By Kathy Chouteau
In the heart of what Tom Lyons refers to as Richmond’s “Gourmet Ghetto,” the community isn’t just eating; they’re curating a movement. At The Factory Bar on San Pablo Avenue, co-owners Lyons and his wife, Michelle Guest, are leading the charge, blending craft cocktails with a hyper-local guide to the city’s culinary hidden gems.
From what Lyons dubbed the “Richmond Loop,” to the return of Monday Night Trivia with ChuckT at the bar, the spirit of San Pablo Avenue and beyond is being redefined by one plate—and one pint—at a time. And Rich Dish has the scoop.
The ‘Richmond Loop’
Lyons and his wife often do what he calls the “Richmond Loop” on a weekend. For them, a perfect Saturday doesn’t always start at their bar, but sometimes at The Backyard. “Their veggie burgers are just amazing,” said Guest, noting the venue’s “killer menu,” open-air space and live music make it an essential Richmond spot. The duo also recommends the Marina Bay Burger, Santa Fe Burger and the Philly Cheesesteak, that can be paired with a portion of fries Guest describes as “begging to be stolen.”
The “Loop” continues with a pilgrimage to Richmond’s breweries. At East Brother Beer Co., a staple for Guest is the Gold IPA, as well as the seasonal Czech Ale, a dark, malty brew she said was recently tapped for the craft brewery’s anniversary. Then it’s off for a beer and a bite at Armistice Brewing Company, where the couple loves the Curbside Kitchen food truck, famed for its tasty fried chicken sandwich.
“It’s amazing to see the micro-breweries expanding here when so many elsewhere are shutting down,” said Lyons. “Richmond is really coming together.”
What’s bubbling at The Factory
The Factory isn’t just a place to drink; it’s also a hub for the “Boozy Brunch” and competitive intellect. Lyons and Guest announced the return of Monday Night Trivia this week, hosted by Chuck T of Rich City Studios.
ChuckT recommended Marty’s Grill’s fresh-never-frozen, quarter pounder burgers, which is close to his work at Rich City Studios in the Market Square Mall. “Marty’s has the beef bacon. I don’t know anywhere else in Richmond that has that,” he said. He also pointed to the La Flor DeJalisco food truck at 21st St. and Macdonald Ave. as an essential Richmond stop for tacos or burritos, as well as Casper’s for hot dogs.
The Factory’s “Boozy Brunch” will return in mid-March and feature a rotating cast of local culinary heavyweights starting with Chef Sharon Li from General Li. Known for her Taiwanese-American flair, among her offerings are scallion biscuits with house-made breakfast sausage and a Black Sesame Bread Pudding with blueberry drizzle that both Lyons and Guest rave about. Also being featured at the Boozy Brunch is Dave Friedrich’s Pickles N’ Smoke. The BBQ maestro cooks up the “Richmonder”—a massive meat-heavy sandwich—and his signature “Criskets,” croissant-wrapped slow-cooked brisket with provolone that Lyons’ devours. Also featured will be Chef Cynthia Bloebaum of Whey on Wheels, according to Guest, who touted the classically trained cheesemonger’s gourmet grilled cheeses and cheese plates featuring handmade champagne jelly.
‘Dirty Deeds’ and prickly pears at the bar
The Factory’s own bar program is leaning into its seasonal and storytelling roots. Bartender Donna B. highlighted the Point Molate, a prickly pear margarita featuring a chili rim and a dried mango garnish. “It’s not too sweet, and very popular,” she said. The newest addition to the menu is the “Dirty Deeds,” a dirty martini that Guest said is set to be a new addition to their seasonal menu.
Customer faves from tacos to towers
The bar’s patrons are equally knowledgeable about local eats. For Jerry Blue, a regular at The Factory and all-around foodie, the conversation begins with Mariscos Los Reyes on 23rd Street, a newer establishment specializing in high-end seafood. The standout dish? The Ceviche Tower, a vertical masterpiece of fresh fish. For those looking for a full-on feast, the eatery offers a stunning seafood platter, Mariscada de Mariscos, for one or two people loaded with mussels, oysters, crab and more.
Customer Olaf Greifenhagen praised The Sailing Goat for being a waterfront spot with “vacation vibes” and a changing menu. His highlights include the fish soup, Fish & Chips, and a robust brunch menu that caters well to vegetarians. “The view at Sailing Goat is amazing,” said Greifenhagen. “You feel like you’re on vacation, and you don’t even know you’re half an hour away from the city.”
Stationed outside the bar when the Standard stopped by was Chef Henrik’s food truck with Brazilian BBQ eats. The chef himself recommends the #1 “Prato De Picanha” beef, while Guest loves the chicken bacon kebabs and chicken hearts.
Comfort food classics
The conversation among “Rich Dish” contributors highlighted a deep appreciation for Richmond’s comfort food scene. Located next door to The Factory, El Toucan was cited for its Birria Tacos, though Blue also suggested the Red Tacos with Shrimp.
Over at Johnny Boy, a smash burger sensation in the Point that Blue said is decorated like a “graffiti tunnel,” has made him a loyal fan of its burgers. Also in the Point, he gave a shout-out to the Up & Under Pub and Grill’s house-made New England style Bacon Clam Chowder, which he claims rivals the best of the Pacific Northwest. At Maya Taqueria, Blue likes the Mexican eatery’s unexpected menu item, the Philly Cheesesteak, which he said is “great.” Moving over to Marina Bay, he enjoys The Artisan Café/Kitchen, a Marina-Bay favorite for its delicious Tuna Melt and fresh salads. Zach Chouteau piped in that he likes the café’s Crab Sandwich.
The Factory’s bartender Donna B., who is Vietnamese, gave her stamp of approval to Huong Tra on San Pablo Avenue. While many locals order the “Number 54” spicy chicken, she recommends the Beef Pho for its top-quality, authentic flavors.
Another crowd favorite is the Richmond Pizza House. Guest said it’s good for those craving a “middle-range” crust—not too thin, not too thick. She highly recommends the vegan pizza and the Hawaiian.
The “Neighborhood Artist Market”
Looking ahead, Lyons and Guest are gearing up for the Neighborhood Artist Market on March 22. Formerly known as the “Makers Fair,” the event aims to showcase local creators and food vendors like Dave Friedrich, who will be selling his signature rubs and barbecue.
The Factory Bar is located at 12517 San Pablo Ave. in Richmond. As the city’s burgeoning “Gourmet Ghetto” continues to grow along San Pablo Avenue, and the Richmond Loop expands, the consensus among residents is clear: It’s built on flavor, family and a touch of grit.
“Rich Dish” asks Richmond residents where and what they like to eat in the city. Want us to stop by your business to dish? Contact [email protected].
