I’m just a girl trying to make it in the world, and, unfortunately—the world being as it is—I’ve never been much of a baller, especially recently with the whole grad student gig. I’m not complaining. Things work out okay. I live cheap. But I do like to eat out (and I’m not talking McDonald’s here—I’m talking good food made by local businesses), so I do what I can. In these last three years living and eating in Richmond, I’ve learned a few things that help me to enjoy the culinary creations of others in this fine city without wiping out my skinny checking account.
I’m just a girl trying to make it in the world, and, unfortunately—the world being as it is—I’ve never been much of a baller, especially recently with the whole grad student gig. I’m not complaining. Things work out okay. I live cheap. But I do like to eat out (and I’m not talking McDonald’s here—I’m talking good food made by local businesses), so I do what I can. In these last three years living and eating in Richmond, I’ve learned a few things that help me to enjoy the culinary creations of others in this fine city without wiping out my skinny checking account.
Coffee: Every cafe has its ins and its outs, but I think the best is the deal Black Hand offers. If you bring in your own container, you get to fill it up for $1. (I don’t know about you, but my coffee travel thingie holds about two cups.) Less trammeled than Crossroads and Lamplighter (which both offer free refills), Black Hand is a great spot to chill. If you’re not in the mood for their excellent regular coffee, the baristas there do an excellent job with whatever coffee drink your heard desires. Also, Blackhand, Crossroads, and Lift all offer different sorts of punch card deals—Crossroads’ being the best because you get a free drink of your choice, while the others have more limited specifications.
Drinking and Snacking: Richmond has some great Happy Hours in places that feel good to be in, featuring two-dollar drafts (Ipanema and Joe’s Inn), cheap wine (Ipanema), discounted drinks (Couscous, Strange Matter, Racine, Garnett’s, Ettamae’s, 821, etc). I like to take advantage of these when I can, though it’s not always helpful to be tipsy at 7pm. Still, having you can always balance out the alcohol with some bar snacks. Ipanema’s are most inventive: Polenta fries—yum! Something else to try if you want to go to a place with a super-different “fancy pants” aesthetic compared to the other spots I have mentioned is Lemaire at the Jefferson Hotel. Not only do they have a different Happy Hour special each night of the week, but they also offer three of their appetizers for $20. Compared to their regular prices, this is a great deal. If you eat meat, please get the beef taretare—cracked peppercorns, arugula, sheep’s cheese, oh my!
Take it Away: One of my favorite Richmond cheap dinner plans is getting takeaway and going somewhere pretty to eat it: an overlook, the river, a park, whatever. Eight and a Half (401 Strawberry St.) is the go-to takeaway spot for good reason. Their pizza and sandwiches are fresh and flavorful, packed with herbs and premium meats and cheeses. My favorite thing is the broccoli, sausage, ricotta pasta, which easily stretches to two meals. Why take it home if the weather is nice? Scuffletown Park is right there and you can buy wine on that block, either at Strawberry Street Vineyard (407 Strawberry) or Strawberry Street Market. Incredible takeaway in Church Hill is Alamo Barbecue. The brisket and pulled pork are great, but I think my current preferred meal here is a fish taco and a portabello one—both have their fillings lightly grilled and covered in fresh toppings. And Jefferson Park is right up the hill. Lastly, if you’re downtown at lunchtime someday, do yourself a favor and pick up a falafel sandwich from Cedar’s Mediterranean Restaurant (107 N. 7th St.). This sandwich is freshly made, great value, and smothered in homemade hot sauce–if you have the taste for it. And it’s only one choice among many other frugal options, including the ground lamb goodness of the kefta kebab. I suggest enjoying your sandwich on the viewing deck at the top of City Hall. You should go up to the top of City Hall anyway if you haven’t yet.
Dinner: Some dinner specials seem to have emerged in the last year. On Tuesday nights, Strange Matter serves up half-priced burgers. Though their beef burgers are fantastic (juicy and cooked to order), the deal applies to the lentil burger too. These sandwiches are light years ahead of the cheap burgers offered one night of the week at 821 (small and sad) and Capital Ale House (again, small, and it seems any extras cost as much as the burger). Also on Tuesdays, Empress has a different wine tasting menu that offers a chance to try small portions of their inventive food, along with appropriate wines, for just $15. The Jefferson’s Lemaire also has a deal from 5-6 each evening, when they serve a 3-course meal for $30. I haven’t tried these last two, but have meant to for a long time now. Maybe you will beat me to it?
Last but not least, no matter where you are or when it is, I recommend sharing. More than just being cheaper than than the alternative and letting you try more things, there’s something pretty special about eating off the same plate as someone you like.
