Dot's Back Inn

My husband and I wanted to try it based on the show ""diners, drive in and dive"" we stopped oh 6/24/10. Place was packed. Small and casual but lovely. Food was great and priced very resonably. Must order the salsa. Best salsa. Our waitress was great. Always checking on us.I had the black been on corn bread and my husband ordered the chiken macarther. Both were great. more

Dot's is a great unique little neighborhood joint to get great home made food. The Owner/Chef, Jimmy is a extremely nice and low key guy, with a CIA degree. Food was GREAT, service was good, I only wish I lived near Richmond so I could visit more often. If you don't know the history of Dot's or much about the owner, I seriously suggest you get to know them ... this is just another great tribute to the small businesses that support the American economy as well the neighborhood. Dot's will be a scheduled visit on our next trip to or through Richmond. more

The service was as bad as service can be. I ordered my sandwich with no onions and it cam as if I had asked for extra onions. But don't ask it for your way. The signs inside clearly state, no whining, and no having it your way. You know what then? If I have to eat it your way, then you pay for it. I tried to leave no gratuity and a mean note but my girlfriend wouldn't allow it. Pros: It was a close drive. Cons: Poor service. more

It seems that most of the negative comments in this forum pertain to smokiness. That problem should go away when Virginia's new anti-smoking law goes into effect later this year. When I visited Dot's Back, the weather was pleasant enough for the door to be propped open, and smoke was not an issue. The service was friendly, and the food was delicious. I enjoyed very fresh, perfectly cooked rockfish. The filet was baked in foil with lemon, parsley and capers, and it was moist, flaky, and flavorful. It was accompanied by a slice of ""texas toast"", and a side of pork-seasoned collard greens. Hubby had blackened NY strip with scalloped potatoes and broccoli. He was very happy with his meal. We like the cozy Northside neighborhood where Dot's is located, as well as the sweetly nostalgic Americana kitsch decor of the restaurant. We will definitely return to Dot's Back Inn! Pros: tasty eats in a friendly, casual, neighborhood place Cons: no cons more

I was really looking forward to going here last Friday night. However, I was not in the place but for about 2 minutes and we immediately left. It was way too small for the amount of people that were in there and the smoke in this place was like a mushroom cloud!! Awful experience and I didn't even get to taste the food. I would not recommend this place to anyone that does not smoke or like crowded areas. Very disappointing! more

I give Dot's 2 stars because they have great potential, as seen on Food Network's Diners, etc. but they waste it on their regulars. I was invited by 2 friends to check the place out. We went on a weekday at around 8 and the place was half-full which, with the size of the restaurant, means there were about 15 people. It took 20 minutes to receive our drinks, 2 waters and a bottle of beer, and another 30 minutes before our orders were taken. Meanwhile, the regular customers received frequent visits from the wait staff and seemed to be in good spirits. I ordered one of the burgers they offer and it came to me severely undercooked, I scraped out half of it in order to avoid having to send it back but that only left me with a bite or two. My eyes were burning from the smoke and my group was getting crabby. We stuck it out to give them a fair chance, but the food was nowhere near what we expected. This may be a case of too high expectations, but if a restaurant is featured on Food Network, I expect a lot more. Maybe if we return they will remember us and give better service, but I doubt we'll ever go back. Pros: Fast Seating, cheap eats Cons: Slow service, street parking, smoky atmosphere more

I had seen Dots Back inn on the food channel and had decided to give it a try. I also read the reviews here before going. I decided to hopefully time my visit right to avoid the ""smoky"" atmosphere other reviewers complained about and I did get lucky. If you make a visit between the lunch and dinner crowds when there are very few people there its not bad at all. There were no smoke problems and the service was quick. Its a small place so even a few smokers in one area can make the entire place smell even with the fans going but luckily we were only one of two couples there and no one was smoking but a few of the actual wait staff and they were smoking right at the front door. I realized this isnt a 5 star restraunt but a little courtesy would go a long way. as for the food it was good.\r The chips and salsa were great, tasted like they made the salsa homemade, it had a great taste that wasnt to spicy, that meant you could really taste the tomatoe and garlic in it, I loved it. We ordered the fresh catch of the day which was catfish. I ordered it blackened as a sandwich. the tartar sauce they use is great. the blackening seasoning was very salty so if you dont like heavy salt flavorings have your food grilled instead. I will opt for that next time, and yes I would go again. but like i said, time it right for a more enjoyable meal. Pros: great food Cons: smoky atmosphere more

Went for dinner during the week for the first time. The place was packed but friendly patrons told us of an empty booth in the back. Obviously a place filled with regulars with the customers and waitresses having a lot of friendly and fun interaction. The restaurant allows smoking throughout and is small so it is filled with smoke even w/ the fans on. So much so that my eyes were burning by the time we left. The waitresses were great and very friendly. The chips and salsa is a must have! The chips were so fresh and light that I ate the entire platter and was sad when it was gone -- the salsa was incredible too and very fresh. The fries were like thinly sliced homefries and were nicely seasoned. Chicken Macarthur pasta dish was delicious - lots of moist chicken and perfectly cooked pasta and the feta cheese really made it special. Chocolate and apple pies were very good and very homemade. I don't think I would eat in there again due to the smoke but I would certainly go back for carryout and have been craving the food since we left. Love the neighborhood feel to it too! Pros: Food, Service, Friendly/Neighborhood atmosphere Cons: Cigarette Smoke more

Outstanding food (shrimp charleston was by far the best shrimp dish I've had), very pleasant and friendly service, festive, however, we were absolutely surrounded by smoke. How disappointing that such a great restaurant (as highlighted by the Food Network's - Diners, Drive-ins and Dives) has no alternative for those that like dining in a smoke free environment - I can only hope there is carry-out more

Waitstaff attentive and diligent. Food is good not great since losing head chef (tall guy). Beer and drinks cheap and cold. more

Been going to Dots for quite a few years and love the breakfast but the people there are the best. They always make you feel welcome and comfortable. On a cold snowy/rainy day....you can't beat the Yankee Bean soup to warm you up. Cookie and her staff are the best around. Pros: good music, great food, great staff Cons: parking at times more

Food was excellent - and super value for the price. Waitress service, however, was extremely slow and sloppy (especially considering the low number of customers at the time). Cook was exceptionally slow as well. Noise level was very loud and sharp. While I would go back for the good food, I would take ear plugs and plan for a longer ""dining experience"". Pros: inexpensive, good food, good value Cons: service, noise more

Dot's Back is the best. When you don't feel like dressing up, but you still want yummy food, go to Dot's. When you want good, friendly service that isn't snotty, go to Dot's. The Chicken Macarthur is great. Also try the cheeseburger with grilled onions. It isn't on the menu, but they'll make it for you. I'm so glad they rebuilt after the fire! Pros: service, food quality, value Cons: smokey, crowded more