To the delight of most of us living in the fan (and dying for a few more entertainment options within walking distance), there are some big plans in the works to bring new life to Scott’s Addition. But there are also some establishments that have called Scott’s Addition home for more than half a century that will continue to add flavor to the area.
 
According to the March 2008 edition of the Scott’s Addition business association newsletter, the historic area, which was annexed to the city in the early 1900s, is poised for some real upgrades. Not only have several new condos sprung up lately (and more to come with the reconstruction of the Sealtest building, according to the newsletter), but the area is attracting new businesses and retail establishments as well.
 
And then, of course, there’s the long-awaited grand opening of Movieland at the corner of Norfolk and Boulevard, which is slated for early 2009. With it will come new restaurants and shops, most of which are still to be determined.
 
There’s no doubt Scott’s Addition is making room for new residents, and sweetening the invitation with the promise of increased shopping and entertainment. But even with a focus on revitalizing the area with new business, there is also a sentimental desire to both preserve the area’s history and support businesses that have been there for years.
 
Bounded by Broad Street, Boulevard, the railroad tracks to the north and 195 to the west, Scott’s Addition is also home to some of the most long-standing establishments in Richmond, which are proud of their history and the background of their geographic location — and are equally excited to serve new customers as the area grows.
 
The Dairy Bar is one of them. A true Richmond landmark, it’s been around since 1946, and is still going strong today.
 
Located on Roseneath, the restaurant has been under the management of a few different owners since it opened 62 years ago, but the quality has remained the same.
 
Current owners Bill and Patricia Webb have added quite a bit to the menu since they bought the restaurant in 1996, and have been updating the menu regularly ever since.
 
Between the two of them, Bill and Patricia have more than 50 years of restaurant experience, and they know exactly what keeps customers coming. Good food is at the top of the list.
The Dairy Bar is a full-service restaurant, offering nearly all imaginable breakfast dishes and 35 different hot and cold sandwiches for lunch, including homemade salads that are simply outstanding, like tuna salad and chicken salad, which is finely chopped and so creamy.
 
The restaurant also features 25 soups in the rotation. The Brunswick stew, beef chili and chicken and rice are three of the most popular soups, all homemade and always in demand.
 
Even with a tasty full-service menu, the Dairy Bar is best known for its signature thick and creamy milkshakes, and has been for years.
 
Milkshakes are an important part of the Dairy Bar’s history. In fact, the restaurant (once called Curles Neck Dairy Bar) was originally a diner, attached to the ice cream plant that originally occupied the building. Hence its current name.
 
The Dairy Bar still serves delicious milkshakes in 17 different flavors, like rum raisin, classic chocolate and peanut butter, as well as thick malts. The Webbs create special flavors for special occasions, too, like pumpkin shakes at Halloween.
 
According to Webb, the secret to such irresistible shakes is quality ice cream.
 
“We have the best shakes in Richmond,” Webb boasts, “because I’m particular about the product.”
 
Webb purchases “premium,” top-shelf ice cream from a Winchester-based ice cream vendor called Garber Ice Cream Company. He knows and trusts the product, and appreciates its consistency — in both meanings of the word.

Staying focused on value and never sacrificing quality are two reasons the restaurant has stayed open for 62 years, according to Webb. They are the same reasons the restaurant will be an important part of Scott’s Addition for years to come.

The Dairy Bar | 1602 Roseneath Rd. Richmond, Va. 804.355.1937