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West End Take Out Recs

I've got a three day guys weekend coming up soon. One night we will need take out food. The only criteria would be that the restaurant is located within about 5 miles from the Regency Mall area and that it not be barbeque. We're already doing Buzz and Neds on one day so that rec. would not be needed. Other than that.....we're wide open.
Also, a laid back bar recommendation (in that general area) would be great as well. We're in our mid to late 30s if that helps. We'll be drinking high end beer all weekend (this is a beer snob group) so, when we do venture out, I'm more concerned about a fun atmosphere than I am 50 taps of micro brews. Thanks in advance Richmond Hounds!

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  1. You might want to put your city in the title.

    1. They don't have a lot of stuff on the menu (limited to tacos, goritas, and enchiladas) but Tortilleria San Luis makes their own corn tortillas and is pretty much the best authentic Mexican food you can get in town. It's less than a half-mile from Regency Square Mall on Quioccasin. Cash only.

      In the same little strip mall is a Brazilian grocery that prepares food for take out as well. It's not the restaurant that is next door but a separate business.

      For Chinese, China Star on Cox Road at Three Chopt, has the best Chinese in the area. As to order off the Chinese menu. They're probably 3 miles from the mall.

      2 Replies
      1. re: hopkid

        Thanks for the suggestions. Tortilleria San Luis sounds interesting. I've been to China Star and thought it was of "China Town" quality. I had a cumin lamb that was excellent. But the close proximity of the Tortilleria might be hard to resist. I've searched and can't find a phone number so I guess I'll drop by when I get into Richmond.

        1. re: cajun willie

          Another option is a new Greek place that has been getting rave reviews. I have not been but mean to go. It's probably also 3 or 4 miles from the mall. Here is write up I found on line.

          Greek Gem at Patterson and Pump
          Date posted: 2/17/09 1:07 PM
          A reader recently gave us a heads-up on what she described as a “fabulous” bakery/restaurant, Greek 4 U, at 10604 Patterson Avenue in the Far West End. “The homemade baked goods in particular are amazing," she said in an e-mail. "The baklava is to die for. I have traveled extensively and have lived in Europe and Greece. This is the real deal.”

          With praise like that, we were compelled to check it out. Today I talked with the owner, George Kamaratos, who opened the café in October. Born in Greece, Kamaratos first immigrated to the United States in the 1970s, bringing his epicurean talents with him. He worked as a chef and a pastry chef at various restaurants in New Jersey, New York, North Carolina's Outer Banks and Richmond until 1990, when he returned to his native country. Now, after 18 years, he’s back in town, and his made-from-scratch baklava is just one of the sweet treats on the menu.

          “The baklava is customers’ favorite, and we also have galactobureko — baklava with cream filling,” Kamaratos says. The café also serves walnut cake, wedding cookies and homemade bread, along with ethnic entrée options such as Greek salads, gyros and moussaka. Kamaratos — who runs the bakery/restaurant with his wife, Katerina — personally recommends the aygolemono (lemon-chicken soup).

          Greek 4 U is open seven days a week, and takeout is available. For more information, call 612-3200.

      2. Single guys? I'm only asking because the female/male ratio was HIGH at Magnolia's when we were there last weekend (Village Shopping Center). Lots of beers and wines, but doesn't really fit your "laid-back" criterion, imo.

        Fresh Market has decent take-out food, and something for everyone, really.

        Not really a bar (although they have one), but Philip's is very laid back.

        3 Replies
        1. re: VaPaula

          It's a mix of single and married guys. Magnolias's is a definite possiblity. Looks like their wine list is a strong point. We'll be needing a break from beer. I'm assuming the dress code is casual? I could not find a website.....only a quick review mentioning the extensive wine list.

          1. re: cajun willie

            Yes, it's casual. And they just opened up a Cheeburger Cheeburger in that same shopping center.

            AMFM, I like the sound of Rare Old Times. We may have to check it out!

            1. re: VaPaula

              it is the BEST. but be wary near St. Pat's. since everyone comes and it loses it's authenticity. it is helped by the fact that no matter what, i could walk home from there in an "emergency". and that i really love the music and the shuffleboard table. :)
              but seriously there are always some heavy drinking 80 year olds to mix in with the young bar crowd. and the police badges hanging... i always feel like i've left richmond.
              and i've never eaten there but heard some of the classics like shepherd's pie are actually quite good.

        2. depending on vibe, we love rare old times on patterson (right next to the greek place already mentioned). it is a great irish pub. really authentic and divey. a great mix of people and fabulous music. negative is that it's smokey. but really just a great bar.
          also like the tavern right there across from the village as a place to eat/drink. if there are games to catch - if it's either of the next two weekends there will be lots of basketball, glory days has great tv access. not much else to sell it imho other than that it's pretty close but it is a great place to watch games.
          if you're looking for wine, there's the barrel thief (one at short pump and one at patterson and libbie).

          oh and for take out food (or eat in) i like istanbul on patterson between parham and starling (very close to regency). great homemade turkish food. VERY yummy! and i like TD's barbecue (although I haven't been there in a while) just a few doors down on patterson. great chicken and ribs. good pulled pork. yummy green beans and BBQ beans.
          mojo's philladelly right there is classic cheesesteaks and a huge takeout/delivery menu (warning: delivery from there takes FOREVER) that is local and scratch and above average.

          7 Replies
          1. re: AMFM

            oh and if the single guys want to pick up ladies the spot where the older single women all hang out seems to be bar louie at short pump. fun people watching. but i'm not otherwise a fan! :)

            and despite the clicheness and your having said you don't need great beers - i still think in this fabulous weather (should it continue) when you can sit out at the lake, it is hard to beat the capital ale house.

            1. re: AMFM

              I've actually been to Bar Louie - and I felt ancient! Lots of youngin's the night we were there.

              A good friend of mine hangs out there often (he can walk home). He's single and in his early 30s. He sure does meet a lot of women there, it seems.

              1. re: VaPaula

                My daughter and her friends hang out at Bar Louie's...LOL

                1. re: Janet from Richmond

                  i do know some young people that go there too but it definitely has the"cougar" reputation for this side of town.

              2. re: AMFM

                Don't get me wrong....I love the Alehouse but the private home, where I'll be staying in Richmond, is essentially a "residential" version of the Alehouse. In fact, some of the Alehouse management will be with this group of guys. Thanks for the various ideas.....I'll do a quick write up next week.

                1. re: cajun willie

                  Another place to consider (depending on the night of the week) is Flemings. Good wine...on a busy night lots of 30-50 somethings but it is a restaurant with a bar, not a "bar" place as such.

                  1. re: Janet from Richmond

                    I just remembered Mediterranean Bakery. They have some great Middle Eastern foods that we often take out. They are on Quiocassin a bit west of Tortilleria San Luis on the north side of the street.

            2. Whenever my fiance and I happen to be near Regency Mall and need a drink or a bite, we always end up Melito's - on the corner of Ridge and Three Chopt - or at The Tavern at Patterson and Three Chopt. Both are laid back local restaurants/bars close to Regency. Melito's is known for their hotdogs. I wouldn't normally recommend them over other places, but they are both in your geographic area. There is a good wine and beer shop in the same shopping center as The Tavern. But you are probably familiar with them by the sound of it. :)

              Also, there is a divey Mexican place at Parham and Quioccasin called El Chapala. Super-cheap and yummy. The green sauce is wonderful. They also do take-out.

              2 Replies
              1. re: AlliRoll

                we like melito's and i love the tavern (just so divey but i can still bring my kids) but i wasn't sure it would fit the bill. melito's isn't a bad idea though.

                1. re: AMFM

                  I agree with the Melito and Tavern recommendations as well.