Buddy's Place

3.0 star rating
13 reviews Rating Details

Category: American (Traditional)  [Edit]

325 N Robinson St
Richmond, VA 23220
(804) 355-3701
Price Range:
$
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Street
Attire:
Casual
Good for Groups:
Yes
Good for Kids:
No
Takes Reservations:
No
Delivery:
No
Take-out:
Yes
Waiter Service:
Yes
Outdoor Seating:
Yes
Good For:
Late Night
Alcohol:
Full Bar
Noise Level:
Average
Has TV:
Yes
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes
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13 reviews in English

  • Review from Kevin A.

    • 15 friends
    • 151 reviews

    Richmond, VA

    4.0 star rating
    12/7/2009

    Probably the closest thing to "Cheers" in the fan.  Buddy's is comprised of 90% regulars and 10% customers who will become regulars.  The booze is cheap and generally flows pretty quick from the bar even when there's a crowd...and there is usually a crowd.

    Never had any of the food so I can't comment on that, but if you're looking for a great bar with cheap booze that plays a rotation of classic rock/90s this is your place.  Bathroom line can get a little long, but what do you expect with $2 beers and only one toilet?

    If there's a line on the weekends you can just walk 2 blocks down the street to Curbside Cafe, which is basically the exact same experience but is usually half empty for some reason.

  • Review from Cliff M.

    Falls Church, VA

    2.0 star rating
    5/20/2012 1 Check-in Here

    Made a brief visit here after a very long night out on the town.  The joint has kind of a dingy feel to it.  There are a few booths along the wall so there's at least some seating space.  However there is only one unisex bathroom which is kind of a hassle.

    I had a Yuengling while we hung out with a few friends.  I don't recall the beer selection being all that great.  The girl behind the bar checked on us a couple times to see if we needed anything but wasn't very friendly.

    A couple times our friends went out to smoke and we hung out on the patio by the front door.  We were the only people there and this was a cool and relaxing atmosphere.

    I just didn't get a great vibe from this place but would try it again, maybe earlier in the evening.

  • Review from Tawheed H.

    • 10 friends
    • 16 reviews

    Richmond, VA

    1.0 star rating
    4/23/2012

    I have been to Buddy's many times within my 15 years of living in Richmond, my experience this past Friday evening raises many concerns for me, both safety and legal.
    It was a Friday night after dinner meet up with friends and we sat outside on the patio, party of 10 (3 men 7 women).  

    Positives- the server was excellent in trying to attend to her tables in a very over crowded bar.  Excellent patio space to catch up with friends and enjoy a beautiful evening.  Wings smelled good, didn't taste one though as I was FULL from dinner at Peter Chang's.

    Negatives- patrons were being over served, no security for guests, only 1 stall in restrooms both male and female.

    1. On my first restroom trip there was a young man who claimed to be drunk (he yelled that he was at the top of his lungs) dancing on top of the bar, with little attempt from employees to remove the patron (one bartender was laughing).  This is a safety hazard to not only the guest dancing on the bar but to all people (guests and employees alike) in his vicinity if he was to fall on top of them.  This is also an ABC violation as the guest stated in his own words that he was drunk, therefore he was over served.  
    2. While on my second and final trip (just paid our bill) to the restroom a young man was blocking the door.  I tried to excuse myself around him, somehow this turned into a verbal altercation with the young man trying to escalate it into a physical situation.  With the assistance of some unknown patrons the situation was down scaled, and I quickly made my way out the rear exit door onto Robinson St.  
    3. As I walked back up to patio to meet my waiting gf, another young man violated my personal space by placing his open palm in the area between my naval and crotch.  I quickly told the person not to touch me and joined my now group of 5 (2 men 3 women).
    4. We gathered our items and was saying our goodbyes, as the person from the bathroom situation walked outside to his group of 4 male friends.  He did not see me as he told his friend his version of what happened in the restroom area, all the while his friend was yelling "where is he? lets get him!"  I felt very unsafe and in extreme danger as I tried to figure out how I can safely get my girlfriend and I past the group of 5 hostile men and exit the restaurant and I heard the man say "there he is!"  I quickly escorted my gf past the group as they yelled and cursed at me, trying very hard not to pay attention to the insults directed my way.  One of the young ladies with us heard one of the young men say "there's 1 of him and 5 of us, let's get him!" She actually jumped in front of them and told them they would have to go through her to get to me.  While pulling out of my parking spot, 2 of the men came out into the street with their arms in the air trying to continue the situation.
    The door man that was checking ID's on our way into the restaurant was no longer present.  

    The alcohol flows too freely at this establishment to the point where the staff that are present do not have control over the environment.  I should not leave a restaurant feeling like I was lucky to walk out of the place.

    I will never spend my hard earned $$ here again nor will I suggest this place to any of my acquaintances, EVER!

  • Review from Katie S.

    • 7 friends
    • 131 reviews

    Schaumburg, IL

    3.0 star rating
    5/4/2012

    Went here for dinner after work one night. They have really good meatloaf. The service was on the slow side and I saw with an empty cup a lot hence the lower star count but I loved the meatloaf.

  • Review from Lisa G.

    Richmond, VA

    3.0 star rating
    4/10/2012 1 Check-in Here

    Great, convenient neighborhood spot that you will come to love -- if you live in the neighborhood.  College crowd on weekend nights; neighborhood crowd all other times.  Nothing special for anyone who doesn't have a romantic attachment to it, though.

  • Review from Hollywood H.

    • 6 friends
    • 4 reviews

    Richmond, VA

    2.0 star rating
    Updated - 7/24/2011

    Buddy's Place is a favorite dive bar/restaurant in the Fan District in Richmond, VA. It has been in existence since 1976. It is a heavy drinking establishment where the alcohol flows steadily.

    Some of the waitresses/women bartenders are not always customer oriented. Pay particular attention to your tab. I was standing within a few feet of a woman bartender/waitress who is a current staff member as she arrogantly uttered the words "I overcharged him. Oh yes I did." She brazenly said this without a care in the world or threat of any repercussion and even was so bold as to high five a customer after she boldly committed larceny and unabashedly robbed a customer.

    The GM never works behind the bar and does not have a clue as to what happens behind the bar. She is a GM in name for the most part.

    Based on what I said in the preceding paragraph, it would behoove customers to always ask for an itemized tab and know how much you have to drink.

    Was this review …?

    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 2.0 star rating
      11/30/2010

      I had been a regular of Buddy's Place not too too long ago. The establishment has, for the most… Read more »

  • Review from James T.

    • 8 friends
    • 193 reviews

    Atlanta, GA

    3.0 star rating
    10/7/2011

    Food = 4
    Price = 3
    Experience = 3

  • Review from Lauren g.

    • 24 friends
    • 41 reviews

    Richmond, VA

    5.0 star rating
    11/15/2011

    Going to Buddy's makes me feel all warm and tingly inside. It's adorable inside with weird art and regulars who are full of personality. Monday night karaoke with Katie is the best in town.

  • Review from Sean C.

    • 41 friends
    • 256 reviews

    Richmond, VA

    2.0 star rating
    5/21/2010 2 photos

    I seem to be the lone dissenter here but I have been going to Buddy's off and on over the years and I have never come away feeling the love that so many others seem to experience. Of course, my experience is food based and not one of a drunken nature. There is no doubt that Buddy's is a local staple and it has been in business for over 30 years in the same location. Once known as meat head central when I was in college, I am not so sure this reputation has changed all that much.

    There is a front patio area and upon my last visit with a few friends for a weekend lunch, the service was horrible and not remotely with a smile. While I don't believe in condemning a restaurant based on one member of the staff, I do get a little tired of the places whose staff has been there so long they can only crack a smile for a regular.

    Food quality is average. The burgers are decent but this place was never designed to be "food first" There is brunch from 10-2 on Saturday and Sunday. It is a pit stop on the "Robinson/Main Walk of Shame" and is probably the furthest North so is either the beginning or end of someones night.

    If you are looking for a place to get semi rowdy and watch sports and become part of the furniture, this is your place. I am sure the booze is cheap.

  • Review from Mike S.

    • 340 friends
    • 200 reviews

    Montclair, NJ

    5.0 star rating
    6/17/2008 1 photo

    Buddy's is one of those rare places that the first time you walk in.. it feels like home.

    I lived in Richmond for a year and a half and this was my spot.  Yes, it was always the same people you see every week, but in a city where I knew very few people, these become "the people you know".  Everyone is friendly, and drinks are cheap.  Food is decent.

    I love Buddy's.

  • Review from Quang N.

    • 1 friend
    • 130 reviews

    Richmond, VA

    3.0 star rating
    11/5/2011

    Really this place is for regulars looking to hang out with their friends in a place where they don't have to deal with huge crowds or wait in long lines elsewhere. The food is subpar, just look to grab a beer here if you're going with a large crowd.

  • Review from Emily C.

    Toronto, ON

    Canada
    5.0 star rating
    11/18/2009

    If I lived in Richmond, Buddy's would be my ultimate neighbourhood hole-in-the-wall bar. It's small, cozy, and apparently has good specials through out the week? Regardless, we spent a Saturday night here and it was great people watching times. Our waitress was awesome and provided the shot combos for the occasion. Vibe was great, people were friendly. That's about all I can say for a bar!

  • Review from Sarah M.

    • 0 friends
    • 34 reviews

    Manhattan, NY

    3.0 star rating
    7/11/2008

    Buddy's is a laid back place with decent (not great) bar food and a good selection of taps.  Happy hour specials are very good, and it's great to sit out on the patio on a nice day.  I've yet to make it to the brunch on Sat/Sunday, but it's on my list of things to try.  Especially because I'm only two blocks away.  Much friendlier and better selection on tap than Curbside (just down the street).   Good for a neighborhood bar, but not top on my list of places to go in Richmond.

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