9 local spots that will make you feel like you're somewhere else
Get out of town (without getting out of town).
If your sense of wanderlust is feeling stifled, don’t worry — a visit to one of these Richmond restaurants should help to scratch that travel itch. No boarding pass is required.
By Alicia Valenski
Image Credit: @rosieconnollyspub
Ireland:
Rosie Connolly's Pub & Restaurant
Expect a food menu of traditional Irish comfort food, 12 traditional pub drafts (including Harp, Guinness, and Smithwicks), and 18 Irish Whiskeys to choose from (Jameson Gold, Bushmills Black, and Paddy’s Irish Whiskey), just to name a few.
Address: 1548 E Main St A (Shockoe Bottom)
Hours: Tuesday, 4 - 9:30 pm; Wednesday, 4 - 10 pm; Thursday, 4 - 10:30 pm; Friday - Saturday, 4 - 11:30 pm; Sunday, 11 am - 3:30 pm; Closed Mondays
Image Source: @havana59rva
Cuba:
Havana ‘59
As they put it on their website, “The string lights, crumbling plaster walls, palm trees, and aroma of cigars take you back in time to enjoy the tantalizing delights of a bygone era in Havana, Cuba. Relax while we take you back in time to the 1950s, to the tradition of indulgence in the island city when it was considered ‘The Paris of the Caribbean’ by providing you with a unique atmosphere and an unforgettable culinary and cocktail experience delivered with exceptional service.”
Address: 16 N 17th St (Shockoe Bottom)
Hours: Monday - Saturday, 4 - 10 pm; Sunday, 11 am - 4 pm
Image Credit: @sabairva
Thailand:
Sabai
The colorful dishes at Sabai are authentic Thai delicacies straight from the streets of Bangkok, and the cocktails here are among the best in Richmond. But it’s the design of both the indoor and outdoor spaces here that are going to make you feel like you’ve been transported to Thailand.
Address: 2727 W Broad St (Scott’s Addition)
Hours: Sunday - Thursday, 12 - 9 pm; Friday - Saturday, 12 - 10 pm
Image Source: @alysonshaia
England:
Penny Lane Pub
From their website, “Penny Lane is a tribute to all things English, from the beers on tap to the football on the telly to the memorabilia that fills every square inch of the pub… Relax downstairs at the bar with old mates, while making some new ones. Play darts or pool upstairs. Savor a fab meal. Hold a meeting or celebrate a special occasion in our private dining room. You don’t have to be a “Scouse” to feel at home here, but you’ll feel a little like one by the time you leave.”
Address: 421 E Franklin St (Downtown)
Hours: Tuesday - Wednesday, 3 - 10 pm; Thursday - Saturday, 12 - 10 pm; Sunday, 11 am - 8 pm; Closed Mondays
Image Source: @lamilparva
Mexico:
La Milpa
No matter what time of day or night it may be, you can always find incredible Mexican food at La Milpa. Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, this Mexican restaurant and marketplace has an absolutely massive menu along with traditional Mexican decor for a truly authentic experience.
Address: 6925 Hull St (Southside)
Hours: Open 24/7
Image Source: @namaonbroad
India:
NAMA
As they put it on their website, “Get a taste of rich and flavorful Indian cuisine right in the heart of Richmond’s Art District. At NAMA, we invite you to feast on the flavor and aroma of India’s most popular dishes. Our name comes from the Sanskrit word Namaste which means “I bow to the divine in you.” It’s a traditional way of showing respect when you greet someone. We welcome you to our restaurant with the same mindset.”
Address: 15 W Broad St (Arts District)
Hours: Tuesday - Saturday, 4 - 10 pm; Sunday, 11 am - 4 pm
Image Source: @chelseaesheridan
France:
Can Can Brasserie
From their Facebook: “Situated in the eastern wing of Richmond’s oldest operating shopping center, Can Can was constructed to look and feel as if it has been lifted from the left bank of Paris (circa 1900) and dropped into the heart of Carytown. The idea for the restaurant derives from the classic notions of brasserie, which originally indicated an establishment that served beer, but grew to reflect grand café restaurants specializing in traditionally inspired French foods that can be cooked quickly.”
Address: 3120 W Cary St (Carytown)
Hours: Wednesday - Saturday, 9:30 am - 8 pm; Sunday, 10 am - 4 pm; Closed Mondays and Tuesdays
Image Credit: @mbrettlong
China:
Peter Chang
As they put it on their website, “Peter Chang, a highly awarded and world class chef, is considered by many to be the greatest Chinese chef cooking in America today. Chang has brought authentic Szechuan cooking to another level, in a class of his own… You’ll find him in the kitchen, behind the scenes; his “wok-hands” calloused and burnt from years of gripping hot handles. Chang’s passion in mastering his craft is growing into an empire. His use of peppers and spices in his cooking has become an addiction for many.”
Address: 2816 W Broad St (Scott’s Addition) and 11424 W Broad St (Short Pump)
Image Credit: @littlenickelgram
The Tropics:
Little Nickel
As they explain it on their website, “Little Nickel is a neighborhood restaurant. The cuisine could best be described as ‘tropical diner’ with a splash of coastal Mediterranean flair and spirited twists on mid-century American classics alongside thoughtful and funky cocktails.”
Address: 4702 Forest Hill Ave (Forest Hill)
Hours: Monday, 4 - 9 pm; Tuesday - Thursday, 11:30 am - 9 pm; Friday - Saturday, 11:30 - 10 pm