Sally Bell's Kitchen Inc
A century-old Richmond bakeshop serving quintessential Southern box lunches, celebrated for quality ingredients and James Beard recognition.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Sally Bell's Kitchen Inc
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A century-old Richmond bakeshop serving quintessential Southern box lunches, celebrated for quality ingredients and James Beard recognition.
Order Boxed Lunch
Includes sandwich, side, deviled egg, cheese wafer & cupcake. Great value!
Visit Off-Peak Hours
Arrive early, like 10:30 AM on a Monday, to avoid lines and ensure your favorites are available.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
American
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Iconic Box Lunch
A quintessential Southern meal in a neat package: sandwich, side, deviled egg, cheese wafer & cupcake. A true Richmond institution!
James Beard Foundation Recognition
Hailed as an 'America's Classic' by the James Beard Foundation, this bakeshop has been serving quality ingredients for nearly a century.
Homemade Sides and Sweets
Savor the best potato salad in town and indulge in delightful lemon cupcakes or pecan cheese wafers.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Order Boxed Lunch
Includes sandwich, side, deviled egg, cheese wafer & cupcake. Great value!
Visit Off-Peak Hours
Arrive early, like 10:30 AM on a Monday, to avoid lines and ensure your favorites are available.
Picnic Perfection
Ideal for take-out and enjoying a picnic, especially near local attractions.
Consider Holding Orders
If visiting nearby attractions, staff may hold your order.
Tips
from all over the internet
Order Boxed Lunch
Includes sandwich, side, deviled egg, cheese wafer & cupcake. Great value!
Visit Off-Peak Hours
Arrive early, like 10:30 AM on a Monday, to avoid lines and ensure your favorites are available.
Picnic Perfection
Ideal for take-out and enjoying a picnic, especially near local attractions.
Consider Holding Orders
If visiting nearby attractions, staff may hold your order.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Sally Bell's Kitchen is a beloved Richmond institution celebrated for its classic Southern box lunches, featuring fresh ingredients and homemade components like the highly-praised potato salad and delicious cupcakes. While the portions are described as sufficient rather than large, the quality and overall experience are consistently rated as amazing and a great value for money. Some minor phone system issues were noted, but the food and friendly service make it a must-visit.
"I had the turkey sandwich box lunch with chips, a taste of potato salad and a chocolate frosting cupcake.
< it was soooo good. The turkey was really and not processed meat. And the whole grain bread was soft and yummy.
< The potato salad was the best. No store brought weirdness flavor. Taste very homemade.
< I never had a cheese wafer but it was interesting to try.
> Calling the establishment is the worst with the automatic system. I wish they had maybe one more person just to answer the phone."
Dawn D.
"Highly recommend their lunch box. Plenty of food at a fair price, and comes with a cupcake too. We walked in at 10:30 on a Monday and were waited on immediately, no line. Can't wait to come back!"
Julie P
"I got the chicken salad sandwich and strawberry yellow cake cupcake
I ordered online at 11am on a Friday and it was ready in an hour. Parking in their outside lot was easy."
E White
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
The box lunch typically includes your choice of sandwich, a side dish, a deviled egg half, a cheese wafer with pecan topping, and a cupcake or small pie.
While advance orders are suggested, especially during peak times, they can often prepare orders on-site quickly. Arriving early is also a good strategy.
The potato salad is frequently mentioned as the best in town, and the macaroni salad is also a popular choice.
Portions are described as sufficient and well-balanced within the box lunch, rather than large. The variety of components makes it a satisfying meal.
Yes, Sally Bell's Kitchen has been recognized by the James Beard Foundation as an 'America's Classic'.
They are open weekdays until 2 PM.
Mentioned in
Featured in these publications
20 Best Restaurants in Richmond Will Surprise You
What is it: For almost a century, Sally Bell’s has been known for its boxed lunches neatly tied up with a string. These compact little containers of goodness include a sandwich, side, cupcake, deviled egg and homemade cheese water. Why go: How does a place that deals in egg salad and pimento cheese get the attention of the James Beard Foundation?
One of the South's Best Food Towns
For generations, Sally Bell’s Kitchen, designated an America’s Classic by the James Beard Foundation, has fed Richmonders. And while the boxed-lunch specialist moved to a new address last year, you can still get a cream- cheese-and-olive sandwich with tomato aspic, a cheese wafer, a deviled egg half, and a frosted yellow-batter cupcake for
Walking Around Richmond - Go The Adventure Way
When we were doing research on where to eat Sally Bell’s Kitchen kept coming up. It is a Richmond institution. Sally Bell’s is known for their boxed lunch – a sandwich, side, deviled egg, cheese wafer, and a cupcake of your choice.
The 100 best restaurants in Richmond in 2025
How many restaurants reach the age of 100 without changing a thing?. The answer is Sally Bell’s Kitchen. For a family-run business, Sally Bell’s got the right formula straight out of the gate.
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