Beyond Shafer: VCU-area Eats On The Cheap

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Beyond Shafer: VCU-area Eats On The Cheap

Nick Bonadies

Spectrum Editor

If you’re looking for something off the beaten VCU-officiated track, here are some places to grab a bite to eat or a caffeine fix you’d be hard-pressed to find anywhere else.

(Tell us what you think – Have we neglected your favorite VCU-area purveyor of edible/imbibable goods?  Comment on this feature online or send us an email at spectrum@commonwealthtimes.com, and you could be featured in a future issue.)

Bo*Dillaz

Famous “Quesadillaz.” (“Dillaz.” Get it?) Cheap, filling, and open until 3am on weekends.  Dillaz are made “using the freshest mouthwatering ingredientz” and come with a free large drink – “w/refillz.”  Try “Tha Mess,” if you dare.  (804) 269-5924.

Little Mexico Burrito Chop

Just a block from Qdoba’s and way cheaper.  The Burrito Chop, with ingredients of your choice, is about the size of a human liver and will last you a few days in leftovers.  Open until 3am weekends.  (804) 354-0841.

Sally Bell’s Kitchen Inc.

Sally Bell’s opened in the 20’s and has been serving old-school southern boxed lunches on Grace Street since the 50’s.  The potato salad and deviled eggs are treated with local reverence.  Call in your order early to beat the business lunch crowd. (804) 644-2838.

The Village Café

“Nighthawks,” Richmond-style.  Dimly lit in warm-colored neon.  The cozy wood booths are a favorite place to meet over a plate of fries or pizza.  Check out the milkshake menu with “infinite” flavor combinations. (804) 353-8204.

Stuffy’s Subs & Salads

Outdoes Subway in every conceivable aspect, including price.  (The ingredients are cut fresh, for one.)  (804) 359-6800‎.

Harrison St. Coffee Shop

The coffee and tea selection is top-notch, but you won’t find a better vegan-friendly lunch menu than this little purple establishment’s.  Try the beer-battered tofu burger with a vegan blondie. (804) 359-8060‎.

Strange Matter ‎

In addition to great cheap eats such as the Barbecue Jackfruit Sliders or the Fried Eggplant Sub, Strange Matter plays host to a wide array of cool events, like free clothing swaps, gaming tournaments on their impressive arcade collection (or just ask your waiter for a round of Street Fighter), and classes on such topics as DIYGYN (do-it-yourself gynecology – what it sounds like) or basic bike maintenance. (804) 447-4763.

Nate’s Taco Cart & Olio Gourmet Sandwiches

Two much-beloved lunch carts operating midday hours by The Knoll outside Singleton Center.  Small premises, but big food for the price – get any combination of ingredients on your taco for $2.50, or a classy roast-beef Londoner for $6.

Pie

This is no Pizza Hut.  Snazzy digs on Lombardy St. house an incredible and well-priced selection of gourmet pizzas, calzones, and salads.  Perfect for a date.  Also offers an online takeout menu. (804) 257-7940.

Lombardy Market

This mini-grocer’s in the heart of the Fan has everything you need.  In addition to bread, eggs and toilet paper, the fresh deli at the front counter makes a mean sandwich and cheesecake. (804) 355-4172.

Rostov’s Coffee & Tea Co.

The place to go for real house-roasted coffees in Richmond.  Menu beverages are low-priced, and the staff can tell you all you care to know about the whole bean and loose tea selection – runs a bit more than Folgers, but for good reason.  (804) 355-1955.

City Dogs

You might not realize just how many types of hot dog there are to be had.   Live music most nights and widescreen TVs at the bar – check out dollar hotdog nights if you want to leave full.  (804) 359-3647‎.

Rev-it-Up!

The pastries here are baked fresh every day.  For an deliciously satisfying take-out lunch, try the French Dip or the namesake Rev-It-Up with a bottle of Cheerwine.  Check out Sharon and Dave’s Facebook page for daily specials. (804) 355-5282.

Crossroads Coffee & Ice Cream ‎
So named for the shady green patch of grass where N. Brunswick meets N. Morris.  On a nice day, grab a coffee or burrito and spread out under a tree with your homework – or your companions – or both. (804) 355-3559.

Piccola Italy Pizza & Subs

This Italian takeout sits right across from Oliver Hall, and is a landmark for VCU students seeking a cheap meal built to satisfy. This means your stromboli will come with lots and lots of cheese. (804) 355-3111.

Mojo’s Philadeli

This blue building on the edge of Oregon Hill boasts the “ONLY real Philly Cheesesteaks in Richmond” – and its reputation lives up to the claim.  Also try the excellent wings ($5.95 for an order of 12) with blue cheese sauce. (804) 644-6676‎.

T T Lounge ‎
People regularly travel great distances for TT Lounge’s bubble/boba teas, which on a summer day in Richmond is especially alluring.  Try the tapioca tea (TT – get it?) or the Mocha Green Tea Slush. (804) 343-1331.

821 Cafe

This former hole-in-the-wall artsy-eclectic cafe has recently moved into a bigger, brighter location next door – it’s actually at 825 Cary St. now – but the veggie-friendly (and wallet-friendly) menu for all three meals remains the same.  Consider the breakfast burrito (meat or veggie) to alleviate your morning-after blues. (804) 649-1042‎.

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