Hack for RVAExploring and celebrating the place we all love to call home.
VOL. 299 / Hack for RVA
Meet this week's guest editor, Ashley Ray. Ashley is a lifelong lover of Richmond and fiercely dedicated to supporting all things local. Her communications business keeps her busy telling stories and keeping comms rolling for amazing nonprofits like Girls For A Change, organizations like Lighthouse Network, and Peoples Advantage Federal Credit Union.
When she’s not working, she’s connecting the Jackson Ward neighborhood through her role as the Co-Chair of the Safety and Beautification Committee for Historic Jackson Ward, supporting the Arts District Business Alliance, getting into pickle shenanigans (TBA), or volunteering for cool things like this weekend’s Hack for RVA.
Hack for RVA is a civic hackathon that brings together Richmond’s hackers, hustlers, and artists to build solutions for the city’s biggest challenges and compete for awards. In partnership with the City of Richmond and the Mayor’s Office, this event is intentionally aligned with Mayor Avula’s seven areas of focus for a thriving city. The event brings together nonprofit leaders, city leaders, and citizens to build together, making this a truly collaborative process. If you care about the future of Richmond and want to be a part of the change, this event is for you. It’s all happening March 27–29 at VCU School of Business.
If you’re joining Hack for RVA, you’ll be within walking distance of Jackson Ward, the neighborhood Ashley calls home. Here are some of her favorite spots.
Take it away, Ashley ...
Penny's Wine Shop
Penny’s Wine Shop generally lands on the “where to drink” lists, but in my opinion, they offer some of the best food in Richmond. Small plates, innovative dishes, and vegetarian-friendly options. Owners Kristen Gardner Beal and Lance Lemon have made Penny’s a space for community and connection with good vibes, good food, and good wine. Pro tip: make a reservation! And if you're up for trying out new and interesting wines regularly, Penny's offers a monthly membership featuring clean farmed wines from around the world hand-delivered right to your front door.
I love a good dive bar. When I’m not pulling up at Penny’s, I’m hanging out at GWARbar, a heavy metal-inspired joint in Jackson Ward that doesn’t take itself too seriously and always delivers. Late-night tots always hit the spot, Narragansett is $3 a pint, and if you’re there on a Sunday night, you might find me singing karaoke with a mix of regulars and first-timers who somehow all feel like they belong. Now that spring has arrived, make sure to also check out their patio and beer GWARden!
Roam around Jackson Ward and the Richmond Arts District! Hit up Gallery5 and Art 180, stroll down Broad St., catch a show at the November Theatre, and dine at local spots like Tarrants and Lillie Pearl. The neighborhood is full of energy, creativity, and history, all within a few blocks. If you want to come back next weekend, it really comes alive for First Fridays, when galleries open their doors, the Moon Market takes over Brook Rd., and fire dancers perform in the street. Come join us!
I’m really excited about Hack for RVA because it’s the first time the city has been willing to collaborate on such a large scale with so many different stakeholders involved. Organizers have spent months bringing together nonprofits and city leaders to develop problem statements and identify data sets so that when participants arrive, they’re ready to build. If you’re like me and wondering what you can do to help in this chaotic world, this is it. Start local. Start right here. Come ready to dig in, and once the work is done, come celebrate with us! We’ll kick off on Friday morning with speakers like Michael Millions and Mayor Avula, and then hackers will get an orientation to the problem statements from the nonprofits and city leaders who drafted them. Participants have until Saturday at 10 pm to turn in their solutions, and then on Sunday we celebrate. The Awards Festival happens from 1:30–3:30 pm at the VCU School of Business, where you’ll hear the top five finalists pitch and then the winners will be announced.
ShorelineExploring and celebrating the place we all love to call home.
VOL. 298 / Shoreline
Meet this week’s guest editor, Greg Holis. Before becoming the General Manager of Shoreline, Greg spent over six years as an English teacher in Thailand. During this time, Greg became a scuba diving enthusiast and developed a passion for all things related to marine life and conservation.
In 2024, Greg joined the team at Shoreline Seafood Market and was instantly enamored with owner and founder David Whitby’s commitment to selling and preparing high quality, ethically sourced, sustainably caught seafood. He also relished the social nature of working in a seafood market and restaurant, connecting with guests and developing genuine relationships within the local community.
Greg has a few tips up his sleeve that he’s sharing with Here readers in today’s issue about his favorite ways to explore and celebrate this place we all love to call home.
Take it away, Greg ...
Dinamo
There’s little debate here, Dinamo never misses. This gem nestled along Cary Street for the past 13 years has been the go-to for Richmonders serious about Italian and Mediterranean cuisine. Open Tuesday through Saturday at 5 pm, snag a reservation and get ready for one of the best pizzas in town. And when available, never pass on the seafood salad special. In fact, any special Dinamo offers is a must for a restaurant known for its seasonal offerings, focus on local ingredients, and no nonsense approach to plates that always leave a lasting impression. And if you can’t snag a reservation, it’s first come, first served bar seating at this legendary spot.
Vitals:
Dinamo / Tuesday - Saturday dinner 5 pm - close / 821 West Cary Street
WayGone Brewery
Think of “Cheers,” everyone in this place will become your newest best friend, and they have killer beer. Not to mention, the most welcoming and friendly staff in the area. Opened in 2023, this Patterson Ave. watering hole can be found in the Canterbury Shopping Center. While it’s on the newer side of local breweries, the owners met as neighbors on nearby Goneway Drive, where they spent over a decade dialing in their craft as home brewers. Today you’ll find a selection of locally brewed beer, alongside wine, nonalcoholic options, Billy Pie pizzas, chili, and more.
Hands down, if you're looking for upscale Southern cuisine at its finest, you're looking for The Roosevelt. There's a reason why Leah Branch, executive chef at The Roosevelt, was one of two Virginia chefs honored as a James Beard Award semifinalist for Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic, with finalists announced on March 31. Oh and she was also just named a Rising Star Game Changer by StarChefs. Awards or no awards, what really matters here is consistency, authenticity, and a rotating seasonal menu. Think fried catfish, seared scallops, cornbread, smoked chicken wings, and craft cocktails, all served in a turn-of-the-last-century building in Richmond’s oldest neighborhood, Church Hill.
Vitals:
The Roosevelt / Mon-Sat, 5-10 pm; Sunday, 5-9 pm / 623 North 25th Street
Shoreline’s Annual Oyster Roast.
Shoreline is partnering with Waygone Brewery and King Corrotoman Oysters to bring Richmond an afternoon of complimentary oysters, wine tastings, and beer. Free admission and dog friendly.
Expect good people, fresh oysters, and hot fish sandwiches with housemade chips to keep you fueled. Happening at Shoreline Seafood Market. Bring your crew and celebrate the community that makes this place special.
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.
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