After multiple failed attempts, we finally made it to Wink's. It was totally worth the wait. This is a place you'd expect to find on some Food Network show about can't miss hidden gems. The place was packed but the dude working (I'm assuming Wink) was quick to notice us and grab our drink orders while we waited for a seat and to put our food order in. A couple of people took notice that we may be first timers and welcomed us on with all the details of the place. We grabbed the pepper/pepper bacon burger with Winks homemade mustard and Grippos. Washing it down with a cold beer made it all a winning combo! Some tips: If you are going, check their Facebook. They are open limited days/hours plus they aren't a huge operation so do take days off if it strikes their fancy. Go early and expect a wait. We showed up 5 minutes after opening and all stools were full and standing room only. Just get a beer and wait your turn. read more

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"Grippo's or Lays?" Says the owner when you order. This place is WEIRD. In the best way possible. They're open 5-9PM on Thursday-Saturday. It's a one man show. They close when supplies run out, and it always seems to be quickly after they open. Check Facebook! Best burger I've ever had! You do have to wait, but it's well worth it! The homemade mustard is a little sweet and tangy, and is excellent! It's so cheap for a burger and chips! Mr. Wink (maybe?) is super attentive and kind! He was always asking if anyone needed more of their beverage. He remembers seasoned visitors and keeps great rapport. I appreciated that the Ale-8 and bottled water were just a dollar! It's a little busy and it can get loud, but it's not too bad. Take a look at the stickers! read more

Wink's Bar - All-American Burger with Bacon - Bars Near Me - Richmond, Kentucky

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The Fat Man wanted a good burger and the fiancé was out with friends, so I decided to head down to Wink's Bar. Winks serves a limited menu, typically 2-3 burgers and then possibly a 3rd or 4th option. It's a one-man show, he is open 2-3 days a week(Thursday-Saturday) and closes when he sells out. @johndale_winksbarky I decided to try a couple of burgers. I started with the Bacon Bleu, made with bacon, Bleu cheese crumbles, sautéed onions and house made mustard. The bun had a good toast on, and it came with two pieces of bacon, and they were nice and crispy. The sweetness of the homemade mustard is killer and the onions are sautéed nicely Which pairs well with the salty melted Bleu cheese crumbles. This is a great-smashed burger with a great crust. Nice seasoning as well, SPG I believe. The next burger I tried was the All American, made with onions, pickles, ketchup, mustard and American cheese. Once again the bun is toasted well and holds up to the juicy burger. The burger is smashed, seasoned and cooked well with another great crust. The onions are sautéed well with a good crunch for texture. The sweet tomato ketchup mixed with the sweet bite of the mustard and brininess of the pickles helps cut through the salty American cheese plus adds great flavor. This burger is simple but so satisfying. The menu at Wink's rotates weekly, but it's well worth it to try out something new. It's a cool little joint that only has a few stools at the bar and there is usually a small wait. Wink will get you a beer while you wait and service is pretty quick. All sandwiches come with Lays original or Grippos BBQ chips. The Fat Man says that Wink's Bar is Fat Man Approved with 2 chins. read more

Wink's Bar - All American - Bars Near Me - Richmond, Kentucky

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If you are ever in Richmond, don't pass up on this little gem. Note that they are only open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, but that's how the owner John Dale keeps people coming back; soon you will know why. When you arrive, you may think you are in the wrong place, the exterior may make you wonder whether you should go inside. But rest assured that you will be welcomed with a warm heart, a smile, and a cold beer while you wait for a seat to open up to order. It may be standing room only when you arrive, unless your are there right when they open as many of the locals who love this place do; but definitely worth the wait. Never the less, time seems to pass by rather quickly as you enjoy your beverage of choice while reading the plethora of bumper stickers that adorn the interior; simply awesome. As mentioned above, you have to wait to be seated, only 9 stools, to order but they do offer outdoor seating should you care to enjoy some Kentucky fresh air after you are served. Seating is handled on the honor system, first come first served, so a large party may have to wait a while, as orders are taken and prepared two at time. You see, John Dale is the host, waiter, cook, and cashier and he handles it perfectly. However, this is no fast food joint and part of the experience is the wait which allows you the opportunity to meet new people who love the place as we did during our visit; so helpful in understanding the rhythm of things at Winks; did I mention the music different genres every night, we hit rhythm and blues night epic. Now the food, John Dale is a master of his craft and the humble menu offers a culinary feast of burgers and sandwiches. Bacon Blue Cheese, All American, fried bologna, and don't forget to ask about the specials, like the Sunrise Burger, can you say, burger, cheese, bacon, bologna, onions, topped with a fried egg on a choice of either a regular bun or Texas toast; mind blown absolutely delicious! Don't forget to ask for chips, regular or spicy. We were visiting family in Richmond, who'd seen Winks but never ventured inside; being from Florida and on the adventurous side we said sure .. it's a must see .. so glad we did. Thank you John Dale, Chris, and Melissa for the hospitality, great recommendations, and guidance as we broke our Wink Cherry... whenever we are back in town we will definitely stop by again. read more

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Has awesome burgers for great prices. John is extremely friendly and accommodating. I always stop in when I'm in town and it's open. It's always packed, because the foods is so good. An since John works alone it's a bit of a wait, but well worth it. read more

Greatest burger I've ever had and will ever have in my life. Wink's is the epitome of a small, welcoming hometown establishment. No matter what, it is always worth the wait. Thank you John Dale for the perfect establishment to wind down and enjoy top quality food after a long hard week. read more

Wink's Bar - The Sir. Charles. Grilled cheese with a patty, bacon, egg, American cheese & spicy mayo. It's not on the menu, but you won't regret it. - Bars Near Me - Richmond, Kentucky

If you are looking for a great burger, cold beer and an eclectic atmosphere Wink's is the place to be.

Best burger in town by a long shot. Insanely good prices and awesome environment. If you get the chance look at the Facebook and get there at 4:45 before the line forms. 10/10! read more

Best burger in Richmond, as well as the best atmosphere in town. You will not be disappointed.

Easily the best place in Kentucky to get a burger and a beer. John Dale is always happy to see customers and never takes a break when serving beers and burgers to the crowd waiting their turn to get either! It's a smaller place with lots of people because of how amazing the burgers are. If you come down; be patient. Do your best to stay in order of arrival, and have a cold beer and make some friends you normally wouldn't meet! This is a Richmond landmark and one of coolest places in around! read more

Best burgers in the region! The owner is fantastic! It's first come first served, so prepare to wait but it's sooo worth it! Great ambiance and vibe. A cool spot with cool people and great food! read more

We dropped in and decided to try it out. Read the reviews and being a small business owner I know you can't please them all. So if you're a chain fast food or diner store please don't even stop in. This is by far not your cup of tea. From the time you walk in this 1 man show greets you ask what you want to drink. From then you figure out what place in line you fall. You mingle with the folk talking about everything from bikes, funny bad reviews and what ever someone Sparks up. Not very many seats so just be ready to stand until it's your turn at the bar or wait outside on the benches. Once it's your turn he's very friendly and cook's the food up right in front of you fresh so you can see it. I had probably the best bacon cheese burger "with the egg" I have ever had. Wife had the beer cheese grits special thing I don't know, but it was good also. But if you are in a hurry better not stop in. This is a great little spot when you're wanting to kill sometime and just BS and have some good food and drinks. read more

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This is a total hole in the wall. When I first moved to Richmond I thought this little shack was abandoned until one day my girlfriend tells me there's a bar in walking distance called winks. You gotta get there early. Facebook is where he keeps his hours and if he says 5, pal I'd get there at 4:30. Hell maybe earlier. People LOVE this place and for good reason. I don't know what kind of crack he puts in those damn burgers but JD can make a mean burger. He has a menu listed but he'll let you order however you'd like (I'm sure within reason) and he's such a kind and attentive man. He always checks to make sure everyone's got a drink and tries his best to go in order of arrival so no one's skipped. The prices are phenomenal too, for the quality and amount you get 20$ for two people to get multiple drinks and some burgers and chips feels insane to me. Another bonus me and my girlfriend are pretty openly gay and I've never felt uncomfortable here. I love this place. My only complaint is that I wish it were open more often! I love this place, the food, and the guy running it. I'll definitely be back for my ale 8 and my bacon cheese burger and a picture for this review! read more

The Wink is something special. Between its owner John Dale Warner, and his patrons. They are a fine, friendly bunch. "John Dale"to his patrons has managed to turn a dilapidated abandoned building of under 200 sq. ft. into a iconic locals bar and grill. With 8 barstools a limited choice of adult beverages and some of the best food to grace a flat top. He has made the Wink into a must visit venue. But I warn you it's only open from 5-11 on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Catch it open if you can. read more

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This place is absolutely awesome !!!! John Dale please don't ever change. It's one of the best burgers I have ever had. I can't say enough about this place. #hiddengem read more

One of a kind experience. One Counter and five kinds of burgers. Best place to eat in Richmond!

Best Burger in Richmond! Great cold beer ! Try whatever the special of the day is unless it's already sold out. Great dive. No other place like it in Richmond. read more

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Great food! This is definitely a hidden gem in Madison County. All items are cooked to order with different specials every day. He is only opened limited days and hours so check before you go. If you aren't interested in his unique daily specials then he always has a regular menu. You don't need a big selection when the food is this good! read more

Best burgers in town. This is the go to for my friends and I when we want great food and a good beer! We can't get enough!!! This is the coolest tiny bar, a must if in Richmond! read more

This place is really cool & down to earth. Small menu with cheap drinks. The grilled cheese is out of this world good, made with really thick cheese that makes it really stretchy, heavy, & satisfying. Also, the bourbon & coke I ordered was made with a heavy hand on the bourbon! (Perfect!) This place is literally the perfect mix of a diner & a bar. Go there ASAP! It's right behind paddy wagon! read more

Best kept tinny little dive/bar secret in Richmond! Can't wait to go bk and try something else. Great prices, (first name bases) kind of service and the food was spot on!! My husband got the bacon egg and cheese burger Best burger in town, hands down!! I had the days special; tenderloin served on beer cheese grits and a fried egg on top, yum!! read more

Love this place! Absolutely the best food and cheap prices. Every night there is something different in the menu. It may look crowded from the outside but there is always room so stop on in. read more

Wink's Bar - LOVE this place! There is a different menu every night but they always have hamburgers and tenderloin sandwiches. - Bars Near Me - Richmond, Kentucky

This is the only place to be every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night! The food can't be beat and there is always ice cold beer. Amy and John Dale treat everyone they meet like family and do so with a smile. If I could give this little bar 1,000 stars I would. Long live Wink's!!! read more

Wink's Bar - Amy's yummy vanilla bean cheesecake and a bourbon spiked cider! - Bars Near Me - Richmond, Kentucky

Do yourself a favor and get the bacon bleu cheeseburger. It will change your life! Oh...and the owner John Dale is amazing. Cheap and great quick service. read more

Whenever I feel like I'm about to have a nervous breakdown, I go to Wink's. Every aspect of the place is stellar. The beers, the food, the decor, its all excellent. Wink's definitely helps me keep that P.M.A. read more

Wonderful place. The food is awesome. The service might be the best in Richmond. They keep a great selection of beer and liquor stocked up. Very customer friendly. They had some peanut butter chocolate chip cookies that were unbelievable the other night. Best tenderloin sandwich I've ever eaten. Definitely a great place to stop for a late night meal. read more

I absolutely love winks bar. John Dale is one of my favorite guys in Richmond and everytime my girlfriend and I come in it feels just like home. Perfect hole in the wall place to get an ice cold beer and some great homemade food! read more

Great place for a late night bite. Love the food. The service is great but the food is some of the best richmond has to offer. They serve fried bologna, and their biscuits are to die for. I love this place. They offer vegetarian chili that is super tasty. If you're downtown it's a great little spot to visit. read more

Probably my favorite place to eat in Richmond. John Dale is great and knows most people on a first name basis. He only has a few things on the menu every weekend, but anything you get will be delicious and he always has a vegetarian option (his black bean burgers are TO DIE FOR). Plus you can't beat a side of Grippo's. read more

My favorite place in Richmond! John Dale knows everyone by name and makes the best food in town.

My fiance and I were on a road trip to Tennessee and stopped for a night in Richmond. We were looking for some good local places to eat and saw Wink's had a good rating on yelp. It is an old 40s diner so when we went by it we were kind of confused but we parked and went in and were glad we did! The owner is a great guy, I had delicious smoked chicken tacos, and the drink prices were great. The menu isn't huge but he's got good beers/food. Just wish I lived to closer! :) read more

me and my son were play pool at Paddy wagons and got hungry so we walked across the lot to winks and had a great meal and a cold beer.

Wink's is the kind of place that makes America great. The food was amazing, but the atmosphere was unlike any I've ever experienced. I got the pork tenderloin sandwich and it was delicious. Girlfriend got a grilled cheese sandwich and said it was as good as she had had anywhere. Very cool spot and cool owner. read more