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Dining after your James River Adventure

Dining after your James River Adventure

LAUREN RASNICK

Goatocado

Location: 1823 W Main St, Richmond, VA 23220

Distance From Stone: 4.4 miles

Price Range: $6-$13/person

Patio and Indoor Seating

Goatocado isn’t just our super friendly neighbor. They’re also the lifeblood that keeps raft guides healthy and properly fueled for lap after lap on the ol’ Jimmy. For the health-conscious, they’ve got quinoa and greens as a base for their many delicious themed bowls like the California or the Mediterranean. All of their menu items are chock full of veggies and totally customizable whether you’re vegan, omnivore, or red-blooded meat-eater. If you’re feeling something heartier, you can change out the quinoa for some delicious, three cheese mac n’ cheese.

If you’re after something warm and a little spicy, the Thai Ramen is out of this world – coconut milk broth, ramen noodles, roasted vegetables, bean sprouts, green onion, and tasty thai chiles.

You can also always count on the Goat to serve your meal with fresh, local greens and a environmentally sustainable business model. The bowls, napkins, and utensils are all compostable! And compost, they do, folks.

Station 2

Location: 2016 E Main St. Richmond, VA 23223

Distance From Stone: 1.9 miles

Price Range: $11-$16/person

Patio and Indoor Seating

Station 2 is housed in one of Richmond’s oldest buildings, the former Engine Company 2 which operated from 1899 to 1962 setting it apart from many restaurants in the city with high ceilings and lots of elbow room – even a comfy patio (if you happen to show up wet after a sweet rafting trip).

Whether you’re gluten-free, vegan, or community conscious, this place has options for just about every dietary need and taste bud. As a gluten-free eater, I know the struggle is real finding decent bread that doesn’t fall apart, but the buns here are definitely worth not eating your burger with a knife and fork!

If just eating at a local RVA spot wasn’t enough, the beef, sausage, and greens are all sourced from local Virginia farms. So you can munch away relatively guilt-free, knowing that some farmer somewhere is tipping her hat to you and that your money is going right back into Virginia agriculture.

They serve some of the city’s most unique burgers including the Elvis, a homage to The King with peanut butter, grilled bananas, and bacon and classics like the aptly named Classic Station 2. You can also always expect consistently good quality that I can attest to after having the pleasure of eating here since 2013.

If you’re over the age of 21, be on the lookout for a long beer list with local Virginia brews and full bar with signature cocktails and weekly specials.

Bottom’s Up Pizza

Location: 1700 Dock St., Richmond, VA 23223

Distance From Stone: 1 mile

Price Range – $9 -$13 per person, Large Signature Pies ~$23

Patio and Indoor Seating

Situated in the heart of Shockoe Bottom, Bottoms Up Pizza is a spacious family friendly environment to unwind after a day on the water. The large patio seating area is great for enjoying the outside weather with the historic floodwall and triple cross train trusses looming overhead. Be sure to check out the high water mark painted inside the restaurant for the 2005 Gaston flooding that occurred in Shockoe Bottom.

Deep dish Chicago style pizzas with vegan and gluten free options should accommodate everyone’s eating habits of your group.   A single slice is enough to fill most people as the portions are hefty. The Chesapeake with crabmeat and Old Bay seasoning is a local favorite. The menu also has options for burgers, pasta, and a kids menu if you after something other than a pie.

Kuba Kuba

Location: 1601 Park Ave, Richmond, VA 23220

Distance From Stone: 4 miles

price range: $9-30/person

Located in the Fan District, this neighbourhood resturaunt of Cuban roots has a lively atmosphere with a bodega feel.  For s small portion try one of their great sandwiches with a side of plantains.  Open breakfast, lunch, and dinner the Juevos California or Paella are great options if you are a bit hungrier.  If you do happen to find yourself a bit peckish after your meal, use that as an opportunity to try my favourite piece of cake in the whole city – Kuba kuba’s Tres Leches.  Yum! KK is open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and BRUNCH on the weekends.

 

Mamma’Zu

Location:501 S Pine St, Richmond, VA 23220

Distance From Stone: 5 miles

Price range: $20-40/person

Mamma’Zus location in Oregon Hill is so unassuming from the outside, at first glance you might find yourself questioning whether it’s open at all.  Inside is a dimly lit, cozy and intimate space perfect for small groups of folks looking to treat themselves to some of the best traditional Italian food RVA has to offer.

Whether you’re in the mood for pasta or one of their specialty dishes (the Osso Bucco and the Rockfish are awesome) you can be sure to leave FULL as the portion sizes are lofty. Also, be sure to check out the wine list and the Tiramasu!!

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