Illustration by Emily Roberts
Citizen
1203 E. Main St., 804-780-9038
Smack-dab in the downtown bustle, Citizen stays jumpin’. “The suits” escape here for a speedy, seasonal bite, including the stylish Mayor Levar Stoney — don’t let him catch you rocking the “just rolled out of bed” look. In 2016, Citizen traded its obscure basement location for shinier digs with an alcohol license so customers can pair Disco Eggs with a Bloody Mary.
Hanover Cafe
13185 Hanover Courthouse Road, Hanover, 804-537-5290
A hop and a skip away from both the courthouse and Freedom Bail Bonds, this cafe is visited by the legal eagles of Hanover County. Homestyle cooking and sweet tea your grandma would be proud of have turned this restaurant, adorned with a carousel horse, into a Hanover staple.
City Diner
2237 W. Broad St., 804-254-1974
If Richmond had a reality show, this classic diner would make an appearance. U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine, local news anchors and editors (ahem, we’re neighbors), police officers and even the VCU basketball team have been known to break bread, or more specifically biscuits and waffles, at this Richmond institution. The Strawberry on Broad is a breakfast home run.
Boychik’s Deli
4024 Cox Road, Glen Allen, 804-747-1030
Casual, with a New York City deli vibe, weekday lunches are when you’ll rub elbows with the who’s who of the West End. The place buzzes with constant business chatter, and efficient service ensures an easy return to Innsbrook offices after a solid pastrami on rye.
