We Richmonders tend to get obsessed with the new – especially when it comes to dining. We love the latest hot spot, the new small plates place, the must-see renovation, and we flock to visit them all.
But what about the old?
I say enough with the new already (or for today, anyway), let’s talk about some ‘old’ Richmond restaurants we used to love and probably still would, if we’d give them another chance.
Here are my Top 10 Fave ‘Old’ Richmond Restaurants. Take a look and tell us what your favorites are in the comments below.
Chiocca's Downstairs Deli & Bar
For a certain Richmonder, of a certain age, the monthly balancing of a checkbook included more than a few single-digit entries for Chiocca's. That’s because for years, far longer than seemed necessary (I believe well into the 2000s), Chiocca's accepted cash or check only. No credit cards. Since 1952. It took more than 50 years for the basement Museum District spot to change the policy, but now Richmonders with or without plastic can enjoy its fabulous sandwiches and refreshing brews.
How can you not love the only restaurant salad bar in the city? Strawberry Street Café has been doing its salad bar (plus awesome burgers and sandwiches) since 1976. With a newly retooled menu, now’s the perfect time to check it out again.
Since 1989 Millie’s Diner has been bringing national culinary attention to Richmond.
Europa Italian Cafe & Tapas Bar
Remember the place that introduced Richmond to small plates? Back in 1998 they were pronounced "tapas" and Europa is still one of my favorite spots in the city for small plates. Especially on Sunday nights, when tapas are half-priced.
These days the rages is all about Kitchen 64, or 3 Monkeys, but for my money the place to go for that perfect blend of grease and Greek will always be Sidewalk. For 22 years this spot has been serving up delicious, affordable American fare, and chances are it will continue to do so for another 22.
Shout-out for Southside (and in time for St. Patrick’s Day) – O’Toole’s has been a Southbank neighborhood standard since 1966.
Since 1994, some of the best Italian in Richmond has been coming out of Shockoe Slip and La Grotta. Don’t believe me? Go give it a try.
It opened in 1956, it was home of the first integrated lunch counter in Richmond, and it’s still one of the hippest, funkiest diner/cafes in Richmond.
Spaghetti a la Greek. One entrée, for $13.50. Upgrade to the mini-Greek for $2.95 and you have at least three meals. Since 1977. Everyone else please stop going so I can get a table again.
I know, I know, no one has forgotten about this place. But did you know they opened in 1993? Interesting Richmond trivia. That is all.
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