Elite Event: Taste of The Tin Pan

Unilocal, ya did it again. These Elite events keep getting better and better, and this was no exception. The small bites were excellent, my favorite being the chickpea burger and the fish tacos. Now, I consider myself to be somewhat of a fish taco connoisseur, but I usually hate battered fish over broiled or blackened fish tacos. These, however had a welcome crunch and I think the cabbage slaw helped.
The actual menu looked quite adventurous as well, with lots of veggie/​vegan and even gluten free options! Not sure I’ll be out by Quioccasin any time soon, but I’d definitely like to check it out since they seem to host live music every night. Friendly staff and a cool interior with subtle nods to the bygone era of Tin Pan Alley and the Jazz Age.
A+ Event. Keep slaying, Lauri and co.

I really enjoyed visiting a new venue in RVA!
The Tin Pan is located in the West End of RVA, near the Regency Mall area. This is quite a new venue for new and upcoming musical artists and bands. While it is not the NORVA or the NATIONAL, there are plenty of wonderful talented musicians which grace their stage for a true intimate session.
I was most excited about visiting the Tin Pan for the menu. I often look forward to places that are sensitive to those with food allergies and this place has a great array of menu options for those who are gluten-​free or vegetarian. While this is a primarily a music venue, their menu was truly gourmet. There were great dessert bites and mini sandwiches that were a hit at our particular event that had every Elite begging for another plate. Surprisingly, a great hit were the gluten-​free choices, which was a very wonderful surprise to see, and each packed with full flavors.
The Tin Pan also boasts a great full bar setup with signature cocktails as well as wine, beer and other spirits. Each one unique and themed for the venue. I had a great simple sangria that was light and perfect for summer, a great cocktail that was fitting since our event was on the patio– another perk of the venue itself.
Lauri did an amazing job with fun crafts and puzzles for Elites to break out their work day faces and show everyone their creative sides. The DIY coasters were a hit — so much so I use mine in my home office while I work during the day. The fun get-​to-​know Bingo game was a great way to introduce Elites by name and face — and a great way to get everyone involved! Who knew we all had so much of the same things in common!
Overall, a great success and a great way to be introduced to a new venue in RVA.

We were late getting out of work, and thus, late to the event, so unfortunately, we missed a lot :(Completely our own fault.
But, we did get to make coasters and try the hummus burgers, bbq sliders and desserts, which were all fantastic! We also stuck around until the band played the final song and you will all be happy to know Unilocal!got a shout out towards the end for supporting local music! Yay, Unilocalers!

Yeah, so… this event it pretty much a blur for me. I was surrounded by some dear friends and we hadn’t seen each other for some time. Therefore, we had to make up for lost time, and anyway, next thing you know Fireball and Jameson are being poured out.
When the fire water kicked in story time started. Story time went on for hours and we had a few bites to eat. Mostly the event was a liquid experience. Great venue!
I love the musical acts, I loved the staff, and the food was great, the drinks were better. This place rocked. All I know is I had an AMAZING time that night. For me, it was the best Unilocal Elite Event of 2015. But even this paled in comparison to the unofficial Unilocal Mamma Zu dinner last night. Just saying.

The food I did get to taste was phenomenal. Great music act. Nice bartenders, beer selection, and the owner is a U.S. Marine. Semper Fidelis.

What a great night of craft cocktails and yummy bites! Lauri T. really did a great job putting together a fun night of not only food but also music and crafts.
All of the food was good, but I greatly enjoyed the fish taco and chick pea burger. They had strawberry basil mojitos on happy hour special for $ 5. Strawberries were sliced fresh to order.
Though I did not make one there was a coaster making table where you could craft a coaster for your Unilocal pint glass (swag). I had a great time meeting some new Unilocal Elites last night as well as catching up with some that I already know. Always a great time to be had with Unilocal

What a fun and relaxing evening… gorgeous weather, fun people, delish food, great music, and crafts! Thanks to Lauri T for another fabulous Elite Event!
First, I was so excited to win one of the Bingo prizes, a gift card to 7 Stars Asian Cuisine in Shorty P — a first, I never win anything!!! Looking forward to trying out this «new to me» place since fellow Unilocalers seem to love-​love them!
Once we arrived and after a Bingo victory, we got our craft on by making some coasters! What a fun (and super useful) idea! In fact, mine is already in use! I think I will have to buy supplies to make more — as another Unilocaler said, one can’t have too many coasters!
The food… yum! Still dreaming of the fish tacos… crunchy and crispy fish with jalapeño ranch, cheese, and a spicy sauce. Just thinking about it makes my packed lunch seem so lame. My second fave was the spicy pulled pork BBQ topped with slaw. Sadly, we had to leave before the carrot cake arrived, but based on everything else, I am sure it was delish!
I do wish I could have better heard the band, but from what I did hear they were good. But, I enjoyed being on the patio in the nice evening weather. It’s nice to have a live music venue in the West End — you don’t always feel up for dealing with driving to downtown, finding parking, etc. So I am thrilled Tin Pan is here and I am sure I will return!
Thanks to Unilocal and Tin Pan for a fun evening!
Cheers!

A great time was had by all, myself included! I had never been to Tin Pin before and it was a nifty little bar/​music venue, I can definitely see it being a local favorite. The Unilocal swag at this event was great; while I made a nifty little coaster out of the craft materials there, I completely forgot my pint glass when I left. Definitely a facepalm moment!
The food samples were delicious and several I had never seen anywhere else. Usually I’m not a fan of fish tacos, though these were stellar and flavorful. The draft selection was impressive as well and I availed myself of a Devil’s Backbone to wash down all the excellent fare with.
The weather couldn’t have been better and the patio was perfect for the occasion. My +1 and I thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and we can’t wait for the next Elite event (or our next visit to Tin Pan!).

Great venue, the band (IIRC it was called High Noon?) was just the right sound for some Tuesday evening cocktailing, and the food samples were really stellar. The folks working the floor and the bar were top notch, and considering that Tin Pan has a solid singer-​songwriter show calendar, I think I’ll be back soon.

Such a pleasant night out! Even though we were primarily on the outdoor patio, the weather was mild so it was really comfortable. The music was very soothing too, although it’s a shame I wasn’t able to be a better audience for the band by sitting indoors. The space inside is large and very inviting as well.
I wish I could have enjoyed the Bingo game but it was over within the first ten minutes, lol.
The owners were awesome and the food was delicious. I agree with the comments my guests made that they should have had food spread out over a larger/​second table, because everyone crowding around a small table was not very efficient. Also, the food came out in small batches and there was considerable wait in between; I think they should have started preparing beforehand, especially if they anticipated a group as large as ours.
Granted, I realize they are primarily a music venue and that the food was just a generous side offering, but it’s hard when this event took place during prime dinnertime and most of us came immediately from work hungry, lol.
I was happy to get another Unilocal pint glass, and the coaster decorating station was a lot of fun too. All in all, another great event put on by Lauri! I wasn’t even expecting an event so soon after the Unilocaler party.

I won’t claim my appreciation for the event doesn’t at least partially stem from my success at bingo, which was pretty awesome, but despite being a considerably more nosh-​and-​chill event than a lot of our more active meet-​ups [which is still awesome], I feel like I got a lot out of the evening, including some pleasant conversation and rock-​solid souvenirs.
I love the coaster-​crafting, just for starters, and am determined to get my hands on some modge-​podge of my own to make some more [you can never have too many coasters]. I may have ruined my manicure with the paint, but that’s easily redone, and my clothes are still safe, so…
The venue itself is a lovely spot, good sized inside with a stage for week-​long live music [though I note the sound is not nearly as good on the patio, which is a pity, cause High Noon was good]. It pays to note that the owner was determined to make sure the food and drinks were up to par as well, though, and it’s a bit of a relief since a lot of music venues fall pretty flat where comestibles are concerned. The voracity with which we fell upon the trays of food delivered to the Unilocal party illustrates the quality of it, I think. Unilocalers can be little locusts, sure, but we can also be pretty picky and when the repeat dishes arrived [to make sure everyone got some!] they were inhaled in an eyeblink, just like the initial offerings.
Of particular note [because the korean bbq was awesome and the tiny bacon-​something quesadillas were great, but they are perhaps a less rare find] were the chickpea patties [kind of like falafel, but not deep fried] and the obscenely delicious roast beet and carrot salad for being both vegetarian and gluten free. Definitely a good place to spend an evening.

Lauri T put on a great event tonight and bailed me out. Owe you and Ty again. First time at Tin Pan and first Unilocal event for me and the Mrs. This place is very spacious and has something for everybody. Diverse crowd with live music every night at 7pm. Happy hour last until 8pm with good deals on draft beer and house wine. Had the fish tacos, Korean pork on flat bread and the chick pea burgers (stepped out my box for that one). The carrot cake and key lime pie is crazy good. Owner is on sight and was helping serve and checking on us. Greg service. We will be back soon!

This was my first Unilocal Elite Event and it did not disappoint. It was so great meeting fellow foodies like myself. Lauri T. did an amazing job organizing a wonderful event in an up and coming establishment. The wonderful music, ice breaker game, Unilocal swag and yummy eats and drinks was definitely enjoyed by all. I also met some new Unilocal buddies (shout outs to Polina T. & Douglas W.) I can’t wait until the next event!
I would have never discovered this musical gem if not for this gathering. Tin Can has very rustic but intimate setting. The music, artwork, décor and ambience all bring this place together. The owner Kevin was so down to earth and hard working. He took time to give us the background story of The Tin Can. I will definitely be back to enjoy some great music and food. This is a venue like no other in Richmond. We need to spread the word to keep this unique spot open.