BY THE RVAX TEAM

Eat

We can’t lie: “Where to eat” is the first thing we’re researching when we’re visiting another city, and quite honestly, it’s also what we’re thinking about 95% of the time in Richmond, too. From award-winning barbecue to unreal dessert options, Richmond runs the gamut for eating good. Here are just a few staples you’ve got to try.

Edo’s Squid

We quickly get shushed when we mention this hidden gem, but friends don’t let friends not know to try the braised fennel at Edo’s Squid. Start there, then work your way to the pasta with broccoli rabe, garlic olive oil, and ricotta.

Location: 411 N Harrison St (The Fan)
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Enoteca Sogno

… Clearly we have a thing for Italian food, okay?? But we have to when it’s this good. Enoteca Sogno was established in 2008, and the owners visit Italy every year to find new wine and food inspiration to bring back to Richmond, which would explain why we’re drooling just thinking about it.

Location: 1223 Bellevue Ave (Bellevue)
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Mama J’s Kitchen

Lucky for us, there are plenty of soul-food options in Richmond when you’re in need of something a little extra comforting, but Mama J’s tops the list with its fried catfish, collard greens, macaroni and cheese, candied yams, and then some.

Location: 415 N 1st St (Jackson Ward)
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Nate’s Bagels – Cary Street

Ordering something like The Glamper or Ol Virginny here is a fantastic way to ruin every other breakfast experience for the rest of your life. Do it anyway.

Locations: 21 S Allen Ave (The Fan)
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Proper Pie Co

The fact that this is a shop just for sweet and savory pies is enough perfection as it is, but Proper Pie Co really walks the walk, too. Everything from the Sour Cream & Blueberry to the Pork & Peach BBQ to the (seasonal!) Pumpkin & Salted Caramel is enough to make a Busytown resident freak.

Location: 2505 E Broad St #100 (Church Hill)
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Stella’s

We hadn’t experienced clove and nutmeg in our pasta sauce until we dined at Stella’s, and ever since, we haven’t been able to stop talking about the pastichio, either. In terms of Richmond icons, this spot, overall, is Greek goddess level.

Location: 1012 Lafayette St (Near West End)
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ZZQ

There isn’t a time in recent memory for us when there wasn’t a line out the door here. If there’s one when you go, just wait it out — renowned, melt-in-your mouth, voted-best-BBQ-in-Virginia, Texas-style brisket is ahead.

Location: 3201 W Moore St (Scott’s Addition)
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Drink

Full disclosure, the original draft of this bucket list included every brewery in the city. And honestly, we stand by that — you do need to visit them all. But we can appreciate the hyper-localness of this type of quest, so here are our all-time favorite spots to grab a brew in this very beer-y city, along with spots you have to visit for a cocktail or glass of wine, and spots you should grab a cup of joe:

Breweries

The Answer

This is Richmond’s first Asian-owned brewery, and it’s got things like its unreal spring rolls and bánh mì to pair with its equally unreal sours and IPAs.

Location: 6008 W Broad St (West End)
>> Learn more <<

Hardywood – West Creek

Richmonders are blessed with two Hardywood locations, but in our humble opinion, it’s the West Creek spot that you need to visit. When it’s just any old day, have a Richmond Lager; when it’s fall, have a Farmhouse Pumpkin.

Location: 820 Sanctuary Trail Dr (Tuckahoe)
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Legend Brewing Co

This brewery has delish sips (Legend Brown Ale), snacks (Bavarian Pretzel), and stunning views of the River City, so unless you have something against enjoying the hell out of life, yes, you’ll have to pay a visit to this Richmond staple.

Location: 321 W 7th St (Manchester)
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Väsen Brewing Company – Scott’s Addition

Like many Richmonders, Väsen loves beer and loves the outdoors. Sip on something like a Norse on the patio at the original location in Scott’s Addition, and you’ll be living your best Richmonder life.

Location: 3331 W Moore St (Scott’s Addition)
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The Veil Brewing Co – Scott’s Addition

This modern, industrial flagship taproom feels so at home in Scott’s Addition that you’ll feel so at home ordering another cold one — preferably something hazy. The Veil def does make you do it.

Location: 1509B Belleville St (Scott’s Addition)
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Cocktail Bars & Other Watering Holes

Cirrus Vodka

We love few things more than a (dirty-as-hell) martini, and Cirrus Vodka knows a thing or three about that kind of situation. We suggest ordering an Olive Briney Boy for starters, but TBH, the Jala-Piña Rita is nothing to sneeze at either, so have that order on deck when it’s time to put in for the next round.

Location: 1320 Summit Ave Ste F (Scott’s Addition)
>> Learn more <<

Jardin

To know us is to hear us mention Jardin at least once a week — and see us patio-sipping there almost as often. It’s one of our top spots in the city, given it’s intimate atmosphere, fantastic wine selection, and neighborhood feel. Wave when you see us.

Location: 1520 W Main St Basement Ste 1 (The Fan)
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The Jasper

Some of Richmond’s most talented mixologists run the show here, meaning you’ll be having a high-quality sipping experience when you visit. In keeping with that energy, order the Hall of Famer Caribbean Kween or Espresso Martini (or both).

Location: 3113 W Cary St (Carytown)
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The Roosevelt

The Roosevelt is restaurant forward, but we find it’s repeatedly mentioned when you’re taking “best cocktail bar in the city” recs. Order whatever’s on the seasonal menu when you go — it’s always especially creative.

Location: 623 N 25th St (Church Hill)
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Coffee Shops

Afterglow Coffee Cooperative

Afterglow is Richmond’s first worker-owned coffee roaster and cafe, so it’s got even more going for it than it’s top-notch brew. And not for nothin’, by a certain hour, it doubles as a cutie spot to grab a beer or glass of wine, too.

Location: 1719 Summit Ave (Scott’s Addition)
>> Learn more <<

Blanchard’s – Broad St

Blanchard’s is a good Handshake — full-bodied, rich, and sweet. Like, the Handshake blend, we mean. But yes, it’s one of the city’s classics, so you might say it’s got the essence of a good handshake, too — solid, confident, and, sure, sweet.

Location: 3121 W Broad St (Scott’s Addition)
>> Learn more <<

Riverbend Roastery

We’ve called the Church Hill Blend our one true love, and we’d do it again. If you want it our way, order it iced and take it for a walk down to Libby Hill Park for some of the city’s best views.

Location: 2623 E Broad St (Church Hill)
>> Learn more <<

See

We know this is the See section, but when we’re talking Richmond and straight-up feasting, it’s your eyes that eat first a lot of the time here. There’s extraordinary architecture down most streets, live music almost everywhere, and even an organist who appears as if from nowhere before you cozy up to watch a movie at our nearly 100-year-old theater. Treat your peepers here:

Historic Sites & Museums

Agecroft Hall & Gardens

This 16th-century Tudor manor was disassembled in Lancashire, England, transported to Richmond, and then reassembled. We feel accomplished when we can make it up the driveway in one go after a particularly hefty grocery run. It’s as stunning as it sounds — the manor, that is. Don’t miss the tulips in the spring, especially.

Location: 4305 Sulgrave Rd (Windsor Farms)
>> Learn more <<

Hollywood Cemetery

There is quite literally not a bad season to visit Hollywood Cemetery. It’s almost unspeakably gorgeous — particularly when you’re taking in the sweeping river views from the Palmer Chapel Mausoleum — and that’s exactly what’d you’d hope for in an eternal resting place.

Location: 412 S Cherry St (Oregon Hill)
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Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden

Spring in Richmond is something else, and it really shines here when the 50 acres of gardens are bursting with color. But that’s not to say it’s not a real stunner in every other season, too — it’s a botanical garden after all.

Location: 1800 Lakeside Ave (Lakeside)
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Maymont

The otters, alpacas, horses, and porcupines, alone, sell Maymont as a must-visit Richmond destination in our book, but there are way more animals where those came from *and* the mansion, gardens, and trails are a nice touch, too.

Location: 1700 Hampton St (Maymont)
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The Poe Museum

Richmond takes its Halloween culture very seriously, and we have to think that’s, in part, because of its Edgar Allan Poe connection. (Will we ever not 👁️👄👁️ at the mention of catacombs?) The writer spent his youth here, and this gem pays homage to him thoroughly — up to and including caretaking its very own cats. Plus, The Poe Museum is housed within the oldest residential building still standing in Richmond. There’s a little delightful eeriness buried right in.

Location: 1914 E Main St (Downtown)
>> Learn more <<

The Valentine

Richmond has no shortage of history or culture, but The Valentine is the only museum dedicated to the history and culture of the region. Not to mention it features a whole section for Richmond Stories, which highlights the creativity and inclusivity of our city.

Location: 1015 E Clay St (Downtown)
>> Learn more <<

Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

The VMFA is one of those spots in Richmond that — every single time — makes us look around and ask, “This is free to enter?” Seriously, every single time! It’s gorgeous and jam-packed with stellar works, and you can elevate your visit with events like After 5 Fridays, which offers highlight tours, drink specials, and live music.

Location: 200 N Arthur Ashe Blvd (Museum District)
>> Learn more <<

Virginia Museum of History & Culture

VMHC is the only institution documenting the entire history of Virginia across all regions and eras. You can easily get lost in its special exhibits — and we have.

Location: 428 N Arthur Ashe Blvd (Museum District)
>> Learn more <<

Live Music & Shows

Allianz Amphitheater

It’s newer to the Richmond scene, but Allianz Amphitheater packs a punch. The venue offers standing room, reserved seating, box seats, and lawn space, and with its max capacity set at 7,500, we’ve found there really isn’t a bad seat in the house.

Location: 350 Tredegar St (Downtown)
>> Learn more <<

Altria Theater

This historic venue has marvelous architecture and incredible acoustics, and, on the regular, it hosts the top acts in show business. We’re talking the likes of Jerry Seinfeld and Hamilton, folks.

Location: 6 N Laurel St (VCU)
>> Learn more <<

The Byrd Theatre

How many opps have you had to watch a classic like Jaws in a movie palace on the National Register of Historic Places? The Byrd is a classically beautiful gem in Carytown and showcases current and past flicks — sometimes for $5! Before your show, enjoy a performance from an organist on a 1928 Wurlitzer pipe organ and a look at the 18-foot-tall, 2 ½-ton chandelier sparkling above.

Location: 2908 W Cary St (Carytown)
>> Learn more <<

Friday Cheers

This weeks-long tuneful pregame to the official start of summer gets you access to live music on Brown’s Island for right around $10 per show, and kids 12 and under get in free. Is it the Hardywood Great Return going straight to our heads or is that an amazing deal? Two things can be true.

Location: Brown’s Island (Downtown)
>> Learn more <<
BTW: Friday Cheers is on hiatus for the 2026 season. And no, we’re not okay.

Sporting Events

Richmond Flying Squirrels Baseball

There are Big Dill Dogs, there’s unbeatable merch, there’s one of your top spring-summer plans on repeat. Do not miss the In-Your-Face Fireworks post-game.

Location: 2929 N Arthur Ashe Blvd (Diamond District)
>> Learn more <<

Richmond Kickers + Richmond Ivy Soccer

With its chants, drums, and general good-time rowdiness, the Red Army really underscores the vibrancy at a Kickers game, and the Ivy’s home crowd has been known to exceed the average attendance of every USL League One team. Suffice it to say, you’ll want a fresh pack of lozenges at the ready for the morning after all your screaming, “GOAL!”

Location: 3201 Maplewood Ave (Near Carytown)
>> Learn more here and here <<

Richmond Raceway NASCAR

Richmond Raceway is known as America’s Premier Short Track and has hosted NASCAR races annually since the early 1950s. Bonus bucket list points here if you take the wheel with a NASCAR Racing Experience.

Location: 600 E Laburnum Ave (Near East Highland Park)
>> Learn more <<

VCU Rams Basketball

VCU Men’s Basketball has made dozens of NCAA Tournament appearances, and VCU Women’s Basketball is competitive in the A-10 Conference. Are those stats the ones to cite to entice you to get to a game? We have no idea. But we do know some popcorn, cold beer, and the roar of fans in a packed Stu offer a great time to even the most casual of sports games spectators.

Location: 1200 W Broad St (Downtown)
>> Learn more <<

Do

You hear it regularly: Richmond has the best of all worlds. It’s got the city life, the small-town feel, and the James River running through its backyard. And all three of those things mean you’re never really going to be looking for something to do out here. But if you need a little inspo, here’s what you absolutely shouldn’t miss:

Outdoorsy Things

Belle Isle Dry Rocks

We drop “hidden gem” here and there, but these are the hidden gemmiest of all the hidden gems, if you ask us. Name a better experience than basking in some rays atop the warmth of a sun-kissed rock while river sounds and all your cares pass you by.

Location: Varies (Downtown)
>> Learn more <<

James River

Floating in the James River may get you a weird look depending on who you talk to, but you’re talking to us right now. If you’re doing it safely on a summer day with no other plans but to drink from the cooler you have in tow, you’re having THE Richmond experience.

Location: Varies
>> Learn more <<

Pipeline Trail

This beloved catwalk runs right along the James River, offering rushes of adrenaline and phenom views all at once.

Location: 160 VA-195 (Downtown)
>> Learn more <<
BTW: The Pipeline Trail is closed for the time being. And no, we’re still not okay.

T Tyler Potterfield Memorial Bridge

Literally walk across the James River, and take in some of the best views available of the rapids and the city itself.

Location: Brown’s Island (Downtown)
>> Learn more <<

South of the James Market

It’s the ultimate way to shop local: moseying about this open-air market on (just about any) Sunday of the year and debating which container of Salsas Don Sebastian to open first when you get home.

Location: 4021 Forest Hill Ave (Forest Hill)
>> Learn more <<

Festivals & Events

Carytown Watermelon Festival

We love us some Harry Styles, but it’s this festival that really brings the ~watermelon sugar high~ for us every year. Featuring thousands of watermelons and the largest kids’ areas of any festival on the east coast, it’s juicy with fun for the whole fam.

Location: Varies (Carytown)
>> Learn more <<

Dominion Energy Riverrock

This is the best of the best outdoor sports and music festival and features airborne dogs, slacklining pros, kayak opps, and a helluva lot more adventure, sports, music, and community — a few of the River City’s favorite things.

Location: Varies
>> Learn more <<

The Richmond Folk Festival

It’s folksy, funky, and it’s one of Richmond favorites with multiple stages of dozens performers, food trucks, a marketplace, craft beer, and vibes on vibes for an entire weekend.

Location: Brown’s Island (Downtown)
>> Learn more <<

Richmond Marathon, Half & 8K

Richmond is the official home of America’s Friendliest Marathon, and with scenic courses dotted with street art, water views, historic architecture, beautiful parks, and a renowned downhill finish on the riverfront, how could it not be? Be with the racers or be with the spectators, but either way, you’ll be happy to be there.

Location: Varies
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Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10K

Whether you walk, jog, run, or cheer from the sidelines for the walkers, joggers, and runners, there’s truly no best way to enjoy the Monument Avenue 10K — each way will have you counting down until next year’s once this year’s is over.

Location: Varies
>> Learn more <<