Baja Bean Co.: Richmond, VA
Lynn Seldon Tuesday, June 15, 2010 at 07:00AM
I’ll admit that this “review” is totally biased and is more of a spicy love letter. The bottom line is that I flat-out love going to Baja Bean Co. whenever I’m back in Richmond, where I’ve lived off and on for more than 20 years of my tasty life.
Located on Richmond’s busy Main Street in the what locals call the Fan District (the streets fan out as you go west), Baja Bean is a meeting, eating, and drinking hotspot. Of course, they have lots of Mexican-style menu items (with Southern California riffs), made-to-order margaritas, and lots of Mexican beers (ask for a pint of ice cold “Baja Gold,” which is actually PBR on draught), but there’s much more to this place than meets the eye or stomach.
Baja Bean Co. opened it’s first location in 1989 over in Charlottesville and they now have a second location there, as well as one in Staunton and my beloved Richmond location (which opened in 1999). They’ve made their mark with value-priced food and drink, friendly southern service, and a great vibe (Richmond’s Baja is located in the basement of the historic Stonewall building, along with in-season patio seating that’s often standing-room-only).
Among my menu favorites: melted queso (we like it with homemade chorizo) and freshly fried chips; “Jeff’s Spinart” (named for large-and-in-charge managing partner and former college football player Jeff Allums); cantina chili (with pork, black beans, beer, and more); fish tacos; the build-your-own quesadillas; and the huge burritos. Trust me—you can’t go wrong.
When we lived in Richmond, our 40 years-and-counting “Friday Beers” crowd starting meeting there every Friday around five (after Richmond icon Texas-Wisconsin Border Café closed). Just ask Jeff Allums or any server for club founder Pete or drinking buddies Ken and Blaine and they’ll send you to their table in the back room downstairs or out on the patio. Have a seat and buy a round of Tecate in the can!
Baja Bean Co.
1520 W Main St
Richmond, VA 23220
P. (804) 257-5445
Lynn Seldon (www.lynnseldon.com) is based in coastal North Carolina. He’s long-time freelance journalist who often covers culinary travel (including visits to many tasty Rewards Network restaurants).
Lynn is a member Hilton HHonors® Dining.
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