In 1910, Manchester merged with Richmond and became the capital’s newest neighborhood. 115 years later, Manchester is a fixture of the city’s downtown area with many unique offerings for both residents and visitors. A combination of history, community, and culture, these local favorites are an important part of what gives this neighborhood so much personality.
Teeming with food, entertainment, nature, and more, Manchester is such an exciting neighborhood to visit any time of year. Some local joints have been here for decades, and others are just moving in, but no matter how long they’ve been around, they all make a lasting impression.
Richmond Railroad Museum**
A & F SEAFOOD DELI
Described by fans as a hidden gem, A&F Seafood Deli has been a part of the Manchester family for almost 40 years now. A&F’s mouthwatering selection of locally sourced seafood is as warm and inviting as the family that owns and operates it.
We talked with Ahmed, son of A&F’s founder and one of three brothers who now manage the business. Giving us a quick origin story, he tells us the restaurant started as a fish market in Brooklyn, New York.
“Things are a little too, you know, noisy out there. So [my father] decided to take his talents down to Richmond, Virginia, where he opened up on Hull Street,” and it has remained a staple of the community ever since.
Always willing to go the extra mile for their customers, it’s a restaurant you can count on for spectacular food, served with a smile. Perfectly prepared and seasoned, their Grilled Mediterranean Salmon and Shrimp Po’ Boy are a pleasure to partake in. There aren’t many places where customers get treated like a part of the family, and fed like family, too.
“We’re not just like any sort of fast food restaurant. We actually care about the quality of the food we put out. We actually care about the affordability of the food we put out.”
Closed on Mondays, you can swing by for lunch or dinner Tuesday through Sunday for delicious seafood at a great price. You’ll be wondering where this place has been all your life. Come see for yourself how brilliantly tasty this place is. There’s no doubt you’ll be swimming back for more.
Though Ahmed grew up in Manchester, he admits the neighborhood never ceases to surprise him. “There’s so many things in Manchester that you wouldn’t realize. There’s always something to find out, you know, always something to discover.” The variety of activities, tastes, and cultures you’ll find here is exactly what attracts so many visitors.
“They realize its beauty, they realize its proximity to everything, to downtown, to the university, to the river. And it’s a very quiet, very scalable, walkable area. You could walk your dog and you could cross the bridge and go visit Browns Island.” An unbeatable location with easy access to nature, bustling city centers, and top-notch restaurants like A & F Seafood Deli, Manchester is at the heart of something truly special.
T. Tyler Potterfield Memorial Bridge
LEGEND BREWING CO.
How could we discuss Manchester icons and not talk about Legend Brewing Co., the oldest operating craft brewery in Virginia? Manchester has been Legend’s home since the ’90s and they’re as happy as anyone to see the neighborhood evolve.
“There has been so much growth over the past ten to twelve years here in Manchester,” says Taproom Director, Steve Staiti.
“[But] I think Manchester as a whole is not as well known as it should be,” echoing Ahmed’s sentiment, “There is so much more to this neighborhood than people realize.”
You’re always welcome to hike over and try one of their refreshing house-made brews, like their ever-popular Legend Brown Ale. Whether you’re cooling off in the summer or warming up in the winter, you’ll be saying “aaahhh” all season long. More than just a brewery, Legend hosts the Richmond Growers Market and is home to many post-hike hangouts. All in all, it’s a great place to grab a cold one and connect.
STUDIO TWO THREE
Studio Two Three is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community art space dedicated to spreading the power of self-expression as far as their influence will reach. They’ve already grown from a 400 square-foot space to a 16,000 square-foot studio that caters to artists from all over the area. The studio itself is over 80 years old, built as the Bainbridge Junior High School gymnasium, before being renovated in 2005 to become the Dogtown Dance Theater. Settled into their new home in 2022, Studio Two Three now allows 24/7 access to their printing presses, encouraging you to be creative whenever the moment strikes you.
Studio Two Three*
Whether you’re making posters for a local gathering or T-shirts for a family reunion, Studio Two Three understands the importance of putting the power of art in the hands of the public. It’s your art and your message on your terms. Anything an artist makes at Studio Two Three belongs to the artist. They offer a range of wonderful workshops on everything from figure drawing and letterpress to Suminagashi, the art of Japanese paper marbling. Check out their calendar for upcoming events and go make some art.
Shop Two Three*
RICHMOND RAILROAD MUSEUM
Nowhere else in the world will you find a museum as niche and charming as the Richmond Railroad Museum. The artifactual history and interactive displays make it fun for all ages. The museum houses Richmond’s largest HO scale model railroad. You could watch the track for hours, following the train around the room, and discover something new with every loop around the sprawling rural landscape.
Richmond Railroad Museum**
Learn to type your own name in Morse Code using a telegraph machine, at one of this museum's many hands-on exhibits! This place is perfect for exploring by yourself, on a date, or with your friends and family. No matter who you’re with, you’re bound to be wide-eyed with wonder at everything the Richmond Railroad Museum has to offer.
Virginia railroading has a long and storied history that you can learn about through archival photographs and documents detailing the industry’s operations throughout the state. These archival materials are only available by special appointment, but don’t let that stop you from diving deep into Virginia’s locomotive past. The Richmond Railroad Museum is operated by the Old Dominion Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society and is open Saturdays and Sundays. Get your caboose down to the Railroad Museum and let your curiosity take you for a ride.
Satisfy your appetite for something new and visit Manchester for a variety of exciting outings. With many opportunities for exploration, fun, and most importantly, food, Manchester is quickly becoming a frequent stop for many Richmonders. It’s the perfect neighborhood for an after-work drink or a pre-concert bite, not to mention the amazing views of the river. Manchester is truly a one-of-a-kind place to live, work, and play.
Studio Two Three*
*Photos by Tj Ponds
**Photos by Mikaela Peters