Perly’s: Brunch Worth the Wait

If you’ve ever walked past Perly’s and seen a line stretching down the sidewalk, you might wonder if it’s really worth the wait. Short answer: yes. Long answer: absolutely yes.

We stopped by earlier this week for brunch, and while there was a bit of a line, the experience felt easy and relaxed from the start. The host suggested we wait inside Stella’s Grocery next door, which turned a dreary morning into a cozy little pre-brunch adventure. If you’ve never browsed Stella’s while hungry, consider this your warning. You’ll want everything.

Between the friendly service, the charming atmosphere, and a menu packed with creative comfort food, Perly’s delivers the kind of experience that keeps locals (and visitors) coming back.

What we Ordered

The Hirschfeld- This sandwich was a standout for flavor and freshness. It’s built on toasted pumpernickel and layered with lentil hummus, tomato, red onion, cucumber, mixed lettuces, and a bright carrot tapenade. The lentil hummus makes this sandwich feel substantial without being heavy, and the generous pile of veggies gives it a fresh, satisfying crunch.

We ordered it with a side of fries, which were perfectly crisp and generously seasoned. Not an afterthought fries situation. These held their own.

Cinnamon Babka French Toast- If you lean toward the sweet side of brunch, this one’s for you. The cinnamon babka French toast is topped with maple syrup, stewed apples, golden raisins, and pecans. It definitely falls into dessert-for-breakfast territory. It’s rich, indulgent, and perfect for sharing. (I actually think it might be a little too sweet to order solo.) The warm spices, soft bread, and sweet toppings make this a cozy, comfort-food kind of dish, especially on a gray Richmond morning.

The Details

Our total for those two dishes, including tax and tip, came to $42.17, which felt like a great value for the quality, portions, and overall experience. But what really makes Perly’s special isn’t just the food. The staff is welcoming and efficient, and the space feels warm and inviting. (Sometimes busy restaurants can feel like you’re in the way… but not here.)

Parking

There’s free 2-hour parking on 1st and 2nd Street, and there’s also paid parking available on Grace Street. I know parking downtown can be a deterrent for people, but it really isn’t hard! While the restaurant was busy, we found street parking just a block and a half away. Don’t let the fear of parking stop you from visiting fun places like this one!

Tips for Visiting

• Expect a wait, especially on weekends.
• If there’s a line, ask about waiting at Stella’s Grocery next door.
• Go with a mix of sweet and savory. The menu does both really well.
• Come hungry. Portions are generous.

If you love Perly’s, you might also enjoy Susie’s!