By Kathy Chouteau
The Standard recently swung by a Richmond Steelers youth football practice at Lovonya De Jean Middle School during the team’s Thursday “carb night” dinner for the players. During the chow down, we got the team’s 411 on where and what to eat in Richmond.
In a first for our Rich Dish series, the Standard heard directly from Richmond youth –specifically, the players of the Steelers’ football team. From longtime community staples to hidden gems and pop-up faves, these young athletes and their coaches know what’s what when it comes to the tastiest bites in town.
Hot Dogs, Fish & #54
For Namon West, VP of the Richmond Steelers, nothing beats a classic hot dog from famed Caspers Hot Dogs on Macdonald Avenue. “I love hot dogs. I just take [them] with everything on,” said West. “I like my onions sliced, not chopped. My tomatoes not sliced and chopped. I like it a certain way.”
Ralph Robinson, another Steelers board member, swears by Boulevard Fish & Barbeque on Cutting Boulevard in Richmond. “I usually go there for the two-way—catfish and prawns,” he said. Fellow Steelers volunteer Richard Spencer echoed the sentiment, adding, “I do the two-way catfish and prawns, or I do snapper and prawns. It just depends on what fish they got or what fish I feel like eating.”
Robinson also shared major love for #54 at Huong Tra on San Pablo Avenue. “You got to get the 54—spicy chicken over rice!” He said that people don’t even save the name of the restaurant in their phones, just the number: “They just have 54,” he laughed knowingly.
Pop-Up Power & Local Legends
A surprise favorite among the Richmond Steelers’ youth players was WTFlip ‘N Chicken, a BBQ pop-up that’s earned a loyal following. Players Sione Mafua Hingano, Salesi Kata and Reno Siaki all raved about the pop up’s tri-tip, chicken, rice and mac salad. “It’s on Instagram. You could book them and they’ll show up,” said Kata.
Another standout was Five Star Chicken, a newer spot two players have discovered on San Pablo Avenue. Quarterback Christian Pierce loves the eatery’s three-piece tenders with fries, while lineman Mateo Sims recommends the spicy chicken and mac & cheese bowl.
Pizza, Sandwiches & Mini Breadsticks
Pizza was a popular pick among the younger Steelers. Armani Burton and Sinatra Eldridge collectively gave a shoutout to Domino’s Pizza, with Eldridge noting he likes the businesses’ pepperoni pizza, mini breadsticks and the big Fantas. He also likes to order Wendy’s “Biggie Bag.” As for Burton, he likes Little Caesars in San Pablo, favoring a pepperoni or a pineapple pizza.
Running back Eugene Teasley and his father both praised Little Louie’s Café & Deli in Point Richmond for its sandwiches. “I like the breakfast sandwich—ham, egg and cheese,” said Eugene’s dad, a team board member with the same name as his son. “Traditional, like out-of-the-kitchen breakfast.”
Gone But Not Forgotten
Some of the team’s adults reflected on beloved eateries that have since closed. “Ron’s King Burger on Cutting Boulevard,” said Spencer reflectively. Others mentioned La Perla’s, Hunan Villa (Pinole), Chris’s Kitchen (San Pablo), and Portumex, with a sense of nostalgia for unforgotten flavors.
Whether it’s a pop-up plate or a classic combo, these young athletes and their mentors—many of whom are Richmond natives—know just where to go when hunger strikes.
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].
