12.15.2023

Today’s Forecast

58º | Sunny | 5% chance of rain
Sunrise 7:17 a.m. | Sunset 4:52 p.m.

Lunch break done right

Where to find lunch for $15 or less in Richmond

Grab a sandwich and a salad from Garnett’s and transform your lunch break into a picnic on the VMFA lawn, just nearby. | Photo by Joe O’Connor

Looking for a tasty, local lunch spot that doesn’t break the bank? We’re here for you, Richmond. Check out this list of 15+ places where a lunch for one costs $12 or less.

Catina Bakery, 6215 A W. Broad St.
This Henrico bánh mì spot has fresh sandwiches with your choice of meat for $4 each. Pro tip: There’s a $10 card minimum, so bring cash unless you’re feeling extra hungry.

Mama J’s, 415 N. 1st St.
For a soul-filled lunch at this Jackson Ward essential, go for the starters — the catfish nuggets are $9 — or mix-and-match some sides. $10 will get you macaroni and cheese ($5), collared greens ($5), and some ice cream for dessert ($2).

three heavily-adorned hot dogs and a coors banquet beer — Hungry for hot dogs like these from City Dogs? Click here for even more cheap lunch options.
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Photo by RICtoday

Mr. Submarine, multiple locations
Looking to grab a bite without leaving your car? Mr. Submarine has you covered with a plethora of options under $12 at both their drive thru West Broad location and their spot south of the river.

Bombolini, 1606 W. Main St.
This Fan staple has been serving up fresh pasta since 2008. Choose from a variety of sauces — most are $8, like the alfredo, marinara, and pesto — and add your choice of pasta.

A massive slice of pizza and a thumbs up — Two slices from Benny’s, featuring paper plates for scale.
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Photo by RICtoday

Hondo’s Steakhouse, 416 W. Broad St.
This Glen Allen steakhouse has a whole menu for lunchtime options under 12 bucks. Combos like wagyu meatloaf with garlic mashers and sauteed vegetables or coconut shrimp with slaw, pineapple salsa, and fries will run you just $11.95.

Benny Ventano’s, 2501 W. Main St.
This regional pizza chain has kite-sized slices for $6-7. Grab a soda and a slice for the road and you can still come in under $10. Bonus: If you’re feeling reckless, take on the Benny’s Challenge on your lunch break and try to finish a 28-inch pie in under 28 minutes.

We know we missed some places. Drop us a line so we can add to our list — and fill our bellies.

Read our full guide

Poll

When it comes to lunchtime, which option do you prefer: eating at home/work or eating out?

A. I prefer eating at home/work

B. I prefer eating out

C. A mix of both

D. It depends on my mood

Let us know

Events

Friday, Dec. 15

“Bad Santa” | Friday, Dec. 15 | 7 p.m. | The Byrd Theatre, 2908 W. Cary St., Richmond | $8 | Billy Bob Thornton stars in this holiday dark comedy.
Dan Schutt Band | Friday, Dec. 15 | 7-10 p.m. | Strangeways Brewing, 3110 W. Leigh St., Richmond | Cost of purchase | The local band will play an evening set.

Saturday, Dec. 16

Stony Point Sip & Shop: Holiday Vendors Market | Saturday, Dec. 16 | 11 a.m.-7 p.m. | Stony Point Fashion Park, 9200 Stony Point Pkwy., Richmond | Free entry | Peruse the offerings of local artisans and sip spiked hot chocolate at this weekend shopping event.
VCU Men’s Basketball vs. Temple | Saturday, Dec. 16 | 2 p.m. | Siegel Center, 1200 W. Broad St., Richmond | $30-$35 | The Rams take on the Owls at home.

Sunday, Dec. 17

Classical Incarnations | Sunday, Dec. 17 | 6-10 p.m. | Gallery5, 200 W. Marshall St., Richmond | Free | Classical Revolution RVA puts together this free classical variety show featuring local musicians.
Eggy | Sunday, Dec. 17 | 7 p.m. | The Broadberry, 2729 W. Broad St., Richmond | $16 | The alt-indie band will play with DJ Brownie, with $1 from every ticket donated to Backline.

Tuesday, Dec. 19

Commonwealth Concert Opera’s Naughty or Nice | Tuesday, Dec. 19 | 7-11 p.m. | Révéler, 3108 W. Cary St., Richmond | $20 | Enjoy an eclectic group of seasonal songs in a festive atmosphere.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Coming Soon

Staples Mill will soon have a drive-thru Sheetz across from the Amtrak station. The zoning request for the 24/7 gas station and eatery was unanimously approved by the Henrico County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday. (Richmond Times-Dispatch)

Outdoors

The city is asking residents who live in or around Smith-Peters Park for feedback on what improvements they’d like to see. Options include upgrading the basketball court, installing a community garden, adding a splash pad, and more. Fill out the form with your thoughts by the end of December.

Biz

A new “rentable workplace” is coming to Rocketts Landing. Lost Office Collaborative, opening in early January, will be available for companies to rent for events like workshops and team-building exercises. (Richmond BizSense)

Sports

The Kickers have opened registration for their 2024 Pro Combine. Eligible college seniors, qualified free agents, and talented amateur players can register to try out Jan. 27-28.

Health

The Richmond & Henrico Health Districts are encouraging anyone who is pregnant or over 60 to talk to their health care provider about receiving the RSV vaccine. ABRYSVO is an injectable vaccine that can help prevent lower respiratory tract diseases associated with the virus.

Richmonder

After a Chesterfield resident found a mysterious marker in a field reading “In memory of Joan C. Hall,” she became determined to figure out who Hall was. VPM reporter Ian M. Stewart spoke to Darlene Dragavon about her quest to uncover a forgotten tidbit of Richmond history.

Finance

This no-annual-fee balance transfer offer now lasts until 2025. Transferring your existing balance to a no-interest card could be the simple solution you’re looking for to finally get ahead of your payments. (Oh, and it offers cash back rewards on everyday purchases.)*

Wellness

Planning for personal growth and emotional well-being in 2024? Connect with a licensed therapist on BetterHelp in just 48 hours + get 25% off your first month.*

Arts

Gallery5 takes home an award

Gallery5 receives award from folk-rockers The Head and the Heart

Two members of the Head and the Heart live in Richmond. | Photo via Gallery5

Jackson Ward venue and art space Gallery5 received The Rivers and Roads Foundation award from the folk-rock band The Head and the Heart.

The award, designed to support music programs and education initiatives, has been given by the band since 2021.

Though founded in Seattle and nationally known, The Head and the Heart has roots in the River City. Two of its members, Jon Russell and Tyler Williams, moved to Richmond after high school and played in bands around the area.

Both Russell and Williams have moved back to Richmond in the last few years. One of their recent music videos was shot in Church Hill.

Gallery5 expressed its gratitude to the foundation for supporting its goal of “engaging and uplifting communities” through arts, music, education, and outreach.

The Buy

The Buy 12.15.23 (Affiliate + Six & Main)

This smart mug warmer that keeps beverages the temperature of your choice and has automatic shut-off.

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
David

From the editor

These city guides wouldn’t be possible without help from our readers — thanks to Hannah G., Anne G., Miles M., Zac G., Sophia M., Nan B., Kipley H., Carrie H., Rick S., Alice K., Mike G., and Mary D. for their recommendations.

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