It never ceases to amaze me how something as simple as a hamburger can be so absolutely satisfying. And yet, there are times when nothing is better than the perfect burger. It used to be that thinking of a burger out conjured up images of that place with the golden arches that we won’t name here – but burgers have come a long way.
Today’s burgers range from your standard diner classic to mammoth mounds of meat with any number of non-traditional toppings. And that means that even if you have picky eaters, you can usually find something for everyone.
We did a search for the best burgers in Richmond – and boy, did we hit the jackpot. There is no shortage of RVA burger joints, but we wanted to make sure that we found the places that would make a night out for you and the family something extra special. So, as we looked at all of the options, we took the following things into account:
- Price
- Family-friendly menus
- Family-friendly setting
What we came up with is a list of locations that serve, not only amazing burgers, but an overall fantastic experience for you and your family. We think you’ll like what we’ve found…
5. Pop’s Dogs and Ma’s Burgers
Pop’s Dogs and Ma’s Burgers/ Yelp photo credit Sean F.
Northside
This unassuming little hot dog and burger joint will take you back to your childhood. Filled with nostalgic décor, including old toys you’ll remember but your kids may not, the inside of Pop’s Dogs and Ma’s Burgers is small, but packed with the smell of fresh, home-cooked burgers being prepared right in front of you by “Pop” himself. With a wide range of burgers, dogs, sandwiches, nightly specials (like lasagna and pot roast) and even breakfast to choose from, you won’t go away hungry. There are only a handful of bar stools and limited seating inside, but picnic tables outside give you extra dining options. Or better yet, get your order for takeaway and enjoy all that deliciousness at home!
Why It’s Special: Pop’s Dogs and Ma’s Burgers is a throw-back to the days when eating out was simple. No fancy gimmicks, just great food (never frozen!) at great prices.
What You Should Try: Try the Inside Out Bacon Cheeseburger: a ¼ pound burger with bacon bits blended throughout the fresh Angus beef and your choice of cheese and fixings. You may even want to make it a double!
Family-friendly: Yes. It’s small, so you may not want to bring a huge crowd of kids, but if you do, enjoy outdoor seating or take your order to go.
Price Range: Nothing over $10 – with most burgers under $5.
How to get there:
7301 Brook Road
Richmond, VA 23227
Website: They don’t have one but here is their Facebook’s unofficial page
This old-fashioned burger spot keeps true to tradition, so there is no website, but be sure to stop in when you can. You’ll be glad you did!
4. Burger Bach
Burger Bach Carytown / Facebook
Carytown and Short Pump
Burger Bach has made quite the name for themselves since coming to Richmond just a few short years ago. Since opening their first shop in Carytown, they have wowed crowds with their mega-fresh, totally organic meats and New Zealand-inspired menu. Now, with two locations in Carytown and Short Pump and one coming soon to Midlothian (not to mention locations in Charlottesville and Durham, North Carolina), Burger Bach’s simply made, but amazingly tasty, burgers are available pretty much at your convenience. Their non-nonsense décor makes for a great family outing – and their menu will send everyone home happy.
Why It’s Special: This New Zealand-inspired gastro pub is dedicated to organic. All of their meats are grass fed and/or free range and their produce and dairy is organic from New Zealand or locally sourced. The bonus? More than a dozen dipping sauce options for the fries.
What You Should Try: The Aucklander with grass fed beef, guacamole, uncured bacon, mayonnaise, New Zealand Egmont cheese, tomato, Dijonaise, & mixed field greens. It may be the best thing to come out of New Zealand since their rugby team.
Family-friendly: Yes. Plenty of seating and nothing too fancy – just right for the family!
Price Range: These are not fast-food burgers so a burger will run you anywhere from &8.95 – $13.95 and fries are extra (small, $3.95; large, $5.95), but perfection doesn’t always come cheap.
How to get there:
Carytown
10 South Thompson Street
Richmond, VA 23221
(804) 359-1305
Short Pump
2225 Old Brick Road
Glen Allen, VA 23060
(804) 716-6748
Midlothian – COMING SOON!
101 Heaths Way Drive
Midlothian, VA 23114
Website: Click here
3. Dot’s Back Inn
Dots Back Inn / Yelp photo credit Robert U.
Bellevue
There’s just something about eating a burger in a diner that makes it taste better…or is that just me? I’m guessing it’s really not just me, given the popularity of Dots Back Inn. It’s not flash or flair that has given Dot’s such an amazing reputation – rather its their dedication to cooking up delicious, homemade burgers in a family-friendly environment. Dots has been a staple on the Richmond scene for years and has gained notoriety nationwide as a feature on Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.” But it’s not Hollywood fame that keeps people coming back – it’s the truly incredible food and authentic diner experience.
Why It’s Special: A true throwback to diners of yesteryear, “Dots” is actually named after “Dot,” who started working in her family’s restaurant back in the 1940s and stayed there for more than 50 years.
What You Should Try: With more than 20 burgers to choose from, you can get what you want. But for me, it will be the Rajun Cajun every day – a fresh ground burger patty with Cajun spices, swiss cheese, onions and bacon.
Family-friendly: Yes. Dots no-nonsense approach and comfort food is perfect for the whole family. Oh…and did I mention the “Dots for Tots” menu? It’s bigger than most, so be sure to bring the kids hungry!
Price Range: Plain burgers start at $6.25 with specialty burgers topping out at $8.75. If you’re looking for something off the dinner menu, you may pay as much as $13.95 for a New York Strip, but most menu items are well under $10.
How to get there:
4030 MacArthur Avenue
Richmond, VA 23227
(804) 266-3167
Website: Click here
2. Carytown Burgers and Fries
Carytown Burgers and Fries / Facebook
Carytown, Short Pump and Lakeside
Since opening in 2001, Carytown Burgers and Fries has won award after award after award…well, you get the point. These are good burgers…like, ridiculously good burgers. From tender meat to fresh buns and plenty of fixin’s to go along with every made-to-order burger, Carytown Burgers and Fries is anything but average. They pride themselves on outstanding service, which extends to how their food is prepared, as well as how it is served. And now, with three locations, you don’t have to drive far to find one of these custom treats. Bring the family and be prepared to go away with a happy belly – and a craving for more.
Why It’s Special: What we love about this established Richmond favorite is their menu. When we say there is something for everyone, we mean it. There are more than 30 burger options to choose from, not counting 7 vegetarian burgers, plus soups, salads, chicken, and more. We know that it’s not always easy to make everyone happy – but we believe the Carytown Burgers and Fries might just be the place to make it happen.
What You Should Try: If you’re looking for something that is just a little different, then the “Barnyard Brawl” has your name all over it. A 1/3-pound beef patty topped with bacon, a fried egg and chicken tenders, served with “the works” (lettuce, tomato, pickle, onion, ketchup and mustard), all piled high between two slices of white bread.
Family-friendly: Without a doubt. A kids’ menu gives the little ones plenty of options, including burgers, of course, but also classics like grilled cheese, corn dogs and PB&J.
Price Range: Plain burgers start at $5.74 with specialty burgers averaging between $7-9. We should mention that “The Quinto” will cost you $13.99, but considering it comes with FIVE patties, five slices of American cheese and “the works,” it’s worth it.
How to get there:
Carytown:
3500 ½ W. Cary Street
Richmond, VA 23221
(804) 358-5225
Short Pump
200 Towne Center W Boulevard
Richmond, VA 23233
(804) 447-9443
Lakeside
5404 Lakeside Avenue
Henrico, VA 23228
(804) 266-5333
Website: Click here
1. Station 2
Station 2 / Facebook
Downtown
Station 2 is no stranger to our “best of” lists here at Richmond Mom. We’ve already recognized it as one of the best family friendly restaurants in town – so delicious burgers only make us love it more. Set in an 1899 firehouse, this Richmond favorite specializes in burgers. With nearly 20 specialty burgers to choose from, you can satisfy even the most adventurous eaters. Or, if you’re a plain burger kind of person, there’s plenty of goodness packed into each of their fresh options. Another reason we love Station 2, if you don’t do beef, they give you the option of turkey, black bean or edamame burgers at no extra charge. For a great burger, great atmosphere and a place that the whole family is sure to love, Station 2 truly has it all.
Why It’s Special: Station 2 offers something for everyone — from an incredible beer list and “adult” milkshakes for the grown-ups to the “Future Fireman’s Menu” for the younger crowd. Another selling point is local sourcing…all of their beef burgers are made from 100% Virginia grown beef out of Lexington, VA, while the buns are made right here in RVA at Lucille’s Bakery. PLUS (yes, there’s more), they offer vegan and gluten-free options across the menu.
What You Should Try: Everything. But if you have to narrow it down, try the Engine Company 2’s Fire Burger – a blackened burger with fresh AND pickled jalapenos, cucumbers, onion straws, lettuce and habanero stone ground mustard. But if you don’t want to take my advice, go for anything else on the menu – they’ll even recommend which type of patty (beef, turkey, black bean or edamame) goes best with each option.
Family-friendly: I’m pretty sure we’ve covered this more than once – but, in case you missed it, absolutely! Bring the whole family and enjoy.
Price Range: Plain burgers start at $3.50 with specialty burgers at $9 each. This means you can feed the family without breaking the bank, especially since specialty burgers come with includes your choice of Station 2 fries, sweet potato tots, onion straws, Mott’s apple sauce, side salad, or a cup of soup.
How to get there:
2016 E. Main St
Richmond, VA 23223
(804) 249-4702
Website: Click here
Of course, burgers are as subjective as the next thing. So if you have a favorite burger spot in Richmond that we’ve left off the list, we would love to hear about it – and why it’s special – in the comments below!
