Welcome to the Peter Paul neighborhood, an often overlooked but delightfully delicious corner of Richmond’s East End. For locals in the know, the streets stretching from North 25th to North 28th, and especially those flanking Nine Mile Road, are bursting with flavor, community spirit, and real Richmond character. From hole-in-the-wall cafés to beloved bakeries and food trucks that gather crowds, Peter Paul’s food scene is quietly thriving. Whether you’re a dedicated diner, a curious visitor, or a neighborhood native, here’s your guide to the best bites and sips in Peter Paul.
Classic Soul Food and Local Favorites
- Family Secrets Soul Food (Corner of Nine Mile Rd and N 26th St)
Family Secrets Soul Food is a beloved institution where generations have dined on comforting, homemade recipes. The fried chicken here crackles with flavor, collard greens are perfectly seasoned, and the mac-and-cheese is the very definition of indulgence. Expect generous portions, welcoming service, and a thoroughly East End vibe.
- Friendly’s Café (N 25th St, just off Nine Mile Rd)
This casual spot is part diner, part local hangout. Friendly’s Café is best known for its grits-and-egg breakfasts, golden biscuits, and an impressive lineup of lunch specials (think fried fish sandwiches and stewed chicken). The prices here are wallet-friendly, rarely topping $10 for a satisfying meal.
- Libby Hill Seafood Express (E Fairmount Ave at the intersection with N 25th St)
Seafood lovers flock to Libby Hill’s counter-service location, where fried whiting, hush puppies, and crab cakes are served hot and fast. It’s a staple for Friday dinners and midweek treats, with combos that rarely break $15.
Hidden Gems: Underrated Treats
- Jackson’s Café and Catering (N 27th St near Peter Paul Development Center)
Jackson’s is a gem for both eat-in and take-home meals. Specializing in Southern classics with creative touches — consider the turkey wings with spicy gravy, or the vegan black-eyed pea stew — it’s a hero for those seeking flavor on a budget ($6-$12 plates).
- O Taste and See Bakery (Nine Mile Rd & N 28th St)
Step inside for tantalizing aromas of fresh-baked pastries, cupcakes, and cinnamon rolls. Their signature sweet potato pie is a must-try. Prices range from $2 for cookies to $5 slices of decadent cake. This locally owned bakery frequently partners with Peter Paul’s schools and community centers, giving it a true neighborhood feel.
Food Trucks: Street Eats With Soul
- Mo’s BBQ (Usually parked at N 25th St and Venable St)
Mo’s is a word-of-mouth sensation, known for smoky pulled pork sandwiches overflowing with homemade slaw. The ribs are tender, and the sides (especially the tangy baked beans) shine. Entrees start at $8, with cash and Venmo accepted.
- Fresh to You Tacos (Nine Mile Rd, weekend pop-up)
This family-run taco truck draws crowds for its flavorful carnitas, freshly grilled corn tortillas, and zesty house-made salsas. Vegan and vegetarian options rotate weekly, and nothing on the menu is over $7. It’s popular among students and families alike.
Go-To Cafés and Coffee Spots
- The Corner Café (Corner of Nine Mile Rd and N 26th St)
Cozy and welcoming, The Corner Café offers robust coffee, herbal teas, and a small, rotating menu of sandwiches and pastries. Their ham and cheddar croissant sandwiches are a breakfast steal, and the cold brew is known to kick-start any morning. Most items are under $8.
- Sunrise Grind (Inside Peter Paul Community Center, N 22nd St)
This nonprofit coffee counter serves locally roasted beans, along with homemade granola bars and fruit cups. Open to the public, Sunrise Grind doubles as a gathering spot and a student work experience program — a cup of coffee here supports the community.
Up-and-Coming & Eclectic Eats
- Taste of Ethiopia (Pop-up, check for schedules at local churches on N 28th St)
If you’re lucky to catch this mobile eatery, try their injera platters topped with spicy lentils, collards, and slow-cooked doro wat chicken. Prices hover around $12 for sharing plates. It’s a new favorite for adventurous eaters and a sign of the neighborhood’s growing culinary diversity.
- Harold’s Deli (East Leigh St & N 27th St)
Harold’s feels unchanged from decades past, and that’s why locals love it. Build your own sandwich with thick-sliced bread and classic fillings, or opt for their rotating “Blue Plate Specials” under $9. The potato salad here has a cult following.
Local Traditions and Community Events
Peter Paul’s food scene really shines during events like block parties and community festivals hosted at the Peter Paul Development Center and along Nine Mile Road in early fall and spring. Look for mini food markets and barbecue contests, where home cooks compete alongside established names. Don’t miss the Annual Soul Food Cook-Off, where you can sample everything from honey-glazed ham to pound cake and cornbread.
Why Peter Paul’s Food Scene Stands Out
What separates Peter Paul from other neighborhoods is its deep connection between food and community. Many eateries are family-owned or BIPOC-run, recipes are cherished and handed down, and regulars are welcomed like friends. Whether you’re sitting at a café counter, ordering from a food truck, or celebrating at a neighborhood event, you’ll find that hospitality and flavor go hand-in-hand.
Peter Paul may fly under the radar, but if you’re seeking soulful eats, local color, and a taste of Richmond’s evolving food culture, it’s a destination you won’t want to miss. Come curious, come hungry — and get ready to discover your new favorite spot.