Richmond Essentials

Learn about what Richmond has to offer in dining, entertainment and nightlife

By Jennifer Willis, FrontDoor.com | Published: 1/13/2009

A wide variety of vendors sell homegrown, homemade and handcrafted products at the 17th Street Farmers Market. Richmond Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau

Food and Drink: The Best Places To ...

BUY GROCERIES

Ukrops
Multiple locations
First opened in 1937, Ukrops stores are based on the Golden Rule: treat others as you would have them treat you. A Richmond institution, Ukrops has stores across the city and throughout Central Virginia offering fresh produce, choice cuts of meat and convenient prepared foods. Ukrops employees are some of the friendliest and most knowledgeable in the business. Carryout to your car is complimentary: Tips are neither expected nor accepted.

Joe's Market
400 Libbie Avenue
804-285-JOES
Ukrops also operates Joe's Market, a specialty corner market offering the best prepared food you're likely to find in Richmond, with everything from collard greens to beef wellington. Joe's features fresh foods, cut flowers, gourmet ingredients, a bakery, a cafe and a coffee bar.

Ellwood Thompson's Local Market
4 N. Thompson Street
804-359-7525
Offering the city's best local, organic and sustainable products, Ellwood Thompson (ET) opened its doors in 1993 and is named for the streets that intersect at the store's location. ET is one of the more expensive food stores in Richmond -- some locals say you need a home equity loan to shop there -- but if you're looking for foods that are minimally processed and free of hydrogenated oils; high fructose corn syrup; or artificial preservatives, colors and sweeteners, ET is the place to shop.

LINGER OVER A LATTE

Crossroads Coffee and Ice Cream
26 N. Morris Street
804-355-3559
or
3600 Forest Hill Avenue
804-231-2030
Crossroads, a popular hangout at both its Fan/VCU and Forest Hill locations, is a warm, relaxed neighborhood gathering spot. From coffees and blended drinks to paninis, vegetarian dishes and ice cream, sundaes and shakes, there's something yummy for everyone. Their vegan cookies -- chocolate chunk and berry flavors are favorites -- easily serve two people. Dogs are welcome at outside tables; photo albums inside are filled with pictures of local pets.

GET A BEER

Legends Brewery
321 West 7th Street
804-232-3446
Legends has been brewing premium beers since 1994, and its brews are available in the Legends pub and at other restaurants and retailers across Virginia. Spring, summer and fall, the Legends deck is the place to relax with a microbrew, have some pub grub and enjoy the view of the city skyline over the James River. There's live music through the week, with local artists appearing on Tuesdays.

Capital Ale House
623 E Main Street
804-643-2537
When the weather turns colder, head downtown to Capital Ale House, offering over 200 beers including microbrews and imports at its 50-foot long oak bar. Free live blues music every Friday.

GRAB A LATE-NIGHT BITE

3rd Street Diner
218 E Main Street
804-788-4750
3rd Street Diner is a Richmond mainstay. Locals either love it or hate it. Either way, it's one of the few diners open into the wee hours of the morning, and you're just as likely to spot power-suits as student-artists in this 24-hour joint with a funky, urban character you won't soon forget. Breakfast is served all day -- the French toast is a popular favorite -- and the Diner Deluxe sandwiches will satisfy any appetite. Get a table on the balcony for some of the best people watching in Richmond.

BUY LOCAL

17th Street Farmers Market
100 North 17th Street / Corner of 17th & Main Streets
804-646-0477
The 17th Street Farmers Market in Shockoe Bottom is one of the country's oldest public markets, having been in continuous operation since the 1780s. A wide variety of vendors sell produce, eggs, meat, flowers, cheeses, pies -- everything homegrown, homemade and handcrafted, and all from local, regional and backyard producers.

Thursday's Fresh Market at 17th Street features produce straight from the farm alongside homemade and handcrafted items. The Bohemian Market on Saturdays adds a funky, free-spirit flair to the market; and Sunday's Vintage Market is full-on retro with antiques, jewelry, locally produced arts and crafts and other collectibles.

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