At This Virginia Deli, One Fried Chicken Sandwich Rules The Menu
There is a retro deli in downtown Richmond where a single fried chicken sandwich steals the spotlight and never gives it back.
Perly’s Restaurant & Delicatessen turns cravings into traditions with crisp textures, tangy slaws, and bread that knows how to hold the line.
Walk in for nostalgia, stay for big flavors, and leave with a plan to return sooner than you planned.
If you love decisive crunch and playful deli craft, this is your next great lunch story.
Exact Location And How To Find It
Perly’s Restaurant & Delicatessen sits at 111 E Grace St in downtown Richmond, a short walk from the convention center and the Carpenter Theatre.
The facade carries a vintage spirit, with signage that pops against historic brick and a tidy storefront that feels welcoming.
Quick landmarks help, including the nearby Broad Street corridor and several public parking garages within a few blocks.
Navigation is straightforward, and using the address 111 E Grace St will reliably drop you right at the door on all major map apps.
Street parking can be available during off peak hours, though garages are the safe bet when the lunch rush is buzzing.
The neighborhood is lively yet manageable, and the sidewalk energy adds to the diner like charm.
Doors open at 9 AM most days, so arriving around opening makes entry effortless.
The footprint is compact, but the layout funnels you efficiently to a host stand. If a line forms, it tends to move quickly as tables turn at a steady pace.
Step inside and the city noise fades into clinks, chatter, and the soft hum of an old school deli soundtrack. Consider this your basecamp for Richmond flavor.
It is easy to find and even easier to love.
Hours Of Operation And Best Times To Visit
Perly’s opens daily from 9 AM to 3 PM, keeping a focused daytime schedule that suits breakfast through late lunch.
That window draws steady crowds, especially Wednesday through Sunday. Checking in early is smart if you have a tight timeline.
Peak hours tend to hit between 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM when locals and downtown workers flood in for sandwiches and soups.
Arriving right at 9 AM provides wide open seating and highly attentive pacing. A late lunch after 2 PM often offers a calmer dining room and lingering conversation time.
The team keeps lines moving, but patience pays off during prime time.
Consider splitting your visit across two trips if you want to sample both breakfast leaning plates and the famous chicken schnitzel sandwich. Same day return is ambitious, yet entirely understandable.
If you are visiting Richmond on a weekday, Tuesday or Wednesday mornings feel especially relaxed. Weekends bring a celebratory buzz that pairs nicely with a long catch up.
Whatever you choose, that 9 AM start is your golden ticket.
A Quick History And Ownership Snapshot
Perly’s traces its roots to an earlier Richmond establishment of the same spirit, revived as a modern retro deli with creative flair.
The current iteration channels Jewish deli traditions while leaning playful and contemporary.
The restaurant has been widely reported as owned and operated by Kevin and Rachelle Roberts, whose stewardship helped guide its modern revival.
What is clear is the commitment to heritage recipes filtered through Richmond tastes.
Old photos line the walls, framing a timeline of neighborhood memory and culinary nostalgia.
The menu reads like a conversation between past and present.
Staff talk proudly about scratch made components, house cured touches, and recipes honed over years of iteration.
The brand identity mixes reverence with inventiveness, which keeps the dining room filled with repeat guests. That energy reflects steady leadership behind the scenes.
When a place becomes a community habit, it earns a kind of lived in credibility. Perly’s has achieved that status without losing an ounce of fun.
If you want a deli with roots and momentum, this is the Richmond address to bookmark.
Decor, Ambiance, And Setting
The dining room wears its retro badge proudly, with framed photos, gleaming fixtures, and booths that invite lingering.
Lighting falls soft and flattering, with a gentle glow that tempts you to order just one more side. There is a low thrum of conversation and silverware that feels like soundtrack instead of noise.
Counter seating gives solo diners a front row view of plating and pass dynamics. Booths host groups that arrive hungry and leave content.
Tables are close enough to feel convivial yet spaced to keep conversations private.
Decor skews nostalgic without slipping into costume. Details matter here, from crisp napkins to menus that make you smile before the first bite.
The result is a room that feels both classic and current.
It is the kind of place where newcomers relax quickly because the vibe is confident and warm. Nothing stiff, nothing fussy, just purposeful charm.
You could bring a friend, a laptop, or a visiting relative and everyone would fit right in.
Menu Overview And Notable Dishes
The menu blends Jewish deli classics with modern riffs, executed with precision.
Expect pastrami on rye, matzo ball soup, latkes, knishes, blintzes, and chopped liver alongside creative sandwiches and playful sides.
The most talked about chicken sandwich on the menu is the Shapiro Schnitzel, a fried chicken schnitzel served on toasted challah.
Textures drive the experience, from crisp edges on potato pancakes to tender crumb in fresh baked breads.
Soups arrive fragrant and well seasoned, with broths that soothe and noodles that hold their bite. Condiments lean bright, pickly, and herb forward.
Portions satisfy without overwhelming, though some plates encourage sharing. A side of slaw or a pile of pickles makes every order feel like a complete project.
Desserts, when available, lean classic comfort with a house twist.
Prices land in the mid range for downtown, reflecting quality ingredients and careful technique. Value climbs when you consider balance, craft, and consistency.
Start with soup and end with a sandwich, or vice versa, and you will understand the hype.
The Fried Chicken Sandwich That Rules
This is the sandwich people plan their lunch breaks around.
The Shapiro Schnitzel arrives as a golden fried chicken cutlet layered on toasted challah, delivering a shattering crust and juicy interior. Inside, the meat is well seasoned, carrying savory depth without heavy grease.
Instead of traditional slaw, the sandwich is finished with shredded lettuce, bread and butter pickled cauliflower, and skhug, adding tang, sweetness, and gentle heat.
The bread supports the heft without collapsing, making each bite composed and intentional.
Every bite balances salt, acid, heat, and texture like a practiced routine. The portion lands firmly in hearty territory, perfect for hungry appetites or sharing with a side.
It is bold but not messy, engineered for confident two hand eating.
If you love fried chicken, this sandwich explains why regulars talk with loyal zeal.
The first crackle is addictive, and the finish leaves you plotting your next visit. Order it once and it becomes a ritual.
Taste, Texture, And Portion Details
Crunch is the headline, arriving loud and clear with each bite.
The crust is well seasoned and evenly browned, not a hint of sogginess even after a lingering conversation. Juices stay locked in, creating a contrast that feels tailor made for a deli classic.
Bright pickled cauliflower and skhug provide contrast and lift, turning the next bite into a reset button. The bun offers tender chew and sturdy structure, keeping everything aligned.
Portion size feels generous, especially paired with a side like fries, latkes, or a cup of soup. Splitting works, but finishing solo is very doable if hunger is serious.
The last bite still delivers crunch, which is rare and wonderful.
Every element works in concert, so the sandwich tastes complete even without extra add ons. There is balance rather than bravado, which is why it stays craveable.
It is a master class in texture management.
Service Style And Staff Interaction
Service at Perly’s is warm, practiced, and quick on the draw. Hosts seat efficiently and servers know the menu details in a way that feels confident.
Recommendations arrive with clear descriptions and realistic timing estimates.
Refills, extra napkins, and sauce requests move swiftly even when the room is humming. Staff read the table well, showing up when you need them and disappearing when you do not.
There is pride in the work, and it shows in the small courtesies.
First time guests get helpful guidance toward house signatures and balanced orders.
Regulars receive friendly nods and familiar banter that make the space feel like a neighborhood clubhouse. The tone is casual yet professional, never stiff.
When the line stretches, composure holds steady and the dining flow stays smooth. You leave feeling cared for rather than processed. It is hospitality that matches the food, and that is saying something.
Price Range And Value For Money
Perly’s sits in the $$ range, fair for downtown Richmond and very reasonable for the quality.
Expect mid teens to low twenties for many mains depending on build and sides. Soups and starters offer entry points that do not stretch the budget.
Value shows up in portion integrity and ingredient quality. Bread is fresh, vegetables are crisp, and proteins are seasoned with finesse.
You taste the effort and the consistency across multiple visits.
Sharing a couple of items turns the table into a tasting session without blowing up the check. A sandwich, a soup, and a side can easily satisfy two light eaters.
That math encourages exploration of classics and specials together.
Considering the location, the craft, and the reliability, the bill lands comfortably.
You walk out full, happy, and plotting return visits. That is the definition of value in a city deli.
Other Standout Dishes To Try
The pastrami on rye is a cornerstone, piled generous with peppery slices that ride the line between tender and toothsome.
Matzo ball soup brings a clear, comforting broth and a fluffy sinker that warms the table. Latkes crisp at the edges with tender centers, perfect with applesauce and sour cream.
Chopped liver delivers a silky texture with onion sweetness and salt that invites another bite. Knishes arrive hearty and rustic, a great partner for a bright pickle plate.
Daily specials might riff on seasonal produce while keeping deli roots intact.
Vegetarians find happy territory in well built salads and egg based plates. Breakfast leaning options meet midday appetites with ease. Nothing feels ornamental, which makes choosing easier.
If you are splitting two plates, pair something crunchy with something soothing. Soup and latkes make friends quickly with any sandwich.
The chicken schnitzel may rule, but the supporting cast is strong enough to headline.
Customer Experience And Atmosphere
The dining room buzzes in the best way during lunch, energized yet comfortable. Conversations mingle with the clatter of plates, creating a soundscape that feels like community.
You settle in quickly because the vibe does the work.
Tables turn briskly, but nobody rushes you out the door. There is always another coffee refill or a suggestion for a final bite.
The staff keep things light with quick smiles and helpful checks.
Even on busy days, the room holds its charm. It is compact without feeling cramped, efficient without losing warmth.
That balance is why the line feels worth it.
Walk out and you will notice the afterglow of a good meal and a friendly room. It feels like a Richmond ritual rather than a one off find.
Expect to recommend it to the next person who asks where to eat downtown.
Tips For Newcomers And Ordering Strategy
Arrive near opening or later in the afternoon if you want minimal wait. Scan the menu for signatures, then anchor your order with the Shapiro Schnitzel or the pastrami on rye.
Add a soup or latkes to build contrast and shareable bites.
Ask your server how hungry a given plate eats, because portions vary just enough to matter. Consider splitting the sandwich and pairing with a side for a balanced tour.
Leave room for pickles or a small sweet if available.
Water first, then coffee or tea for a relaxed pace.
Pace yourself through the crunch so you can enjoy the last bite as much as the first. If a special catches your eye, trust it.
Finally, keep the address handy and bookmark the website for hour changes or updates. The team posts current information clearly.
With a plan and an appetite, your first visit will feel like a win.
Contact, Website, And Final Details
Perly’s is located at 111 E Grace St, Richmond, VA 23219, and the main phone line is +1 804 912 1560. Hours currently list 9 AM to 3 PM daily, with any updates posted clearly online.
The official site at perlysrichmond.com is the best hub for menus and announcements.
The restaurant primarily operates on a walk in basis, and guests are encouraged to call directly if dining with a larger group or if policies change.
Accessibility is practical and the layout is easy to navigate. Nearby garages make parking simple even on busy weekdays.
If you are mapping from out of town, using the street address rather than exact coordinates is the most reliable way to navigate.
That will land you near the entrance and a warm welcome. The neighborhood is well suited to a stroll before or after your meal.
Leave with a mental note to bring a friend next time. The chicken schnitzel converts skeptics into fans in a single sitting.
Downtown Richmond has a standby, and it is waiting at Perly’s.