The Dogwood Restaurant

My wife and I have eaten here off and on for years now. This is pretty straight up «American Fare». Some of the entrees are not fantastic but usually good. The sandwiches can be really good.
I came to Unilocal to review this today and was surprised I had not already. I thought I had, maybe it was long enough ago that I dont need to do an updated review.
Anyway, the reason I wanted to review today is I got a takeout steak sub sandwich the other day and it was probably the best quality steak sub I have ever had. The meat was thick sliced (about ¼″ or so) beef and was the most tender thick sliced beef I have ever had, and I have had some good steak subs in my life.
The only thing lacking was seasonings. I wasn’t willing to pay extra for jalapenos and stuff and for some reason asking for mayo on a cheese-​steak type sub is apparently a non-​no so I just quit asking at most places. The sub needed at least some black pepper on it. But, the Dogwood has to cater to a lot of «retired people» and that is a probably a big part of their business. These older folks in the gated community here probably dont like spicy or salty food, so restaurants have to find a balance that makes them money.
I took my sub home, added pickled jalapenos and mayo (forgot the black pepper this time) and I just kept mumbling «yum» the whole time I ate it.
I started with 3 stars because on Unilocal that says «A-​OK». I have had a few «just fairly OK» meals here so I couldn’t give a higher rating on one steak sub. BUT, this will be the only place of 4 restaurants I have bought steak subs from in this Lake Monticello community area that I go to for a steak sub until they fail me. No reason to get one anywhere else, the last one I had here was about as good as it gets.
For the price and coming with fries, its also the best deal in the area.
They stay busy usually and it might be a little cramped and noisy, but when I was picking up my sub there was a manager and two or three servers hustling pretty good on a Friday about 1PM. There is a bar area I have elected to sit in too, with more tables… and there is not usually many people there at lunch; but you get a little bit slower service over there. The quiet at lunch can be worth it though because between the seniors who seem to always come in packs and the people with their kids that are seldom quiet in this age of parenting, combined with the mid-​room tables cramped pretty close to each other and the perimeter booths, it can feel a little claustrophobic when they are busy.

We came to check this place out. The location is incredibly convenient. We will never go back… food. was Luke warm at best, not sure they require any food handlers training. The appearance was overall unclean.

We came here after waiting (and eventually leaving) Rivahsyde last weekend (don’t go there, it’s really slow). It had been a few years since we last ate here, and I remember why.
The service was excellent, especially considering we had a 9 top with twin 2 year old babies. The waitress was prompt and personable, and we had drinks and orders placed quickly.
The food was so-​so. We stuck to the sandwiches and wraps, and they were hit or miss. The Rachel (turkey Reuben) was a little dry and needed something else (spicy brown mustard anyone?). The BLT + avocado was pretty good. Fries could use some love (a little soft). Took a while to get the food but we were well taken care of in the interim.
Décor was exactly what I remembered (I think the large retired community descends on this place for early dinners). The place was a little dark, but seemed clean.
Overall, a decent experience for Lake Monticello. I’d narrow down the menu a lot and spend some time really making those items the best they can be.

A great close by dinner spot for people that live at the lake or in Palmyra in general. I want to first off mention that this is a 2 in 1 place. One side of the space is a bar and the other side is a family friendly restaurant… there is a door that separates the two different spaces.
My in-​laws moved to the lake about 7 years ago, over the years we have frequented this place. There prices are on the tad expensive side, but the food is good. Now, I want to point out that this is a basic southern food restaurant, this is NOT fancy, but you get good food. I like the Alice chicken and sub a baked potato. All the ‘dinner’ entrees come with a trip to the salad bar and it is plentiful of options.
Recommendations — burgers, chicken dishes, and salad bar
Stay away from — house wine… not sure what it is, but its just terrible (and i usually order house wine wherever I go)

I came in here about a month ago and used the bathroom by the pool tables. Found it to be completely filthy with blood on the toilet. Came in today, and the blood is STILL on the toilet as well as urine all over the floor. Changing the trash bag does not consist of cleaning the bathroom… As much as the food and drinks cost, you’d think you could at least hire someone to clean the bathrooms! DISGUSTING!

Ok, this place is always packed ! The food is American standard average! Not real gourmet but not supposed to be! So why the four stars! They have the best (and only) salad bar in Fluvanna county! Paired with a bowl of seafood bisque for a dollar extra not bad! It was my best meal ever there! Good waitress and plenty of water ! Left happy !!!

Waitress was extremely rude from the jump, didn’t really care for us to sit down. The hostess in black was nice, but we were warned by a leaving customer that they were treated rudely as well, and ‘that’s the way it was’. We decided to leave before it got worst. Not coming back.

I’ve eaten here several times as it was convenient. Frankly, I don’t see why anyone would come here to eat except for convenience. The food is nothing to rave about and the setting pretty blah. While the waitresses are nice, I’ve found management to be rather rude. Pricing for dinners is outrageous for the quality. Do yourself a favor and spend your money elsewhere. Trust me, you’ll be glad you did!

After a few negative dining experiences, I decided to call the owner to tell her of my displeasure. While not expecting policy to change, I wanted the owner to at least hear the complaint and let her know that I wouldn’t be back anytime soon. During the conversation, the owner did not seem interested in regaining my business. In fact, she repeatedly trivialized my complaints. I stated that the current conversation, coupled with my previous experiences with poor customer resolution, made it seem that the owners did not care about customer satisfaction. The owner disagreed and stated that they had always received positive reviews. She further suggested since I was unhappy I should dine at another establishment. The owner then stated that the conversation was no longer productive, said farewell, and hung up.

Not impressed. Tho it is the regular bar hang out for the locals. Their drunkeness must be why they think the food is ok. the salad bar is the only thing going for it if you like wilted lettuce and watery tomatoes. Tho my boss says they have great liver and onions. My steak was flavorless and tough. They put rosemary on my squash… Bleh. Same price as outback and shadwells. Go the extra miles to get a good meal!

NEVER AGAIN ! been here 4 times and never been good, Not for me.

Great food. Lots of choices and free food for the kids. Great salad bar. Love the peanut butter pie and cocktails.

I’ve been going to the Dogwood Café off and on for almost 20 years when I’m in the area. Their burgers and fries are awesome – the best you can get around the area unless you’re in Richmond. They’ve been through several owners/​cooks as I understand, but they’ve always had excellent sandwiches and waitresses. This is a rural area and there’s not a lot of competition other than JJ’s Barbeque (which totally rocks), but they still deliver great food. If you’re expecting a 5-​star dining experience at fast food prices you’ll be disappointed, but it’s good food, not overcooked, always fresh, always tasty. I eat there at least once a week, sometimes twice or three times. Their wraps are excellent and nothing I’ve ever eaten is overcooked, soggy or bad.

Another reviewer said it best… hit or miss.
My recommendation is to stick with the simpler menu items, like burgers or even fajitas. Some of their fancier offerings are just a bit too ambitious.

This place seems to be hit or miss when it comes to whether or not you’ll have a good experience. The burgers are very good, and the salad bar is nice… really the only one in the area. The wraps are OK but there are times when you’ll get your order and it seems like someone didn’t really care how it looked when they pushed it out of the kitchen.

Decent restaurant with an adjoining bar. Good service and good food.

I’m trying to figure out why anyone might eat here a second time. The first try I completely understand, there aren’t many places to eat out here. The second try, though? I’d rather drive the 20 miles to Charlottesville for some better food than to eat here again.
Do yourself a huge favor and stay away. There are better places out here. (Across the street, for example.)