RVA NEIGHBORHOOD GUIDE: Bon Air
Bon Air is a quaint neighborhood situated south of downtown. It’s charming and quiet but has all of the big box stores you’d like to hit when you’re low on household supplies. While this area is on the more mellow side of city life, there are some hidden gems nestled in this neighborhood that we def recommend.
Read on for the best of what to eat, drink, see, and do in Bon Air and its surrounding areas.
– by Alie McArdle, Contributing Writer (and the brains behind Ink & Influence. Follow her biz @_inkandinfluence!)
PS: Did we miss a must-try spot? This guide includes some of the classics and our favorites, but if there’s something you think we should add, let us know here!
What to See
Huguenot Park
Huguenot park features a variety of activities for kids of all ages to enjoy. They have an enclosed playground, basketball courts, fitness trail, horseshoe pit, tennis courts, volleyball, and more. This 53-acre park has plenty of space, granting you and your family plenty of opportunity to play and enjoy each others company.
Location: 10901 Robious Rd
What to Do
CMX CinéBistro Stony Point
Kick back and relax while you catch a movie at CineBistro. This movie theater offers popcorn and your typical movie theater snacks, but they also serve bistro food, so you can skip the restaurant when you’re out on a dinner-and-a-movie date. They’ve got ravioli, chicken, salads, sandwiches, and more to go with whatever you’re seeing.
Location: 9200 Stony Point Pkwy Suite 101
Hours and showings: Found here
Sneed’s Nursery
As “RVA’s local source for organics, flora, and baubles,” Sneed’s Nursery is a great place to visit whether or not you’ve got a green thumb. Peruse the garden center and the flower shop, and if you’re into DIY-ing, check out the classes and more. Interested in ~home-grow services~? They’ve got you covered there, too.
Location: 8756 W Huguenot Rd
Hours: Found here
Stony Point Fashion Park
When you’re in need of some retail therapy, Stony Point Fashion Park has all the goodies you’re looking for. From high-end boutiques and shops to your favorite department stores, there’s something here for everyone. They also have a few tasty restaurants right on site, so you can stop in for a bite during your outing.
Location: 9200 Stony Point Pkwy
Hours: Found here
St. Vincent DePaul Thrift Store
Thrift stores are delightful for a variety of reasons. There’s recycling, upcycling, reusing, and giving a second life to items that would otherwise end up in the landfill. St. Vincent DePaul Thrift Store is home to many different donated goods like clothing and accessories, furniture, housewares, artwork, and seasonal items. It’s a great option when you’re in the neighborhood and the mood to dig for treasure — you never know what you’ll find!
Location: 2611 Buford Rd
Hours: Found here
Where to Eat
Boil Bay Cajun Seafood & Bar
Sometimes you’re in the mood for a classic seafood boil, and while RVA has a ton of them these days, this particular seafood spot is located right in Bon Air. You’ve got your typical snow crab, shrimp, mussels, scallops, and more, all enhanced with corn, potatoes, and a sauce of your choice.
Location: 1321 Carmia Way
Menu: Found here
Hours: Found here
Galley
This quirky, cozy kitchen and market is a fan favorite, and for good reason. It’s another home run from the brains behind Kuba Kuba and Bacchus and features as many delicious menu items. Consider the Duck Sub (pressed with cured duck breast, mozzarella cheese, roasted red peppers, arugula, and pesto), Smoked Salmon Frittata (three-egg frittata with smoked salmon, onions, garlic, spinach, and capers), or one of the many other mouth-watering choices when you pay your next visit.
Location: 2805 Hathaway Rd
Menu: Found here
Hours: Found here
Genova’s Pizza Station
When from-scratch pizza, pasta, and other Italian dishes are what you’re craving, head to Genova’s. This restaurant is the latest concept from Filippo and Gaetano Genova, who were born in Carini, Sicily, and brought their passion for authentic Italian cuisine to Richmond (thank goodness!). If you can’t stay a while, no problem — Genova’s also offers much of its mouth-watering eats as to-go items.
Location: 2723 Buford Rd
Menu: Found here
Hours: Found here
Joe’s Inn
Joe’s Inn at Bon Air is the second location of this Richmond staple. The menu offers comfort food that keeps you coming back time after time when you want home cooking but you don’t want to do the cooking. With an inviting atmosphere and excellent service, it’s no wonder why so many rave about this spot. Pop in for a plate — I recommend the Vegetarian Lasagna (zucchini and yellow squash, tomatoes, spinach, red bell peppers and fresh basil baked with ricotta cheese and topped with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese).
Location: 2600 Buford Rd
Menu: Found here
Hours: Found here
Southbound
You know that feeling when you stumble upon a hidden gem and you can't wait to tell all your friends about it? Southbound is that — the real deal! This spot is the brainchild of two prominent Richmond chefs, Joe Sparatta and Lee Gregory, and its menu features steamed mussels, crab cakes, seared duck breast, and house-made pastas.
Location: 3036 Stony Point Rd
Menu: Found here
Hours: Found here
Where to Drink
Perk! Coffee & Lunchbox
This popular coffee spot opened in early 2015 and centers its menu on locally sourced coffee and in-house-made baked goods, breads, soups, and more. Go for the sips and sustenance, stay for the community and cozy feel.
Location: 2620 Buford Rd
Hours: Found here
Coco + Hazel
If you’ve got a hankering for killer milkshakes that’re often topped with an entire slice of cake, this is your spot. Coco + Hazel specializes in Insta-worthy desserts sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Or, if you’re more in the mood for a delish espresso of sorts, try the cafe’s coffee flight, featuring handcrafted iced coffee and seasonal flavors.
Location: 2733 McRae Rd
Hours: Found here
Shamrock
Shamrock is your neighborhood dive bar, with billiards, darts, and all. Stop in for a drink with some friends, and take in its come-as-you-are relaxed atmosphere. Patrons love the great drinks with honest prices, and you’ll even find karaoke here from time to time.
Location: 10016 Robious Rd
Hours: Found here
Wood & Iron
If it’s classic classic food and drinks (with a spin) you’re after when you’re out to catch a game, Wood & Iron is the place. The restaurant and bar has an extensive menu and daily specials, so you’re in for a deal no matter when you go.
Location: 11400 W Huguenot Rd, #109B
Hours: Found here
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