Best of Virginia Winners

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DRINK

Address:

Fredericksburg

Phone Number:

540-373-4555

Link:

ASmithBowman.com

Not just for bootleggers anymore: Belle Isle’s moonshine has gone mainstream, with flavors ranging from Yuzu Ginger to Cold Brew Coffee, and holiday specialties like Peppermint Patty. Ready-to-drink canned cocktails are also available, like Cherry Lime Drive, a bubbly tart cherry and limeade concoction produced in collaboration with the Richmond Flying Squirrels. Check out Belle Isle’s website for a slew of creative cocktail recipes.

Address:

615 Maury St., Richmond

Phone Number:

804-723-1030

Link:

BelleIsleCraftSpirits.com

Address:

Afton

Phone Number:

540-456-7070

Link:

SBDistillery.co

Address:

Barboursville

Phone Number:

540-832-3824

Link:

BbvWine.com

Address:

Crozet

Phone Number:

434-823-7800

Link:

KingFamilyVineyards.com

Nestled among the rolling, verdant hills outside of Charlottesville, Trump Winery offers guests gorgeous views alongside award-winning wine. Enjoy a flight in the tasting room, a seated meal with seasonal fare, or a picnic on the lawn with a glass or bottle of your choosing. If you can’t make it in person, purchase a wine club membership for quarterly deliveries.

Address:

100 Grand Cru Dr., Charlottesville

Phone Number:

434-266-9909

Link:

TrumpWinery.com

Address:

Richmond

Phone Number:

804-612-9232

Link:

BarrelThiefWine.com

Address:

Inc.

Phone Number:

804-285-8011

Link:

JEmersonFineWine.com

In addition to an extensive selection of Virginia wines, Once Upon a Vine offers bottles from all over the world, as well as beers from six continents. The shop is organized by price range rather than by region. The shop also carries cheese, chocolates, and other Virginia-made food goods. Stop by for a Friday-night tasting to learn more.

Address:

4009 MacArthur Ave., Richmond

Phone Number:

804-726-9463

Link:

OnceUponAVine.us

Address:

Richmond

Phone Number:

804-231-0280

Link:

BlueBeeCider.com

After opening its Nellysford Cider Barn a decade ago, Bold Rock has become a regional favorite as the nation’s largest independently-owned cider company, racking up more than 100 awards. Enjoy sweet ciders in-person at the tranquil Nellysford or Carter Mountain locations, or purchase hard seltzers and canned cocktails to take home from regional grocery stores across the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast.

Address:

Locations in Charlottesville, Nellysford

Phone Number:

434-361-1030

Link:

BoldRock.com

Address:

Richmond

Phone Number:

804-355-0100

Link:

BuskeyCider.com

Address:

Afton

Phone Number:

540-456-8020

Link:

BlueMountainBrewery.com

Address:

Roseland

Phone Number:

434-361-1001

Link:

DBBrewingCompany.com

Founded in 2011, Hardywood’s mission includes a sharp focus on brewing quality, sourcing locally, environmental stewardship, and community engagement. With 12 total variants, Hardywood is well known for its Gingerbread Stout. Its Ownby Lane location in Richmond’s Scott’s Addition includes a pizza kitchen and an outdoor patio with fire pits and a performance stage.

Address:

2 locations in Richmond

Phone Number:

804-420-2420

Link:

Hardywood.com

Address:

Multiple locations

Phone Number:

804-415-6224

Link:

TazzaKitchen.com

The Jasper offers “full pours and honest prices,” as their slogan goes. Craft cocktails change seasonally but include libations such as Man After Midnight with Brazilian sugarcane rum, amari, blanco tequila, bay leaf, and bubbly; nitro bourbon and gingers; and Penicillin shots featuring Islay Scotch, lemon, honey, and ginger. During the holiday season, the bar turns into the Christmas-themed Miracle on Cary Street pop-up.

Address:

3113 W. Cary St., Richmond

Phone Number:

23221

Link:

JasperBarRVa.com

Address:

Richmond

Phone Number:

804-340-6050

Link:

QuirkHotels.com

Restaurants

Address:

Richmond

Phone Number:

804-360-8686

Link:

Anokha.us

With a menu offering a modern approach to the classics, Lehja has developed a solid following. Washingtonian magazine claimed it to be the “best Indian restaurant outside of Washington D.C.’s Rasika in the region.” Popular dishes include a deconstructed butter chicken and duck Salli Boti. An extensive wine list won praise from Wine Spectator.

Address:

11800 W. Broad St., Suite 910, Richmond

Phone Number:

804-364-1111

Link:

Lehja.com

Address:

Richmond

Phone Number:

804-204-1800

Link:

LemonCuisineOfIndia.net

David Blanchard founded Blanchard’s Coffee Roasting Co. in January 2005, and it wasn’t long before grocery store chains started selling his beans locally, transforming the company into a favorite wholesale coffee brand. With three café locations in Richmond—on West Broad Street, Morris Street in the Fan, and on Forest Hill Avenue on the Southside, Blanchard’s mission continues: Good work in the service of great coffee.

Address:

3 locations in Richmond

Phone Number:

804-687-9443

Link:

BlanchardsCoffee.com

Address:

Multiple locations

Phone Number:

434-237-0030

Link:

JoeBeans.coffee

Address:

Mechanicsville

Phone Number:

804-277-3689

Link:

TheLocalCup.com

Address:

Afton

Phone Number:

540-456-8020

Link:

BlueMountainBrewery.com

This Portofino-inspired restaurant features a cozy stone terrace nestled among gardens of fresh herbs and flowers. On colder evenings, outdoor diners can stay warm by the stacked stone fireplace. In addition to a casual Italian menu for lunch and dinner seven days per week, Portico also offers Sunday morning brunch with cocktails, pizza, and sweet and savory breakfast options.

Address:

12506 River Rd., Richmond

Phone Number:

804-784-4800

Link:

PorticoRichmond.com

Address:

4 locations in the Richmond area

Phone Number:

804-404-9194

Link:

BoathouseVa.com

You don’t need to leave the state to get authentically crafted, freshly baked New York bagels. Locally owned and operated since 1988, Bodo’s Bagels serves traditional bagels and cream cheese, baked from scratch in-house, every day, along with affordable sandwiches and salads at three locations in Charlottesville, satisfying locals, visitors, and the college community alike.

Address:

3 locations in Charlottesville

Phone Number:

434-293-5224

Link:

BodosBagels.com

Address:

Glen Allen

Phone Number:

804-747-1030

Link:

Boychiks.com

Address:

Fredericksburg

Phone Number:

540-371-1950

Link:

MasonDixonCafe.com

Address:

Richmond

Phone Number:

804-928-2652

Link:

BokaTruck.com

Address:

Richmond

Phone Number:

804-399-7197

Link:

ChristophersRunawayGourmay.com

Started by Joe LaJoie, this food truck specializes in wood-fired, 10-inch, personal pizzas featuring from-scratch sourdough and red sauce recipes. Try the Sir Brussels white pizza with Brussels sprout leaves, minced garlic, olive oil, sea salt, black pepper, parmesan, and mozzarella, or the Chicken Bacon Ranch with house marinara, garlic-pepper ricotta, parmesan, mozzarella, smoked bacon, white cheddar, and house-made ranch.

Address:

3681 Speeks Dr., Midlothian

Phone Number:

804-339-2580

Link:

RiverCityWoodFire.com

A staple of Richmond’s historic Shockoe Bottom district since 1990, Bottoms Up has specialized in gourmet sourdough crust pizzas for nearly 35 years. Surviving floods, hurricanes, and a pandemic, this family-owned business is here to stay, maintaining its status as Richmond’s go-to for quality, delicious pizzas, savory sauces, generous pasta portions, and even a selection of juicy burgers.

Address:

1700 Dock St., Richmond

Phone Number:

804-644-4400

Link:

BottomsUpPizza.com

Address:

Richmond

Phone Number:

804-353-2333

Link:

MaryAngelasPizzaToGo.com

Address:

Lynchburg

Phone Number:

434-455-1515

Link:

WaterstonePizza.com

Held to the highest standard of excellence, Buckhead’s Chop House has been a Richmond tradition since 1994, serving succulent Braveheart Beef and fresh seafood. A passion for culinary perfection is evident in every bite. As an added bonus, the Buckhead’s bar proudly highlights one of the largest selections of single malt Scotches and bourbons in the area.

Address:

8510 Patterson Ave., Richmond

Phone Number:

804-750-2000

Link:

Buckheads.com

Address:

Glen Allen

Phone Number:

804-968-4323

Link:

HondosSteakHouse.com

Address:

Richmond

Phone Number:

804-643-6900

Link:

Bookbindersrichmond.com

Address:

Multiple locations

Phone Number:

804-359-1305

Link:

BurgerBach.com

Five Guys’ famous patties were first flipped in Arlington, where the company began in the 1980s. Since then, the popular fast-casual burger and fries chain has expanded to more than 1,500 locations nationwide. Fan favorite menu items include the signature boardwalk-style fries cooked in pure peanut oil, and handspun milkshakes with a wide variety of mix-in options, from bacon to bananas.

Address:

Multiple locations

Phone Number:

866-345-4897

Link:

FiveGuys.com

Address:

Locations in Charlottesville

Phone Number:

804-285-1758

Link:

JackBrownsJoint.com

Address:

Richmond

Phone Number:

804-346-4227

Link:

BuzAndNeds.com

Address:

Lynchburg

Phone Number:

434-215-3311

Link:

CountySmoak.com

ZZQ began as a pop-up and catering operation helmed by Native Texan, and self-taught pitmaster, Chris Fultz. He later met pitmistress Alex Graf and as business grew, they opened a brick-and-mortar restaurant together in 2018. Boasting the only authentic Texas-style barbecue in the Commonwealth, ZZQ uses all-wood cooking methods to create its popular sliced brisket, specialty meat sandwiches, spicy sides, and more.

Address:

3201 W. Moore St., Richmond

Phone Number:

804-528-5648

Link:

ZZQRVA.com

Address:

Fredericksburg

Phone Number:

Link:

CarlsIceCream.com

Gelati Celesti has been producing its trademark “heavenly handmade ice cream” for nearly 40 years, with flavors churned in small batches using special Italian equipment. Boasting 24 house flavors, and a slew of others that rotate throughout the year, these ice cream experts also offer made-to-order ice cream pies, cakes, and cookies for any occasion.

Address:

7 locations in the Richmond area

Phone Number:

804-346-0038

Link:

GelatiIceCream.com

Address:

Richmond

Phone Number:

804-918-4455

Link:

ScoopRVa.com

Address:

Richmond

Phone Number:

804-269-0359

Link:

Cater2Events.com

Address:

Richmond

Phone Number:

804-798-8331

Link:

HomemadesBySuzanne.com

From humble beginnings as a Carytown café, MOSAIC now runs catering operations out of both Richmond and Charleston, South Carolina. From corporate luncheons to weddings, bar service options, and a full-scale production catalog, including lighting, décor, audio + visual, and custom design services, the MOSAIC team are pros at transforming an ordinary space into a spectacular one for good eats and good times.

Address:

3001 Cutshaw Ave., Richmond

Phone Number:

804-525-2190

Link:

MosaicCateringEvents.com

Edo’s Squid’s authentic, homemade Italian dishes have developed legions of foodie fans. A less-than-grand entrance—up a creaky, old staircase—belies the profound culinary experience waiting inside. Food is consistently delicious, with squid served every which way, and delectable pasta dishes (like broccoli rabe and puttanesca) and flavorful mains like hanger steak and rockfish are among customer favorites. But order anything—you can rarely go wrong.

Address:

411 N. Harrison St., Richmond

Phone Number:

804-864-5488

Link:

EdosSquidRVA.com

Address:

Glen Allen

Phone Number:

804-346-3350

Link:

Mama-Cucina.com

Address:

Fredericksburg

Phone Number:

540-373-1352

Link:

OrofinoRestaurant.com

Address:

Richmond

Phone Number:

804-359-0768

Link:

EnSuBoca.com

Mexico Restaurant opened in 1990 and has since expanded to six locations throughout the Richmond area. Serving fresh Mexican food of the highest quality in a casual atmosphere, Mexico is perfect for a family dinner, birthday party, or casual night out. The chain prides itself not only on food and service, but also its involvement with the community.

Address:

6 locations in the Richmond area

Phone Number:

804-559-8126

Link:

Mexico-Restaurant.com

Address:

Multiple locations

Phone Number:

804-716-7414

Link:

Mi-Jalisco.com

Address:

Richmond

Phone Number:

804-354-9888

Link:

FatDragonRVa.com

This Vietnamese eatery is also a beloved craft beer bar. Start off with spring rolls or dumplings, then indulge in traditional pho or broken rice. Chef specialties include hot and sour catfish, seasonal soft shell crab, clay pot-style chicken, and beef sautéed in spicy lemongrass sauce. Be sure to order one of the many IPAs or sour beers on tap.

Address:

6004 W. Broad St., Richmond

Phone Number:

804-288-8929

Link:

MekongIsForBeerLovers.com

Address:

Multiple locations

Phone Number:

804-728-1820

Link:

PeterChangRestaurant.com

Once a single food truck, Goatocado now has a brick-and-mortar restaurant and a busy food cart available for large events and private parties. A “conscious kitchen,” Goatocado is dedicated to sustainability and sourcing the freshest ingredients possible. The menu includes wraps, bowls, and ramen, with choices of bases and add-ons—like quinoa or mac ‘n’ cheese, and organic tofu or garlic ginger mushrooms.

Address:

1823 W. Main St., Richmond

Phone Number:

804-464-8226

Link:

Goatocado.com

Address:

Richmond

Phone Number:

804-213-0190

Link:

IpanemaVeg.com

Address:

Fredericksburg

Phone Number:

540-371-2008

Link:

SammyTs.com

Address:

Richmond

Phone Number:

804-918-6028

Link:

LOpossum.com

Address:

Richmond

Phone Number:

804-643-6900

Link:

Bookbindersrichmond.com

A Richmond staple since 1983, with a second location in Charleston, South Carolina since 2017, Stella’s honors rustic and modern Greek cuisine. The charming and romantic space is a tribute to Stella herself, who, for many years, crafted her famed Greek recipes for all who walked through the doors. You’ll have a hard time choosing what to order from the authentic and thoughtfully crafted menu.

Address:

1012 Lafayette St., Richmond

Phone Number:

804-358-2011

Link:

StellasRichmond.com

Address:

Richmond

Phone Number:

804-545-0565

Link:

RappahannockRVa.com

This longtime Richmond favorite for special events sports waterfront views (the James River at Rocketts Landing and Smith Creek Reservoir at Sunday Park in Brandermill) combined with an extensive seafood menu. Start with raw oysters on the half shell or gooey crab and artichoke dip, and then dig into pan-seared rockfish, classic shrimp and grits, or whole Maine lobster with drawn butter.

Address:

4 locations in the Richmond area

Phone Number:

804-404-9194

Link:

BoathouseVa.com

Address:

Midlothian

Phone Number:

804-643-2333

Link:

TheHardShell.com

FOOD SHOPPING

Address:

Scottsville

Phone Number:

434-286-4683

Link:

BakedOnTheJames.com

Address:

Richmond

Phone Number:

804-285-2253

Link:

PearlsBakeShoppe.co

Famous for its substantial slices of cake, Shyndigz has a deliciously sweet selection of goodies. Cobblers, oatmeal cream pies, and crème brûlée are also on the menu, along with vegan desserts like banana brûlée. A savory selection of small plates and charcuterie are recent menu additions. Follow along on their social media channels for updates on daily specials.

Address:

1903 W. Cary St., Richmond

Phone Number:

804-938-3449

Link:

Shyndigz.com

Address:

Charlottesville

Phone Number:

434-970-3371

Link:

Charlottesville.gov

Address:

Lynchburg

Phone Number:

434-455-4485

Link:

LynchburgCommunityMarket.com

This open-air, producer-only market is the ideal spot for farmers and artisans to sell locally grown and handmade items. Open year-round, rain or shine, South of the James has an impressively extensive vendor list—from soaps to sausage, donuts to dog treats, and fruits to flowers. Find it in Forest Hill Park on Richmond’s Southside, every Sunday from 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

Address:

Forest Hill Park, Richmond

Phone Number:

804-814-2373

Link:

GrowRVA.com

Address:

Richmond

Phone Number:

804-359-7525

Link:

EllwoodThompsons.com

This market offshoot of renowned Greek eatery Stella’s has locations all over the city, including Scott’s Addition, Westhampton, and across the street from the restaurant itself. You can pick up basics, such as olive oil or coffee, as well as prepared dishes, fresh sandwiches, gelato, beer and wine, in addition to candles and other lifestyle and décor items.

Address:

6 locations in the Richmond area

Phone Number:

804-358-2011

Link:

StellasGrocery.com

Address:

Richmond

Phone Number:

804-282-9591

Link:

YellowUmbrellaRVa.com

After seeing fine chocolatiers on a trip to Europe, For the Love of Chocolate’s original owner wanted to bring that same luxurious experience to Richmond. Long-time customers Ron and Elizabeth Vranas took over in 2020, and this year the shop is celebrating 30 years as a haven for chocolate lovers, with gourmet and international items, Virginia-made options, rare retro candies, and much more.

Address:

3136 W. Cary St., Richmond

Phone Number:

804-278-8950

Link:

ForTheLoveOfChocolateRVA.com

Address:

Charlottesville

Phone Number:

434-972-9100

Link:

GearhartsChocolates.com

Address:

Culpeper

Phone Number:

540-825-8025

Link:

TheFrenchmansCorner.com

Events

September 28, 2024

Sinkland Farms 33rd Annual Pumpkin Festival

Sinkland Farms

September 29, 2024

Sinkland Farms 33rd Annual Pumpkin Festival

Sinkland Farms

October 1, 2024

Tuesday Night Trivia

Dave & Buster’s

The Virginia Scenic Railway Brings Train Travel Back to Virginia

Before the Acela hit 160 miles per hour and turned train travel into a race from one destination to the next, riding the rails was an occasion. Sweeping vistas right outside the window and meals served with silverware made traveling by train an experience—one that a dwindling generation looks back on fondly. But the Virginia […]

by Heather Bien

More of Virginia’s Most Bizarre Destinations

These are just a few more artifacts that make Virginia so much fun. We’ve compiled a short list of Virginia’s most bizarre destinations. Up to Speed. Weighing a mere 34 tons, one of four manganese bronze ship propellers from the S.S. United States once propelled the 990-foot ship, built in 1951 and retired in 1969. […]

by Elizabeth Cogar

Treasure hunt at Lucketts Fall Market

For fans who pine for a pilgrimage to the famous antique market in Round Top, Texas, you might not need to travel so far. Tucked up in Leesburg is Lucketts, and perusing their Fall Market, Friday–Sunday, Oct. 11–13, held at the Clark County Fairgrounds in nearby Berryville, is a shopper’s paradise. In its 25th year, […]

by Dawn Klavon

Best of Virginia Winners

DRINK

Restaurants

FOOD SHOPPING

Current Issue

Events

Sinkland Farms 33rd Annual Pumpkin Festival

Sinkland Farms 33rd Annual Pumpkin Festival

Tuesday Night Trivia

Most Popular

The Virginia Scenic Railway Brings Train Travel Back to Virginia

More of Virginia’s Most Bizarre Destinations

Treasure hunt at Lucketts Fall Market

Best of Virginia Winners

DRINK

Restaurants

FOOD SHOPPING

Current Issue

Events

Sinkland Farms 33rd Annual Pumpkin Festival

Sinkland Farms 33rd Annual Pumpkin Festival

Tuesday Night Trivia

Get our most popularweekly newsletter: VL Today

Most Popular

The Virginia Scenic Railway Brings Train Travel Back to Virginia

More of Virginia’s Most Bizarre Destinations

Treasure hunt at Lucketts Fall Market

Get our most popularweekly newsletter: VL Today

Get our most popular
weekly newsletter: VL Today

Get our most popular
weekly newsletter: VL Today