Shockoe Whiskey and Wine

Let me preface this review by saying that I am only reviewing a bar experience and we only had a few drinks. We stopped in because of the wide whiskey selection and Shockhoe backed that claim up well with a huge variety to pick from. We were greeted by a very friendly bartender as soon as we sat down and we enjoyed chatting with her. She was able to recommend a great signature cocktail for me — a smash with blueberries, whiskey, simple syrup and some soda — but the issue came when we ordered an old fashioned. It was only her second day behind the bar so I don’t expect her to know all of her drinks backwards and forwards yet. But when she asked the other bartender for help, the other girl clearly didnt know what she was making either. No citrus garnish, no bitters and topped with a lot of soda? While I’m sure some people would like that drink, when you order an old fashioned with an expensive whiskey, you don’t want it to go to waste like that. I expect bartenders at a bar that boasts about their whiskey to know how to make a classic whiskey cocktail. Needless to say, we were disappointed by the turnout. Great service, just poor knowledge.
The restaurant itself was beautiful on the side with a great exposed brick wall and an awesome staircase accenting the corner of the room. I am curious about the menu as the food does look delicious. Since this is a newer restaurant, I would give this place a second chance and hope my opinion turns around!

Had the place all to ourselves and felt like royalty. Okay, so not so much royalty but the environment was friendly one. Burgers is what ALL of us ordered and ALL of us enjoyed. My burger had bleu cheese and I’m not a bleu cheese fan so that kind of took away from my 100% delight in the burger. That was my fault though… I should’ve told them. After lunch we were treated to a slice of cheesecake and a slice of velvet cake, both were delicious. I was a little disappointed that there was not whisky cake. I went with hopes of them having that. Oh well, can’t have everything. :)

We went there for Valentine’s day dinner. The hostess was professional and prompt. We were greeted by the server who already seemed tuned out. It took 10 minutes to get our wine, which came with our appetizer. The pita bread that came with the app (spin art dip) was way too salty. The entrees came and were supposed to come with two sides, I requested a side salad as my second side, which never came. There was no salt or pepper on the table and the potatoes and the steak were under seasoned, usually this is fine to not have the salt and pepper on the table, but that’s when the server comes to check on you and allows you the opportunity to request them — that did not happen once. The only time the server came to our table during our entrée was to say something along the lines of «you had the roast chicken?» then walked away confused and frustrated (with the kitchen I think). We put out our credit cards right after we ordered dessert, which was really the only time we spoke two words to our server after initially ordering, in fear we would be stuck waiting to pay for 20 minutes like the table next to us. There was not a table around us that didn’t have a complaint about a side being wrong or something taking a long time. The food overall wasn’t anything to write home about. The steak was bland, the potatoes were bland, the stuffed chicken was pretty decent. Overall not a good experience and we won’t be back unless I hear about service being seriously revamped.

Let me start by saying I have spent some time in the restaurant industry and give restaurants, especially new restaurants, the benefit of the doubt most of the time. But with that said Shockoe Whiskey and Wine seemed to go out of their way to ruin my Valentine’s Day with my beautiful girlfriend.
We had a 8pm reservation that was so exclusive that it requires me to put a credit card down! We got there before 8 and grabbed a drink at the bar, well I should say waited 10 minutes for the bartender to come to the bar. Where she was I couldn’t tell you. We then ordered and got our drinks. We finished them around 820, noticed there were plenty of open tables but the hostess seemed uninterested in seating us. After finally getting her attention we were seated around 845, for our 8pm reservation. We then had another 20 minute wait for our waitress to even acknowledge us, and when she asked us if we were doing ok, I knew it was just time to get up and leave!
I can understand when a restaurant is busy that service maybe slow, but Shockoe Whiskey was not that busy. They knew others were waiting and having the same issues that we were having, but no one cared to acknowledge that. There was no manager in sight to help out or to check on tables, or even to grab drinks.
I would say I am never going back, but with the way things were run last night and people having similar experiences there, they are not going to be there much longer. With all the great new restaurants springing up in Richmond, Shockoe Whiskey and Wine is not one worth your time to check out.

My boyfriend and I had a day-​before Valentine’s reservation at 8:00 and were looking forward to the three course prix fixe menu. We arrived slightly earlier than our reservation time and grabbed seats at the bar for a drink. However, we waited almost 15 minutes with no acknowledgement from a bartender, despite the fact that the place was not particularly busy. We finally wrangled drinks, which were pretty good, but nobody offered us a second when we had finished and were STILL waiting for our table.
Around 8:45 we were escorted upstairs to our table and the hostess brought us glasses of water. There was no waitress in sight. We sat and waited even longer without any acknowledgement, practically starving by this point. Keep in mind, the restaurant was not busy! The waitress finally appeared and tended to some other tables, but we had been sitting another 15 minutes without so much as a glass of wine. When she did stop by our table for the first time, there was no «I’m sorry for the wait» or even «What can I get you to drink?» No, the first words out of her mouth were «Are you doing ok?» We had waited an hour past our reservation, were practically ignored the entire time, and were starving. Not ok. We got up and left at that point and had a delicious Valentine’s Day meal across the street at La Bamba.
I can’t speak to the food at Shockoe Whiskey & Wine, but the service was unacceptably poor. We will not be returning.

I love trying new local restaurants so I was excited to hear that Shockoe Whiskey and Wine moved into the Julep’s former location. Before visiting, I took a look at their menu online and experienced a bit of sticker shock. Appetizers ranged from $ 12-​$ 18 and the base price for a salad was $ 12. Adding chicken, shrimp, salmon or steak to the salad costs an extra $ 8-​$ 14! I was definitely apprehensive about giving this place a shot, especially over our local favorites but when a colleague suggested checking it out for happy hour, I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to see what they had to offer.
We visited Shockoe Whisky and Wine on a Thursday at 5:30pm. It was completely empty when we arrived so service definitely was not an issue! We were greeted by the owner, Chris, who was very friendly and personable. We decided to take advantage of the ½ off appetizer happy hour special and ordered three to share. The spinach dip, chicken quesadillas, and fried shrimp were very rich, well prepared and the portions were significant. In fact, the three of us made a meal out of just that!
At this point, you are probably wondering why I only gave this place 3 stars. Shockoe Whiskey and Wine has potential but not at that price point. By 8:30pm on a Thursday night, there were only two other tables that were occupied during the entire 3 hours we were there. Richmond is full of southern style restaurants that use excellent, locally sourced ingredients. Even as I sat there, I worried that the menu may not be unique enough to stand out against the veteran southern style restaurants that also all use excellent, locally sourced ingredients. I imagine that the competition combined with the higher price point deters people from even giving it a shot. Spending $ 20 on a chicken caesar salad is just way too much for most. The restaurant is in a beautiful space and I have heard that the drinks are great. I think if the restaurant cut down on the portion sizes and simultaneously reduced its prices marginally, Shockoe Whiskey and Wine can still achieve its higher end, sophisticated image and have a prosperous future in the growing Richmond restaurant scene.

I was excited to give this place a shot but was super disappointed when a small group of us went in on a Saturday around 4:30. We were told that they did not have anything available if we didn’t have a reservation. There was literally NO ONE sitting at a table! I asked to speak to a manager and she said that people with reservations would be coming in soon and she wanted to «make sure all guests have a good experience.» Uhhhh ok. I probably won’t go back.

I took my wife here for her birthday and was really disappointed with everything from the service to the food and even management’s response to my lackluster experience. She has since been back to attend a birthday gathering and confirmed that her 2^nd experience was 100% better than the 1^st, however this review is based on my 1^st and only visit.
To start off, even though the server was very personable and polite, he took an appetizer order from us and then forgot about us. Our mussels came out and we still had not placed an entrée order. Simple things like silverware and drink refills had to be requested, not offered like im accustomed to in even the most basic establishments.
We were give their award winning whiskey-​something-​or-​other wings to make up for the delay in our order. They were not good. Globs of sauce everywhere. Ick. Mussels were barely edible. They tasted as if they had been frozen or reheated. The wife had to spit out tiny pieces of broken shells more than once.
Then theres the $ 28 ribeye. Overcooked to the point that the meat was white. Severely burnt in places. I asked for well done, but this was far closer to dehydrated. I took 2 bites, then informed the server of my displeasure and sent the meal back. We ended up sharing her salmon stuffed with crab meal which was far better than anything else we were served.
The kitchen manager/​head chef/​20 – 20 experience owner came out to the table inquiring as to why were dissatisfied with the steak. He attempted to explain to me that well done steaks often times come out a little dry, and apologized for the mistake. Im the cook in the family and only eat well done ribeye when either cooking steak or ordering steak at a restaurant, and I’ve had far too many adequately cooked pieces of meat to agree with this proessional chef’s opinion.
The bill came to me with the steak still on it. I sent it back knowing there must be some mistake. The bill came back to me with 50% of the steak meal taken off of my check.
Dine at your own risk. Seems like there’s a ⁵⁰⁄₅₀ change that you’ll have a pleasant experience.

I went to Shockoe Whisky and Wine for brunch on Sunday. The restaurant recently opened in Downtown Richmond. We were greeted and seated immediately by a hostess. The brunch menu is limited. I’m guessing it’s limited because Shockoe Whisky and Wine just opened. I had a continental breakfast (bacon, waffle, 2 eggs, and house potatoes). All of the items were cooked well (delicious).I’m picky with eggs but they were cooked perfect. I was filled after eating my meal. Our peach mimosa was mixed well and tasty. Shockoe Whisky peach mimosa ranks high on my «Best Mimosas List». Shockoe Whisky and Wine has a really nice ambience. Our server was attentive and very polite. Parking can be a hassle at times. We didn’t have a problem finding parking during Sunday brunch. I will be back to try dinner at Shockoe Whisky and Wine. I give Shockoe Whisky and Wine a 3.5 rating.

Always loved the look of this place. Had the lobster appetizer as an entrée and it was large enough for a meal. Great chardonnay reduction. My dinner guests loved the mussels and chardonnay.
The pacing of the meal was a bit rushed and the table was often crowded — next course was brought out before the previous finished.
Coupled with the fact they were out of a bourbon at at whiskey bar. I’ll go back, but I’ll temper my enthusiasm.

Shockoe Whiskey and Wine was good, but just not great. I popped in yesterday because I was in the area watching the bike race and knew that this would probably be my only chance in a while to sneak in here with no wait. Just like I thought, it was empty inside save for a few tables. I sat by the window and watched the bikes ride by. They have great music and the whole atmosphere was super peaceful. This is definitely a place for a special occasion.
I ordered the Alaskan Omelet with house potatoes and fresh squeezed lemonade. The omelet was stuffed with Alaskan crab, asparagus, cheddar and a trio of peppers. I omitted the asparagus and kept everything else as described. It was good, but the star of the show was actually the lemonade! Now that was amazing. It was the perfect balance of sweet and sour. I always choose fresh squeezed lemonade over that artificial crap every chance I get.
Overall, I enjoyed my meal and service was pretty good. The owner came by and spoke before I left which is always a great touch. Loved the atmosphere. But, unfortunately for Shockoe Whisky and Wine, I can get a very similar omelet for cheaper price (and a little more delicious) from somewhere else in Richmond.

You could definitely tell they haven’t been open long. The staff was very unorganized, took about 10 minutes to get my drink because they ran out of one of the ingredients. After the wait the drink was wonderful!!! But not worth that long of a wait. We had one drink and moved on.

Food is absolutely amazing here! It’s been a long time since we’ve been to an upscale restaurant wherein the food was seasoned perfectly. The Captain Crunch and Sweet Whiskey wings were to die for! De-​lish! I had the Chef’s Catch — Salmon, and sauteed shrimp with mash potatoes and grilled asparagus. My hubby had the Ribeye with mashed potatoes and grilled asparagus. Both were excellent! We had one adult beverage — The Shockoe Smash… it was strong but good. The food is a little pricey, but it was well worth it. Bill came to about $ 74 with tip $ 90. The ambience was good, the music was eclectic. In the company of good friends… it was worth it on a Sunday afternoon.

My friends and I came to this place before, and had a complete different experience. This time… Service was terrible. Slow as molasses. Drinks came out super late, appetizers late. My food came out cold. Everyone’s order was mixed up, and the manager had the audacity to say it’s because we came in as a party of 7 with no reservation. If you can’t serve that many extra people, do not seat them. I’d rather go find a meal elsewhere that’s more accomadating rather than mess up your costumer service and reviews. Also two tables that were seated before us complained about the service as well.
Not planning on coming back anytime soon.

My overall experince was not a good one. If you look at the menu it states all entrees come with one side and you can choose another side. My wife and I ordered the cajun pasta with grilled chicken and was told by waitress that the pasta dish does not come with any sides. So we still added a side, she ordered a side salad and I ordered the risotto. Our entrees came out without the sides, they forgot my wife side salad and I was told that the risotto would be another 15 mins which i declined. They did comp me the whiskey wings which was good. Wish the best of luck to this new restaurant.

Due to an accident, we were rerouted and when we saw the happy hour sign on Saturday, we had to stop in the old Julep’s location.
The menu was inventive and the service was attentive. We had a couple of the craft cocktails and were really impressed. I loved the muddled strawberries in my drink and Schweety loved his Bullit Rye based drink. Our quesadilla was hot and delicious!
Customers are friendly and I look forward to future visits!

Our group had a great time! We had a large number of people coming and going and we ordered things together to split… They got all the checks right! Drinks and appetizers were top notch!
The atmosphere was great! Old Richmond with wooden rafters, brick walls, etc. The staff was kind and helpful. This is definitely going to be a regular place for me.
Recommended for date night, drinks, drinks & appetizers… I’ll have to update once I actually have dinner there

We were greeted immediately and seated. We had made a reservation beforehand :) We started with the Captain Crunch Shrimp which was honestly the best thing I have ever had. That alone would have given this review 5 starts. Both of us had the burger which was excellent. The service was great and the restaurant was beautiful. I cannot wait for them to start up their brunch because if that is half as good as their dinner, we are in for a treat!

Our group had a grand time today! The atmosphere is great — we were in the oldest commercial building in Virginia’s capital city! History exudes from the exposed beams and brick walls. The chef outdid himself with the brunch menu! I had the Alaskan omelet, served with a side of redskin potatoes perfectly seasoned. Here’s the best part about the crabmeat — no shells and exquisitely prepared! My friends enjoyed the speciality mimosas made with fresh squeezed orange juice while I sipped a glass (or two) of rosé. This is an outstanding new place for GOOD FOOD, GOOD FRIENDS, GOOD FUN! I found the wait staff to be friendly, professional and accommodating. I highly recommend this restaurant!

I was very happy to see this «reopening.» Excellent chef who is locally reknown. I had the cajun chicken pasta and the red snapper which were both delicious. I’m excited to see this place grow.