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Hours
Sun
10:00 AM - 9:30 PM
Mon
11:00 AM - 9:30 PM
Tue
11:00 AM - 9:30 PM
Wed
11:00 AM - 9:30 PM
Thu
11:00 AM - 9:30 PM
Fri
11:00 AM - 10:30 PM
Sat
11:00 AM - 10:30 PM
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Details
Someone from this business manages this listing.
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PRICE RANGE
$15.00 – $40.00
CUISINES
Steakhouse, Contemporary
Special Diets
Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
meals, features
Does this restaurant offer takeout or food to go?
Details
About
Bringing river front dining back to Hopewell! The Boathouse at City Point has incredible scenic views of the Appomattox and James rivers
PRICE RANGE
$15.00 – $40.00
CUISINES
Steakhouse, Contemporary
Special Diets
Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Drinks
FEATURES
Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Private Dining, Seating, Parking Available, Free off-street parking, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Discover, Table Service, Waterfront, Gift Cards Available
Contribute
4.0
244 reviews
Excellent
112
Very good
61
Average
35
Poor
20
Terrible
16
Claire Marie
6 contributions
Jul 2020 • none
Due to COVID, the restaurant used a mobile ordering system - basically you scan a QR code with your phone, select menu items to add to cart, and pay for the items in your cart. You can do this all at once, or if you want to get your orders at different times, you'll have to make different orders and pay each time. The system didn't work great - there may have been some miscommunication in the kitchen because we'd receive our orders, and then the wait staff would come out with the same order for us mistakenly. I'd imagine under normal circumstances, it wouldn't be as disorganized. Food was decent, but we felt it was slightly overpriced, although a 20% gratuity is included in the price. Location was beautiful. Overall it was alright, felt safe eating there, but would have likely enjoyed it more under normal circumstances.
Written July 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LizB00
Chesterfield36 contributions
Sep 2020 • friends
I joined a couple of friends for a leisurely lunch on one of the few weekdays they are now open for lunch. Upon arrival the receptionist at the front entry wanted to know if we had reservations. We did not know we needed reservations but were seated at a nice window table. The restaurant only had about a dozen other customers during the time we were there. We had to use our smartphones to review the menu, order and pay for our drinks and food. We had servers that were very kind and patient helping with the process since this was all new to us. Not sure what customers would do if they do not have a smartphone. The food overall was okay. My Chicken Chesapeake was tasty and the portions very generous. It did appear the dish had been warmed up and not freshly prepared. My asparagus was soggy and overcooked. Just a couple notes to customers planning to go in the near future. Read the website or call so you understand you need reservations although the place may appear empty. They add 20% gratuity automatically to all orders listed as a service charge. They also have a line on the bill for additional gratuity to the already 20%, so you could double tip if not careful. I am not sure why they add 20% gratuity if you can use your smartphone to order and pay for everything. It appears all the server would need to do is bring drinks and food to the table. I know COVID-19 has changed many things restaurants can do and not do for safety so I overlook some inconvenience.
Written September 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Debbie J
6 contributions
Nov 2020 • none
The worst dining experience I have had eating out. I had to order my food via an app which was very impersonal but it was user friendly. The food was not bad but I had to remind the staff to bring 3 of the four things I ordered and that included my drink. Additionally, no one came by later to ask if you needed anything else. I think it is a rip off to have to pay a 20% tip upfront to people who I believe did not earn it, and that is probably why the service is so poor.
Written November 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rowdy2013
Colonial Heights52 contributions
Dec 2020 • couples
Very disappointed! Ordered online shrimp appetizer and wedge salad, and scallops entree with side salad (requested dressing on side) We ordered today because they advertised half price meal. There was a service charge in addition to tip. No idea what the service charge was for. We ordered & paid online, my husband went in to get the food. Meal cost over $50.00! There were 4 shrimp, 4 scallops which were ice cold (like out of the frig cold). Salad was already dressed, so was a soggy mess. Food was flavorful, but was over priced for the quantity/quality. I would have really been upset if I had paid full price!
Written December 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sarah
1 contribution
Jan 2022 • couples
We’ve have been guests at multiple Boathouse location after COVID reopenings and this just takes the cake.
My husband and I went for the end of happy hour and were going to stay for an early dinner. The hostess was nice, told us about the QR codes and the 20% (we knew this already and told her this…she continued to explain it). We sat down at the table (the only table the restaurant had…everybody was at the bar). Waitress came and we had the same conversation about the gratuity and QR code and asked if we knew how to use it (as we are scrolling the menu on our phones already).
We ordered an orange crush, a glass of wine, and a dozen oysters to start. The oysters came out before drinks. The cracker packs sitting on top of the open oysters (I didn’t particularly care for the cracker wrappers that have been who knows where sitting on the oysters I’m about to ingest so there’s that). No drinks. Drinks arrived 10-15 minutes later after we had basically finished the oysters. I watched the bartender make multiple other drinks for people at the bar, even people that had shown up and ordered after us. The waitress came back, there were two oysters left (just hadn’t gotten to them yet) and she’s trying to take our bowl. $20 for happy hour, not sure what type of oysters you’re getting is rough enough but at least give me time to finish. She then ran away before we had time to even ask about the drinks. A couple minutes later drinks arrived. There was no one else in the entire restaurant at a table throughout this time. All of the people working were hiding in the kitchen. My husband and I decided we weren’t going to wait around to see what else was in store. We paid our tab and left. No one at the counter spoke to us as we were leaving either.
For the cost and selling of an “experience” this was far from worthy. It seems that all the staff is worried about now is telling you about the gratuity, not living up actually giving you service up to par of that gratuity. We’ve had other times we have been at this same location and spoken to so many times by staff during our meal it was difficult to enjoy the meal. There has to be a happy medium somewhere between no service and over service. I don’t mind the electronic menu but the lack of ordering through a real person and a guaranteed gratuity has really shifted the quality of a nice restaurant with great views. I am happy to tip for quality service but it’s nicer to actually receive the service I’m tipping for, not just a demand for it and an explanation as to why it’s deserved on the card at the table.
My husband and I will think twice before returning to this location and save our tips for a staff that have provided excellent service.
Written January 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Derik J
1 contribution
Jul 2021 • none
My family and I were at City Point for my mother’s Birthday last evening 7-14-21. The experience was underwhelming to say the least. Our reservation was under the name Page at 6:30.
Our reservation outside on the patio was bungled and we had to plead for space outside since we have two small children and my wife is not yet comfortable dining inside of restaurants. Finally the lead hostess obliged and got us outside but rain came. We came back inside and she told us “I will not be able to move you again.” As if the rain was our fault. We couldn’t believe she actually said that to us.
The ordering system you have adopted really needs improvement. The young servers did not explain it well causing people at our table to order at different times causing food to come out much to early. The servers brought 3 orders of zucchini chips to our table at different times when we only ordered 1. The waitress brought bread at the end of our meal. It was the definition of a disjointed dining experience. We had a birthday cake that we asked to be brought to us at the end of the meal that was brought only after we waited 30 minutes once dinner was done and I reminded a manager. Plates stayed on the table for an uncomfortably long time once entrees were finished.
Finally, the price points you have at The Boat House warrant better service and a superior dining experience. I felt like at was at Arby’s or some other kind if rushed, unmemorable experience. If I wanted to order like I was on door dash, I would have stayed home and ordered door dash. Service is key to a complete dining experience and from the moment we walked into the door, it just was not there. This was easily the most disappointing experience we’ve had at any Boathouse since it’s inception years ago. I am not sure if we will be back at this point.
Written July 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Daniel Baumann
Mechanicsville1 contribution
Sep 2021 • friends
My wife and I had dinner at the Boathouse along with two other couples. We were received with a big smile and seated just as soon as we arrived. That is pretty much our pleasant experience ended.
Unfortunately this establishment, like many others these days, gives you access to the menu via a QR code readable via smart phone. Old fashioned printed menus on a piece of paper are not available. For those folks who don’t have a smart phone, good luck. Regrettably, us old timers had to go through a 10 - 15 min instruction session since the ordering process was extremely complex and therefore a bit confusing. Each couple wanted to get their own bill for the food and drinks, but once we ordered and come pay time, it did not quite turn out this way. Also, we were instructed to first only order drinks and appetizers. Entrees should ordered later. Everyone ordered their drinks and appetizers and approx. 15 minutes later the wrong drinks arrived but the appetizers were correct and followed 10 min later. Once we consumed the appetizers, unfortunately one of the couples waited about 5 minutes longer to order their main course. Their entrees arrived at least 30 minutes after the other two couples were served! Quite frankly, I have never experienced a kitchen which makes sure that all guest seated at the same table get served at the same time. Also, it appeared that our waitress just suddenly vanished and was not to be seen until we all paid our bills. Speaking of which, the software controlled billing system was a mess as well. Really too bad that management must have decided to robotize the ordering process and therefore completely took out the human element, which to me is such an important part in the restaurant business, especially for an eating establishment which considers itself better than average.
Written September 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kevin R
1 contribution
Sep 2021 • none
I must start with a positive comment. The food is very good. Now the overall experience. Just FYI, you are being charged a 20% service fee on your entire check for FOOD RUNNERS. You are seated at a table and given instructions to open the menu on your phone. I was actually ok with this because of the current pandemic. There are no servers, only food runners. You have to place orders on your personal electronic device and food runners will bring your orders as they are prepared. If you have any questions about the menu, good luck finding a person to ask. Should you want any substitutions or changes to the item you are ordering, the employee will tell you to use the comment section on your electronic device, when ordering, Order is placed and in a reasonable time period, food arrives. After all the food was delivered, we did not have another live person stop by our table for at least 30 minutes or more. Not one person stopped by to ask how the food was or if there is anything else needed during dinner. Finally, 20 minutes after everyone had finished eating, we did have a person clear the table. We planned on ordering dessert but it took so long to clear the table, we gave up. No after dinner drinks, no dessert and no service. This restaurant is trying to be futuristic but they have a long ways to go. An upscale restaurant should not use a Kiosk like ordering system that you would find in a fast food restaurant.
Written September 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Snowbirdgirly
Palm Beach Gardens3 contributions
Oct 2021 • none
I want to tell you I loved the Boathouse, but that would be untrue. But with some changes it could be amazing.The ordering experience, prices and extra 20% servings charge to cover paying their employees a fair wage seemed patronizing. Then after being told no gratuity is required it pops up as an ask when you are checking out.
Instead of spending 5 minutes to tell us about the amazing food options, the server spent 5 confusing minutes telling us how we can order our food using our phone or pressing a button for help ordering. It felt so impersonal not a dining experience to be savored but more like your first time at a drive thru restaurant. For a cocktail that costs 14.50 you would think they could figure out how to make a profit to pay their employees. Back to what’s needed: ditch the ordering experience and the service fee, add back the friendly service, price becomes less important if the experience is memorable.
Written October 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MTB_28
Midlothian13 contributions
Oct 2021 • friends
Great setting but the ordering and service is awkward and completely takes away from the dining experience. We are used to scanning the QR code to see the menu but here you have to order and pay on your phone too. You can’t ask about the dishes, ask for another drink, and you have lots of different servers but no service. I wanted veggies for the crab and artichoke dip and was told the kitchen would do it for me but they didn’t and the server that told me that was never back. It was an awkward experience and actually laughable. Also, the water glasses are miniature fruit juice size. All in all, we were able to laugh it all off but wouldn’t go back. The automatic service charge of 20% would be fine if you actually received great service but you don’t.
Written October 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steven R
35 contributions
Feb 2022 • couples
I have written a lot of reviews but not for awhile due to Covid. I have been here at least twice before and it was up to expectation. Everything has changed for the worse! The new California style of ordering by your phone is cumbersome and no better than going thru the buffet line at Golden Corral. Some people, even now, do not have “smart phones” to do this, or resent this! The prices on everything has been jacked sky high and the automatic 20% gratuity is an in your face insult for poor service! They do less for a guaranteed tip that is supposed to insure prompt and quality service, don’t expect either! The actual entrees were disappointing. $16 for a burger was about the least expensive and your plain fish & chips, usually affordable more! I ordered an Irish coffee and was brought what appeared to be day old coffee with a shot added, no heavy cream on top! I sent it back because for $12 you can expect it to be made correctly you would think. Jalapeño hush puppy starters were dry, obviously frozen packed, with no evidence of jalapeño or cheese filling. They served a dip cup with some type of concoction unrecognizable. My burger was served but dropped off and wait staff disappeared and never checked back. I had no catsup or salt& pepper nor did they ask or offer. I could go on but suffice it to say the food quality is poor to mediocre at best, and not worth the exorbitant prices. Seafood entries would take a Brinks truck to pay for! The service was all but non-existent and with auto gratuity an insult. With Covid restrictions being reduced or eliminated, management needs to rethink its business. As for me, never again! Find a Diner, fast food place or eat at home. Over priced and poor service.
Written February 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LizB00
Chesterfield36 contributions
Apr 2023 • couples
We made reservations at the Boathouse for Easter brunch as a last minute decision because others places we tried were full. Reservations were made online, so we were not aware this particular Sunday was a rather pricey buffet only menu. The choices for food and the quality were excellent. My husband and I said it was perhaps the best buffet we had ever had. Everything we tried was delicious.
The big disappointment was the service. Our hostess sat us at a table for two with no water glasses, napkin or cutlery and did not seem to notice as she walked away after managing to inform us that there would be a twenty percent gratuity for the buffet. We started to take a set of items from the table next to us, which was properly sat for guests, but managed to get the hostess attention before she left the area. Our server then came over and explained where all the various buffet items were located and provided water and took our drink order and then disappeared. I don’t recall our server asking if everything was ok or checking to see if we needed something else to drink. The nice guy clearing tables actually asked if we wanted another drink. We were wanting a cup of coffee to enjoy with desserts but could not locate our server. My husband finally located her looking on her cell phone while he was waiting for ice cream at the dessert station. We don’t mind giving twenty percent gratuity for decent service, and as a norm we always give that or more. However to automatically change for that a buffet with poor service is unacceptable. There appears to be no incentive for better service if everyone gets an automatic fixed gratuity.
Written April 12, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Susan C
Spring Grove3 contributions
Jul 2021 • friends
Food and drinks were great. Great view. Be prepared to have to use your smartphone to view the menu and place your order. Automatic 20% gratuity is added to your order.. Thought I had placed my appetizer by touching place order but after waiting a few minutes after our friends appetizer arrived waitress said it wasn’t on our order. So we all place our main order and 3 of ours arrive and once again when asked where the 4th order was we were told it did not show on our order. We told the waitress and manager when she came over that we did not want the order. Before we leave a waitress brings the missing order to our table. Needless to say it was left there ( we did say we did not want it). If you are trying to have your waitresses not mess up orders try getting iPads for each table to use not everyone has a smartphone. Will not be going back unless the ordering Process changes.
Written July 31, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Curl1
Colonial Heights10 contributions
Sep 2023 • friends
I really wanted to be pleased with my dining experience last night, but not much has changed since we last visited several years ago. First, we had to wait for a reserved table when there was plenty of open seating. I had requested an outside table, but we were seated inside. Our “captain” was very nice, as were other young women who came and when from our table. but food was slow in coming out, and the appetizers plates, serving dishes, and empty oyster shells were left on the table during almost the entire meal. People seated near us were immediately served bread. We asked twice for bread, but it didn’t arrive until we were almost finished eating, and no one ate the two loaves that were finally brought. My $44 filet minion entree was overcooked and arrived cold, covered in a dark brown gravy that looked and tasted suspiciously like a jarred gravy from the grocery store. I’m not even sure the cut of meat was a filet. The asparagus and mashed potatoes that accompanied the steak were adequate, but were as cold as the steak. My husband said his $30 fish and chips were nothing special. I was given a complimentary birthday dessert, which was good; however, my dining companions were never offered desserts, menus, or anything else like coffee or an after dinner drink. The Boat house is trying to position themselves as a fine dining establishment; in fact, they have the fine dining prices and the fine dining location. But lack of attention to detail, an inexperienced, teenaged staff, and sub-par food will have us driving to Richmond, for better, similarity priced celebration meals.
Written September 21, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
loves2travelandmore
553 contributions
Jul 2023 • couples
The Boathouse restaurant is very attractive--a modern, contemporary setting overlooking the mouth of the Appomattox River. Both indoor and outdoor dining are available and, of course, there is a full bar. Service was excellent. The clam chowder was good, but the Peach and Bourbon Glazed Salmon on a bed of corn, tomatoes, and green beans was absolutely delicious. The creme brulee and the mixed berry bread pudding with vanilla ice cream were also very good. A watermelon margarita was small and overpriced at $14.50.
Reservations are made online. An automatic 20% service charge is added to the bill "which allows us to pay a professional wage to our service team". The noise level was moderate.
Written July 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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