Yucatan Grilled and Metzli Bowl at Metzli Cocina Bar – July 24, 2026

My girlfriend and I needed a date night, so on a Saturday in late July we headed to Metzli Cocina Bar in Richland. It’s tucked into that spot in Central Richland where Public House 255 used to be, and it’s already a different place from what was there before. If you haven’t swung by since the change, it’s worth a look.

What We Ordered

  • Main: Yucatan Grilled
  • Main: Metzli Bowl
  • Side: Chips and salsa

The Experience

It was packed for a Saturday night, which tracks for a spot this new and this good. Every table looked full and there was a real energy to the room. Even with the crowd, the service was great. Our server was friendly, checked in without hovering, and moved fast, so we never felt like we were waiting around despite the place being full. For a first-time date night spot, that combination of a full house and quick, attentive service is a good sign.

What Stood Out

  • Yucatan Grilled: This one delivered on flavor from the first bite. Whatever they’re doing with the seasoning here, it works, and it’s the kind of dish that makes you want to come back just to order it again. Nothing about it felt like it was trying too hard, it just tasted good.
  • Metzli Bowl: Just as good as the Yucatan Grilled. Everything in the bowl tasted fresh and put together with some real thought, not just thrown in a dish. It’s a solid pick if you want something a little lighter than a full plate but still want to leave full.
  • Chips and salsa: A simple side, but they did it right. Good crunch on the chips and a salsa with actual kick to it, not the watered-down stuff you get at a lot of places.

A quick tip if you’re headed there on a weekend: go in expecting a wait for a table since it’s clearly become a popular spot fast, but don’t let that scare you off, because the kitchen and the servers are keeping pace with the crowd.

Would I get it again? Without question. Metzli Cocina Bar earned a spot in our regular rotation after one visit, and we’re already planning to go back. If you’re in Richland and looking for a date night spot with real flavor and a team that keeps things moving even on a busy Saturday, put this one on your list.