The Pit and the Peel

Fresh, clean atmosphere. Friendly staff. The food is perfect. I’m not a juicer, but I ordered the Hawaiian BBQ chicken quesadilla and thought it was the best! Parking available or an easy walk on campus. Just wish they had a little more seating.

I am thrilled that Richmond is getting more options for juice. As a lover of beet juice, I tried the «Toxin Terminator» per the suggestion of the girl at the register. At $ 4.50 for the 12 oz. version, it is much cheaper than Ellewood Thompson’s. It was good, but not the best.
The Pit and the Peel offers many options beside juice though. And I am looking forward to going back and trying one of their acai bowls. These bowls are thick smoothies topped with all kinds of ingredients. Think a healthier version of frozen yogurt! They also have sandwiches, wraps, and salads.
Be sure to check in on Unilocal and get a 10% discount!

I have been here a few times and the experience always varies. Sometimes I get my smoothie bowl in under 10 minutes and sometimes I’m waiting 30 for a smoothie. This happens whether it is busy or not. It is a great concept but they need more staff and better quality control.
The menu is also pretty overpriced, but the food is good. I would not recommend the smoothie drinks with chocolate in them. They basically taste like chocolate milk. I hope this place will get better with time.

I’m still in love with The Pit and the Peel (see previous review), but I must say that I’m noticing some quality control issues the more I come. Sometimes food is served on a plate. Other times in a bowl. Other times in a plastic to go bowl. Sometimes it’s a meager portion. Sometimes it’s larger. Sometimes the Immunity Booster is yellow. Sometimes it’s orange.
While it’s always good, customers do count on food being consistent. It’s the reason they come back, because they know what to expect.

Perfect place for something light and healthy. The inside is super cute and cozy. Giving it four stars because the price is a bit pricey for their portions. Other than that, this place is great with a lot of choices to choose from… their açaí bowls are a must!

In less than twenty four hours, we returned because we couldn’t stop thinking about the acai bowls! (I realized I kept calling them smoothie bowls in my last review — oops!)
Came in at 10-​ish and it wasn’t too busy at all. Service was quick. This time we tried the midnight bowl and the beach bowl. We were hungry so we also got the AM Flat with fresh cracked egg, avocado, tomato, and arugula. It says micro greens in the description but it was served with arugula.
The midnight bowl tastes like a light dark chocolate sorbet but with the texture of a Wendy’s frosty. The cacao nibs they use are good too, chocolatey and not hard and nutty like some cacao nibs can be. (Anyone know what I’m talking about?) It’s definitely on the sweeter side and very dessert like.
The beach bowl is also good. It’s sweet and fruity and I have nothing bad to say about it. The coconut flakes they use are really soft, chewy, and add a nice sweetness.
The AM Flat was decent and I’d probably order it again. It was a good ratio of ingredients. The multigrain bread they use was toasted nicely and just the right thickness. Overall it was just the perfect vehicle for the toppings. (Sorry I had so much to say about bread. Carbs are VERY important.) The tomatoes were sliced very thinly which I liked.
The only issues I had were that they didn’t quite cook the egg to my liking. It was browned a bit but it’s fine because the yolk was still runny and that’s all that really matters. I also wish there had been more avocado — because I love me some avocado. Also they don’t season it, but there’s salt and pepper on the table so you can adjust it to your liking.
Overall, the Pit and the Peel offers some great lighter fare that uses high quality, fresh ingredients.

I came to The Pit and the Peel last Fall for a Unilocal event, but I haven’t been able to make it back since until today. I’ve really been slacking on buying breakfast foods at the grocery store and making breakfast before work. I hate eating bagels for breakfast and was looking for something that would not make me feel like I was eating terribly for breakfast. The Pit and the Peel is not too far from where I work, so I called in an order for an acai bowl. The bowl was delicious and super filling. It was so good that it made me question if it was really healthy. I cannot wait to go back and try more. My only complaint is that I feel like the staff could be friendlier.

I love the idea of this place. The food is beautiful and fresh, the menu options are creative and truly healthy, and the prices are fine considering that everything is fresh. The area needs more places like The Pit and the Peel.
However, this place is ridiculously and insanely slow. I should have known when I walked in and saw that the place was packed full of people without a juice in their hand. It took twenty minutes for me to receive my smoothie. Juices and smoothies are an inherently ‘on-​the-​go’ food. So I stopped in before an appointment to get a quick drink to-​go. I ended up being late for my appointment because it took an eternity for my food to be ready. Move more quickly and this would be a truly great spot.

Last time I was here was for a Unilocal event last summer and it had just recently opened. I don’t think this place has been opened for more than a year yet. I love the atmosphere and its proximity to the VCU Monroe Park campus, I would probably come here often if I was still a student.
Combine fresh raw juices and sandwiches, a relaxing lounge and throwback board games and you have the pit and the peel in a nutshell!
We came here before going to our fighting gravity class (highly recommend) and wanted something light and refreshing that wouldn’t weigh us down. We got the mango acai bowl: banana, mango, strawberries, pineapple topped with chia seeds. This was super refreshing and I felt really healthy. haha. We also got a Calm a Cazzi raw juice which had: mint, pineapple, cucumber, and celery. I don’t think we were both a fan of this juice, then again, raw juices is still a relatively new concept for us, it’s too «LA» for us. Haha.
While studying or just hanging out, they have plenty of old school board games like monopoly, battleship, clue, etc. We chose rock em sock em robots and had a good time just chillaxing.
The prices are reasonable and I think I would stick to their smoothies next time because last time I had a peanut butter cup smoothie and it was delicious.

Here’s the thing about TP&TP: I desperately want to love it. As a concept, it’s something that Richmond’s needed for a while, and it’s perfectly central to the VCU campus.
First things first: the juice and smoothies are great. They’re clearly very fresh – you can watch them make your drink at the counter! – and not made from a sorbet or mix. I’ve been in a few times and gotten a drink with each order and they’ve all been great.
That being said, the food at TP&TP is a miss for me. I’m a vegetarian, so my options are limited on the panini front as most of their sandwiches are meat-​based. The first food item I ordered was a black bean quesadilla that was ultimately bland, too soggy, and didn’t come with sour cream. The chips that came with it were also clearly bagged, which I’m fine with, but Richmond has a pretty high standard for making sides in-​house, so TP&TP isn’t quite measuring up to competition here. Another time, I ordered a bagel and walnut raisin spread, which was quite good! But the bagels come from Cupertino’s in Henrico, which is historically great, and TP&TP can’t really take credit for that quality. Admittedly I’ve never ordered any of their quinoa or fruit bowls, and they look delicious! I’ll be trying one on my next visit.
Unfortunately, there’s something larger that just doesn’t quite work here. Every time I’ve been to Pit and Peel, the service has been stunningly weak. There are a couple friendly people working here (and a couple really grouchy people), but unfortunately that isn’t enough to mitigate how frustratingly long it takes to receive your food. This place sort of masquerades as a quick lunch spot, but every time I’ve been, it’s taken a bafflingly long time to receive my order – to the point where I wasn’t sure I would be able to get back to work before the end of my lunch break. Perhaps a juice bar might want to invest in more than one juicer? I’ve spent quite a lot of time sitting around here waiting for food while watching people wait to order, which makes me think TP&TP is could benefit for a couple more employees.
In conclusion: The Pit & The Peel is absolutely average, but it has a lot of potential to be more. It’s not irritating enough for me to walk out on, but I probably won’t be giving it too many more chances.

I’ve been here twice and loved it. My girlfriend and I have gone in the afternoon to get berry smoothie bowls and bagels (they make their own shmear! — the honey one is awesome). While we waited for our food we played cards and the big tables beside the giant windows looking out on Main Street (they also have a ton of games there you could play before or after you eat). It’s an awesome place to sit around and talk or hang out for a couple minutes — well decorated and a very nice environment. The staff has been very friendly.
It is a bit on the expensive side — $ 7.something for the smoothing bowl but I would say it’s overwhelmingly worth it for how good the food and whole experience is.

A family member told me about this place. I was SUPER excited to try it because I live a healthy lifestyle + it is hard to find quick food thats healthy food.
My first time in, I had to wait just a little bit to get my food but it was ok because the food was amazing.
I shared how amazing my food was on my social media (over 118k) + with my classes (over 200 people/​week) that come through my doors to my fitness class. but Yesterday was my third visit in + it wasn’t a good experience.
I waited over 20 minutes for my berry bowl. Every single person that came in to purchase after me got their food BEFORE me + no one working there thought to say anything such as «sorry for the wait, or it’s coming». Then after I got my bowl I noticed the size had changed, it was smaller (not the price). I made a comment after waiting patiently for 23 minutes that the bowl was smaller (I waited because I wasn’t in a rush) + the lady said loudly «oh no its a deeper bowl» as I was walking out another girl yelled «we even measured it…»
the fact that I waited that long, then they were rudely talking back to me as I left made me never want to go back.
If someone came to my business + was waiting that long for a product I would never talk back to them + let them leave like that.
great concept + the food taste great but could use more employees or kinder ones to start with.

Finially Richmond has a juice bar and its FRESH and AFFORDABLE. Located near VCU off of main its surprisingly convenient. Great for grab and go or if you wanna stay and eat Pit and Peel is great for both. The décor which apparently the oweners did themselves is so cute and creates a perfect atmosphere. You can get 2 sizes 12oz is $ 4.50 and for a doller more you can get the 16oz at $ 5.50 which is a steal.
JUICE and SMOOTHIE review ONLY
Compared to other juices and smoothies Pit and Peel dosent dissapoint, with quirky names and fresh ingredients its a no brainer.
Ive had the immune booster and a toxin terminator which were amazing and so fresh but always warm. I wish they refrigerated the fruites and veggies that way when they juice the ingredients my drink comes out cold .
For smoothies Ive had the piña colada and the peanut butter cup. The piña colada actually was chuncky which I actually liked, tasty treat with every sip. The peanut butter cup was great as an AM meal and kept me full till lunch. Loved that they dont dump a bunch of added sugar like other smoothies places. When you go make sure you get a punch card when you go all you need is 8 punches.
Pit and Peel is continuously expanding so keep an eye out for new items. I personally hope to see them do cold press items and maybe some wheatgrass.

This place is exactly what I’ve been looking for.
I work from home most days, which generally means I’m posted up in a café staring at my laptop. I tend to stick to coffee shops, but I like to go places where I can get a (hopefully) healthy lunch as well. This place is it plus so much more.
A quaint storefront perched right on Main Street with lots of natural light and tall tables for sitting inside. They have free wifi as well, which is always a plus.
They have a full coffee menu, which is amazing. Espresso drinks, coffee, and tea. the whole 9 yards, they have your caffeine needs met. They also have a full juice and smoothie menu that they fresh squeeze and blend up right in front of you. I had the Kale Me Crazy smoothie, which is coconut water, chia seeds, kale, banana, spinach, and pineapple. I feel healthy just talking about it. It was delicious, and sweet without being too sweet.
They also boast a full food menu with breakfast and lunch options. Everything from breakfast sandwiches, bagels, paninis, wraps, acai bowls and more! I had the Avocado’s Number sandwich. which is HUGE! Definitely big enough to share or take home. It was very good and came with a side of sweet potato chips.
Overall, this is a great place to post up and do some work, or to stop in for a juice before a workout, class, meeting, etc. RVA really needs more spots like this. I will be back to try more juices, and I have my eye on an Acai Bowl!

Just a tip for the owners, please make your servers wear gloves when making smoothies. I’ve gone here 4 times and 3 out of 4 times they used their bare hands and licked their fingers off after. It is very unsanitary!
I finally found a great juicing /​smoothie bar in Richmond! They are conveniently located so it won’t be hard to miss this place while driving. I ordered their Almond Joy with their buffalo wrap while my boyfriend got their BBQ Quesadillas. We both loved our smoothies and finished every last drop. The wrap & quesadillas were ‘alright’. I’m not a fan of my wraps or sandwiches smothered with sauces. They’ve also got game boards and a small bar on the side for those wanting more privacy while sipping coffee or juice away from the main seating areas. They are a very healthy bistro and yes, pricey but I don’t mind paying extra for well made smoothies or organic juices.

Best juice bar! They juice all the fruits and veggies right in front of you. Whatever you get will taste amazing.

In addition to my daily workouts I love to add a fresh homemade smoothies and juices to my regimen. I decided to stop by The Pit and The Peel to have the only Gin & Juice I can currently consume (sigh) and let me tell you it was so tasty. Have you ever had something that just tasted like it made you healthier? Lol! Well if not this is it. Yes the prices are a tad steep but if you’re out and looking for a healthier alternative I would definitely recommend the slight splurge. besides it’s worth it and way better for you!

I love the concept a REAL authentic juice bar.
Unfortunately, the prices aren’t competitive.
The interior is absolute GORG.
The temperature inside is too warm.
The clientele is awesome.
The windows not opening is a con.
So, while I struggled between a 3 and a 4, I had to go with a 3.
I got a ZINGER, which has carrots and lots of something else’s. I didn’t know what to expect since the reviews were saying it is a real juice bar. A real juice bat juice is what I got. Unsweetened and not pretty looking.
BUT. Drink this as an alternative to your lunch or dinner, and I bet you’ll lose weight and look better. The price for mine was $ 7.10, which included a very small tip. Very pricey, but if you think about drinking this instead of eating a meal, it’s pretty manageable. Most lunches are about that price anyway, if not more. Why not spend that dollar amount on a real juice mix and lose the weight too?
I’ll probably come here a few nights out of the week to get a juice as dinner. We’ll see how this goes with my weight loss!

This is the cutest juice bar in town! Kristy and Craig came from out of state to bring this little gem to Richmond. Kristy has a background in nutrition which is obvious in her choices of blended juices. My favorite right now is the «gin and juice» which is ginger, lemon, cucumber and pineapple. Very refreshing!
If you’re hungry, like I was when I came in, the menu is interesting (not boring), healthy and they serve gluten-​free bread. The strawberry avocado salad is a must try!
I’m definitely coming back!

Man! Let me tell you how I discovered The Pit and the Peel.
I have been eating so bad lately. Like, SO bad. I’m talking pizza, french fries, hot dogs, cake. Minimal veggies. Maximum goodness. Basically I’ve been in a nutritional funk. A battle between what I know I should eat and what I am actually eating.
I don’t know if it was the heat of today that was making me feel super gross or what, but I got a craving for fresh green juice. I opened up the Unilocal app and realized that Richmond is a juice dessert. Green juice was nowhere to be found! Smoothies, yes. Juice? no! Not unless you want to go to Elwood Thompson’s… so that’s where I was headed when I saw in my peripheral vision a sign that said «Now Open: The Pit and the Peel». I thought to myself… hm… that sounds kind of like a juice bar. Then, I broke a few traffic rules (oops) and pulled over in a parking spot and walked my juice-​craving butt on over to check it out.
Well… what do ya know! It WAS a juice bar. Hallelujah! And the juice was GOOD. And the décor was ENCHANTING. And the barista (juice barista?) was BUBBLY. And they have ample plugs and seating. And I just bursted with joy on the inside because I was so excited. This is definitely my kind of place. I can see myself perching here for hours to work. They have food too so when the belly starts growling, I won’t have to walk anywhere else. Perfect. Man, this is such an awesome addition to Richmond’s already amazing scene. GO HERE!