5 Hidden Gems To Scope Out In Richmond, Pt 2
All too often we hear about popular hot spots — the raving reviews uplifting this place or that. And while the better-known restaurants and parks have earned their reputation, lesser-known spots deserve the spotlight, too.
Richmond is indeed a small city, but we’ve still got hidden gems tucked away here and there. Read on for some of our favorites, which are sure to bring you joy once you check ‘em out in person.
Read 5 HIDDEN GEMS TO SCOPE OUT IN RICHMOND, PT 1 for our first roundup of spots, and read on for even more recs!
— by Alie McArdle, Contributing Writer (and the brains behind Ink & Influence. Follow her biz @_inkandinfluence!)
Enoteca Sogno
Tucked away in Bellevue is Enoteca Sogno, the little Italian bistro of your dreams (literally — “enoteco sogno” translates to “dream wine shop”). While unassuming from the outside, this spot offers stellar Italian whites and reds alongside small plates and authentic dishes, and the friendly, attentive staff is happy to guide you to the right picks for your meal. Enjoy the ever-popular trend of travelling abroad this time of year and enjoy your taste of Italian summer when you stop in.
Location: 1223 Bellevue Ave (Bellevue)
Hours: Found here
Tea With Kip
Richmond has no shortage of tea rooms, each offering their own unique spin on afternoon tea. What makes Tea With Kip a hidden gem is the meticulous attention to detail when owner Kip creates an experience for her guests. It’s the closest thing to southern hospitality you’ll find here in the city.
Tea With Kip is one of the most affordable tea rooms around, too, and the decor blossoms with feminine charm. Kip can also cater to dietary restrictions as long as you give her a 24-hour heads-up.
Something to note: She likes to start her tea experience with a prayer, but you don’t need to be religious to enjoy this place.
Location: 11164 Hull St (Midlothian)
Hours: Found here
Révéler Experiences
Révéler does not get enough credit for what it brings to Richmond! This music and arts club is your ticket to learning about some of RVA’s most interesting subcultures. They put on a variety of events, like open-floor jazz, cabaret, and the signature High Tea and Treachery escape-room-esque rendezvous. Plus, they offer a polygraph test experience — but that’s all we can say about that.
Location: 3108 W Cary St (Carytown)
Hours: Found here
West End Thrift
RVA is home to many beloved thrift stores, but when you’e looking to peruse a true hidden gem, West End Thrift takes the cake. It’s near impossible to leave empty-handed from this shop; it’s well-organized, fairly priced, and clean.
From clothing to furniture to curtains and tablecloths, you’ll definitely find something that fits your style here. On my last visit, I scored a pristine cedar chest for just $20 and a pair of brand-new curtains for my bedroom for $5!
Location: 7219 W Broad St (West End)
Hours: Found here
Tiki-Tiki
Who doesn’t love simple American-ized Chinese food? Tiki-Tiki offers large portions of just that, plus great cocktails and friendly service. While some restaurants can be loud and overwhelming, this spot has a laid-back atmosphere, giving you the time and space to enjoy your meal at your own pace —it’s a vacation right in your own city.
Location: 8917 Patterson Ave (Tuckahoe)
Hours: Found here
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