Just north of downtown Richmond, the historic neighborhood of Brookland Park blends timeless charm with a wave of fresh energy. Once a thriving streetcar suburb, this area is known for its beautiful late 19th and early 20th-century architecture, tree-lined streets, and welcoming community feel. At the heart of it all is Brookland Park Boulevard, the neighborhood’s “Main Street,” where you’ll find a growing collection of locally owned Richmond businesses.
From cozy cafes and vibrant eateries to unique shops and boutique fitness studios, both long-standing favorites and exciting new arrivals are making Brookland Park a must-visit destination for locals and visitors alike. Looking to spend a day in Brookland Park? Check out our neighborhood guide below:
WHERE TO EAT & DRINK IN BROOKLAND PARK
Michaela’s Bakery
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Perhaps best known for baking the original Richmond-famous Thalhimer’s six-layer cake over 80 years ago, Michaela’s is a go-to for baked goods, including decorated cakes, tarts, eclairs, and cream puffs. Craving the beloved Thalhimer’s cake? You can still pick one of those up in one of six flavors.
Smoky Mug
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Smoky Mug quickly became a neighborhood favorite since its original opening in 2020. Newly reopened just down the block in a larger space, Smoky Mug keeps Brookland Park well stocked in coffee and breakfast burritos, as well as Texas-style BBQ and craft Tex-Mex.
Slay Burger
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A new take on the quintessential hamburger stand, Slay Burger is best known for slaying perfectly smashed burgers topped with their signature Slay sauce. The to-go counter service eatery also offers chicken and turkey options as well as chicken wings and onion rings to complete your meal.
Ruby Scoops
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In a town filled with great ice cream, Ruby Scoops stands out for its exceptional small-batch ice cream, sorbets, and desserts. With unique flavors and vegan options, it can be hard to pick a favorite, which is why they also offer their signature ice cream flights, where guests can try six flavors at once.
Fuzzy Cactus
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The neighborhood watering hole, Fuzzy Cactus opened in 2019, bringing a unique blend of local live music and affordable, but quality food and drinks to Brookland Park. From creative cocktails and fried chicken to live shows and karaoke nights, Fuzzy Cactus is best experienced to be understood.
Nomad Deli and Catering Co.
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Whether you’re craving a hearty breakfast sandwich or a classic deli favorite, Nomad Deli has you covered. Feeding a crowd? Their catering menu delivers big, think family dinner packages, game day spreads, and sandwich platters made to impress.
Julio’s Bagel Shop
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What’s a great neighborhood without a bagel shop? Julio’s, which opened in spring 2025, has quickly become a Brookland Park favorite, serving up fresh, perfectly boiled-and-baked bagels every day.
Ninja Kombucha Brewing Co
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Prominently perched on the corner of Brookland Park Boulevard and Hanes Avenue, this brightly hued taproom has brightened the neighborhood since 2019. This first company in Virginia to offer canned kombucha in Virginia, Ninja Kombucha uses high-quality teas and layered tea bases to create award winning, complex flavorful offerings.
Die By Fry
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From white cheddar crab fries to bulgogi fries, poutine fries to bang bang shrimp fries, Die By Fry is where fries take center stage. A newer addition to Brookland Park, this fry shop doesn’t stop at fries; they also offer a variety of eats, including halal entrees, quesadillas, and corn dogs.
WHERE TO SHOP IN BROOKLAND PARK
Alma’s Gallery & Shop
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A stunning addition to Brookland Park, this bright artist-run gallery and shop features a rotating curated selection of contemporary pieces from small-batch handmade works to one-of-a-kind museum-quality pieces. A majority of the artists featured are local to Richmond.
Brookland Park Flowers and Gifts
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More than just a neighborhood florist, Brookland Park Flowers and Gifts is your go-to for thoughtful finds— whether you’re treating yourself or surprising someone special. From stylish barware to cheeky buttons, it’s the perfect place to pick up that little something extra.
Bazaar Boutique
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A resale and consignment standout, Bazaar Boutique offers women’s fashion at wallet-friendly prices. More than just a shop, it’s a hands-on style studio where personalized assistance helps every customer discover and embrace their unique look. Browse brands like Chico’s, LOFT, Ann Taylor, Vince Camuto, and more, all curated for style and value.
I Love You So Much Books (ILYSM)
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A cozy community-centered bookstore committed to nurturing a safe space for discovery, curiosity and connection, ILYSM opened its first brick and mortar location in Brookland Park in 2025. Previously a pop-up, ILYSM offers a variety of genres with an emphasis on hard-to-find and unique titles.
THINGS TO DO IN BROOKLAND PARK
Hand/Thrown Ceramics Studio
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Rooted in creativity and connection, Hand/Thrown is a gathering place for ceramicists of every skill level. In its 1,000-square-foot Brookland Park studio, creatives come together to learn, share, and create through a variety of ceramic arts classes and workshops, all designed to inspire and nurture artistic growth.
Diamonds & Dutch Pet Bath and Spa
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Bath time just got easier for your four-legged friend at Diamonds & Dutch, a do-it-yourself pet wash in Brookland Park. They provide tubs, warm water, and plenty of space so you can bathe your pet comfortably and with ease. Prefer to leave it to the pros? Full-service grooming appointments are also available.
BOHO Studios
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One of Richmond’s original boutique fitness studios, BOHO Studios has been inspiring people to move since 2013 with offerings that include indoor cycling, personal training, strength and circuit training, functional fitness, and Yoga. In early 2019, BOHO brought its energy and expertise to Brookland Park with the opening of its third location.
Honorable Mention: SCRAP RVA
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Now part of a national network of creative reuse centers, SCRAP RVA began as a local initiative called Stuff Inc., founded in 2008. Over the years, it evolved into Stuff Redux before joining the SCRAP USA network in 2016 and adopting its current name. Today, SCRAP RVA thrives as a hub for upcycling and creative reuse, where the community can donate materials or hunt for treasures to transform into their next project— all at affordable prices and with the added benefit of keeping goods and materials out of landfills.
COMING SOON TO BROOKLAND PARK
The growth and development in Brookland Park isn’t slowing down. These local businesses plan to open their doors soon:
Brandery Richmond
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A collaborative space where creativity, community, and entrepreneurship come together in Brookland Park. This new venture will offer creative coworking and content studio space above Smoky Mug for businesses, creatives, and the community to connect, grow, and build meaningful brands together beginning later this summer.
Auntie Nings
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Auntie Ning’s is bringing a taste of the Philippines to Brookland Park. What started as a startup, selling out of food trucks, ghost kitchens, and commissary kitchens has found its first permanent home in Smoky Mug’s recently vacated former space. The new eatery is expected to open this summer.
Find more local businesses in the Brookland Park neighborhood >>
