Menu of Shorty's Diner in Richmond, Virginia, USA

Menu Overview

Shorty's Diner, located at 5625 W Broad St in Richmond, VA, is a quintessential American diner that captures the spirit of hearty, comforting meals served with genuine warmth. From the moment you step inside, the atmosphere hums with a classic diner vibe—simple, welcoming, and unapologetically satisfying.

The menu at Shorty's Diner is a carefully curated portrait of diner staples, each prepared with a rustic flair that honors tradition while pleasing contemporary palates. Their Classic Sampler Platter stands out as a generous homage to breakfast variety, featuring two large eggs cooked any style, crispy bacon, sausage patty, Virginia ham, and a large pancake or French toast. It's an ideal dish for those craving nostalgia and hearty fuel for the day.

Hash browns here aren’t just a side—they’re a ritual. Crisped to perfection, often available in a cheesy variation, they strike the perfect balance between crunch and richness. Their Eggs Benedict, including the Irish Benedict variant, elevates the classic with refined touches—poached eggs sit atop perfectly toasted English muffins, smothered in a luscious hollandaise sauce that ties the dish together with its velvety texture and subtle tang.

The savory offerings extend beyond breakfast with dishes like the Smash Burger and Pork Tenderloin Sandwich, which have become favorites for those stopping in for lunch. The burger is particularly noteworthy—juicy, flavorful, and served with crispy fries that recall that ideal greasy diner indulgence. The chicken fried steak drenched in homemade country gravy delivers a comforting heft that transports diners to Southern kitchens.

Breakfast at Shorty's is served all day, which is perfect for any time cravings. The Banana Pancakes are noteworthy for being substantial and sweet but not overly heavy, perfect when paired with a refreshing Mimosa for a casual brunch experience. The Triple Decker Club is a loaded option for lunch or a late breakfast, packed with layers of deli meats and fresh toppings that never fail to satisfy.

Customer experiences echo these impressions. Angel Nickols praises the diner’s atmosphere and generous portions, specifically the large pancakes that embody diner comfort. Jeff Kline's nuanced feedback highlights both the highs and occasional misses, particularly with the breakfast sandwich—a reminder of the human touch behind every plate. Tom Stauffer’s discovery of the "Garbage Plate"—a dish presumably hearty and playful—demonstrates Shorty's commitment to inventive, filling meals that stick with you. Even critiques, such as Tasha Wilkins' on the fries and cinnamon bun, underline a strong baseline of quality and friendly service, emphasizing Shorty's as a place worth returning to and rooting for.

Behind the scenes, the service is often described as warm and attentive, with servers like Justin and Grace leaving lasting positive impressions. Though waits may occur, the service retains a friendly demeanor that complements the home-style food well.

In sum, Shorty's Diner stands as a strong contender in Richmond’s diner scene, blending robust, well-executed classics with a welcoming ambiance. It’s a place to savor the simple pleasures of American comfort food — pancakes, eggs Benedict, crispy hash browns — where each dish feels lovingly prepared, even if occasionally imperfect. For travelers and locals alike, Shorty’s provides an honest, flavorful, and hearty meal, deserving of multiple visits and wide appreciation.