Gungho Guides

Joe's Inn

An RVA classic. Best happy hour ever, Greek and Italian family recipes - all treasures.

Eppie's

F’ fancy food and eat something your doctor would frown at you about. Great sandwiches, fried chicken and southern gobs of yum.

L’ Etoile

French for “localvore.” Break out the beret but leave the attitude at home. Comfy and friendly but still delivers that subconscious sense that keeps your elbows off the table and your napkin in your lap.

Maya

Christian and Peter have corralled the locals who know how to drink without being obnoxious d-holes. Best place to go if you if you don’t know anyone in town. You will by the time you leave.

The Pigeon Hole

When you do simple down-home cuisine right - like perfect stone ground grits and transcendent mac n cheese - you can make a snooty tartare look like cat food. Lex and Naomi,the owners, are real down chicks too.

Fardowners

Live music, straightforward American menu, like a Budweiser on your neighbors’ porch. Being directly across from train tracks makes me want to call it precious, but I’m scared it might punch me.

Bonvenu

821 Cafe

Can Can Brasserie

Our best response to any argument that puts Richmond behind any other city. French brasserie with enough unique elements and service flair to make Balthasar take notes.

Comfort

As I write this I am craving their mac n’ cheese, cornbread, and every Southern fried gob of deliciousness that has made them unimpeachable force of pride in this city. Hot DAMN, they are good.

Balliceaux

Helen's Restaurant

Incredible southern comfort food in heels. After 10, the best place to insert yourself into the wheels that move RVA’s underground culture.

Kuba Kuba

Eating here is like having Hector Lavoe sing in your ear while Tito Puente gives you a foot rub. It’s the lost Fania All-Star.

Bellytimber Tavern

Millie's Diner

In one hundred years, people will re-enact brunches at Millies the way we do the Civil War. It’s THAT much a core part of Richmond’s culture.

Pescados China Street

Oregon Hill wears this spot like a brand new haircut. It’s got “I’ll be here for 50 years” all over it. The arepas are outstanding BTW.

Strange Matter

THE venue that touring metal, punk and indie bands want to play. The list of “who played here” is long and un-Richmondlike braggy.

Belvidere at Broad, The

Black Sheep, The

Empress

Coffee in the AM, wine in the PM. Great food all day. Gluten free and vegan options abound

Urban Farmhouse

Foodies, chefs and gourmets shop here when they go to heaven. The restaurant features their local and seasonal produce.

Sidewalk Cafe

Giant food portions and one of the last few REAL Fan bars.