New restaurants in July

Never a dull month in Richmond restaurant openings!

July 31, 2014; 6:00 AM • by Ross Catrow

Continental Divide

July 1st

Continental Divide, a fixture on Main Street in Charlottesville for more than 20 years, opened a Richmond location in the former Mint Gastropub at 2501 W. Main Street. The restaurant, self-described as offering “southwestern comfort food in a lively environment,” serves up tacos, burritos, fajitas, and a wide selection of agave-based tequilas.

Eat 33

July 9th

A former Northside restauranteur has put down roots on Route 33-more commonly known as Staples Mill Road. Eat 33 is a new concept by Allen Davis who owned Shenanigans on MacArthur Avenue. The casual diner-esque eatery specializes in American diner classics like eggs cooked to order, meatloaf, a variety of burgers (including the ‘Shenanigan Burger’ paying homage to the former eatery), and southern-inspired sides.

Torero Tapas Bar & Grill

July 11th

Torero Tapas Bar & Grill is the latest venture for Dave Bess, owner of nearby Cha Cha’s Cantina and Society American Grill (formerly Lucky Buddha). Bess says Torero’s menu will feature traditional Spanish fare, inspired by Executive Chef Augusto Lopez. Featured menu items include regional Spanish meats and cheeses, Gazpacho, traditional Spanish salads and entrees, and an extensive wine and cocktail list.

Early Bird Biscuit Co. & Bakery

July 11th

Move over doughnuts, the biscuits are coming! Early Bird Biscuit Co. & Bakery quietly opened its doors in the Northside at 5411 Lakeside Avenue. Owner Tim Laxton’s bakery not only serves up his family’s own biscuit recipe, but also offers homemade gravy and jams, pastries, cobblers, cakes, and pies. As this is his first venture, he’s willing to experiment with his offerings, as he told Richmond Magazine in a recent interview. “I’m trying to use local things where I can–whatever I can find in season at the market, whatever’s fresh, whatever people want. If people tell me they want something, I’ll try to make it. If it tastes good to me I’ll make it.”

Southerly Restaurant & Patio

July 31st

Southerly is located adjacent to and part of the new Southern Season specialty food store. Serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, and weeekend brunch, Southerly will source ingredients for Southern-style dishes from “local farmers and artisans.” Stop by the store and load up on amazing cheeses and grab lunch from the restaurant (although, maybe do those in the reverse order). Win-win!

Photo by: eatdivide

July 31, 2014 6:00 AM · in Fan of the Fan, Near West End News, and more 1