Avalon Restaurant & Bar

Trying to find parking in this area was super frustrating and took a while so I suggest factoring some extra time in to find parking.
I think the atmosphere is way too lax for the type of cuisine they try to offer. My boyfriend and I were way overdressed and that made the experience kind of awkward from the get-​go [granted, it was our first official «date”]. Our server however was pleasant and attentive.
Their small plates are meant to be eaten tapas style and they were all around $ 10. Overall, I thought everything was pretty average tasting. Their calamari was a a little greasy, the potatoes fried in duck fat could have used some more salt, and their scallops were unevenly seared. None of the dishes were horrible, but for $ 10/​plate, they are unimpressive.
Food: 3
Value: 2
Service: 3
Overall: 3

Full disclosure: I haven’t had much food there, this is a review of Avalon as a bar.
Avalon is a great place in the Fan– intimate and classy without being pretentious. They have a good beer selection and attentive, friendly service. It’s rarely a destination in and of itself for me and my friends, but swinging by for a couple of drinks is almost always a welcome suggestion.
It can get quite busy and loud on Friday and Saturday nights, but the waitstaff keeps things humming along smoothly.

Excellent food! We loved it!

Unbelievably bad. Avalon was once one of my dad’s go-​to spots for a higher end meal in the fan, but I guess there have been a lot of changes since those days. Our server and the rest of the people at the bar looked genuinely surprised when we said we were there to eat. If that wasn’t enough of a bad omen, the dining room was almost entirely empty. The menu reads like the result of a bad idea that got compounded by taking drugs — phở here, tacos there. I had both of the afore mentioned; the phở arrive at room temperature and the chorizo tacos tasted as I would imagine dog food tastes, which I say without malice, just the closest comparison I could think of. Our party of six, experienced and traveled diners, uniformly agreed that our meal was one of the worst we had ever experienced for the price.

Reviewing Avalon is supremely difficult for some reason. I want to like it — I really want to like it. The problem is that I really, REALLY don’t.
We went last night with our LS deal and tried five small plates — cucumbers, calamari, sardines, asparagus and scallops. The cucumbers were swimming in olive oil, and not in an appetizing way but in a wow-​you-​found-​a-​way-​to-​make-​cucumbers-​100million-​calories way. The calamari was tasty enough, good breading and delicious smoked tomato sauce for dipping, but they tasted like they had been sitting at the pass for a while. The sardines were difficult to find under what purported to be a remoulade, but really tasted more like straight up tartar sauce, and themselves tasted very much like sour fish sticks. We faired better with asparagus which is served with ham and cantoloupe and was tasty enough but sooo salty. The scallops were well cooked but the relish was poorly executed. To really make things even less appealing the service tended to the unconcerned, with drinks refills, checks, etc. taking much longer than they should have.
I will say that their beer prices are great — very little over $ 5 — and the selection is good. With the advent of craft ciders they should maybe expand that part of their offerings beyond Woodchuck.
If I went back at all it would only be to sit in the bar and have a few drinks, which is not a bad thing.

Update:
I can see why they closed. Towards the end quality, freshness, inspiration, and service all went by the wayside. Bummer!
Old review:
Consistently inventive with delicious menu options.
The service is good and I love that they change the menu options often but keep well loved favorites.
There are missteps, like the chorizo tacos I had last time and the calamari is not good. But the Indian lamb chops I recently ordered were to die for!
It is a tapas place so order small plates and the few misses won’t burn so bad. There is always something awesome on the menu so I keep coming back.

This tapas style restaurant off of Main St did not meet my expectations. The dishes we ordered were either a hit or miss (I liked the scallops, but the lamb and sausage were both dry). Expect a hefty bill in order to get full because these dishes are quite small. The layout of the restaurant is also a little awkward (it’s kind of separated into 2 sides, I’m not sure why) but the service was friendly and attentive.
(+) service, location
(-) parking, quality of food, price

In retrospect, I am surprised that I have yet to chime-​in with my thoughts on Avalon — I probably go there more than any other restaurant in Richmond (except 8 and 1 half — is that how we spell it out now?).
Given that Avalon’s quarterly-​changing (I think) menu, it’s a little tough to keep opinions current. My other thought is that I have not eaten off their latest dinner menu yet, so I’ll have to keep this one a little vague.
All-​in-​all, I’m a pretty big fan of Avalon. Most of their dishes balance-​out nicely, regardless of their very creative menu. I think their fish plates are very solid and those vegetable creations are tasty, even for a carnivore. But all of these delectables pale in comparison to the goodness that is… brussel sprouts! Steeped in butter (and maybe some bacon fat), I’m shocked that my left hand isn’t tingling yet, but I just can’t stop eating them… that’s why God invented Plavix, right?

My wife and I went to Avalon for dinner a few nights ago and did not enjoy it at all. I honestly can’t remember a time I’ve been more disappointed with a restaurant.
When we walked in we stood at the front waiting to be seated for five minutes while the one waiter there walked past us a few times and the bar tender stared at us. Finally the bar tender seated us and told us that we might have to wait for awhile because the waiter was helping other people. Fine, it looked like there was only one waiter and we don’t mind waiting a little bit.
Twenty minutes later the waiter finally came and got our drink and food orders. After that it was another thirty minutes before we got our food. And the food was cold. Cold fried oysters, cold sweet potato gnocchi, and cold quail. It all looked delicious and maybe it would have tasted better if it were above room temperature, but as it was we were completely disappointed. I actually would have told the waiter what was wrong if he had walked by our table again before we finally got his attention to ask for the bill.
The experience was so far off of what we were expecting that I started to think that maybe we had gone into the wrong place.
From the reviews we had been looking forward to getting the crème brûlée for dessert, but after the dinner experience we just decided to leave. It took another ten minutes to get the waiter’s attention and get the hell out of the place.
Maybe it was just an anomaly and it’s a great restaurant on most nights. I don’t know. But we won’t be going back to find out.

This place has evolved over the years. I had an INCREDIBLE first date here years ago. Delicious meal, amazing wine and excellent service. As good as the experience was, I’ve only been back to Avalon twice more. The second and third time it was much more of a bar scene — had an amazing burger — and less fine dining. I haven’t been back in some time now… seems like it’s a tapas place now, which I think is the biggest rip-​off on the planet. Though I admit that the menu does look pretty good.

Tried this place because a friend had a coupon. We splurged and got 5 tapas (the server suggested 2 – 3 plates per person) between the two of us and it was way too much food. We were convinced to get dessert too. :)
The restaurant is much bigger and nicer looking inside than expected with a lot of booths. For some reason it reminded me of Cheers.
The menu had many appealing choices and split into salads, seafood, meat, and vegetarian.
My fave was the brussel sprouts cooked in olive oil and pine nuts (the server really sold us on this) and it was excellent. Another good one was a special, the bacon wrapped tofu tempura. Basically the tofu was a vehicle to deliver fried bacon. Good stuff, with a great subtle wasabi aioli. The braised brisket was ok, but actually tasted better the next day (left overs). The bbq duck was ok too, I think I let it get too cold by the time I got to it and we were starting to get stuffed.
The crème brûlée was excellent with a very crisp top.
I suggest between two people to start with 3 tapas and dessert. Definitely want to go back.

Sigh, the fun cocktails are gone. On my last visit I was informed by the bartender that the girl who made the fun drinks quit and took her recipes/​ingredients with her: (
I still like Avalon for a slightly classier place to drink along Main, though. They’ve got craft beers, Hendricks and innovative bar food. The last time I was there I noticed them serving food even though it was later into the evening.
I’ll still be back, but I’ll be missing my sasparilla martini!

Love the bartender here, he’s a riot. We came in at around 10 pm looking for food, but they were only able to offer the bar menu at that hour so we shared an Italian meat pizza… thin crust, which was a plus, but it was a bit on the salty/​greasy side :(
Pretty rowdy crowd in there for a Tuesday night, which was nice. I’ll have to come back on a game day or during real menu hours to fully experience the place, but so far I like it.

I still love Avalon. I love the ambiance and it’s my favorite go-​to bar for great late night food and drinks. However, I have to say that the food really seems inconsistent. It’s kinda like they have different chefs on different nights of the week and one of them is much better then the other. The last time we went for dinner everything was way too salty as well.

I’ve been here a few times because my boyfriend likes it and I have a membership to
which has half price gift certificates to some restaurants around town (of which, Avalon is one). I’ve always been kinda «meh» about it. Their selections of alcohols are good, their mixed drinks are good, their food is creative, sometimes a little, «um, really? Did you really try to do that?» (like octopus sausage on salad with Eggs Benedict) but other times it’s good. See what I’m saying, «good, good, good» meh.
Consistent quality, nice ambiance, a good place to take some friends whose tastes you’re not sure of but whom you’d like to impress. Not somewhere to go every week, but a decent place.
I. revise. my prior review (though I never actually made one).
Holy moly. Last time I went here they just blew me away! It’s clear that someone in the kitchen is experimenting with molecular gastronomy. Several items on the menu sported the El Bulli buzz words such as, «bloody mary air» and «melted leeks». My boyfriend had «saffron buttered» corn on the cob and I ended up with a ceviche with «frozen yuzu purée».
The gastronomy? It’s working for these guys! The flavors and the textures were all very novel and fun. Presentation was their usual high standard. Things finally worked with the creativity of the menu and though there were still a few «octopus sausage» moments (leek succotash, anyone?) I really felt like, «okay, this is finally working for me» and I was excited rather than simply intrigued to go back and see what their next menu will be.
The ceviche I had there last night is now my favorite ceviche.

Delicious food and good prices, it’s that simple. I love Tapas. I love trying so many different flavors at one meal, and I definitely enjoyed everything I had at Avalon.
I went with 4 other girlfriends. We snagged one of the large round tables in the back corner of the bar area after initially sitting at the bar. There were some regulars that were coveting our corner spot, so we happily let them have it to be able to sit in the back and talk.
The bartender was attentive, even though she had to step out from behind the bar and take care of us. We all had glasses of wine except for one friend who was «enjoying» a non-​alcoholic beer (if it’s possible to actually enjoy one of those). The gentlemen whom we had let sit at the bar sent us over some shooters b/​c we moved from their spots and the bartender even remembered to make my friend a non-​alcoholic one instead. It’s little things like that about service that make me want to return to visit a certain server or bartender.
OK — so now on to the food — We enjoyed the late spring menu and each dish was delicately and deliciously prepared. I, too, must rave about the brussel sprouts. They’re amazing.
I like the décor, especially since it has become non-​smoking. It used to be pretty hazy in there at night. I think it’s a great date spot or just a good local spot to grab a small bite to eat.

After reading other Unilocal reviews, I’m bummed I was too stuffed to try any of the food. This is based on the drinking experience only.
Let’s just say I drank about 30 Miller Lites and somehow my tab was $ 12. I remember chuckling at one of my sister’s classmates (we were in town for her graduation from VCU) complaining that the drinks were too expensive. Oh, how I miss Richmond sometimes. Everything is so cheap.
The staff was super cool, with the exception of one bartender who completely did a 180 on me when I asked what kinds of Tequila they had. It’s way bigger inside than it looks from the outside – the main reason my sister picked this spot because 50 of her classmates joined us by the night’s end.

This review has nothing to do with décor, which is bizarre. It has very little to do with the waitstaff. It’s a five star review based on the ratio of quality to value. No rye whiskey, but I’ll overlook that when a well-​made Manhattan is $ 6.25. A fine Negroni is only $ 5. So one can do well at the bar. But also with the kitchen.
The risotto with wild mushrooms was a winter standout. The braised radicchio was also pretty good, if a tiny bit syrupy in the finish. The arugula salads were nicely done and presented. The one thing I’d avoid is the «deconstructed» tuna spring roll, or any variation thereon. The fish wasn’t off, but it wasn’t great. And the sushi rice deserved better treatment.
Crème brulée was nice at the end, though far more than you need unless you’re sharing. I was most impressed that this meal cost $ 67 with two drinks each for two people. Maybe I have been too long conditioned by New York City.
(No longer a smoking area).

Finally coming out of my food-​induced Happiness Coma from this past weekend’s visit to Avalon.
I love what they do here — entrees are available as either tapas or full sized plates. It’s a great way to tailor-​make yourself a meal from the many available options, or to take a chance on something you aren’t familiar with. So, I’m happy to report that their Autumn/​Winter menu continues to carry out this idea deliciously.
We were meeting some friends for early dinner and drinks, and I was thrilled to discover no wait for a table of 4. They do cocktails well at Avalon but I was in a beer mood. There’s no draft beer here, but the bottle selection is awesome and I was totally happy with a glass and one of my favorites, a Victory Hop Devil ale.
Food, though! Like I said, the autumn menu is on right now, and there were plenty of seasonal goodies… winter vegetable hash, stuffed acorn squash, and a walnut-​butternut squash bread pudding. I wish I’d tried them all but settled for the tapas sized squash/​pudding dish with a last-​minute-​decision side of Brussels sprouts (yes! more on that in a minute). The savory, squashy pudding was a little on the dry side but not unenjoyable. It thought it would be an awesome Thanksgiving side dish if I could recreate it.
One friend had a dish of scallops with (if I remember correctly) a peanut and cranberry chutney. I didn’t try, but it looked good with a generous (6 or 8) portion of scallops. Friend RAVED about its awesomeness.
Another friend tried the oxtail soup special, which I’d never heard of before so HAD to sample. It was complex and satisfying, the meat extremely tender in a broth with herbs and tart granny smith apples.
My husband ordered mushroom risotto — a pretty boring choice, I felt — but he loved. It came with a side of Brussels sprouts. Upon seeing them on his plate and swooning under the nutty, buttery aroma, I placed a last minute side order of them for myself.
Now I know you might be thinking, how can anyone get excited about Brussels sprouts, the bane of kids everywhere (and many adults)? But until you have tried them, roasted and crispy-​tender with butter and salt, and toasted pine nuts, you have not truly lived.
Man, I’m telling you, those heavenly little micro-​cabbages transported me to a level of ecstasy that I have never before reached with a vegetable. SO GOOD.
The atmosphere at Avalon is comfortable but sophisticated. I prefer the smoking section closest to the bar, because it’s dark and cozy. The Blanche DuBois in me just loves some dim lighting. But, if you prefer, there’s a non-​smoking side. It’s also quite brightly lit. So take your choice… I am certain there is something for everyone to love at Avalon.

Avalon is one of the best little secrets in RVA — great food, interesting people-​watching, always a good time.
Their seasonal approach to their menu gives plenty of encouragement for repeat visits — creative use of interesting ingredients means there’s always something new to challenge the palate.
The only down-​side is that the whole place can sometimes feel/​smell like an ashtray — a truly separate non-​smoking section would be a welcome addition.