Restaurant wasn't very busy. Service was horrible. Food was mediocre at best. Do not recommend. read more

Not a good seafood restaurant. Fish was not fresh. Run of the mill. Felt like I was eating at a diner

If it wasn't for how long it took, it would have been 5 stars. Ate here for lunch on a Thursday afternoon - place was hopping. No hostess so had to wait to be seated. I quickly realized that the waitress who sat us also had all the tables on our side of the restaurant. To be that busy, she was awesome. You could tell she had done it a time or two. Ordered hushpuppies as an appetizer. Hot, fresh, slightly sweet - how I like them. We ordered a fried chicken sandwich, oyster basket, and fish and chips. Chicken looked like a frozen patty, but for an 11 year old it was just fine. The oysters were tiny. But had the good brine flavor. Cocktail sauce would turn your face inside out, but the horseradish was so good. Husband liked his fish even though it looked a wee bit under done from my view. All in all a good experience, but 2 hours is a long lunch and the booths get old fast. 5 stars to the waitress, though. read more

Riptides Seafood Restaurant - Hushpuppies - too hungry to get other pics - Seafood Near Me - Chester, Virginia

In the area for my monthly visit and I wanted to stick to my routine of salads and placed an order for the salmon salad for lunch. The salad was just ok as it seemed over priced for the portion size, not sure I'll order that again. On my next visit for dinner I tried the crab bites and the crab dip and both were just mediocre, the dip was mostly cheese but the pita bread was good, the crab bites were mostly filler and again overpriced. On another visit to get some dessert, I decided to give the food one more try and had the riptide special(sauteed scallops, crabmeat and shrimp) with sweet potato casserole and spinach. The entree was good and again the sides were just ok. I did have the banana pudding cheesecake and the coconut cream cheesecake for dessert and it was incredible and well worth the price so it's a no for me as far as the food but I will return for more of that light and fluffy cheesecake. read more

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