It’s been a few years now since we made the RVA Magazine Readers’ Poll an annual event, and we’re building up quite a little tradition over here!
It’s been a few years now since we made the RVA Magazine Readers’ Poll an annual event, and we’re building up quite a little tradition over here! It’s obvious our readers enjoy participating, too, as this year’s response numbers were higher than ever. This year’s poll gave us results on previously polled categories in the world of food, drink, shopping, and hanging out, as well as some new areas we’d never asked about before. We’ve learned that some of Richmond’s tastes seem to change over time, while others remain rock-solid year after year. One thing’s for sure, though–our audience has some incredibly good taste! So let’s find out what awesome spots you decided to honor this year. Without further ado, here are the results of the 2015 RVA Magazine Readers’ Poll:
Favorite Local Noodle Bar: Sticky Rice
Known for its sushi and delicious, delicious tots that are the ultimate late night drunk food, this forever bustling restaurant beat out other local establishments for best noodle bar. But if you’ve had their udon noodles topped with Mongolian beef or their spicy Thai Chicken with rice noodles it’s not hard to see why Sticky Rice took the top spot.
Favorite Local Taco Spot: Don’t Look Back
When it came to tacos in Richmond, our list could have gone on forever. I’m glad I didn’t have to make the decision because there were so many great places to choose from. But this little joint in Carytown is perfect for grabbing late night tacos, a quiet date night, or just for a quick dinner. Whether you’re going Gringo style or traditional with cilantro red onion and lime, Don’t Look Back hits the spot every time… especially their chicken skin tacos. Yes, it’s a thing and it’s glorious. If you haven’t had them then get out from under that rock.
Favorite Local Sandwich: Kubanaso, Kuba Kuba
This Cuban restaurant is a favorite among Richmonders. From its empanadas to paella, this restaurant’s dishes are authentic and tasty, but they serve up one sandwich that Richmonders loved more than all all the rest. Kuba Kuba’s “Kubanso,” served on kuban bread, with platanos & topped with veggie garnish, is a cuban sandwich made with chorizo and it’ll knock your socks off according to RVAMag’s readers.
Favorite Local Foodie Spot: LUNCH & SUPPER
Richmond’s rep as a foodie town is hard to deny, and few exemplify this idea like LUNCH & SUPPER over in Scott’s Addition. These spots topped the list and rightfully so, with their down-home, Southern food that warms the soul and belly. With emphasis on errything smoked from chicken sandwiches to pork to turkey and even putting a new spin on veggies with their bacon-infused brussel sprouts, LUNCH & SUPPER is a mouth-watering, satisfying meal any time.
Favorite Local Donut Shop: Sugar Shack Donuts
It’s hard to screw up a donut. It’s also hard to pick your favorite because hey, a donuts a donut, but with flavors like Bacon Maple, Chocolate and Caramel with Sea Salt, and Chocolate Butterfinger, I can see why Richmonders went with Sugar Shack for their favorite donut spot in town. They’ve also go locations in Midlothian on Parham, in Fredericksburg, Alexandria, Florida, and more on the way.
Favorite Local Pizza Spot: Belmont Pizzeria:
Piping hot and delicious, Belmont Pizzeria provides great ‘za by the slice in store or delivered to your house if you’re patient enough. A longtime favorite located in the Museum District, our editor here at RVAMag.com is partial to a supreme pizza and a night of Belmont and chill.
Favorite Local Barbecue Spot: Alamo BBQ
Nestled in the heart of Church Hill, Alamo BBQ serves up Texas style BBQ, and for many Richmonders is the go-to place for pulled pork sandwiches, sweet BBQ sauce, grilled burritos and Texas caviar.
Favorite Local Vegan Spot: Ipanema Cafe
Classic Richmond vegan and late night hot spot. It always provides a great hang out for VCU students and hipsters alike. Now for the reason it won the poll. Ipanema sources local foods to create vegan staples such as their vegan chorizo tacos, and the Kentucky Vegetable Burgoo. (Pictured above.)
Favorite Local Thrift Boutique: Rumors Boutique
Stylish and hand-picked items from around the world, Rumors Boutique on West Broad Street has made a name for itself in RVA’s thrift store game, selling and buying trendy, unique, and vintages pieces for men and women.
Favorite Local Thrift Store: Diversity Thrift
From furniture, to records, to books, art, antiques, clothing and other knick-knacks, Diversity Thrift provides one of the largest thrift stores for the city. The LGBT-centered store continues to provide bargains for the community with the proceeds going to a great cause.
This was part 1 of our 2015 Reader’s poll. Check out the rest of the winners in part 2 here and part 3 here.
