RVA NEIGHBORHOOD GUIDE: CHURCH HILL
I try to get outside for some fresh air with my daughter most mornings, and whenever I do, I think to myself — without fail — MAN, I love Church Hill. The Victorian homes make me swoon, there are Little Free Libraries everywhere, the views are some of the best in the city, and it seems like there's a new small business popping up every few days. Not to mention, the neighborhood is steeped in American history, evidenced by relics of the Revolution to the Civil War.
I already know there will probably come a time when my husband and I pack it in and move our little family to a suburban spot that gives us just a bit more room to stretch; that's how growing goes. But until then, I'm going to breathe in those morning strolls and almost always take a route that passes directly by Riverbend Roastery.
Read on for more about that cutie coffee shop and other local favorites in Church Hill (which, by the way, colloquially refers to the Church Hill proper, Church Hill North, Union Hill, and Chimborazo neighborhoods).
— by Kelsey Heintz, Managing Editor
PS: Did we miss a must-try spot? This guide includes some of the classics and our favorites, but if there’s something you think we should add, let us know here!
What to See
Chimborazo Park
Wide-open sunbathing real estate, a 180-degree view of the River City, and a mini Statue of Liberty replica make up the allure and uniqueness of this East End gem. If you're out and about with your four-legged friend, even better: Chimborazo Park has its own dog park, which is located on the lower terrace and has a section for big pups and a section for small pups.
Location: 3201 E Broad St (Chimborazo)
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Church Hill Overlook
You’ll find a sweeping view of the city skyline here. This spot is nestled in a cul-de-sac and dotted with a few benches for your relaxing pleasure. It’s something to see when the sun ends her shift and Downtown begins to sparkle for the night. Plus, while you’re taking in the sights, you’ll notice that tall tower to your right; according to Church Hill People’s News, the landmark is a broadcast tower originally built to host local radio stations Newsradio RVA and Q94 Richmond.
Location: 2112-2198 E Grace St (Church Hill proper)
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Jefferson Park
It's got views, it's got a playground, and it's mere steps from Alamo BBQ. This East End beauty is also sprinkled with trees, so in the warmer months, you can sprawl out in the shade, and in the cooler months, you can take in all the red, orange, and yellow.
Location: E Marshall St (Union Hill)
Hours: Found here
Libby Hill Park
On my most recent walk around Libby Hill Park, I saw multiple families sitting in folding chairs on the James River overlook — chatting, laughing, and generally really loving life. That’s how beautiful this spot is: you’ll want to pop a squat and take it in. Pack a cooler or book (or both), and stay a while.
Location: 2801 E Franklin St (Church Hill proper)
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
What to Do
Dear Neighbor
Yes, I got sidetracked drooling over the 14k Gold Irene Ring while I researched for this section. I think I’d go with the amethyst baguette for the stone. But I digress. Bring a friend when you shop here, both for fun and in case you get lost in the gorgeous goods. There’s fine jewelry, there’s vintage clothing, there’s — op! — my wallet…
Location: 2415 Jefferson Ave (Church Hill proper)
Hours: Found here
Historic St. John’s Church
This is Church Hill's namesake landmark, where Patrick Henry gave his 1775 "Liberty or Death" speech and, as the foundation puts it, "embodied the spirit of the Revolution" and "changed the course of history." It's the oldest church in Richmond, and you can soak in its historical essence with a site tour or a reenactment of the Second Virginia Convention.
Location: 2401 E Broad St (Church Hill proper)
Hours: Found here
Luminary Hair Co.
This queer-owned salon is inviting and chic all at once. There's exposed brick, there's warm lighting, and there's gender-free pricing—they book their appointments based on hair length and time needed for cuts, instead of based on traditional man- vs. woman-style pricing. Getting your hair done can be stressful, but Luminary's mission is to make their clients feel "pampered, beautiful, and safe to be themselves," and I can confirm from experience that they definitely deliver.
Location: 402 N 25th St (Church Hill proper)
Hours: Found here
Outside The Box
This whimsical retail shop offers gifts that are just as unique as the person you’re shopping for. Peruse an array of trinkets, oddities, jewelry, specialty sauces, housewarming gifts, seasonal gems, and unexpected goodies that are sure to impress.
Location: 1001 N 25th St (Church Hill proper)
Hours: Found here
Scorpio Rising
You could get lost scrolling through this nail studio's Instagram feed; their work is that good. They're full-service, non-toxic, and focused on custom nail art here, but even the incredibly neat work of a simple hot pink manicure from one of their artists will make you stop and stare.
Location: 501 N 25th St (Church Hill proper)
Hours: Found here
Tiny Space
This spot is as cute as it sounds. It's a little retail shop snuggled inside a brick garage, showcasing curated vintage pieces and handmade items. Think blonde rattan dining chairs, jadeite hand sculptures, and other unique finds of the like.
Location: 2708 E Marshall St #7346 (Church Hill proper)
Hours: Found here
Where to Eat
Alamo BBQ
My sister and brother-in-law have made the hour-long drive from Charlottesville to grab dinner here more than once. Sure, they "missed me" and "wanted to hang out," but the Trainwreck Burrito was the real pull. And I understand. The travel-worthy menu item is packed with meat, mac 'n cheese, cowboy beans, and cornbread—but if that's not your style, there are dozens of other mouth-watering things to order.
By the way: Frontier by Alamo is Alamo BBQ's sister restaurant, and she lives about two blocks down the road. The menu is very similar — barbecue, jalapeño mac, general deliciousness — but seating is all indoors, while Alamo BBQ's seating is all outdoors.
Location: 2202 Jefferson Ave (Union Hill)
Menu: Found here
Hours: Found here
Alewife
Before moving to Richmond, I lived in San Diego for a couple of years and thus developed a severe dependency on seafood for every meal—fish tacos, ceviche, oysters... Just spread my ashes in front of Pacific Beach Fish Shop, okay? Anyway, Alewife isn't as close to the ocean as I'd like all restaurants everywhere to be, but you'd never know it, because the entrées are bursting with fresh fish flavor. The Chesapeake Bay-inspired spot has earned a ranking on various publications' "Best New Restaurants" lists since it opened, so get your next date night on the calendar pronto.
Location: 3120 E Marshall St (Church Hill proper)
Menu: Found here
Hours: Found here
Cobra Burger
After my first bite of a Cobra Burger, I immediately DM’d the restaurant to tell them how amazing it was. Almost every week since, I've tried to come up with a reason why I can't eat my perfectly fresh groceries and why I have to probably definitely order a burger (and Cobra Fries) instead. Even their text confirmation to let you know your takeout is ready is worth putting in an order.
Location: 400 N 27th St (Church Hill proper)
Menu: Found here
Hours: Found here
8 ½
The first time I tasted an 8 ½ pizza, I realized I may actually never have to move ever again. Their style is fresh and minimalist, their crust is thin and crispy, and if you're not necessarily in the pizza mood, their menu has plenty of other Italian offerings. Before you settle up, peruse their mini market of dried pasta and drinks to inspire your other dinner plans for the week.
Location: 2709 E Marshall St (Church Hill proper)
Menu: Found here
Hours: Found here
Grisette
The food is rich, the wine list is never-ending, and the ambiance is dreamy. If you're craving a little taste of France, Grisette's got you covered.
Location: 3119 E Marshall St (Church Hill proper)
Menu: Found here
Hours: Found here
The Hill Café
When I'm in the mood for a hearty sandwich, I call on The Hill Café. Their California Club is scrumptious, but they also offer a host of other comfort dishes that perfectly reflect the cozy surroundings of the mealtime setting. Fried green tomatoes, Blue Plate meatloaf, cold beer? Check, check, check.
Location: 2800 E Broad St (Church Hill proper)
Menu: Found here
Hours: Found here
Honey Baked Bee
Inspired by the eerie themes and ambiance of spooky season, Honey Baked Bee is your local goth bakery with treats and delights of all kinds. With an emphasis on quality, you’ll find oversized cinnamon rolls, cookies, buttercream “doughnuts,” and more. Its name comes from the infusion of honey in almost every recipe, a nod to the sweet and sugary taste that results.
Location: 2824 E Broad St (Church Hill proper)
Hours: Found here
Kahlo’s Taqueria & Bar
As a certified fangirl of Scott's Addition's tasty-but-twenty-minutes-from-here En Su Boca Taqueria & Cantina, I was psyched when Church Hill got its own Mexican spot that I could walk to for my tacos-and-margs fix. Their chicken Tinga taco is so good, I literally have to say, "This is so good," after every bite. The atmosphere is colorful, the drinks are pretty, the chicken Tinga taco, again, is so good.
Location: 718 N 23rd St (Union Hill)
Menu: Found here
Hours: Found here
Liberty Public House
The eats and drinks here are as good as the (very good) service. Their Buffalo Chicken Wrap was my regular craving when I was pregnant, but it's still my go-to order; only now, I don't add the side of mashed potatoes and gravy (usually). Whatever you choose to enjoy, make sure you whet your appetite with an order of Frickles first.
Location: 418a N 25th St (Church Hill proper)
Menu: Found here
Hours: Found here
Metzger Bar & Butchery
Bratwurst, sauerkraut, and crisp Kölsch are all featured on the menu at this flavor-packed tribute to the neighborhood's history as a home to Richmond's German immigrants.
Location: 801 N 23rd St (Union Hill)
Menu: Found here
Hours: Found here
Pizza Bones
The owner's dream for Pizza Bones was "baked goods in the morning, pizza party at night," and that dream is now a reality in the form of the dark cobalt blue building strung with bistro lights on Jefferson Avenue. Enjoy your pastries and pizzas on the roomy patio, and if it's Industry Night (see: Monday night, currently) and you work in education, health, or food and beverage, let them know when you order in person — you'll earn 15 percent off your tab.
Location: 2314 Jefferson Ave (Union Hill)
Menu: Found here
Hours: Found here
Proper Pie Co.
This shop is dedicated to serving pie, and that's probably all you really need to know, but I'll humor you with a bit more detail. I spend a lot of my time in one of those wavy dream sequences, thinking about Proper Pie's Sour Cream & Blueberry or Pumpkin & Salted Caramel slices, and their savory pie options include everything from Pork & Peach BBQ to Vegan Curried Lentil & Spinach. The top of their menu asks, "Savory or Sweet? Why not both?" and I have to agree: why not both? It's called ~a balanced diet.~
Location: 2505 E Broad St #100 (Church Hill proper)
Menu: Found here
Hours: Found here
The Roosevelt
The Church Hill charm threads throughout this treasured eatery located in a turn-of-the-last-century building, from the hand-painted "Bromo-Seltzer" signage outdoors to the chandeliers glowing overhead inside. Enjoy the Southern-inspired cuisine, while Franklin Delano himself looks on (enviously, probably) from his large wooden frame near the bar.
Location: 623 N 25th St (Church Hill proper)
Menu: Found here
Hours: Found here
Slurp! Ramen
This delish ramen spot — from the folks who brought us The Jasper — announced its opening like a surprise Beyoncé album drop, and its food has been just as bomb ever since. Sweet, spicy, and numbing wings? Rich, smoky, and savory pork bone broth? Yeah, we’ll take one of everything and some saké to go with it.
Location: 2416 Jefferson Ave C1 (Union Hill)
Menu: Found here
Hours: Found here
Soul N’ Vinegar
Here, they’re focused on "diverse foods for diverse peoples." Whether you’re on the schedule for a friend’s meal train, you need catering for an upcoming event, or you just want something delicious and easy for dinner, their menu’s got the hook-up. "Bangin’" pimento cheese, veggie spring rolls with chili oil, and curry spiced roast chicken are just a few of the delectable items you can add to your next order.
Location: 2910 Q St C-1 (Church Hill North)
Menu: Found here
Hours: Found here
Spotty Dog Ice Cream Co.
We were fans of this spot’s pint-to-porch delivery service way back when, and we’re psyched to have an actual parlor to visit now, too. Spotty Dog doles out deliciously unique flavors (hello, Cafe du Valkyrie, with your notes of orange, ginger, cardamom, and cinnamon nestled in coffee ice cream). And their merch? Too cute.
Location: 2416 Jefferson Ave (Union Hill)
Hours: Found here
Where to Drink
The Emerald Lounge
This tropical destination in the East End is another concept from the brains behind The Jasper. Snag your ticket to paradise and sip on some rum-, agave-, and brandy-focused drinks paired with the equally delish eats.
Location: 2416 Jefferson Ave C1 (Union Hill)
Menu: Found here
Hours: Found here
North End Juice Co.
Their website says it all: "good vibes and good eats." This juice bar is a splash of refreshing flavor, from its smoothies to its açaí bowls. They even offer cleanses, if your bod's looking for a total factory reset.
Location: 2400 Jefferson Ave (Union Hill)
Menu: Found here
Hours: Found here
Patrick Henry’s Pub & Grille
Intimate setting, comfort food, and a late-night kitchen come to mind when I think about this beloved dive bar on Broad Street. A few years ago, after a long moving day (is there another kind?), my husband and I refueled here and toasted to our new Church Hill digs. I reminisce about my ice-cold beer and Reuben sandwich from that night, often.
Location: 2300 E Broad St (Church Hill proper)
Menu: Found here
Hours: Found here
Riverbend Roastery
You know when you have a crush and it's all you can think about? Mine is an iced Church Hill Blend, and I simply cannot get over it. This open and very cute coffee house is a great place to get your caffeine fix or grab a light bite, and if you're not an official member of the Year-Round Iced Coffee Club, anything else on Riverbend's menu is sure to delight your tastebuds. Because they only source their coffee beans from farms that are part of the Rainforest Alliance, organic, and fair trade, you'll be supporting a world-conscious local business and the environment all at once when you order a cup of Joe here.
Location: 2623 E Broad St (Church Hill proper)
Menu: In-store availability only
Hours: Found here
Second Bottle Wine & Snack Shop
I haven't gotten one wine recommendation here that I didn't wish I'd doubled up on. The owner knows her stuff and is enthusiastic about helping you make the perfect selections to take home; your shopping experience couldn't be less intimidating. Stop in when a tasting's on the schedule or ask the experts there what they recommend, if you want to really hone in on the best of the best suggestions. Or simply mosey around the shop and enjoy reading the neatly handwritten tags that adorn many of the bottles, highlighting notes and pairings alike. Don't forget to throw some tinned fish in your bag before you leave.
Location: 324 N 27th St (Church Hill proper)
Hours: Found here
Union Market
The patio at this café-market hybrid is never not buzzing, and it's for good reason. The menu is packed with sandwich, soup, and salad options; the bar is always bubbling with local drafts; and the mart has just about anything you'd need in a pinch, including Don Sebastián salsas and dips — definitely add some to your armful before you check out.
Location: 2306 Jefferson Ave (Union Hill)
Menu: Found here
Hours: Found here
Looking for more places to explore?:
