On our way home from our latest trip, we stopped at Dot’s Back Inn in Richmond, VA for dinner. It is a small diner-style restaurant decorated in WWII style decor, right down to the paper doll displays in the bathroom. It tickled me to see the sign in the bathroom that read, “If you sprinkle when you tinkle, please be neat and wipe the seat”. It took me back to my childhood. I went to work with my father and saw the same sign on the back of the door. I must have been at a very impressionable age because the phrase has always stuck with me. I have seen signs with a similar sentiment, but never phrased exactly the same.
Dot was the name of a waitress who started working in the 40s, making it an almost 50-year career. The owner dedicated the restaurant to her and every hard-working waitress who never had the opportunity to own their own place. I enjoyed reading the thought behind the diner’s name and theme.
The menu is huge and they have a board full of specials as well. We ordered Fried Oysters from the Specials Board to start. The oysters were large, crunchy, juicy, and delicious. The salt level was as far as you could take it without being too salty.
Chris ordered the Blackened Porkloin Chops with grilled onions and blue cheese, also from the Specials Board. He picked mac & cheese and collard greens for his sides. The chops were absolutely spectacular, beautifully cooked, thick and juicy. The blue cheese took the flavor of the pork to the next level. The mac was good, but the collard greens, while good, were somewhat bland. Unfortunately, they do not offer white vinegar. We ordered an extra side of the greens to take home. Chris added vinegar, which was exactly what they needed to amp up the flavor.
Overwhelmed by the menu, I went with the dish featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, Chicken McArthur. The pasta, with sautéed chicken strips, artichoke, onions, garlic, and feta was tasty. Disappointed at first sight that it did not really have a sauce, I soon realized that it did not need one. The flavors were a perfect combination. There was enough to take home and the dish just got better every time I reheated it (I stretched it to four meals).
Intrigued by Fried Cheesecake, I had to order it. I was not disappointed. The light, fluffy cheesecake, fried in a delectable crust dusted in sugar was spectacular. The vanilla ice cream only added to the experience.
Amanda, our server, did a great job. She was friendly, helpful with the menu, and attentive.
Cost for two sodas, two beers, an appetizer, two entrees, a side, dessert, and a sticker $64.56.
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