Original stained glass front from the old pharmacy
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Tarrant's Cafe Downtown

4.6
·491k reviews·,

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

CrowdLow
Original stained glass front from the old pharmacy

Tarrant's Cafe Downtown

Highlights

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.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"What a gem! We loved the historic vibe with modern touches and the food was beyond fabulous."

TIP

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.

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Quick Facts

Closed·Opens 11AM

Cuisine

American

Price

Mid-range

Phone

(804) 225-0035

Address

1 W Broad St, Richmond, VA 23220, USA

Insta-Factor

Medium

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Pharmacy Charm

Historic Pharmacy Charm

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

The Best Restaurants To Try In Richmond, Virginia10 of the best restaurants in Richmond's Jackson Ward
Comfort Food Classics

Comfort Food Classics

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

Google Review
Chicken and Waffles

Chicken and Waffles

Savor the unique sweet and savory combination of crispy fried chicken atop fluffy waffles, with a special maple tahini sauce.

Sweet, Savory, and Southern-Fried: The Best Places for Chicken and Waffles in RichmondGoogle Review
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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

4.6
(491k reviews)

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

Historic atmosphere
Friendly service
Comfort food classics

What People Dislike

Inconsistent food quality
Occasional dining experience issues

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.

The Best Restaurants To Try In Richmond, VirginiaGoogle Review

Yes, Tarrant's Cafe offers a happy hour with good deals on drinks and appetizers.

Google Review

Tarrant's Cafe is a great place to meet with friends and can accommodate groups, offering a relaxed atmosphere for conversation.

Google Review+1

Highly recommended dishes include the meatloaf, she crab soup, fried calamari, chicken and waffles, and unique items like the Blueberry Bacon Delight burgers.

Sweet, Savory, and Southern-Fried: The Best Places for Chicken and Waffles in RichmondGoogle Review+1

Yes, Tarrant's Cafe is a popular spot for brunch, with options like French Toast Foster and creative eggs benedicts.

Best Brunch in Downtown Richmond, VA – CityParking, Inc.

The atmosphere is charming and historic, reminiscent of a former pharmacy, with tin ceilings, wooden booths, and chandeliers.

10 of the best restaurants in Richmond's Jackson WardGoogle Review

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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?

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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.

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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

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– 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

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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.

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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.

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