The Trendspotter: June 2024
We’re back again with your monthly dose of must-know news, The Trendspotter! This content series features monthly roundups of the newest and hottest businesses (namely, restaurants, bars, and then some!) around RVA.
We’re almost halfway through 2024 and, yet again, feeling #blessed with another roundup of new spots to check out, featuring tacos, plush couches, bubble tea, and Barbie vibes.
— by Alie McArdle, Contributing Writer (and the brains behind This Little Life. Follow her work @thislittle_lifeblog!)
Cochiloco
What it is: A new Mexican joint situated in Scott’s Addition.
Why we love it: We have it on good authority that Cochiloco is *the place* to seek out when you’re craving authentic on-the-beaches-of-Tulum Mexican food. Each dish presents flavor profiles similar to what you’d expect from an escape to paradise. Try the quesabirria and perfectly crafted tacos to start.
Where to find it: 3340 W Moore St (Scott’s Addition)
Importante Bodega Bar
What it is: A bodega bar emphasizing Spanish cuisine.
Why we love it: When one business closes, its door opens to another — something like that, right? Located in the old Rocket Fizz spot is Importante Bodega Bar. I hope you’re not imagining tacos and tequila because this spot is anything but! Taking a page from restaurants in Spain, Importante’s menu features an array of elevated small plates, Spanish cheeses, seafood, and more. Try the Spanish mussels with olive oil, and wash that down with some Lagar de Costa straight from the vineyards in Spain.
Where to find it: 3031 W Cary St (Carytown)
Txtur
What it is: A Nordic restaurant and furniture store.
Why we love it: I know what you might be thinking: Is this a Great Value version of Ikea? Not exactly. While Txtur fuses eatery and showroom, this spot is a bit different from the blue-and-yellow furniture spot we all know and love.
Txtur boasts high quality, easy-to-clean furniture, which is all locally made in Roanoke, VA. Wander about the store with your food and drinks and ask yourself if there’s a better way to see if a piece is a good fit for your family than kicking your feet up with a brewski. (Hint: There’s not!)
When you’re still mulling your potential purchases, take a second look at the rest of the menu items: They’ve got apps like fried gouda spring rolls and a smörgåsbord with house smoked fish and cheeses, and even fish and steak entrees for the follow-up course to that!
Where to find it: 604 Hull St (Manchester)
Lotte Plaza Market
What it is: An Asian grocery mart featuring a stellar food court.
Why we love it: It’s a 4,500-square-foot market of greatness! Known as the DISNEY WORLD of Asian grocers, Lotte Plaza Market is kind of a big deal. Among the massive aisles, you’ll find dedicated goodies to add to your hot pots, kimchi, giant jackfruit, and more. They even have a selection of Latin American options. Then there’s the food court, which will soon have Korean barbecue from bb.q Chicken, Hanabi Japanese Grill & Bar, bubble tea by Yogi Tea, and French-Korean bakery TOUS les JOURS.
Where to find it: 7801 W Broad St (Dumbarton)
Pink Room
What it is: A Paris Hilton-inspired cocktail lounge.
Why we love it: This all-pink cocktail lounge is inspired by the aesthetic of a 1982 Venice cocktail party hosted by none other than Paris Hilton (because why not?). Created by local chef Brittanny Anderson (Brenner Pass, Black Lodge, Metzger Bar & Butchery), Pink Room is the perfect stop for girls night, a bachelorette party, or if you just need a pink pick-me-up after a long day at the office. Here are some notes that are particularly good to know before you stop by: The menu is handwritten every weekend and they cannot guarantee all dietary restrictions will be accommodated. And they do not take reservations and cannot accept parties of over four people.
Where to find it: 803 N 23rd St (Church Hill)
Parlay at Graybo’s
What it is: A sports bar and trading-card shop.
Why we love it: Opened in the former The Circuit Arcade Bar space is Parlay at Graybo’s — Richmond’s first trading-card and sports bar combo. Inside, you’ll find high-def TVs, lounge-type seating, and five "semi-private pods" available for private, high-end sports-viewing parties. The menu includes pizzas, sandwiches, and salads, to boot.
Where to find it: 3117 W Leigh St Ste A (Scott’s Addition)
Sharing new trends each month!
Check back the first week of each month for a new edition of The Trendspotter to find out which businesses you need to know about (and check out!) in RVA.
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