Nick's PicksExploring and celebrating the place we all love to call home.
VOL. 297 / Nick's Picks
Meet Nick Davis, this week’s guest editor. Nick has been part of the Here Weekly and Richmond Grid story for nearly a decade. As one of our most trusted collaborators, he has served as our go-to photographer, helping capture the people, places, and products that bring Richmond’s creative community to life.
A self-taught photographer and business owner, Nick has earned a reputation for creating stunning images for the likes of Lululemon, Capital One, Morgan Stanley, and a wide range of businesses across Virginia. We still remember the conversation over coffee when he told us he was making the leap to photography full time. Since then, his work has only continued to grow.
For Nick, photography isn't just his job. It’s something he is always practicing. When he isn't on set with clients, you will likely find him in the studio testing lighting setups, practicing portraits, or experimenting with product shots simply to keep sharpening his craft.
Nick is proud to call the Brookland Park neighborhood home, which made him the perfect person to share a few favorite spots in this thriving corner of Richmond’s Northside. With a growing mix of restaurants, music venues, and neighborhood gathering places, Brookland Park has become one of the city’s most interesting places to explore right now. And there are far too many local businesses to love to fit into just one newsletter, so here are just a few.
Take it away, Nick ...
Julio’s Bagels
Julio’s Bagels began as a simple Saturday pop-up outside Pizza Bones in Church Hill, where owner and baker Ashley Patino started experimenting with naturally leavened bagels alongside the pizzeria’s bread program. Richmond showed up quickly, and what began as a weekend special soon grew into a full bagel shop on Brookland Park Boulevard. Today the shop serves bagels the way they should be, naturally leavened, boiled and baked for a crisp exterior and soft, chewy interior, with seasonal ingredients and classic combinations that let the bread shine. Patino runs the shop with Noah Bowman, a Brooklyn native who moved to Richmond in 2017 and helped build the space before joining the venture. Pair a bagel with coffee from Recluse Roasting Project, often served in hand-thrown mugs from neighboring studio Hand / Thrown. Julio’s has also introduced online ordering for bagel packs and bulk orders during the week.
Vitals:
Julio’s Bagels / Thursday–Sunday, 8:00 AM–1:00 PM (or until sold out) / 4337 Brookland Park Blvd.
The Smoky Mug
Part café, part Texas craft barbecue joint, The Smoky Mug has quickly become one of the most welcoming hangouts along Brookland Park’s historic corridor. What started as a local coffee and breakfast stop now blends specialty lattes, breakfast burritos, and housemade pastries with a full lineup of Texas-style barbecue and Tex-Mex favorites. Brisket, ribs, pulled pork, tacos, and nachos anchor the menu Wednesday through Sunday, while the café side keeps the coffee flowing all week long. The spacious covered porch has become a neighborhood gathering spot where friends meet, dogs lounge, and laptops occasionally appear alongside cocktails. With colorful Southwestern-inspired murals by Richmond artist Emily Herr and a steady rotation of seasonal drinks (this week they're featuring the Lucky Lil' Mugarita pictured here) and happy hour specials, The Smoky Mug captures the relaxed spirit of Northside hospitality.
Vitals:
The Smoky Mug / Café open daily; Texas craft barbecue served Wednesday–Sunday, Happy Hour: Wednesday–Saturday, 3:00 PM–6:00 PM / 2930 North Avenue
Fuzzy Cactus
If Brookland Park Boulevard has a living room for Richmond’s Northside music scene, it is probably Fuzzy Cactus. The rock ’n’ roll bar, restaurant, and live music venue has become a go-to gathering spot for locals looking for a laid-back night with good food and loud guitars. Inside you'll find a rotating lineup of punk, indie, and garage bands, while the kitchen turns out crowd favorites like burgers, tacos, and bar snacks that pair well with a cold beer or cocktail. Whether you're catching a touring band, discovering a local act, or just dropping in for happy hour and a game of pool, Fuzzy Cactus keeps the energy of Brookland Park Boulevard buzzing well into the night.
Just a few blocks away, Garland Garage offers one of Northside’s most intimate live music experiences. Tucked into the 3600 block of Garland Avenue, the DIY backyard venue hosts early evening concerts where neighbors bring lawn chairs, local musicians plug into a small stage, and the crowd gathers under string lights. Shows typically run from about 6:45 to 9:45 PM and feature a mix of Richmond artists and touring acts passing through town. It's relaxed, welcoming, and very Richmond. Bring a chair and settle in. The next show is set for March 14 featuring Summer School, Dave Watkins, and Christina Louise.
