Gate-side burgers and beer in Terminal 1
James River Grill sits past security in Terminal 1, just a short walk from most gates at Richmond (RIC). It runs through the bulk of the daytime schedule, generally opening around the first bank of departures and staying open until the evening flights taper off. Think bar-and-grill basics: burgers, flatbreads, sandwiches, and a few salads, plus a full bar with local beer in the mix.
Menu pricing lands in typical airport territory, with burgers and sandwiches often in the $14–$18 range and appetizers running closer to $8–$12. Portions skew on the larger side, so one main can usually cover a quick pre-flight meal. It’s table service plus a bar counter, so plan at least 30–40 minutes if you want to sit down, order, and pay without rushing to a boarding call.
The bar usually has a couple of Virginia beers on tap alongside national brands, and mixed drinks sit in the $10–$15 band depending on pour and brand. It’s one of the few spots in RIC where you can sit with a real glass and watch the departure boards instead of eating out of a bag at the gate. If your flight leaves from a nearby gate in Terminal 1, you can keep an eye on boarding groups and walk over in under 5 minutes.
Food leans heavy and classic: think cheeseburgers, chicken sandwiches, and fries rather than health food. Vegetarian options are limited to things like salads or cheese-heavy flatbreads, so plan ahead if you have stricter dietary needs. Service speed can vary during the morning and late-afternoon banks, especially on Mondays and Fridays when business traffic spikes at RIC.
Tip: with security at RIC usually taking 10–20 minutes outside peak Monday mornings, aim to be seated at James River Grill at least 45 minutes before departure if you want a full meal and time to pay the check.