Kitchen 64

Kitchen 64, 3336 North Boulevard, Richmond
Brunch Menu

Karisa: I've only called Richmond home for a little under two years, but in that short time Kitchen 64 has become a staple restaurant stop. Its awesome location at the intersection of I-64 and I-95 make it the perfect spot to meet a friend driving through town on either highway. It's local, has an wide and tasty menu, is family friendly without being obnoxious to the childless, and pretty cheap... all good qualities for a go-to meeting spot (or any meal for that matter!) 

When I saw the brunch menu I truly realized that Kitchen 64 is a special spot. Not one or two, but six, six eggs benedict varieties; and two of them are vegetarian! I went with the fried green tomato variety, and after having to wait several minutes more than the rest of the table, was quite pleased with the huge plate of home fries and hollandaise covered benedict in front of me. Our previously loud and weekend story telling table went silent with happy and ravinous eating - always a sign of a good meal.

Michele: Brunch this week was my first time at Kitchen 64. I've only heard great things about this place, so I was excited to try it out for brunch. Man oh man, it was super crowded when we arrived at SBT (standard brunch time). Kitchen 64 seems to be very popular with large "after church" groups. It felt like we had to wait a long time in the cramped little foyer there. We got seated in the patio area that is sealed up for the winter, but it was a little cold by the windows.

The Bloody Mary at Kitchen 64 was pretty good, but the coffee was amazing. Seriously, delicious. For my meal this week I decided on the Huevos Rancheros. I was most excited about the chorizo in this dish. However, when the meal arrived, the cheese quesadilla ended up being my favorite part. What a brilliant, non-traditional bread product to use with a dish. The quesadilla was very helpful for scooping up bites of egg, black beans, and sour cream. All of the little bits, like the black beans, chorizo, and vegetables were hidden underneath the fried eggs that were topped with salsa, sour cream, and avocado. It all mixed up together into bites that were mildly spicy and very delicious. My test for a good meal is whether or not I get sad when I become full, and I must confess that I got a little sad when my belly told me I needed to stop eating.

I had a great experience at Kitchen 64. The place was crowded and lively. Our waitress was friendly. I would come back here when I have a large group of family in town. The restaurant can handle large groups, and they have something on the menu for everyone.

Kathy: Kitchen 64 is located a bit out of the way in a decidedly not charming area, but the portion size alone makes up for those drawbacks. I had the fancy grits with veggies and cheese, bacon, eggs, and a biscuit. It was enough food for two. In fact, when our server brought my meal, the table next to us applauded! The grits were quite disappointing - very watery and lacking in flavor. The cheese, just melted atop the bowl of grits, did nothing to help. The veggies tasted good, however. The star of this meal was the bacon. I ordered it as a side, but the portion size was basically the equivalent of a whole pig. It did not even come sliced; it was simply a delicious hunk of perfectly crisped meat. I ordered my eggs overhard, and if you've followed this blog some, you know I like my fried eggs nearly overdone. These did not disappoint, and they came seasoned perfectly with salt and pepper. The biscuit, while not the best I've ever had, was warm, flaky, and flavorful.

Rating: 4
Food - Good. The grits were a bit watery for Kathy's taste, but she loved her slab of bacon. Everything else was really good.
Service -  Good. Our waitress was prompt with hot water refills, but it took a while to get our drinks in the first place. Karisa's food came out much later than Michele and Kathy's meal.
Atmosphere - Good. The outside (yet closed in in the winter) seating area was loud, and there were a lot of children. It felt a bit cold. The giant screen showing football, and the people yelling at it, did not please us. The atmosphere seemed more pleasurable in the main dining room. The noise and bustle of our seating area did create a cover for gossipy conversation.
Coffee - Very Good. This coffee tasted so good Michele and Karisa asked the waitress where to purchase it. Alas, it's not available in stores.
Tea - Good. The tea selection on the table was dismal, with no caffeinated options. Luckily, our server found some regular Lipton caffeinated black tea when asked and refilled the hot water constantly for cup after cup on demand.
Mimosa - Very Good. The mimosa is priced well (only $12 for a pitcher!) and despite [Kathy's word] being served Richmond style in a tall glass over ice, was tasty.
Bloody Mary - Good. Right amount of spice for Michele, but no olives or other garnishes.