Alewife in Richmond

Excellent artfully prepared food that is served in the right size portions. Fun cocktails and a nice wine list along with great service makes this a great restaurant.

We had heard a lot about Alewife and were excited to finally eat there, but were very underwhelmed by the experience.  We had a crispy shrimp appetizer, which was OK, but not great.  It could have been crispier and a little spicier.  My wife got the scallops entree, which was pretty bland.  I had the swordfish chop entree, which was very good.  We then shared a dessert, which read in the menu like it would be an apple streusel or tart.  We expected something warm, but it was two cold slices of apple with some cream and streusel crumbles.  Again, OK, but not great.  I had a dark lager beer that was pretty good, and my wife had a whiskey sour, which was 90% ice.  All in all, this is not a place we will go back to, especially given that it is rather expensive for what you get.

This is such an interesting, small, neighborhood eatery! I found this place using social media and I decided to give it a try when visiting this area for business on a Monday evening. They were packed when I got there, but I was able to grab a seat at the bar. The bartender that took care of me was very helpful, friendly and knowledgeable. They have a very unique menu loaded with some interesting ingredients, as well as lots of seafood. Their cocktail list is just as incredible as the menu. The couple of cocktails I tried were outstanding! They do an outstanding job with Sugar Toads too!! But be sure to save room for dessert, their apple dessert is outstanding!