Julep’s New Southern Cuisine is a beloved restaurant in Richmond, VA, offering a friendly and welcoming place to enjoy modern Southern food made with care and fresh ingredients. Located at 420 East Grace Street, this eatery brings classic Southern dishes into the modern era without losing the comforting flavors that fans of Southern cuisine love.
Operating Hours and Location
The restaurant operates Tuesday through Saturday from 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM, making it a perfect spot for dinner midweek or on weekends. Whether you’re a local or visiting Richmond, Julep’s offers a relaxed atmosphere combined with attentive service, making every meal feel special. The address is 420 East Grace Street, Richmond, VA 23219, and reservations or inquiries can be made by calling (804) 377-3968.
Appetizers to Start the Meal
Julep’s menu features a diverse range of dishes inspired by Southern tradition, presented with a fresh twist. For starters, guests often enjoy fried green tomatoes served with Julep’s own pimento cheese, smoky bacon, and peppadew aioli. The charcuterie plate is another great choice, featuring artisan meats and cheeses paired with seasonal preserves and pickles. Another standout appetizer is the Edwards Virginia country ham ravioli, served with crisped spinach and a brown butter sauce that adds a buttery, nutty flavor.
If soup or salad is preferred, the she crab soup is a rich favorite, made with jumbo lump crab and chives, accented by sherry reduction and crispy fried green tomato “croutons.” Salads include options like the Southern Caesar, which features cornbread croutons, Creole Caesar dressing with white anchovies, and freshly shaved Parmesan cheese, or the Arcadian Spring salad, loaded with fresh vegetables, feta, and toasted pistachios.
Main Dishes with Southern Flair
For main courses, Julep’s is particularly known for its signature shrimp and grits—a Southern classic made with colossal Gulf shrimp, creamy white cheddar grits from Byrd’s Mill, andouille sausage, and a spicy shrimp broth. For meat lovers, there’s tender filet mignon served with smoked cheddar gratin potatoes and pan-fried Brussels sprouts, or a dry-aged New York strip steak accompanied by duck fat-poached fingerling potatoes and asparagus.
Those who prefer seafood can enjoy fresh, seasonal fish dishes like grilled whole black bass or the jumbo lump Chesapeake Bay crab cake, which comes with sweet pepper slaw, a white cheddar grit cake, and smoky Cajun remoulade.
Julep’s menu is also a playground of interesting flavors with choices such as honey-dusted scallops served alongside jalapeño spoonbread, pickled strawberries, and hickory-smoked pork belly, giving a delightful mix of sweetness, heat, and smoky depth. Duck lovers can relish the duck prepared two ways, featuring garlic and fennel purée, kumquats, roasted fennel, and lavender duck jus.
Delicious Desserts and After-Dinner Drinks
To finish off a delicious meal, dessert options include rich treats like banana fosters served tableside, bourbon pecan pie paired with vanilla ice cream and caramel, flourless chocolate torte with berry compote, or classic sticky toffee pudding cake with buttermilk ice cream. Julep’s also offers after-dinner drinks such as a mint julep coffee, French connection, and a chocolate martini, perfect for winding down the evening.
Thoughtful Drink Selection
The drink menu is just as thoughtfully curated, with a wide selection of wines, cocktails, and a notable list of bourbons, Irish whiskeys, and scotches. Their knowledgeable staff can help diners find the perfect drink to pair with their meal, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Welcoming Atmosphere and Service
Customers of Julep’s often praise the combination of high-quality ingredients, creative flavors, and friendly staff. The restaurant offers a clean, cozy setting that works well for dates, dinners with friends or family, and even private parties. Curbside pickup is also available for those who want to enjoy Julep’s New Southern Cuisine from the comfort of home.
Julep’s New Southern Cuisine is a comfortable and inviting restaurant that honors Southern food traditions while adding new flavors and presentations. Its location at 420 East Grace Street in Richmond, VA, is a convenient and attractive spot for anyone craving authentic yet innovative Southern dishes. With its welcoming atmosphere, excellent food, great drinks, and friendly service, Julep’s truly makes Southern cooking something to celebrate.
Whether it’s starting the meal with fried green tomatoes or ending it with a warm slice of bread pudding, Julep’s New Southern Cuisine stands out as a must-visit spot in Richmond for anyone who enjoys honest, tasty Southern food served with care.
Sources: rva.juleps.net, tripadvisor.com
Header Image Source: styleweekly.com
