Chain Gang

Richmond is finally getting the notoriety it deserves. The Ladies have known that Richmond is a gem for ...well, forever. And we love that others are noticing us as well. We've been the cute, quiet girl in the back of the bar for far too long! The Corporate Suits from Macado's have been seen around town eyeballing Richmond's cuteness. And there's local buzz about a critically-acclaimed chef opening a restaurant in the former Popkins space.

The quality of talent in the Richmond restaurant scene is incomparable. I stalk restaurant openings like Warren Buffett reviewing stock market trends. Which is why I have a bit of a bone to pick (pun) with guys who choose chain restaurants for scheduled dates. Unless it's past 10 p.m and nothing will curb my hunger like a cheap meal from a chain restaurant, then there's no excuse. Zero! Not only does it not show forethought and planning, it shows your lack of respect for the quality of dining experience to be had in RVA.

TGI Fridays, Ruby Tuesday, Chili's, and O'Charley's are not date night spots. Not even Outback. Yeah, I said it. Now what? (When did Outback separate from the pack and come to represent the upper echelon of dining?) These are chains for suburban families who want to feel like they're experiencing a night out on the town. They want the cup of crayons for Junior to doodle and a line cook preparing that $8.99 meal with the same repetition as he did last week. **Before I incite a riot let me say that I understand that money, time, and distance are factors, as well as confidence in consistency. Trust me, I have supported local restaurants that have been very inconsistent with quality of food and service. And there will be no Manager to kneel by my table and hand me a corporate gift card for my troubles if I say my steak was well done instead of medium.

Don't you dare settle for flair!

However, hombres, get to know your city if you would like to impress a girl. When you ask me what kind of food I like, have a knowledge base. I'll start you off:

Italian...... Don't say Olive Garden. The last person who took your lady to Olive Garden was probably either her parents or grandma. If you want her to have romance on her mind, check out Deco or Edo's Squid.

Seafood...... Red Lobster is off the table. Acacia, Rappahannock, and Water Coastal Kitchen are all wonderful date night spots with chefs who won't dry out salmon until it's jerky. Salmon jerky? Gross. When all else fails, there's always The Boathouse. The Boathouse (Rocketts) doesn't have the best seafood in town, but one could easily argue that they have the best view.

Pizza....... Don't name any place that guarantees delivery via a national commercial. Keeping it casual is a fine idea, but let's not forget our hometown hero of Bottom's Up Pizza. You boys can get creative by suggesting a nice stroll on the canal to burn off those pizza toppings. Bonus! There's also the local fave, Tarrant's, which boasts wonderful service in addition to pizza.

Good ol' American burgers....Just say no to anything with a drive through window. Burger Bach is a little piece of New Zealand right here in Richmond. Impress your date with quality burgers instead of frozen patties. They even have a new location in Short Pump in case location is a factor for ya. Or hit up Carytown Burgers and Fries where the staff is always fun. If budget is a big concern, take your gal to Dollar Burger Night at any Capital Ale Location.

Latin American....Try a place without plastic tablecloths. I understand time...and hunger...may be of the essence some times and you're lucky that the two of you can squeeze in the date at all before the next Hale-Bopp comet; however, try to have a bit of ambiance with your chips and salsa. Try Casa del Barco on a lovely evening. There's a patio and a fantastic view of the canal that will increase the romance factor. Havana 59 isn't particularly known for their food, but the combination of summer air, mojitos, and Thursday salsa nights is incredibly sexy.


Other Notables: The Roosevelt, Can Can, Amuse, Heritage, Stella's, The Savory Grain, Selba, Balliceaux, and Pasture.


The phenomenal variety of restaurants around RVA is one of the best aspects of living here. We're barely scratching the surface with these suggestions. If you take the time to stay up on which restaurants are opening and thriving around town, your lady will not only appreciate your thoughtfulness, she'll associate you with adventure and romance. She'll tell all her friends how cool you are. They'll want you to "Tell your friends to get with my friends, and we can be friends". Do you hear what we're saying, guys? When it comes to restaurant selections, don't be part of the Chain Gang.