A few weeks into school and we’re all beginning to settle into a routine. You’ve figured out your daily schedule, identified which classes will require the most time in the lib, and you (hopefully) found the washing machines in your building by now.
But with this comfort comes monotony — specifically regarding on-campus dining options.You have some off-campus favorites, but you’ve made the decision and you’re ready to venture out into the intimidating (yet beautiful) realms of the RVA “foodie scene.”
I know, it’s easier said than done when Cary Street alone seems like an abyss of delicious and exotic cuisines. Do not fear: the Richmond Restaurant Roundup series is here to narrow down your options. Featuring 1-2 of RVA’s best venues each week, Spoon Richmond will guide your tour of the city’s best grub.
Our first roundup features markets that offer dining and bar service. Yes, it’s true: you can get drunk AND grocery shop at the same time. Praise.
Union Market: Neighborhood Grocery and Eatery
Photo courtesy of Union Market
This quaint grocery market offers a variety of sustainable, health conscious, and local food products. Find all your Richmond favorites — Bombolini pasta, Red Eye cookies, King of Pops, and Hardywood brews — all under one roof. Can someone say Heaven on Earth?
Photo courtesy of Union Market
Almost all grocery stores profess high customer satisfaction and hospitality. But not many fulfill the real concerns of their customers: hunger, alcoholic thirst (#college), and a tight budget (let’s throw in another #college).
This is where Union Market excels because you can grab a quick soup and salad for lunch, or stay for a drink. Yes, that’s right: drink.
Photo courtesy of yelp.com
This grocery store encourages customers to indulge in pinot and pimento cheese at their bar before, during, or after check-out. Things we need, am I right or am I right?
Photo courtesy of Union Market
Union Market fills a void in the grocery shopping experience we didn’t even know we had.
Extra Perks: Meals under $10 and outdoor seating.
The Barrel Thief: Wine Shop & Cafe
Photo courtesy of Barrel Thief
Conveniently located just a few minutes from campus on Libbie and Patterson, this modernly rustic shop offers a variety of imported and local wines. Whether you’ve got plans with a hot date, or your girlfrands and a new episode of the Bachelor, Barrel Thief is here for you.
Photo courtesy of Barrel Thief
Not a wine connoisseur? That’s okay because super friendly sommeliers (that means wine expert) will teach you all about wines that aren’t sold via bag-in-box. They’ll even pop open a bottle for ya. Hello free tasting. It’s the perfect place to practice your “swirl and spit” (spit optional).
Photo courtesy of Barrel Thief
Don’t want to drink on an empty stomach? Great news: you can dine with that wine. Take a seat in the eclectic dining area and choose from a menu of zesty hor d’oeuvres, hearty sandwiches, and French inspired desserts. Let the transition to chocolate wasted begin, folks.
Photo courtesy of Barrel Thief
Extra Perks: Intimate atmosphere, live music, and wine tasting events.