Lunch hour just got an upgrade. If you’re cruising around the Short Pump Town Center in Richmond, Virginia, and your stomach is asking for something way beyond your average sandwich and chips, take a look at The Boathouse. Just steps from the stores, you’ll find seafood that’s so fresh, you’ll forget you’re not by the water — yet still in the heart of retail paradise at 11800 W. Broad St.
The Lunch Scene at The Boathouse
Walking in, sunlight sparkles through tall windows onto your table. The Boathouse is as lively at lunch as it is in the evenings, with cheerful service and a menu that rewrites the rules of midday eating. Swivel a few heads as you settle in; the cozy, upscale vibe (think antique chandelier, vintage fireplace, and white-washed brick) feels like a big step up from most mall eats.
And as for the food? Expect seafood and American classics done right with top-shelf ingredients.
Taste Waves: What’s on the Menu
Redefine lunch with a lineup built to impress:
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Starters That Steal the Show: Dive into the hot Crab & Artichoke Dip served with crisp toasted baguette. Try the Fried Oysters with slaw and house-made pickles for a crunchy treat, or the crowd-favorite Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Calabrian chilies and balsamic glaze.
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Fresh Raw Bar: Oysters—raw, roasted, or fried—are just $1 each during Happy Hour (weekdays 4–6pm), or go all-in with a Chilled Seafood Tray featuring oysters, clams, shrimp cocktail, smoked salmon, and mussels.
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Soups and Salads With Personality: The Boathouse Wedge Salad with gorgonzola, smoked bacon, and heirloom tomato, or the Classic Caesar with white anchovies, make lunch feel special. Add grilled shrimp, Atlantic salmon, or a crab cake to make any salad a complete meal.
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Handhelds for the Bold: The Crab Cake Sandwich is loaded with lettuce, tomato, and tartar sauce on a buttery brioche bun served with Old Bay chips—Richmond’s crustacean royalty in sandwich form. The Boathouse Burger, a hearty helping of Seven Hills beef with smoked bacon and cheddar, is perfect if you’re after something classic but elevated.
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House Specialties: Satisfy a seafood craving with Beer Battered Fish & Chips, Shrimp & Grits (hello, Surry sausage and Cajun cream sauce!), or a Broiled Seafood Combination featuring crab cake, jumbo shrimp, and scallops. There’s also a showstopping Whole Maine Lobster for anyone craving the big leagues.
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Something for Everyone: Not in a fishy mood? Lunch still rocks. Try Grilled Chicken Florentine piled high with pasta, spinach, and roasted mushrooms, or a hearty steak cooked just how you like it.
Take note—most dishes offer gluten-free options and vegan-friendly sides. No one gets left out at this lunch table.
Quick Bites—Or Big Celebrations
Maybe you’re in for a swift solo lunch break, a business catch-up, or a bigger family gathering. The Boathouse makes all of it easy. There’s a private room for up to 12 guests—the VIP way to have that team lunch or birthday bash, decked out with vintage details and even its own presentation-ready tech.
Happy Every Hour
If you’ve got a little time after noon or want to turn lunch into an afternoon affair, Happy Hour runs every weekday from 4pm to 6pm. Half-priced draft beer, cocktails, and wines by the glass, plus those famous oysters for a buck each—need anyone say more?
Fun Vibes, Zero Fuss
Lunch at The Boathouse is designed to be both fun and fuss-free. You can wander in straight from shopping, meet up with friends, or plan a mini getaway from the office grind. The relaxed atmosphere, sunny interiors, and always-smiling team make sure your experience is every bit as memorable as the menu.
Getting There
You can find The Boathouse in Short Pump Town Center—no need for GPS confusion or meandering drives. The exact spot is 11800 W. Broad St., Richmond, VA 23233. Got a group or thinking about that private room? Call ahead at 804-360-7200. Walk-ins are welcome, and the energy starts humming from 11am every day (10am on Sundays for brunch).
Why Wait?
Lunch doesn’t have to be just another meal. Seafood lovers, locals, and anyone with an appetite for great food will find that The Boathouse is the spot to turn a regular lunch into something genuinely memorable. Try something new. Bring your friends, your coworkers, or just your hunger—you’ll find a reason to come back long before dinner.
Sources: theboathouse.com, yelp.com, The Boathouse Facebook Page, The Boathouse Instagram Page
Header Image Source: theboathouse.com
