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 local lunch spot that doesn’t break the bank? We’re here for you, Richmond. With our readers’ help, we rounded up 25+ places with lunch deals for $15 or less.
Sandwiches
88 Street Food, West Broad
This banh mi spot has fresh sandwiches with your choice of meat or tofu for under $10 each.
Editor Elise’s pick: I love a bahn mi, but the Vietnamese coffee here wins me over the most.
Tacos
El Pope, The Fan
Order three tacos for $13 (with rice and beans) or three pupusas — a Salvadoran staple — for $12.
Pizza
Benny Ventano’s, The Fan
Grab a kite-sized slice for $5 to $7 — leaving you enough change to grab a soda for the road.
On-the-go
Christopher’s Runaway Gourmay, multiple locations
Reader Jenn E. notes that an $8.50 combo meal at this pasta, salad + slaw-serving cart comes with a “hefty chunk of French bread.”
Virginia Beer Day | Times vary | Participating taprooms | Prices vary | Local breweries like Hardywood and Benchtop will sell limited-edition pint glasses to help fund scholarships for the 2025 Virginia Brewers Conference.
Wine Tasting | 6-8 p.m. | Friendbar | Price of purchase | Taste-test curated wines from Louis/Dressner Selections, a 30-year-old company started by a newlywed couple, as charmed by each other as they were with the world of winemaking.
Friday, Aug. 15
Adult Coloring Club | 6-9 p.m. | Intermission Beer Company, Glen Allen | Free | Bring some coloring supplies, tap into a little child-like whimsy, and maybe make a friend along the way.
Saturday, Aug. 16
“Dainty” | 12-2 p.m. | Firehouse Theatre | $15 general admission, $5 donation-based | Reserve your seat for Firehouse’s new play, “an anthology about Black womanhood in today’s America” by Agyeiwaa Asante.
Popup Pet Adoption | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Henrico County Animal Shelter, Glen Allen | Price of adoption | Help a cute crew of cats, dogs, rabbits, and guinea pigs find their forever homes.
From our email inbox to yours: “Fresh off its Golden Tomato Award win in Duke’s Hot Tomato Summer, Baltik’s Bagels is bringing back the Pomo D’oro for just three days — Aug. 14, 15 + 16.” We suggest you drop everything and finish reading the newsletter once you get to Baltik’s.
Opening
The Purrfect Bean — the Fan’s new cat cafe — held a soft-launch opening last weekend. As we eagerly await the grand opening tomorrow, Aug. 15, you can congratulate the team on already achieving four pet adoptions + book a reservation for the cafe’s next availability.
Tech
William Song of VCU aims to innovate cancer radiation therapy with a new portable, foldable water tank. Tanks used in treatment have become increasingly cumbersome, but Song prioritizes efficiency and mobility. Two direct results: decreased transportation costs + improved accessibility, particularly in satellite clinics and rural settings. (VCU News)
Closing
Nokoribi is bidding farewell to its restaurant partnership with Veil Brewing in Scott’s Addition. Treat yourself to Nokoribi’s kimchi-spiced fries by Tuesday, Aug. 19, but stay tuned as On The Grill takes over the Veil’s temporary new restaurant residency, starting the following day.
Try This
Any “Fourth Wing” fans out there? Strangeways Brewing is leaning into the trendy “BookTok” series with “Fourth Wing” Trivia on Tuesday, Sept. 2. More of a historical fiction fiend? Don’t worry, there are plenty of other local trivia nights to peruse.
Plan Ahead
King’s Dominion has extended its fall operating days, which include spooktacular events like Halloween Haunt, Oktoberfest, and Tricks + Treats. Check out the extended dates and hours, then plan a weekend trip now through Sunday, Nov. 30. (WRIC)
Beauty
Restore thinning hair with Happy Head’s dermatologist-developed, customizable treatment plans. See how good customer results are + take 45% off your first six Rx orders with code 6AM.*
For jam-packed days, these five on-the-go essentials keep us sane:
👜 This stylish + functional crossbody boasts multiple pockets and a soft leather feel for under $35.
💦 We stash these deodorizing body wipes in our car + purse because you never know when you’ll need a quick refresh.
👟 When rushing out the door, these slip-on canvas sneakers are our go-to kicks.
🌬️ This styling cream + wand stays in our purse to quickly tame frizz and flyaways that pop up on humid days.
🪫 We never have to worry about dead batteries and missed calls thanks to this portable power bank that can charge up to five devices at once.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
In some personal news, while writing yesterday’s newsletter, my sister and brother-in-law welcomed a beautiful baby girl into the world, and I became an auntie for the first time. They live in Los Angeles, so I’m plotting a trip out west as soon as possible. Have some good news of your own?It’s always welcome here.
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