The Rogue Gentlemen

My only regret is having waited so long to come to The Rogue Gentlemen for dinner. My wife and I came here on a Thurs night and were extremely happy with our meal. We started with crispy chicken skin, which was terrific. Then we went right in to a 3 course tasting menu. Not cheap, but it highlighted the best of the chef. Shrimp with turnip purée, then hanger steak with mushrooms and pumpkin jam, and finally duck confit with white asparagus. Everything was excellent, and we asked our server Vinny to pair each course with wine, which did not disappoint. Finally, our white chocolate cheesecake may have been the best restaurant dessert I’ve ever eaten.
Vinny was very personable and knowledgeable about the food menu, cocktail menu, and wine list. Kudos to him for great service!
I guess beauty is in the eye (or stomach) of the beholder, but I read many other reviews here on Unilocal and simply don’t understand how anyone can dislike The Rogue Gentlemen unless the negative reviewers are folks who just love Chili’s and Outback.
If you consider yourself a foodie, you owe it to yourself to try The Rogue Gentlemen. I suspect you won’t be disappointed.

Very much liked rogue gentleman and will return. Massive crafted cocktail menu. Use some different spirits so hard to figure out what you are going to like. However staff will help you any way it can. Truly personalized dining experience. Being small with only a few tables they can devote a lot to service at each table and making you feel you are part of the rogue gentleman family. The menu is a little limited and probably why I’m leaving it at 4 stars as its not enough to satisfy regular visits. Everything is high quality though and not overly priced.

Dumbfounded.
This place was NOT good. Our table joked about leaving and going to Cook-​Out. I generally love Richmond restaurants and was excited to be back in town to try a new one. Big mistake coming to the Rogue Gentlemen.
THE DRINKS:
We were a table of 4 and ordered from their ridiculously complex drink menu. The idea of having their winter drink menu resemble a ski slope course is cute, but poorly executed. It took approximately 15 minutes to receive our cocktails; this seemed reasonable to me considering the level of drink complexity. I got the Soviet Slope (charred Machu Pisco, cherry heering, Becherovka, orange & angostura bitters). I liked it, but I didn’t love it. I want to love it if it costs me more than what I can count on 10 fingers. My friends also liked theirs, but again, we’ve all had (way) better at The Heritage or The Roosevelt.
THE FOOD:
Holy shit. This was so profoundly disappointing it makes me want to cry. You can do two things: chefs tasting menu or a la carte. We choose a la carte and got a lot of food. We had the rolls, chicken skins, beets, shrimp chorizo, brussel sprouts, and sweet potato gnocchi. The waiter said the rolls were a must try… They tasted like a regular olé’ friggin’ roll. They aren’t amazing, so I don’t get the hype. However, I did enjoy the sorghum butter that is served with them. Chicken skins were very salty to me, but some people I was with liked them. Beets were a joke. It’s served with a heaping amount of cream cheese and not enough beets; overall lacking flavor and creativity. Shrimp chorizo: weird, maybe an acquired taste. The brussel sprouts– So salty I could only eat one bite. These would’ve been the highlight otherwise. The brussels are roasted with salt, served with brined olives, and salty bacon. It’s tossed in a garlicky/​salty aioli. What made the chef think olives in brine were a good idea for this dish? Finally, gnocchi was okay. I liked the mushroom sauce and texture of gnocchi, but the sweet potato flavor wasn’t coming through.
My total (with tip) was $ 46 after a four-​way split on the check. Maybe it was an off-​night for the chef. Maybe the tasting menu would have expressed better flavors. Either way, I won’t be back.

I know. I know. It looks so good, right? The drinks were good. The food was bad. Richmond has so many choices, this place won’t be here long if they don’t make some changes.
They had this cute idea to do a ski/​cocktail menu, meaning it looks like a ski pamphlet but the «slopes» are their drink specials. It’s a little complex because the drinks are super unique. The drinks take a long time-​maybe 15 – 20 min. I get it though. It takes awhile to make some mixology-​type drinks. The drinks were just okay. Sorry. There is a niche for these kinds of cocktails I guess and it’s not me. That being said, no one disliked their cocktail at a table of 4. Unfortunately, I can’t say the same for the food.
For dinner you can chose a la carte or the chef’s tasting menu for $ 13/​course (per person) for a minimum of 3 courses. The waiter was trying to sell us on the 5 course dinner. Everyone at the table has to agree to do a tasting menu, but my table decided some of the menu options looked good.
We ordered the chicken skins, duck sliders, rolls, beets, Brussel sprouts, shrimp chorizo, and sweet potato gnocchi. Chicken skins had a hot sauce/​honey sauce lightly applied. Some people at my table said they were too salty, but I thought they were okay. The duck sliders had a sauce that reminded me of a Thanksgiving gravy so they were okay. And then things got worse… the waiter said no matter what we had to try these rolls. 4 rolls came on a skillet. Whats the big deal? You can have this rolls ANYWHERE. Probably even find rolls like this in the freezer isle of your local grocery store. The beets were like roasted beets from anywhere else with this cream cheese like stuff on the plate. The ratio was off and we received more cream cheese than beets. Not good. The brussel sprouts were roasted nicely with nuts and olives. I’m not sure what happened, but they were so salty. I like salt. I even like a lot of salt sometimes, but this was overpowering. Not good. The shrimp chorizo was weird and not good. It tasted really fishy or old or something. The sweet potato gnocchi had a nice texture and I liked the flavor of the sauce with the mushrooms, but something with the gnocchi themselves was off. It seemed like the wrong spices or something.
I hate to leave bad reviews of local businesses, but there was not one single thing we ate or drank last night that I thought «wow, this is so good.» Our total bill for 4 drinks and the food described above (only one entrée course), was $ 140. That doesn’t include a tip, which adds at least $ 28 more. For $ 170 I should have really liked something, right? You guys can spend your money so much better in local Richmond restaurants. If you read this review and still insist on going, maybe have a drink and an appetizer and go somewhere else for dinner. If you have to eat here I guess try the tasting menu, because the menu items were not good.

Not all who wander are lost, but the ones who are probably end up at the Rouge Gentlemen.

Tonight my life was changed. Vinny and the fine folks at the rogue gentlemen Took my girlfriend and I on a culinary adventure!
We ended up going with the chefs choice, giving us each an opportunity to try three unique, off menu items. It started with a juicy, mouthwatering mushroom… I did not know that was possible. Then, it’s moved into noodles made from scallops! The grand finale with some type of steak with the perfect mixture of everything I never knew I needed, yet always wanted.
In between courses we sampled some delicious drinks. I can’t pretend to remember the names, but the one involving fire, a percolator, and black tea really did it for me in a special way.
Will we be back? You bet!

A place that is fun, interesting, and classy, and there is a lot of humor in the décor and on the menus. The food is excellent, though a lot of it was over my head and I didn’t necessarily understand how everything was prepared. We had the duck sliders to start — there might be some kind of law in Richmond that all menus have to have sliders on them. Then we moved on to ribs with grits and a couple other main courses. Most of the sauces were salty, but in a good way, highlighted with a subtle sweetness that balanced the salt and the savory qualities of the meat and vegetables. A lot of the main courses are cooked with wine and spirits, like they were deliberately serving food that might go with the cocktails.
The staff does have a pretentious air, but it’s deliberate. They are trying to give people a classic experience, and the staff has a role to play to create that atmosphere. The bartenders are a little looser and less affected than the waitstaff, but everyone plays their role well. Patrons with an understanding that this is part of the experience won’t be offended at all.
The wine list is, you know, expensive. The Gentlemen specializes in craft cocktails, and they really are elaborate and fantastic. We shared a few and I liked the smoky scotch and apple cider mix best, if only because it’s so distinctive. I thought I’d be more of an ‘Off-​Duty Pirate’ fan because that one is fairly straightforward compared to the others: a couple different rums, vermouth, and some kind of Jamaican dram. It’s a little acrid, but it works, though it has a heavy alcohol, almost fueled flavor. They rotate the offered cocktails so it might be a different list each time you go.

Fab Jackson Ward spot. Very nin description exterior, but a gem inside. Shaun our mixologist was amazing and recommended drinks on their menu based on what we liked. They were superb. Added some apps and had a great treat. It’s on my list of favs.

Although it says it’s open right now it actually is not. We got an über from the other side of town to have cocktails but when we opened the door they let us know they’re open for a private party only. I’m sure this rating will be updated at some point and I did check their website to make sure we weren’t missing something. Luckily Max’s on Broad is a great alternative.

Absolutely amazing. Service was fantastic. Cocktails were delicious (the menu looked like mad libs– pretty cute). Menu was delicious– highly recommend the fried chicken skins and rolls. Basically like a tiny awesome Brooklyn place landed in RVA. I’m very impressed. A new fav

I think it’s safe to say that I’m a fan of The Rogue Gentleman. At first I was a little leery. I was not acknowledged for at least 15 minutes when I walked in. Bad sign! Could it be because I was in jeans and a rain jacket when everyone else had on business suits? Let’s just say that as soon as I walked in, I was immediately aware of my age and attire. It doesn’t seem like a place for youngin’s to convene, but I could be totally wrong. This was my first time going so it’s only fair that I give them some more time before I develop a firm opinion.
I was the first one to get there from my group, so not only was I not acknowledged for a while, but I was also alone. If I’m stuck on this, then why did I ultimately give them 4 stars? Well, because when they finally did acknowledge my presence, they were fine. They make a great drink here, there’s no denying that. And they’re strong! Consider that a warning. They were really accommodating for our group of 6. We switched tables and even had them add an extra seat. Between us we ordered the rolls, scallops ceviche, and a more drinks than I want to admit. The Dealer’s Choice drink was the best option. You tell them your spirit of choice and what type of flavor you like. My order for something like that is always rum and sweet. I’m a sucker for a girly, sweet drink. Who really likes the taste of liquor anyway? The rolls were the stand outs from all of the food. They tasted quite pretzel-​y which I thought was delicious.
Overall, I’m not sure how often I’ll go back to the Rogue Gentleman. Yes the drinks are great, but I ended up leaving with a hefty bill. I’m all for getting what you pay for, but their prices may be a little too rich for my blood! That, on top of the not-​so-​welcoming bartenders, makes me think that I’ll stick to my regular bar and only come here every once in a while.

I’ll start by saying I love the concept of this place and I might give it another try… but for three people to have spent $ 200 on 8 drinks 1app and three entrées…it might not sound like that much for that many items (average $ 16 per item) but let me go into more detail…
We arrived at about 6:00pm to grab a quick meal and drinks before our 8pm concert. I should have heeded the reviews about how this isn’t a good place to go when you’re in a rush, but I figured we’d sit at the bar and be served quick enough. I was wrong.
Service: let me start by saying the guy was nice… for what I saw of him. He spent most of the night standing in the same spot giving his biceps a workout shaking drinks. I hardly saw him move. That’s probably because each drink took between 2 – 5 minutes to make. The drinks were great, don’t get me wrong, but tiny. I’m sure a million other people have described the Richard Gere themed drink menu, so I’ll leave that alone. I can’t really fault the guy for being slow he was just bogged down with making fussy drinks for the whole restaurant… alone. I’m rating the audacity that one guy can do this on his own more than the service: 2
Food: the food was good. The portions were tiny like the drinks, and while I’m not expecting chain restaurant size portions I’d be a little less ornery that it took so long to order it and get it if there were more of it. I had the Tartare and Risotto… both were great but small and took so long to get I actually thought he hadn’t put the order in. Food: 3
Ambience: small with an attempt at a gastropub theme… I feel like it was a little dirty and I could smell mildew behind the bar. Meh. Ambience: 2
Value: holy cow this is where they failed. Great drinks and food were negated by tiny portions and slow service and large price tags. Value: 1
I might try it again with more of a mind on my money and if I have more time. We were 5 minutes late to our concert which was within walking distance. Crazy!

I had read some good reviews and so felt it was time to check them out.
They do have a great drink menu and it was hard to chose what to try. I wasn’t thrilled with my drink but that was more due to fact that I didn’t have a good sense of what it might taste like from the description.
We decided to try the 5 course prix fixe menu. The portion sizes were generous for a prix fixe type meal. Everything was flavorful but definitely over salted. By the end of the evening both my wife and I had a racing heart beat from all the extra sodium.
This place could easily be a four with little improvements here and there.
May well try it again.

We went a little later on a Sunday night sat at the bar. It was fairly quiet with a nice relaxed atmosphere. I asked the bartender to make me whatever made him happy inside and it was absolutely wonderful, twice. Each drink was very different from light, refreshing and citrusy to rich, deep and smoky.
We started with the tartar (glorious!). The bartender was personable and recommended the snapper. Never go against a server’s suggestion. It was absolutely delicious and tender with a light and crispy crust. The sweet fish paired beautifully with the earthy black tahini.
Holy dessert. Do yourself a favorite and do it. We had a chocolate cremawhootinannie and brioche donuts. Yes. Brioche donuts should be a thing everywhere, especially drizzled with honey and ground pistachios. The chocolate thing was great too, but especially when spread on a fried piece of brioche.
In conclusion: You will drink fantastic beverages made by knowledgable people and eat food that could stand up to places like Magpie and Saison (two of my favorites). Kick gluteus maximus Richmond food. Eat it. Support it.

Few places I have been to do craft cocktails right. The Rogue Gentlemen is one of those places! No vodka. You have a wide selection of gin, whiskey, bourbon and tequila to choose from in either their signature seasonal menu, dealers choice or by order. The dealers choice is a neat option. You pick a liquor and then give them two descriptor words from a list and they will whip you up an amazing beverage. I really liked Pack of Wild Dogs.
I really wanted to try the burrata and so glad that I did. It was aca-​awesome! (Pardon the Pitch Perfect reference) Creamy burrata with pesto, beets and pistachios. Served with toasted crostini and it really hit the spot. Their fresh backed rolls with house-​churned salted butter is also delicious. Wished that I’m not eaten dinner before coming as the menu is droolworthy.
They drink menu is presented in such a humorous and adorable manner; storybook style. I wanted to bring it home with me. The owner even gave us a sneak peak at the spring menu and it’s going to be epic!

We came here for drinks on a Saturday night. The place has great atmosphere and the bartenders are very personable. Service was slow-​moving, but this isn’t the kind of place you go to be in a rush.
I am the opposite of a cocktail aficionado, so if you are one, don’t put much (any?) weight in this review. I went here specifically in an effort to expand my cocktail horizons.
I was tempted by the «dealer’s choice» concept (pick two adjectives off the list and the bartender makes you a drink), but I was too intrigued by the actual drink menu to venture from it. I ordered the broken compass and husband had the fiery igloo. We ended up switching drinks, but I was honestly having trouble with both of them. They were very strong and probably didn’t have enough non-​alcohol flavor for me (which says way more about me than this place).
I almost ordered the cuckolded yeti, but decided against. We later watched the bartender make it for someone else and I regretted my choice. Sitting at the bar and watching them make drinks is pretty impressive. I felt like we were in an apothecary.
We had the sauteed calamari with our drinks and it was super yummy. I’d like to go back and have dinner. And, ask the bartender which cocktail I should order.

This place is goddamn amazing. If you need more than that, then keep reading, but you should just exact some taste and roll up into this place with your girl.
Next level drinks will be made for you here that cross the threshold of the sublime, and beyond, into the savage and indiscreet realms of the perverse.
You want your whiskey «washed in foie gras» — just read the menu and you’ll be amazed. The menu is also an amazingly crafted mini-​book. Not some kitschy old book with the menu glued in or some elaborate bound deal.
That said: Worth a read.
Each drink is worth ordering, but try the «Dealer’s Choice» — Basically, you’re instructed to throw down a few adjectives from the list and choose a spirit and the bartender will work some magic. It wouldn’t work in most places, but I kind of like asking «What you like to make?» anyway, figuring it will pay dividends. Here, this is a good environment to go for the gold.
The kitchen smells wafting around the place were awesome too, and the rockfish entrée was definitely amongst the best dishes I’m likely to have all year. I’ll be back STAT.

Went here with a large group, a mixture of adventurous eaters and very picky eaters/​drinkers. The Rogue Gentleman offered something for everyone. The drinks were out of this world, not one of us got a drink we did not like– probably partially due to the waiter being very in tune with our likes/​dislikes and offering great suggestions. If nothing else, go here for some outstanding, artistically created pre-​prohibition style cocktails, they are awesome.
The food at Rogue Gentleman was great, but did not hold a candle to the drinks. We ordered all of the bar snacks as well as the Parkerhouse rolls as a starter. I would highly recommend the fried chicken skins and Parkerhouse rolls to start. For dinner, we tried a few different pastas (and got an extra serving of one because of a kitchen error!), the rockfish entrée, and the Porchetta sandwich. Everyone was satisfied with their meals but could not stop talking about the drinks!
Definitely make a reservation, the restaurant is very small and can have a long wait if not. The wait staff and bartenders are extremely knowledgeable about everything on the menu, so make sure to ask questions!

I love when restaurants offer a chef’s tasting. Think of them as sampler platters but served in courses instead of all at once.
We tried the chef’s tasting with foie gras and truffle on Tuesday night, and every course was bursting with flavor, and pairings of ingredients not-​so-​obvious but amazingly complementary. Creative and talented chef!
Warm, cozy atmosphere. Attentive, unpretentious service. Delicious food and beautiful presentation! Theirs is a menu for a discerning palate that will not appeal to everyone. No burgers, fries or fried chicken, but lamb and duck instead.
My only complaint with Rogue Gentlemen is that, even with a five course tasting, the portions were not filling. We were still hungry an hour later and ended up eating again. You guessed it – burgers and fries, ha!

After reading all about the buzz it received at 2014 Broad Appetit, The Rogue Gentlemen totally lives up to the hype! Fabulous craft cocktails and great food that won’t totally break the bank. Their cocktail and food menus change constantly which makes it exciting for customers — you’re most likely to always try something new!
— Sol y Sombra: fun cocktail that’s very rum-​y and tropical with the pineapple and lime juices. And bonus: it comes in a tiki cup with a cute, colorful paper umbrella.
–Pork Belly Rillette: love rillette but this was disappointingly mediocre, needed some more «oomph» in flavor
–Snapper Crudo: LOVE me some crudo! The salty salmon roe pairs perfectly with the yuzu juice and really enhances the raw fish
–Burrata Cheese: great idea to pair the buttery cheese with olives, hummus, and tabouleh — nice Middle Eastern twist and it could be a meal on its own
–Spanish Mackerel: SO MUCH LOVE FOR THIS DISH. Spanish mackerel is different from the American variety — it has the same texture as poached salmon but tastes more like halibut. Incredibly generous portion of fish and the roasted potatoes and padron peppers made it very home-​y, this was definitely the star dish that night.
–Panna Cotta: this pudding-​like dessert is not much of a looker but it was the perfect just-​sweet-​enough bite
Our server was super lovely and attentive and the bartenders really know their stuff and take their time perfecting each craft cocktail. Love all these great restaurants popping up in Jackson Ward and The Rogue Gentlemen is definitely worth a visit for all foodies and cocktail lovers!