11 Markets With Grab-And-Go Options For When You Don’t Feel Like Cooking
Maybe you’re a fellow believer that food tastes better when someone else makes it. Or maybe cooking is just not in the cards today. Either way, it sounds like a pre-made meal is in your future. Here’s our list of markets in Richmond where you can grab a quick bite to go.
Image Source: The Richmond Experience
Stella’s Grocery
Everyone knows Stella’s, everyone loves Stella’s, but not everyone has time to wait for a reservation at Stella’s. Luckily, their markets are packed with plenty of pre-made Greek food goodness that you can easily snag on the go. We recommend one of their signature paninis for lunch or a souvlaki entrée and bottle of wine for dinner.
Locations: 1007 Lafayette St (Malvern Gardens), 3351 W Moore St (Scott’s Addition), 109 E Grace St (Downtown), 5802 Grove Ave (Westhampton), 609 Hull St (Manchester), 4930 Forest Hill Ave Ste A (Westover Hills), 5001 Huguenot Rd (River Road), 14310 Winterview Pkwy (Midlothian)
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Image Source: Union Market
Union Market
Nothing beats a Union Market sandwich or salad, even if you take it to go instead of enjoying it on their patio. Plus, you can stock up on other snacks, beer, wine, and other goodies inside the market while you wait for your to-go meal.
Location: 2306 Jefferson Ave (Church Hill)
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Image Source: The Richmond Experience
Yellow Umbrella Provisions
Foodies will love the selection at Yellow Umbrella. This market offers prepared snack boxes, sandwiches, sushi, and hearty entrees. If you’re stopping for lunch, the Patterson and Libbie Mill locations serve lobster rolls, which is obviously a must-order. And if you need a cocktail to go along with your meal, their Scott’s Addition location’s got you covered with Cirrus Vodka next door.
Location: 5603 Patterson Ave (Westhampton), 5001 Libbie Mill E Blvd (Libbie Mill), 1320 Summit Ave (Scott’s Addition)
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Image Source: Ukrop’s Market Hall
Ukrop’s Market Hall
You may not be able to shop at Ukrop’s grocery stores anymore (still sad about this btw), but at least you can rely on the Market Hall for all their pre-made classics like fried chicken, potato wedges, and pizzas. They have an entire chilled section too, stocked with salads, sides, and family-sized meals ready to heat and eat at home. Plus, it’s the perfect excuse to stock up on some White House rolls and rainbow cookies while you’re there.
Location: 7250 Patterson Ave (Near West End)
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Image Source: Eduardo Soares via Unsplash
Strawberry Street Market
Don’t let the convenience store exterior fool you. This market has a full deli counter where you can order freshly made breakfast sandwiches and other hot items plus tons of wraps and other pre-made goodies. And since they’re open til midnight, they’ve got you covered when you’re scrambling to find something for dinner or have the late-night munchies.
Location: 415 N Strawberry St (The Fan)
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Image Source: Taste
TASTE
TASTE is best known for their signature sammies, but don’t skip their pre-made section. They have sandwiches, salads, snacks, and desserts ready to go. You can also grab a bottle of wine to enjoy along with your dinner while you’re there. Truly a one-stop-shop.
Location: 5706 Grove Ave Ste 100 (Westhampton)
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Image Source: The Market @ 25th
The Market @ 25th
The Market @ 25th is more than just a place to pick up a quick meal. This Church Hill grocery store was created to bring fresh, affordable food and job opportunities to the community, and it continues that mission by supporting local entrepreneurs and offering discounted produce to eligible SNAP shoppers. Stop by for prepared meals, fresh groceries, and products from local vendors while supporting a market that’s making a difference in our city.
Location: 1330 N 25th St (Church Hill)
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Image Source: Shields Market
Shields Market
If you’re a fan of Joe’s Inn (who’s not?!), you’ll love its little sister Shields Market. It’s owned by the same folks behind the delicious food at Joe’s and offers sandwiches, meatloaf, tortellini salad, desserts, and more. They also make breakfast sandwiches fresh every morning and serve Rostov’s coffee, kombucha, and nitro cold brew.
Location: 206 N Shields Ave (The Fan)
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Image Source: Libbie Market
Libbie Market
Grab-and-go doesn’t mean you have to go home. At Libbie Market you can choose from their impressive selection of prepared meals or order from their breakfast buffet and enjoy it at their little in-store café area. Not having to cook or clean up afterward? Uhhh… yeah!
Location: 400 Libbie Ave (Westhampton)
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Image Source: Mama J’s Market
Mama J’s Market
Good news! You can finally get your Mama J’s fix without needing a table. The beloved Jackson Ward restaurant recently opened its market with pre-made versions of its delicious Southern comfort food like fried chicken, pork chops, collard greens, candied yams, mac and cheese, seafood salad, and more. Make sure you grab a slice of cake or sweet potato pie too.
Location: 101 E Clay St (Jackson Ward)
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Image Source: Ellwood Thompson’s
Ellwood Thompson’s
Just because you’re not in the mood to cook doesn’t mean you have to settle for fast food or something unhealthy. Get in your daily serving of veggies at Ellwood’s hot bar and grab-and-go section. It’s stocked daily with wraps, sandwiches, salads, and ready-to-eat meals with vegan and vegetarian-friendly options too.
Location: 4 N Thompson St (Carytown)
>> Learn more <<
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
A born and bred Richmonder, Christine’s love of RVA runs deep. So does her love of words. She’s wanted to be a writer since she was 8 years old, leading her to earn a degree in Communication Studies from Roanoke College. Since then she’s edited and contributed to a handful of local and national publications. When she’s not working on her next article, you can find her taking walks throughout the city with her fiancé and their adorable rescue pitty Rosie. You can also find her on Instagram @christinewinder where she posts way too many photos of her cats.
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