Helen's Restaurant

10/26/2023

Grab your tickets now! We are so excited to host Social Club RVA for an exclusive multi-course dinner + wine pairing with our very own chef Clay Hostetler. This event will be this coming Monday, October 30th at 6pm at Helen’s! Halloween costumes are encouraged 🎃✨ Tickets are $95 per person and are all inclusive. See the link for more!

Join Social Club RVA on Monday, October 30th at Helen's Restaurant at 6 pm for a spooky tasting experience with wine pairing. Costumes are optional, and encouraged! + Your ticket is fully inclusive of tax, tip, food and a wine pairing. Non alcoholic options will be available. Additional alcoholic dr...

10/24/2023

Y’ALL - the locals market at Helen’s last night was such a blast! Thank you SO much to all of the vendors who set up ✨ And a big thank you to Frankie + Coleman for bartending, Shane and his family for bringing us some amazing food w/ , Rylee for helping take orders and run food, and for DJing! This event was so fun and we are so glad that we had such a great turnout. Let’s do it again sometime! 🎀

UP NEXT: Join us for an exclusive tasting menu and wine pairing by our chef .hoss organized by ✨🎃 Coming up Monday, October 30th! Tickets are $95 (all inclusive!) - check out the link below for more!

https://checkout.square.site/merchant/ML5MQF9G9W6NT/checkout/WDN3U373JVXW6O7BNWDRC3AY

10/20/2023

Hi everyone! We have a lot of exciting events coming up this month!

SUNDAY OCTOBER 22 - Horne Dogs 2nd anniversary pop-up! Food 5:30-9pm, bar til 2am 🌭🍻

MONDAY OCTOBER 23 - Locals market at Helen’s! We will have 10 vendors selling vintage goods, candles, crafts, and more! We will also have a Thai food pop-up by Eatboi RVA, one of our own lovely cooks! Market is 5-10pm, bar til 2am.

MONDAY OCTOBER 30 - Halloween Supper with Social Club RVA! Enjoy a private tasting menu and wine pairing 🍷 $95 per person, tickets here: https://checkout.square.site/merchant/ML5MQF9G9W6NT/checkout/WDN3U373JVXW6O7BNWDRC3AY

10/05/2023

Mark your calendars! 🎃
We will be putting on a super exciting evening market / pop-up on MONDAY, OCTOBER 23rd from 5-10pm! There will be 10 vendors set up inside and outside with vintage clothing, tarot readings, flowers, mini photo sessions, candles, crafts, and much more! We will also be hosting our very own for his first pop-up with us! Our bar will be opening early, so we will have some fun cocktail specials as well as a live DJ. After the market, our bar will stay open until 2am! This is going to be a really great event to kick off the Halloween season + support local vendors, and we hope you can come by!
*Halloween costumes encouraged!!!

Vendors (can be found on Instagram):




fun

10/03/2023

Hello! We will be CLOSED for dinner tonight (Tuesday). We will be open for bar 10pm - 2am. Thank you, and sorry for the inconvenience!

09/25/2023

A few weeks ago, we posted about some of the rich history behind Helen’s and the people who have kept it running for the past century. We found this photo from a few decades ago when our previous owners (the Donati family) kept the windows adorned with ceramic figurines of celebrities and other well known icons. Enjoy!

09/23/2023

We are CLOSED tonight for a private party, starting at 9:30pm.

We are still open for dinner until 9, and will open for brunch tomorrow morning at 10am!

09/16/2023

Best selfie mirror since 1935 🥂

The weather looks pretty perfect all week and we’d love to see you. Come on in for a cozy date night or bring your friends in for happy hour!

Thanks for this super cute photo!

09/15/2023

It’s a great weekend to have brunch with friends 🥂

Brunch served Saturday and Sunday, 10am - 2pm. Tables are first come, first served!

Photo: 📸

08/30/2023

WE ARE HIRING! ✨

Our kitchen is looking for an addition to our back of house team. We are seeking a part-time line cook, including prep duties and dinner service. 25-30 hours a week, Thursday thru Saturday.

Feel free to DM or email us with any inquiries!

Resumes can be sent to [email protected] with the heading “Line Cook Position.” You can also bring resumes in between 2-5pm Tuesday - Friday.

08/20/2023

Did you know that Helen’s is the second oldest restaurant in Richmond?

Originally opened in 1912, this building was first a pharmacy called Fletcher’s. Like many pharmacies at this time, Fletcher’s was a social center as well as a place to fill an Rx complete with a soda fountain and juke box. In 1927, Humbert and Marie Donati took over the space and opened the first-class restaurant called Dʼs. Marie would cook and Humbert loved to tinker with the juke box. They raised their family in the apartment upstairs. Their daughter Helen was deemed the most business savvy of the Donati children, and Humbert and Marie passed the restaurant on to her on her 21st birthday in 1935. Under Helenʼs management, the restaurant went through a very prosperous time as a well known beer bar and juke joint popular with the swing dancing set.

When Helen died in 1967, her brother John Donati took over the business and lived upstairs with his wife and children. John Dubbed the place “Helenʼs Inn” and served food during the day and rented the place out for private parties at night. Many people remember this era for the dark velvet curtains and ceramic celebrities adorning the windows. The menu pictured here is a really special relic from this time!

In 1994, John decided to sell the business and our current owners, Leslie and John Tuite, took over. They have enjoyed keeping the spirit of all the incarnations of Helen’s alive by restoring the decor to the swing era style and keeping many the original fixtures of the former pharmacy.

Helen’s is said to be haunted, and everyone from the Donati family to the current owner and employees have experienced some sort of paranormal experience in the building. Many have reported hearing swing music. We like to think it’s Helen’s spirit protecting her namesake restaurant and watching over the place.

Next time you visit us, be sure to ask your server to point out some of the hidden historical gems around the restaurant!

07/20/2023

ON SPECIAL: oven roasted salmon served with mussel and sweet corn risotto, fennel-tomato broth, black garlic aioli, + fried basil 🤯

Dinner Tuesday-Saturday, 5-9:30 / happy hour 5-7pm! Bar every night til 2am.

Chef .hoss 👏

07/18/2023

MOCKTAIL ROLL CALL:

💐 The Harper Lee: lavender, lemon, soda, bitters

🍒 The Joyce: black cherry juice, lemon, rosemary, soda

🍑 The Neruda: peach purée, serrano peppers, lime, black pepper, soda

We also carry the N/A IPA in house, and are totally willing to make any other mocktail that you may have in mind!

Open for dinner Tuesday - Saturday, 5-9:30pm and bar every night til 2! Happy hour 5-7pm.

07/12/2023

HAPPY HOUR IS HERE! ☀️

We are now offering a few happy hour deals from 5-7pm, Tuesday - Saturday! Come try a $5 mojito, $4 Stella draft, or one of our rotating house bottled wines for $20!

Be sure to keep an eye out for summer bar specials as well!

*NOTE: our kitchen will still open at 5:30pm🍴

Make your reservation on OpenTable or give us a call for availability! Patio and bar seating also available.

06/27/2023

Did you know we have around 30 wines to choose from on our drink menu?! Bring some friends and grab a bottle or two for the table!

Dinner reservations encouraged but not required!

06/16/2023

Summer hours at Helen’s!

03/18/2023

Come finish off your St. Patrick’s Day celebration with a steaming hot Irish coffee with homemade whipped topping! Brunch is first come, first serve from 10-2! Can’t wait to see you!

📖 Example menu and reservations in bio!
Please come enjoy see our beautiful, expanded, covered patio or a cozy table inside! ✨

Walk in’s are welcome! 💕
We don’t take reservations for brunch.

Chef .hoss 👨‍🍳

Hours:
Brunch Saturday and Sunday 10-2
Dinner 5-9:30 Tuesday-Saturday
Bar every night from 9-2

03/12/2023

Come join us for a cozy Sunday brunch! We’ll be here until 2 taking walk ins, first come first serve!
📖 Example menu and reservations in bio!
Please come enjoy see our beautiful, expanded, covered patio or a cozy table inside! ✨

Walk in’s are welcome! 💕
We don’t take reservations for brunch.

Chef .hoss 👨‍🍳

Hours:
Brunch Saturday and Sunday 10-2
Dinner 5-9:30 Tuesday-Saturday
Bar every night from 9-2

03/11/2023

Come see us for our delicious and fun Saturday Brunch before going to Shamrock the Block today! First come first serve from 10-2 PM

📖 Example menu and reservations in bio!
Please come enjoy see our beautiful, expanded, covered patio or a cozy table inside! ✨

Walk in’s are welcome! 💕
We don’t take reservations for brunch.

Chef .hoss 👨‍🍳

Hours:
Brunch Saturday and Sunday 10-2
Dinner 5-9:30 Tuesday-Saturday
Bar every night from 9-2

03/07/2023

The perfect sunny day wine!
We now carry Ercole’s natural pet-nat rosé - great for sharing with friends ✨ Come see us for dinner this week and grab a bottle!

03/06/2023

We are stoked to welcome back as our Monday night DJ 🪩💗 Put on your dancing shoes and join us TONIGHT at 10pm for a great time!

(Super cute photo from )

03/05/2023

The sun is out and the kitchen is open! Come check out our Sunday brunch from 10-2. First come first serve!

📖 Example menu and reservations in bio!
Please come enjoy see our beautiful, expanded, covered patio or a cozy table inside! ✨

Walk in’s are welcome! 💕
We don’t take reservations for brunch.

Chef .hoss 👨‍🍳

Hours:
Brunch Saturday and Sunday 10-2
Dinner 5-9:30 Tuesday-Saturday
Bar every night from 9-2

03/04/2023

It’s chicken biscuit time! Come see us for brunch today and tomorrow 10-2!

📖 Example menu and reservations in bio!
Please come enjoy see our beautiful, expanded, covered patio or a cozy table inside! ✨

Walk in’s are welcome! 💕
We don’t take reservations for brunch.

Chef .hoss 👨‍🍳

Hours:
Brunch Saturday and Sunday 10-2
Dinner 5-9:30 Tuesday-Saturday
Bar every night from 9-2

03/01/2023

Come give our lovely staff a visit for dinner tonight! 💐

02/22/2023

oven roasted halibut with french lentils, asparagus, artichokes, braised fennel, and an artichoke mousseline

02/19/2023

Cutest brunch customers ever ✨

02/15/2023

Valentine’s Dinner was a success! Thank you for sharing your special day with us. We are still running some romantic specials all week - book your table online or come on in as a walk-in!

Dinner Tuesday thru Saturday, 5:30-9
Brunch (no reservations) Sat/Sun 10-2

Chef .hoss

02/08/2023

Cider braised pork shank w/ gouda grits + roasted brussel sprouts

Come see us for dinner Tuesday thru Saturday, 5-9pm - reservations recommended but not required!

Bar til 2am every night
We don’t take reservations for brunch

Chef .hoss

01/18/2023

Olives or a twist? 🍸🕊

📖 Example menu and reservations in bio!
Please come enjoy see our beautiful, expanded, covered patio or a cozy table inside! ✨

Walk ins are welcome! 💕
We don’t take reservations for brunch.

Chef .hoss 👨‍🍳

Hours:
Brunch Saturday and Sunday 10-2
Dinner 5-9:30 Tuesday-Saturday
Bar every night from 9-2

01/17/2023

Join us on this rainy evening for a cozy dinner in ✨ Make a reservation on our website or just come on in!

01/12/2023

Tonight we’ve got the most delicious special, fig barbecue duck breast stir fry! This dish is absolutely mouth watering 🤤 featuring saffron basmati rice, basil, carrots, asparagus, brussel sprouts, mushrooms, ginger, and VA peanuts this dish will leave you wanting more! We’ve got lots of room for walk-ins and reservations tonight, give us a call. ❣️

📖 Example menu and reservations in bio!
Please come enjoy see our beautiful, expanded, covered patio or a cozy table inside! ✨

Walk in’s are welcome! 💕
We don’t take reservations for brunch.

Chef .hoss 👨‍🍳

Hours:
Brunch Saturday and Sunday 10-2
Dinner 5-9:30 Tuesday-Saturday
Bar every night from 9-2

01/10/2023

Valentine’s Day is coming up, and reservations are filling up fast! Visit our website or call the restaurant to book your table ✨🍾❤️

01/07/2023

Our holiday decor is still up, but not for much longer!

Join us for brunch this weekend and try our Irish Coffee! We use local with homemade whipped cream ✨

12/28/2022

Tonight’s special: duck breast roulade stuffed with country sausage, pistachios, apples + pears — wrapped in its skin and roasted until hot crispy crunchy. Served with fig agrodolce, rich and creamy saffron mushroom risotto + gremolata spinach ✨

12/13/2022

Deviled eggs anyone?!

Example menu and reservations in bio!
Please come enjoy see our beautiful, expanded, covered patio or a cozy table inside! ✨

Walk ins are welcome! 💕
We don’t take reservations for brunch.

Chef .hoss 👨‍🍳
Photo 📸

Hours:
Brunch Saturday and Sunday 10-2
Dinner 5-9:30 Tuesday-Saturday
Bar every night from 9-2

12/09/2022

Beautiful ✨
📸

12/07/2022

Did you know we can accommodate large parties of up to 10-12 people? We love hosting your special occasions and family gatherings in our decorated back room! Please call us to reserve your spot - we are filling up fast for the holidays!

We are also able to host private events for business groups, weddings, and more! For inquiries about these larger scale private events, shoot us an email at [email protected] ✨

📖 Example menu and reservations in bio!
Please come enjoy see our beautiful, expanded, covered patio or a cozy table inside! ✨

Walk ins are welcome! 💕
We don’t take reservations for brunch.

Chef .hoss 👨‍🍳
Photo 📸

Hours:
Brunch Saturday and Sunday 10-2
Dinner 5-9:30 Tuesday-Saturday
Bar every night from 9-2

12/04/2022

We need your help!

Over the weekend two of our holiday blow-molds were stolen. We love decorating for the holidays every year and are heartbroken to see some of our items missing.

If you have any information on where these blow-molds (second photo) are please help us get them back! You can drop them on our back porch anonymously if needed.

Our owners and employees take weeks to decorate Helen’s to create a fun holiday environment for folks to enjoy - please help us keep it this way!

12/01/2022

It’s looking so festive in here! 🎊
We’re getting busy for the holidays so book your reservations now! ✨
Give us a call or make an online reservation!

📖 Example menu and reservations in bio!

Walk in’s are welcome! 💕
We don’t take reservations for brunch.

Chef .hoss 👨‍🍳

Hours:
Brunch Saturday and Sunday 10-2
Dinner 5-9:30 Tuesday-Saturday
Bar every night from 9-2

11/19/2022

Holiday season is nearly upon us! We are excited to start decorating for our favorite season. ✨ Dinner reservations will fill up fast, so book yours soon!

📖 Example menu and reservations in bio! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

Walk in’s are welcome! 💕⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
We don’t take reservations for brunch. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Chef .hoss 👨‍🍳 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Hours:⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Brunch Saturday and Sunday 10-2⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Dinner 5-9:30 Tuesday-Saturday⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Bar every night from 9-2⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀