By Peyton Dunn

As a child, there was only one thing guaranteed during my week: Friday night would be spent at Buffalo Wild Wings. This restaurant matched our family dynamic quite well, with everyone always leaving satisfied. At some point though, this all changed. The quality of the service plummeted, the food came out cold, and what used to be our family’s Friday night spot was no longer suitable. We were left with two options: give up on our Friday night tradition, or persevere through the severity of this tragic situation. We decided to give up. 

Then, a few long years later, we discovered Wood & Iron, a relatively recently established sports bar that was recommended by some family friends. The Dunn family immediately fell in love.

There are two things that always seem to be the Achilles’ heel of sports bars: poor service and bland food. Wood & Iron knew this and have worked hard to set themselves apart at their three Richmond area locations. Sarah H on Yelp wrote in a review: “hands down THE BEST SERVICE! Devin was our server and he went above and beyond!!! Had great suggestions, worked with us and was just overall AMAZING! He was so great we asked for a pen and paper to write him manager a note.”

As you walk in, you are greeted with the sports bar persona: booths, tabletops, and bar seating. The countless tv’s are always showcasing sports, especially during a football weekend or a MLB World Series game. If you decide to go on one of these days, the first thing your waiter or waitress asks you is if you have a specific game you want to watch. Each table has it’s own designated TV, and they will then have it located and your choice of your game put on for you. Everyone is kind and helpful, and the food comes out quickly. To further their quest for superb service, the payment process is completed on a tablet brought to your table. The whole process is very simple and takes no more than 30 seconds, from handing over your card to receiving your receipt. 

The food is what truly makes this place special. Wood & Iron takes the stereotype of boring bar food and throws it out the window. The menu is thorough; appetizers, entrees, sides, and desserts all have their own meticulously built catalogs. But anyone can build a menu of foods that sound appetizing. The thing that sets Wood & Iron apart is the execution. Here are some highlights from past Dunn family meals.

Appetizers:

Hush puppies: The hush puppies come out warm and crunchy, yet they are very standard hush puppies until paired with the honey butter. The subtle sweetness of the butter marinates perfectly with each hush puppy. 

Jumbo Bavarian soft pretzel: The pretzel is jumbo, and the pretzel is soft. Every bite is a joy when the warm, soft dough is combined with their fantastic homemade queso dip. 

Signature Cheesesteak Egg Rolls. Photo credit: Yelp user Victor H.

Signature Cheesesteak Egg Rolls: Our waitress claimed these were the most popular items on the menu, and we quickly found out why. The egg rolls filled with onions, cheese, and tender, juicy steak left us awestruck, but this was just the beginning of our food journey. 

Entrees: 

Original Hickory Smoked Wings: To put it plainly, these are the best wings I have ever had. This may even be the best entree I have ever taken the time to eat. They put any other wings, including Buffalo Wild Wings’, to shame. The wings burst with a smokey flavor unlike anything I have ever experienced. My parents also indulge on the wings and get them every time we go. Wood & Iron offer plenty of rubs and sauce options, but I mostly stick to Lemon Pepper. If I ever have the chance to talk to aliens, I would hand them a plate of these wings. 

Ultimate Bacon Cheddar Burger: I ordered this my first time at Wood & Iron. Nothing overly special, but a decent burger. If I’m in the mood for a burger, I am more than pleased with one from Wood & Iron. 

Crispy Cobb: My sister Caroline (’25) absolutely loves this salad, raving about it every time we eat here. She says it is “one of the better salads I have ever had, which makes it a constant craving Wood & Iron always satisfies.” It features sweet corn, tomatoes, cucumbers, while topped with bacon, blue cheese and housemade guacamole. 

Hand Dipped Chicken Tenders: The hand-breaded tenders come out hot and crispy. I was very impressed, and they far surpass my expectations every time I get them.

Sides & Desserts:

French Fries: The crispy fries are the go-to side for me. The thick cut fries always come out fantastic and are an amazing compliment to any entree. 

Salted Caramel Brownie With Vanilla Ice Cream And Chocolate Syrup: An absolutely amazing finish to any meal, if there is any room left. I always have to split it with my sister, and it is always plenty for the two of us. 

My family and I have fallen head over heels with this place ever since our first encounter, and we will continue to call this place our go-to Friday night restaurant.

Featured image credit: Yelp user Katie R.