If you’re a broke student with a craving for more than just the mundane offerings of the university dining hall, Richmond’s got your back. This city, with its ever-evolving culinary landscape, is a treasure trove of hidden gems where you can eat like a king without needing a king’s ransom. Nestled near the campuses of Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) and Virginia Union University (VUU), these spots are the lifeblood of student survival, offering meals that are as easy on the wallet as they are on the palate.
Editor’s Note: We’re all about supporting the little guys, the local haunts that give Richmond its unique flavor. Sure, we’ve got a guilty pleasure or two in the form of Waffle House and 7-Eleven (because who doesn’t need a greasy fix at 4 AM?), but we’d rather you spend your hard-earned cash supporting RVA locals.
821 Cafe
825 W Cary St.
For broke students looking for a satisfying meal, especially if you’re vegan or vegetarian, 821 Cafe is a must-visit. Their breakfast and brunch options, like biscuits and pancakes, are affordable and delicious. While some items are soy or tofu-based, the flavors won’t disappoint. The cozy vibe, blending dive bar and diner elements, makes it a great spot to relax and enjoy a budget-friendly meal.
Aladdin Express
801 W Broad St.
For those who’ve been around since the early 2000s, Aladdin Express is a nostalgic trip back to late-night eats that haven’t changed much in price. Their steak and cheese subs are the stuff of VCU legends, and after 20 years, they’re still as good as you remember, for the price point. It’s a rite of passage for any VCU student.
Benny Ventano’s Pizza (aka Big Ass Pizza)
2501 W Main St.
The name says it all. For just $5, you get a slice the size of your face and a soda to wash it down. Open late, Benny Ventano’s is the go-to for post-party pizza cravings that hit hard. This is where you test your hunger limits, one massive slice at a time.
Blanchard’s Coffee
26 N Morris St.
When the grind of college life has you down, Blanchard’s Coffee picks you up. With three locations scattered across the city, it’s your caffeine haven for late-night study sessions or catching up with a friend over a fresh brew. The atmosphere is just as good as the coffee.
Bodillaz
916 W Broad St.
Right in the heart of the VCU downtown campus, the menu isn’t fancy but the food comes out quick, and they offer some combo deals. The portions are worth the price, making it a go-to for college students. Whether it’s a late-night quesadilla or their wings, fish and chips, or funnel cake, Bodillaz hits the spot.
Christian’s Pizza
404 N Harrison St.
When that late-night pizza craving hits, Christian’s is the place to be. Affordable and delicious, their slices drop to $2.95 after midnight—a godsend for the nocturnal student. Whether you’re grabbing a slice or a whole pie, it’s a VCU student staple that doesn’t disappoint.
City Dogs
1309 W Main St.
Hot dogs done right. City Dogs serves them up loaded, for under $10. Whether you like your dog with chili, cheese, or just the works, you can’t go wrong. Add a beer (if you’re of age), and you’ve got yourself a meal that’s as American as it gets.
Cobra Cabana
901 W Marshall St.
Heavy metal meets heavy eating at Cobra Cabana — this ‘snek’ inspired spot offers cheap booze, solid vegan options, a killer burger and some of the best Carne Asada fries around. Open until 2 AM, it’s a late-night refuge for the Richmond night owl.
Galaxy Diner
3109 W Cary St.
Step into Galaxy Diner, and you’re in for a trip. This funky, chrome-clad diner has been a sanctuary for budget-conscious students for years. It’s not health food—it’s fun food, with diner classics that keep you coming back. And the milkshakes? Outrageous, just like the decor.
Get Tight Lounge
1104 W Main St.
Decked out in vintage neon with an open-air stage, Get Tight Lounge is the kind of place where you can catch a band on the rise, munch on some BBQ, and enjoy Happy Hour specials like the $6 pair of juicy sliders and fries that cater to the student budget. Now serving lunch and brunch, this spot is making sure you’re fed and happy, day or night.
Govinda Vegan & Vegetarian Restaurant
812 W Marshall St.
Govinda is a haven for vegans and vegetarians, offering flavorful Indian cuisine that’s as affordable as it is delicious. With a menu full of fresh ingredients and aromatic spices, this spot is a must-visit for anyone looking to savor authentic Indian dishes on a budget.
Got Dumplings
309 N Laurel St.
Sometimes, only dumplings will do. Got Dumplings delivers the goods with combo plates, soups, and Asian drinks that fit a student’s budget like a glove. It’s simple, satisfying, and won’t have you digging too deep into your pockets.
Greenbriar Cafe and Coffeehouse
1211 W Main St.
Located along Main Street, Greenbriar Cafe is a hidden gem that captures that simple good vibe of hanging in The Fan on a nice day and enjoying the people watching. With excellent breakfast options and specialty lattes, this spot is perfect for starting your day. Their sausage, cheese, and egg bagel is a standout, made with house-made sausage.
GWARbar
217 W Clay St.
If you’re looking for a place that’s as unique as the band it’s named after, GWARbar is it. Located in Jackson Ward, this spot is a divey, kinda grimy tribute to our (in)famous hometown villains GWAR, serving up good times, grub, and a room full of local characters. Expect the unexpected.
Harrison Street Cafe
402 N. Harrison St.
Harrison Street Cafe is a cozy spot serving up vegetarian and vegan dishes along with coffee, espresso, tea, and vegan treats. With a rotating menu, there’s always something new to try, from the vegan deluxe burrito to the beer-battered tofu sandwich. Affordable and satisfying, it’s a great go-to for plant-based eats, even for non-vegans. Don’t miss their gyro or the elusive vegan mac & cheese when it’s available!
Hot For Pizza
1301 W Leigh St.
Hot For Pizza is where nostalgia meets hunger. With its retro ’80s hair metal vibes, this spot is a pilgrimage worth making. The slices are big, the vibe is local, and the chance of making a new bar buddy is high. Don’t expect gourmet, but do expect satisfaction.
Jamaica House Restaurant
416 W Broad St.
No social media hype here—just straight-up, authentic Jamaican flavors that have kept this place a secret gem for years. The Jamaican patties are a no-brainer, and the jerk chicken? Let’s just say it’s two meals for the price of one, and at $7–$8, it’s a steal.
Kokonut Grill
1201 W Main St.
Established in 2015, Kokonut Grill is Richmond’s go-to for Asian fusion done right. With vegan and vegetarian options aplenty, their bowls filled with tofu, spicy garlic sauce, and coconut rice are a favorite. Don’t leave without trying their Funnel Cake Remix—it’s a sweet treat that’s worth every penny.
Little Mexico
1328 W Cary St.
A longtime favorite among broke VCU students, Little Mexico serves up all the traditional Mexican fare you crave—tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and more—at prices that make it easy to keep coming back. With complimentary chips and salsa, plus some of the best guac in town, this place is a must-try.
Main Street Dragon
1537 W Main St.
Anime-inspired and LGBTQIA+ friendly, Main Street Dragon (formerly Foo Dog) is your spot for bao buns, ramen, and a happy hour that won’t break the bank. It’s got a chill vibe and plenty of affordable options to keep you coming back.
Piccola Italy Pizza & Subs
1100 W Main St.
Piccola’s has been a VCU student staple for decades, serving up cheap, good eats to the hungry masses. Whether it’s a late-night slice or a hearty lasagna, this place delivers quality and quantity. If you haven’t visited yet, you’re missing out on one of Richmond’s best NY-style pizzas.
Rick’s Pizza
913 B W Grace St.
It is not a fancy spot but Rick’s Pizza is serving up slices so good, you’ll be dreaming about them. Their curry base pizza with pesto is the stuff of legends, and with six toppings included, it’s a deal you can’t pass up. Just be warned—you might end up spending more than you planned because once you start, it’s hard to stop.
Sticky Rice
2232 W Main St.
Sticky Rice is a long-running favorite, offering cheap eats and good vibes for years. Fair priced sushi, killer karaoke on Tuesdays, and plenty of booze to wash it all down. It’s been a right of passage for Richmond’s college scene for decades, and for good reason. Read our recent story on there HERE.
Sugar Shack
1001 N Lombardy St.
For those mornings when your sweet tooth is calling the shots, Sugar Shack is the answer. A Richmond institution, especially for the VCU and VUU crowd, this spot has been dishing out donuts and coffee long enough to earn its stripes. If you’re feeling a bit wild, take a bite out of their Luther Burger—because who says you can’t sandwich a burger between two donuts?
Thai Top 10
911 1/2 W Grace St.
A Richmond best-kept secret for Thai food, Thai Top 10 delivers rich flavors at student-friendly prices. Whether you’re in the mood for chicken or tofu pad Thai, this place will fill you up without emptying your wallet.
Village Cafe
1001 W Grace St.
For over 50 years, Village Cafe has been the meeting point for broke students and local eccentrics alike. Whether it’s breakfast, burgers, or anything in between, this spot has been serving up meals that are as affordable as they are legendary. It’s a rite of passage for anyone new to RVA.
We know we’ve only scratched the surface, so let us know your favorite cheap eats in the comments on Instagram. Until then, happy eating, Richmond.
Video and main photo by Christopher Adkins
