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    McLean's Restaurant

    3.5 (227 reviews)
    Closed 6:00 am - 2:00 pm
    Updated over 3 months ago

    McLean's Restaurant Photos

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    MCLEAN'S RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Good for kids
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - McLean's Restaurant

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    Inside
    Gregory F.

    Your grandparent's favorite RVA diner. Super unassuming from the outside and quite impressive on the inside! This place was much bigger than I expected it to be - plenty of seating and with an enormous menu. A bit pricier than I expected for your neighborhood diner-type food, but my friend really appreciated the smaller-size chicken and waffles, and I really enjoyed my simple breakfast sammy. Friendly staff that make you feel at-home. Overall would go again - especially based on location alone, it is so dang convenient!

    Harrison C.

    It's the perfect spot for a good old-fashioned greasy breakfast! You feel like you're entering a time capsule when you go there, but in the best way possible. The staff is very friendly, and you get your food so quickly. This past time I had the biscuit and gravy with home fries and neither disappointed. if you want food like your grandma made, go to McLean's!

    Breakfast Burrito
    J E.

    While staying in Scott's Addition, I stopped in here for breakfast on a weekday morning. The dining room there is quite large and I can see how they get very popular and crowded. The menu is loaded with all the typical breakfast usuals, nothing really stood out as being particularly special or homemade. I opted for their breakfast burrito and it was decent. The potatoes that came with it were very bland and basic. As for service, my server wasn't very attentive, he was more concerned with eating his breakfast. The other ladies working were helpful and attentive, keeping my coffee filled. The place did have a nice, family feel to it. I'm sure it's normally really spot-on, both service and food. One thing I didn't like was that they charge gratuity. Seems like there's a better way to do this (charge more for the food or don't do it at all).

    Heather M.

    Anywhere you and a friend can eat for less than 40$ leave a good tip and be stuffed with deliciousness is a win in my book! I had the hamburger steak with onions and gravy with collards and cornbread and Mac n cheese. Which was actually very flavorful despite the bland look My friend had the rockfish special with fried okra All of it was lip smacking good I also got to color:) The waitress was a sweetheart and very helpful We will be coming back for breakfast soon!

    Beef Liver and onions
    Lisa G.

    This is my first time in at McLean's since they extended their hours--even though I still made it in before the extended hours. Anyhow, I am a solid breakfast customer here, and was looking forward to trying the dinner food. My mom got the liver and onions with collard greens, mashed potatoes and gravy and a biscuit. She must've loved it since she ate almost every bite. I got the chicken fried chicken, mac and cheese, lima beans and roll. I enjoyed everything but the lima beans, which weren't cooked long enough and had very little seasoning. The mac and cheese was a little runny, but flavorful. And the chicken was on point, but could've used more gravy. Prices are great, and we'll definitely be back when in the mood for classic diner fare.

    Look at that moist cornbread!
    Crystal O.

    Parking- eek, 2 stars? Restaurant- yum!!! all the stars! We entered from the rear parking door and were sat right away- lunch rush in full swing, we ordered pretty quickly and drooled over the huge plates of wonderful smelling food passing by before ours arrived. My Barry Bird- turkey, bacon melt on fresh sourdough bread was simply a delight for the tastebuds- I remember just loving the bread! John ordered country fried steak with onion rings and apple sauce and the corn bread- good gracious, it was huge! You could tell this was the spot for locals- the servers knew customers by name! I love a place with return customers- it speaks volumes! Great prices, wonderful food, fantastic service! What more could you ask for! And the mayor was in about an hour before us!

    Coffee
    Lena M.

    What better place to come to after a night out than a diner like McLeans Restaurant. ***LOCATION*** I don't know how I never noticed this on Broad. My friends live right next to it so this is how it was brought to my attention. It's closer to the Scott's Addition side of Broad in an unassuming yellow building. ***EXPERIENCE*** This is the ultimate spot to come to for weekend diner food. Their brunch menu is great and there isn't a wait during normal high wait times on weekends. They were kind and quick about coffee refills. The service was wonderful. I tried their chocolate chip pancakes (very diner-like, but made me happy). Got scrambled eggs, bacon (on the crispier side), and home fries too. ***PRICE*** A great bang for your buck. Things range from $7-15 here. ***CONCLUSION*** If you want comfort/American food, this is your spot. It reminded me a lot of the diners we used to go to as teenagers on weekends and brought a beautiful sense of nostalgia. The food is what'd you'd expect from a diner, but enjoyable.

    Indoor dining room
    Emily S.

    First time at this place and it didn't disappoint. Saturday morning wait was very reasonable and service was awesome. The food was AMAZING and the mimosas were only $6. I can't believe I've never been here before, but I will absolutely be back very soon.

    Breakfast Burrito
    Alexandra L.

    Came here on a Wednesday morning and it was pretty full! Seems to be a popular local spot. The food was pretty good. I got the breakfast burrito, and while it was nothing exceptional, I would definitely get it again. The potatoes weren't great; they could use a bit of crispiness. The prices are decent and portions are pretty good. It is worth noting that they automatically add a 20% tip, but at least the service is great. My water never went below halfway and they were constantly asking to top off coffee. I would definitely be willing to revisit McLean's and try some of their other dishes.

    Looks like they converted a garage, complete with the door! Parking is actually in the back.

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    2 years ago

    Going to be my new go to for breakfast. Food was delicious and service was great. Their country boy eggs benedict is unmatched!

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    2 years ago

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    5 years ago

    Food is always good and the service is great. Best salt herring in town! However, I'm not a fan of their scrambled eggs for some reason .

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    6 years ago

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    3 years ago

    This place is an institution. No foo-foo. A true American Dinner. All the food is awesome.

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    9 years ago

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    2 years ago

    A Richmond tradition. Nothing fancy, but great food, served fast. Always a go to.............

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    4 years ago

    Excellent service, excellent food, great prices! This is a hole in the wall but has a lot of space. Highly recommend if you like diners.

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    2 years ago

    Amazing service amazing food everytime I go they never seem to disappoint wait times reasonable

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    9 years ago

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    4 years ago

    I enjoy eating at this establishment....food has always been hot and fulfilling, nice prices too

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    7 years ago

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    Page 2 of 6

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    Ironclad Coffee Roasters & Baking Co

    Ironclad Coffee Roasters & Baking Co

    4.4
    (420 reviews)
    3.5 mi
    $$

    Five stars, easily…read more Ironclad Coffee Roasters lives in a gorgeous old firehouse (1805 on the door) in Richmond, and the space alone is worth the trip -- soaring ceilings, exposed brick, a grand piano in the middle of the floor, vintage globe pendants, and a loft seating area in soft pink. Equal parts coffee shop and living room, with a clothing rack and plants everywhere. There's even an "Ironclad National Park" mural in the courtyard out back. The drinks deliver on the atmosphere. I got the Yama drip cold coffee topped with a generous mound of vanilla bean chantilly -- you can see the actual vanilla flecks -- and an iced mocha that came garnished with a chocolate-dipped coconut macaroon perched on the lid. Nice touch, and not something you see every day. The menu philosophy is right there on the board: local Richlands dairy, house-made syrups and pastries, French butter, award-winning specialty coffee (they've got the roasting competition medals to back it up). "No corners cut. No fimble-famble." Hot coffee runs $4-6, cold coffee $4.50-5.50, plus tea drinks, organic refreshers, and a solid lineup of house syrups. A few things worth knowing: it's specialty pricing, so a latte will run you $6, and the garage-door front means great light but it can get warm. Parking is street-only. Bottom line -- distinctive space, thoughtful drinks, and clear pride in the craft. If you're in Richmond and care about your coffee, go.

    I give them 4.5 stars! Service is good. Staff very friendly. Nice layout and good seating…read more I had a latte and scone. The scone was exceptionally good! The latte was okay. I don't recall the flavor. I think it was rose and cardamom or pistachio or something. I didn't like the flavor but the actual coffee was good. Definitely worth stopping by, and I'll be back.

    Photos
    Sitting area
    Sitting area
    Breakfast Sandwich
    Breakfast Sandwich
    Decaf hot latte with sugar free vanilla and maple, with macadamia nut milk

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    Decaf hot latte with sugar free vanilla and maple, with macadamia nut milk
    Brecotea

    Brecotea

    4.4
    (43 reviews)
    8.6 mi
    $$

    Came here to get a breakfast pastry while in the area. Brecotea is a Korean inspired bakery that…read morealso has hot and cold beverages, breads, cakes, and savory sandwiches as well. The ambiance was clean and orderly. Upon entering, you grab a serving tray lined with parchment and some tongs. The items are in a glass enclosed display that you have to open and place your selections on your tray for purchase. I settled on the pistachio cream filled pecan pastry, the almond twist, and strawberry shortcake. The beverage menu was extensive: matcha, flavored teas, cocoa, espresso/coffee, and more. We were greeted by pleasant staff at checkout and our orders placed in a parchment type bag for take out. They also have seating inside. The pastries were just sweet enough without being overly sweet, which I like. The pistachio cream was a perfect compliment to the pecan encrusted pastry. The almond twist was both flaky and crunchy with the sliced almonds on top, and the strawberry shortcake had layers of real strawberries, whipped topping and yellow cake that was moist. All were fresh. All in all, a great place to stop by for a morning pastry treat and tea/coffee while in the area,

    Bright and airy space, almost like a spa!…read more Quiet when I came in weekday afternoon. Calming spot to grab a treat, get some work done/journal, or catch up with friends in an aesthetic and modern cafe. Ordered the paradise tea with mango and avocado. I loved the textures and layers of flavors. The drink was filling and lasted me a while, not watery but refreshing. The mango tasted fresh and avocado creamy. I haven't tried the pastries at this location, but have at their other Richmond cafe. Great cakes and buns made fresh in-house. Easy to find parking at the lot outside. Service is pretty quick.

    Photos
    Honey Danish
    Honey Danish
    Hot Dog Danish
    Hot Dog Danish
    Half Baked Cheese Cake

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    Half Baked Cheese Cake
    Buttermilk and Honey

    Buttermilk and Honey

    4.0
    (198 reviews)
    2.6 mi
    $$

    I was pleasantly surprised after reading the reviews and coming in with lower expectations. To be…read moreclear, the 4 stars is based on the type of restaurant. It is fast casual - you order at the kiosk and grab a place to eat, listening for your number and/or text to alert you the food is ready. We arrived about 6pm on a Saturday night. It was busy and I grabbed one of the last two tables. It got very busy shortly after we placed our orders. The dining area is pretty big with plenty of bar seating around the windows. While we all ordered one after the other, our food didn't come out that way. Most of the food came out in about 25-30 minutes. The chicken was cooked perfectly. Juicy! Two people got tenders and three of us got sandwiches. The OG sandwich was very good, just messy! I ended up using a fork and knife bc it got too messy. The Mac and cheese was made with pimento cheese and was very good. My friend who got the fried green tomatoes said they were delicious and filling. Lots of goodies on top. Two friends enjoyed the collards. The only person who was underwhelmed was the person who got the Asian sandwich. Overall, if I wanted a good chicken sandwich and a Buttermilk and Honey was nearby, I'd place an order.

    Parking in downtown is usually a pain. We had to circle the block a few times to get a spot on…read moreThursday night around 19:45. We walked in to find the staff bustling, cooking, and prepping orders, and the smell of some delicious fried chicken in the air. I saw the kiosks and was not too thrilled with the Wawa experience, but we gave it a shot anyway, since fried chicken is one of our favorites. The process was simple and allowed us to add or remove anything we could want, so that was nice. While walking to find a seat, we saw a person panhandling in the dining area, but the staff promptly removed him from the premises. I ordered us the Pimento Cheese Balls for an appetizer, and I chose the Fried Chicken and French Toast as my entree because I always try the "chicken and waffles" at every establishment that offers it. My partner ordered the OG Chicken Sandwich without tomato, and it came with crinkle-cut fries. It was about $40. The chef proclaimed our order was ready in quick succession, maybe three orders behind the guests before us. We waited about ten minutes, maybe fifteen at most. We picked up the orders from the counter, and there was a mix-up on the syrup, but the chef promptly rectified the situation. He was a no-nonsense kind of guy; straight to the point. He seemed firm, yet kind. It was clear the day had been a busy one; he even told us as much, which was great to hear (busy = fantastic food). The French toast squares looked like rye or pumpernickel, and they emitted a sweet aroma, a delightful hit of cinnamon and brown sugar. I drizzled the caramel syrup on my chicken and toast, sliced a piece, and paired a bite of chicken with the toast. I closed my eyes to savor the flavors: the toast was crunchy and almost gooey (yet, not overly so), the chicken was crunchy, the sweet cinnamon-y flavors from the toast, the caramel from the syrup, and the tender, moist chicken were a match made in culinary art. I cannot sufficiently describe the French toast in a way that would do it justice; it was crunchy and semi-gooey, and all scrumptious. I can only say it was the single best French toast that I have ever had the pleasure of experiencing. Next, I tried the fried pimento cheese balls. Oh my. If you like mozzarella sticks, try these. I adored them: elevated fried cheese, for real. My partner enjoyed her sandwich as well; she ate everything except some of her fries. I saved half of my chicken and toast for today because I am like a treasure golem when it comes to delicious leftovers. I am going to air-fry the chicken and skillet-heat the toast back to its original goodness. I told the cooks that that was the best French toast that I have ever had, and I mean it. Do yourself a favor and try it if you're into French toast. This one is the GOAT. Side note: I spoke with the head chef outside, and he is from another branch (possibly Henrico?) to whip this location back into shape. Two words: "Nailed it."

    Photos
    Inside
    Inside
    Chicken Tenders + Fries
    Chicken Tenders + Fries
    Wonderful place!!

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    Wonderful place!!
    Lamplighter Coffee Roasters

    Lamplighter Coffee Roasters

    4.2
    (511 reviews)
    1.2 mi
    $

    Was planning on ordering coffee for my family, but before doing so I walked in with my baby to use…read morethe restroom and change her. Unfortunately, there wasn't even a changing table available. Instead, I was stopped and loudly reprimanded by a large, intimidating male employee in front of a line full of customers because I had apparently "used the wrong door" and "skipped the line." When I explained that I needed to use the restroom before ordering, I was told I should have used the other entrance -- despite the fact that the door I was directed toward had a clearly posted sign saying "Please Use Other Door." The entire interaction was humiliating and completely unnecessary. No customer, especially a mother carrying a baby, should be publicly shamed over something so minor and confusing. To make matters worse, the bathroom itself was filthy. Even if I had attempted to change my daughter on the floor due to the lack of a changing station, it would have felt unsanitary and unsafe. Businesses love to say they support women and families, but too often mothers are treated like an inconvenience the moment they actually need basic accommodation and decency.

    Cute, lil coffee spot - we stopped by to try a new cafe and found the outdoor and indoor ambience…read morewas charming and eclectic. It's definitely a local spot and there was a small line when we arrived around 9:30ish, but it moved relatively quickly and we ordered an oatmilk latte, brown sugar cardamom oatmilk latte, and vegan burrito. The weather was nice, so we found outdoor seating and our drinks/food came out within 10mins. Overall, not our favorite cup of coffee in the area - but still good and very-well priced! The burrito was yummy too - I'd definitely recommend if you're looking for a relaxed, no-fuss spot :)

    Photos
    Front counter
    Front counter
    Bacon egg and cheese- nice and cheesy
    Bacon egg and cheese- nice and cheesy
    Outside

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    Outside
    Blanchard's Coffee

    Blanchard's Coffee

    4.3
    (142 reviews)
    0.1 mi
    $$

    I came here on a veryyyy busy saturday and hoped to get some study time but let me tell you this…read moreplace makes it difficult because of it's popularity. I swear the entire time I was here (~2 hours) the line was extending to the door. It was crazy. After trying my coffee I understood why they're so busy all day. It is my new favorite coffee in Richmond by a long shot. Unfortunately I ended up spilling my coffee on my laptop and am scarred for life and will probably never be back to this location. Obviously this was my fault but still traumatic. Overall, try this place out! It will not disappoint! My absolute favorite coffee in Richmond!

    I came here with a friend on a hot afternoon looking for a cool drink. I spotted a latte special…read morewith Ube and coconut and wanted to try it. I was a bit disappointed that they only offer whole or oat milk, as I was used to having more milk options (like low fat or nonfat). I can't drink whole milk and I'm not a big fan of oat milk. The barista recommended that I try the oat milk and said if I didn't like the drink, they would make me something else. I asked for light oak milk and hoped for the best. My latte was served in layers, so I got a big blast of oat milk in my first sip, but after I mixed my latte, it tasted so much better. The coconut flavor really came through and offset the oat milk flavor. I was really happy with my drink and with the super helpful barista. I'll for sure be coming back!

    Photos
    Inside
    Inside
    Coffee bean display
    Coffee bean display
    Outside

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    Outside

    McLean's Restaurant - tradamerican - Updated June 2026

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