Fantastic little Italian shop that feels so homey & cozy. We ordered a half Italian and half steak sub (the Saturday special) and both were delicious. Perfectly toasted and the right ratio of meats & toppings. While waiting for our sandwiches, it seemed like most customers were regulars - what a great thing! I love that they know who they are (a sub shop with some pizzas) and don't try to have anything super fancy. Plenty of parking and they now accept credit cards. Just know that you might have to wait a bit on a busy day so call ahead if you can! 10/10 recommend. read more

Loved the old school vibe at Bernie's, it definitely has that classic sub shop feel you don't see much anymore. Ordering was a little awkward though. Pricing and specials weren't clear, so I found myself guessing instead of just confidently ordering. I was actually glad to see they had just started taking cards, that was a nice upgrade and made things easier. I went with a half Italian and enjoyed it, but for the price it left me wondering what the whole would have cost and whether it would've been the better move. I could have asked, but it just feels odd not having that kind of info clearly laid out these days. They also forgot my drink, and while they gave it to me when I came back, there wasn't any acknowledgment or apology. Not a huge deal, just added to the overall slightly off experience. There's definitely potential here with the food and the vibe, but the ordering process and communication could use some tightening up. read more

I had never heard of this place but someone told me about the great subs. This place is a small hole in the wall. It has been in business for 40+ years and I dont think the seating area has changed. Tons of cool college and some HS banners. I got the Italian and my wife got the turkey. They come with spices and a lot of oil and vinegar. The spices are not hot though. The subs were fantastic. This is definitely going to be a place to get lunch or whatever when out that way. Parking is easy in the strip mall. The place was fairly empty as it was getting close to closing time, but subs came out pretty fast. Give this place a try! read more

My favorite restaurant growing up. I still stop by whenever I am in Richmond. Friendly staff, great pizza, and the best sandwiches around. I would highly recommend Bernie's. read more

Not great service if you have allergy don't bother asking they think your after the secret recipe of premade store bought sandwich bread.

Had an international flight this winter to india and before I left, I got an Italian sub from Bernie's for my long and arduous journey. I knew this would be the last westernized meal I'd have before beginning a 2 month backpacking trip in Asia. I proudly ate that delicious sub while flying over Dubai, looking at the Burj Khalifa out the window. Tasted epic and felt epic knowing that not many Bernie's subs get eaten halfway across the world. This is a neighborhood gem to say the least. I'd like to argue that you are not truly a Richmonder until you've eaten here. (Or eaten their takeout subs that youve transported across international borders) the service is exceptional, the ambiance is homey. and remember that cash is king. their best weekday special is the meatball sub Thanks to Bernie's for continuing to serve the community with such amazing sandwiches read more

Bernie's Sub & Pizza Shop - The most heavenly airplane food is a Bernie's sub - Pizza Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

Ok I'm Giving it a 4 star for being what appears to be a neighborhood icon of a restaurant The Italian sub with peppers is amazingly good (yes has some spice) The place - well it's a takeout restaurant with a few decent sized tables But in takeout don't expect subway speed for a sandwich Expect 30 minutes for sandwich and call ahead if your in a hurry It opened in the 1970s and they haven't thought about a remodel since so expect a worn out establishment Cash only 2-3 star place with 4 star sub and tradition Come in expecting that and you will come out satisfied I recommend a try read more

Every Tuesday I go for my sub at Bernie's. Half Italian with hot peppers is sublime and filling to the point that from time to time I have to have a whole one, which is almost too much. The sub is hard to describe. The bread is perfectly toasted, the meats are just enough to fill you up. The hot peppers have just enough heat to make your lips tingle, but not so hot that it is uncomfortable. The people are the nicest and just like in "Cheers", everybody knows your name, and once you become a regular, they know what your usual is. Some people might consider the ambiance a little dingy but I just see it as unique. They don't pretend to be anything they are not and I accept it for what it is: a humble sub shop with great food. read more

I was looking forward to stopping at Bernie's I hadn't been apparently for a couple decades. However, I went through the seemingly dirty hand printed glass front door which should have been a sign. The place did look like it did a long time ago, but now in a bad way, in my opinion. Old paint, old banners and unclean.The guy who waited on me had black nail polish that was mostly chipped off. Unfortunately and shockingly, I didn't just head out the door. I didn't know about the soggy sub and needed a better explanation because i would have never ordered it. I know,or well it used to be an area favorite. After a couple bites I didn't even end up finishing it. Then as I walked out of Bernie's, I see a beautiful new eye appealing new shop next door. I believe for charcuterie, and totally I had wished I stopped there instead. The nostalgia for Bernie's had gone for me sad to say. read more

Traveling from out of town and find this cute sub & pizza shop after our college visit. The young at heart lady working the counter was AH-MAZING & so sweet! we shared it was our first time and she walked us through what they offer, what they are known for and when I shared I had a GF allergy, she gave me options. Highly recommend!! read more

This would be my last meal. Would do the just cheese with hot peppers, chips and a Dr. Pepper

I love Bernie's! The employees are some of the nicest and coolest people I've ever met! Bernie's is a staple for true Richmond residents. A sub from Bernie's is no cheap, bland, and unoriginal sub like you'd get at Subway. Bernie's subs have their own flavorful, original, and nostalgic Richmond taste. The walls are adorned with college and high school flags from all over the country, all of which were gifted by numerous customers and employees. If you don't enjoy at least one aspect of Bernie's, whether it be the nostalgia, service, food, or ambiance, then you are probably a boring, self-centered person who doesn't understand what it's like to own and operate a small business in 2024. I love Bernie's!! read more

50 year in Bussiness. Wonderful Italian Sub. Hubby & I got the same, just Mine with hot peppers. Very tasty & toasted just right. read more

Bernie's Sub & Pizza Shop - Awesome Italian Subs‼ It may not be the greatest looking place, an RVA icon for subs, this being the 50th year. A must to eat ‼Very - Pizza Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

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Subs have always been great. Just wish they'd clean it up. Can't believe they pass health inspections. The hall to the bathrooms was covered in water, walls of the bathroom have black mold covering them from floor up to about 8 inches and there was food caked on the window blinds in the front. Truly disgusting. read more

The best subs in town, for 40 years. I've been coming here with my Dad for almost 4 decades. Never had a bad experience- Susan is the boss lady and a lovely person to see on every visit. read more

An all time favorite for 30++ years. I have only had the Regular with Hot Peppers and it never disappoints.

First stop I make when I come to the RVA. The Italian is always tasty. Nothing short of delicious.

4 stars only because of the wait time - suggest calling in order before hand. I always get the Italian sub- it taste great!

Always GREAT! The grinder is amazing! Place has been around a long long time and never disappoints!

Bernies is a Richmond institution! Making great subs since I have been a kid. I had not had one in over 15 years so when I was in the area I had to stop in for one. Wow I had forgotten how good they were. Highly recommend stopping here if you have never been. read more

I ordered an italian sub and maybe there was confusion, but what I got was not even close to a true italian. It only had ham, it had no pickles or onions, very little lettuce but there was lots of peppers which were way too hot for me. The bread was good but it was also pretty soggy. I think if it wasnt heated up it'd be better. I want to try again and order a real italian sub here. read more

We were waiting for our food for thirty minutes. Thirty minutes for three sandwiches(two of them made totally wrong) and two tiny, burnt slices of pizza. It was an absolute disaster and I am stunned that there are any good reviews. I can't imagine a world in which that food wasn't terrible. It was so bad that I will remember it. It will become a story for me that I tell when people ask me about the worst meal I've ever had. Oh, and it's cash only, so I felt that sting of handing over actual money at the end. God, what a mess. read more

Bernie's is small sandwich shop which has been around for as long as I can remember. The subs are made to order, reasonably priced, and most importantly delicious. The only drawback, is if you are eating in, the tables are packed in tightly. Hard to get up and move around. Not a place for private conversations. read more

I have to give this place four stars because I grew up here and like most customers, this place is a second home. While the subs may not be spectacular, I absolutely love them and can't stop ordering them. This is how this place works, and I've stuck to this method for years and years. I have NEVER, let me repeat NEVER, walked in and placed an order because I know that I'll have to wait at least 20 minutes. When they 15-20 minutes, they mean it. I always call before I go so that I can get there, pay, wait a minute or two and they have my food hot and ready for me. I always order a whole regular with peppers, heated. Aka a 12 inch italian sub. Some days they skimp you on the meat and some days they make up for what they left off the visit before. This place is a local institution and generation after generation, people continue to come here. Take care & savor it up! read more

My husband has been coming here for 20 years and I understand why. A great dive atmosphere with spectacular Italian subs. 100/10.

A West End institution. It has been around as far as I can remember. Their Italian sub with hot peppers is the only thing I have ever ordered here, which is their most famous sandwich, and have never been disappointed. I have converted my husband, who thinks it is a "damn good sandwich". Be sure to call ahead and bring cash (they do not take plastic). read more

We have been visiting Bernie's for over two decades. They make, without a doubt, the best Italian subs in America.

Sigh. Been gone 40 years, and I still yearn for Bernie's, As everyone else says, the regular--no hot peppers for me. Cash only, And I want (nay, NEED) it toasted! Why haven't other sub places picked up on this? read more

I have been coming here ever since I was in elementary school and have always gotten a full (foot long) Regular (Italian) with peppers. I have never been disappointed. I honestly cannot even really tell you what else is on the menu. I often wonder if I would love this place if I had not grown up with it but whenever I take friends from out of town they fall in love with it quickly. For those that have not been, it is very unassuming and appears grungy on the inside. Do not let that deter you. They only take cash/check and are closed on Sundays and Mondays. Call ahead as you can easily spend 30 minutes to an hour waiting if you order when you arrive. Additionally, since they are so popular, you may get their busy tone (yes, they only have one line). Persist. Call back. It is worth it. read more

Bernie's Sub & Pizza Shop - Full Regular with Peppers, no other way to go! Remember: cash only - Pizza Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

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I don't really post reviews too often but I am a big fan of this page and wanted to let others know about my experience at Bernie's. TL;DR Richmonders please do not spend your hard-earned dollars at this place. Saturday my friend and I wanted to try the long-standing recommendation. Typically lauded for their subs, we also got a pizza from Bernie's to see how that was. I'll start with the sandwich portion of the meal first. We each got the Italian. Double wrapped in foil and served HOT (yes, the classic Italian American Coldcut sandwich with lettuce, the same) was a soggy mess. There was a single kind of meat (reiterating this is an italian we ordered) on there and it looked to be the kind of "ham" you'd bulk order to make sandwiches at a volunteering event. There was no olive oil to be found in the entire affair and the hot peppers added are more accurately described as a crop dusting than an afterthought. Unfortunately, the sandwich was the highlight of the meal. The pizza we ordered... cheese and Bernie's homemade sausage. I believe the sausage was homemade. It looked like they had their dog working overtime in the back to create these little turdlets that tasted like how the color grey looks and sprinkle them on their pizza. The cheese was also garbage. But that's not reeeally what people look for in pizza, right? Everyone knows the crust is the foundation! The most important part!! Sorry to say the crust was not just a miss, but a war crime. The crust of a Bernie's pizza...man you can really taste the effort they put into it. I mean, it takes a LOT of upper body strength to lift yourself into the Food Lion dumpster and rip out all of the crusts from the pizza kits that expired that week. For real it was like this horrible artificially "crispy" thin crust that made my skin crawl. Because of the crust I'm assuming that is also why the amount of sauce on the pie was so minimal. Like Bernie's is quietly partnered with LaCroix to produce a pizza-flavored flatbread. If you've gotten this far I appreciate you. Just had to do some venting and advice-giving on a rainy Monday. I love the little guy, but you have to do better than this if you want my business. And you gotta do WAY better if you don't want me literally warning others to avoid your products. Thank you for coming to my Ted Talk. read more

So I ordered an italian sub, and the sub I got definitely doesn't meet the qualifications of an average italian sub. It had only one type of meat which I think was ham, it had no onions, no pickles, and the peppers on it were way too spicy for me. Also not a lot of lettuce. The bread was good but it was pretty soggy also. read more

Italian Sub with Hot Peppers is the way to go! I've been here quite a few times now and have enjoyed each and every visit. The employees are very friendly as well! read more

Best Italian grinders in Richmond. Super friendly also. If your in the area this is a must do

I used to walk home from elementary school as a kid and eat at this place. Ok so i was kind of a fat kid. Then I moved. I lost weight - got my life under control - moved back - and now eat here with a frequency unbefitting of a member of the national heart health association. I have a little trick. I just stick my fingers down my throat when i leave and boom - no calories.. and very little mess if you BYOB - you know - bring your own bag. ( see edo squid ) Ok - thats all BS. These subs rock. Ive been eating here for 25 years. since i was a little little kid. Ive gotten the same sub every time. Italian ( 6 inch ) ok - 12... who are you to JUDGE ME!!!!! I get it with everthing... & extra sauce... its always packed. If you get there and the line is long... go outside... grab your cell.. and dial 285-2777 - Place your order.. and tell them its for "dine in" this means your going to eat it there.... DS!! and boom! you go straight to the front of the line. Who loves you baby!!!! ( YOU DO TATER LONESTAR!!) everyone says at once.. swing by - youll see - these women make a mighty fine sub. by the way i havent seen Bernie in a while... Hope your good buddy! read more

I came to Richmond on business and noticed a lot of small shops and places to eat so I thought I'd give some of them a shot. I found Bernies. It's a very small place and looked like it could potentially be one of those "hidden gem" places that looks a bit iffy from the outside but serves delicious food on the inside. Well, in my case it was only partially true. The place was fairly full (60% capacity), but it felt so congested since the place is so small and cluttered with 100 year old decorations. The line actually started at one of the tables a customer was sitting at, so I'm sure he must have enjoyed the fact that my arm was 1 foot away of his food for a few minutes. Okay, So the place is small - big deal. As long as the food is good and the people are friendly, that's all that matters, right? I ordered a half turkey sub with everything minus onions from the impatient cashier at about 12:15, with only 1 other person in line in front of me. He then asks me if I like hot peppers, which got me excited because I absolutely love them. I thought that we may have finally been getting on the right track! I noticed that they didn't take credit which is how I usually pay, but okay I have cash - I'll suck it up and pay with paper. He then gives me a number and I sat and waited. And waited... And waited... I get my sandwich FINALLY at 1240, 25 minutes after I ordered it. How can it possibly take that long for a turkey sandwich? What were the five employees currently working doing? I wondered if they actually raised the turkey and grew the lettuce right there in the kitchen, since it was the only logical explanation for the delay. There were only a few small orders ahead of me - 1 to 2 sandwiches per order - so they couldn't have been THAT busy, especially with 5 people working there. Okay, so maybe they are just having a bad day or something. So I get my sandwich in a bag, even though I said I wanted to stay, and unwrap it to find the following: 1) 2 slices of turkey 2) a few pieces of chopped tomato 3) hot peppers 4) some dressing 5) a garden of lettuce Wow 25 minutes and I get a piece of bread salad garnished with a few scraps of food... I don't need a behemoths amount of food to be satisfied, but seriously? It frustrates me more because I thought the 25 minute wait meant I was going to get a fairly glorious-looking sandwich, only to have this disappointment thrown together on a piece of bread. It looked like it took 45 seconds to make, so what was going on for the other 24 minutes and 15 seconds? Anyway, I'm pretty annoyed at this point, but I take my first bite and like I imagined, it was just a salad sandwich. I will admit though that the dressing and the peppers were definitely delicious (the reason for the 2 stars and not 1), but overall just didn't compensate for the rest of the place's shortfalls. I washed it down quickly with my 'drink', containing nothing but ice, and left. I'm not sure how this place got good reviews; I felt like the place did nothing but cut corners on everything to save a buck and sacrificed too much quality to do so. I felt cheated on a quality lunch. My advice, come here and order a sandwich if you need a loaf of bread and a side salad for dinner. read more

I can't speak for anything else but the Italian with hot peppers is life changing. Get a whole one. Cash or check only. Call ahead.

I love this sub shop! I have been coming here for over 30 years. Love the Italian with hot peppers!!! YUM! read more

Bernie's Sub & Pizza Shop - The counter on an early Saturday! - Pizza Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

I have lived here my whole life and Bernie's far and away has the best sub's in Richmond. Go in and order a whole Regular (always get the hot peppers!) and you won't be disappointed. Anytime I know someone has moved to Richmond I take them by Bernie's. I do have to warn you...don't expect great decor. This place is a dive, but the food is delicious. read more

Mean employees, slow service no credit cards and too many chairs and tables for such a small area; firetrap! But - the subs are great and I mean great! That is the ONLY reason they are still in business. I highly recommend it! read more

My folks have lived up the street for years, and this place is great. I order the italian, or turkey and cheese with everything- including hot peppers. I've never had pizza but have heard it is good. This very well might be my favorite place to get a sandwich. Call in ahead because you might have to wait awhile. read more