9 North 4th is Hidden in Downtown

Holly Gordon — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 19:20:20 +0000

Richmond is a small world sometimes, and the restaurant world, even more so. Last night I met chef and proprietor Phil Barradell of 9 North 4th, while sitting at the bar at Xtra’s (more details on the opening of that place next week). He overheard me talking with the bartender, who turned out to be an old friend and co-worker of his.

I was embarrassed to realize his place had been open for six months and I hadn’t heard of it. “We’ve been quiet for a reason,” he assures. After the notorious 4th Street Diner closed, the spot was Tony’s 4th Street for a short while, and Barradell basically took the reins as soon as Tony’s closed. They haven’t had a chance for renovations yet, so much of the old décor remains. But no matter, because “It’s all about the food,” he urges. British-born Barradell moved to Richmond from abroad five years ago. He progressed from manager to kitchen to executive chef at Shacklefords, even helping them open their third (now closed) location before opening his current place.

9 North 4th is only open for breakfast and lunch, Monday through Friday, which also helps explain why I haven’t seen them yet. Now I wish I worked downtown because all to-go breakfast sandwiches include a free cup of coffee.

Prices for breakfast standards and sides are nicely affordable, and lunch sandwiches and salads are in the higher $9 area. In addition to a staple menu, the specials board changes frequently, and you can tell that’s Barradell favorite aspect.

“We’re bringing something to downtown they haven’t got. It’s about being smart with your ingredients, like why you shouldn’t be eating asparagus right now,” explained Barradell. Figs, however; are in, and he highlights many dishes he’s using them in, including his roasted fig & prosciutto salad for $9.

9 North 4th offers a 10% discount for all law enforcement and military personnel, and it just received its ABC license. They plan to open for dinner on Fridays and Saturdays in early October.

North 4th 
Monday-Friday
 Breakfast 7am-11am 
Lunch 11am-3pm
 www.9north4th.com 
804-644-8669

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