Ivy and Sam's Favorite Spots (abridged)
Lift Coffee Shop & Cafe
This coffee shop is right across from the Quirk Hotel, so it's a great convenient option for anyone staying there. It also happens to be owned by the bride's sister's college roommate's aunt -- we love to support them!
Afterglow Coffee Cooperative
Located in Scott’s addition, the only employee-owned coffee shop in RVA! Great coffee and espresso!
Blanchard’s Coffee Morris Street
Many locations, a Richmond icon and most successful local coffee shop!
Parousia Coffee
A favorite of Sam and Ivy's from the RVA BIG Market, turned brick and mortar cafe! Sam thinks these folks make the best espresso in town. But afterglow is a close second.
Black Hand Coffee Co
Located in the Fan. They serve pure jet fuel. If you need to get goin’, get Black Hand. They make a pretty good breakfast sandwich as well!
Foxtail Coffee - West Broad Village
Florida and Michigan based coffee chain. A nod to Ivy’s roots and recently opened in Short Pump!
Chewy's Bagels
These sourdough bagels are the best bagels in Richmond! We will not be taking arguments. We recommend ordering online in advance as the lines can get pretty crazy!
Cupertino's N.Y. Bagels and Deli
Staying at the Residence Inn in Short Pump? Get bagels here! The closest bagel shop to our home!
Moore Street Cafe
The best greasy spoon diner in RVA! If you plan to have a mimosa, don’t drive! They pour ‘em strong and in 1L pitchers
RVA BIG Market
Located in Bryant Park on Saturdays from 9am – 12pm. Lots of local vendors selling produce, food, coffee, and much much more! Richmond has several farmers markets throughout the week, but this one is our favorite and a staple in our weekend routine.
Perly's
You may recognize this spot from it’s feature on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dive’s. Get there when it opens or be prepared to wait for a table, but the Schlubby Fries are worth the wait. (They might have even convinced Ivy’s bridesmaid Arielle and her husband to move from LA to Richmond)
Garnett's Cafe
The best chicken salad in RVA, according to Sam
Stella's Grocery - Scott's Addition
Multiple locations, and a Richmond institution. Boutique grocery store with great sandwiches and salads. The Greek Fries are a must try.
ZZQ Texas Craft Barbeque
The best BBQ in RVA and the best Texas-style BBQ you’ll find outside of Texas.
Cobra Burger
Located in Church Hill. Ivy introduced Sam to this spot. Best burgers in RVA. Pro tip, if you get a bottle of wine at 2nd Bottle across the street, Cobra will waive your corkage fee!
Wood and Iron | Game Day Restaurant and Bar
Locations in Short Pump and the city, this the most popular local sports bar chain, and a favorite for Ivy and Sam to watch games with friends. The Philly cheesesteak eggrolls are divine, and the salads are massive, order a half salad for 1 person!
Stanley's
these cheesesteaks are mind-meltingly good. Might not be the most traditional (no Wiz), but the shaved ribeye and hot cherry peppers make up for it.
Queens Comfort and Latin Kitchen
The best Cuban sandwiches in Richmond, and better than many Ivy has had in Florida. Huge portions, delicious food, and family-run. Great for lunch if you are staying downtown.
Susie’s Delicatessen
Susie's opened within the last year, and The Ronnie has quickly climbed to the top of Ivy’s all-time sandwich rankings.
Bacchus
Sam and Ivy’s first date location, and their engagement dinner location (exactly 3 years later)! Their weekday happy hour dinner deal can’t be beat!
Gersi RVA
Great elevated Italian fare! Where Sam first met Ivy’s mom!
MPM Restaurant and Tiki bar
Great Thai food, best crab rangoons Sam has ever had!
West Coast Provisions
We are a big fan of this spot for seafood and sushi if you are looking for an elevated dining experience that won’t break the bank
Grisette
For the Francophiles out there! Steak frites are their specialty, and they execute on it at a high level!
TBT El Gallo
Local food truck turned brick and mortar favorite! Great Mexican street-food restaurant. Some of the best tacos in Richmond!
Beaucoup
Sister restaurant of Grisette and Jardin. $1 oysters during happy hour! Limited seating inside, so expect to wait.
Jardin
The best wine bar in Richmond. Sam and Ivy are “Good Regulars” here! Their food, usually heavy apps, are also incredible!
The Jasper
Richmond’s best cocktail bar. Expect a wait for seating, but it's worth it! Located in the heart of Carytown, shop around while you wait
Curbside Cafe
Neighborhood bar and on of Ivy’s favorite spots!
The Lobby Bar
For those staying at the Quirk, the Lobby Bar makes great drinks, and you won't even have to step outside!
Birdie's
Located on the 1st floor of Common House (Welcome Party Location). Repeatedly voted the best and coldest martini in Richmond!
Brambly Park
Urban winery with great cocktails, and an even better outdoor space, if you don’t mind the occasional train passing by!
Väsen Brewing Co. - Scott's Addition
Ivy and Sam’s second date (after going to a now closed comedy club… RIP)! Our favorite brewery!
The Veil Brewing Co. - Scott’s Addition
Widely considered Richmond’s best brewery by the craft beer heads out there, and Richmond’s most well-known brewery!
Starr Hill Beer Hall & Rooftop
Great rooftop to enjoy good weather with good beer!
Hardywood Park Craft Brewery - West Creek
Two locations. Richmond’s most widely distributed brewery. Both locations have excellent outdoor spaces and frequently have live music!
Belle Isle/James River Park System
Richmond is the only US city with class 3 and 4 rapids within city limits! Please do not kayak or whitewater raft during our wedding weekend, feel free to make a return trip to do so. Instead take in the natural beauty of the James River walking along the many trails and bridges of the James River Park System
Carytown
Local shopping district that typifies the Richmond experience. Home to many local boutiques and restaurants, this neighborhood is great to walk around on a nice day.
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
Free art museum with the exception of the rotating exhibit, which requires tickets. The Friday Happy Hour here is a favorite Richmond event in the spring and summer! Website is: https://www.vmfa.museum/
Maymont
Free garden located in the southern end of Byrd Park. Lovely for a walk when the weather is nice!
River City Roll
A bowling alley, with a good bar and good food! It’s always a great time!
Drive Shack
Located about a stone’s throw from the Residence Inn Short Pump. Similar to Top Golf, but with better service in our experience.
