We all know that Richmond has a pretty sweet restaurant scene, with eateries ranging from casual as hell to freaking fancy throughout the city. Unfortunately, Jackson Ward has been something of a desert in this regard, with only a few upscale spots on Broad Street–which, in my eyes, doesn’t really count as part of the Ward–and Croaker’s Spot at Second and Leigh, which unfortunately shut down a year and a half ago. I didn’t know the place was closed and, having heard a bit about it, was eager to give it a try when I moved to the neighborhood from the Fan’s food oasis. When I rolled by, the shuttered door and an ominous notice from the City Department of Taxation seemed like a symbol of the neglect of my new neighborhood. But then, as is often the case, things got better. In the year that I’ve lived here, a few restaurants have opened on Second and First Streets that are not only a boon to people who call Jackson Ward home, but are even worth the trip from other nearby ‘hoods.
We all know that Richmond has a pretty sweet restaurant scene, with eateries ranging from casual as hell to freaking fancy throughout the city. Unfortunately, Jackson Ward has been something of a desert in this regard, with only a few upscale spots on Broad Street–which, in my eyes, doesn’t really count as part of the Ward–and Croaker’s Spot at Second and Leigh, which unfortunately shut down a year and a half ago. I didn’t know the place was closed and, having heard a bit about it, was eager to give it a try when I moved to the neighborhood from the Fan’s food oasis. When I rolled by, the shuttered door and an ominous notice from the City Department of Taxation seemed like a symbol of the neglect of my new neighborhood. But then, as is often the case, things got better. In the year that I’ve lived here, a few restaurants have opened on Second and First Streets that are not only a boon to people who call Jackson Ward home, but are even worth the trip from other nearby ‘hoods.
Here is a short list of the reasons I love Ettamae’s Cafe (522 N. 2nd St., 804-888-8058): It is on my block; it’s in a cute little house just next to the about-to-reopen Hippodrome Theater; the brother and sister team who run the place are personable and kind, as is the wait staff; there’s a smoker-friendly patio right above the storefront; and I didn’t even mention the food yet! They have fabulous sandwiches and lunch specials. Most of the bread is baked on premises. The eggs benedict varieties (including sausage and gravy, meatloaf, crab cake) for weekend brunch are to die for. They just started serving dinner; offerings run the gamut from pizza and sandwiches to lovingly prepared entrees. And their deserts are inventive and divine. Chocolate lovers cannot miss the creamy chocolate chess pie, and don’t even get me started about the tartlettes. Specials include a happy hour with awesome drink prices, as well as a Tuesday Date Night bargain for two.
Just a few blocks from famously packed Comfort, Mama J’s (415 N. 1st St., 804-225-7449) offers a more down home version of comfort food served on white tablecloths. It’s the neighborhood’s perfect answer to Croaker Spot’s disappearance to South Side. Mama J’s features genuinely friendly service with no rush, and is the perfect alternative to the busy Broad Street restaurant scene during First Friday’s art walk. Some of my favorite things I’ve tried here are the crab cake sandwich, mac and cheese, and fried catfish.
Every VCU student and Byrd Market-goer is familiar with the savory and wallet-happy delights of Nate’s Taco Truck, which many hail as the best tacos in Richmond. Fortunately, Nate has expanded his operation to a store front, Nate’s Taco Truck Stop, on 2nd Street (315 N. 2nd St., 804-562-1227) where he and his compatriots offers a wider variety of options, including burritos, enchiladas, and breakfast fare, along with daily specials such as the succulent chicharones, a crispy, succulent permutation of pork. I always get mine mixed with the shredded potatoes—yum! At $3.00 a taco, with fresh veggies, cheese, and sour cream, there’s so much packed in there that I can’t believe the deal I’m getting. And there’s a special for diners who ride in on bicycles, offering a free drink with the purchase of two tacos.
Come, Eat, Jackson Ward!
