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Style comes to Que Pasa; Patrick Henry Grill and Pub on the way
04/02/2008 6:00 AM by John M
Style Weekly has a piece on Que Pasa which looks at the food (“real slow-cooked goodness”) and the different hurdles that the restaurant has had to overcome to even open the doors. In other news, a sign that reads “Patrick Henry Grill and Pub coming soon” has sprouted on the location formerly known as Acapella.
Some neighbors are already up in arms about Patrick Henry (who are these people?), so it could face the slow and painful opening seen by Que Pasa.
“Some neighbors are already up in arms about Patrick Henry”
What does this mean?
I (and a lot of other folks) can’t wait for it to open!
what neighbors? seriously folks, a neighborhood bar on one of the more “commercial” streets in the neighborhood. what is there to complain about.
I can’t wait for it to open.
Congrats Que Pasa on the wonderful Style review. Our family really enjoyed brunch there a few weeks ago.
We look forward to evening meals on the deck at Patrick Henry Grill and hanging with neighbors in the pub.
seriously, we need more restaurants/bars within walking distance. i don’t understand why people get up in arms about such things.
The Patrick Henry grill and pub is to be opened by a long-time frequenter of Acappella pub and restauarant, Rick, and another partner. Rick has had plenty of past experience in this type of venture so don’t fear that it is falling into incapable hands. ( I am sorry but past efforts’ names escpae me as when discussed I was quite inebriated at the Pub to begin with) Anyone who spent any time inside of the Pub will know Rick, as he always sat at the left-hand corner bend of the bar wearing his red Ohio State cap(He is sometimes referred to lovingly as ‘The Big Leibowski’)I for one am so pleased that a Richmonder that has the true heart of the establishment in mind is looking to resurrect the former spot that epitomizes a neighborhood hangout! I cannot wait to see what the new venture has in store for us and I know MANY friends who share my view. Of course, the true test is after it opens and the hype dies down, but I do know that I will definitely give it every opportunity to fill the whole that Acappella left in my heart and our neighborhood.
I for one am NOT looking forward to just a “hang out” or a loud and bawdy bar but hoping for some cuisine to go with it. I didn’t go there to drink but to eat and hope we can still do so (without the heavy cancer stick smoke).
Any idea of menu and atmosphere? Formal dining upstairs still available?
Eric
Wasn’t the upstairs dining room always smoke free? When I ate there, it was.
I liked the cozy casual area in the basement – lower lighting, vintage music, and a roaring fireplace which helped draw out the smoke when it was lit. But at times would like a white tablecloth experience occasionally and the brightly lit upstairs was a setback for us as we don’t like to eat in a football stadium lighting but lower candlelight type setting.
Eric
Acappella left a very bitter tast for many neighborswho had to deal with an ower who routinely violated his special usage permit by allowing live music, routinely violating zoning ordinances, being open well past allowed hours, and having no regard to the level of noise coming from his establishment. I hope the new owner talks to the folks at Hill cafe or some of the other established places up here and learns what it takes to be a pub/eatery that is welcommed.
To CHnewbie:
“What Neighbors?” you ask? The bar is NOT on a commercial Street. It is on 23rd Street. Since you are NEW to the area, go and take a look. There are “neighbors” as far as the eye can see. The pub is NOT in a “commercial area” hence the need for a special usage permit. Acquaint yourself with the area before making claims that are false.
You don’t have to be “NEW” to know that the building in question has been a resturaunt/pub under several names in the past. It has also been a bed and breakfast. Sounds commercial to me.
Open Your Eyes…
I am sure that building is listed for Commercial within Residential as the 401 N 27th Street building that has been talked about. It is zoned “business” set a block off of Broad with residential next door and all around in general. Not sure if a “special permit” is required for the pub since it was zoned that way a long time ago? An era when these mom and pop establishments were interwoven within neighborhood blocks. Back in the 1950s and maybe even later there was a gas station where the park is located across from St. John’s church on Broad and another in the Pritchard Bros. lot at 28th and Marshall. Different perspective those days.
Eric
“An era when these mom and pop establishments were interwoven within neighborhood blocks.”
I would like to see a return to this, as this is what city living is all about.
A Special Use Permit is not required for the pub, however, many extra privileges were granted by the SUP including parking waivers.
I can’t wait for Patrick Henry Pub to open. I live a few doors down and am glad someone moved so quickly to reopen an establishment there. I do hope that there will be a decent smoke eater downstairs. I smoke at times but even I couldn’t stand to be down there sometimes. BTW Que Pasa is awesome. It will be even better when I can walk over and get my drink on. Also, when the hell is that ice cream place going to open? Those “opening soon” signs are really making them look ridiculous. At least maybe they’ll time it right with summer on its way.
edg…
I am not opposed to having business mingled with residential but you also have to remember the dynamics were different when these old buildings were in use during their heyday. Traffic was less and families only owned 1 car or none (women stayed home to raise families) and used buses and trolley cars to get to and fro. That has changed and parking would be an issue. I know neighbors and myself included, raise a bitch fit when someone parks in front of our houses during various street festivals and have to park around the block or even streets over. Think of the inconvenience for locals on a daily basis!
Brett.. am I missing something here? Is the Pub going to have the same fare as Que Pasa? I am still waiting for someone to chime in and tell us what the menu is going to be like at the new Pub?
Eric
I know, I see so many complaints about noise, parking, etc.
I live across from a school. It is SO LOUD, there is trash everywhere, and at night, the ne’r do-wells like to hang at the playground. Oh – parking – the teachers always park on my block even though they have a parking lot because it’s safer on my side of the street.
This happens every school day!
But, I do not complain. I moved in front of that school. Instead, I focus on the positive – that my block is extremely well-lit because on its outdoor lights, that my children have playground right across the street, and I can call the cops on any suspicous person because it is a drug-free zone.
I would LOVE to live across from a cool, funky restaurant instead.
I live near the Hill Cafe, and I can tell you that it’s almost never a problem to find parking within a block – and the Hill is usually crowded whereas Acapella’s was rarely if ever full. I, too, would like to park directly in front of my house but, you know, sometimes I suck it up and park somewhere else. It seems as if nothing can ever open in our neighborhood without major hassles and that’s a shame. BTW, I thought Acapella’s was on Broad???
edg…
There are pros and cons to everything but think that zoning has to take into consideration parking for any business.
For me, I have an adult form of muscular dystrophy that will only get worse with age and need “in front” of my house parking. Plus I don’t trust parking too far away. We had 3 cars stolen and 2 vandalized in attempts of stealing in front of my house. Lost one vehicle due to a high speed chase. Of course the neighborhood has settled down some since but still… leaves a bad after taste in ones mouth.
Eric
Stolen – right by Acapella’s?
Stolen in front of our house on 400 block of 27th. Five vehicles – 3 stolen, 2 in attempt but the last incident was 2004. I was speaking in general about parking and businesses in residential neighborhoods.
Eric
I have to agree with those who prefer to park in front of their homes. I live on 23rd Street a few doors down from Cedar Street Baptist and parking is absolutely horrible there any time there is a church function going on. It wouldn’t be so bad if it was just on Sundays but it’s quite often…at least 3-4 nights a week plus the holy roller marathons on the weekend. Where is the zoning and such for that? There was one week in particular a couple of months ago that I had to park over two blocks away almost every night due to the fact that their revival week was going on. Granted, they are “neighbors” just like many of us but the congregation does not seem to feel they are required to follow any of the traditional traffic laws…they freely park in no parking zones, in the bus stop, etc. and God help you if you happen to be leaving when a function is going on…you’ll have 3-4 cars waiting in every direction to take your space. Not so safe driving conditions in such a congested area. Of course, when you don’t have to go out and they park around you your car is without question going to get bumped from the front and from behind as they try to squeeze their car (clearly too large for the spot) in a space. I’ve actually watched numerous times while this happens and when approached about it, the person driving couldn’t care less and can sometimes be downright rude…Christian behavior? I think not. But enough of my bitching…just wanted to put in my two cents.
SEW, I feel for you. When the church was in use between 26th and 27th on Marshall, there was parking issues but mainly on Sunday. I didn’t mind too much as I don’t leave my house often on Sunday but also knew once services were over, could get my space again. At least those people were friendly.
There has to be some recourse about that situation? Have you checked with the zoning office?
I often want to double-park on the street and block people in who park in front of my house and pin them in just to say… hey, give us tax paying home owners a break!
I know some cities use to paint house numbers on curbs and it was illegal for non owners to park in those spots. Richmond needs to look into a similar plan for Church Hill especially if they plan to revive it with new inbound businesses in building that do not have their own parking spaces.
Eric
edg, and what are the positive’s living nearby to a loud, unruly, intoxicated crowd every evening until all hours of the morning. Then waking up to find beer cans and other related remnants left from their parties. There are some elderly people that also need to park in front of their houses, not walk blocks late at night.
Eric, thank you for being one of the few that has any kind thought and understanding to the neighbors concerns.
if you want your own parking space then move to a cookie cutter nighborhood in short pump with your private garage.
Sorry I offended, but no one made you buy a house next to a bar. Honestly, we only have a couple of places to eat/drink at in this neighborhood. I think the majority of the people who live here would like more such establishments within walking distance.
So we have a problem – we need parking spaces for our own homes AND we need parking spaces for customers to use so that our local business can survive.
This is a problem, I agree. But, at least if the place of business is within walking distance from my house I won’t be using another parking space.
or maybe “happy hour” is better suited at a farm with lots of space, disturbing the cows. Maybe even get some homework in.
so if no one made us buy near a bar, we can now board up our houses, move to a cookie cutter neighborhood,and turn all the houses nearby into a “party house”. That makes lots of sense.
Bob, I totally did not understand your comment about homework. Anyway, I am not trying to start a war here. I just think the most people do not object to Acapella’s re-opening – even some (not all!) of the people that live right next door to it.
just a question here. i have seen handicap signs on streets, restricting parking for residents living nearby. anyone who is truly handicapped could get such a sign in front of their house. otherwise, if you are able-bodied i think you can handle a couple of blocks. one of the things i love about living in an urban area is my lack of dependence on a car. mine may stay parked in the same spot for weeks (if not for grocery trips). as to noise and such, i’d have to agree with the point someone else made. the bar here did not spring up overnight, so i don’t see how anyone living next door or near it has any right to complain that they have a bar next door…that is the house they bought.
Jason… I guess you are one of those people who doesn’t care who you inconvenience? That is called self centered and inconsiderate.
Yes, we DO have a parking issue here and also have heard the horror stories of people being woken out of a sleep with loud obnoxious drunks turning over garbage cans and generally making a nuisance of themselves. We use to have such a problem in our neighborhood until a couple of people (legal gun owners) on our block use to pop a cap into the air and then it got quiet! Again, haven’t had that problem on our block for some time but know it does happen elsewhere.
Jason, a home owner is a home owner no matter if they live in the city or suburbia and both should have equal rights to a parking space in front of their own house. Granted, there may not be enough for 2 or more cars in some cases but then you have to think those things out but EVERYONE should have at least one dedicated spot and outsides should have some moral consideration.
The bottom line is what I have already mentioned… these business buildings that were built within residential blocks were done so in an era when things were different. They were 9-5 businesses that catered to locals that mainly walked to them. And a time when there were fewer cars on the road. A family car was just that… you road several in the car, not one person per – hence parking issues.
Eric
Let’s get real on the level of an establishment. If a restaurant is truly that, it doesn’t cater to a bunch of obnoxious alcoholic slobs so no problem, right?
Eric
Eric,
As far as parking goes, I respectfully disagree with you. As a previous resident of DC, the idea that everyone gets a dedicated spot is a little ridiculous. That being said, fortunately we do have enough parking to go around for now.
Also, I LIKE the bar part. True, we don’t need obnoxious slobs. But, we can work this out, I think.
Alright, so now my peace flag is out. Although I disagree with you, I do not want to fight about anymore.
Eric
I agree with you on some points. I don’t think that a homeowner has any right to a parking spot on a public thoroughfare. That is why garages are such a hot commodity (that and protecting one’s fancy gas guzzling automobile from the weather). The parking issue really doesn’t sway me. As a society we need to become less dependent on our vehicles anyways, and perhaps should return to a time when one had a “family” vehicle.
I have lived a few doors down from Accapella, formerly Mr. Patrick Henry’s, for 30+ years and can only recall one time when I have encountered obnoxious, drunken people leaving the bar.
CHnewbi… I have considered the handicapped signs in front of our house but I am not at that point yet. At the same time do want to keep my car within eyeshot for obvious reasons previously mentioned.
Also as I mentioned, I am not opposed to business like Acapella in our neighborhood but at the same time the owner of an establishment should take responsibility to keep his neighbors happy too and know the boundaries.
Keep in mind a building that is now a restaurant may have been a grocery store when originally built. Different situation and not one people would have been opposed to living next to then. So making a broad statement that YOU made the decision to move next to a bar doesn’t always hold water. Long term residents may have seen the building go from a mom and pop store to being empty for years and now turning into a loud rowdy bar. That is when the local residents should express their opinions to city council as well as zoning because if YOU don’t say something, the next person may not either so no one gets heard! That isn’t to say that the new owner of the Patrick Henry Pub won’t take responsibility but we locals do want to hear what their intensions are since we ARE neighbors! Being silent doesn’t help the cause.
Eric
CHnewbi…
You said: “I agree with you on some points. I don’t think that a homeowner has any right to a parking spot on a public thoroughfare.”
That is true but on the other hand that is when neighbors should be considerate of each other and allow for a front space. he difference here is that if a business opens up in an area that didn’t have traffic before, essentially you may end up never getting a front spot again and that is just not right on many levels (elderly, handicapped, the timid, expensive automobiles, etc…)
Eric
Eric
I also live nearby. Have witnessed numerous, too many to count, groups of loud, obnoxious, intoxicated patrons leaving the bar, or just hanging out, and becoming mouthy. Or just drinking outside because it was too hot or smoky inside.
I need a beer
edg…
You said: “Also, I LIKE the bar part. True, we don’t need obnoxious slobs. But, we can work this out, I think.”
I am not a drinker so the bar aspect doesn’t interest me. What does is getting a Quality Eating Establishment in Church Hill. Even the Hill Cafe gets too loud and if you sit by the front window by the bar, forget it. All sound funnels up to there and even talking on the top of your lungs doesn’t sometimes work. And those 2 seater bench booths are a joke! Uncomfortable, too tight, and they use to hold 4 people and have no idea why they cut down seating?
Just because a restaurant opens up in Church Hill does it have to always have a bar? How about serving mixed drinks at your table and omit the bar? If you want to get loud and sloppy drunk, go to a dedicated “bar” or do it at home!
Eric
I would love to have a wendys above the pub, then I could grab a frosty on the way home from getting wasted. oh yeah, then I could go on one of those famous “high speed chases.” PS this is a joke. later
Gosh, Eric, I keep trying to get out and you keep pulling me in. Maybe the restaurants have bars because the majority of the people in this neighborhood that want to patronize an establishment want a bar.
We all have the things we like and the things we dislike. I can understand you don’t like the atmosphere, but many, if not most, of most of us do want alcohol to be served.
And, there are no dedicated bars. They have to serve food by VA law. It sounds like you want the community to adapt to your desires, and unfortunately for you, it is adapting to what the majority of people desire.
I understand the alcohol and bar aspect. I work at a law firm where one of our attorneys represents the ABC board. That is why I said “serve at the table and not at a bar”. And when I said dedicated bar, they can serve hamburgers and get away with it. What is wrong with having an upscale restaurant in Church Hill where you can take your grandmother to? There should be room for both bars and restaurants in our area.
Eric
Well, it you think it would work, maybe you can bring your dreams to life and open it. Right now, I think Rick is trying make his business concept work, which is different than yours, but it’s his dream.
Why doesn’t Rick chime in and speak his mind as to what his concept is? If it isn’t going to serve dinner in a family atmosphere (even upstairs) like Acapella use to early on, then I nor my friends who use to frequent it (mainly for the German food) are going to be customers there.
Eric
One last post as I know this has gotten out of hand!!!
Remember back not long ago when there was a thread about Families moving into Church Hill and if it was a place to raise Children? With that in mind, where is there a place to patronize locally to keep our dollars in the community that is “family oriented” for dinner? And I am not talking McDonalds down the hill. Who would take their children to that garbage can to eat anyway? It is never clean and takes a lifetime to get served there! And no, I don’t have children but I am interested in community bonding. As Church Hill grows so should our visions and not get into a rut of every new business being modeled after each other. Diversify.
Sorry if I offended anyone, not intended. Just trying to get some points across. No, I am not a teetotaler but only socially drink on special occasions. Just my needs are more geared towards food than drink – something more than hamburgers, Italian, or Mexican.
Eric
“I understand the alcohol and bar aspect. I work at a law firm where one of our attorneys represents the ABC board. That is why I said “serve at the table and not at a barâ€. And when I said dedicated bar, they can serve hamburgers and get away with it. What is wrong with having an upscale restaurant in Church Hill where you can take your grandmother to? There should be room for both bars and restaurants in our area.”
Sorry if I offended anyone, not intended. Just trying to get some points across. No, I am not a teetotaler but only socially drink on special occasions. Just my needs are more geared towards food than drink – something more than hamburgers, Italian, or Mexican.”
And if you read the comments on Que Pasa you will answer you question. No bar, no license, no customers.
Nice job of “having it your way” but it doesn’t cut it as a business model for restaurants these days. Taking Grannie out for din’s just ain’t gonna pay the bills and keep the doors open.
As a regular of the former Acapella’s I can vouch that almost all of the regulars lived in the neighborhood/very near vicinity of the bar/resturant. Clearly, they supported the establishment and more than welcomed it rather then shunned it for being to close to home.
In response to “What is wrong with having an upscale restaurant in Church Hill where you can take your grandmother to?” Didn’t our dear friend Je try that? Isn’t “upscale dining” part of the reason why Jumpin Je’s is no longer in our neighborhood?
Although I have not yet been to Que Pasa I don’t reguarly see people in there. Could this be a result of their somewhat “fine dining” atmosphere or a lack of an ABC license? Either way, there was always a bigger crowd at Acapella’s.
Last point here… As someone who throughly enjoyed Acapella’s food, both the pub plates and the pricier dinner plates, there were not enough people in Church Hill to support this portion of Acapella. Although the bar was often full and people occasionally ate downstairs the upstairs rarely filled up. Could this be because people in Church Hill don’t actually care that much about fine dining? I don’t believe so but looking at the entire demographic of the Church Hill area I would say that we are a long ways away from being able to support a “fine dining” establishment.
So glad to hear the news about the new restaurant/pub. I love to see new businesses opening up here. I just wish I had the funds and/or guts to do it. Best of luck! I’ll be there to eat and drink!
Millie’s has survived for a long time with great food, a bar and a casual atmosphere. The food keeps people coming back. I don’t see any reason why a similar establishment, located in a fairly safe part of a main thoroughfare, should not do well in our neighborhood. I was in school in Richmond when Mr. Patrick Henry’s was in full swing, and it was known as a go-to place. Even if the new place is more casual, people will go, and return, if the food and service are good.
By the way, the new Globehopper coffee shop is really nice, too. Their location is not great for parking, but I know they’ll get good foot traffic from the businesses and apts/condos in the vicinity. Check it out if you haven’t already.
I find all the new changes very exciting. It’s part of the reason we’ve remained up here for 10 years.
From talking to John (Que Pasa) it sounds like he may have his license this week (maybe on Monday). I for one will be there on Tuesday to help him celebrate.
the very reason in which the fan has remained such a positive real easte market even during such a dire housing market is b/c of the great proximity to restaurants and shops. And that is why my wife and I rented our house out in the hill and bought in the fan because we belong in the city not around a community that cannot support one another. Acapella will always be my favorite bar and I will continue to support any business in the hill…by the way if you havn’t supported QUE Pasa … your newest neighbor yet … you should be ashamed for yourself… they new everyones support
I met Rick tonight at Poe’s, he’s definitely going to re-open as Patrick Henry Bar and Grill. He is leasing the space, the owners wouldn’t sell to him although he tried. His target date is early May, and I asked if I could post that and he said yes as long as I added that it’s a moving target. NOT because of ABC issues but other stuff. So far, he’s installed two smoke handlers for the basement, plans to have upstairs be smoke free, and reconfigured the air conditioning which was a mess, apparently it blew cold air inside and right back outside instead of circulating it.
He plans for the menu to be a mix of pub food such as burgers, and entrees with a top price of around $15-$17, like The Hill Cafe. Doesn’t think Church Hill can support much more pricy ‘fine dining’ right now.
Liquor license isn’t such a big deal as it was for Que Pasa because it’s been an ongoing establishment, so apparently the rules are a bit different for him. That being said, he did say he’s having to go through the process.
Soooo….look for it around the first week of May. His original target was May 1st, but now it’s the first week of May. He said to make sure we all understood that could change, but that’s his target.
Anyone know if this is the same Rick was maybe part of Banditos, used to tend bar at Memphis?
John, I don’t know. I do know he owns a quad plex on the 2100 block of East Broad Street, and was involved in owning a series of BBQ restaurants in Ohio (Cleveland and Columbus area). No clue about the other questions, will try to find out, though!
He’s a big guy, well over six feet, the friend who introduced me is six feet and Rick was taller than him. Also, Rick seemed both honest and well versed in running a restaurant, so perhaps he’s the one you’re asking about, who knows. I liked him on first and only meeting, he seemed real up-front, no BS type of stuff at all, no bragging, just seemed happy to be about to open it up. Happy also at getting the smoke sucker filters in, and glad to get the air cond. fixed the right way.
Doesn’t sound like the same guy; it bodes well that he has previous experience.
Can’t wait to go dinin’ & drinkin’ with Grannie at Que Pasa & Pat Henry’s!!! Eric, I think you ARE at the point where you need your own parking spot, for your sanity & everyone else’s. –Caitlin.
Having lived in the fan for 2 years and now in Union Hill for almost 4 years, I find it absolutely insane that anyone living in the city would “expect” to always be able to park in directly front of their home. Sure, it’s more convenient and I do prefer it, but it’s just totally unrealistic! I try to avoid parking in front of my neighbors’ homes (unless that’s the only spot left!), but say I drive over to see a friend and unknowingly take a space in front of your house Eric. Does that make me, “self centered and inconsiderate?” Seems a little extreme. Sorry, I have to agree with Jason. If you mentally require your own designated parking space, move to the burbs. On the other hand, if you have a physical need to park right in front of your house, by all means, get the handicapped sign and make the space yours!
It amazes me how people up here can bitch and moan on and on about the most inane crap! Acappella was popular and many liked having it in the neighborhood. I didn’t go often, probably once a month or so, and was happy to have it as an option for both dinner and drinking. Many seem to want more options for eating, drinking and shopping in walking distance, and yet when someone tries to reopen a formerly popular establishment, we complain about lack of parking, what kind of food they will serve, lack of upscale dining, drunk people, and on and on. Holy crap, lighten up people! This is “city” living- said in quotes, because if you think it is too loud here or the parking is a problem, you would certainly loathe living in the real cities of the east coast (DC, NY, Philly).
I am psyched to see the pub reopen and will certainly patronize the new establishment. Having more options in our neighborhood is exactly the kind of thing that makes others want to move here. Despite the beautiful parks, wide streets and beautiful old homes, I was concerned about coming here from the fan 4 years ago because of the lack of restaurants and shops. And I liked living in the fan despite the fact that I lived about 4 doors down from Sticky Rice, which some nights spewed into the streets at 2AM such loud drunken racket you wouldn’t believe it, and the old Southern Culture, which occasionally hosted live music late into the night. This is part of the life of that neighborhood: you shrug your shoulders and decide to deal with it, you stay long enough that you actually stop recognizing it as noise, or you decide that you and your neighborhood have moved in different directions and you find somewhere quieter and less congested with better parking and less drunks. And lets keep in mind that despite a dime a dozen noisy bars and restaurants in the fan, my husband and I personally couldn’t afford to buy there. Those places don’t seem to be bringing down the property values of the neighborhood.
I’m glad we ended up here, and I love this neighborhood, but let’s face it, we could use some more places to eat at, socialize at, listen to music at, even get drunk at. And yet we attack all the new ideas that small business owners bring to the table. It seems everyone wants a new restaurant, as long as it’s not too close to their house and their parking spot, not too smoky, not open too late, not too noisy, not filled with too much drinking (or, maybe for others, filled with lots of drinking), not too expensive, but also adequately nice enough to take granny and the kids. Not every business will meet all of your needs. Find the ones that do and become a regular customer. Appreciate that the rest of them are probably meeting someone else’s needs. For me, I always thought I’d go to Acappella more if it didn’t get so insanely smoky at night; soungs like Rick is working on fixing that and I’m excited to check it out.
Two more things. I drove to Acappella many times, either because of the weather or general laziness. I always parked within a block and parking was never congested over there. Secondly, I have taken my family, including my grandmother, to both Acappella and The Hill Cafe. Upstairs Acappella was nice place for a family dinner (although, a totally underutilized space), and The Hill Cafe is fine until later at night. Since my gram likes to be in bed before 11PM, that wasn’t a problem.
What is the latest on the PHG? I don’t see the “coming soon” sign out and nothing as far as flyers or ads saying it is open? Any word as to the food fare there?
Kristin… tell me where in Church Hill you would suggest I go to eat that meets my requirements? I don’t think they are unrealistic but we don’t live in the “city” (downtown) but the outskirts of in a community.
Eric
the food is going to be amazing, I recently got a chance to look at the menu and it sounds delish and fancy, but reasonabley priced. I’m excited.
Eric, Tarrants is a good place for you. Non-smoking, great chef and quiet. Its not on the Hill but it’s only about 18 blocks away so you could drive a short distance or walk on a nice day.
Eric,
Church Hill and Union Hill are in fact “city of Richmond.” While we are not technically “downtown”, there’s not alot going on there. Downtown is improving, but neighborhoods like ours, the bottom, the fan, etc. are as close to living in “the city” as there is in Richmond.
You seem to be quite particular and I certainly would not even attempt to suggest where you should dine. I just think that expecting every establishment to meet some laundry list of needs that you’ve got in your pocket is absurd and annoying.
Kristin… would you like to elaborate on your comment of “annoying”?
Amber… if it will be more than “grill” food, then I just may visit! Wish we could get a look on a website like Acapella had (and still up) as to interior design and menus to read and download.
Eric
Maybe an “Active Adult Community” would best suit some of our posters needs: no children, private parking, and no smoking if desired. Here’s one in Mechanicsville: http://www.bellcreek.com/index.html
TC… I think you miss the point. You “don’t” have to be a senior to think like a responsible adult.
You are confusing “responsible” with inflexible and judgemental.
I just ate at the new Thai place down by the 17th st market – Alex’s Thai – and it was very good! Not fancy, but non-smoking and fresh, tasty food.
I liked both the upstairs restaurant of Acapella AND the smoky downstairs bar, on separate occasions and in different moods. I miss both.
And isn’t the point of having neighborhood places so you don’t have to drive (and park) there? I think lots of people walk to The Hill. We do. I wish there were more places in walking distance.
Post #60 – Kristin:
“It amazes me how people up here can bitch and moan on and on about the most inane crap!”
Darling, you win the prize for the very thing you’re complaining about!
Eric: Lots of new folks up here that don’t get you. Never mind.
All you new folks: have some respect for the long-time residents that have been here through thick and thin.
From the looks of it, Que Pasa will end up on the junk heap just like Je’s if more folks don’t start patronizing it. Been many times, but always empty when there.
If I win a prize for bitching and moaning about people bitching and moaning, so be it. Thanks for the honors.
Que Pasa has been pretty busy and crowded since they got their ABC license.
I am a long-time resident (over 15 years), so I guess I deserve some respect, too.
Yes tiny… even you deserve some respect 🙂
I know most of us have received flack for our opinions – opinions that should help guide Church Hill in a positive direction in growth rather than having just the same old thing happen over and over. To respect what we have to say from what has already happened (been there, done that). Yes, upper scale (and class) is a hard sell in Church Hill but it doesn’t have to be with an open mind and open arms rather than being resistant to that sort of change. What is so negative about it? Church Hill isn’t made up entirely of 20-40 year old party people.
[ quote: ” He plans for the menu to be a mix of pub food such as burgers, and entrees with a top price of around $15-$17, like The Hill Cafe. Doesn’t think Church Hill can support much more pricy ‘fine dining’ right now.” ]
$15-$17 for a burger “is” upper scale pricing. Acapella gave you a “meal” for that price!
Eric
“Church Hill isn’t made up entirely of 20-40 year old party people.”
My street sure is!!!!
The burgers are clearly not going to be $15-17. Read it again.
I hope Que Pasa makes it, but again, when I’ve been in there, which is several times, they are always out of something. Last time is was chicken. Chicken? And, sorry “m” (post 73), but one table and a few folks at the bar isn’t “pretty busy.”
Also, they employ “volunteers.” I suppose “employ” isn’t the right word.
My BF and I have heard that Patrick Henry’s will be opening up on May 15th. However, this past Saturday night we went wandering around(again)and saw that the sign which was previously out at my once beloved Acappella is now absent. Anyone know what’s up?
I have seen most tables filled including the bar on several weeknights since the beer flow started.
it was empty on satuday at 9.
I’m happy that Que Pasa has their alcohol license now and enjoyed a nice cold beer with my last meal there. Does anyone else think that $4.50 is a little high for a corona though?
I agree that their beers are way too expensive. I’m also disappointed that they serve orange roughy which is on Seafood Watch’s Avoid List.
Thought I saw a building permit (or some sort of similar sign) on the pub side door of old Acapella’s. What is the opening hold-up?
Sorry Amy, I did read the post very quickly but “burgers” seemed to be prominant in the post which set me off.
Eric
patience, young jedi
TWO smoke handlers in the basement, Celeste?! All right!
Is Patrick Henry Open? Last report was it would open today? Did it? I am eager to patron the pub.