Garnett's
A charming, nostalgic diner in Richmond's Fan District serving up old-fashioned sandwiches and decadent homemade desserts.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Garnett's
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming, nostalgic diner in Richmond's Fan District serving up old-fashioned sandwiches and decadent homemade desserts.
Off-Peak Hours Recommended
Consider visiting during off-peak hours to avoid potential waits and ensure a smoother dining experience.
Be Prepared for In-Person
If calling ahead doesn't work, be prepared for an in-person visit as online ordering may not always be available.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
American, Cafe
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Nostalgic Diner Ambiance
Step back in time with Garnett's funky diner decor, offering a cozy and nostalgic atmosphere perfect for a relaxed meal.
Legendary Sandwiches & Desserts
Savor old-fashioned sandwiches with unique options and don't miss the divine homemade cakes and pies.
Picnic Basket Experience
Enjoy a unique picnic experience with a vintage basket to-go, perfect for a charming escape to a nearby park.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Off-Peak Hours Recommended
Consider visiting during off-peak hours to avoid potential waits and ensure a smoother dining experience.
Be Prepared for In-Person
If calling ahead doesn't work, be prepared for an in-person visit as online ordering may not always be available.
Don't Miss Off-Menu
Ask about off-menu favorites, such as the highly recommended Point Guard sandwich.
Save Room for Dessert
Definitely save room for their delicious homemade cakes and pies, often displayed under a counter dome.
Tips
from all over the internet
Off-Peak Hours Recommended
Consider visiting during off-peak hours to avoid potential waits and ensure a smoother dining experience.
Be Prepared for In-Person
If calling ahead doesn't work, be prepared for an in-person visit as online ordering may not always be available.
Don't Miss Off-Menu
Ask about off-menu favorites, such as the highly recommended Point Guard sandwich.
Save Room for Dessert
Definitely save room for their delicious homemade cakes and pies, often displayed under a counter dome.
Date Night Deal
Check out the special $35 date night deal, which includes two menu items and a bottle of wine.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Garnett's is celebrated for its delicious and well-priced sandwiches, along with delightful homemade desserts like pie. The cozy, nostalgic diner atmosphere adds to its charm, though some patrons note that the staff can be perceived as unfriendly. Despite occasional service critiques, the consistent quality of food and value makes it a highly recommended spot.
"Small, good for lunch, they have a $35 date special for two menu items and a wine so I'll be back for that. The Leek and Potato soup was really good. The croque monsieur was good but the bottom piece of bread was so hard that I couldn't cut through it with a steak knife. It was fine though, I just ate the rest. The atmosphere was cozy and nice."
Holly C
"This place is a gem, cute and cozy. The food comes quick and always on point. I love the point guard with a side of potato salad in the window seat overlooking the park. They will also pack you a cute little picnic basket to take over to the park for a more intimate escape into the city. The server is always kind and polite. I really cannot recommend Garnetts enough, don’t take my word for it. Go check them out yourself!!"
Nicholas Moon
"First time enjoying this establishment since living in Richmond and without a doubt this will be a repeat location.
Ordered the cali club sandwich (turkey, avocado, mayo, bacon, and lettuce) with a side of chips. Also ordered the Belle sandwich which was made in their house made Boston Brown bread with a side of French potato salad.
Even though this location is small in size, it is mighty in flavors. The chips it was served with complimented the sandwich perfectly. As well as the potatoes with the house made bread.
We also took a slice of the banana cream pie to go. Ate that later at home and I wish we would've ordered a whole pie. The crust was D-E-V-I-N-E. Amazing flavor and the pie packed a punch of goodness.
I could definitely have this place weekly for any of their sandwiches and be one happy camper."
David T
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Popular choices include the Point Guard sandwich, Croque Monsieur, and any of the homemade pies and cakes. The Haberdasher (smoked salmon sandwich) is also a standout.
Yes, Garnett's is noted as a gluten-free haven with many gluten-free options available for their sandwiches and other menu items.
The restaurant is quite small, and it's recommended to visit during off-peak hours to avoid long waits, suggesting reservations may not be standard.
Online ordering may not always be available, so be prepared for an in-person visit if calling ahead doesn't work.
Garnett's offers a $35 date night special that includes two menu items and a bottle of wine.
Yes, Garnett's has several vegetarian options available, including their delicious sandwiches and salads.
Yes, Garnett's offers a vintage picnic basket to-go, perfect for enjoying a meal at a nearby park.
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Best & Worst 2025: Food & Drink
A beloved neighborhood corner sandwich spot, Garnett’s has kept much of its essence — such as the menu and eclectic collection of art on the walls — the same in its 14 years of operation. It remains the perfect place for a lunch date where you can share a Scuffletown Chicken Salad Sandwich and a Haberdasher before splitting a slice of the shop’s legendary pie. But manager John Murden says there are some new things to note, specifically an upgraded AC system that makes August in the Fan more bearable; inclusion in the coveted Business Cats of Richmond map for its nearly 20-year-old neighbor cat, Toby; and the charming Garnett’s postcards that guests can grab from a stack by the front window.
Where To Eat In Richmond, Virginia, Right Now
Housed in a former drugstore on the corner of Park Avenue and Meadow Street, Garnett’s captures all the nostalgia of an old-fashioned neighborhood café. Guests can order grandmother-approved sandwiches like Louisville Hot Browns, BBLTs (the classic bacon sandwich, plus Benedictine spread), and Scuffletown Chicken Salad. Seasoned visitors know to save room for the layer cake of the moment (think classic flavors like hummingbird, 7-Up, and red velvet), usually housed under a dome on the restaurant’s counter.
Top 10 Lunch Spots in RVA
2001 Park Ave Richmond, VirginiaFacebook | Website | Twitter | Photo: Garnett’s FB. For such a small and cozy cafe, Garnett’s offers a wide variety of sandwich goodness. The Big Daddy (roast beef, ham, turkey, swiss, lettuce, tomato, dijon, and mayo on toasted Italian bread) and the Croque Monsieur are popular choices while the black-eyed pea salad and the French potato salad are good side options.
5 places to grab lunch under $10 in Richmond
What's on the menu: Garnett's has a variety of sandwiches, salads and appetizers with more than a dozen options under $10. Hot sandwich with gravy starting at $10.50, grilled sandwiches starting at $8, cold sandwiches starting at $8.50 and salads starting at $8.50.
Highest-rated Brunch Restaurants in Richmond, According to Tripadvisor
- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (105 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.5/5), Atmosphere (4.5/5)- Type of cuisine: American, Cafe- Price: $- Address: 2001 Park Ave, Richmond, VA 23220-2711- Read more on Tripadvisor
The Complete Guide to Visiting Richmond, Virginia
Nestled in Richmond’s iconic Fan District, Garnett's Cafe is a charming sandwich shop with a cozy atmosphere and a menu featuring tempting desserts. This is a perfect spot for a casual dinner date or a leisurely cup of coffee.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit