RVA Neighborhood Guide: Carytown
Carytown is classic Richmond— a street in the heart of the city lined with small businesses, great restaurants, coffee shops, bars, salons, an old-school movie theater, and more. Every time I’m asked for recommendations from people new to RVA or just coming for a visit, Carytown is at the top of my list. It’s the best way (I think) to see the best of what this city has to offer while only having to park your car once.
Here’s your guide to this nine-block area of town!
— by Rachel Dawson, Content Coordinator
What to See
Richmond Mural Project
Every year, more art is added to our city through the Richmond Mural Project, a project bringing artists from around the world to RVA to put their mark on our walls, buildings, and more. Several of these murals can be found around Carytown, making for great photo backdrops.
Locations: Found here
What to Do
The Byrd Theatre
This historic movie theatre has been a destination for Richmonders for over 90 years, seating 1,200 and offering cheap tickets for both new and old movies. The theatre hosts film festivals, special events, and even has Mighty Wurlitzer Organ performances before shows on Saturdays!
Location: 2908 W Cary St
Hours: Found here
Mongrel
This is my go-to spot for uncommon cards and gifts. The store is beautifully (and helpfully) arranged by interest, with sections for dog and cat lovers, foodies, nature enthusiasts, men, Richmond-dwellers, and more.
Location: 2924 W Cary St
Hours: Found here
World of Mirth
World of Mirth is often described as a place where Pee Wee’s Playhouse meets pop culture and is the only woman-owned local toy store in Richmond, VA. (from here)
Location: 3005 W Cary St
Hours: Found here
Plan 9 Music
Looking for new or used CDs and LPs in a variety of genres? Check out Plan 9, an independent record store that has been open for more than 29 years in RVA. They also pay cash for all forms of music and movies if you have pieces to sell.
Location: 3017 W Cary St
Hours: Found here
Chop Suey Books
This Carytown classic has two stories full of both new and used books, and often has “blind date with a book” selections available for adventurous readers. Be sure to look for the shop cat, Wonton.
Location: 2913 W Cary St
Hours: Found here
Penzey’s Spices
Foodies and chefs, this is the place for you, full of all the unique, quality spices you could ever want for your cooking, baking, grilling, or eating enjoyment.
Location: 3400 W Cary St
Hours: Found here
Bangles & Beads
This jewelry-focused craft store opens in 1985 and now has one of the largest selections for supplies in the country. Browse their beads, metal findings, leather, and more, or check out a class to learn more about jewelry making.
Location: 3322 W Cary St
Hours: Found here
Creme de la Creme
This beautiful shop features French and Italian-inspired home decor, gifts, and kitchenware with a touch of Southern hospitality.
Location: 3156 W Cary St
Hours: Found here
For the Love of Chocolate
This iconic candy store has been open for business for 28 years in Carytown, specializing in chocolate and sweet treats from around the world.
Location: 3136 W Cary St
Hours: Found here
The Phoenix
For more than 40 years, The Phoenix has offered unique and thoughtfully sourced apparel, accessories, and items from around the world in their fashionable and eclectic boutique geared toward women of all ages.
Location: 3101 W Cary St
Hours: Found here
Lex’s of Carytown
Looking for a prom dress, formal gown, wedding dress or bridesmaids dresses, or something to wear for your next event? Lex’s is the spot, with hundreds of styles in stock in sizes from 00-24. If you want a more personalized shopping experience, book an appointment 24 hours in advance!
Location: 3018 W Cary St
Hours: Found here
Ladles & Linens Kitchen Shoppe
This kitchen supply store is full of fun items for foodies, cooks, chefs, and hosts with the most. Whether you’re looking for pots and pans, cocktail mixers, tea towels, cookbooks, or something new to spice up your cooking (literally…), Ladles & Linens will have it.
Location: 3016 W Cary St
Hours: Found here
Ashby
This secondhand shop feels more like a boutique than a thrift store, and is full of stylish and seasonal clothing, accessories, and locally-made products for men and women alike.
Location: 3010 W Cary St
Hours: Found here
bbgb
Focusing on books for young readers, bbgb has been on the scene since 2010, featuring stories that prompt us to look at the world a little longer, a little closer, and a little differently. From board books for babes to more audacious titles for adults, bbgb carries a curated selection you’ll love.
Location: 3003 W Cary St
Hours: Found here
Bygones Vintage Clothing
Bygones has been bringing the glamour of old Hollywood to Richmond since 1979. Delightful displays and lively swing music will whisk you back in time as our friendly, knowledgeable staff helps you find the perfect vintage treasure. They carry an array of decades and styles for both men and women, with sizes ranging from XS to XXL. (from here)
Location: 2916 W Cary St
Hours: Found here
Carytown Nails and Spa
This is one of our personal favorite nail salons in the city— the manicures (whether simple or decked out with nail art) are always on point, and the vibes of the salon are relaxing and chic.
Location: 3339 W Cary St
Hours: Found here
Sacred Waters Holistic Spa & Boutique
Sacred Waters offers massages, multiple kinds of cupping, Reiki, and alternative spa services including focused abdominal work, energetic facelift, and personal ritual instructions with kits for clearing and blessings for spaces. (from here)
Location: 3317 W Cary St
Hours: Found here
Where to Eat
Sen - Organic Small Plate
Sen bridges Vietnamese and French cuisine, with a unique menu of dishes that accommodate a variety of dietary needs. They focus on organic and natural ingredients, make everything in house, work with local artists and farmers, and are known for their amazing Vietnamese coffee brought directly from Vietnam to RVA.
Location: 2901 W Cary St
Hours: Found here
The Daily Kitchen & Bar
The Daily strives to serve foods that are not only delicious but also health-conscious, environmentally friendly, and socially responsible. They use organic, all-natural, local and sustainable ingredients as much as possible while still keeping prices fair. They also offer an extensive selection of vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and paleo options. (from here)
Location: 2934 W Cary St
Hours: Found here
Galaxy Diner
This colorful space-age diner dishes out burgers, comfort classics, all-day breakfast, and more.
Location: 3109 W Cary St
Hours: Found here
Carytown Cupcakes
Carytown Cupcakes is a gourmet cupcake shop in Richmond, VA that specializes in creative daily flavors with gluten-free and vegan options. In the fall, they transform the shop into “Cary Potter” featuring sorting hat cupcakes and an Instagram-worthy shop design!
Location: 3111 W Cary St
Hours: Found here
Tulsi Indian Cuisine
Tulsi brings authentic Indian food at varying spice levels to the heart of Carytown, with an expansive restaurant space perfect for events or larger dinner parties.
Location: 3131 W Cary St
Hours: Found here
Mom’s Siam
Mom's Siam has served Carytown since 2000 with authentic Thai food. They are open every day for lunch and dinner, serving tasty food and providing friendly service at reasonable prices. Check out their awesome patio perfect for large parties.
Location: 2811 W Cary St
Hours: Found here
Can Can Brasserie
This Parisian-style steak frites eatery has a classic bistro setting with dark woods, tiles, and mirrors, and feels sophisticated in the best way. There’s usually a flower stand stationed outside too if you want to live out your most European dreams!
Location: 3120 W Cary St
Hours: Found here
Carytown Burgers & Fries
Craving a classic, all-American burger and fries? Carytown Burgers & Fries has what you’re looking for, whether you eat meat or prefer black bean patties or want to try something different.
Location: 3449 W Cary St
Hours: Found here
Home Sweet Home
This grilled cheese pub specializes in homemade comfort food prepared on a smoker or griddle. Hockey fan? Home Sweet Home loves the Washington Capitals, so watch a game
Location: 3433 W Cary St
Hours: Found here
East Coast Provisions
An East Coast-influenced seafood restaurant with an oyster bar, sushi, and hand-cut steaks.
Location: 3411 W Cary St
Hours: Found here
Mary Angela’s Pizzeria
A Richmond favorite for mouth-watering and authentic pizzas, calzones, pasta, and more.
Location: 3345 W Cary St
Hours: Found here
Les Crepes Carytown
Inspired by French cuisine, Les Crepes specializes in fresh, gourmet crepes, plus a variety of non-crepe options on our menu that feature their chef's amazing creativity in the kitchen. (from here)
Location: 3325 W Cary St
Hours: Found here
The Pit and The Peel
If you’re looking for fresh juices, smoothies, açaí bowls, toasts, and more, The Pit and The Peel is the place to be. It’s great for grab-and-go breakfast goodness or just a refreshing pick-me-up throughout the day.
Location: 3321 W Cary St
Hours: Found here
Babe’s of Carytown
Babe’s has been an LGBTQ-owned and operated establishment for over 32 years in RVA. They have three bars, daily lunch and dinner specials as well as brunch on the weekends, a beach volleyball court, a dance floor, pool tables, live bands, karaoke, drag queens, and more!
Location: 3166 W Cary St
Hours: Found here
The Broken Tulip
The Broken Tulip features seasonal dishes using area-sourced ingredients served in snug quarters with a supper-club vibe.
Location: 3129 W Cary St
Hours: Found here
Where to Drink
Sugar & Twine
This cute and quaint coffee shop pairs fun and flavorful coffee and tea drinks with delicious pastries (including vegan and gluten-free items) so you can sip and snack while you shop in Carytown.
Location: 2928 W Cary St
Hours: Found here
Garden Grove Brewing and Urban Winery
Garden Grove built their small brewery and winery to foster exploration and creativity, using many homegrown ingredients, and focusing on local, organic, and foraged items in their creations.
Location: 3445 W Cary St
Hours: Found here
The Jasper
Known for “full pour sand honest prices,” this cocktail bar is moody, old-fashioned, and quite popular among locals. Be on the lookout for when The Jasper will transform into Miracle on Cary Street, a pop-up Christmas-themed cocktail bar perfect for the holiday season.
Location: 3113 W Cary St
Hours: Found here
Looking for more to explore?
