Located in historic Jackson Ward, Croaker's Spot is Richmond's soul-food, seafood institution. As a friend's friend put it, "It's the best food I've ever had." Their signature dish is the fried catfish platter, with a hunk of homemade cornbread and fantastic collards. Though the meals are pretty standardly priced, the portions are gargantuan--hopefully, you'll enjoy fried fish leftovers for the next meal (or three).
It's a tight little joint--with few booths and a long wait to get in. If you're just there for the food, they do a brisk take-out business (but call ahead with your order). Though the rest of the neighborhoood may seem sketchy, it's a safe spot to be. Hopefully, Croaker's will be one of the cornerstones in the revitalization of Jackson Ward (long talked about but finally coming to fruition).