Saison
23 W Marshall St, Richmond, VA, 23220
Saison Menu
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Address :
23 W Marshall St
Richmond, VA, 23220 - Phone (804) 269-3689
- Website https://saisonrva.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :5:00 pm - 2:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Street, Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : No
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Hipster
Noise Level : Loud
Good For Dancing : No
Alcohol : Full Bar
Happy Hour : Yes
Best Nights : Wed, Fri, Sat
Coat Check : No
Smoking : No
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Dogs Allowed : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No
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Sadie R.
Food is excellent, cocktails are delicious
(5)Dave C.
Amazing dinner last night! First timers. Cocktails were amazing. Wife and I both had the Nashville Chicken. It was amazing. VERY spicy but we love spicy. If you don't, be warned. The Carrot Cake was best I have ever had - a total sensation - warm, sweet, salty and the Churros added an adtl texture. Super amazing. Saison was a great experience. We'll be back!
(5)Mike W.
Saison is pretty incredible. I feel like lately I've been doling out a lot of 5-star reviews. All of them deserved, but this one is very deserved. If there was a 6-star rating option, Saison would get it. They do EVERYTHING right. Starting with the drinks, the whole thing isn't just a meal, it's a sensory dining experience. The drinks are incredible. Talk to Sarah at the bar about what you like and she'll be sure to make you an unbelievable cocktail. Then the food. Holy mother of god. Even the things that just sound okay on the menu are great. The chef is a master. Even if you're not a dessert person, you have to get a dessert. My friend and I just had to stop talking while we were eating. It was just too good. Apparently, they will soon be opening up a market adjacent to the restaurant. Definitely check it out. I will be there when they open up and I'll definitely be back to the restaurant.
(5)Becca H.
What a great, intimate place for a well-made cocktail. Loved everything we had!
(5)Jane Y.
There's something about Saison that just tries too hard. But then again, they do hit the mark more often than they miss. We've been here twice, once for brunch and once for dinner. I had an ok experience at brunch, which made me not want to come here for dinner, but I'm very glad I did. We sat at the bar both times and the bartenders were super attentive each time. Even though this is a beer place, their beer menu doesn't do it for me. It's super eclectic and if you prefer a lager, you might not find it- lots of IPA's, stouts, and saison type brews though! Luckily their cocktail menu is out of this world and they have a pretty interesting wine list as well. I had the Honey Badger and it is a fun drink. It's precocious in a good way- feels young but it's mature beyond its years. It was the food I was blown away by on the dinner visit- we had the BBQ ribs and the the pork chops and dang if those weren't some of the tastiest I've had. Perfectly seasoned and cooked with a nice balance of flavors. Yay, meat!
(4)Wade A.
Good, Just Not as Good as I Expected Saison is difficult to review because two of us dined and one entree was delicious and one appetizer was delicious but the other plates were just so-so. My dining companion found the broth in the seasonal seafood, sweet potato, and coconut-habanero broth a little spicier than he was led to believe. He also found the choice of seafood contained in the dish a little mundane. I, too, was very disappointed in the smoked cheddar pimento cheese biscuits with grated country ham. One would think the pimento cheese and ham would be placed on the biscuit, either sandwich style or open faced but instead these ingredients were apparently mixed into the dough. Who wants to sit there and eat five glorified Cheddar Bay Biscuits(tm) as their appetizer? On the other hand, my lightly battered catfish with Anson Mills white corn grits and sautéed pak choi brown-butter & bacon broth, toasted benne was delicious, delicate and flavorful. Likewise, the special appetizer consisted of an amazing sausage on a bed of collards -- a superb dish all around that should be moved to full-time status on the menu. All in all, Saison is worth a visit and the bar scene certainly seems to be happening. There were only two choices of red wines by the glass, however, which was a little surprising.
(3)Helen R.
I had to go back for New Year's Eve and the food was amazing! The drinks are still the best I've had in Richmond.
(5)B S.
Don't trust the restaurant.... Overpriced food and drinks... My wife found hair in her food
(1)Andrew H.
Happy hour is a good deal. A small selection of beverages are half off from 5-7pm. The two cocktails I had were done well and some obvious effort and thought behind their construction. If you stop by for a cocktail, and can only have one, go for The Smoking Gun. Original, tasty, and definitely worth the happy hour price. The service was another plus here. I was at the bar for 90 minutes and had some wonderful conversation with the bartender. Whenever I hear of friends stopping through Richmond, I'll be sure to recommend this place as a stop during their travels.
(4)Cam G.
Bartender and staff were very nice. Cocktails were great, beer selection is awesome. I ordered the cheese biscuits and they were under cooked, problem with the stove. They felt terrible apologized several times and then brought me an amazing entree on the house all to replace the $5 order of biscuits. Amazing customer service on they're part.
(5)David J.
A most excellent restaurant! I love that RVA has places like these! The cocktails are phenomenal. Try a Rye Manhattan. The "Fried Corn", is an excellent accompaniment to aforementioned cocktail. We ate off of the appetizer menu only. Great selection. Try the Shrimp empanadas, the bone marrow, and you AIN'T LIVED unless you've had their Oxtail Sopes. (Must have a bottle of the fabulous Spanish Tempranillo). What a great spot. BTW, RVA'ers, they stay open until 2-AM, so a late night cocktail in Richmond is no longer that hard to find!
(4)Stephen B.
The food was great, especially for the price. The cocktails were also awesome! However, hiring a bunch of hipsters as your wait staff is not adviseable. The only thing keeping it from a five.
(4)Brian C.
***Drinks Only Review*** I had two delicious drinks with friends here last night and wanted to share this with fellow Yelpers. Based on the drinks, I can't wait to try the food! Overall - this is a great bar/restaurant in the ever emerging Jackson Ward. I'm going to be bitter I don't live there in a few years given all they have going on (see also Mama J's, Gallery5, etc.). It has a we-care-about-food-and-drink vibe, but not a pretentious vibe...very comfortable. They have vinyl records playing that the bar tender changes out - good music that I hadn't heard before. The windows offer plenty of light. Really, a great place for day drinking or, as we did, a summer happy hour. I had the Honey Badger - "a spicy summer punch that don't care." It's dry rum, apple brandy, lime, passionfruit, jalapeno, and honey. It was delicious with a hell of a jalapeno bite. The ice cube (so glad for this) was made to fit the rocks glass. Very thoughtful cocktail. I followed this up with The Last Rickey - "a tart & dry long drink version of The Last Word" with gin, chartreuse, maraschino, lime and soda. Again with an ice cube to perfectly fit the Tom Collins glass. This one I wouldn't have again, but it was surely another very thoughtful cocktail. There are at least a dozen more I wanted to try... The bartender knows his stuff. We asked a few questions and got a load of good info back from him. I also like the fact that he was dressed pretty casually - I think he had on a soccer jersey. Finally of note is the menus are put in old books like a photo album (with the seasonal offering listing serving as the photo - no actual photos...this isn't Cheesecake Factory). It's a nice twist, but now you can act like you've been there before by not looking as surprised as I did about this quirk. Can't wait to try the food and bring more friends here! For other great cocktail locations see 525 at the Berry Burk, Heritage, The Roosevelt, and (I hear) Dutch & Company. Glad Saison is in RVA!
(5)Nick G.
A darn near perfect spot. Great food, helpful and friendly people, delicious cocktails. Don't miss it.
(5)Josh B.
We love Saison and our favorite part is the kind service that we receive there. They have been lauded for their innovative and delicious cocktail and beverage program and that is well deserved. Last week, I had an awesome breakfast-for-dinner on Monday night, a new feature of theirs. The eggs and sausage dish had roasted fennel and radishes and citrus. It was delicious! I'm also excited about the new market that they will soon be opening on Adams St. next to the restaurant with coffee and pastries and I'm sure many other goodies that we'll be treated to. For all of it, I have to go back to the service. Everyone is so nice, they try to remember all the new and old faces and names and they're working hard to make your experience great. Thanks to them for all of their efforts and congratulations on their success!
(5)Matthew P.
Bar is small, and can feel a bit too-tightly squeezed when at full capacity. It's a very homey feel too, though, so even this has its advantages. Our bartender was awesome (fun to watch her make drinks! and she was very engaging) and I really enjoyed this being a part of my first visit to RVA. The tap and wine selection was broad and I only wish I could've tried more. Absolutely recommend visiting Saison.
(4)Carter K.
We tried Saison for the first time. I had heard good things and my expectations were met. We didn't have reservations, but went early on a Friday. We didn't have any trouble getting a seat at the bar. If you want a table, you should make reservations. They do have happy hour Mon.-Fri. 5-7, which is nice. We each had a cocktail and split the pimento cheese biscuits. Then we had the chicken with macaroni and cheese. The chicken was very good, but has some heat. Overalls the food was very good. The service was a little slow; so I would to go there before anything.
(4)Dacia D.
stopped in at the bar for drinks- they were fantastic. The bartender was friendly too!
(5)Michelle R.
We came here for happy before dinner at The Rogue Gentlemen. Drinks were GREAT. We ordered the Leblon James Daiquiri, Vieux Carré (their take of an old fashioned), and craft beers. I don't typically order cocktails, but the Leblon James Daiquiri was fabulous, so much so that I ended up having more than one. The beer list isn't a huge one, but the quality of beers is there. Bartenders are patient when you ask them to repeat the happy hour menu (ha). Drink prices are steeper, but at 1/2 off for happy hour, the experience is totally worth it. Highly recommend.
(5)Katie K.
This small bar is quaint and has character. The food is delicious, I highly suggest the burger. They make traditional gin and tonics and have a cute little market next door that serves breakfast and different treats.
(5)Nicolas D.
I work late nights and so I am always looking for a place that has food and drinks served late. Looking around Richmond, there aren't many options for good food and drinks, maybe a diner or two, but this came up and I thought why not. Made a reservation for 10:30 p.m. and here we go! From the second I walked in to the end of the meal, everything was top notch. Even though it was late and there were only a couple of other tables being served, there was absolutely no attitude from anyone, in fact quite the opposite! They were so happy to be serving us and making our evening enjoyable! Delicious cool crafty cocktails, a great list of wine and beer and food that had a great range and not expensive at all, this is a must for anybody in Richmond. Cool vibe, great bar, great food, and friendly service, it's a no brainer! Go go go!
(5)Koupon C.
Trendy. Coffee shop market next to restaurant. Did not eat here just hung out.
(4)Lisa H.
Although it can be described as 'intimate', this place just felt cramped to me. The dining area is small, and in the same vicinity as the bar. Thus, it quickly went from a quiet, dinner-level noise level to very loud. I had the poutine which I heard much about. I've had poutine in New York before, and I absolutely adored it. Frites (french fried potatoes) topped with gravy sauce and cheese? How could you go wrong? However, I did not enjoy the poutine at Saison. The cheese (queso oaxaqueño) just didn't seem to be the right type to top the fries with. It lay stringy and limp on top of the soggy frites. The sauce didn't taste like anything. The flavors are supposed to complement each other and meld together, but this just wasn't the case. I also ordered the ox tail which was shredded and served on 3 sopes, which are small tortilla rounds made from ground maize. This, I did enjoy. It was a very well-seasoned plate. I also tried the fried duck and sweet potato waffles that my friend had ordered. Good flavors paired together with that dish. She thought the waffle was odd, but I thought it was creative and delicious. 1 star lost because the waitress and people working didn't seem to be very attentive to us, despite the size of the restaurant. It just didn't feel welcoming, or like they wanted us to be dining there. I like the idea of Saison, I do. They use local products (according to their website) and have an interesting and refreshing menu. Unfortunately, the idea of Saison is all I like in reality. My experience at this restaurant wasn't up-to-par with the other reviews I read before dining there. If I had the time and money, perhaps I'd give it another try.
(2)Christina C.
Great place for innovative drinks that are made with fresh ingredients. I have been here a few times and enjoy the cozy, intimate atmosphere. The staff really care about satisfying their customers. The menu lists vegan, vegetarian, and gluten free options. Although I have yet to try this place for brunch, I was told it is a great place for some yummy chilaquiles.
(5)Hunter P.
One of, if not the best places to eat in Richmond. Great cocktails. Great, creative menu. Great service. Cool details like menus made from old books and chalkboard covered walls (chalk provided) in the bathroom. Only reason I didn't give it five stars is because when Saison gets full at dinner time it can get a bit loud and conversations are a little strained.
(4)Brian M.
Our hostess was extremely rude and unprofessional. When first seating us, I asked if we could move to another table near by that was also open. She rudely said no and offered no reason why. After our meal, she approached the table and told us someone else had reservations for the table and we needed to leave. Unbelievable. Will never eat here again.
(1)S T.
I hade been meaning to try this place for some time since seeing it featured in Richmond Magazine. A few of us finally checked it out this past Friday, June 27th. Even at 9:30pm, this restaurant was fully booked so reservations are a must. Saison definitely takes great pride in its drinks. We tried the following drinks: Mezcal Mule, When Kentucky Burns, and the Honey Badger which were all well made and ranged from $10-12 each. The one complaint I had was regarding one of their beers on tap. This may have been an anomaly but it was not as chilled as it should have been. We also ordered a good selection of food. As starters, we had the Oxtail Sopas and Pimento Arepitas. The Sopas were our favorite item. The Arepitas were quite bland; cornmeal and a bit of pimento cheese combined and fried with a small drizzle of arugula chimichurri. The dish needed more sauce to add flavor. For entrees we ordered the Chicken a la Brasa, the Lamb Chops, and Hangar Steak. The weird thing about his meal was that we were actually left still feeling hungry. They were all pretty good but it is a bit disappointing when you are left needing more. We ended up ordering two desserts: Chocolate Crunch Bar and the Panna Cotta. You could tell that the Chocolate Bar had been frozen before served because it was really difficult to even break it with a knife. The Panna Cotta may have had a bit too much salt and was garnished with pickled onions, which was a cool idea but only added to the saltiness. At the end of the meal, our drink bill was definitely higher than our food bill. Given the great selection of restaurants in town, I would be happy to go back to Saison for its drinks but not necessarily for its cuisine.
(3)Ian P.
A great new restaurant and bar in Jackson Ward! The owners have done a great job of avoiding the ordinary and making everything unique (and delicious!). They have a great beer menu and some incredibly tasty cocktails, and the wine menu is not extensive but offers a nice variety. For my meal I had the oxtail sopas which were incredibly good and the black bean cassoulet with very tender and flavorful pork in it. I have also had the burger, which is very flavorful without condiments and the frites which are super yummy. I am always a big fan of chefs and bartenders who combine great flavors to make a truly exceptional dining experience that you can't find somewhere else, and these guys have done just that...the atmosphere is warm and comfortable and I am looking forward to saturday brunch with the EPL on the TV!
(5)Zachary L.
ok. this a fantastic eatery. they care for the food. the beer menu is great. I recommend the duck and the pannacotta. this is only complimented by the service. in Richmond come here!
(5)Kristy S.
Hosted a dozen friends for a holiday celebration at this Jackson Ward restaurant -- and was very impressed by the knowledgeable staff and the hands-on treatment by the management/owners. The food was a delight to the palate-- a clever blend of southern tradition and Latin American flavors. We started with cocktails and ordered all of the small plates as appetizers (having to order additional ones they were so tasty). The main entree's (large plates) rival anything I've had at top rated restaurants in Boston or Philadelphia, with the subtle nuances being clever, surprising and delicious. The design of the restaurant is comfortable, inviting and feels inclusive. The chalkboard bathroom is kitschy and fun. Do yourself a favor and have a discussion with one of the owners about the repurposed local fixtures that enhance the decor. This restaurant is a home run and I look forward to the evolving seasonal menu and will definitely recommend Saison to everyone I know.
(5)Anne S.
We had our first visit on the night before the "apocalypse" and really enjoyed the special cocktail menu. So creative and fun! But that was later in the night...... The atmosphere is different from anything in Richmond with unique twists in decor at the bar, dining room and even the restroom. Our table of 5 enjoyed two small plates, four large plates and shared the churro dessert. Everything was devoured! Unique beer selection and again, the craft cocktail selection is crazy good. I don't know what the previous reviewer was talking about as there is nothing over 19.00 on the menu as of this writing. Service was also good all around and considering the the place was packed by 8:00 this is saying a lot. Saison is a great addition to the Richmond dining scene and we look forward to return visits!
(4)c H.
Quaint restaurant, relaxed atmosphere, creative menus affixed in old books (mine was in a French cookbook!). Chef Adam and the rest of the service staff were very accomodating and took great care to make sure my dining experience was safe (I have food allergies), delicious and enjoyable. A rare find for RVA that I look forward to frequenting again! Thanks Saison!
(5)Mair D.
Unfortunately, since having our two kids, my husband and I don't get out to dinner as much as we'd like. And boy, we'd like! Both of us had heard great things about Saison, so when we finally got a night with a sitter, we checked it out. HURRAY. I'm glad we did. The location was great. A nice, nestled restaurant just off broad. It was easy to find, and parking was NBD. While small, the tables are amply spaced, so that we never felt cramped when the other tables filled. The wait staff was awesome, attentive (without annoying the shit out of you) and did a great job of letting us pace our dinner. (That was our request.) The beer menu was to cheer for (COTU!!) and the cocktails were quite creative. We started with whiskey punch and the oxtail app and then the Rundown and a burger for the entree. Both were amazing. The seafood in the Rundown (a type of bouillabaisse) was fresh and perfectly done and the details (like fig) on the burger really set it apart. When it came to dessert, we went for it and it didn't disappoint, either. It was a variation of cheddar cheese and apple pie, but it was a smoked cheese ice cream that was out of this world. I would definitely recommend Saison to anyone looking to shake it up a little. And if you have a not-so-adventurous eater (I do!), the food will definitely please them with unique flavors, without being too intimidating.
(4)Christina C.
Great atmosphere, DELICIOUS food, awesome cocktail menu and rotating "exotic" beers on tap. The best part, for me, is how absolutely creative the food is. Try 'em out! You won't regret it.
(5)Brandon E.
Awesome place. The atmosphere, the drinks, the staff, the bathroom, and most of all.....the food. I eat out quite a lot, and this was definitely one of the better meals I've had in Richmond in quite some time.
(5)Jonah P.
Decent food but a poor value. Parking was miserable, and while they advertise having a parking lot, they don't know exactly where it is (it's a few unmarked spots in a nearby lot). Menus are pasted inside books, which were disgusting, and generally just too hipster for me. Relatively limited menu with no clear theme. Most of these dishes can be found at other restaurants around town, where they are likely done at comparable quality for less money. All around not a bad meal, but certainly not a repeat.
(3)Amber D.
Great little place to have an amazing classic cocktail. Bartenders & very friendly & knowledgeable. Check this place out!
(5)Chase G.
Me and my girlfriend were hungry late night and wanted to go somewhere we've never been to get food. After looking at Saison, I say we should go there and off we go. Walking in, I was immediately impressed by the atmosphere, with the low-lighting and homely feeling it's very relaxed but also intimate. When we sat down we were given menus that were inside hardcover books, picture books I might add. Totally cool sitting there talking about different pictures of the Soviet Union with my girlfriend while we waited for food and drinks. We ordered the fried corn, the burger with goat cheese and bacon, and the banana bread with ice cream for dessert. Though I wanted to try a cocktail, I elected for one of their draft beers instead. Long story short: delicious. I loved my hamburger compared to other similarly priced burgers in the area, and the fried corn was delicious as well. The real treat however, was dessert. Banana bread with caramelized bananas coated with banana ice-cream and granola, and the bananas were still a little crispy even underneath the ice-cream. My girlfriend declared that it was the best dessert she had ever had. Our waiter was fantastic and also the owner. Joe was great with his recommendations and attention to service. He's succeeding with Saison. I highly recommend this place.
(5)Ceno E.
Oh man this place was amazing. Had the duck and waffles and was not disappointed. Tried several of their drinks. I recall liking the honey badger and the when Kentucky burns. The staff was extremely friendly and since the group I was with was just visiting the area told us about some other places to check out while in town.
(5)monica k.
Creative dishes with excellent service and amazing flavor. Love the book themed menus and dessert took the prize.
(5)Brittany T.
I had the burger at Saison and I was very pleased. It was cooked just the way I asked for (I find that WAY too often I get overcooked burgers in Richmond). There could have been just a few more french fries on the plate though, and for an additional $2 charge for bacon, I felt like I would have liked just one more slice (it was really tasty bacon though). One thing I was annoyed with was the small size of the water glasses, which they bring to you with a full carafe of room temperature water; I prefer a big glass of ice water. I'm sure if I had of asked for it, it would not have been a problem at all, as the service was very good. Lastly, dessert. The banana bread was amazing, I found myself scraping the crumbs off the plate! But the chocolate torte was meh at best, and it came with a cilantro-mint ice cream that I was not a fan of at all. But overall, I would definitely recommend this restaurant.
(4)Nate D.
The gf and I went for dinner with friends on a Saturday night. On walking in, you are welcomed by a very nice bar with helpful bartenders. We got there a bit early and had a drink at the bar (I got the Epic Oaked and Smoked, which was vary tasty) and then were led to our table within about 5 minutes of our reservation. I like the decor and layout. As others have noted, it is a bit small, but we had a late dinner and it wasn't noisy or overly crowded. Also as others have noted, the menus are really like pieces of art. The old books are a nice touch and could be fun to look through if you had to wait for a long time. We tried the peanuts and fried corn appetizers. Both were different and very good. These would be perfect to snack on while sitting at the bar. I ordered the burger, which was good, but the fries that accompanied it were killer. My one major complaint about this place is the lack of diversity on the menu. Our group had a pescatarian and a person with a gluten allergy. There are lots of gluten free options, but only one vegetarian option and no seafood options. On this night, they were all out of the vegetarian option. After an awkward exchange with our server, the chef did his/her best to be accommodating by whipping up a vegetable medley with what was on hand. I really think multiple vegetarian options and/or a seafood option should be considered, but the menu is online so we knew what we were getting into. By far my favorite part of my experience here was the change in music at 11 PM (like I said, we had a late dinner). We went from something totally unremarkable to Gangstarr followed immediately by Notorious BIG and other old-school rap. I'm not sure why, but that really made my night. It didn't turn into a dance club or anything (although the gf might have tried to change that if the right song came on), but it was just a fun way to end our meal.
(4)Susan A.
This place was wonderful! I've eaten off of their winter and spring menus and both were delicious. The sweet potato ice cream off of the winter menu was TO DIE FOR. I wish they had it year round! The bartenders are extremely knowledgable and concoct some pretty ridiculous drinks. A must try!
(5)Tonya W.
The food and atmosphere definitely speak for itself and it screams AMAZING! Made reservations for 5 people, table was ready when we arrived and they even allowed us to be seated before everyone in our party had arrived! Wait staff were a little slow at the beginning, but being that we did not have everyone in our party sitting at the table when drink orders were given, I was able to forgive the inattentiveness. Once everyone arrived and all the drinks were distributed, the real fun began. Drink prices were reasonable for the area and type of establishment. I had a difficult time deciding on what I wanted for dinner but luckily, the special for the night (catfish with greens and grits) caught my attention. SOOOO glad it did. I'm not even a huge catfish eater but this dish blew my socks off. Three others in my party also had the catfish special and had a similiar reaction. I was also able to try the black beans that were also amazing. I am looking forward to returning to try another dish very soon. PS- Truly was entertained by the charkboard walls in the restroom with writings and graffitti on it! :-)
(5)Adam K.
What a great find. I was visiting Richmond for the day with my girlfriend, got hungry, and started checking out restaurants in the area. The menu and ambiance at Saison sounded like things that I'd like, so we decided to check it out. We were there early on a Sunday evening, so we didn't experience it being overcrowded or loud. We sat at the bar and were promptly served by Jay, the bartender. Beer list included several local brews and some hard-to-find drafts. A bit pricey for the pour size, but the selection was good. Girl couldn't decide on a cocktail, so she described what types of drinks she likes, and Jay delivered a series of cocktails that she loved. The food was tasty. The chicken liver pate was one of the best I've had. The albondigas were delicious, but especially the broth. For mains, we decided against the Sunday Fried Chicken Special and ordered off the menu. In retrospect, I should have at least tried the chicken... Anyways, we shared the pork chop and the red drum. The brown butter hollandaise on the drum was divine. Both dishes were delicious, well seasoned, and satisfying. For dessert, we tried the chocolate tart. Sweet, spicy, chocolaty, and it was large enough to share without wanting more. Final tab was a bit more than I expected, but between the food and service, it was a great experience.
(4)Meredith M.
I was majorly stoked to try Saison based off it's name alone, and I was not disappointed! With a name like that, I (rightfully so) expected a stellar beer menu and they delivered. They have a great selection of beers on tap at the top and bottom of the price spectrum. The bottle list was also impressive. I think they're the only restaurant in RVA that carries Maine Beer Co's Peeper Ale. That earned them 2 stars alone! My only suggestion is to make the beer menu (draft and bottle) a little more user friendly., I can definitely see the way it is currently set up intimidating the average beer drinker with little knowledge of craft varieties. The food was awesome! I went on a really busy night but the service was excellent. The server and bartender both exhibited a real passion for the menu and bev selections, that is so hugely important, especially in a new restaurant! I ordered the poutine small plate (although I think it was called something else on the menu) that included the standard brown gravy and cheese curds but added pancetta maybe? Delish. My date ordered the chicken which was also great. The chicken was really tender and flavorful. The collards? Psh. Nothing short of awesome! The dining area is small and can get a little crowded, but I think that is part of what adds to the charm of this little neighborhood gem. Loved the menus, I really can't say that enough! Not just the culinary offerings, but the presentations in the old books, so creative and cool! The decor in the dining area and bar are very interesting and a nod to the Latin influences in the menu. The bathroom is 100% Fan hipster and totally charming. This will definitely be put into regular rotation. Great for dates (maybe not first dates since it can get a little loud) or just drinks and apps with friends.
(4)marcella l.
I love the attention to detail on the drink menu. There was a variety of retro drinks, bottles of bitters on the bar, and homemade ingredients listed on the menu. For what you get, the cocktails are reasonably priced. I love the concept of this place: southern - global, with an emphasis on Latin flavors. I tried the fries with trotter gravy and oaxacan cheese. The fries were hand cut and the gravy was a rich porky sauce. I would have preferred the crumbly/salty cojitia cheese to the Oaxacan cheese shredded on top, but that is purely personal preference. I also had the pozole, which was certainly good, but not particularly memorable. You can tell this is a place with a lot of passionate people behind the scenes. I can't wait to come back and try some more!
(4)James D.
Interesting food selection although the portions are quite small. Also the amount of beer poured in the glasses is about 6-8 oz at the most which seems a little steep for $5. Nice menu and cool Gastropub atmosphere but I wouldn't go there if you are really hungry. The owner of the restaurant was very nice although the first waiter we had wasn't the best...
(3)Lauren C.
Awesome little place tucked away in Jackson Ward! Great atmosphere (gotta love the menus made out of old books) and a great selection of drinks, as their name would imply. I happened to visit with a friend on $2 tamale night and they were delicious! We also both tried the burger, which is one of the better ones I've had in recent memory! If you are a fan of goat cheese and cilantro, this burger is for you! We had an amazing dessert too: banana nut bread with vanilla ice cream. If you get nothing else, get that! Can't wait to visit again!
(4)z y.
Great pork soup dish but overpriced menu for the area. Comparable food at better prices elsewhere nearby. Amazing drinks. Very small dining area, seemed almost cliquish like?
(3)Jim W.
Ok. Some tough and some favorable reviews in Yelp, but follow the stars (4 avg as of today). Eclectic drinks and shareable plates - the tastes are great. We had pâté, sopes, ribs, and the burger (add the bacon, you are already eating meat). We are waiting for dessert. We ran the menu. It's Sunday and packed at 8:30 pm. I don't know what else to tell you.
(5)Gina M.
Got our appetizers before our drinks - took 15 minutes to get a drink. Ordered a second round of drinks when our meal came out but got them after we were finished with meal. 2 burgers and 2 drinks for $90 - timely waitress but bar is slow, mediocre drinks and better drinks and food jjust around the block.
(1)Joney B.
Great atmosphere. Food tastes fresh a bit salty but great melding of flavors. Nice beer selection. Glad to find a nice place to eat!
(3)Tito G.
Quick little synopsis: great food, great service, great atmosphere. Was surprisingly impressed by a lot of the decor, and the little things- for example, the menus are all in old books. Once you read and determine your meal and beverage you can flip through the book. If you get the USA one there are lots of awesome color photos (this definitely occupied some of my time). Food was outstanding and portions were good. My date said she loved it as well. It was pretty busy when we got there on a Saturday night and silly me I assumed we wouldn't need reservations, but the place was packed and we had to wait by the bar. The staff was super courteous and very communicative, we also got seated as soon as a table opened...note to self: make reservation next time to save some time. The place is a bit small, but I was expecting that and it works.
(5)Christina D.
Very cool atmosphere! I only came in here for drinks/snacks so I can't really speak for the food. The menus are pasted on vintage book pages and the drinks are creative! We had the fried corn, which was just like corn pops but a little spicy. I definitely want to come back here soon to try out their dinner menu.
(4)Marissa M.
I have to say that this bar has an awesome beer selection, broth pricy and inexpensive (draft), AND the food was great (we order many small plates) but the ourstanding dish was the beet and carrot cold plate. DELICIOUS. The beets and carrots were perfectly tender without being mushy and there was a sweet glaze over them, just divine. The decor is killer in the dining room but the bathroom really stands out. With its green toilet and pink sink, decoupage floor and chalkboard walls, its really steals the show. Now for the bad parts: The menu offers a great selecton of food for a semi-fine dining spot but the actual space in the restaurant is way too small and has too many tables. I hate having to rub up to other patrons in a semi-fine dining restaurant, if you want me to pay 20+ dollars for an entree (or for a beer for that matter), please don't also expect me to rub up on the hipster kid standing at the bar or make me squeeze through a sea of chairs and diners to get to the bathroom- minus one star. The reason for just 3 stars is that eventhough there are less expensive options in terms of beer, the place overall seemed very expensive, which will exclude a vast majority of neighbors from frequenting the place. I feel that is a restuant is going to be located in a neighborhood, it should include its residents (or at least take them into account- I mean, thats why the fan is so charming), this one obviously aims to cater to a different class of people. I don't blame the owners, if they can get a higher income cliente base, I probally would too, but as a property owner and resident in the neighborhood, this place will do little to unify the community, and will probally do the opposite.
(3)Deborah W.
Love the atmosphere. Sitting at the bar and the drink suggestions are very impressive. Pâté outstanding, wish the serving were larger.
(5)C L.
If 3.5 stars were an option, I would have given that. Went here for dinner Saturday & all in all it was a positive experience with yummy food. Parking was a bit of a nightmare & we didn't know about the lot. We arrived late (9:30) and were able to chose our table. I loved that the place was still bustling with diners at this hour, but wasn't crowded like a Fan bar. It has a great neighborhood feel. I can see how it might be noisy at times but even with an almost full dining room, we found it intimate. Drinks: The cocktails were delicious - can't remember exactly what we had - something with grapefruit & tequila and their version of a rum punch. I tried the Basque cider and was surprised by the very small serving for $7 but it was different and tasty. Our server recommended a lovely red wine to go with my hangar steak & my husband was very happy with the beer selection. The owner(?) delivered one of his beers and chatted with us about the Champion brewery in Charlottesville. I found the definition for the pinot noir on the menu pretty pretentious. Food: Oysters were AMAZING, but we didn't love the accompanying sauce. Can't recall the name but my husband had a seafood dish - mussels, squid, crawfish etc in a delicious habanero/coconut milk broth. The dish had a ton of great flavor - was listed as a large plate but could have passed as an appetizer in another restaurant. We requested more pita to sop up the sauce. I had the hangar steak which was awesome, I ordered medium rare but it was definitely rare which was fine with me. This was a hearty serving and the corn/pickled red onion combo that it was served on was delicious and there was just enough to have some with each bite of steak. Our server was attentive, patient and friendly
(4)Perry I.
A friend's birthday dinner at Saison last night reminded me why I don't enjoy going out to new restaurants much any more. To me, this place epitomizes the sad current trend of make the place look cute and then everything else will fall into place. I marvel at how people have the money and initiative to open a restaurant and obviously have no idea how to run a restaurant. Richmond is chock full of these sort of places. I digress. The menu is tucked inside a random hardcover textbook. Why? I have no idea. They have a drink menu of about 4000 offerings. Obviously drinks are the focus, the food is at best an afterthought. If you can locate the food menu amongst the voluminous drink offerings, you'll see that it's quite limited. They offered no specials. The pate of biodynamic duck liver and heart sounded deeelicious, and who doesn't love duck guts, but dang it, they were fresh out. I settled on a burger. It was juicy, it was decent, it was $13. Five Guy's is better and only $6. So, $21 for an OK burger and a draft beer. Oh, did I mention that it's loud in there? It's really goddamn loud in there.
(1)Stephanie B.
I've never had a bar tender want to make me a drink I could have on my crazy cleanse. Saison went above and beyond to do just that. And they want to get it right. Five yelps for them!
(5)Ann R.
I had been to Saison several times for a late night drink with a friend. The interior is very welcoming in the up and coming neighborhood of Jackson Ward and the bartender (owner?) is extremely friendly and helpful with drink selections. I went last Saturday with friends in town from Russia for dinner. They had lots of questions and trouble deciding on drinks, but the server kept his cool with us and even asked the bartender for assistance. The appetizers took a little while to come out, but we were behind several tables and a large one so that was to be expected. The guys devoured the poutine while I ate the entire plate of pea shoot salad. The scallops were perfectly seared and the oxtail was seasoned well. After ordering our entrees, we were surprised how quickly they were presented at our table. My friends ate every bite of their pork, duck and seafood soup while I took some of my duck and waffles home later for a perfect late night snack. I will never understand why people complain about small places. The restaurant did get a little loud at one point, but that is the excitement of going out and enjoying yourself. Having lived in Europe for years, I am accustomed to tables being close together and enjoy the experience of maybe actually meeting someone sitting next to me. Saison made a perfect combo of food and drinks for a rare Saturday night out with friends. I look forward to what else is in store for them.
(4)Douglas A.
Not your traditional Richmond bar or restaurant. Small but quaint. Great cocktail menu. Many things you won't find outside of the big trendy bars in NY, Los Angeles, etc. Menu is limited but this is where quality over quantity matters. They prefer to specialize in a few things and do them very well rather than offer dozens of entrees. The menu is a little adventurous so don't go there looking for a traditional NY Strip, Catch of the Day and Soup of the Day. You won't find it. Try the fried duck with sweet potato waffle. Prices are what you would expect for a trendy bar/restaurant with this small capacity. I don't think it is unreasonable. Nice location. Good part of Jackson Ward where all the redevelopment is taking place. Great mixed crowd. Two lovely European couples sat at the table across from us speaking Italian for most of the evening. We saw parents with their young married children. Several groups of 30 somethings in everything from jeans and a t-shirt to an Armani jacket. Clearly, the owners want everyone who dines to be comfortable. You do get a sense of relaxation and comfort while dining here. Casual dinner with drinks will take at least 60 minutes and more like 90 so don't be in a rush. Everything is made to order and nothing is prepared ahead of time. You can tell from the quality of the presentation to the taste of the food. It was a very tasty meal in just the right portions. I am going to creviche about one thing though. No chocolate on the dessert menu. golisbon.com/blog/2010/0… Other than that, keep up the great work and I look forward to your next restaurant venture.
(4)Monica L.
Cute artsy and eclectic restaurant with wonderful service. Excellent execution of dessert and interesting combos for dinner entrees. Had a lovely time with a large group. My fav was the cocktails!! The list was endless and far from ordinary. Prepare to spend some time however and you'll have a great experience!
(5)Jaxson L.
HOTTEST MALE STAFF IN RICHMOND WOW Not even kidding ladies, this is like Hooter's for females.... Been here several times for the amazing cocktails, the "Honey Badger" in particular is my favorite. This time we stayed for food and what we got was orgasmic! Started with the Pimento app home made pimento cheese a top corn bread wafers dusted with fresh micro greens, delicious. Then came the crispy wedge salad with perfectly crunchy ice berg lettuce and real bacon crumbles. My friend ordered the house cured smoked salmon special, the taste was smoky yet not over powering. Salmon tasted fresh out if the sea. The servers are really what keeps us coming back though.
(5)Jay Rand B.
Very good! The menus are presented inside of big books. Nice selection of beer. Somewhat limited wine selection. Entrees were well prepared and perfectly cooked. Dessert was just OK. Probably a 4.5 type restaurant.
(4)Nate V.
6/19/2015 early evening. From the start of walking into saison we were greeted with exceptional service. The selection of beers and cocktails were amazing and unique! Max the bartender was extremely knowledgeable of his craft. We were on a pub crawl in the area and he listed out all the best spots to go to and he was on the money! This place set the tone and that tone high! Like Mariah Carey in the 90's not her nick cannon phase. Does anybody else think that's weird? Oh well, thanks Max and great job!
(5)Langston W.
Very different bar/restaurant experience has lots of local beverages and the menu also consists of food produced locally. Not the norm at this nostalgic venue.
(3)L Z.
Cute hipster place that I could easily imagine it in San Francisco. The drinks are complex, creative, delicious, and unique. Most drinks are rum, mescal, tequila type drinks in keeping with a mesoamerican theme and they also serve beer and wine. Their drinks have creative names and combine unique flavors. Read a yelp review about the Honey Badger which was not on the menu. Inquired about it and they made me one. Apparently they cycle their drinks on the menu but will gladly make ones not listed. Only one bartender was making drinks. Love that they serve their specialty drinks with one giant ice cube. I also appreciated them giving us glasses of water automatically. Super cool place! There's also a Saison Market around the corner which had a cafe feel to it.
(4)Sierra S.
Good food, good drinks! I wish the oxtail appetizer was larger. I really could have eaten that as a main dish lol. The sitting arrangement was pretty tight the night I went and it was so dark I could barely read the menu, but I think that's the norm. Somehow I still felt very comfortable. The service was average but the food and drinks made up for it.
(4)Diane B.
So, it was Mother's Day and my friend and I were looking for good eats after a very long drive. It was fairly busy but not overly so. Service was ok, a little on the slow side. I ordered the fish of the day, which was good but could have used more seasoning. What was great was the cocktail I ordered. - a martini with a twist. The vermouth they added (even tho I ordered dry as a bone) made the drink.
(3)Ameya K.
The best place in J-Ward. Great food, beer and service. Not exaggerating, but the best place to hang out in downtown.
(5)Jerry N.
Overall, we had a good experience. I may have went into it with too high of expectations after all the buzz Saison gets. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a solid cocktail, craft beer that is a little more off the beaten path, or a solid meal with decent portion size. You won't be in and out in 45 minutes so expect to hang out and make an evening of it. Made an 8 PM reservation on a Friday night for my wife's birthday for a party of 6. We showed up and they either forgot we made it or just messed up the seating. They asked us to sit at the bar until they could accomodate us. Half an hour later we were seated. Beer selection was fantastic, cocktails were really good and the bartenders were pleasant and helpful. Our waitress wasn't particulary pleasant. The fried corn is basically burnt corn. The biscuits are incredible and I could have eaten just them for a meal and been happy. They had a plantain appetizer that night that was also amazing. I had the hot chicken. It was really spicy but overall very good if you like some heat. My wife got the burger which was good, but nothing out of the ordinary. $115 with tip for apps, 3 drinks each, and dinner for two. It would be helpful if they had better descriptions of the dishes in the menu. I honestly didnt know if I was getting fried, grilled, or roasted chicken until it came out. I also didn't realize the hot was indicative of it being really spicy. The reservation mix up isn't that big of a deal but the hostess tried to act as though they were just waiting on people to finish up - meanwhile there was a 6 top (I'm assuming where our party of 6 would have been seated) occupied by 2 people who looked to have been just seated at having a drink. Comping a round of drinks at the bar while we waited half an hour would have smoothed over the whole situation.
(3)Lily L.
My one star review is largely due to the service received at the restaurant. From a dinner perspective, my friends and I may have had the worst experience. Despite our reservation, we had to wait an additional 30 - 45 minutes as there were no tables available. Once we were seated, the restaurant was not too crowded with only 3 - 4 other tables, but the service was extremely slow from taking our order to serving the food to never bringing the requested dessert menu (I had to get it myself as our waiter sat at a back table chattin' it up with another coworker). That really disappointed me. We had the Grilled Octopus, 'Murican Queso Pupusas, Chicken a la Brasa, Saison Bimbimbap, and Catfish Mole Rojo. They were all good, just nothing stand out. The most memorable dish was the Sweet Potato Bread with ice cream and fried churros - it was a little on the sweeter side but innovative!
(1)Ashley S.
Fantastic cocktails! Great neighborhood bar, laid back and cozy. Order the Troubadour, you won't be sorry (unless you hate alcohol, then you will be sorry...because it's made of alcohol)
(4)David H.
3.5 small, quaint restaurant. decent service. decent food. oxtail sopes were delicious drinks were pretty good chicken wings are extremely messy, taste pretty good pozole was tasty, lots of meat and good flavor bibimbap was bad. never again. weird mix of flavors, NO MEAT, and really didn't taste like bibimbap. nor was it served in a stone bowl. reluctant to come back, but who knows maybe. that's how disappointed I was in the bibimbap
(3)Canon H.
My coworker and I stopped in for a drink as I was waiting on a dinner reservation somewhere else and if you don't want to read the rest of the review, just know that this place is legit. To begin, the atmosphere is welcoming and the staff is obviously passionate about their craft. It didn't just seem like a job to anyone in the restaurant. The bar itself is kind of hipster and definitely has a local feel. With the complexity of drinks on the menu I didn't know what to order so I told the bartender what I normally drink and like. With that information he knew exactly what I needed and out came a cocktail from heaven. The Campfire Stories was bourbon at its finest. Smooth and sweet with a slight smokey undertone. The likes of which have only been matched by a place called PX in Alexandria if anyone has been there. Anyway, the drink was obviously a work of art. So we decided that we needed to try some of the food. Since the reservation was waiting we went for the burger just to keep it easy. Great decision. The bartender said it would be good and it delivered. Now, I believe the cheeseburger is one of man's great pleasures. And there are many good options to choose from in the burger world but the Saison burger was cooked to perfection and I'm pretty sure I could eat the fig and onion jam sauce out of a cup with a straw. Needless to say we were sold. I brought my family back a couple days later. And again, Saison hit the nail on the head. You know how some places try too hard, and if they actually have good food seem to come across as pretentious? Saison has mastered the art of delivering quality food and drink across really interesting a compelling combinations, in a place that still makes you feel at home. I'll be back again for sure.
(5)Tricia N.
Last night marked my fourth visit to Saison. Here's my overall take. The place is tiny and this either works out great or it is an audio nightmare. It's luck of the draw, I guess. If just one table of patrons is obnoxiously loud, the rest if the diners quite literally can't hear the person next to them. The food....isn't this why we go to restaurants? The food is great. The ingredients are very fresh. The chef is talented and creative. I've tasted or sampled a dozen items and all but one were stellar. The only bad bite I ever had was spinach that was so salty it tasted like seawater. However, everything else is perfection. Brilliant food. And the pasty chef is amazing. The drinks are also exceptional. I don't have one single favorite but I haven't had one I didn't love. Excellent beer selection. Delicious cocktails. Leave the kids at home and expect an urban/euro setting. Whatever you eat, it will probably be amazing. I just wish the acoustics weren't so awkward. Try Saison.
(4)dusty c.
I enjoyed Saison. It's small, but it works. When it's crowded, it feels quite metropolitan. Love the use of old textbooks to hold the menus. Best bets are beer or delightful craft cocktails. Apps and entrees are inventive and satisfying - had a porkbelly app with baked eggs and cheese grits that was amazing! I wanted a VAT of it. I want it every day.
(4)Jacob K.
Dear Saison, You are the brightly-plumed spawn of some ancient hipster-deity. You clambered from the teeth of her self-indulgent smirk as this nameless mother-god nursed its new piercings on a throne of PBR cans. It's kay, though. Me too. So, This review's got some bias, because Saison focuses on a lot of what I care about. Directed dedication to the use of good ingredients. Concern for craft. Inventive menus that both set new examples and follow great trends, like the use of pickled mustard seeds. I don't care about your squat little tables, or the fact that they're too close together. I don't mind that your service isn't great consistently. I don't care that you're rough around the edges. Because I know why. I know why some people can't forgive you for your sins, but your food is great.
(4)Tony A.
Let me just start off by saying the "Pork Belly and Egg" dish was bar none one of the greatest things I've eaten in my entire life. I've lived and traveled to a few places in my short life time. I was raised in California and was blessed to be around some amazing food (Mexican, Vietnamese, Japanese, Hawaiian, etc.) I've eaten Cuban food in Miami, soul food in Richmond, comfort food in Michigan, Italian food in New York, seafood in Key West, pub grub in London, crazy shit in Paris, and pasta in Rome. This dish was so good I ordered it again that same night. I would put this dish right up there with anything from any country; period. I'm beside myself with anguish that I don't see it on the present day menu (8/17/2015) but I have photographic proof of its existence. It was definitely there on May 14th, 2015 for the *CMYE: Happy Hour at Saison* event. Maybe that's just how it goes? Chef Adam Hall and Sous Chef Thomas Owens just create artwork that isn't repeated. You paint one masterpiece and then on to the next form of your artistic craft. For example I see (Lamb Belly- Cantaloupe Soubise, Curried Granola, Smoked Fennel, Shallot) - YES PLEASE! Getting back to business I can't express how happy I am that a place like this exists. The lost art of mixology is alive and well at Saison. The ridiculously creative food combined with masterful cocktails is a recipe for success. It was an absolute JOY to experience such a treat that night. Bravo Saison!
(5)Yuvia M.
Have been here twice. First time on a Saturday around 11pm and the second time this last Friday at around the same time and both times the places has had customers but it's very relaxed. I overheard the bartender saying it is usually busier after midnight when it becomes an industry bar so I imagine that's probably a lot of fun. Their cocktails are top notch quality and reasonably priced around $10-14. My favorite one was The Troubadour which I recommend if you like cucumber and gin drinks. Very delicious.
(4)Robbie B.
The food was good. Not great, not bad. The fried soft shell crab was a lot of fried and a little bit of crab. The fish of the day was well-cooked but bland. The food took a long time to come out, but only because the waitress made an honest mistake, and made up for it by bringing an additional free appetizer - the beef tongue, which was tasty. The "fried corn" is actually just burnt corn nuts. The biscuits are great. The employees are your stereotypical hipsters - quite polite, but also inattentive. The menu lacks synergy. It's a bunch of pages glued to a book with lackluster descriptions of their meals.
(3)Andy P.
Wow, bartender here sure know how to make great cocktails! If you're the smokey type that loves barbeque and smoked meats, I highly recommend the Gladness in Kingdom Cocktail! Food and dessert can be great with their classic dishes but they also like to mix things up with specials to bring out a not so typical combination but still good meal. To enjoy your time here, you are looking to spend at least $30 for entree, drink, and dessert. It's a bit much but it's worth it once in awhile.
(5)Lauri T.
If you want a craft cocktail in a swanky atmosphere, this is as good as it gets folks! I'm going to keep this short and sweet, much like the East India Cocktail that I enjoyed last night. If you like to drink at all, you need to go to Saison. I can't think of any other place like it in RVA. I walked in and it instantly reminded me of the craft cocktail bars in San Francisco. Allow me to count the reasons why this love affair with Saison ain't going nowhere any time soon: 1. They give you menus in a book. IN. A. BOOK. At first I thought that maybe they sit books on the table so that you can have something to read while you wait for your food to come? But, no. They just glue the pages of their menu in books to add to the charm of the place. I love charm. 2. The cocktails. The menu is extensive, so if you're indecisive like me, consider this a warning. Still can't decide? Let me help you. The East India Cocktail is fab. Go during happy hour. 3. The biscuits. Smoked Cheddar Pimento Cheese Biscuits. Need I say more? Melt-in-your-mouth baked goodness to coat your stomach while you suck down those cocktails. Go on over to Saison for the biscuits. Stay for the drinks and cozy atmosphere.
(5)H N.
We ended up waiting for some friends to arrive so we ordered drinks. They were so good, that's all we ended up doing. The ingredients were fresh and of awesome quality, making for some really tasty sips. On top of that, the drinks themselves are quite unique in flavor ranging any where from tropical citrus to a spicy kick. The atmosphere encourages great conversation and so many laughs. Service: excellent! Well except for one server, but maybe she had a bad day. Oh! And according to my husband, they know how to do cocktail ice right.
(5)Rebecca T.
I tried Saison within the first year they were open and thought it had potential but had a ways to go to fulfill its promise. A little over a year later they are well on their way. The food is consistent, beautiful, well executed and interesting. The beer and wine selection is exceptional and thoughtfully curated. The cocktails can at times be a bit experimental but always skillfully crafted. My highest praise however is reserved for their terrific staff who genuinely care about the experience of their patrons. I am so pleased to have them as my neighborhood restaurant and look forward to their ongoing evolution.
(5)Terry D.
This review is for Drinks only! The drinks are awesome! This dimly-lit hipster/yuppie haven knows what they're doing and does it in a playful manner. Menus are hidden in old encyclopedia books and reveal an impressively large and well stocked bar menu. The manufacture many ingredients in-house, like hop-infused tonic water, which are used in their drinks and make them unique. Despite the many options they are well-laid out and the staff is friendly and helpful. Drinks are pricey ($8-$14) but well worth it and they do have a draft and bottled beer menu that is more reasonable if you're on a budget. Further, this is not a get hammered kind of bar so you're paying for quality and the experience to relax and sip for a while. Tell the staff your favorite drinks and ask for recommendations, it's the best way to go and try to score a seat at the bar to watch these artists craft masterpieces.
(5)Sonia P.
I can't get enough of these awesome new restaurants in Jackson Ward, and Saison is definitely a must-stop for foodies and craft cocktail enthusiasts. COCKTAILS -Smoking Gun: rose water mixed with Scotch and tequila made for a surprisingly tasty cocktail; it was the perfect drink to accompany savory bites. -Weekend at Bernie's: I'm usually weirded-out when I see egg whites in a cocktail but the egg actually adds a nice frothiness to the drink and was perfect for this rum-filled, tropical juice concoction. -Oaxacan Old Fashioned: with tequila instead of bourbon; prefer the original Old Fashioned. -Maid in the Shade #1: tropical and spicy! NOMS -Pimento Cheese Biscuits: almost positive they add crack to these buttery delights, so dangerously addicting! -Nashville Hot Chicken: DELICIOUS but hot diggity, this dish is not joking with the spice! Thank goodness for the side of mac'n cheese to cool things down. If you're a fan of spicy chicken, this dish is right up your alley. -Carnitas Rillettes served on Billy Bread: I'm a big fan of French rillettes and Saison's twist with the carnitas is genius. I'm a huge fan of snagging seats at the bar and advise you to do so if you're rolling in with a small group (1-4 peeps). It's added entertainment to see the master mixologists whip up incredibly awesome cocktails. And bonus points to the bartender who kindly refilled my water every 2 minutes while I was munching on that crazy awesome spicy chicken. Until next time, Saison!
(4)Megan H.
My review is based solely on drinks, service and atmosphere. My husband and I had gone to dinner at a nearby restaurant and were driving home and spotted this place. I had wanted to try it before but never got the chance. We figured we would drop in to get a couple drinks before heading home. This place is so cozy and romantic inside! It probably helped that basically the only lighting were the candles coupled with the fact that the door was open and my was raining. What's more romantic than that? Our drinks were great and the bartender was super friendly! We will definitely be back for more than drinks!
(5)Krista A.
New to Richmond and Saison was one of the first restaurants we tried. The atmosphere is trendy/Victorian/history (if that makes any sense). The noise level was a bit distracting and actually took away from the exceptional decor, but nonetheless, nothing overtook from the fabulous drinks and food. We had the baked chicken with Mac and cheese; it may be safe to say that I have never had better chicken anywhere. It was a perfect blend of spices and complimented the pasta perfectly. Although a bit pricy, my husband and I comfortably split starters and meals with a reasonable tab. Known for their cocktails, I must say I'm a novice in trying that plethora of options, but those I visited with said their mix was oddly welcoming. Cheers!
(4)Charles R.
Had a couple great Old Fashioneds here. The cocktails were made meticulously and with precision. I'd recommend coming here to get off the path a little and enjoy a nice atmosphere.
(5)Thuy V.
Finally got to try out Saison. Cute little space. We went during happy hour which is highly recommended for some drink specials and a few dollars off of small plates. Friend and I decided to share about 4 small plates and we each got a drink. I don't order cocktails that often and was kind of surprised at how small they were. Luckily we were at happy hour. We tried the pimento cheese biscuits, wings, and two different salads. The biscuits were different and we actually ordered two orders they were so good! The brussel sprout salad was good but the salad with the butternut squash puree was a little bit of a miss for us (too many different flavors that didn't seem to go together). The wings were ok but hard to eat. Was overall a great place to catch up with my friend.
(4)Cathy R.
Cool atmosphere. Tasty food (though not out of this world). Reasonable prices. Slow service.
(3)Mike P.
Menu appeals more to those really into the gastropub scene. Options were fairly limited the vegetarians in our group of 8. Appetizers were less than amazing or perhaps we ordered wrong since almost all of them were fried. The cheddar Biscuits were a highlight. Would not order the fried corn or fried bread again. Rice bowl was very good. Cocktail menu was great and enjoyed the Kentucky burns. Just as good frozen!
(3)