At Richmond’s oldest restaurants, fresh food + old school eats go hand in hand.
We looked into some of the spots that have been operating in the city for decades. With culinary legacies like these, Richmond’s food scene is dine-amite.
Millie’s has been spicing up Richmond since 1989, when they opened near Church Hill. A brunch hot spot known for its signature messes, Millie’s experiments with different flavors to deliver a brunch that you won’t soon forget. Fun fact: The Devil’s Mess has been a favorite since opening day.
The fan favorite opened in 1952 when Joe Mencarini set up shop serving a variety of dishes. Nick Kafantaris bought the place in 1977 and the Kafantaris still own it today. Try this: The Greek meatballs and enough Spaghetti a la Joe to feed a family of four.
Bizarre Market Holiday 2024 | Thursday, Dec. 5-Monday, Dec. 23 | 11 a.m.-6 p.m. | Virtual Arts Center of Richmond | Cost of purchase | This month-long market is back in its 20th year offering locally made goods like art, jewelry, and toys.
Friday, Dec. 6
First Fridays: RVA Krampusnacht | 5-11 p.m. | Gallery5 | Donations accepted | Celebrate the holidays with five musical performances, a toy drive, and free access to artwork in Gallery5.
Ladies That Rock | 7:30 p.m. + 9:30 p.m. | Orbital Music Park Reveler | $20+ | Three talented singers will share a stage for a tribute show that spans Madonna, Natalie Cole, Gloria Estefan, Aretha Franklin, and Tina Turner.
Saturday, Dec. 7
GBS Fest 2024 | 12-10 p.m. | Hardywood Park Brewing, West Creek | Free | Stop by the brewery to sample the new seasonal offerings + bring the kids for photos with Santa and face paintings.
Shuler King (21+) | Saturday, Dec. 7-Sunday, Dec. 8 | Times vary | Funny Bone Richmond | $48+ | Prepare to laugh with this stand-up comedian who has amassed over two million social media followers.
Sunday, Dec. 8
“Casablanca” (1942) | 1-3 p.m. | Virginia Museum of Fine Arts | $5+ | Watch this classic film that details the trials and tribulations of a shopkeeper during the beginning of World War II.
$50,000. That’s how much money Sub Rosa Bakery was able to crowdsource to recover from fire damages. Even more impressively, the local bake shop did so in 10 days.
Concert
Alison Krauss & Union Station will take over Allianz Amphitheater at Riverfront on Monday, Aug. 29, becoming the second-ever concert announced for the new outdoor venue. Tickets will be available today, Dec. 5 at 10 a.m. (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
Family
Jolly Saint Nick will be busy in Richmond leading up to the holidays, and these local businesses are your best bet at meeting him before he shimmies down chimneys. Psst... They are all free photo opportunities. (WRIC)
Weather
As we close out Winter Weather Awareness Week, the Virginia Department of Emergency Management is reminding locals about the importance of winter readiness. Simple steps like preparing an emergency kit with 72 hours worth of supplies can go a long way in the wake of an emergency, the agency says. (CBS19)
Pet
Now that’s a good boy. Hary, a TSA dog at the Richmond International Airport, will be featured in the national agency’s cutest canine calendar for 2025. You can find the six-year-old German Shepherd tucked away on the month of September, or sniffing around the airport. (WRIC)
Plan Ahead
“Richmond’s Biggest Block Party” returns in April, and signups have already begun. Yep, we’re talking about Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10K, featuring live bands, costumes, porch parties, and crowds on every block. See the 2023 video recap + register.*
Job
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The Buy
The Buy
Champagne bottle savers. They fit all standard bottle necks to keep your sparkling wine from going flat — the perfect hack for upcoming holiday events and New Year’s Eve parties.
I’m back, Richmond. As temperatures continue to drop throughout this month, keep this local resource in mind to help out those in need. It’s a coat donation drive operated by One Warm Coat who is providing new or used winter jackets of all sizes throughout the state.