If the name Bookbinder’s sounds like a place you should know about in Richmond, VA, that’s because it really is. This isn’t just another seafood and steak restaurant—it’s a spot packed with history, loaded with flavor, and wrapped in the kind of atmosphere that makes you feel like you’re part of a time-tested tradition. Located in the historic American Cigar Building in Richmond’s Tobacco Row, Bookbinder’s has been serving up seriously good meals since its roots began over a century ago.
A Journey from Philadelphia to Richmond
The story starts way back in 1865 in Philadelphia, right at the end of the American Civil War. Samuel and Sarah Bookbinder opened a little restaurant by the docks on the Delaware River. They had the perfect setup—a bustling port city with fresh seafood from the Chesapeake Bay arriving daily, along with fresh produce from nearby farms. Sarah’s daily ritual of ringing a bell at noon to call dockworkers, sea captains, and merchants to lunch soon turned their place into a local legend.
The restaurant stayed in the Bookbinder family until the Great Depression, when it nearly shut down. But in 1945, a savvy businessman named John Taxin took over and turned it into the success that it is today. The Taxin family still runs the Richmond location, keeping a close eye on maintaining the same quality and spirit that made the original spot famous. They proudly welcome guests every day like family, keeping the legacy alive in a modern yet classic setting.
Where History Meets Flavor
Walking into Bookbinder’s, you’ll find a fine mix of old-world charm and modern dining comfort. The building itself comes with its own stories—the American Cigar Building dates back to 1901 and features elegant stained glass with bas-reliefs of U.S. Presidents. If you look closely, you’ll spot old cobblestones from Walnut Street—the very same stones that saw footsteps from the Continental and British armies back during the Revolutionary War. It’s a place where history doesn’t just stay in the past; it’s part of the dining experience.
This spot has hosted presidents, celebrities, and countless regular folks who appreciate good food and a warm welcome. From Diamond Jim Brady to Tennessee Williams, generations have passed through these doors, adding their own chapters to the Bookbinder’s story.
What’s on the Menu?
Bookbinder’s doesn’t mess around when it comes to food. The seafood is fresh and simple, highlighting the natural flavors of the bay and coast. Favorites include the jumbo lump crab cakes, fried jumbo shrimp, and sesame-crusted yellowfin tuna. The seafood is usually prepared with fresh herbs, olive oil, lemon juice, and a pinch of sea salt—letting the ingredients do the heavy lifting.
For steak lovers, the choices are rich and hearty. The cowboy ribeye (18 ounces of pure beef joy), Kona coffee-crusted filet mignon, and the 32-ounce Porterhouse are among the stars. The steak and crab combo—an eight-ounce petite filet with a five-ounce jumbo lump crab cake—is a strong contender for anyone who can’t decide between surf and turf.
And it’s not just about meat and fish. They also offer vegan options that hit the mark, like grilled portobello mushrooms over white beans and zucchini linguine with tomato, olives, and capers. For sides, think lobster mac and cheese, creamed spinach with smoked bacon, and crispy Idaho potato bites called Johnnie’s potatoes.
Special Touches and Events
Bookbinder’s likes to keep things interesting with special events like French Wine Dinners, where five courses are paired with perfect wines. Plus, it welcomes private events and celebrations with open arms—making it the perfect spot for a date night, a birthday bash, or just a casual night out that feels a little special.
Parking in downtown Richmond can be a bear, but Bookbinder’s offers free parking — a little victory for hungry diners.
Location and Hours
Bookbinder’s Seafood & Steakhouse is located at:
2306 E Cary St, Richmond, VA 23223
The restaurant is open to serve up its dishes on:
-
Monday to Thursday: 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
-
Friday and Saturday: 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM
-
Sunday: 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Why Bookbinder’s Still Rocks Richmond
With so many places to eat out these days, Bookbinder’s sticks around because it embraces what made it great from day one: top-notch seafood and steaks, a friendly and knowledgeable staff, and a deep respect for tradition without being stuck in the past. No stiff vibes here—just a warm, down-to-earth restaurant that’s proud to share its history and its food.
Booking a seat at Bookbinder’s means more than just a meal. It’s a chance to experience a restaurant with character, history, and dishes that speak for themselves. The original bell Sarah rang may not call dockworkers anymore, but it still rings loud in every bite served here.
So if Richmond is calling and the craving is seafood or steak, Bookbinder’s Seafood & Steakhouse is the place to go. It’s a spot where history mixes with hungry appetites, and every dish comes with a story worth savoring.
Source: bookbindersrichmond.com
Header Image Source: grubhub.com
