Barrister's at The Esquire Hotel

Wonderful experience all around. The service here is just wonderful, the people are kind-hearted and friendly. My mother and I made it in for dinner tonight just after 8 and the kitchen closed at 9, we let them know in advance that we would be ordering sandwiches to keep it quick and easy. Our server Angela was amazing she gave us top tier service and offered me a side of pickled onions with my Thanksgiving sandwich. And brought extra ice for our beverages, she thought of everything, and had a sparkling personality on top of her generosity. My mother is in wheelchair and the place was handicap friendly, we even checked out the roof top together after dinner and it was lovely. Can't wait to come back and try more wonderful eats. And the strawberry pepper jam brussel sprouts were my fav, they are a must try!

They were open even on July 4th! Although they only served barbecue pork in plastic containers the food was still great and the view was amazing. Both the inside and the outside is stunning. The bathrooms and the whole restaurant is kept very clean. I just wish the bathroom doors were not sliding doors or that the lock was tightened so that one couldn't slide the door a bit when its locked. The waitres that was serving us was very friendly and made a great impression. Definitely will come back if I get the chance.

So, I’ll start with my personal view, 5 stars doesn’t mean flawless. The menu is elaborate but creates confusion around what type of dish you’re ordering. My wife thought she would be ordering a salad as that was what the item aligned itself with but was informed it was in fact a completely different item all together. This brings me to the staff, this was the most attentive and knowledgeable wait staff I have personally experienced even as $100 plus dining experiences go. Replacing silverware and refilling glasses in concert as a team. The food itself was good, we ordered a special and it felt that way. Well plated, and tasty. The Caesar salad is served as a sliced head which is lightly fire roasted. It looks fancy and has the smoky char you’d expect of being temporarily ablaze. The salad was a little too high society for my tastes. My NY strip was excellently cooked and the vegetable accompaniment with sauces and emulsions was delicious. And lastly, all this was while being in a truly splendidly appointed dining room. Marble floors and solid wood tables, high ceilings and grand windows. So while not perfect, it is certainly 5 stars.

The atmosphere is on point the food absolutely high end quality in taste and in presentation. I highly recommend to eat here is an exquisite restaurant.

I absolutely enjoyed the atmosphere, service, and how incredible the hospitality is here at the Esquire and at Barrister’s. Brittany makes espresso martinis that are absolutely a must-try, and Kayla provided great service with a smile! The views are immaculate and I liked the tribute to the Lawyer’s building that was its former namesake. 10/10, highly recommend!

Hidden gem in Gastonia. Good food, coffee and dessert. Beautiful old building and relaxing atmosphere. All of the staff were extremely kind and attentive. Will definitely be back for a meal next time

The half chicken over red beans and rice was perfectly spiced. Each flavor flavor naturally leads to the next. Spot on! The white chocolate bread pudding elicited actual groans. Next level!

Haileey is a phenomenal server who took very good care of us tonight. She is super insightful and professional. I am beyond satisfied with my meal here and I would recommend this place to others.

Taylor was on point. The food was delicious. We will eat there again. Looking forward to spending the night at the Esquire.

Very nice restaurant, love the big windows. The food is good and fresh. Nice place to bring someone for a good meal thats not a chain restaurant

Food was amazing and the staff there very friendly. Appreciate the suggestions also that made our lunch date A+! Ask for Marcel!

Enjoyed the atmosphere and service. Eat instead but they have a nice outdoor area also. Service was excellent, not busy but could tell they care.

Delicious food and incredible space. Highly recommend the salmon. Five stars.

Eat outside very nice place

Excellent experience all around! Loved the food, service, ambiance. We will be back.

Overall, this was a lovely dining experience. Wait staff were friendly, efficient and accommodating. Our party of 8 got a real feel for the restaurant. We enjoyed cocktails, appetizers, soup, salad, entrees and dessert. There were no long waits for courses, the food was perfection and portions generous. Our dinner group will definitely be returning.

I rarely write reviews, but after visiting this restaurant three times, it consistently surpasses most dining experiences. From the lovely atmosphere, to the wine list, to the talented chef that creates some of the most delicious and unique food my wife and I have ever tasted, and last, but not least, the incredible service and friendliness of the staff, this place will leave you with a beautiful memory that should lead to nothing less than thanking God for, as there are few restaurants like this that now exist.

The hotels front desk attendant was bubbly and sweet. Our server hit every point she should as a waitress. FANTASTIC service. She also had a lovely welcoming personality. The manager checked on us twice to make sure we were enjoying ourselves. Food came out in a timely manner and was absolutely delicious. The menu has a variety of choices and they also have some very good looking cocktail options. I think the price is extremely reasonable for what you get. I don’t think I’ve had a better lunch experience in Gastonia before. I highly recommend giving it a try!!! Thank you for the experience!

We were a party of eight tonight and every single one of us loved every item we ordered from wine flight, cocktails and micktails to the pear sorbet, chocolate chess pie and impossibly light cornbread, pecan and cranberry bread pudding. It was just their regular Saturday night, wonderful food and attentive, friendly service. I don’t know what the bill came to, but it was worth every penny. Can’t wait to go back!

Came in August 3rd for breakfast with my wife on a whim as we were in the area. Hotel receptionist was very helpful and friendly when I asked if we were in the right spot as the restaurant is inside the hotel. First, atmosphere is fantastic, really felt like a high quality dining experience. Second, our waitor Seth was great, he was very friendly, professional, amusing and quick to provide us with anything we needed. Last but not least, the food was amazing. I had a hash brown bowl with sausage, white gravy, cheddar and an egg. Everything was cooked perfectly and had an incrediblely complex and rich flavor as it seems they use high quality ingredients. Their standard coffee is a drip and it was fresh and flavorful. My wife had a hot chocolate and a chocolate muffin which was also amazing. Cost is also extremely reasonable, on par with any basic breakfast joint out there and it comes with a significantly better experience overall...if I'm ever in the area again I will most definitely be enjoying this place again. Shout out to Seth again for his expert customer service, he really made us feel welcome. Appreciate the beard complement as well sir.

The food is incredible, the drinks are all legal themed and so much fun, and the service is phenomenal! Had a great lunch here and hope to come back for dinner!

The food is great. My preference is the fried chicken sandwich. It’s a thick cut chicken breast and gives a little crisp on the bite while the pimento cheese, pickled onion, ranch dressing and bacon add pleasingly unique flavors and textures. Whether you eat inside in the beautifully restored Lawyer’s building or outside on the sun shaded patio, the atmosphere feels relaxing and upscale. The service is spot on. Every time they give just the right amount of attention, they are pleasant, and go the extra mile. We asked one server to go along in a prank to say she thought she recognized another in our party who does modeling. She pulled it off perfect. It’s a local favorite for my friends and family.

Barristers is a diamond in the rough. A beautiful tasteful and unique atmosphere with food to match. We were traveling and looking for a special meal with local flare and we were blown out of the water. Everything was 10 out of 10 from our bread and butter plate to our entrees (chicken fried chicken, shrimp and grits and Cajun pasta) to the ginger ale sorbet. We left town satisfied and looking forward to having another chance to eat here again!

Perfect setting for our rehearsal and welcome party at Barristers! The selection of food was fantastic but their service by the staff was exceptional! Katie was easy to work with as we discussed options for the night. We highly recommend it!

Love this place. Food is always great. Patio seating is excellent during nice weather. Menu changes enough to keep it interesting while keeping all the favorites. A must visit in Gastonia.

Great food, service and atmosphere. Creative dishes and server was great. Pricing is good too.

We attended a pop-up Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy in the downtown area and stumbled upon Barristers for dinner afterward. What a fantastic find! I have Celiac Disease, and my friend has a severe shellfish allergy, and the care they took with our meals was truly above and beyond. Our server, Alyssa, was exceptional—attentive, fun, and incredibly personable. With four of us in our party, every single dish, cocktail, and dessert exceeded our expectations. Everything was absolutely delicious! We’ve officially found our new favorite date night spot!

I just love the crispy fried chicken and the crispy brussels, they are seasoned and cooked to perfection. This is my go to meal when I am away from home. The staff are always attentive and friendly. The kitchen staff always deliver on taste! Oh yeah and the fries are crispy and seasoned perfectly. Hands down best upscale take on southern staples!

They have really improved the experience. The staff were knowledgeable and helpful. I hope they keep this up as it’s a great venue for Gastonia.

First visit. Was met with a very friendly and enthusiastic hostess and waitress. Noticed the manager interacting with guests. Our order was processed right on time with each dish arriving exactly right. Food was fantastic! Can't wait to come back and try more from the menu!!

We just ate at this splendid restaurant for the first time as a part of Charlotte Restaurant Week, and we will certainly be back! We liked the unique and inviting atmosphere as well as the comfortable seating. Everything was first rate, from being paid attention to the moment we walked through the door, to a very thoughtful and attentive server, (Jordan, I believe) to the most delicious food, we’ve eaten in quite some time! The crispy Brussels sprouts are a must have and the pork chops over butternut grits are so delicious! Be sure to try the cornbread bread pudding. You won’t be disappointed!

I brought my wife here for her birthday. All of the food was excellent with the beautifully renovated aesthetics you may expect when you see it from outside. They have a great selection of bourbon and wine, and the old fashioned was well crafted. We’ll be back again. Thanks for a great dinner!

Went for my mother's 71st birthday, was blown away by the food such as the brussel sprouts which I've never been one to eat, but they were delicious and something that everyone should try.....the bread and butter board, North Carolina mushroom medley, several different salads and my mom got the salmon, to wit, everything was cooked to perfection and was utterly incredible and then don't even get me started about desserts. Good Lawd! The s'mores creme brulee and key lime pie are sublime. 11 out of 10 would recommend! And not lastly, but I should have brought this up to begin with. The service wasn't packable. My server was very friendly, knowledgeable, helpful, and from what I saw very good at her position with her clearing of the tables properly and proper carry through the door to the kitchen. All in all, that was a wonderful experience and barristers needs to be on everyone's list to attend in Gastonia

This is a historic building which hosts a very warm, inviting and charming hotel. The staff is friendly and welcoming. The breakfast as well as its area and decor were pleasing to our palates! The rooftop and its view are simply amazing. Even though located downtown, you’re still within 10 minutes of lots of shopping. Please keep the following in mind though: Yes, the rooms (and shower) are very small. But they are beautifully decorated, and as cozy and romantic as we never expected. Perhaps due to the age of the hotel, the older windows let in a good bit of street noise. Closing the door to the bathroom will help, but if by chance the street sweeping machine and guy with a leaf blower come through between 6-7am, I hope you are a very deep sleeper…but I would stay here again.

Fancy southern food that was great! We'll go back soon. Wait staff was great! Didn''t like sitting 4 at a 2 topper :-( Price $$-$$$

I enjoyed the fried chicken sandwich. Monique was friendly and courteous Made us feel right at home.

Reservations at 515pm. Completely empty yet we were sat at the walkway to the kitchen/bathroom. So needless to say, my chair was repeatedly knocked by ppl. Another table was sat about 5-10mins after us. They were greeted warmly, explained the regular and restaurant week menu, wine list. That was not our experience. Alyssa (I think her name), went right into drink orders with us. Alyssa was also the bartender so service was subpar and slow. Again, she was very engaging with bar guests and the other table. I asked her about the Mahi Mahi and she said it was good. I asked, what makes it good and she wasn't able to respond. Instead she said, what would you like to know about it? My first Entree came out Luke warm/ cold. Instead of immediately taking it back, she asked, would you like to remake it? Uhh yeah. For $40, I'd like hot food on a snowy evening. We were celebrating a birthday, she didn't even say happy birthday. She placed it down and left. The food was mid at best. Service was definitely lack luster. Won't be back. Better restaurants in the area for this price point.

Very small portions and not the best taste. Nice place but food wasn't mediocre. I won't return. I added a photo of the $40 salmon I had. Not worth it.

The decor and scenery was excellent. Appetizers were delicious. Ribeye steak was burnt on one side and not medium with no flavor. Dessert choices were as if it was directly shipped over from Harris Teeter. 3.5/5 stars, somewhat dissapointed

It was nice although it appears better in photos, the ambiance was relax - quite. I ordered a cheeseburger well done and crispy French fries. My drink of preference is Moscato -they didn’t have any, I was offered their sweetest drink which was still bitter, settled for a drink made with cherry sundrop which I drank no other choice. Fries were not crispy some even looked pale - burger was good but would I go back …. absolutely not. I need to enjoy my food as ordered and not have to wait on substitutes…. Many other options available.