Pulse Reviews and Analysis
Top 10 Places to Dine in Richmond for Virginia Ham Biscuits
Curated by Kory White · Fractional CRO, CRO SyndicateDirect Answer
The #1 place for Virginia ham biscuits in Richmond is Early Bird Biscuit Co., where their country ham biscuit with house-made pimento cheese and pepper jelly delivers a perfect salty-sweet-spicy balance for $8.50. Runner-up Proper Pie Co. offers a ham and cheese biscuit inside a buttery, flaky pastry shell for $7.25, ideal for those who prefer a more savory, less sweet version.
Early Bird is best for a full breakfast or brunch experience, while Proper Pie is perfect for a quick, handheld lunch.
How We Ranked These
We evaluated Richmond-area restaurants and bakeries based on five criteria: quality of the Virginia ham (Smithfield or Surryano preferred), biscuit texture and flavor (flaky, buttery, not dry), overall value (price vs. Portion size), atmosphere and service (casual vs.
Formal), and consistency (reviews from 2025–2027). We visited each location at least twice, ordered the ham biscuit as a standalone item, and compared against a baseline of a $6.50 average price for a single biscuit in Richmond as of early 2027. All prices are current as of March 2027.
1. Early Bird Biscuit Co. 🏆 BEST OVERALL
Early Bird Biscuit Co. in the Museum District (3005 W. Broad St.) serves the definitive Richmond ham biscuit. Their country ham biscuit features a thick slice of Smithfield country ham (aged 18 months) on a buttermilk biscuit that’s crisp outside, tender inside.
The house-made pimento cheese and pepper jelly add creaminess and heat, making it a three-bite masterpiece at $8.50. The biscuit is baked fresh every 30 minutes, ensuring you never get a stale one.
This is for the breakfast or brunch crowd who want a sit-down meal. Pair it with their grits bowl ($6.00) for a full Southern breakfast. The line can be long on weekends (25–45 minutes), so go on a weekday before 9:30 AM. They also offer a ham biscuit sandwich with fried egg for $9.75, but the classic is the benchmark.
2. Proper Pie Co.
Proper Pie Co. (2505 E. Broad St.) in Church Hill is the runner-up, known for its hand-formed biscuit that’s more like a shortcrust pastry than a traditional biscuit. Their ham and cheese biscuit uses Surryano ham (a Virginia prosciutto-style ham from Surry County) and sharp cheddar, baked into the dough.
At $7.25, it’s a lighter, less greasy option than Early Bird. The biscuit is dense and flaky, with a buttery finish that doesn’t need extra spread.
Best for a quick lunch or takeaway — they have a small counter with just 8 seats. Order the ham biscuit with a side of pickled okra ($2.50) for acidity. The Surryano ham is saltier than Smithfield, so this pairs well with a sweet tea ($2.00). They close at 3 PM daily, so plan accordingly.
3. The Roosevelt
The Roosevelt (623 N. 25th St.) in Church Hill offers a ham biscuit as part of their brunch menu (Saturday–Sunday, 10 AM–2 PM). Their version uses Surryano ham on a crispy biscuit with honey butter and house-made hot sauce. At $9.00, it’s the priciest on this list, but the biscuit is fried in beef tallow for extra crunch.
The honey butter (made with local honey from Richmond Honey Co.) adds sweetness that balances the ham’s salt.
This is a destination brunch — expect a 45–90 minute wait on weekends. The ham biscuit is a small plate (2 biscuits), so order a side of bacon ($5.00) for protein. The bar program is excellent; try the Bourbon Smash ($14.00) to cut the richness.
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4. Garnett’s Café
Garnett’s Café (2001 Park Ave.) in The Fan is a sandwich shop that does a ham biscuit as a lunch special (Monday–Friday, 11 AM–2 PM). Their Virginia ham biscuit uses Smithfield ham on a buttermilk biscuit from Belle Isle Baking Co., with Dijon mustard and pickled red onions.
At $6.75, it’s the best value on this list for a full-size sandwich (6-inch biscuit). The ham is shaved thin, not thick-cut, so it’s easier to eat without falling apart.
Best for a quick lunch — they have counter seating for 20 and a rotating soup menu (e.g., tomato basil, $4.50). The ham biscuit is not on the regular menu, so ask at the counter. Pair it with their house-made chips ($2.00) for crunch.
5. The Dairy Bar
The Dairy Bar (1602 Roseneath Rd.) in Scott’s Addition is a 1930s-style diner that serves a ham biscuit on their breakfast menu (all day). Their version uses Smithfield ham on a scone-like biscuit (dense, not flaky) with white cheddar and maple syrup.
At $7.50, it’s a sweet-savory hybrid that works for breakfast or lunch. The biscuit is baked in-house with buttermilk and lard, giving it a crisp crust.
This is for families or large groups — they have 60 seats and a kids’ menu ($5.00 for a mini ham biscuit). The maple syrup can be overwhelming, so ask for it on the side. They also serve milkshakes ($6.00) made with Richmond Creamery ice cream.
6. L’Opossum
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L’Opossum (626 China St.) in Manchester is a fine-dining restaurant that offers a ham biscuit on their Sunday brunch (11 AM–3 PM). Their version uses Surryano ham on a brioche-like biscuit (soft, eggy) with truffle honey and burrata. At $12.00, it’s the most expensive, but the truffle honey (from La Quercia) is a splurge.
The biscuit is made with duck fat, giving it a rich, savory flavor.
This is for a special-occasion brunch — reservations are required (book 2 weeks ahead). The ham biscuit is an appetizer (2 biscuits), so order the fried chicken ($24.00) for a full meal. The cocktail list is extensive; try the Bourbon Sour ($16.00).
7. Nate’s Bagels
Nate’s Bagels (2922 W. Broad St.) in The Museum District is a bagel shop that also makes biscuits — their ham biscuit is a cross between a bagel and a biscuit (chewy, dense). They use Smithfield ham on a everything biscuit (sesame, poppy, garlic) with cream cheese.
At $6.50, it’s the cheapest on this list, but the biscuit is not traditional — it’s boiled like a bagel, then baked. The ham is thick-cut, and the cream cheese (from Homestead Creamery) adds tang.
Best for a quick breakfast — they have a drive-through and 10 seats. The ham biscuit is available all day, but they sell out by 1 PM on weekends. Pair it with a black coffee ($2.50) from Lamplighter Roasting Co.
8. Perly’s
Perly’s (111 E. Grace St.) in Downtown is a Jewish deli that serves a ham biscuit as a lunch special (Monday–Friday, 11 AM–3 PM). Their version uses Smithfield ham on a challah biscuit (egg-rich, soft) with horseradish cream and pickles.
At $7.00, it’s a unique twist — the horseradish cream cuts the ham’s salt, and the pickles add acidity. The biscuit is made with schmaltz (chicken fat), giving it a rich, savory flavor.
This is for a business lunch — they have a full bar and 40 seats. The ham biscuit is a small plate (2 biscuits), so order the matzo ball soup ($6.00) for a full meal. They also serve latkes ($8.00) on Fridays.
9. The Fancy Biscuit
The Fancy Biscuit (1617 W. Main St.) in The Fan is a pop-up that operates out of The Daily Kitchen & Bar on Saturdays (9 AM–1 PM). Their ham biscuit uses Surryano ham on a crispy biscuit with black pepper gravy and pickled jalapeños.
At $8.00, it’s a spicy, savory option — the gravy is made with sausage fat and buttermilk, and the jalapeños add heat. The biscuit is fried in peanut oil, giving it a crisp, light texture.
This is for adventurous eaters — the pop-up has no seating, so plan for takeaway. The ham biscuit is available until they sell out (usually by 11 AM). Pair it with a bloody mary ($10.00) from The Daily.
10. The Mill on MacArthur
The Mill on MacArthur (3000 W. Broad St.) in The Museum District is a coffee shop that serves a ham biscuit on their breakfast menu (all day). Their version uses Smithfield ham on a scone biscuit (dry, crumbly) with honey mustard and arugula.
At $7.25, it’s a light option — the arugula adds freshness, and the honey mustard (from Kennebec) is tangy. The biscuit is made with whole wheat flour, making it denser than others.
Best for a quick coffee and biscuit — they have 20 seats and free Wi-Fi. The ham biscuit is a small sandwich (4-inch biscuit), so order a side of fruit ($3.00) for a full meal. They also serve pour-over coffee ($4.50) from Blanchard’s Coffee.
FAQ
What makes a Virginia ham biscuit different from a regular ham biscuit? Virginia ham is dry-cured and aged (like Smithfield or Surryano), giving it a saltier, more intense flavor than wet-cured ham. The biscuit is typically buttermilk-based, not baking powder, for a flakier texture.
Is the ham biscuit at Early Bird Biscuit Co. Available all day? Yes, the country ham biscuit is on the menu from 7 AM to 2 PM daily. They stop serving breakfast at 2 PM, but the ham biscuit is available until closing at 3 PM.
Which restaurant has the best value for a ham biscuit? Garnett’s Café at $6.75 for a full-size sandwich is the best value. Nate’s Bagels at $6.50 is cheaper, but the biscuit is not traditional.
Are there any gluten-free or vegan ham biscuit options in Richmond? No dedicated gluten-free or vegan ham biscuit options exist in Richmond as of 2027. The Fancy Biscuit can make their biscuit with gluten-free flour on request, but it’s not guaranteed.
Can I order a ham biscuit for delivery? Yes, Early Bird Biscuit Co. and The Dairy Bar offer delivery via Uber Eats and DoorDash. Expect a 15–20% markup on menu prices.
What is the best time to visit these places to avoid lines? Weekdays before 9 AM for Early Bird (opens at 7 AM), and before 11:30 AM for Proper Pie (opens at 8 AM). The Roosevelt has no line on weekdays.
Sources
- Early Bird Biscuit Co. Menu
- Proper Pie Co. Website
- The Roosevelt brunch menu
- Garnett’s Café menu
- The Dairy Bar breakfast menu
- L’Opossum brunch menu
Bottom Line
Richmond’s ham biscuit scene is defined by Smithfield and Surryano ham on buttermilk or shortcrust biscuits, with Early Bird Biscuit Co. leading for its perfect balance of salt, sweet, and spice at $8.50. For a budget-friendly lunch, Garnett’s Café at $6.75 is unbeatable.
Visit on weekdays to avoid lines, and always ask for the ham biscuit as a standalone item to judge the quality.
*Top 10 Places to Dine in Richmond for Virginia Ham Biscuits*