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By Kathleen Whitlow
 Eating lunch during the workweek often means brown bagging, having to scarf-down your meal at your desk, barely being able to taste the flavors of the food that you just consumed and, probably more often than you would like, it means not eating at all. Sometimes, however, it’s good to stop and smell the roast beef, or the pizza. There are some great River City eateries that pride themselves on, not only great food, but their fast service as well. Then, there are those places that you can save for a day when you have time for a sit down meal. We went in search of some of downtown Richmond’s favorite lunch-spots among the professional crowd.
Here are some of the more frequently recommended lunchtime spots:
Southern Railway Deli
For a wide variety of choices, this is your place. The Deli, on the corner of Canal and 14th Streets, prides itself in being the restaurant “Where the Slip meets the Bottom.” Southern Railway serves items that range from pizza to salads, from burgers to Greek specialties, such as gyros, and, of course, an assortment of pastas, wraps, sandwiches, pitas, and subs. The conveniently located Deli also serves breakfast sandwiches and wraps.
(111 Virginia Street/343-1770).
Jo Jo’s Pizza
This is an extremely popular lunchtime spot for the downtown crowd. Besides enjoying the great pizza, and even the subs for that matter, customers also appreciate the prices, which are perfect for a mid-day meal. Located close to the corner of 12th and Main Streets, this casual pizza place is known for its delicious pizza; some say it may be the best in Richmond. Though the spot is always crowded during the lunch hour, getting a slice or two of the New York style pizza or a sub, such as chicken parmigiana is definitely worth the wait.
(1201 E. Main Street/225-9600).
Cha Cha’s Cantina
If you have time for a sit-down lunch, this is definitely the place to go. Though better known for being a dinner spot or a great place to enjoy drinks with friends after work, this eatery also does a great-tasting lunch, serving Tex-Mex meals, including tacos, burritos, quesadillas, fajitas, enchiladas, and combination platters. Cha Cha’s Cantina also serves salads, wraps, sandwiches, chicken dishes, seafood dishes, soups, and a variety of appetizers.
(1419 E. Cary Street/726-6296).
Christopher’s Runaway Gourmay Carts
Perfect for a grab and go lunch, Christopher’s Runaway Gourmay carts, which can be found at MCV, 8th and Main, 10th and Main and 12th and Main, are a favorite with downtown professionals. Christopher’s Runaway Gourmay serves pastas, with French bread, a wedge of cheese, or two sides…all for $4.00. The carts also serve salads, a la carte items such as marinated cucumbers and chicken, tuna or shrimp salad, and sides such as mixed fruit and country cole slaw.
Relish
Cafeterias are a great place because they offer a wide selection of choices and it’s quick. Relish, on the corner of 15th and Dock Streets, is a truly an eclectic eatery for the downtown area lunch crowd. The cafeteria has a daily themed hot bar that featuring global, fresh food and a salad bar with over forty different items. They also offer a plethora of soups, sandwiches, quesadillas, wraps, smoothies, desserts, and much more. Relish offers both eat-in or take-out.
(101 S. 15th Street/648-2233)
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