Where should you go in Richmond to celebrate a special occasion?

Curt and Heather recommend Old Original Bookbinder's at 2306 E. Cary Street, which personalizes menus for special occasions.

What should you order at Bookbinder's in Richmond?

Curt calls the crab cake one of the best he has ever had, and the filet was perfectly cooked.

A Richmond Local Favorite: Old Original Bookbinder's for Big Celebrations

Curt Reichstetter

Oct 4

2 min read

Updated: Oct 8

Old Original Bookbinder's Seafood & Steakhouse has been a Richmond restaurant tradition since 2000. Heather and I took her son, Ben, and his wife, Jessi, there for a celebratory dinner. They were only in town for a short stop as they transitioned to new jobs in Germany.

We are not the type of people who frequent fancy dining spots. We love to eat, but fancy is just not us. The last time we went to this restaurant was to celebrate Ben's 18th birthday, so it had been a few years since our last visit.

They Make Special Occasions Special

One thing that's really cool about this place: if it's a special occasion, they'll personalize the menu. Both Ben and Jessi got their very own menus congratulating them on their upcoming move to Germany with the U.S. Army.

The owner also stopped by our table to personally celebrate Ben and Jessi's transfer and gave each of them their own Bookbinder's challenge coin. On the way out, he met us at the door, took pictures of the group and even got in a selfie.

What I Ordered

I got the crab cake and filet, and let me tell you, it was one of the best meals I've had in a very long time. Finding a great crab cake these days is like finding the Holy Grail: lots of promises, but very few places deliver. Bookbinder's crab cakes are some of the best I have ever had, and the filet was perfectly cooked, an outstanding piece of beef. All of us had truly great dinners.

It was truly a great night of outstanding food and fabulous company. Do you have a special place you like to go to celebrate big things in your life?

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Old Original Bookbinder's in Richmond?

Old Original Bookbinder's is at 2306 E. Cary Street in Richmond, near Shockoe Bottom.

Is Bookbinder's good for special occasions?

In Curt and Heather's experience, yes. For their celebration, the restaurant personalized the menus, and the owner stopped by the table to congratulate the guests of honor.

Is this a paid endorsement?

No. This is simply Curt and Heather sharing a Richmond favorite as part of an ongoing series on Richmond-area local favorites.