Where to Sleep, Eat, Drink, and Shop in the Richmond Arts District

Where to Stay, Eat, Drink, + Shop in the Richmond Arts District

I’ve lived in many Richmond, VA neighborhoods during the past 15 years. It all started on the campus of the University of Richmond. After graduation, I moved into a house nearby campus. There are the cutest houses in Three Chopt, as well as Libbie Mill where I moved afterwards.

Soon, my Richmond career and life changes led me to the Innsbrook on the west end of Richmond for a few years. After that, I made my way to my first apartment in the city at the intersection of Boulevard (Now Arthur Ashe Boulevard) and Grace Street. I spent many years there, followed by more than three years in Shockoe Slip and finally to my apartment in the Arts District of Richmond, VA.

After more than 3 years in this neighborhood, I’ve decided it’s my favorite. The Arts District of Richmond is a walkable and well-rounded community with a little bit of everything to keep your home stocked, your closet fresh, and your palette appeased. In this neighborhood guide, I break down my favorite spots to stay, to indulge, to drink, and to shop. Whether you’re from out of town or ready for a staycation in your own city, I hope you come down and meet some of these inspiring, creative, wise, and wild business owners and their teams. They’ll brighten up your day just like they do mine every day.

Where to Stay in the Arts District

Let’s start with your sleeping arrangements. Quirk is the well-known pink paradise down the road. It is both an art gallery and hotel featuring a lobby, dining room, and rooftop serving a blend of coffee drinks, cocktails, and elevated small plates. A few blocks away, The Graduate (above) welcomes guests into its Arthur Ashe-themed boutique hotel, which also features a trendy lobby and rooftop bar. I also have to suggest my dad’s favorite, Linden Row. The rooms in the historic boutique hotel are large, and the hotel’s courtyard is one of the city’s best-kept secrets.

Some of the best brunch in Richmond, VA

We can’t talk about Richmond if we don’t talk about brunch.

In the Arts District, you can go fancy and hit the Jefferson Hotel Champagne Brunch, a Richmond classic if you want to get dressed up and enjoy an ornate atmosphere.
Another Richmond classic : Perly’s. The Jewish delicatessen serves up flavor packed finds like the Benny Goodman (above), smoked beef sausage breakfast sammies, and other kosher creations. Go early! There was a line at 9 a.m. before it even opened!
You can never go wrong at Tarrant’s, another Richmond classic. Set in an old pharmacy, the Richmond brunch menu has classic brunch items like pancakes and other fresh southern twists like the seafood omelette.

Where to Shop:

After a big breakfast, you’re ready for some shopping. There’s a well-rounded collection of shopping options here. We’ll start with your wardrobe. For high-end and eco-conscious finds, Verdalina delivers in stacks, shelves, racks, and rows. From nail polish to dresses, the corner store is a treasure chest of both up-and-coming and established slow-fashion and beauty brands. Next door, find affordable wardrobe staples, decor, gifts, and special occasion dresses at the popular M od & Soul. Though primarily a men’s consignment shop, A Man’s World features a tightly curated collection of women’s jewelry, coats, shoes, and clothing. Find labels like Stetson, Dior, and Coach here.

For the home, Circle Thrift & Art Space is a favorite of locals. Have fun digging through a rotating collection of record players, VHS films, books, furniture, and local art.

See more of my local home shopping recommendations.

For a Cup of Joe

Who knows how many times I’ve stepped into Lift Coffee Shop & Cafe. I was going here before I moved to the neighborhood. They create elevated lattes alongside more common breakfast and lunch items. My friends and I are obsessed with the Recovery Smoothie! They always carry gluten-free options for yours truly, as well. There’s a hidden courtyard in the back for a maximum chill time with friends and peers.

To Chill + Work

Meet me at Commonhouse! This five-story co-working space and social club will feed your aesthetic palette everywhere you turn. In addition, you can also feed your actual tummy here. The all-day menu is served around the club, and the restaurant serves up a creative yet straight-forward menu of craft cocktails and entrees featuring seasonal ingredients from local farmers and producers.

I am so grateful this resource popped up in Jackson Ward. I love inviting my peers to network in the Fourth Floor Lounge, and I can get away from my own office in one of the many cozy corners. To visit, you can have a member meet you to walk you in or set up a tour. Learn more.

For Drinks and Apps

I couldn’t avoid writing about Happy Hour in this guide!

I’ll start with those I’ve already recommended: Commonhouse, Quirk, and And Dim Sum are all go-to spots for cocktails and appetizers in the Arts District of Richmond.
The Byrd House at the Graduate Hotel is also a winner for fresh apps and cocktails! You can indulge even if you aren’t a guest at the hotel.
Wong Gonzalez is a fusion restaurant and bar with menu items like crab tacos, fresh guac, and tequila shrimp. The exciting cocktail list is always full of something fun to try. Tarrant’s serves up one of my favorite apps in the city: buffalo cauliflower. The full-service bar can make just about anything you imagine and select the perfect wine to pair with your food.
Jefferson Hotel’s Lemaire Restaurant has one of the best happy hours in town. Enjoy the decadent decor and take a trip back in time over elegant cocktails and world-class service.

A Personal Vegan Friendly Favorite

While many of the options above offer dinner, I repeatedly feed my body and soul at Nu Vegan. My non vegan friends love the eggplant parmesan and vegan chicken nuggies as much as me. Other favorites include the red wine kale salad and the chicken salad. The flavors are just so powerful and put anythign you’ve ever thought about vegan food to shame.