Chiocca’s
425 N Belmont Ave, Richmond, VA, 23221
Chiocca’s Menu
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Address :
425 N Belmont Ave
Richmond, VA, 23221 - Phone (804) 355-3228
- Website https://www.chioccasdeli.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :11:30 am - 12
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : No
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : No
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Divey
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : Yes
Dogs Allowed : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
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John E.
Go here for inexpensive but good sandwiches. Don't try to be fancy, just get a sailor and a pitcher of beer, and you'll leave happy.
(4)Edward P.
One of the Favorite MUST go to spots any time I land a foot into the Richmond Area. Little basement Sandwich bar with some of the most tastiest sandwiches in the entire city. As soon as you put a foot in their door the place just exudes this calm and relax atmosphere and you just know it's the sort of place with long roots in the community with a slew of regulars coming in and through. Nothing better then sitting down in one of their beat up tables and having a Italian Panini made to order with a cold corona and letting the strains of the days just slide right off your shoulders. Place is Cash only with a ATM and worth every penny.
(5)Henry T.
Everything was great. Best Deli sandwiches in town. I ordered a sub and could barely finish half of it, the portions are huge and priced fairly. My only complaint is that the service was a bit slow, but the food and decor more than made up for it.
(4)Shawn D.
Absolutely love this place, best sandwiches around town. Been coming here since I was in high school a few years back and a few blocks up at Benedictine...and I graduated 12 years ago
(5)Dae-su Oh _.
Been around for a very long time, and hidden on the basement floor of an apartment building, it is literally one of the best kept secrets of Richmond. Draft prices daily, great service, good price, one of the best sandwich places in town, and known mainly to the locals. Cash only, but they do have a ATM machine inside.
(5)Stroker Ac E.
The best sandwiches, EVER! My fave is the Panini. the olive oil that is heated into the bread at the end is delicious. They use prime deli meats and the quality can be tasted. Now don't go here expecting a quick bite. These masterpieces take time, but are well worth it. The broiler has only limited space and has probably been there since the 1930's, so kick back have a beer and be ready to enjoy an awesome sandwich.
(4)Ross M.
Epitome of a Richmond Restaurant. Filthy dirty, mediocre food, and beer for all the hipster kids and VCU drop outs. How does this place stay open? The sandwiches are nasty and oily. Go to Cappola's or Nick's for a good sandwich. Not here! Hell, even Jeresey Mike's is better. Staff has dreadlocks flying into your food, dirty finger nails poking your meat and the waitresses act like they are doing you a favor by serving you. Lame. "I take care of my kids!" "You're suppose to you dumb..." - Chris Rock. I just don't get it. I don't see the appeal of this place. Instead of a dirty microwave to cook your food, they use a dirty old oven.
(2)Sue F.
First, let me say the sandwich was great! Atmosphere nice but cramped. I was shocked to walk in to find that the sandwich is cooked on something a kin to a toaster oven, hence the long wait. Large portions which was nice. Am in Richmond on business. This is usually a good occasion to yelp something new. But I think this one I should have checked out a bit better first. Did not seem like a great neighborhood - glad it was still light out as I was by myself. I would not give this the 4 and 5 stars that others have given it....Sorry Chiocca's.
(2)Daniel B.
If you want a laid back local joint walking distance from the art museum then come here. For $10 you get a he'll of a sandwich. They also have local beer on tap. I had a son of a beast with some legend brown ale and walked away a happy man.
(5)K. K.
I love the atmosphere in this no-frills basement bar at 425 Belmont St. They have a decent happy hour and plain deli sandwiches. It's not a place for snobbie foodies. I love it.
(4)Dorsey M.
Dropped by to pick up a Sammy on my way home, knew just what I wanted so service was quick. The atmosphere was very laid back and friendly. Got the chicken blu, yumminess! Think I'll be hitting up this joint again.
(4)Kevin T.
SMALL, TINY bar under some apartments. The place feels warm and cozy. The menu isn't too expensive and the beers are cheap. Its a great place to gather for a few warm sandwiches and play scrabble. THEY HAVE SCRABBLE.
(5)John D.
probably the best sandwiches in RVA. the thing that makes it great is it's only downfall. there is only one sandwich press and one guy making the sandwiches. this allows focus on only a few sandwiches at a time to make them great but you had better not be in a hurry. to me it is well worth the wait.
(5)Raimey G.
We ate here twice. The first time the food was good, but the service was sub-par. The second time we went in, we were two of a handful of people in the place. The waitstaff completely ignored us for 15 minutes, then came over and said, "Before you order, just know that the kitchen is closing in 20 minutes". I was completely perplexed by how they treat people. The food is great, but the service is the pits!!!
(2)Alison P.
I love this place, even though it's cash or check only. Their sandwiches are delicious, the staff is cool, the prices aren't bad and the atmosphere is nice and relaxed. Plus, they serve pitchers of some of my favorite kinds of beer.
(5)Graham J.
I love this place! It's legendary, almost like a neighborhood "Cheers!" Good food, good people and a great atmosphere. The walls are filled with cool photos and sports memorabilia. It's small and they can get busy, but the food is worth the wait. Check out their website for an inside look! chioccasdownstairsdelian…
(5)Rob J.
Lots of places try to create the type of feel this basement bar/restaurant naturally possesses. Chiocca's just oozes character. I had a great sandwich for a good price but what makes me love it and recommend it is the one of a kind atmosphere. Go.
(4)Heather K.
I'm surprised only one other person has reviewed this place. Granted, it's pretty low-key/kind of obscure (i.e. garden-level), but Chiocca's offers excellent sandwiches /subs / salads / deli food. Fresh, tasty, creative ingredients, moderately-priced. The atmosphere is clean, simple, and unpretentious. Really what you'd expect a Museum District cafe to be.
(4)rob p.
best sailor sandwich in town only negative- can be smoky
(4)Angela P.
Let me start this by saying that i love what Chiocca's IS...a neighborhood bar that's been there for almost forever, it's dark and dingy....and the sandwiches are pretty awesome. It feels just a bit like "Cheers". But there are some things I am not crazy about. Do not, i repeat DO NOT go there if you are in a hurry or expect to get your food in a timely manner - that's not going to happen! I know, I know they are just sandwiches right?! But they take forever. Now that being said, if you want to catch up with friends, drink some beer (served by the bucketful) and have a heavy (the first sandwich i tried there felt like a brick in my stomach for several hours afterwards - choose from the menu wisely!) but tasty sandwich without emptying your wallet - this just may be the place to go! Just dont expect speedy (or friendly for that matter) service..but delicious sandwiches will be had - especially any of the "Beasts", which are $2 off on Wednesdays btw.
(4)C K.
The sandwiches and cozy environment are great. Unfortunately, the cleanliness and attitude of the cook outweigh however the food may taste. The cook was literally throwing things around having a temper tantrum, using dirty towels he had just thrown in the floor, handling his disgusting dirty head bandana before touching food, slamming doors, and playing loud aggressive music because of his apparent bad mood. I do not support a place where the employee doesn't know how to be professional and leave his issues at home. Furthermore, we waited 40 minutes for 2 sandwiches. I'm not coming back.
(1)Alexandria V.
Guys, no need to worry: Chiocca's now accepts cards. We love this place. The sandwiches are delicious, the atmosphere is relaxed, and tennis is on during Grand Slams. But really, we come back to Chiocca's because their sandwiches are not something one can simply make at home. (Hint: If it tastes like something you'd sweat to make yourself, it's worth it.) I love the Genoa salami & swiss on sourdough with all the works. Toasted. And speaking of toasted-- when they toast your sandwich or sub, they really do an amazing job. Even the mustard is hot. They take their time making your sandwich, and it really does taste like basement-style love. Having a beer at Chiocca's is another thing. I've never been here alone, but I'd imagine that if I were to pop in solo, I'd still feel 100 percent comfortable and at home. Everyone at Chiocca's is very laid back. I always leave happy.
(4)Cary S.
I used a Resturant.com coupon that I saw on their lists of Resturants. My friend and I both got Tuna Subs. After the food was brought, we never received utensils or napkins. Had 1 Beer each and couldn't get another if we had of screamed for it. No water, and waited for 15 mins. for the bill to pay. Not a place I'll go back to unless I break down in the area. Tuna Sub was dry and for $9.50 I expect potato salad, pasta , or something other than chips. It was around 12:30 on a Tuesday and DEAD . NO EXCUSE on lousy service and attention.
(1)Dylan W.
A great hole in the wall sandwich shop. The sandwiches are HUGE and are reasonably priced for the amount of meat that is stacked on them. All of the sandwiches I've had there have been absolutely delicious! The only downside to this place is that if you come in on a crowded night you will more than likely wait for your food for quite a long time. The servers were sub-par when we first started going, but our last trip in we got a waitress that was leaps and bounds better then the previous server we got stuck with.
(4)Anh H.
Something's up with the zoning laws in this town. It's like Chinatown, where you have businesses on the first floor/basement and then people live upstairs. But whatever, RVA, baby. I like the home grown feel of this place. The sandwiches are creative and fulfilling. The one downside is how long it takes to make a sandwich. Yeah, it's a long time. I mean, a really long time. But you have to understand that, the dude makes the sandwiches as if you or your mom was making a sandwich in your house. It's carefully done. There's definitely no commercialization of food here. When there's plenty of time to wait for a sandwich, maybe like during a happy hour, I'll definitely come back if not for the food but to maybe introduce myself to the Bud Lite lady. Apparently, she's always there, just nursing a beer. It's all about the stories, guys.
(4)John G.
A darkened corner, Johnny Cash streaming on the radio, a friendly, attentive server, a dark beer, and one life affirming Sailor sandwich. Just what I needed after a rough and bewildering day. Chiocca's is A+ all the way!!!
(5)L N.
Yelp's definition of two stars is "Meh. I've experienced better." That describes my experience at Chiocca's to a tee. It wasn't horrible my any means, but definitely not a place I would try again. They are known for their sandwiches, and my go-to sandwich is the reuben. It was completely uneventful, and ranks second from the bottom of all reubens I've ever had. Again, not horrible, but a reuben should be grilled, not served on toast. The only other toasted reuben I've had was served at Arby's. It was served with chips (I got about four whole chips which covered a small mound of pieces that looked like they came from the bottom of the bag). The pickles that came with it were the best thing about the sandwich. If the food had been good I would have been able to overlook the slow service, cramped and less than clean environment, and prices, but the food just didn't cut it. If your in college and want to hang out at this place that's one thing, but as an adult no thanks.
(2)Sara E.
Chiocca's is good - but it's sort of one of those places where you really need to be hungry or hungover. Huge greasy sandwiches, but tasty! Other reviewers mentioned that it takes forever, but my husband and I went on a Thursday evening around 6:30 and we were out within 45 minutes... not too bad.
(3)Sam S.
Only reason this isn't 1 star is because the food was tasty. It took 1 hour to get 2 subs. The place was dirty. The bathroom had a hole in the floor. The problem is they only have 1 oven that fits 2 subs, so they churn out 2 subs every 10 minutes or so.
(2)Joseph D.
Great Sandwiches, cheap too. Its a little dive bar in a basement atmosphere but thats what i love about it. Would go back anytime!
(4)Taylor T.
Great sandwiches. Coldest beer in town.
(5)Hayley S.
Chiocca's has become a staple in my first 8 months in RVA. I mostly grab it for takeout on the way home after a long day, but sometimes my friends and I will walk there and enjoy a casual dinner. Sandwiches are their game, and they do them well. I always get the tuna salad sandwich on sourdough with swiss cheese, but my friends are huge fans of anything with "beast" in it and any variation on a Reuben. All sandwiches come with chips and two types of pickles, which is refreshingly simple and takes you back to the days when mom packed your lunch. They usually have 4-5 good beers on tap and more in their bottled selection. There are tvs and board games if you need to wait for your food or are dining in, which come in handy as waits can be 20-50 minutes depending on how busy they are. I always think it's well worth it, but call in your order if you're in a rush. Prices are quite reasonable, and I believe they have some special sandwich promotions mid-week. Though it's hard to find and a tad sketch looking, the staff is nice and this place is one of my Museum District faves.
(4)Matthew B.
I seriously can't believe it has taken me YEARS to finally try this place out. Shocked. We had such a great sammich that it has been all I can think about recently...it was that GOOD. We read the reviews and heard about the wait and we were ok with it. The four of us sat down, ordered drinks, and pulled out the trivial pursuit boardgame they had and played it for about 45 minutes...and then right before I was about to lose...my food came.....what a freakin' savior!! I ordered the Dagwood sandwich which had huge layers of turkey, roast beef, pastrami, and the topped with provolone and swiss, a bit of thousand island dresing and pickles all on rye bread. The thing was huge and I could only eat half of it. I wish I had a side of the thousand island to dip it in because at times it needed a little more of something. The others order The Club, (your typical club but even bigger), the Spice "sub" and also the "downstairs". All looked delicious but I really think i'd like to try the spice next time I go. Our service was absolutely fine...the waitress was really busy and for how busy she was, she was extremely friendly. Go hear, order a pitcher of beer and one of their delicious sandwiches, and enjoy! Expect to wait a while and don't complain and remember to tip! Take care and savor it up!
(5)Mos D.
I love this place. In fact I celebrated my birthday here I love it so much. But the reality is that when the bartender charges you for 4 more pitchers than you actually had... I can't promote it. Not only did our group pay for all of our drinks, we had the card receipts to prove it. When she told us we had 4 pitchers unpaid for and we contested it she insisted that she wouldn't lie, wouldn't over charge us, and wouldn't "do that". Our receipts speak differently and for that matter I cannot and will not ever support this place again. To make it worse, I spent 2 hours trying to defend the bartender saying she was weeded and had way too many customers to handle by herself. The result of that was my girlfriend flipping out "because that b**** had no right to speak to her that way." Chiocca's... I tried to defend you. But we have proof you f***** up and you insisted you were right.
(1)Jim B.
The best deli sandwich and home of the Sailor sandwich. This historic very small sandwich/deli restaurant is legendary to the Richmond area. I have never had any better anywhere. This place is the standard I WISH deli sandwich restaurants would strive to be. Unfortunately in my travels, I have never had anything close to it. I am sure there are places in Philly and New York, but in Virginia nothing even comes close to this place. The gas grills have been seasoned for over 50 years. Put a brick it and it would taste good! If you have never had a real New York deli sandwich, make a trip to Chocca's and order the sailor or the downstairs (with anchovies). Nothing else like it in the world. The problem with Chocca's is that after having one of their sandwiches, your desire to go elsewhere for deli will be nill. Sure wish there was one in Coastal Virginia.
(5)Jen A.
This is the perfect place if you: -Like big, hearty, delicious sandwiches -Are not in a rush -Enjoy exchanging pleasantries with friendly regulars. (Mel is a sweetheart) -Like cozy Good food & free wifi...heaven? Is that you?
(5)Bz W.
If you don't mind taking some time to sit down, have a few beers (or pitchers), and wait for your sandwich, this place is 5 stars. However, given that service is consistently slow, I am just giving it 4 stars. So, don't go there looking for a quick meal. That being said, I love Chiocca's. It is a hole in the (basement) wall with large, delicious sandwiches and cheap beer. To me it is a Richmond classic, that hasn't changed much over the years, and that's what I love about it. When I want to go out for a filling meal and a few or handful of beers, and I want to be frugal about it, this is where I go. When I want to show someone from out of town an interesting view/taste of Richmond, this is where I go. It is a great neighborhood eatery. The past few times I've been, I've ordered the BEAST FEAST. It is a combination of a few different meats and cheeses (roast beef, pastrami, provolone, swiss) on a sub with italian dressing. The sub is on the larger size, freshly prepared, and served hot. It comes with a side of chips and a pickle, which is nothing fancy, but that's ok. The sandwich does the trick. It's $8.95 I think, so it's not dirt cheap, but you get a lot of food and therefore a lot of value. The beer selection is not vast, but their domestic pitchers are $8.50 and their specialty pitchers are $11. Want a cheap date? Go split a sub and a pitcher of beer and have some great conversation in a museum district basement. Chiocca's is a unique experience and worth a try for anyone looking for a Richmond food experience (again, when you have some time and are not in a hurry). It doesn't have the best food, the best selection of beer, the best service, or the best ambiance, but it has great subs, cheap beer, friendly service, and a unique ambiance that come together and make it great. Random note: It competes with Helen's for most interesting men's restroom.
(4)M A.
I've heard a lot of good things about this place so I gave it a try and placed a carry out order. I arrived a few mins early and saw the guy make my sandwich. One word: disgusting! He made it with his bare hands. No gloves at all! RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME as if there's nothing unsanitary about this at all. The cherry on top for this gross experience was when he reached into the bag of chips and grabbed a handful of chips with his bare hands to put next to my sandwich. I guess I will never be trying this place out.
(1)Emily R.
My husband and I finally decided to check out Chiocca's, and now I'm wondering why we waited so long! We pass the restaurant about 2-3 times a week and finally decided to check it out. We went on a Wednesday night around 9pm. There were about four other tables. We order our drinks (a blackberry pear cider and a beer) and soon after our food. We waited no more than 10 minutes after ordering. Maybe it was good timing? But I would've waited a little while longer because they were so good. I got the PCLT on sourdough. The prosciutto is to DIE for. WOW. It was nice and crispy like bacon and with the slightly melted cheddar and mayo was just yummy. The bread pickles and dill pickle were a nice addition. My husband got the beast feast and the hand sliced roast beef was ridiculously good. The juices from the sandwich were absorbed by the chips -- really really tasty. Wednesday's special is $2 off any beast sandwich so he got the sandwich and beer for the price of a regular sandwich! We'll definitely be back!
(4)Amy S.
Everyone knows that Chioccas has the best sandwiches in town. Hands down.
(5)Jt M.
Food was great.. Great character... Beer was cold... You need to be prepared for a very long wait -- not sure why because they are a tiny place. My wife and I went and both had the Cold Cut subs. I added the sweet hot peppers and took swiss instead of provolone. Sandwiches were loaded with meat!!
(4)Erica G.
A classic! We're regulars! Its a dive literally in a basement Good solid sandwiches with a few vegetarian options. Don't come expecting anything but sandwiches though and don't come if you're in a hurry. The sandwiches can take 40 minutes on a busy night.
(4)Phil L.
Charming little place with great sandwiches. Recommend the Beast Feast or the Spice. A little wait for the food but that's just due to the fact that they're using a 60 year old oven that fits only two sandwiches at a time. Recommend to those passing through
(4)F L.
Don't go here if you're pressed for time. The sandwiches are good, but the service is AWFUL. We ordered two sandwiches and it took over AN HOUR to serve us! Three people just walked out and left in that time. The restaurant had at most, 10 people, and it still took forever. Definitely not worth the wait, so call and order ahead of time at least.
(1)Jessi B.
the meatless sandwich is delicious with perfectly toasted crunchy bread, fresh veggies, Italian dressing, and two cheeses with the cheeses forming a fantastic crust around the edges. one of the best sandwiches I've ever had. boyfriend had mesquite chicken sandwich which if you eat meat looked delicious and smelled so good. love this place, go here!!!
(4)Ryan E.
My first trip to Chiocca's and all I can say is what an awesome place! I went with the special mesquite chicken breast sandwich and it was solid. Great flavors and perfectly toasted. The $0.50 extra for the special is worth it I assure you. I also ordered a side of egg salad and the server recommended I dip my chips into the egg salad and she was correct. It was great. Service was good although it did take a little while to get the food even though we were one of 2 tables eating at the time. I assume it's because they put extra special care into the preparation of their dishes. It's a cool spot no doubt. They have a strong beer selection and it would be perfect to meet up with some people for happy hour. I plan to return!
(4)Ruthie A.
Chiocca's is one of my favorite places in RIC and I have a few very well thought out reasons for this. 1) These sandwiches are like a meaty pleasure bomb of joy slapping you in the face. Don't question that, just go with it. 2) Yes the food takes a while, (have you seen the prep station?) but that is the perfect amount of time to have a beer and chat with your dining partner (after all thats why we go out to eat with certain people yes? put the phones away folks...) 3) Piggybacking off of my #2 Fat Tire on draft. As if this wasn't enough, great pitcher prices- I don't turn down a delicious pitcher for cheap that would be a crime. 4) Returning to number 2, by the time the food comes out I am already in the middle of a great conversation and usually a little tipsy so I am capable of devouring the delicious and massive sandwich graciously slid in front of me. Stumbling into this hobbit den of a sandwich joint/bar was one of the best Richmond priceless gifts I've ever received. Thank you Chioccas for the good booze, the good food, and the warm ambience that invites nothing but good times!
(5)Rick B.
I've eaten here a few times over the years and was not disappointed this time! The decor of the place is pretty obvious grunge-dive type of style. Very appealing to the college youth, hipster and yuppy gen. In this basement restaurant their focus is on creating great sandwiches. During my visit on Friday night (7/19/13) we shared the Dogwood Sandwich (boy oh boy, it was huge) and loved every bite! It also came with a side of potato chips and sliced pickles. Our waitress Lindsay very attentive and helpful. Overall a awesome experience and remember to bring your appetite!
(4)Scott M.
Best sammiches in Richmond in my opinion. Be patient, they take a little while to prepare. My favorites are the Son of a Beast, Downstairs, and the Dagwood. It's a fun little spot with big sammiches!
(5)Diana H.
I've been here two more times now since my first awesome experience and have to add some caveats. Their sandwiches are still phenomenal, I would say the Cold Cut is still my favorite, but their speed and service have been practically upsetting my last two visits. Don't go unless you have plenty of time, it will take at least forty minutes to get your food. I'm not exaggerating when I say the sandwich making guy makes them one at a time. Bring a book.
(4)Grant H.
So good! Loved my Cold Cut Sandwich. Try their Hot Sauce, the owner gets it from Caliente, the waitress recommended it to me.
(5)Jamie D.
Oh how I adore the sammiches at Chiocca's. Specifically, the tuna sammich on sourdough with lettuce, onion, and cheddar. Pretty close to tuna sammich perfection, if I do say so myself. The tuna is piled high between the slices of bread. So high, in fact, that you might need the potato chips (that come with the sammies) to accompany the massive amount of tuna and add a little crunch to the mix. That's what I needed today, at least. I called in a takeout order around 1:30 thinking I'd be able to pop right over and snag my lunch. No, no, I was told my sammie would be ready in 30 minutes. 30 minutes?? For a tuna sandwich?? Ok fine, I'll wait... but only because Chiocca's is just. that. good. So 30 minutes later I moseyed on over to Chiocca's, starving and ready to eat anything (ok, maybe not anything.... but more than ready for my delicious tuna salad!). Thankfully, my styrofoam takeout box was ready and waiting for me. When I got home and cracked open the box, it seemed as though perhaps it had been ready slightly before the 30 minutes I was told to allot. Parts of the bread were a little soggy; not 100% ideal, but also the risk you run when ordering takeout at any restaurant. The sammich was placed atop pickle slices, and the pickle juice had infiltrated some of the sammich. Luckily, I love pickles and welcomed the additional flavors! And despite the semi-soggy sections of bread, the sammich was still absolutely everything I was craving. To make things even better, the still crisp tater chips were the perfect addition to overshadow any less that perfect sections of sourdough. Chiocca's remains on my must-have sammich list and ties with a few of my other faves as the go-to spots for a fantastically delicious and satisfying sammie.
(4)Roger Y.
This is the greatest sandwich in the Museum District, and possibly the City of Richmond. They use Thumann's meats (equivalent in quality to Boar's Head meats). I order the same thing every time: The Lucca. Salami and Prosciutto melted together with Provolone cheese, and topped with Italian dressing and Italian sweet and hot peppers, grilled/toasted to perfection. Comes on a plate with potato chips, and a few pickles for $8.50. What more can I say? This IS the most delicious sandwich I have had! EVER! Expect to wait for a while though. But that's okay, just sit back and grab some beer(s).
(5)Matt C.
Great place to max out your daily caloric intake! Order a big sandwich (with chips, of course) and a pitcher of beer and you're set... This is what I consider the 'truest' dive bars in Richmond: below street level, dark, cramped, crappy vinyl seating, cash only (I think it's still cash only) and a locals-only vibe. In other words, it's great. Their sandwiches are reminiscent of true deli-style offerings and they typically have some pretty good beer on tap. Make sure to get some cardio in before you eat there (and definitely the next day)... oh, and the jeans you're wearing there should probably be a size or two large, just in case.
(4)Stan R.
Do you like meat? Do you want to eat a meat sandwich featuring the meatiest meats ever meated on a meat sandwich? For a sandwich like that, this pleace is un-meatable! Meat.
(4)Brett H.
Learned about this place from Richmond.com , as it was their "Best Sandwich" winner, so I had to try it. Great little place that's sort of tucked away underneath another building, but definitely worth your time. Reminded me of walking down into MacLaren's Pub in How I Met Your Mother! The ambiance is great with classic rock music playing, some TV's with sports on, and overall it just feels kinda cozy being inside there. I went with my girlfriend and we both agreed if we ever opened a bar, we would model it after this. Just sort of reminds you of what a neighborhood bar would be like. The bar itself isn't the kind of bar you would spend a whole lot of time at, but for a beer or 2 and a sandwich, it's definitely a nice stop. The sandwiches... oh man. I see why they are Richmond's best! I have had 4 different ones I think, and only one I didn't like (not a huge pastrami fan). You will NOT leave this place with an empty stomach, and in fact, I have only finished my whole sandwich once since it was so big. The meat is stacked and squeezed in delicious bread (especially the Dagwood... my god) and with a side of potato chips and a pickle, I wouldn't recommend walking too far back home afterwards unless you like exercising on a full stomach. Bottom line, the sandwiches are superb. My only qualm is the time it takes for getting your food. Maybe it's because I have been on Friday nights a few times, but most of my visits have taken roughly 20-30 minutes from entering to where I receive my sandwich, which seems like a long wait to me compared to other places. And usually the place isn't packed or anything, just that they usually can only make a couple sandwiches at a time in their little sandwich maker. Not a big deal once you see the mammoth of a sandwich placed in front of you afterwards, but still a minor inconvenience nonetheless. They have a few beers bottled and on tap as well (love the Fat Tire). Overall, definitely worth your time, whether that be a quick (they do take-out) visit or one with a group of friends for some nighttime sammies and brews.
(4)Ed M.
Can't beat this place for sandwiches in Richmond. Chicken coup hot will change the way you think about chicken salad. Get it hot. Made in turkey club is awesome as well. You just can't miss here.
(5)Chris I.
Best sandwiches in Richmond hands down. 11 bucks with tax and comes with a good amount of chips.
(5)Kari W.
Best sandwich ever, hands down! I was a little skeptical about getting a sandwich from a basement deli but really it was awesome!!
(5)Brandon C.
What you've already heard: Chiocca's has the best sandwiches in town but also the worst service. What you haven't heard: if you're looking to become a 'regular' somewhere, this is the place for you. Once you get to know the staff, they'll take care of you. It has a very friendly atmosphere, probably because everyone is used to the wait for food. It's a great place to hang out with 4-5 friends, good beer prices, specifically on buckets, but be wary of coming with 5+, the entire group won't be getting served all at once. Put Chiocca's on your bucket list.
(4)Rachel H.
Food was great! Came back later in the day and they were out of bread pudding which was disappointing, but still a great place to eat! Sandwiches were delicious and service was very good!
(5)Jonny C.
Chiocca's defies categorization: Is it a deli? Is it a bar? Is it the basement of a residential building with no other businesses nearby? It is all of these things. Let's consider them separately. Chiocca's the deli offers mouth-watering, heart-stopping, classically prepared sandwiches and subs, some hot, some cold, all served with chips and pickles. Most of these are of gut-busting proportions, though a few of them (such as the crazy good special grilled mesquite chicken breast) are filling without going overboard. Chiocca's the bar offers a handful of beers on tap; most are fairly predictable, but there are usually a couple interesting selections as well (as of this writing, you can get a great amber called Fat Tire), by the pitcher, if that's your thing. They have wine too, but I've only ever gotten beer here. Chiocca's the basement of a residential building with no other businesses nearby makes you wonder about Richmond's zoning regulations. The place is a little cramped and the décor is definitely from a by-gone era: Stuffed animal heads, old newspaper clippings on the wall, lots of framed kitschy pictures. All in all, a unique place - and one definitely worth checking out.
(4)Felipe N.
You may have to wait an hour for your sandwich if it's very busy but it is worth it. Their sandwiches are absolutely fantastic, packed with meat, and quite reasonably priced. Try any of the Beast varieties for a wonderful and hearty sammich.
(5)Andy G.
Great neighborhood bar and restaurant! Great grilled cheese!! And they take credit cards now. We live near Chiocca's and frequent it often. Excellent sandwiches, usually a little on the greasy side of things, and usually eat too much (as the sandwiches are large)! My favorite is their grilled cheese sandwich!
(4)Melissa S.
This place is delicious. It's good, NY style deli sandwiches that have never disappointed me. I LOVE 'The Sailor' so much that I will get cravings for it. This place is also awesome because it's open late. Can't go wrong here!
(5)Todd G.
Been coming here for 25 years and love it! The Beast Feast is the Best hot deli sandwich in town!
(5)Greg C.
The Sandwich Dungeon is a pretty great spot, making a solid sandwich and offering some Southpaws by the bucket (I'll consume anything by the bucket.) It's a fun place to come and hang out, and it's a unique spot. I mean, when's the last time you ate a toasted sandwich in a subterranean restaurant lit by desk lamps affixed to the ceiling? Only two negatives, seems like this place wouldn't fare well in a fire (an underrated criteria) and the food takes forever if it's crowded (only one toaster? One plate? One handed chef?)
(4)Maranda B.
I have been to Chiocca's twice based on rave reviews from other people living in the museum district. I live less than two blocks away and was hoping for a new hole-in-the-wall to frequent. I really liked the sandwiches, despite the fact that you can't choose any other side but potato chips. However, the service was severely lacking both times I went in. The staff seemed angry that we came in and wanted them to wait on/cook food for us. Service was very slow and it took over thirty minutes for us to get our sandwiches, even though we were the only people in the place.
(3)S Aisha H.
An awesome dinner. I looked up Chiocca's when I got a gift certificate from Restaurant.com to try this place. The reviews were good so we decided to give it a try. We were very impressed! My boyfriend is a major sandwich snob and always wants to change around a sandwich and is rarely 'impressed' even after his 'upgrades'. BUT, I have to say he LOVED his sandwich. He got the Reuben and substituted turkey instead of corned beef and I think he added prosciutto. He raved about the sandwich! Which rarely happens. His only request/suggestion was for a better brand of thousand island.. but like i said.. he is a sandwich snob! lol. I got the Meatless sub and it was also very good! ingredients were fresh.. not overly grilled (sometimes places make the veggies soggy).. everything was great. The waitress was really nice and the food was awesome. What more could you ask for? Oh! and we laughed b/c the sandwiches actually even LOOKED delicious. EXACTLY as the website photos. lol We didn't have a long wait, either... about 10 minutes or so for our food to arrive after ordering. It wasn't too crowded though. There was one full table of people in the front and maybe one or two other couples towards the back. We'll definitely be back. Soon. and often.
(4)Doug C.
Hands down, this place has the best sandwiches you can find in the city. I don't know what they do to them, but they're awesome. That being said, you often have to wait for good food. This place is no exception. Don't come here when you're in a rush.
(4)Lisa G.
I'm not often in the mood for deli food, but when I am, Chiocca's is so the right move! I can't decide if I like Chiocca's or Coppola's (Carytown) better, but they are both ranked way up there in deli fare. I digress. Old fashioned charm and decor. Good food takes time, so kick back and lounge listlessly with a pitcher of beer in this cozy Fan fave!
(4)Holly P.
These sammies are fan-tastic! get it? Although technically this little downstairs hideaway is located in the museum district, it was a very fan feel to it. I'm sure for many of their regulars, their dimly lit-underground-not trying to hard-or at all, decor is part of the appeal. I see groups camped out with sandwich remnants and beer whenever I stop by. This isn't really my ideal place to hang out so I take these scrumptious sammies to go. I like the "son of the beast" but my fave is their rueben, its tasty perfection!
(4)Kara R.
This is *the* place to go in Richmond for the most satisfying, LAD blocking (sorry, stupid Anatomy joke) sandwich ever. I wouldn't be surprised if they slipped something in my Downstairs sandwich, it's that crave worthy. Chiocca's is a stereotypical dive with cheap beer on tap, that conveniently also serves some of my favorite sandwiches. The Downstairs is a huge, hot sandwich filled with Salami, Prosciutto, Anchovies, Provolone, Swiss, Onions, Sweet Hot Peppers & Italian Dressing, served with potato chips and a pickle. I usually add whole pepperoncinis as well. The vibe is super relaxed, service is friendly, and the food is more than satisfying. It's also in a very cute neighborhood, so don't be surprised to see me gain a few extra pounds when I move to the Museum District next year. Do be careful to allow a fair amount of time for your food, though as they are slowly baked in an oven.
(5)Jeff L.
A charming and inviting dive that serves up great cut-to-order deli sandwiches. It's hard to find a steak sub that actually has medium rare steak, but Chiocca's delivered. With a well toasted bun, a hint of Worcestershire sauce, and perfectly melted provolone, even a Philadelphian would be satisfied. They also once again pleased my brother with the "Made in Turkey" club, his staple which he almost deviated from ordering but broke down and ordered when the waiter came. A Chiocca's take on the classic turkey club, the "Made in Turkey" club uses prosciutto in place of bacon. As far as everything else goes, the wait staff was informative and friendly, as if welcoming a neighbor into their home. The walls are clutered with various pictures, pennants, and animals that conjures up thoughts of something between a famous barber shop and a lodge. The prices are very reasonable, between $6-9 for sandwiches and $8.50 for a 64 oz pitcher of beer. If you're ever in the fan, I highly recommend this delightful deli dive.
(4)Jon S.
An unabashedly great Pastrami & Swiss on Rye. Best in town, hands-down. The rest of the comments below coalesce into "about right". It's a small place, and we went on NCAA night so there was an enthusiastic group watching their teams go to dances they had not been to in millennia. The service was not bad, and we were in no hurry anyway, so just chill and enjoy a cold cerveza and wait a couple extra minutes for a sandwich that is totally worth the wait and trip.
(4)Mark A.
This used to be one of my favorite joints back in the day... ice cold beer, huge sandwiches, good prices, and fantastic service from a tiny little waitress who moved faster than a scared rabbit, and who also happened to have the best personality ever to grace a bar. Even if the service was slow from time to time, the music was great, the staff ROCKED the joint, and the food was consistently awesome. MY GOD, HOW THINGS HAVE CHANGED!! The only positive part of the evening was a great sandwich. EPIC FAILS in all other areas. A good dining experience is more than just good food. Background music and waitstaff personality, competence and attentiveness can make or break a restaurant - and this place is broken beyond repair. To begin with, good music can make an excruciatingly long wait a little more bearable. But for whatever reason, the owners/staff decided to find a channel on XM Radio apparently entitled "How To Run People Out of Your Restaurant in One Easy Step". My female partner is a veritable music expert after running bars and restaurants in Florida, knowing what NOT to play, and WHAT to play, to make ALL ages and musical tastes happy. I am a former musician and current local DJ with 44 years of experience in music. NOT ONE SONG did either of us recognize or even care to hear again. We're not music snobs, but we know that anything from Sinatra to DMB; Motown to Oldies; 80's to New Wave; R&B to Rock: Adele to Zevon; ANYTHING recognizable... will work. The music made us want to shove an ice pick through our ears. If the long wait doesn't make you homicidal, the music will. Next, is the service. Oh, my God, the waitress, bless her incompetent little heart, should be doing ANYTHING but waitressing. She was nice enough, but personality? Nada. Peripheral vision? Nope. My hair could have been on fire, and she would have never noticed. Tunnel vision? Affirmative. If she was wiping down a table, there could have been naked people beside her, having sex on the their table, and again, not noticed... unless they needed wiping down. Anytime we needed a drink, we would have to walk to the bar and ask for it. When we needed the check, when it was time to pay the check, once again, a trip to the bar. A competent waitress could have easily handled this Thursday night crowd, but key word here is COMPETENT. And food? Well, not perfect, but acceptable. My girlfriend specifically asked to have the nachos delivered to the table PRIOR to the sandwich, since she was familiar with the snail's pace of the sandwich delivery. Did it happen? Of course not. After an agonizingly long wait, listening to the world's worst music, here come the sandwich and the nachos.... together. Was the sandwich good? You bet! It was the only saving grace to this disastrous night. The Reuben was practically perfect and came just as we ordered it. Were the nachos good? Only if you think room temperature cheese, chili, and unidentifiable ingredients is yummy. And I ate every last bit of this horrid little meal since we had waited for GOD KNOWS HOW LONG for it. SWEET JESUS, I was so hungry by then, I would have eaten a James River water rat if it had scurried its fat little body across the floor. And to add an even more bizarre twist to this lovely dining experience, we encountered a table of freakishly tall people (herein called the "FTP's"). This table consisted of a father, mother, and son - a tattooed, skinhead wannabe straight out of the television show 'Cops"... all of them well over six feet tall. These FTPs had apparently noticed my female partner trying to wave down our waitress, AND EVEN THOUGH THEY WERE TWO TABLES AWAY, had been eavesdropping on our conversation. They didn't take too kindly to our honest evaluation of the level of service, at which point, Tattoo Boy commenced ripping my girlfriend a new body orifice. When she spoke up in her defense (in a very professional way) Dad jumped in and started yelling at her as well. Real class act... two freakishly tall people, both males, ganging up on a single female whose only transgression was to share with her partner (me) her dissatisfaction (and rightly so) with the service. At that point, after a few choice comments from me, and before all hell broke loose and the bullets started flying, we ignored the FTPs, got up, paid the check, and left. And as we were leaving, we noticed one more thing about our waitress that we hadn't noticed before - she appeared to be at least six feet tall. Put two and two together on this one (!) And a final note to all people who enter this former fine little dive... Be careful how you talk amongst yourselves.... you might incur the wrath of the FTPs. In other words, take your Glock WITH you, instead of leaving it in the car. If Tattoo Boy or Daddy had escalated just one step further, we would have ALL made the 11 o'clock news. ADVICE TO ALL... AVOID THIS PLACE!
(1)Jessi C.
You may feel like you are entering a horror movie as you go down the stairs into a dark basement but trust me you are about the embark on an adventure that has led you to the best sandwiches in the area by far! If it is more than two people eating you will have to eat in shifts (they use their old toaster still for ALL sandwiches and it only cooks two at a time). Also the vegetarian options are limited (two sandwiches) but the portobella was SPOT ON. The boys also highly enjoyed their sandwiches that were bulging with meat. Stop by, order take out. Great hole in the wall.
(5)Mary R.
Best sandwiches in Richmond! My favorite is the portobello with prosciutto. Not very vegetarian friendly but perfect for the meat eater. Small, comfortable atmosphere with super friendly staff. There is only one small oven that they use to cook the sandwiches so if you come in at the rush you could wait a while (up to 30 minutes) after you place your order. But it is totally worth the wait. Inexpensive pitchers of beer and two large flat screen TV's make this a great place to catch a game.
(5)Sean C.
How a restaurant has managed to stay in business so long by serving sandwiches is a testament to just how good said sandwiches are. There is always a long wait but the outcome is always worth it. Please note that you WILL smell like a sandwich if you eat here. My favorite is a California Reuben, toasted with slaw instead of kraut. The atmosphere is very "pub/club" with dark paneling and not a lot of natural light given that it is in the basement of an old Museum District townhouse. Service is always friendly (it has to be given the waits). I can think of no place that makes one crave a cold beer more then Chiocca's. REMEMBER TO BRING CASH as they don't take credit cards!
(4)Mark M.
One star for how delicious the food is. Otherwise, this experience was painful. This place is notorious for how long they take, and I've eaten there before in years past. It seems like it might be time to let it go, however. The room isn't big enough to get "packed". It's tiny. More than one waitress wouldn't make any sense. That doesn't make it ok for my drink order to take 20 minutes, or for it to take at least that long just to take the order in the first place. We walked in between 8 and 8:15, and we didn't get our TWO SANDWICHES until 10. We watched 4 tables walk out. Some didn't pay, a few just told the waitress to forget the food and they paid for just their drinks. Somewhere around an hour and a half, we stepped out for a cigarette. I believe at that point, the waitress thought we were also leaving, and cancelled our order. I say that because the 5-top who arrived about 45 minutes after we did got their food before us, and all we got was a lot of sheepish looks from the waitress as she passed us with their food. We had plans starting at 10 - of course, we were extremely late. My question is - why didn't anyone say anything? No offer of something to munch on? My girlfriend was so hungry she was becoming unbearable to be around. Nothing. No explanation, no apology, no break on the bill, no chips, NO NOTHING. I feel like we were punished for NOT walking out on our tab. Like I said, I know it takes a while at this place. But 2 hours? Change something, or close up shop - It's not working, no matter how good the food is.
(1)Scott H.
I like to Google phrases and give the #1 result a try. On Saturday night, I Googled, "Richmond, VA best sub" - Chiocca's was #1 so we headed out. My nephew is African-American, peering in the front door, we questioned going elsewhere, glad we didn't. The sandwiches were absolutely AWESOME - huge, loaded with meat, prepared with fresh ingredients, delicious. So that you know, this is not a corporate joint, don't go to Chiocca's if you are in a hurry, are impatient, hate dust, need a big bathroom - in sum, are a douche. This is a neighborhood joint, nice folks, privately-owned, doing the best they can to make great sandwiches. I am probably starting a YELP war but "Foo D's" review sounds like they weren't even at Chiocca's - no dread's, mostly older crowd, one waitress who (on our visit) was overwhelmed but definitely not doing us a favor, but appreciated us being there.
(4)Guy L.
This is a nice little neighborhood place with a kind of grotto feel (it's below street level, and it feels kind of tight and low-ceilinged). The place has minimal visibility on Belmont, so you can go right past it and not even realize it -- keep your gaze low and on the east side of the street. I like the divey, dimly lit vibe and the old-school sandwich toaster. It feels like a much-smaller version of a favorite college haunt, the Ramshead Rathskeller in Chapel Hill. The menu is limited, but they have beer. In fact, there may be more kinds of beer than there are items on the menu. Good, casual spot for a relaxed bite to eat. It's not a date spot, unless you're in that early, casual, not-sure-about-you part of the relationship, in which case this seems like a good getting-to-know-you kind of spot because if YOU like this kind of spot but HE/SHE doesn't, or vice versa, this will save you tons of time. Also, this would not seem like a place for a group of more than 4. The seating area is pretty narrow.
(3)Eric B.
I had The Beast Feast substituting corned beef instead of roast beef. It was *amazing*. The downside is that it took over an hour for our two sandwiches to come out. It was definitely worth the wait, but in the future it's something I need to consider when deciding to come here. The staff was friendly, and they had $3 Natty Bo tall boys, which always makes me happy. The atmosphere is very hole-in-the-wall, which suits me fine. Just great, GREAT sandwiches. Corned beef and pastrami to die for.
(4)Elijah C.
My father and I had the privilege to have lunch here again after my dental appointment. He enjoyed a Hefferveisen and cold cut sandwich and I enjoyed my turkey/cheese/mayo sandwich, both made to absolute perfection. Again, the potato chips are a bit salty ... I would prefer individual bags or some alternative, but I really don't go for the chips. I go for the awesome sandwiches. How lucky are we who live on or near Belmont Avenue to have the best sandwich shop in the city? My father sure is jealous, I'll tell you what. I think in August, they will be having a two month renovation (top to bottom, wall to wall) of their kitchen... that means two months of eating out or microwave food... and they don't eat microwave food! Chiocca's here we come! ;-) (I thought I posted this the same day I wrote it on 7/1 but apparently I was more loopy after the dentist than I thought).
(5)Alan B.
Walked in with a friend. Two servers looked at & spoke to us like we were pieces of shit. Walked out. I get the feeling it's a place where a handful of regulars hang out who don't take kindly to outsiders. There's so many other great places I wouldn't bother. Go to Joe's, NY Deli, or Bamboo for sandwiches.
(1)Britt H.
You will NOT find a better sandwich in Richmond. They still use their original toaster oven from when they opened a million years ago, so the sandwiches take longer than usual to make BUT it's worth the wait. Get the Beast Feast!! All of you whiners complaining about the wait time can stay home.
(5)Laura D.
This is a cute little deli restaurant. Very small. Decided to grab a quick bite before heading to the museum of fine arts. Came here with my two friends. I ordered the tuna melt which comes with chips and a side of potato salad which was so delicious! One of the best I have tasted! The sandwich however was not very good and I got a turkey sand-which instead. Also was not to my liking so I just ended up having the potato salad. My friends did enjoy there lunch. The service was good and the waitress was very sweet. Everything is homemade. Small menu. Prices are fair. They warn the food with the mayo on it, I suggest you get the mayo on the side..
(4)Tobias O.
Great sandwiches. $10 might be a lot for a normal sandwich, but these aren't normal sandwiches they are amazing.
(5)Jarrod T.
I've been to Chiocca's a few times for lunch, and i always really enjoy the sandwiches. Be prepared for a monster sandwich and a long lunch break. The menu is straightforward - don't expect a lot of secret sauces or fancy combos. You're coming here for a classic sandwich, some chips, and maybe a beer, and that's a good thing because those are the things Chiocca's does well. The service is usually good, but it can take awhile to get your food. The reason is they're operating with a very small oven, and I believe that their location prevents them from upgrading. If you're there at a busy time, it could take a half hour for a toasted sandwich. I enjoy the bar atmosphere. It's a basement space decorated with old photos and signs. All in all it reminds me of Cheers - a beer joint for the neighborhood. Its a cozy spot that you don't see a lot of in Richmond and it works.
(4)Paul D.
After an hour of waiting for two simple sandwiches we left. That's just ridiculously bad
(1)Chris W.
I ordered two sandwiches. I have ordered here before and the Reubens are amazing. But I was told to give them 30-35 min. I got there 35 minutes after the call and we waited for 20 minutes for these sandwiches. It was nearly an hour since I placed the order when we left without sandwiches. Nobody asked us if we wanted a drink. The cook was making the food with his bare hands and was much more immersed in conversations than preparing our food. Staff that ignores your presence, hygiene issues, insufferable wait, distracted cook= lost customer and poor review.
(1)Darlene T.
Chiocca's is a Richmond Landmark. It is a great little neighborhood hangout that has the very best sandwiches around - big, tasty, and fresh! Prices are reasonable and the service great.
(5)Ric M.
The short version: Flavor: 5 Originality: 4 Presentation: N/A Service: 4 Went there a little after lunch and was aware to wait for a while but was pleasantly surprised when my sandwich came out in about 20 min. Granted it is not Jimmy John's quick, the quality of the meat is there. I think a part of the wait is due in part to the oven. It only holds enough room for the top and bottom of two sandwiches. So if there's a lot of people ordering toasted sandwiches, be prepared to wait. I ordered The Beast Feast with Roast Beef, Pastrami, Swiss, Provolone, L,T,O & Italian Dressing. The bread was nicely toasted and the delicate meat and melted cheese made for a wonderful meal. I liked that it included two types of pickles on the side. The standard salty spear and a few sweet chips which made for a nice contrast in flavor. The servers were quite nice and were down to earth in their conversations which made the time go by quicker. I would recommend this place but would avoid the lunchtime or dinnertime rush if you want a nice quality sandwich in a decent time frame.
(4)Ayana A.
Omg best sub I think I've ever had and trust me I've had plenty of subs in my young life time!!! The place is small and cute and it feels more at home then any place I've ever been too! The music is amazing had me grooving the whole time! The service was outstanding the lady was so understanding considering it was our first time! The food came out nice and hot and delicious! Let me tell you!! I'm in love ! I will definitely be coming back and bringing friends!
(5)Kaitlin W.
Awesome dive bar in the Museum District. Our go to place when we're craving a damn good sandwich (my favorite is the Luccia). Dont expect too much going in because the "kitchen" is basically the other half of the bar. Yes, you could probably make these sandwiches at home bbbuuuttttt you know they wouldnt taste half as good if you made it yourself. :P OK beer selection... Dingy, but not dirty... Small, but usually able to sit as soon as we walk in. Also lots of vintage/Richmondy things to look at on the wall while waiting for your foodz. If you havent been here, especially if your from Richmond, you should give it a try!
(3)Christina S.
Chiocca's is located on a residential little street, basically in a basement. The chairs and tables are super close together, so you'll have to scoot past all of your neighbors just to get back to your booth. As previous reviews have stated, the service is very, very slow. I ordered a pastrami and swiss, and it came out about half an hour later, and it wasn't crowded at all. My sandwich came on rye and with some store bought chips. The sandwich itself was very, very solid. One of the better pastrami sandwiches I've ever had. So come on by and try one, but make sure you don't have anything scheduled for later. You'll be at Chiocca's for a while.
(4)Ali M.
Like others have said, the sandwiches take a while (45 mins for us) to come out, but are worth the wait. So good!
(4)Macy L.
I got food poisoning after eating a sandwich here. I hardly ever write reviews but I am so dissatisfied with this place it felt necessary. The food not only made me sick but it was very greasy and salty. I won't ever recommend Chiocca's to anyone. I would actually recommend people don't go here!!
(1)Sara W.
When my roommate first brought us here, we wrote it off as the "sketchy basement restaurant." While it is a small basement, it's probably one of the best sandwich places in Richmond. The first time I went, I split the Dagwood and The Panini. The next time I went, I got the Reuben. Every bite of every sandwich I had was delicious. I'm a little disappointed that they serve just chips as a side (I wish it was fries or salad or something), but the delight of the sandwiches almost overwhelms that critique wholly. The Dagwood is enough for two full meals. There's probably a pound of meat on that sandwich. The Panini is a bit more refined and manageable, with exceptional flavor. And I'm a die-hard reuben fan, and this absolutely did not disappoint. So get over the fact it's in a sketchy basement with one panini press and go get one of the (slightly greasy) most delicious sandwiches in the city.
(4)Megan L.
We are long overdue for another visit to Chiocca's. Only been once, but I was truly impressed by my experience. Best sandwich I have ever eaten. Just wish I could remember exactly what it was... that's what I get for posting a review a year late I guess. lol We had read the yelp reviews and called ahead as several people advised. They were just finishing up when we got there. Which gave us a little time to take in the décor. Dark cozy little basement type place. Probably not everyone's cup of tea, but I liked it just fine. Cant wait to go back. :)
(5)PizzaTheHut X.
I read a review below asking why they serve Ruffle's chips and can't make their own homemade chips. It's because they don't have a fryer, and don't have room to add a fryer.
(5)Craig B.
Customer service is clearly lacking, place smells like a fire pit, food too expensive & we waited forever. Sandwiches are good but so not worth it. Do yourself a favor and go somewhere else- Too many good choices in Richmond to put up with this. Will never go back.
(2)Robbie A.
I don't know how they do it. A Chiocca's sandwich is like a black hole of deliciousness - you don't think they're going to be all that mind-blowing, or all that filling, until you've gorged yourself on only a half, and the infinite mass of their cold cut core is too intense for any hunger to escape. Striations of flavor will mesmerize your senses, and the only response you can make is to just go home and sleep about it. Garnish with sweet pickle slices, a sour spear, a mountain of potato chips, and cheerful, noninvasive service. Save half of the sandwich to enjoy later. Trust me.
(5)Katie S.
The music is on point at this sandwich hole in the wall. The Dagwood was at least 3 inches tall & amazing. My panini was perfect. Served with chips and pickles. PS they have games like yahtzee available.... the best. PPS their shots come in plastic 2 Oz pours..
(5)Michelle R.
I ordered the "Downstairs" sub which is super salty and tasty. Five hours later, I felt terrible. Heavy!
(3)James L.
My craving vanishes in this cave of sandwiches. Descending into this neighborhood deli bar, I did not expect much from my meal. I was a bit thrown off by the humble decor and cluster of rag-tag tables that typically tends toward mediocre food, yet this place begs not to be forgotten. The super-huge savory sandwiches were decently priced, the beer selection saw sightly and the seemingly local crowd was friendly. I've returned several times and have yet to finish a sandwich in one sitting. I munched on a mountain of meat with the Spice on my most recent visit and wished I had a second stomach to continue through the menu. I polished off a cold IPA after my meal and sat back to enjoy the guffaws and antics of a nearby table. Had there been a bed in the back to help with the "itis" that came upon me I would have certainly took a short nap before I paid my bill and picked out another sandwich for my next noshing. Don't be bothered of the these big bites, just dig into a delicious dagwood.
(4)David M.
We stopped in today after moving my son in to VCU. It's a nice change from the overly busy Black Sheep, and the sandwiches, while not as unique, are just as delicious and half the price. Now if you're looking for fancy or modern, don't even bother. This deli/bar is a dive in every best sense of the word. A dark, dingy, worn down joint, in the basement...and completely full of character. From the pictures that cover the walls to the furnishings that look like they've been there since the dawn of time, this place is home. Service was quick and friendly, although it was an odd hour and not very busy. I had the "Dagwood" and my son had the "Lucca". Not going to explain them, just go and look at the menu. Now, I consider myself a sandwich snob...but this sandwich was easily one of the top 5 sandwiches I've ever had. It was HUGE! Complete with chips (from a bag, and completely undeserving of being on the same plate), and a dill pickle spear. This place would do well to come up with a better chip. There was also a couple of bread n butter pickles as well and they were a nice touch, cause nobody serves those anymore. They have a small menu which I think is a good thing, and a full service bar...also a good thing. The fact that they have PBR & Natty Light, makes them all the more better. All said, it cost us 30 bucks (including tip), and we were in and out in less than 45 minutes. I'll definitely make this a regular stop on my visits to see my college kid.
(4)Tina K.
The bad news: I never tried Chiocca's when I lived in the neighborhood. The good news: I never tried Chiocca's when I lived in the neighborhood because I would be 500 pounds and wearing a muumuu. I love places that do one thing great. That is Chiocca's. You're not going to find pizza, hummus, burritos, etc. on their menu. You are going to find sandwiches and subs. Fantastic sandwiches and subs. They have a couple of vegetarian options, but this place is really for the meat lover--the meat lover who likes LOTS of meat. The sandwiches are huge. My husband claims the reuben is the real deal and the best he's ever had in Richmond. I'm not a reuben connoisseur, but I will take his word for it. This is not a huge place. There are a few booths, a few tables and a bar. Frankly, there is no way I could eat sandwiches this big and drink beer, too. You would have to roll me up the stairs onto the sidewalk after eating here.
(4)Ryan C.
*Live review* Saturday around 1pm Sipping my PBR waiting my my Spice sub. I wish they had bigger/more TVs at the bar playing something other than Bones. I feel lame constantly looking at my phone and reading the same specials menu above my head. Sub is taking quite a while but I expected that from other yelper's reviews. Bartender is nice and I dig how their whole establishment is "below ground." I wonder if they purposefully take a while to make sandwiches so that you'll order more beer. Second PBR ordered. Dude seems to be making my sub in some weird 1940s looking furnace. No wonder it's taking 10 years... Sub arrives literally 50 minutes after I order. Just finished half of it and it is hot, moist and goddamned delicious. The 40s furnace sure knows how to slow cook some meat. The sub is served with Ruffles chips which is a cool addition but c'mon. Are homemade chips out of the question? Especially with your 50 minute downtime? Finished my sub and I am pretty full. They sure don't skimp on the meat here. Quite a few people have been coming up and placing their orders to-go. That is definitely the best way to go about this place if you don't have over an hour to kill for lunch. Bill came out to $19.30 with tip for two PBRs and a sub. Definitely worth a try!
(4)Brandon H.
This is by far and away the best sub I have ever had. It takes a very long time but it's totally worth it. This place is literally in a basement and is truly one of a kind. You have to get the 'Hot Cut' (cold cut hot) and ask for 'That Hot Sauce' to put on your sub. Neither are on the menu
(5)Steve M.
Saw the reviews and figured we would stop on our way home from Florida. We got lucky at 2pm. Only us and 2 others. Great service and the sandwich was amazing. Apparently the small oven they cook in was bought used in 1954 and has been going daily. Love this place. I will go back.
(5)Jessica N.
A Richmond institution. I don't know if it's because the oven has almost a century of goodness baked in or because there's some super secret ingredient, but this dingy little restaurant tucked in the basement of an old building has some of the best sandwiches I've ever had. Might take them a little while to get your food out but it's definitely worth the wait. These sandwiches are even delicious the next day, which I didn't really think was possible.
(5)Rachel W.
Big ass sandwiches!!!! When I say big, I mean huge! So yummy and awesome service! Great beer as well.
(5)Thomas C.
This is my First trip to Chiocca's as I have driven by it many many times. I heard nothing but great things about the Downstairs Restaurant. So, when I approached Chiocca's... I thought I was entering the Movie set "Cheers". It was quant to say the least, and very cozy. A great place to hang and to have a few Cold Ones with a good Hot/Cold sandwich. The Waitress was very prompt and of course she brought over my Ice Tea. I came because of another yelper, LadieJaymes and Jamie recommended me to make a visit. So, I could not wait to try their sandwich, especially the Richmond "Original"; The Sailor Sandwich. Upon my ordering, I asked the Waitress if she knew where the Sailor originated from... She said New York! Oh, No... I could not believe they sell the Sailor and do not know where it got it's start. So, I am thinking to myself. Will this Sandwich be as good because for those who know it is a Richmond Sandwich designed here in WWII by the New York Deli on Cary St. They take EXTRA Pride in making this Sandwich. The "Sailor" represents the great city of Richmond, Va. I watched the Chef carefully make this sandwich, and in the meantime, my mouth was watering for the taste of the Sailor. To me, if a Restaurant has the Sailor... It is a sign of a GREAT Deli in how they make the Sailor. Remember, it is all about Pride! I am giving the Sandwich 5 Stars. I did have to ask for some additional mustard as I love Yellow Mustard on the Sailor. It has a nice contrast to all the flavors working for it. The only thing I felt, they should have had French Fries or some Potato Salad to the order other than just Potato Chips. I felt with the price they were asking, which was more than most Restaurants for the same sandwich... You should have received at least a side of Potato Salad, as they do have Deli on their door. I am giving 4 Stars because of the higher than Normal price on the Sandwich with just the Chips ONLY. Now, that I have been to Chiocca's, I plan to go back and try other Sandwiches on their Menu. I am sure I will be just as Wow as I was in eating my first sandwich at Chiocca's Downstairs. I hope to see you there and if so, please say Hi... ;-)
(4)Vanna E.
This place is disgusting. It reminds me of a place that needs to be on Bar Rescue. The restaurant is sort of underground and feels dingy and dark. The seats are falling apart and the place needs updating. Our friends began joking that we would probably find bugs in our drinks...and on queue we found insects not only in our water but our beer as well. I refused to order food after this incident and will not be found here in the future.
(1)Thuy V.
Cool hole in the wall atmosphere, friendly but hands off servers and good sandwiches. Homemade and hot and on the salty side. Comes with a side of chips. As others have noted making sandwiches is a one at a time deal and not quick but if you are there with friends as most are it's a nice place to chat and enjoy your meal.
(3)Samantha F.
Very slow and nacho's are over priced $8.99 really?!? They could use some aesthetic tips. Dusty panels and seat cushions are worn and leather is cracked, I had on a mini skirt my skin was close to bruising lol the banner and windows were renovated externally but thats to fool you. The chef does not wear gloves, now thats an issue as far as infection control concerns. Subway might be a better choice
(1)Caron L.
When I want a good sandwich this is where I go! The Pokey is no longer on the menu but it is the best sandwich in the city. The service is almost always slow since they only have 1 little oven but it is worth the wait!
(5)Han V.
This place is easily overlooked and I have to thank Yelp for helping me find them! Their sandwiches and subs are all around $9 and come with chips. Granted it is a little pricey for a sandwich but these are worth it! My Reuben was packed with corned beef. My boyfriend got the Dagwood which was monstrous--it was piled high with roast beef, turkey, and pastrami. The bread is toasted nicely and the thousand island dressing gives the sandwiches a distinct taste. Overall, good sandwiches, weird location. Food: 4 Value: 4 Service: 3 Overall: 4
(4)Julia D.
Sandwiches might be my favorite food. I think. I was so excited about going to an awesome sandwich place, you don't even know. I got the sandwich with prosciutto, anchovies, and some other meat madness that was hot with cheese and dressing? I dunno. It was almost the saltiest thing I've ever eaten, because of the meats on it, but holy freaking crap I'd eat them every day if I could. Cozy place, great decor...great all around.
(5)