Ronnie Logan of Ronnie’s BBQ (Photo by Julianne Tripp)
If you’re looking to put on airs, Varina may not be the place for you. But if you’re in need of a workingman’s waterfront dinner, follow the James south.
Heading east, you’ll meander alongside the Virginia Capital Trail. Keep straight on Old Osborne Turnpike, and as the road narrows and scenery becomes scarce, you’ll come to a turn into a dirt parking lot.
At the far end sits The Lilly Pad Cafe (9680 Osborne Turnpike), a bright-turquoise cinderblock building full of old friends sharing buckets of cheap beers. Wednesdays offer bucket-and-burger combos for a cool $11; order at the bar and eat on the patio overlooking the marina. You’ll feel miles away from RVA, wishing you had your friend’s dad’s old ThunderCraft to take out on the river.
If you’re not much for sunsets on the water (wait, what?) but you have what my husband calls a “meat tooth,” swing by Ronnie’s BBQ (2097 New Market Road). Primarily a takeout spot, Ronnie’s offers online ordering so you can enjoy its brisket, ribs and pulled pork as efficiently as possible.
