About
Welcome to Howlett's Restaurant & Tavern, a hidden gem nestled in Chester, Virginia. Located at 3530 Festival Park Plaza, Howlett’s offers a delightful blend of traditional American cuisine and a warm, inviting atmosphere. Whether you’re stopping by for a casual meal with friends or celebrating a special occasion, this restaurant promises a memorable dining experience.
One of the standout features of Howlett's is their impressive selection of dishes that cater to diverse tastes. Patrons rave about the steak sandwich, reported to be a must-try, hailed for its rich flavors and tender meat. Other crowd favorites include their bologna burgers and pulled pork sandwiches, showcasing the restaurant's knack for comfort food that satisfies. Reviewers frequently highlight the prompt and attentive service, with many expressing gratitude for their servers who ensure a smooth dining experience, even for larger groups.
Don’t overlook the dessert menu which is a delightful highlight at Howlett's. Indulge in the classic Creme Brulee, characterized by its velvety vanilla bean custard and signature caramelized topping. Alternatively, the Peanut Butter Pie is another customer favorite—a creamy delight enveloped in a homemade graham cracker crust that’s perfect for peanut butter lovers. Each sweet bite reflects the restaurant’s commitment to quality and flavor.
In addition to the food, Howlett’s also features an espresso bar and a variety of coffee cocktails, including the Irish Coffee and the indulgent Hazelnut Espresso White Russian. These drinks not only elevate your dining experience but also add a touch of sophistication to your meal.
The overall ambiance at Howlett's is a blend of casual charm and rustic elegance. Many patrons have noted the cleanliness and well-maintained space, making dining here a pleasure. Whether it’s the quiet patio or the accommodating interior space, every corner of Howlett’s exudes warmth and friendliness.
Overall, Howlett's Restaurant & Tavern is more than just a dining spot; it’s a community hub where friends and families gather, creating cherished memories over delightful meals. With a commitment to great food, impeccable service, and an inviting atmosphere, it’s easy to see why diners keep coming back. If you're in the Chester area, make sure to visit—your taste buds will thank you!
“ Our group of 17 had a Thursday lunch reservation at Howlett’s. I didn’t know what to expect as I was not excited about this restaurant the last time I visited several years ago. Thursday, our group was placed in a separate room. The room was perfect in size and the tables were put together and set up very nicely. The place was very clean and we heard no noise from the rest of the restaurant. Howlett’s provided one server (Reese) for our large group. What surprised me throughout the lunch was how effective and efficient our service was. The kitchen did an excellent job of getting the food out in a great time, considering the size of our group. The quality of food, for my wife and me, was very good. I did hear from others that specific items were not as good as what I had, but this review is from my experience. I have no doubt that we will return to Howlett’s. Thanks go to Reese for her excellent service and to the kitchen for the quality and timing of food and beverages. ”
“ I want to say that I called this fine establishment at 4 pm for a 7 pm reservation for 20 and Hunter and his team went above and beyond to help. He not only made it happen we had the best service I’ve ever had anywhere. The food and drinks were great!! Kids were happy with their choices too. Specifically I recommend their steak sandwich. Thank you for a wonderful evening! ”
“ Food was amazing and staff was very friendly and helpful! Will definitely go here again. ”
“ As always, the food was amazing! We had the patio all to ourselves. Great music playing, not too loud. Reese, our server, was so pleasant. ”
“ Our family tried for the 1st time AMAZING FOOD! We had BOLOGNA BURGERS, PULLED PORK SANDWICHES and STEAK N CHEESE. When in the area this is a must. Would recommend this restaurant to anyone. Thanks for a great dinner. ”
“ Phenomenal food. Our prime rib was was excellent & cooked to order. Our kids had chicken tenders and fries. They approved. Very friendly atmosphere. Quick service. Highly recommend. ”
“ Ordered a classic cheeseburger and it was delicious! Added French fries and had a slice of Bananas Foster Cake, which was very sweet but good. Our server Kelly was wonderful! ”
“ Food was a bit overpriced...it's about 24 for a 8 oz sirloin with 2 sides..side salad is an extra 2.50. Ordered medium well and came out well done, a little bland without steak sauce, and was pretty tough. Not horrible though. Got the avocado burger, which was about 15 that got served with chips. Also wanted it medium well it came out well done, but not burnt or anything. The menu wasn't too varied, but had a decent amount of options. Overall all the food wasn't bad and would return. Rebecca was our waitress and she was pretty good. Did have to ask a few times for info on the dessert I wanted (if they had it). The French apple pie was good though, no complaints. And the restaurant was a very gorgeous design. They do have layers/some seating areas are down steps. You do get to sit with candles lit at the tables as well. I went just with my dad but could definitely be good for a date night. ”