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Saltbox Oyster Co - SaltBox Oyster Co., Richmond, VA

SaltBox Oyster Co.

4.4

4.4

243 Reviews

$30 and under

Seafood

Top Tags:

A Celebration of Seafood and the Watermen who provide us with these Treasures.

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Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Seafood, Oyster Bar
Hours of operation
Lunch Mon–Sat 11:00 am–4:00 pm Dinner Tue–Sat 4:30 pm–10:00 pm
Phone number
(804) 528-5554
Website
http://saltboxoyster.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Matthew Tlusty

Location
1601 Willow Lawn Dr. #300C, Richmond, VA 23230
Neighborhood
Richmond
Parking details
Free parking next to the restaurant as well as handicap parking at the entrance of the restaurant!
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 243 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.4

4.4 based on all time ratings

4.4Food
4.4Service
4.2Ambience
4.1Value

Noise • Moderate

5
4
3
2
1

243 Reviews

MC
MollyC
Richmond
9 reviews
vip
4.0
9 reviews
Dined on March 8, 2020
overall4food5service5ambience4
The food is really good. Had the roasted oysters with Parmesan and basil. Carrot and dill soup and a char fish dish. Cocktails were delayed and not great but everything else was fantastic. I hope this place sticks around!!
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TE
TerryE
Richmond
3 reviews
1.0
3 reviews
Dined on February 15, 2020
overall1food1service1ambience2
Worst dining event ever. Waited for 90 minutes for our food and left. Of course on the way out the door we were told one of our entrees was ready. Boo!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on February 15, 2020
overall1food1service1ambience1
The service was horrible. They didn’t have the reservation i had booked down and ended up having to put together a table. We also received two different menus with no one wanting to change it out for the correct one instead just telling us they didn’t have the items that we wanted to order available. Sat there for a hour with no food brought to us, waiter came to check then sent the “manager” over. manager didn’t care either, she came over asked us what we order. waited another 10/15mins with no sign of someone coming back over to check on us or sign of the food coming out. ended up leaving with nothing done to try and right their wrong. never have had a worse experience at a restaurant.
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BB
BroadwayBay
Richmond
20 reviews
vip
3.0
20 reviews
Dined on February 15, 2020
overall3food2service4ambience3
Sat at the bar as the reservations were over an hour behind. Bartenders were great, food was average, except for the fried oysters which were excellent. The food came out late and some not at all. There are better seafood places in town.
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LC
LakieshaC
Richmond
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on February 14, 2020
overall1food1service1ambience1
We had a 7pm reservation. At 8:22pm we left the restaurant because we were still waiting. Unacceptable.
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S
Scott
Richmond
34 reviews
vip
4.0
34 reviews
Dined on February 14, 2020
overall4food4service4ambience4
Very good. Wine was good which can be rare. Server attentive and liked atmosphere especially open kitchen.
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ND
NormanD
San Francisco
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 14, 2020
overall3food4service5ambience3
Expensive for the quantity served. Quality was good, not outstanding. Noisy. The front end host wa flummoxed when we came in to be seated, finally stuck us a a community table. Young couple next to us wound up having to share a table with a middle aged couple (us) so much for a "dinner for two". Overall impression as a valentine's experience...mehh....100 bucks for 2 (no alcohol). Many other places to try before I come back.
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DB
DanajaB
Richmond
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on February 14, 2020
overall2food1service2ambience5
Had a meal at SaltBox Oyster a few months ago. My husband and I had the most amazing experience. However, we were the only people at the restaurant. This Valentines Day, we had a reservation for 5.45pm, we put in our drink orders, and then followed up with our appetizer orders. In a meantime we ordered another round of drinks and decided to ask our waitress about our appetizers around 6.45pm, which she said she would check on. People that were seated after us were eating their main course at this point. We asked for our check and left. They gave us two oysters to share and removed one drink from the bill. Such a waste of time on such a special day.
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DB
DebraB
Richmond
8 reviews
1.0
8 reviews
Dined on February 14, 2020
overall1food1service1ambience1
Arrived 10 minutes before reservation, which they didn't have. Since was Valentines Day there was no where to really seat us. They had come up with a table that was not a regular dining table and two elementary school plastic chairs. Had two of these shoved between a wall at the end of the bar and the bathroom. We had to move table out into the restaurant walkway. We left at 7:15 and out of the two meals ordered only one had come. When I asked the host how I rated this table his reply was simply, luck of the draw. Won't have to worry about that happening again.
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VA
VAFan
Richmond
5 reviews
1.0
5 reviews
Dined on January 31, 2020
overall1food1service1ambience1
Made a reservation and they were not open. RUDE! Heard they shut the doors without warning to their employees.
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l
lesc
West Virginia
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on January 31, 2020
overall1food1service1ambience1
Arrived and there was a note on the door that they'd be closed for a week! I'd suggest blocking off your availability on open table. Traveled 2 hours for reservation to start off bachelorette party weekend . . . very disappointing!
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S
Sparks11
Richmond
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on January 26, 2020
overall2food3service2ambience3
Went for my birthday specifically for the variety of oysters. They had 1 type available. The oysters were good ( so glad they were from the Eastern Shore) and the food was fine. A lot of substitutions on the menu, they said they were out and their shipment hadn't come in. Also, the bar ran out of vodka, not just the specialty Vodka, all Vodka. There is a wonderful cocktail that is made with Woo Woo Vodka they make (Tangier Handshake). Alas,
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w
wolverine
New York Area
9 reviews
4.0
9 reviews
Dined on January 18, 2020
overall4food5service5ambience4
Great meal. Seating across from kitchen a little isolated - watch for that.
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SL
ScubaLover1981
Richmond
13 reviews
5.0
13 reviews
Dined on January 15, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Love the oysters here - both raw and roasted! All of our entrees also were great - carb cake, shrimp and grits and grouper. And our waitress was lovely.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Richmond
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on January 14, 2020
overall5food4service5ambience5
Our server was 5 star. Amazing. Would go back just for her. The menu was rather limited but very good.
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FR
FRFG
Richmond
82 reviews
4.0
82 reviews
Dined on January 11, 2020
overall4food4service5ambience4
We continue to visit SaltBox Oyster Co. to enjoy it's fresh selections, delicious foods, and great staff. The oysters were excellent, top-quality. I miss the baked chicken, but that's all we could say that isn't positive.
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ID
ImpromtuDiner
Washington DC
51 reviews
vip
5.0
51 reviews
Dined on January 11, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great Food and Fresh Oysters! We had 1 of each oyster they had and they were all very fresh and tasty. The scallops with polenta and goat cheese was amazing. The crab cakes, kale, and cole slaw were fantastic. Not a lot of filler in the crab cake either! The hushpuppies and fried oysters were delish too. It was a very slow night and they said several of their servers were out, so I was worried about the quality, but it didn't suffer at all. Our server was on her "first shift" yet was very knowledgeable and attentive. I'm from the DC area, but can't wait to go back to SaltBox when I am back in Richmond.
1 person found this helpful
OT
OpenTable Diner
Richmond
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on December 31, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Love this restaurant. I drive all the way from Midlothian. Wish they were on southside
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k
kbcubedp2
Richmond
5 reviews
4.0
5 reviews
Dined on December 28, 2019
overall4food3service4ambience5
We celebrated our five-year anniversary. The food was pretty good. Pretty quiet restaurant. They even gave us a card signed by all the servers at the very end.
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l
luvvalue
Washington DC
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on December 24, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
So grateful they were open on Xmas eve and we enjoyed happy hour prices on oysters And hush puppies! Seared scallops, crab cake, octopus, and gumbo were all delicious! Will definitely be back!
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GB
GiniB
Richmond
29 reviews
vip
5.0
29 reviews
Dined on December 24, 2019
overall5food5service4ambience4
My favorite place for oysters in town. They have an excellent version of fish and chips on the lunch menu. Their craft cocktails are wonderful and they have an interesting selection of beer and wine.
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S
Sparkyrva
Richmond
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on December 22, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience4
A quick look at the menu will tell you it's expensive, but I thought it was well worth it. All of the food was amazing and there were many different, distinct types of oysters and preperations. We enjoyed raw, broiled, and fried oyster dishes. Highly recommend.
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FR
FRFG
Richmond
82 reviews
4.0
82 reviews
Dined on December 19, 2019
overall4food4service4ambience4
A perfect place to go prior to the theater, out for lunch, for a friends dinner, for a couple's date, and so on. Good selection for a short menu - and tons of oyster choices, of course. Fresh, tasty, with a reasonable wine list. Thanks!
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AM
AnitaM
Richmond
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on December 13, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Every dish, and beverage met or exceeded expectation. This is my second visit and it was better than the first!
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MC
MightyCasey
Richmond
44 reviews
vip
5.0
44 reviews
Dined on December 13, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
This place is an absolute gem. Matt Tlusty has a rep as chef who's a genius with fish, Salt Box is proof of that reputation. Best crab cakes on the east coast, IMO. Today's surprise? Charred octopus salad that blew my mind. Oyster program is insanely good, lagniappe of house-made relish and mignonette, along with traditional cocktail sauce, also house-made. Plenty of options for folks who are vegetarian, or who don't like fish, too. Do yourself a favor - book a table here. And make it a habit.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on December 8, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience4
Great selection of oysters. The oysters in the stew were plump. We also had on the half shell and roasted. No complaints except that oysters have gotten expensive over ther years. I remember when you could get them for 50 cents.
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C
Critic
Richmond
92 reviews
vip
3.0
92 reviews
Dined on December 7, 2019
overall3food3service4ambience3
Roasted oyster appetizer was very good. Octopus in salad was skimpy serving of octopus, not worth it. You have to pay for bread separately.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Richmond
5 reviews
2.0
5 reviews
Dined on December 1, 2019
overall2food5service1ambience3
Food, outstanding. Service, terrible. We were a party of 6, dining on what turned out to be a slow Saturday night. Ordered a half dozen oysters to start, along with our dinners. Oysters came with one entree (our of 6). We sent the stray entree back to wait under the broiler until the rest of our dinners were ready to be served. Then dinner came, and one was undercooked. We sent it back, not knowing the “house rule” is to toss the whole plate and start over. It took more than 15 minutes to get the plate replaced, by which point the rest of us were all but done. Fortunately once the meal was replaced, it was delicious (and comp’ed). However, if the house rule is to toss the entire plate and start fresh, (1) tell your customer, (2) only take back the part that’s cooked incorrectly so your one out of six doesn’t sit watching the rest of your group eat, and (3) have the kitchen expedite that damn plate.
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JS
JamieS
Richmond
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on November 22, 2019
overall5food5service4ambience5
Good service, terrific food but terribly pricey. The drinks should be 2 to 3 dollars cheaper, if it was then me and my friends would go more often.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Richmond
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on November 18, 2019
overall4food5service3ambience4
Great selection of oysters with quality descriptions. Had the travelers oyster sampler, and the buffalo oyster, fried oysters, fried calamari for happy hour. Also had the oyster stew and baguette. Everything was delicious and we would love to come back. This will be our new raw oysters spot!
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KD
KatherineD
Washington DC
7 reviews
vip
4.0
7 reviews
Dined on November 16, 2019
overall4food5service4ambience4
The service was very affable but it took a really long time to just get a drink. The food was slow but delicious. Will def try again, just seemed like an off night.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Richmond
14 reviews
vip
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on November 10, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
A wonderful new addition to the Richmond restaurant scene! It’s in Willow Lawn, so everyone needs to know to go there. Primo oysters and lots of other good treats.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Richmond
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 2, 2019
overall4food4service5ambience3
Great find. The oysters, dinner, and dessert were great. The service was excellent, though the lighting could be improved. Will definitely go again!
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E
Embracer
Richmond
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 2, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience4
I was very pleased with the quality of the food. Yes we plan to return. Thanks
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KC
KathyC
Richmond
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 1, 2019
overall3food3service4ambience4
The setting is such that it is comfortable for solo diners as well as groups. The happy hour house wine was step or two above a typical house wine. The oysters were served on ice and appropriately chilled. Several of the raw oysters had large bits of shell or grit but that is the gamble with fresh oysters. I appreciated the note identifying the varieties of oysters in the sample. Will definitely go back next visit to Richmond.
1 person found this helpful
LJ
LJoh
Richmond
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on October 25, 2019
overall3food2service3ambience4
We received our order 45 minutes after placing our order. There was nothing extraordinary about the menu. The pecan pie was good, but the texture was off. Taste of all dishes ordered was ok. I did not order oysters. May be best to go if you like oysters.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on October 23, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Strange in a good way... all over the place menu... but again it's Thai style after all.
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DS
DavidS
Richmond
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on October 19, 2019
overall5food4service5ambience5
We selected the SaltBox for our anniversary dinner and overall it was terrific. We were a bit disappointed to see they obviously have changed the crab cake entree - claw meat and more filler, very disturbing. Would have given them a 5-star rating, if it had not been for that change. The Chincoteague Salts raw oysters, according to my husband, were tops! I had the Oyster PoBoy just to enjoy fried oysters. The remoulade sauce was outstanding, but the BEST part of the dinner was their collard greens! Rest assured we will be back, but probably select something besides the crab cake.
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TE
TrialnError
Washington DC
7 reviews
4.0
7 reviews
Dined on October 19, 2019
overall4food4service5ambience2
Food was good, service was excellent but it was hard getting over the “strip mall” view from inside the restaurant.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Richmond
2 reviews
vip
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 18, 2019
overall3food3service3ambience3
Service was slow and strange for not having a lot of people in the restaurant. Octopus was overcooked and chewy. Raw oysters were definitely the best part of the meal and the Eclair cake
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FAQs

SaltBox Oyster Co. is rated 4.4 stars by 243 OpenTable diners.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.

Is this your restaurant?

Claim this listing

Google Map for SaltBox Oyster Co.

1601 Willow Lawn Dr. #300C, Richmond, VA 23230

Additional information

Neighborhood
Richmond
Hours of operation
Lunch Mon–Sat 11:00 am–4:00 pm Dinner Tue–Sat 4:30 pm–10:00 pm
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Seafood, Oyster Bar
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Free parking next to the restaurant as well as handicap parking at the entrance of the restaurant!
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Matthew Tlusty
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://saltboxoyster.com/
Phone number
(804) 528-5554

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