VCU Students: What to Eat, Drink, See, & Do on Campus (& Around Richmond)
This free RVAx City Guide was created in partnership with
The Commons and Weeks of Welcome at VCU
Welcome to RVA 🎉
Can you believe you are actually moved onto campus!? After the uncertain times of last year, I would imagine being here at VCU in the heart of Richmond is truly SUCH. A. BUZZ! As you get settled into your new digs, allow us to give you a little tour of what to eat, drink, see, and do right here on campus and within the city of Richmond. After all, this is your new home for the next several months – and probably years because, let’s face it, there is truly so much to love about RVA that you may not ever want to leave. Grab your roomies and get ready to venture out!
Heads up: We created this free City Guide in partnership with The Commons and Weeks of Welcome at VCU. To view additional members-only city guides linked below, VCU students can take advantage of 90 days of free access so you can start navigating the area like a pro (aka like an RVAx member)!
— by RVAx Team
Where to Eat
Image: @821caferva
821 Cafe
Established in 1996, 821 Cafe is a Richmond institution! It’s your quintessential diner offering the full gambit of breakfast-to-dinner items. They also shine with their vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options making this spot a go-to everyone can enjoy. The patio is fantastic for milder days.
Address: 825 W Cary St
Hours: Tuesday - Wednesday, 9 am - 8 pm | Saturday - Sunday, 9 am - 3 pm
Christian’s Pizza
Are you even a VCU student if you don’t eat late-night pizza from Christian’s? This takeout and delivery spot is open daily with late-night hours (like 3 am late, or is it early?). You can order by the slice or whole pies along with calzones and salads.
Address: 404 N Harrison St
Hours: Daily 11 am - 3 am
Image: @littlemexicorva
Little Mexico
Fast, affordable, and SO good — Little Mexico will be heavy in your dining rotation. Their lunch specials are available 11 am - 3 pm and start at just $9. Happy hour is generous from 3 - 7 pm Monday through Friday with added specials Monday through Thursday, which you can find here. Everything on their menu, from tacos and burritos to fajitas and vegetarian options, is filling and delicious. They’ve got a lovely patio too. Pro-tip: don’t miss the carne asada fries.
Address: 1328 W Cary St
Hours: Monday - Thursday, 11 am - 10 pm | Friday, 11 am - 11 pm | Sunday, 11 am - 9 pm
Where to Drink
Image: @alchemyrva
The Lab at Alchemy
This coffee shop features rotating local and regional coffee roasters, so there is always something new to experience. Need to get some work done? Alchemy has WiFi. On the go? You can order ahead for pickup. Conveniently located just down from the Seigel Center, it's easy to get your caffeine fix. They also offer tea and baked goods.
Address: 814 W Broad St
Hours: Monday - Friday, 7 am - 6 pm | Saturday and Sunday 8 am - 6 pm
Image: @thepitandthepeel
The Pit and The Peel
The Pit and The Peel has a few locations around the city, but their newest is practically on campus and offers the same fresh-pressed juices, smoothies, acai bowls, and more that Richmond knows and loves. Oh, and did we mention there’s a rooftop? Aside from the fact that it’s bringing some swoon-worthy rooftop vibes to The Fan, we’re obsessed with their new menu items like Bahn Mi, BBQ Jackfruit Tacos, Shiitake Mushroom Pizza, and more. In addition to their juices and smoothies, this new location offers garden-to-glass cocktails too!
Address: 1210 W Main St
Hours: Monday - Thursday, 7 am - 11 pm | Saturday 8 am - 12 pm | Sunday 8 am - 11pm
Image: @richbraubrewing
Richbrau
Revived for the third time, the Richbrau brand is one of the oldest beer brands in RVA. Initially founded after the end of the prohibition, the city has seen a few iterations, and they are back again and close to campus! Nestled in Shockoe Bottom, the brewery draws its inspiration from the rich history of the area, the original settlement of Richmond founded back in 1737. Richbrau offers a casual brewery experience with the option of flights or full pours along with games and the occasional live music. Patrons can order delivery or bring outside snacks and food. Be sure to check this one out!
Address: 5 S 20th St
Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, 4 pm - 10 pm | Saturday and Sunday 8 am - 6 pm
What to See
Image: @hollywoodcem
Hollywood Cemetery
Aside from being an active cemetery (be respectful when visiting!), Hollywood Cemetery is a registered arboretum with over 2,000 trees on the ground. Presidents James Monroe and John Tyler are both buried here, along with Richmond legends like Lewis Ginter. Don’t miss the Richmond Vampire Mausoleum!
In addition to offering a spectacular view of downtown and the James River, Hollywood Cemetery also boasts plenty of hills that are great for running and biking without fear of cars.
Address: 412 S Cherry St
Image: @maggiewalkernps
Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site
Designated a U.S. National Historic Landmark in 1975, the Maggie Lena Walker House explores the life and legacy of Maggie L. Walker. She devoted her life to defeating racism, sexism, and economic oppression, in addition to chartering a bank, a newspaper, and a store 17 years before American women had the right to vote. She fostered Black entrepreneurship when Jim Crow laws threatened African American progress.
Address: 600 N 2nd St
Image: @maymontrva
Maymont
This 100-acre historic estate and park is the perfect place for some outdoor studying, a picnic, or to stroll through the gardens. It’s sure to be a peaceful experience in nature however you choose to spend your time there! On-premise you’ll also find the Maymont Mansion, an arboretum, a carriage collection, native wildlife exhibits, the recently renovated Robins Nature Center, the Maymont Farm, a butterfly trail, and more.
Location: 1700 Hampton St
What to Do
Image: @virginiacapitaltrail
The Virginia Capital Trail
Ideal for walkers, bikers, hikers, dog walkers, skateboarders, and beyond! This 51.7 mile stretch of the newly paved trail starts at Great Shiplock Park (across Dock St. from Bottom’s Up Pizza) all the way to Williamsburg, with plenty to see along the way!
In Richmond, the popular stretch between Great Shiplock Park and Rockett’s Landing has been much busier than other areas, so if you are looking for a calmer area, try starting from an entrance point in Varina. Dorey Park and Four Mile Creek Trailhead are both great options.
Location: 2803 Dock St (Great Shiplock Park)
James River Park System
We'd be remiss if we didn't mention the expansive James River Park System, just a stone's throw from campus. After all, Richmond is known as the "river city." One of our favorite ways to get out on the river is taking a stand-up paddleboard yoga class with ReWild and WaterFrontRVA. Classes are held every Tuesday and Thursday starting at 5:45 pm through October (so don't wait!). If yoga is not your thing, here are a few more helpful guides to get you out on the river or the many trails throughout the park system:
5 WAYS TO SPEND THE DAY ON THE JAMES FROM RELAXING TO THRILL-SEEKING
ESCAPE THE HUSTLE OF CITY LIFE WITH RICHMOND’S TRAILS
Address: 615 Tredegar St
Hours: Monday - Friday, 7 am - 6 pm | Saturday and Sunday 8 am - 6 pm
Image: @vareptheatre
Virginia Repertory Theatre
The Virginia Repertory Theatre is the largest professional theatre and one of the largest performing arts organizations in Central Virginia! Located on Broad St in the Arts District, you can catch classic shows like Mary Poppins, Chicago, Cinderella, and more, along with comedies, musicals, and new plays. Take a peek at their schedule so you can make plans because tickets tend to sell out!
Address: 7 1/2 W. Marshall St
Hours: Vary by show
Thank you to The Commons and Weeks of Welcome at VCU for powering this free RVAx City Guide!