helen's

2527 W Main St, Richmond, VA

One of Richmond's oldest restaurants is also one of its most unassuming. Helen's Restaurant serves brunch and dinner by day and becomes colloquially known as "Club H" by night. Its prime location amid the busy Fan district paves way for plenty of foot traffic, as this cozy, modest space is often very full.

It was difficult to not order the entirety of the menu, and that's no joke. We tried the mushroom crostinis to start, followed by BBQ pork belly (to die for), roasted carrots, fried asparagus, Mexican street corn, and finally truffle mac serving as a decadent fill in for dessert. For a place that gets down until the wee hours of the night, Helen's food is thoughtfully and delightfully curated. Of course their cocktails are equally as inspired. The dim lighting and decorative flowers makes for something of an elegant mood.

During Christmastime, Helen's becomes a magically festive space, flooded with lights, orbs, and plastic wisemen. The bar is first come and they will be strict with their dinner reservations, but the order must be maintained in a space so intimate. There is a sense that the staff is simultaneously laid back and no-nonsense. If you frequent Helen's enough you'll find familiar faces, which lends to its charm as a Richmond staple. Even if you merely step in for a drink, this historical joint is not one to skip.