Don’t Look Back Triple has officially opened its doors in Richmond’s Scott’s Addition, and these photos offer a sneak peek into the exciting new space. Located at 3306 W. Broad St., in the building that formerly housed Triple billiards hall, this location represents a fresh chapter for the beloved Don’t Look Back brand, reborn after a fire closed their original Carytown spot last July. But while it’s a new beginning, Don’t Look Back Triple thoughtfully incorporates elements of its past, creating a familiar yet elevated dining and social experience.
Stepping inside Don’t Look Back Triple, you’re immediately greeted by an atmosphere that’s both inviting and stylish. The design cleverly blends the nostalgia of the original Carytown location with the expansive potential of the new space. Black banquette seating, a signature of the first restaurant, provides comfortable and classic dining areas. Adding to the sense of continuity, picture frames rescued from the Carytown fire adorn the walls, serving as tangible reminders of the restaurant’s history. This thoughtful integration of past elements ensures that loyal fans will feel right at home in this exciting new iteration.
The interior of Don’t Look Back Triple is significantly larger than its predecessor, boasting a spacious layout with an occupancy of 130. This increased size directly addresses the challenges of the original, smaller location, which often struggled with overcrowding and long wait times. Co-owner Hamooda Shami explains that the move was necessary not just because of the fire, but also due to the limitations of the Carytown space. The new venue offers ample room for diners to relax and enjoy the Don’t Look Back experience without feeling cramped.
Adding to the unique character of Don’t Look Back Triple are the refurbished pool tables, a nod to the building’s previous life as a billiards hall. These aren’t just decorative; customers can actually rent them for $10 an hour, adding an element of entertainment to the dining experience. This clever repurposing of the space’s history is another example of how Don’t Look Back Triple honors the past while moving forward.
The walls of Don’t Look Back Triple are brought to life by the vibrant murals of local artist Mickael Broth. These striking artworks depict a cowgirl riding into the desert, leaving behind a town that subtly incorporates Roman numerals referencing the street addresses of Shami’s previous ventures, including the original Don’t Look Back, New York Deli, and Portrait House. This mural serves as a visual representation of the restaurant’s ethos: acknowledging the past while embracing the future and the journey ahead.
Another artistic detail that speaks to the “don’t look back” theme is the decoupage on the back walls, which includes a nod to Bob Dylan. Featured prominently is the cover of Dylan’s 1967 documentary, also titled “Don’t Look Back,” a clear and playful reference to the restaurant’s name and its philosophy of forward momentum. These artistic touches contribute to the restaurant’s cool and approachable vibe.
Of course, no Don’t Look Back experience is complete without the food. These photos wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the mouthwatering tacos that are a staple of their menu. Don’t Look Back Triple continues to offer all the beloved house-made classics, including crispy carnitas tacos and shrimp tacos, ensuring that the flavors Richmond has come to love are readily available in the new location.
Don’t Look Back Triple is more than just a restaurant; it’s a community hub. With a full bar featuring local brews, late-night hours extending until 2 a.m., and a menu that balances familiar favorites with exciting new additions like a Southwest salad and kids’ menu, it’s poised to become a Scott’s Addition destination. As Shami himself notes, “It feels like the perfect timing for what we are.” For a taste of Richmond’s vibrant dining scene and a look into the exciting atmosphere of Don’t Look Back Triple, be sure to visit their new location and check out their Instagram for the latest updates.
