Hispanic Heritage Month officially kicks off on September 15 and runs through October 15. The month is a time to celebrate the rich culture and contributions of Hispanic Americans. In the Richmond area, the entrepreneurial efforts by those with lineages from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America continue to strengthen the fabric of the region every year with new businesses that help make Richmond a colorful and unique place to live. In honor of this month-long celebration, we are highlighting seven local businesses with Hispanic heritage.
The Queen’s Library Tea Room
This charming tea room perched along Richmond’s Main Street offers an authentic English tea service complete as well as a variety of specialty experiences, including a Holiday Tea, Hobbit-inspired tea, and Queen Elsa Tea. The teas are sourced directly from London’s legendary Fortnum & Mason.
One of Richmond’s most beloved restaurants, Kuba Kuba has been serving up homestyle Cuban food for 25 years. In an industry known for change, Kuba Kuba has remained largely the same, retaining staff for two decades and menu favorites including the Cuban sandwich, paella, huevoes rancheros, and of course, the celebrated tres leches cake. Kuba Kuba’s original Fan location was joined by Kuba Kuba Dos in Tuckahoe in 2015.
La Bodega
Named after iconic New York City bodegas, this Shockoe Bottom hot spot cooks up a unique combination of Puerto Rican, Dominican, Cuban, and Colombian (and more) flavors, representative of the diversity found in New York City and showcased on an impressively packed menu.
Dubbed Richmond’s “first and only Arepa bar,” this unassuming Glen Allen eatery was named one of the 2023 Top 100 Places to Eat in the USA by Yelp. Specializing in authentic Venezuelan arepas, stuffed corn meal cakes filled with toppings ranging from cheese and eggs, to shredded beef and plantains.
Kahlo’s Taqueria and Bar
Named for Mexican artist and activist Frida Kahlo, this Church Hill eatery endeavors to showcase the authentic side of Mexican culture and food. An impressive menu offers a taste of everything from tacos to seafood and even a weekend brunch.
What began as a family salsa recipe is now a full-fledged brand offering handcrafted, authentic Mexican salsas, dips, and more. The products can be purchased directly or at a variety of grocery stores and markets across the region, including Wegmans, Whole Foods, Good Foods Grocery, Libbie Market, and Ellwood Thompson.
Coco & Hazel
For Instagram-worthy treats, including over-the-top milkshakes topped with slices of cake, cotton candy, or a churro, head to Coco & Hazel. The dessert shop, with locations in Tuckahoe and Bon Air, also offers other sweet treats, including ice cream, brownies, cookies, and more, while menu items, including the Oaxacan shake, Churro Ice Cream Sandwich, and Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookie pay homage to the owner’s heritage.
