201 N Belmont Ave, Richmond, VA
A lot of gripes people voice about elevated fare at restaurants is that the atmosphere feels pretentious and stuffy, which can be off-putting. At The Stables, the cozy and inviting space offers a comfortable aura where patrons can still order innovative, delectable, and seasonal dishes that feel extravagant.
I would not categorize myself as a "foodie" per se, although I definitely love to indulge in a fancier dish here and there. I am, however, big on cocktails and trying out combinations that seem like an unlikely match but ends up being a delightful journey for your taste buds. The cocktails here were beautifully presented and highly satisfying. For grub, we opted for a beet salad, lamp lollipops, and mussels served with a chicken broth complete with a baguette to soak up the excess. Mussels with the chicken seem like an unlikely match, but ended up working out very well, especially in part by the baguette.
The seats at the bar face an open kitchen that allows those curious to "peak behind the curtain," so to speak. It also adds to the humble nature of the environment overall. There is nothing that needs to be tucked away from the public, it's all on full display. The location itself is very modest yet still in close proximity to the art and history museums within the neighborhood. The menu is constantly revolving to match the current season, but keeps certain staples throughout the year. For those who want to go on a nice date without feeling like you've spent too much, this gem is certainly a worthy contender.
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