The Best Breweries and Restaurants in Richmond, VA

I wrote my lengthy travel guide to Richmond a couple of days ago, but I knew I needed to dedicate an entire article for all of the fantastic food I ate and breweries I visited along the Richmond Brew Trail.

I went to college in Richmond and graduated from VCU in 2013, so I always knew the food in RVA was pretty good. However, over the last four years, there’s been a culinary resurgence in Richmond, and I think it’s one of the best foodie destinations in the South. So many new restaurants popped up between my college graduation and now, and not to mention, the craft beer scene has exploded in the city.

If you’re visiting soon, here are a few of my favorite breweries and restaurants in Richmond that I think you must check out: 
 

Breweries in Richmond, VA

• Blue Bee Cider: Okay, this technically isn’t a brewery, but it’s a great stop along Richmond’s Brew Trail that’s worth checking out. They’ve got a wide variety of ciders, ranging from super dry to uber sweet, so there’s really a cider here for everyone. Their ciders are made with rare and heirloom Virginia apples, and it’s Virginia’s first urban cidery.
   
• The Veil Brewing Co.: Also located in Scott’s Addition, Veil quickly became one of my favorite breweries in the state. They release new brews every Tuesday if you’re local, but don’t expect them to stick around until the weekend: they sell out fast. I was a huge fan of their sour beers!
   
• Hardywood Park Craft Brewing: Hardywood was one of my favorite breweries to visit in college. Not only are their drafts delicious, but they always have amazing events (ex. food truck festivals, live music, Navy Seal Training every month and networking events). I usually try their seasonal beers while I’m in town. However, I’m a huge fan of their Oyster Stout and VIPA.
   

Restaurants in Richmond, VA

• Rappahannock: Alright: I know some of you might be wary of oysters. However, when you’re in Virginia, I think it’s a must to try a few oysters from the Chesapeake Bay. If you like your oysters super briny as I do, go for Rappahannock’s Old Salts. If you’re not a big oyster fan, they have an incredible selection of seafood (I highly recommend the scallops!)
   
• Lunch or Supper: If you’re brewery hopping in Scott’s Addition, stop by Lunch or Supper to refuel. It’s some of the best modern, southern cuisine I’ve had; their signature dishes are a take on comfort foods, and they’re perfect for any time of the day.
   
• The Roosevelt: I had brunch at The Roosevelt on my last day of the trip, and my friends: I was not disappointed. It was named 2012 Restaurant of the Year by Style Magazine, and they serve southern dishes with a twist. Along with their incredible dishes, they have a fantastic regional beer and craft cocktail selection as well. I had their pork shoulder hash at brunch, and I’m pretty sure I still I have dreams about it.
   
• The Daily Kitchen and Bar: The Daily can be a little hit or miss for me (I’ve dined there about four times over the last few years), but it’s a pretty solid bet if you need a place to eat after shopping in Carytown. The best thing about The Daily is that they use organic, all-natural, local and sustainable ingredients as much as possible, but keep their prices low.
   
• Heritage: If you’re looking for a great restaurant for date night, Heritage is the place to be. This contemporary American restaurant has it all: an incredible craft cocktail selection, small plates made fresh in-house and quite frankly, some of the best entrees I had in the entire city. If you’re there for dinner, get the flounder: you won’t be disappointed.
   
• Secco Wine Bar: Before we ate dinner at Heritage, we stopped by Secco for a few pre-dinner drinks. We had to resist the urge to eat their entire menu since we had a large dinner planned afterward, but the farmhouse cheeses and traditional charcuterie we had were impeccable. Their wine selection was out of this world and included some off the beaten path options, but they do serve cocktails and beer just in case wine isn’t your thing. I’d recommend making a reservation if you’re stopping by on a Friday or Saturday: this place was packed.
   
• Pasture: You can’t go to the south without experiencing southern comfort food, right? Pasture served some amazing southern dishes with a twist (who else serves a collard green burger?) While they specialize in southern cuisine, all of the food is fresh and they partner with local Virginia farms to serve some of the most incredible comfort foods I’ve ever had.

Photos by Tom McGovern