Richmond's Best Brunch Dishes
When trying to decipher where to to brunch in Richmond, there's a few ways to pick the prime spot. Sometimes I sort Richmond brunch options based on qualifications like 'boozy brunches,' or 'cheap brunches in Richmond,' But then there's times where all you want is a really good _____.
So here's where you need to go in Richmond for the best of every brunch item.
Richmond’s Best Chicken and Waffles: New York Deli
Rule number one of this list, it’s totally subjective.
New York Deli has to win for best chicken and waffles because it’s how I start every year. I’m nervous that this tradition won’t happen this year since I’ll be in Charleston, but that doesn’t reflect my feelings about this dish.
What makes New York Deli’s chicken and waffle so delicious starts with the waffles, which are jalapeno and cheddar flavored. Then, the chicken is perfectly fried and topped with an egg. Bonus points for the portion size, which is out-of-control.
Honorable Mention: Savory Grain’s chicken and waffles. In contrast to New York Deli’s savory waffles, Savory Grain features a sweet waffle with a strong vanilla flavor. Plus, they stuff their chicken with cheese.
Richmond’s Best Chicken Biscuit: Fancy Biscuit
Holy moly, every time I’m hungry I think about the chicken biscuit I got at the Fancy Biscuit. The chicken breast was large and moist, perfectly fried and served with heaping mounds of blue cheese and slaw. Plus, they’ve got several other options that looked just as deliciously savory. I sent my parents to this place while I was at work, and they too seemed to love it.
Despite saying I want to go back, I haven’t actually been back, and now that I’m writing about it, it’s all I can do to not drool on the keyboard.
Honorable Mention: Helen’s chicken biscuit is delicious, plus their bright yellow potatoes are amazing.
Richmond’s Best Breakfast Burrito: 23rd and Main
If you’re picturing a regular burrito, think again. 23rd and Main’s breakfast burrito takes number one because it’s not what you’d expect. 23rd and Main tempura fries their burrito and serves it with syrup, which gives it a sweeter flavor than a normal burrito.
If you’re looking for more of a cure-the-hangover burrito, the honorable mention might be for you.
Honorable Mention: Continental Westhampton’s breakfast burrito. This burrito is enormous, stuffed to near-explosion and every bite is everything you’d want it to be.
Richmond’s Best Huevos Rancheros: Kitchen 64
Cazey is known for his love of bagel and lox (which I take some of the credit for), and I might be know for my love of huevos rancheros. This love started at Kitchen 64, which is why they have to be the best place for huevos rancheros in Richmond.
Between the fresh avocado and chorizo, it’s more than the pile of eggs and beans that are sometimes the default for huevos rancheros. Plus, the portion size was astronomical.
Honorable Mention: Surprisingly, my second choice would be Silver Diner, mainly because of the unique twist they put on their huevos rancheros.
Richmond’s Best Bagel and Lox: New York Deli
I tapped Cazey for this one to make sure I picked the one truest best bagel and lox. We’ve got New York Deli hitting the list again. They’ve mastered the ratio of salmon and cream cheese.
Honorable Mention: Cazey’s second choice would be Urban Farmhouse, once he scrapes off some of the excess cream cheese.
Richmond’s Best Omelet: Boathouse at Sunday Park
Realistically, all Boathouse’s for Sunday brunch are a good choice, but the one I got at Sunday Park was markedly better because of the special. I got the caprese omelet, that came stuffed with mozzarella cheese, basil and tomatoes. It was finished off with a balsamic vinaigrette drizzle. Paired with the bottomless sausage, biscuits and hash browns, I was in heaven.
Pro Tip: If you’re between the waffle and the omelet you can do both (for more money) OR take a biscuit and dress it up with the fruit, syrup and whipped topic like it’s a waffle. Best of both worlds!
Honorable Mentions: Neither of these options are in Richmond, but are so memorable that I want to include them. The buffalo chicken omelet from Bayside Skillet is what dreams are made of, and the shoo mercy omelet at Tupelo Honey is nearly worth the trip to Virginia Beach or Arlington on its merits alone.
Richmond’s Best French Toast: Max’s on Broad
Truth be told, I hardly ever order French toast. I’m more of a savory bruncher. My mom would be so disappointed. However, I did get the French toast at Max’s on Broad for Richmond Brunch Weekend and it was amazing. Plus, it came with fresh fruit on top which made it feel #healthy (jokes).
Honorable Mention / Public Service Announcement: Savory Grain has Krispie Kreme donut French Toast. You can imagine how sweet that is.
Richmond’s Best Pancakes: Galaxy Diner
I order pancakes even less than I order French toast, but there’s an Oreo pancake at Galaxy Diner. Yum!
If you know where I can eat Richmond’s best French toast or pancakes, tweet me so I can try it.