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    821 Café

    4.0 (631 reviews)
    Open 9:00 am - 9:00 pm
    Updated over 3 months ago

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    821 CAFÉ ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Hipster
    Happy hour specials
    Dogs allowed

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    Recommended Reviews - 821 Café

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    Big Breakfast
    Cam A.

    Visited on a busy weekend with about a 25-minute wait, which felt fair given how popular it is. The food made it worth it. When we sat down, I loved the fact there is local art on the walls as decor. As a vegetarian, I was impressed with the variety. I had the veggie country fried chicken and eggs. The patty was one of the best plant-based options I've had. The eggs, potatoes, and biscuit were all great, though the gravy could have been a bit creamier. The Nutella stuffed French toast was a highlight. It was rich and really good. The Big Breakfast was also a hit for others at the table, with crispy bacon and generous portions. Coffee was good, orange juice tasted fresh. Service was solid but could have been a bit more friendly. Overall, great spot with options for everyone. I would come back.

    Pancake platter
    Abbey W.

    A top notch brunch at 821 cafe! My man and I were wanting to try this spot out on a Sunday morning and waited for about 20 or so minutes before some seats opened up at the counter. First & foremost: the Bloody Mary. This is what sent us out on our brunch quest and 821 did not disappoint. In fact I'd say it's one of the top 3 bloody's I've ever had in RVA. For food, I went basic with the pancake platter but every part of it was cooked to perfection. Eggs were buttery, pancakes fluffy, sausage absolute perfection. Shane got the smoked salmon BLT and was very pleased with this mashup of two of his favorites. Great portions and we both left in a bit of a food coma. Decor and details are adorable but no fuss. Service was quick. We'll be back!

    Michael S.

    We arrived for a late brunch (11ish). Every table but one was full which was encouraging! The setting is casual, just off the VCU campus. There is bar seating and I noticed they were offering multiple takes on mimosas for a decent price. Local (probably VCU student) art was on the wall I was facing. Bathrooms were unisex and spacious and clean. Handicap entrance in the rear, several uneven steps in the front. Setting is a solid 3. Service was spotty. It was pretty clear our primary server was not happy that day. Several other servers did pick up some of the slack. But there was no check back on the meal, no offer to refill drinks, and no offer of take home containers until asked. Service is a 2 if I am being generous. Food was actually good for what it was. I got a brunch burger (burger, american cheese, bacon, hashbrown patty, mayo, and sunny side up egg) that was bang on. It turned into a knife and fork affair after two bites and 4 napkins. Flavor and cook was great! Wyfe got a traditional egg/sausage/home fries plate. Eggs were cooked perfectly, sausage was pretty good quality with a hint of sage. She also got an everything bagel, quite good. I think I know where they get them from, and if I am correct this is a good choice. We split a banana pancake that was fluffy and sweet. Perfect comfort food! Food was a 5, rated in the context of what the restaurant represents itself to be. So overall a 3, which means we will probably be back. There were some lunch items on the menu I definitely want to try!

    Vegan Cookie
    Angel G.

    Food is always great. Super vegan friendly menu! I wished some of the portions were a little bigger with certain items but great nonetheless.

    Bacon Kimchi Burger
    Kitty T.

    So good! Such a cute vibe and aesthetic, wonderful and kind servers, and great food. I got the Bacon Kimchi Burger and was amazed by the quality of the beef and the combination of flavors. This place seems very experimental in its menu, and they do it well!

    Bathroom interior line the cowboy curtains
    Isaac A.

    The restaurant is a good brunch meet up spot on the VCU campus area with plenty of street parking. The prices are reasonable and they have a good selection of traditional and vegan friendly food options. Great for meet up gatherings, but they have a small dining and bar area to eat at. Friendly staff service.

    cheesesteak and fries
    Rachel K.

    The philly cheesesteak with fries was a good pick for lunch. The cheesesteak was great with proportions. I also got the hummus plate which was great for sharing between our party of four. They were very busy and got all of our orders right, the service was good for how busy they were. 821 is very cute and nestled near VCU campus, just be prepared for it to be loud during busy hours.

    Diego mug!
    Olivia B.

    Lovely food and outdoor patio! I had the egg and cheese sandwich with a side of grits. Totally recommend this place; everyone was super sweet and accommodating!

    Tee B.

    Late Sunday afternoon we were finally able to dine at @821cafe which is nestled near the heart of VCU. We've tried before but there was always a line out the door. Cute diner vibes, customer service was cool, our waitress was pleasant and made sure we had what we needed. My mom opted for the pancake breakfast with pork sausage patties and fried egg (4/5, solid breakfast everything served hot) and I opted for the club sandwich (decent deli meat, plentiful served on solid sourdough)sub'd onion rings (2.6/5 typical frozen beer battered ring for a $1 up charge). The massive sandwich was a bit dry for me so I asked for a side of mayo which I found on my tab was an additional $.75. Specialty sauces I totally get but jar mayo idk. If in the area it's worth a go.

    Vegan club
    Ashley R.

    Obsessed is an understatement. This is the best little spot for both vegans and omnivores. For vegans and nonvegans alike, I would recommend the vegan wings first and foremost. They're wonderful little deep-fried vehicles for the sauce of your choosing (my favorite is the classic buffalo but they have a variety) complete with vegan ranch for dipping. The vegan chicken sandwich (buffalo for me as well) is another favorite. It has really funky vibes, a huge menu, and options for everyone. Breakfast all day too! Service and general experience has been quick and pleasant every time.

    Coffee
    Mashayla J.

    The service was good. We asked for advice on certain items. The waitress had no opinion due to personal preference. You can hear the kitchen and staff from dining area. The atmosphere is giving RVA and it feels like a community cafe. The chef cares how the food comes out. It looks very appealing! Definitely would come back!

    Phuong O.

    We stopped by for lunch, if you are vegan or vegetarian, it's a good spot with options. Service was good, I got me the Ruben sandwich and that was ok, not what I expected. Kinda got grossed out I found a piece of hair in it but I know $hit happens but ugh. Overall it's ok, the hub got the chili burger and said it was ok, he said he didn't see anything on the menu he liked and figured the burger is less likely to mess up. He didn't want to pay 9 dollars for a cheese sandwich.

    7/10 vegan bbq nachos

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    1 year ago

    Told us 30 minute wait, after 1.5 hours said another 30. Never sat us after 2 hours. Do not come here

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    3 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Super tasty with great vegetarian/vegan options! Would definitely go again, and great location near the Altria theatre

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    3 years ago

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    2 years ago

    821 is perfect if you're transitioning from meat to vegetarian lifestyle. Delicious vegan options! Great service!

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    2 years ago

    The food is delicious!!! Lots of vegan options. Wonderful staff, quick service! Absolutely will be back next time I'm in town!

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    3 years ago

    The BEST vegan/vegetarian food! Good vegan comfort food is super hard to find sometimes and this definitely hit the mark!

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    Lillie Pearl

    Lillie Pearl

    4.5
    (754 reviews)
    0.6 mi
    $$

    One of the best restaurants I've visited. Ambiance was nice, seated right away, music was great (if…read moreyou're into 90s r&b), service was outstanding, and the food was some of the best I've had. I had the sweet potato cornbread, crispy salmon, with a side of collards. My wife had the oysters (with a really tasty hot sauce) and the crab cake (no filler). Everything was savory and light, cooked to perfection. We were both stuffed as we walked away from this gem!

    I finally got to the new location of Lillie Pearl. The location is great. Right at the triangle…read morewhere the Maggie L Walker stature stands on Broad St. It's open and airy with two levels of seating a a nice bar. We were there late Saturday night(8:30pm). The server, Briana, was one of the best I've had in a very long time. Personable, great smile, friendly, and knew her stuff. We ordered the brussel sprouts- they were great with a nice heat from the sauce. We had the crispy skin salmon, which came with a nice fresh salad, The skin was amazingly crispy and the flesh was flavorful. I asked Briana to surprise me with something good and boy did she deliver. It was their porkchop served over some super tasty mashed potatoes. Note that this is not how they are usually served, it was Briana's favorite way to eat this dish so she made the decision for me. The porkchop was very very good. Nice grill marks, onions, and a very nice cream-based sauce. This was so so good. They are doing great food at this new location and I will be back again.

    Photos
    Top floor decor and portrait wall
    Top floor decor and portrait wall
    Roasted Heirloom Baby Carrots Dinner
    Roasted Heirloom Baby Carrots Dinner
    Amaretto sour

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    Amaretto sour
    Rappahannock

    Rappahannock

    3.8
    (617 reviews)
    0.7 mi
    $$$

    We were in Richmond on a Sunday evening and traveling with our four legged friend. There were…read moreseveral options for outside dining and the menu suggested this was a good place to start. Soon after we. Ordered the octopus and mussel appetizers a storm came in and the rain fell pretty hard. Our choices were to run back to the hotel or stay and dine huddled under an umbrella. Being a little wet with beverages and good food seemed the better option so we ordered more food. The octopus was great. I have tried it prepared many ways and here it was both tender and flavorful, really done well. Shrimp cocktail is usually pretty basic, but often the simplest dishes demonstrate the most skill. This is truly one of the best I have ever had. The shrimp were plump and flavorful. Their cooking stopped at just the right time leaving a slight bit of translucent hue, but still cooked through. Very nicely done. The salad with home ranch was dressed nicely and the dressing was light. The scallops were cooked well and perhaps my only criticism is that the corn purée was better in concept than execution. I can't say enough about the staff. We were two people on a Sunday night crazy enough to dine in a downpour. The staff never made us feel like they wanted to punch out, embraced us being outside and were creative in waiting on us with umbrellas to keep the food from getting wet. It would have been understandable for them to limit the trips to check on us, but they persevered and made us feel welcome. If you are in the area, highly recommended stopping by, rain or shine, and sampling their menu. Nicely done.

    The food here was amazing! The grilled octopus was so tender and the risotto was delicious. I…read morewould've liked a touch more lemon zest in the gremolata though. The pan seared fish was moist, but the grits it came with were not crispy. The whole fish was also moist and tender, but the exterior could be a bit over-charred for some. The blueberry upside down cake was great. The staff were friendly and attentive. Overall, I would definitely come again!

    Photos
    Rappahannock
    Ceviche with plantain chips
    Ceviche with plantain chips
    Grace St. Spritz

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    Grace St. Spritz
    Little Nickel

    Little Nickel

    4.3
    (572 reviews)
    2.5 mi
    $$

    uch a cute little Hawaiian-inspired spot with a fun, laid-back vibe! The atmosphere made it feel…read morelike a mini getaway. I ordered the Hawaiian chicken bowl, and it was packed with flavor. The grilled chicken was juicy, the toppings were fresh, and the pickled onions added the perfect tangy bite. Every bite was delicious. We also tried the steak and fries, and the steak was cooked perfectly. It was a generous portion, tender, and topped with a flavorful chimichurri-style sauce. The fries were crispy and the perfect side. To top it all off, I had one of their frozen drinks, and it was so refreshing--the perfect pairing with the meal. If you're looking for a casual spot with great food, generous portions, and a fun tropical atmosphere, this place is definitely worth checking out. I'll definitely be back.

    My party of 4 came in for dinner on a Tuesday evening, and we were a little bit disappointed with…read morethe service. The staff were polite, but we had to ask several times to get items we were missing or things we wanted extras of. They checked in on us a fair number of times, but they still forgot to return to give us what we had asked for. By the time we were ready to leave, we still haven't gotten our dressings or our condiments. I also had asked for my burger to be well done, but I got a burger with quite a bit of pink in it. I didn't want to ask for it to be placed back on the grill because I didn't really want to wait longer for my food. Although I wanted my burger to be well done and I didn't get it that way, it was still pretty good. The fries though, I think was the best part of it. The fries were perfectly seasoned and crunchy! I also ordered a coke. Just a heads up, they don't do free refills on the sodas, so each cup is $4. My party also ordered salmon l'orange and a romano salad with salmon. My friends really enjoyed their main dishes, but we did ask for extra dressing. The restaurant is decorated in a boho-style vibe, and it was cute. We found the lighting on the side dining area to be a little bit too dim once the sun went down, but I do think it would've been perfect for a date night vibe. Overall, we had an okay experience.

    Photos
    Little Nickel
    Flaming Pu Pu
    Flaming Pu Pu
    Little Nickel

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    Tarrant's Cafe

    Tarrant's Cafe

    3.9
    (965 reviews)
    0.6 mi
    $$

    Lovely spot to come for a casual dinner! We stopped by before going to see a show at The Coalition…read moreTheater across the street. Their menu has a little bit of everything, which is nice. You can almost surely find something you'll enjoy even if you're picky. Reasonable prices depending on what you get. Three of us for dinner, with 2 drinks but no apps or dessert, was $88 before tip. That is hard to beat in the city for good portions and tasty food.

    Street parking on a Thursday around 8 o'clock was not as difficult as I thought it would be. There…read morewas one open space waiting for our arrival. Upon entering, I was reminded of a 1950s pharmacy by the humongous "Prescriptions" sign hanging above the bar, and the antique furniture, bar, and barstools splayed throughout Tarrant's. There was a solid crowd at the bar; it's clear there is a regular crowd that sits and hangs out here. We were promptly seated by a young blonde woman in the dining section (behind the bar). Our server, Nadia, was an enchanting brunette, training another young server, Sierra. She took our drink orders and gave us plenty of time to review the menu, checking in after a few minutes to see if we were ready. We finally decided, my partner ordered the 10" Bianca White (pizza), and I chose the Sailor Sandwich. Unfortunately, the sailor was not in the cards for me, and Nadia suggested the Reuben as they were similar. They brought out breadsticks while we waited, and the food arrived within 10-15 minutes. I was pleased with the atmosphere, the old-fashioned chandeliers, the large mirror, the floral paintings, and the rustic frames, all of which added to the restaurant's stated aesthetic. The pizza was hot and savory, while the Reuben had buttery toast, crispy corned beef, and a light smattering of sauerkraut (TBH, I didn't even notice the sauerkraut). For dessert, we indulged in the upside-down walnut apple pie, served with vanilla ice cream, all made from scratch, and beautifully delicate. Our time at Tarrant's Cafe seemed like a stroll into the past; the only indication of modernity was the ordering kiosk used by the staff. We truly enjoyed our time and had deeply meaningful conversations without enduring the hustle and bustle or the rowdy cacophony of an intense crowd.

    Photos
    Tarrant's ambiance and atmosphere
    Tarrant's ambiance and atmosphere
    Tarrant's Cafe
    Wednesday evening

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    Wednesday evening
    The Stables

    The Stables

    4.5
    (236 reviews)
    1.6 mi
    $$$

    We celebrated our wedding anniversary at The Stables at Belmont, and it was an unforgettable dining…read moreexperience from beginning to end. The service immediately made us feel special. When they learned we were celebrating our anniversary, they surprised us with warm bread and house-made herbed butter on the house, a thoughtful touch that set the tone for the evening. We started with the Lamb Lollipops and the Slow-Braised Pork Belly, and both were exceptional. The flavors were rich, balanced, and incredibly well executed. Every bite was cooked to perfection and left us excited for the next course. My spouse had the Bone-In Pork Rib Chop with roasted peaches, haricot verts, roasted poblano cornbread, and pickled peach mustard. This dish was absolutely phenomenal. Every component complemented the others beautifully. The sweetness of the peaches, the slight tang of the mustard, the savory pork, and the cornbread all came together in a way that felt thoughtful and perfectly balanced. It wasn't just delicious, it was memorable. To finish, we shared the Mascarpone Cheesecake with oat and almond crumble and summer berry ice cream. Heavenly doesn't even begin to describe it. It was light, creamy, and decadent without being overly sweet. Combined with the crumble and berry ice cream, it was the perfect ending to an incredible meal. Every single bite we had seemed to melt in our mouths. The quality of the ingredients, the attention to detail, and the flawless execution were evident in every dish. If you're looking for a restaurant that delivers exceptional food, outstanding service, and a truly special dining experience, The Stables at Belmont should be at the top of your list. We can't wait to return.

    First time at The Stables and I don't know why I haven't heard more people talking about it. Food…read moretaste is top notch, nothing is too much or too little. Serving portions are more than enough and the starters could be eaten as a meal. We went for a date night without a reservation and ate at the bar. The bartender, Zach was really in his element. He made the experience even better. Wonderful experience. We will be back every season to see the changing menu options.

    Photos
    The Stables
    Marinated lamb chops with parmesan grits and mushrooms
    Marinated lamb chops with parmesan grits and mushrooms
    King of Camelot

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    King of Camelot
    Liberty Public House

    Liberty Public House

    4.4
    (322 reviews)
    2.1 mi
    $$

    Liberty Public House prides itself on being a lesbian-owned restaurant in Richmond, which is very…read moreevident in the decor- rainbows everywhere, which I love! It's a very popular restaurant, so today, when we entered, while we were greeted right away, there was a 30 minute wait. The time actually went by relatively fast, and by the time we were seated, large cups of ice water were already there at our table, as well as a carafe to refill them. There's no physical menus, instead you scan a QR code which brings you to their menu. They have lots of drink options, including several specialty cocktails, beers, and ciders. Our waiter was super sweet and attentive, and the food came out relatively quickly. For my drink, I ordered a local cider from a Virginia ciderie, as well as the It's A Wrap, which has cheddar, ranch, mixed greens, tomatoes, onions, peppers, and your choice of protein (I got tofu). I also got a side of the Mac and cheese, which I could tell was made in house. Super creamy and flavorful with a hint of spice. My wrap was also insanely good! I'm impressed by the amount of vegetarian options here. Any burger can be made both gluten free or vegan, and the choices of protein make it more accessible for everyone who comes in. I'm really happy we were recommended this place!

    We have had LPH several times and although I think it is a hit or miss when it comes to service, we…read morehave had sold experiences every time. The food won't necessarily blow your socks off-- however it is consistently good, a lot of vegan/gluten free/etc options, lots of cocktail and beer options, and even the pickiest of eaters could find something they enjoy there. Our waiter this last time was outstanding. I noticed on their menu they also have specials including Thursdays where they do a hot chicken sandwich and beer for a cheaper price. They also have a solid happy hour.

    Photos
    Liberty Public House
    Beach bowl with salmon
    Beach bowl with salmon
    Drip coffee

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    Drip coffee

    821 Café - newamerican - Updated August 2026

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