Wink's Bar

"Grippo's or Lays?" Says the owner when you order. This place is WEIRD. In the best way possible. They're open 5-9PM on Thursday-Saturday. It's a one man show. They close when supplies run out, and it always seems to be quickly after they open. Check Facebook!Best burger I've ever had! You do have to wait, but it's well worth it! The homemade mustard is a little sweet and tangy, and is excellent! It's so cheap for a burger and chips! Mr. Wink (maybe?) is super attentive and kind! He was always asking if anyone needed more of their beverage. He remembers seasoned visitors and keeps great rapport. I appreciated that the Ale-8 and bottled water were just a dollar! It's a little busy and it can get loud, but it's not too bad. Take a look at the stickers!

After multiple failed attempts, we finally made it to Wink's. It was totally worth the wait. This is a place you'd expect to find on some Food Network show about can't miss hidden gems. The place was packed but the dude working (I'm assuming Wink) was quick to notice us and grab our drink orders while we waited for a seat and to put our food order in. A couple of people took notice that we may be first timers and welcomed us on with all the details of the place. We grabbed the pepper/pepper bacon burger with Winks homemade mustard and Grippos. Washing it down with a cold beer made it all a winning combo!Some tips: If you are going, check their Facebook. They are open limited days/hours plus they aren't a huge operation so do take days off if it strikes their fancy. Go early and expect a wait. We showed up 5 minutes after opening and all stools were full and standing room only. Just get a beer and wait your turn.

The Fat Man wanted a good burger and the fiancé was out with friends, so I decided to head down to Wink's Bar. Winks serves a limited menu, typically 2-3 burgers and then possibly a 3rd or 4th option. It's a one-man show, he is open 2-3 days a week(Thursday-Saturday) and closes when he sells out. @johndale_winksbarkyI decided to try a couple of burgers. I started with the Bacon Bleu, made with bacon, Bleu cheese crumbles, sautéed onions and house made mustard. The bun had a good toast on, and it came with two pieces of bacon, and they were nice and crispy. The sweetness of the homemade mustard is killer and the onions are sautéed nicely Which pairs well with the salty melted Bleu cheese crumbles. This is a great-smashed burger with a great crust. Nice seasoning as well, SPG I believe.The next burger I tried was the All American, made with onions, pickles, ketchup, mustard and American cheese. Once again the bun is toasted well and holds up to the juicy burger. The burger is smashed, seasoned and cooked well with another great crust. The onions are sautéed well with a good crunch for texture. The sweet tomato ketchup mixed with the sweet bite of the mustard and brininess of the pickles helps cut through the salty American cheese plus adds great flavor. This burger is simple but so satisfying. The menu at Wink's rotates weekly, but it's well worth it to try out something new. It's a cool little joint that only has a few stools at the bar and there is usually a small wait. Wink will get you a beer while you wait and service is pretty quick. All sandwiches come with Lays original or Grippos BBQ chips. The Fat Man says that Wink's Bar is Fat Man Approved with 2 chins.

Has awesome burgers for great prices. John is extremely friendly and accommodating. I always stop in when I'm in town and it's open. It's always packed, because the foods is so good. An since John works alone it's a bit of a wait, but well worth it.

If you are ever in Richmond, don't pass up on this little gem. Note that they are only open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, but that's how the owner John Dale keeps people coming back; soon you will know why. When you arrive, you may think you are in the wrong place, the exterior may make you wonder whether you should go inside. But rest assured that you will be welcomed with a warm heart, a smile, and a cold beer while you wait for a seat to open up to order. It may be standing room only when you arrive, unless your are there right when they open as many of the locals who love this place do; but definitely worth the wait. Never the less, time seems to pass by rather quickly as you enjoy your beverage of choice while reading the plethora of bumper stickers that adorn the interior; simply awesome. As mentioned above, you have to wait to be seated, only 9 stools, to order but they do offer outdoor seating should you care to enjoy some Kentucky fresh air after you are served. Seating is handled on the honor system, first come first served, so a large party may have to wait a while, as orders are taken and prepared two at time. You see, John Dale is the host, waiter, cook, and cashier and he handles it perfectly. However, this is no fast food joint and part of the experience is the wait which allows you the opportunity to meet new people who love the place as we did during our visit; so helpful in understanding the rhythm of things at Winks; did I mention the music different genres every night, we hit rhythm and blues night epic. Now the food, John Dale is a master of his craft and the humble menu offers a culinary feast of burgers and sandwiches. Bacon Blue Cheese, All American, fried bologna, and don't forget to ask about the specials, like the Sunrise Burger, can you say, burger, cheese, bacon, bologna, onions, topped with a fried egg on a choice of either a regular bun or Texas toast; mind blown absolutely delicious! Don't forget to ask for chips, regular or spicy. We were visiting family in Richmond, who'd seen Winks but never ventured inside; being from Florida and on the adventurous side we said sure .. it's a must see .. so glad we did. Thank you John Dale, Chris, and Melissa for the hospitality, great recommendations, and guidance as we broke our Wink Cherry... whenever we are back in town we will definitely stop by again.

If you are looking for a great burger, cold beer and an eclectic atmosphere Wink's is the place to be.

Best burger in town by a long shot. Insanely good prices and awesome environment. If you get the chance look at the Facebook and get there at 4:45 before the line forms. 10/10!

Greatest burger I've ever had and will ever have in my life. Wink's is the epitome of a small, welcoming hometown establishment. No matter what, it is always worth the wait. Thank you John Dale for the perfect establishment to wind down and enjoy top quality food after a long hard week.

Best burgers in the region! The owner is fantastic! It's first come first served, so prepare to wait but it's sooo worth it! Great ambiance and vibe. A cool spot with cool people and great food!

Easily the best place in Kentucky to get a burger and a beer. John Dale is always happy to see customers and never takes a break when serving beers and burgers to the crowd waiting their turn to get either! It's a smaller place with lots of people because of how amazing the burgers are. If you come down; be patient. Do your best to stay in order of arrival, and have a cold beer and make some friends you normally wouldn't meet! This is a Richmond landmark and one of coolest places in around!