Barrister's at The Esquire Hotel

Name: Barrister's at The Esquire Hotel
Address: 168 W Main Ave, Gastonia, NC, United States, 28052-2306
Telephone: (980) 888-1502
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.6

4.6

72 Reviews

$30 and under

American

Top Tags:

Welcome to Barrister's at The Esquire Hotel! Located on the ground level of the restored Lawyer's Building, we strive to deliver a balance of Southern classics and soon to be new favorites. Custom cocktails and an adventurous wine list round out the options. Dine in doors beneath a 2 story vaulted ceiling or outdoors on our dreamy canopied patio. Join us where the past meets the present in Downtown Gastonia!

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Jun 10, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 4 times today

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Cuisines
American
Hours of operation
Mon–Sat 11:00 am–9:00 pm
Phone number
(980) 888-1502
Website
http://www.esquirehotel.com/dining
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Business Casual

Location
168 W Main Ave, Gastonia, NC 28052-2306
Neighborhood
Gastonia
Cross street
Main Ave and MLK Blvd
Parking details
Private Lot
Additional
Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Vegan, Wine

What 72 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6

4.6 based on recent ratings

4.6Food
4.5Service
4.7Ambience
4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

S
Sand
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined 7 days ago
overall4food4service2ambience4
Great food and atmosphere. Server could have been better.
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PW
PaulaW
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on May 27, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience4
Waitstaff was helpful and friendly. Took close to an hour to get our entrees. Food was very good. Nice selection (at a good price) of canned craft beers.
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NR
NancyR
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 23, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
This was the best meal I've had in a long time. Everything I had from the cocktails, appetizer, salad, and entree were made fresh and so full of flavor. My compliments to the chef. Reasonable prices and great atmosphere. I am recommending Barristers to all my friends!
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PW
PaigeWW
Charlotte
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on May 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Awesome first time dining at the Barrister’s with my Husband and two small children. The patio area is fantastic for evening dinners. The service is great, food and drinks are even better. The lavender lemonade is everything I want in a cocktail. The cheese board is very good and priced well. We would have enjoyed a few more crackers too accompany the larger cheese portions. I ordered the duck breast prepared medium and it was perfection. I enjoyed a slice of the cheesecake with my daughter for dessert, note she’s a fussy 6 year old and thought the cheesecake was excellent. We cannot wait to go back and enjoy this little gem right here in Gastonia!
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K
Kathy
Western NC
11 reviews
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on May 20, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
Steak prepared perfectly but a bit fatty like all ribeyes are
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Charlotte
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 13, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
4 of us (plus a stroller) attended an early Mother’s Day lunch at 12:30pm on a Saturday. We made a reservation, so our table was already set with menus which was nice. We were quickly greeted, everyone was very polite. The music in the background was enjoyable, the lighting was perfect, the atmosphere alone will have us coming back. My husband loved the cornbread from the bread service. My mother in law and I both ordered the salmon special, potato crusted in a creamy capers sauce - and it was worth the wait! (I started to feel like we were waiting a while for our food to come out but the appetizers we ordered held us over - bread service, bbq salmon, and a 1/2 salad) The salmon was PERFECTLY cooked all the way through and the sautéed snap peas were just delicious. My father in law had the duck and loved it. My husband had the 12oz steak and enjoyed every bite. My father in law enjoyed pecan pie for dessert and the rest of us enjoyed cheesecake. The menu said the cheesecake was “seasonal” which meant it may come out with fruit or caramel… but it came out plain. We still had the strawberry jam from the bread service on the table so we poured that over the cheesecake and it was wonderful. When we finished our meal, the hostess went outside with us to help take a group picture, it was our first outing with our one-week old baby. That level of customer service was much appreciated. My in laws said next time they’re in town, they want to stay there in the hotel, because they enjoyed the atmosphere so much.
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CJ
CraigJ
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
First time dining here and the service was fantastic and food was delicious! We will go back soon.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Charlotte
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on May 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
A thoroughly enjoyable meal from start to finish. The outdoor seating was great, cocktails were well-mixed, food was perfectly prepared, and our server was wonderful. Will definitely dine there again.
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TH
THERESAM
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience3
The servers at Barrister's took care of us. My husband, my grandson and I had a wonderful evening with delicious food and the best service we have had in a long while. The duck was good; the porkchop was spot on, and my grandson loved the mac and cheese. He spoke of it many times the rest of our weekend. We will be back!
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CA
CindyA
Charlotte
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Very enjoyable evening with good food , excellent service, cozy dining venue .
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AB
AlexB
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 29, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
We had a great night celebrating our anniversary at Barrister’s. The staff was very pleasant. The Brussels and cheesecake were amazing!
Barrister's at The Esquire HotelResponded on May 2, 2023We are delighted you chose us to celebrate such a lovely event. Please come back and visit with us any time. We would love to have you dine with us again.
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EM
EMMCL
Charlotte
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on April 24, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Sentell runs an outstanding restaurant right in the heart of our new home, Gastonia. The ambiance made us feel like we were in Europe or Morocco. Before we even arrived, Sentell made us feel welcome. He is the epitome of excellence, great job, well done. We celebrated our 19th wedding anniversary and the whole crew made us feel welcome. We thoroughly enjoyed the Salmon and Shrimp entrees. We started off with the most delicious appetizers, the Brussel sprouts and pimento cheese. Our meal was perfectly paired with Prosecco, a very delectable sparkling wine. Loved the water service too. The service was outstanding. Kaylee, excellent customer service. Christianne, superb customer service, she even acknowledged it was our anniversary. What a team. Just that extra touch we needed. We have traveled all over the world, eating in various restaurants. Barrister’s is definitely right at the top, great class. Love the rooftop too. We have already started making plans to return and bring friends & family too. Merci beaucoup et thank you very much for making our #19 as good as it gets. See you soon. The LOVET’S
Barrister's at The Esquire HotelResponded on May 2, 2023Thank you so much for such a heartfelt comment regarding Barrister’s and its staff. We strive daily to provide the best customer experience to each customer, making their dining experience magical as if its their first time. So, thank you again for the kind words. We look forward to having you and your family dine with us again.
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JJ
JJEMEDIA
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great experience in the heart of downtown Gastonia, NC. Service, on point and friendly. Food.. Duck and Shrimp entrees… cooked perfectly and oh so tasty. Drinks, nice! Bars is very cool. Give them a try!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Baltimore
13 reviews
vip
2.0
13 reviews
Dined on April 9, 2023
overall2food2service2ambience3
Best part was the ambiance. Entrees overpriced for portion. Drinks had something left to be desired.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Charlotte
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 30, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
It was my birthday!! super fun and beautiful with great food and nice service
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PG
PatriciaG
Charlotte
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on March 24, 2023
overall3food4service4ambience4
John was excellent waiter Service was slow for our food ( took 40 minutes) Appetizers excellent just needed additional chips My salmon and beet salad perfect We will be back for upstairs drinks, appetizers Thank you
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AD
AnnivDate
Charlotte
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on March 18, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience4
Duck and salmon were absolutely delicious. Seasonal cheesecake with Prosecco was the perfect dessert. Staff was kind, great experience overall.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Charlotte
15 reviews
4.0
15 reviews
Dined on February 17, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience5
It was great! This was my first time there. Met a friend to catch up on life so wanted a nice venue. Felt kind of silly that I made a reservation since we were the only two people in the restaurant from the time of the reservation (12pm) until we left two hours later. The food was excellent so I hope they make it!
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s
sandra
Charlotte
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on February 14, 2023
overall2food2service2ambience3
I'm sorry to say that our experience at the Barristers was not a good one. We waited almost an hour for our food. When we finally got it, my salmon was not good. It was over cooked. We had reservations for 4 days later for my birthday. We didn't want to keep the reservation, but we did. That experience was worse. I'm not going into details. We will continue going to Webb Street Restaurant.
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JS
JeffS
Charlotte
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 13, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Doesn't sound fancy but the pork chop was outstanding!!! My wife ordered the duck and loved it.
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s
steves
Cincinnati
77 reviews
vip
5.0
77 reviews
Dined on February 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
This was my first visit to Barrister's, but it won't be my last. There menu offered a nice selection of appetizers, salads, sandwiches and entrees. They also have a nice bar menu that includes wine by the glass that complements their wine by the bottle list. Our server was excellent!!
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SH
SHERRYP
Charleston
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on February 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Easy parking. Seated right away. Great value, huge portions for the price especially the appetizers. We had the Fried Okra and it was delicious. Mahi Mahi special and Ribeye was cooked and seasoned to perfection. Friendly and attentive server and bartender. Will definitely go back!
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LS
LaurenS
Charlotte
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Love love love the atmosphere! Food is amazing as always and the service is spectacular! 10/10 recommend!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Houston
2 reviews
2.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 3, 2023
overall2food1service5ambience3
Second time there, first time for dinner. Really wanted to love it but was disappointed. Ordered a steak and the shrimp. The steak was like it had been frozen and heated up. It had no juice at all. Inside was red (ordered medium rare) but no juice at all. Brussels app was way too sweet. Drinks very weak. Great place for lunch for a salad and a sandwich.
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J
Jasmine
Charlotte
4 reviews
2.0
4 reviews
Dined on January 28, 2023
overall2food3service2ambience3
Food took a very long time and the server didn’t update us or checked on us much. It took over an hour to get our food and it was not very appetizing. Salty.
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k
kathyd
Charlotte
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on January 27, 2023
overall4food5service4ambience4
Upscale dining in downtown Gastonia. Good for special occasions.
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b
bobcatbeck
Charlotte
32 reviews
vip
5.0
32 reviews
Dined on January 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Very nice meal for Queen's Feast. We loved our salmon entrees. Our server was very pleasant and attentive. A hidden gem in Gastonia, NC.
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KM
KathyM
Charlotte
17 reviews
5.0
17 reviews
Dined on January 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
My husband said his pork chop was the best he’s had. The cranberry jam on the Brussels sprouts and fried chicken was quite sweet, but the dishes were all tasty and the greens were especially good. The drinks were also wee-made and the service was attentive. They ere very busy due to Queen’s Feast week, but we will go back.
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b
bkwo
Charlotte
10 reviews
4.0
10 reviews
Dined on January 25, 2023
overall4food5service4ambience4
We were there during Queens Feast week. It was very busy. The service was slow but we expected it. The food was excellent!!
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SS
SusanS
Charlotte
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on January 24, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Birthday dinner was excellent! Great place, easy parking!
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ST
STFLCF
Charlotte
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on January 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Loved everything about Barrisers. This restaurant is a hidden gem! Will definitely go back!!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Charlotte
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on January 22, 2023
overall2food2service5ambience3
The food was just very bland, from the unmelted brie cheese, the caesar salad that was pretty tasteless and the main courses were just flavorless. The staff were spot on, very thoughtful and concerned with our experience..
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SP
SallyP
Charleston
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 14, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
First time dining there. Had family from out of town and booked them at the Esquire. Restaurant was very cozy and comfortable our server was really very good. Food was exceptional but the dessert was not so good. Pound cake was dry and burnt and the lemon pie was so so. Steaks were perfect and the martinis were great! Will definitely be back again
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Charlotte
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 13, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was excellent and service was great.
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K
Kathy
Western NC
11 reviews
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on January 13, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We love Barristers since discovering it many months ago. Food is always excellent as are the drinks and wait staff. Highly recommend. Recommend a reservation though since they are often busy. Go up and look at Gastonia after dinner.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Nashville
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on January 7, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
First time for dinner and it was amazing. We’ll definitely be back.
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L
Luckydiner
Charlotte
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on January 6, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience5
Great experience and the food was great. Had fried Brussel Sprouts appetizer and fried chicken sandwich. Both were delicious.
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LS
LaurenS
Exclusive
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on December 29, 2022
overall2food2service2ambience2
Table was ready when we arrived. Loud humming noise in the background made it hard to have conversations. Meats cooked well but polenta tasteless. Several wine bottles on menu were not available, but they offered a complimentary glass of something else.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Charlotte
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on December 28, 2022
overall1food1service5ambience3
The service and our server was fantastic. I’ll say that right off the bat. The wait time and quality of the food however was not the best. There were just four tables and it took an hour, if not longer, to get the food. When the food finally arrived, the salmon was good, but the fried chicken was severely overcooked and the grits underneath it were very undercooked. I’m glad we tried the restaurant as it’s been on our list for a while, but I don’t think we’ll be back.
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AC
AugustoC
Charlotte
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on December 19, 2022
overall1food1service2ambience4
Beautiful place , that food is not up to par with the place , I wish the experience was different , we need a good place to eat in Gastonia that way we don't have to go to charlotte. It looks like they invest money to make a beautiful place . the food is not even close to what you expect.
Barrister's at The Esquire HotelResponded on December 24, 2022Please see your private message for an invite to continue this conversation as your experience isn't typical for us.
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FAQs

Barrister's at The Esquire Hotel is rated 4.6 stars by 72 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Jun 10, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 4 times today

Google Map for Barrister's at The Esquire Hotel

168 W Main Ave, Gastonia, NC 28052-2306

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross street
Main Ave and MLK Blvd
Neighborhood
Gastonia
Hours of operation
Mon–Sat 11:00 am–9:00 pm
Cuisines
American
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Business Casual
Parking details
Private Lot
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Additional
Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Vegan, Wine

Website
http://www.esquirehotel.com/dining
Phone number
(980) 888-1502

Barrister's at The Esquire Hotel

Make a reservation

Dining areas

Additional information

Menu

What 72 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

FAQs

How is Barrister's at The Esquire Hotel restaurant rated?

Is Barrister's at The Esquire Hotel currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Dining areas

Additional information