Rose Marie Inn

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  I went back for the Sailor sandwich, and it was delicious.   We were also treated to live music!

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  Posted on 04.28.13 Elizabeth F.

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  I too have known about this place since I was a kid and have only been there a few times. Always get the hamburger but for the life of me can not see what the excitement is in the reviews. I notice that these reviews are old. Maybe things have changed in the last year. This is by far not the best burger that you will ever have in Richmond, BUT if you want to go to a neighborhood joint and drink beer and find everything else in the area closed- then eat here.

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  Posted on 02.28.13 Lets E.

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  My husband and I had lunch last week at the Rose Marie Inn.  It seemed as though there were fairly decent reviews so we thought we'd check it out.
  
  First off, the restaurant was dirty and dingy, with dusty knick-knacks everywhere.  At the end of the meal I went to the restroom, and it was not very clean, plus someone (I assume a restaurant employee) had been smoking in there, and the smoke was so thick, it was hard to breathe -- horrible.
  
  As for the food -- I ordered the cheeseburger, and my husband ordered their daily "special" of beef stew which came with a small salad.
  
  i will say, that was some of the worst beef stew that I've ever seen served (and my husband said it did not taste good either -- no flavor).  It was very, very watery (you could see the bottom of the PLATE  (that's right, it was NOT served in a bowl!).  There were only 3 pieces of meat and a few carrots which were the "baby" pre-packaged variety.  Along with a few potato chunks, and no discernable onions, celery or seasonings -- that was it.  It was served with crackers.  The salad was minimal with a some iceberg lettuce, and a few tomatoes and cucumbers.  The salad dressing was thick (bottled of course).  I think this "special" was $7.95.
  
  I will say that the cheeseburger which I ordered was decent.  That's why I'm giving this place 2 stars instead of 1.  Since it came with potato chips, I ordered french fries instead -- no discount for replacement.  Full price was paid for a side order of fries which were ok, but overpriced for what was provided.
  
  I was actually surprised how poor the food was, and how dirty the restaurant was.  The waitress, who was also behind the bar, was the only server, and the service was quite slow, but she herself seemed nice enough.
  
  By the way, I do know that the older, female cook is a smoker, because two customers were out on the front covered area smoking, and she went out there and was talking to them, and smoked as well.  Maybe it was she who had smoked in the restroom earlier -- since I doubt a customer would do so, when it's just as easy to wait, or go outside on the covered patio/porch.
  
  We will not go to this restaurant again.  We will stick with Melito's for our "neighborhood" casual restaurant.  Their food is fresh and good.  And except for some dusty fake plants (covered in thick dust), Melito's is clean as well.

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  Posted on 10.19.12 Brenda K.

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  Strictly on drinking terms... this place is awesome.  The bartender we had (handlebar mustache man?)  was friendly and full of stories and anecdotes. Not only did he make great drinks, but he entertained us with various size glasses for playing quarters (we were the only group at the bar so he was amused).  He also provided bacon at about 1am... something that we thought only Stratford Grill would do, but no, this guy did it with a smile and a laugh.  
  
  Trust me people, if you want a laid back, easy drinking, late night bacon kinda dive... this is it.

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  Posted on 08.08.12 Mos D.

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  Rose Marie Inn has been around for decades it seems, and I have passed it often.  I finally took out the time to stop in to have lunch, as I heard they have on their menu the Richmond Original Sandwich; The Sailor.   So, when I hear or see The Sailor on their Menu, I hold the Restaurant to a higher standard in their Sandwich making, because those who are from Richmond, are very Proud of The Sailor and how it got it starts here in this great City.  
  
  I know this is the local place for many wonderful folks who like to get together to have a Cold One after work or on weekends.  When I sat down, I noticed two Senior Ladies and they had the place spotless.  One of the nice ladies came over and asked if I would like a menu and of course I did.... I was hungry but also wanting to see if the rumor was true if The Sailor was on the Menu.  It Was!!!  
  
  When she came over to take my Order, the first thing I ALWAYS ask is... Do you know where The Sailor originated?   She did not, which was extremely disappointing to me as I feel when you have this wonderful Sandwich on your menu... AND it is a Richmond Sandwich... you should know and most of all, take Pride in making this Sandwich.   So, because I had to explain to her how The Sailor got it starts here in Richmond on Where and When... I have to deduct a Star....  
  
  When The Sailor came,  I noticed the bread soaked in lots of butter.  So upon picking up The Sailor, the butter they put on the Rye Bread was starting to drip down into my hands.  IN addition, instead of being able to taste the combination of the knockwursts & Pastrami, my first taste was butter.  Not good!  I can see putting a little on the bread so it will toast better on the grill but you do not soak the bread.  IN addition, the Pastrami was very dry and it did not seemed fresh.  Also, for the amount they were charging for The Sailor, it should have had more Pastrami on it as well.    So, in taste and how they made The Sailor, it lost another Star....   It was an OK Sailor, but clearly not the best.    
  
  I will again, come back and try something else... as the waitstaff were very nice and I can see how Rose Marie Inn has become a local favorite.  :-)

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  Posted on 06.22.12 Thomas C.

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  Went to this restaurant because 1) I just moved in down the street and 2) all the great recommendations on Yelp.
  
  Now I will agree with the previous posters about how the bar crowd seems to be regulars and that they have been coming for decades.  You can just tell how comfortable everyone is.  This place will never be a hipster place.  And I say that as a compliment to them.  Keep on serving your friends and dedicated regulars.  Some were missing teeth, reeked of smoke and did that guy just say he lost his arm in Vietnam?  It just won't be a regular place for a gal like me.
  
  The staff were so desperately trying to please us as new patrons, it was really nice to see such attention, probably too much for my comfort. The look of desperation was so apparent.  Nonetheless, will give them a star for effort.  
  
  Onto the food, not very good at all.  Now, it might have been my mistake.  I didn't order the "best burger in town" according to previous comments but I'll pass on all the other food there.  Sorry, but I came to eat and was disappointed by what was put in front of me.  
  
  So all in all, don't come for the food.  Come for the drinks and the [interesting] people.  If you feel lonely, then definitely head to Rose Marie Inn because they are just begging you to be their friends, as their slogan states.
  
  P.S.  Since the reviews on the burger have been so intriguing...I will try to update my review once I try it.  However, I may need to order it to-go next time.

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  Posted on 04.27.12 Monica V.

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  I will strive to remain calm as I tell you that this is the BEST...BURGER...IN...RICHMOND!!
  
  Sorry.  I tried.  I have passed by this place more times than I can count, but it was after the suggestion was made by a friend that I happened to go.  I will not pollute the magnitude of this burger with inadequate, heavy-handed words.  Rather, I will simply say that it is magnificent.
  
  The rest of the menu is home-made, fresh, and delicious.  I mean, have you tried the meatloaf?  MEATLOAF, PEOPLE!!
  
  Okay...
  
  I've worn myself out.  I think I need another burger...

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  Posted on 06.06.11 Aaron W.

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  THE OLE ROSE.
  
  TRULY IS "A PLACE WHERE FRIENDS MEET"
  
  Dude in the Hawaiin shirt makes a heckuva good burger.
  
  Seriously.  A good burger!
  
  Jay made me try the sailor sandwich -
  
  Also very good

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  Posted on 02.10.10 Tater L.

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  Everyone at this bar has been coming here for decades, some are even second generation patrons.  If you're out in the west end and want to share a beer and a good conversation this is your place.  The food off the menu is alright, the best meal is usually whatever the daily special is.  Everyone who works there is extremely friendly and treats you like family.
  
  If you're bothered by cigarette smoking I wouldn't come here as this is definitely an "old school" type of bar, I don't even think anything in the jukebox is newer than the 80s.

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  Posted on 12.13.09 Kevin A.

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