Dining While Black: BLK RVA’s Restaurant Scene Delivers Great Food, Culture, and Inspiration
By Marie Adams
Culture Travels
Imagine this: waking up in the heart of Richmond, Virginia, as the first light of morning gently illuminates the historic Broad street. The air is filled with the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee, mingling with the sounds of the city waking up—the distant hum of traffic, the rhythmic footsteps of early job goers. But Richmond is no ordinary city; it’s a place where the vibrant culture and deep history of Black Americans come alive with every step you take and every bite you savor.
On our recent Culture Travels trip to Richmond, we didn’t just eat—we connected. We met the passionate people behind the food, the ones who pour their love and family legacy into every dish. For me, as someone who fell in love with food at a young age, these connections were both inspiring and refreshing.
So, welcome to Richmond! Join me on this culinary journey as I relive the flavors and stories that made this city unforgettable.
Urban Hang Suite: The Heartbeat of Richmond’s Black Community
Hanging with Kelli at Urban Hang Suite
We began one day with a visit to Urban Hang Suite, where we had the pleasure of meeting Kelli Lemon. If Richmond were my home, this cozy spot would be my daily ritual. Walking into Urban Hang Suite felt like stepping into a warm embrace immersing you in a world of Black art, culture, and community. The walls come alive with stunning artwork of Black faces and features. Along the main wall in the sitting area, there’s a collage of Vibe magazine covers that feels like a scene from Brown Sugar giving this space 90’s hip hop vibes. With the comforting scents of freshly brewed coffee, with hints of cinnamon and vanilla filling the air, it was easy to see why this is local-favorite in Richmond.
I’m more of a tea drinker, so I was thrilled to see their creative loose-leaf tea options with names like Warmth, Afro Blue, Jubilee, and Kinfolk. But with a packed day ahead, I opted for a caramel latte paired with a bacon, egg, and cheese croissant. The croissant was light and flaky, just the way I like it, and the latte was the perfect start to my day.
Starting our morning with Kelli, who was dressed in a Richmond’s Finest hoodie, was a perfect choice. She is a morning person with energy just as welcoming as her coffee shop. Her excitement for her city was palpable shining through like with every answer she shared in response to our list of questions. Petite in stature but with a presence that fills the room, Kelli shared her deep commitment to the Richmond community.
The years of grit, grind, and collective input and sacrifice it took for Black Richmond, affectionately known as BLK RVA, to create their businesses, cultural spaces, and political voices. Her story was a powerful reminder of the importance of building together for the longevity of our communities. Urban Hang Suite feels like the cultural heartbeat of Richmond. It’s the place you go to meet new people, catch up with friends, or sink into your creative mode serenaded by the Black art and sounds around you. It will remind you of The Den, owned by Andell, from Moesha. Similar to the auntie vibes we got from Andell, I couldn’t help but affectionately think of Kelli as America’s favorite auntie.
We later saw Kelli in action at the Art After Hours: Samurai Soul event, where she was the MC and life of the party. Watching the professional community come together to celebrate art and culture was a beautiful sight. If you ever find yourself in Richmond, Urban Hang Suite is a must-stop.
Ruby Scoops: Where Joy Meets Flavor
Hot Honey Cornbread ice cream at Ruby Scoops
Ruby Scoops is a place where joy and flavor meet. With unique creations like Banana Pudding, Key Lime Pie, and Ube Cookies and Cream, it’s no wonder Ruby earned the title of winner on Food Network’s Ben & Jerry’s Clash of the Cones. The parlor itself is a visual feast—pink, lime green, and colors of ice cream sprinkles scattered across the walls. A stop-you-in-your-tracks mural of Ruby herself - big smile and all - creates a joyful atmosphere that’s perfect for a date night or an ice cream run with the kids.
Before heading to Richmond, I researched each stop on our culinary tour, and the flavor that immediately caught my eye was Hot Honey Cornbread. Imagine tasting Thanksgiving on a spoon. The flavor is a delightful blend of sweet and savory, with the comforting taste of freshly baked cornbread, crumbled with honey, and transformed into a creamy, velvety texture. It reminded me of cornbread dressing, and I couldn’t help but think how amazing it would be with a cranberry topping, perhaps in a sauce reduction or chopped pieces of fresh fruit.
Although I’m not usually one for sweets, I would return to Ruby Scoops just to explore the ever-rotating menu of flavors. Each visit promises a new tasty adventure, and that’s all the inspiration I need to keep coming back. Our time with Ruby and her team was nothing short of wonderful—another place where we were welcomed with warm smiles, great vibes, and even memorable desserts.
Mama J’s: A Taste of Home
When in the South, you can’t miss out on classic Southern cuisine, and Mama J’s is the place to experience it in Richmond. This beloved restaurant, a staple for over 15 years, came highly recommended by locals, and it’s easy to see why. When we arrived for an early lunch, the restaurant was still quiet, but by the time we left, a line of hungry diners stretched out the door, all waiting to savor their regulars at Mama J’s!
The moment you step inside Mama J’s, you’re greeted with the southern aromas of fried foods, sweet potatoes, and freshly baked cornbread. The restaurant exudes a cozy, welcoming vibe, with vintage decor and walls lined with photos that tell the story of Mama J’s legacy in Richmond.
For my meal, I couldn’t resist the classic combination of fried catfish, baked macaroni and cheese, and collard greens, and let me tell you, it was everything I hoped for. Each bite was pure comfort, like it was made in my granny kitchen. The catfish was fried golden brown, with a satisfying crunch that gave way to tender, flaky fish. The macaroni was rich and cheesy, you could watch the cheese stretch with each fork dip, while the collard greens, no doubt seasoned with a few neckbones, were perfect.
Fried Fish Plate
Dining at Mama J’s feels like Sunday dinner at a big momma's house. We recommend calling ahead to secure your plate.
Jew-Fro: A Fusion of Cultures
I might have saved the best for last—and it’s not just because the owner, Trey, told me I look ten years younger than I am (thanks, Trey!). Jew-Fro is an exceptional blend of African and Jewish flavors, harmonizing in a way that makes each dish stand out while respecting the rich cultural roots they represent. This restaurant quickly became my favorite stop of the entire trip, thanks to its innovative cuisine and welcoming atmosphere.
The menu is a delightful fusion of flavors, blending African and Jewish culinary traditions in a way that’s both innovative and respectful. We started with a few appetizers, including Pan-Seared Scallops, Hummus with Brisket, and a Watermelon Fattoush Salad. The watermelon salad was a standout—a refreshing mix of arugula, watermelon, pickled onions, and Kenyan green tea, all lightly tossed in a tangy sumac vinaigrette.
As someone who avoids spicy food, I played it safe with the Peri Peri Grilled Chicken. This dish was anything but ordinary. The half chicken, marinated in a fiery blend of peri peri spices—a South African staple—was grilled to perfection, offering a charred exterior that gave way to tender, juicy meat with just the right amount of heat. It was served alongside Jollof couscous, a flavorful nod to Africa, which complemented the chicken beautifully. The dish didn’t stop there—it was elevated further by the addition of a refreshing Israeli salad and a sweet, creamy Peri Peri coconut sauce, which added another layer of complexity to the flavors.
My taste buds were on a high that I didn’t want to come down from, and Jew-Fro left me with an unforgettable experience that I’ll be talking about for years to come.
VISIT RICHMOND
As our journey through Richmond came to an end, I found myself reflecting on how each stop was more than just a culinary experience. There was an intentional connection to the past and a celebration of Black culture and family legacy within each place. For African Americans with a passion for travel, the city offers a unique opportunity to connect with our heritage, support Black-owned businesses, and immerse ourselves in the deliciouness of a thriving culinary community.
Whether you’re sipping coffee at Urban Hang Suite, savoring ice cream at Ruby Scoops, indulging in soul food at Mama J’s, or exploring fusion flavors at Jew-Fro, Richmond invites you to taste, celebrate, and learn. I feel truly blessed to have had the opportunity to honor the stories behind the food, the people, and the culture that inspire these remarkable business owners. Every bite I took was a journey through history and a vibrant celebration of Black culture.
