Richmond’s hottest new spot brings a San Francisco meets Tokyo vibe to Virginia’s capital city.
Located behind an unmarked door on Broad Street, Fanboy delivers a truly unique fusion of vinyl listening room and cocktail bar with globally-inspired small plates.
The brainchild of Brandon Pearson, this intimate space earned a spot on Esquire’s 42 Best Bars in America list for its creative approach to “fine diving” – where caviar service coexists harmoniously with craft burgers.
Food Highlights
- Tikka Masala Dip: A showstopping fusion of pulled chicken, tomato curry, and cream cheese served with cucumber yogurt and naan
- Mushroom Cheesesteak: Maitake mushrooms with caramelized onions and three-cheese fondue featuring aged parmesan on a Flour Garden roll
- OnlyFans Martini: A playful twist on the pornstar martini with Cirrus vodka, passoã, passion fruit, and prosecco foam
- Truffle Fries: A crowd favorite side dish that perfectly complements any main
- Tea Leaf Salad: A fresh take on the classic Burmese dish
Atmosphere
The luscious wood interior glows with orange Pantone walls and pristine arches, creating an elevated ambience.
Live DJs spin vinyl in a small corner booth, while the intimate space buzzes with energy.
The lighting stays deliberately dim and red-tinted, adding to the moody vibe.
Here are some notable customer reactions to Fanboy’s original dishes:
Customer Impressions
The tikka masala dip has earned particular praise for its creativity, with one customer calling it “the showstopper” of the menu. A unique fusion of buffalo dip with authentic Indian spices, it has become the restaurant’s most popular dish.
Global Fusion Success
One diner praised how the menu successfully “teleports you to a fabulous city that does not feel like Richmond,” highlighting the kitchen’s ability to blend international flavors.
Creative Combinations
The chilaquiles received specific praise for its innovative cultural mashup, combining corn chips, tikka masala dip, bhurta, and traditional Mexican ingredients in an unexpected way that “hits the mark”.
Unique Menu Structure
Diners noted how the menu “jet-sets from dish to dish,” offering everything from Mumbai to Beijing influences while incorporating local ingredients like Flour Garden bread and Seven Hills Foods Company beef.
Some customers initially expressed skepticism about the eclectic menu but were won over by the execution. As one reviewer noted, “Originally the menu had put me off… But let me tell you, I was blown away”.
Bottom Line
Fanboy delivers an exceptional experience where global flavors meet craft cocktails in a sleek, music-driven setting that feels more like a trendy coastal hotspot than a Richmond establishment.
Address: 2713 W Broad St, Richmond, VA 23220