
Tarrant's Cafe Downtown
A former historic pharmacy turned charming eatery, Tarrant's Cafe offers a unique dining experience with American comfort food and creative dishes.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

Tarrant's Cafe Downtown

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A former historic pharmacy turned charming eatery, Tarrant's Cafe offers a unique dining experience with American comfort food and creative dishes.
"What a gem! We loved the historic vibe with modern touches and the food was beyond fabulous."
Beat the Crowds
Visit mid-afternoon for a more relaxed experience and attentive service.
Flavorful Salad Upgrade
Try the balsamic dressing for a more flavorful salad option than oil and vinegar.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
American
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Pharmacy Charm
Dine amidst tin ceilings and wooden booths in a former 1905 drugstore, blending history with modern comfort.

Comfort Food Classics
Indulge in hearty meatloaf and rich she crab soup, offering a taste of comforting, nostalgic flavors.

Chicken and Waffles
Savor the unique sweet and savory combination of crispy fried chicken atop fluffy waffles, with a special maple tahini sauce.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Beat the Crowds
Visit mid-afternoon for a more relaxed experience and attentive service.
Flavorful Salad Upgrade
Try the balsamic dressing for a more flavorful salad option than oil and vinegar.
Seafood Recommendations
The fried calamari and she crab soup are highly recommended for seafood lovers.
Anticipate Busy Times
Orders may take longer during peak hours; popular dishes might offer quicker service.
Tips
from all over the internet
Beat the Crowds
Visit mid-afternoon for a more relaxed experience and attentive service.
Flavorful Salad Upgrade
Try the balsamic dressing for a more flavorful salad option than oil and vinegar.
Seafood Recommendations
The fried calamari and she crab soup are highly recommended for seafood lovers.
Anticipate Busy Times
Orders may take longer during peak hours; popular dishes might offer quicker service.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Tarrant's Cafe Downtown is lauded for its unique historic ambiance and friendly service, with many patrons enjoying comfort food favorites and creative dishes like the chicken and waffles. However, some reviews suggest that certain dishes can be inconsistent in quality, with one diner finding a foreign object in their salad.
"Tarrant’s Downtown is a fantastic spot for any meal, any time of day! Their happy hour is great, offering solid deals on drinks and bites. The meatloaf is absolutely delicious—comfort food at its finest. And if you’re a seafood lover, don’t miss the crab soup—it’s rich, flavorful, and a must-try. Whether you’re stopping in for a casual lunch, dinner, or happy hour, Tarrant’s never disappoints. Highly recommend!"
rochelle
"What a gem!
We were looking for a spot to grab lunch while in town. Tarrant's Cafe was only a couple blocks away so we made the pleasant walk over.
We lived the historic vibe with modern touches. The original marble counter from when it was a soda shop/pharmacy was appreciated as we entered. The wooden, upholstered booths were obviously, old though probably not authentic to the space. On the whole, it was charming and comfortable.
When our server took our order, she returned to the table with sweet rolls drizzled with a sweet cream sauce. So good! My husband gobbled his down though he frequently tells me he does not like sweets. LOL
He ordered the buffalo chicken wrap, I ordered one of the specials, Blueberry Bacon Delight - 2 smash burgers with bacon, goat cheese, and housemade Blueberry garlic aoli. Both dishes were beyond fabulous. And his fries and my sweet potato fries (I requested no brown sugar) were crispy.
We will definitely try to get back there on our next visit to Richmond."
Ruth Krzyk
"I had lunch here today prior to seeing a show at the theatre across the street, and this place was delicious! The hand made cheesesticks were some of the best I have ever had, and the marinara sauce was definitely homemade and packed with flavor! My sledgehammer burger was cooked perfectly and full of flavor! The bun was soft and made it easy to devour. My friend's pizza was really good also. The service was great, and the atmosphere was appealing. What a great spot!"
Bruce Coltrain
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Tarrant's Cafe is known for its unique historic setting in a former pharmacy, American comfort food like meatloaf and she crab soup, and creative dishes such as chicken and waffles.
Yes, Tarrant's Cafe offers a happy hour with good deals on drinks and appetizers.
Tarrant's Cafe is a great place to meet with friends and can accommodate groups, offering a relaxed atmosphere for conversation.
Highly recommended dishes include the meatloaf, she crab soup, fried calamari, chicken and waffles, and unique items like the Blueberry Bacon Delight burgers.
Yes, Tarrant's Cafe is a popular spot for brunch, with options like French Toast Foster and creative eggs benedicts.
The atmosphere is charming and historic, reminiscent of a former pharmacy, with tin ceilings, wooden booths, and chandeliers.
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The Best Restaurants To Try In Richmond, Virginia
Although originally a Harrison and Pierce chemist shop in 1883, before being bought by William G. Tarrant in 1905, it became reincarnated as when Tarrant’s Café in 1987, and has since been delivering sophisticated and delicious food to Richmond. Serving modern American food with a pinch of Italian flavour, Tarrant’s Café also celebrates its historical predecessor of the Tarrant Drug Company, with the interior still displaying elements of its drug store past, such as pharmaceutical signs. The café is also located in Old Richmond Historic District, adding to the eatery’s cultural character.
10 of the best restaurants in Richmond's Jackson Ward
A post shared by Tarrant'sCafeRVA (@tarrantscafe) on Mar 8, 2019 at 7:22am PST. Restaurants in Jackson Ward are no stranger to embracing their history, and Tarrant's Cafe is no different. A former drug store in the early 1900s, the current corner location continues to embrace its past with a rustic decor that includes exposed brick and a "Prescriptions" sign above the bar.
The Quintessential Richmond brunch: every 'best brunch in RVA' by neighborhood
When you visit Tarrant’s, you feel a little like you’ve just stepped back in time. In 1905, the building was acquired by William Tarrant, who turned it into a drugstore that was run by him and then by his son up until 1987. The restaurant has we know it has been in this spot for 13 years, and has become a notable part of the food scene here.
Must-try Restaurants in Richmond, VA
1 West Broad Street, Richmond, VA804.225.0035tarrantscaferva.com. Tarrant’s Café is a well-known downtown spot, popular for their delicious steaks, seafood, sandwiches, pizzas, and more. The place features a lively atmosphere and a pleasant ambiance, which serves as a perfect backdrop for an unforgettable dining experience.
Best Brunch in Downtown Richmond, VA – CityParking, Inc.
Located on the same block of the Arts District as Bar Solita is Tarrant’s Cafe. This restaurant’s comfortable setting, extensive menu and mouth-watering meals have made it a favorite of Richmond families for years. If you’re hungry, their decadent French Toast Foster or creative eggs benedicts are sure to fill you up.
Downtown Richmond Lunch Specials and Spots to Enjoy
Remember the comfort of going to your mom’s or grandmother's house for Sunday brunch or dinner?. While no one can ever quite cook like them, Tarrant’s has done their best to blow your mind with their large array of homestyle comfort foods that are packed with flavors that will take you back to your childhood!
Sweet, Savory, and Southern-Fried: The Best Places for Chicken and Waffles in Richmond
Visit Tarrant’s Café for a uniquely flavored version of the classic chicken and waffle dish. Fried chicken and fluffy waffles are accented with maple, pomerey, and tahini sauce and served with green beans. Have you developed a taste for the sweet and savory combination of chicken and waffles?
Top 20 Best Brunch Spots of Richmond
My brunch experience at Tarrant's Cafe Downtown was nothing short of amazing. From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere was welcoming and the staff was exceptionally cooperative. We started off with the crab & artichoke dip, which was simply superb.
Highest-rated Restaurants in Richmond, According to Tripadvisor
- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (1,508 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (4.5/5)- Type of cuisine: Steakhouse, Pizza- Price: $$ - $$$- Address: 1 W Broad St, Richmond, VA 23220-4212- Read more on Tripadvisor
LIST: Top Richmond brunch spots, according to TripAdvisor
– Rating: 4.5 / 5 (1,507 reviews)– Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (4.5/5)– Type of cuisine: Steakhouse, Pizza– Price: $$ – $$$– Address: 1 W Broad St, Richmond, VA 23220-4212– Read more on Tripadvisor
Richmond’s evolving restaurant scene reaches the suburbs
The owner of Tarrant’s Cafe in downtown Richmond is a 20-year veteran of the city’s food scene. She started out waiting tables — and now owns four Richmond-area restaurants and is the CEO of RVA Hospitality.
11 Best Take Out Spots In RVA
1 W Broad St, Richmond, VA 23220 Website | Facebook | Twitter | Photo: Yelp. Not only can you order Tarrant’s eximplery meals to-go, the restuarant delivers as well!. A cup of the She Crab soup is a must.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit