The RTD has named two of Shockoe Bottom’s restaurants as the “Best in ’08″:

LuLu’s 21 N. 17th St. (804) 343-9771 http://www.lu-lusrichmond.com

Sure, Steve Jurina, the man who made the words “Millie’s” and “brunch” one and the same, opened LuLu’s in late 2007, but it wasn’t until early last year that its popularity exploded. His kitschy, industrial-meets-sleek Farmers’ Market eatery has become a no-fail outlet for gussied-up comfort food and laid-back barside lounging. LuLu’s has a hip serenity to it, which is further defined by its genuinely awesome wait and bar staff.

The Halligan Bar & Grill 3 N. 17th St. (804) 447-7981 http://www.thehalliganbar.com

What goes better with a hefty pile of briny, tomato-kissed pulled pork and hand-cut fries than a fireman-themed wonderland complete with 1973 Seagrave fire engine with working lights and siren? I know, I can’t think of anything either. Since opening day, Halligan has been not only mecca for finger-licking barbecue fans but also a community gathering spot for some of Richmond’s finest men and women in uniform.

Richmond.com visits Halligan Bar & Grill and has great things to say:

The pulled pork was smoky and tender, lightly topped with a tangy vinegar and tomato sauce and served (as all baskets are) with crisp seasoned fries, homemade “dry” coleslaw and a crunchy homemade pickle halfway between the cucumber and dill mark. This sandwich rivals any of the best I’ve had from Memphis to Texas.

The RTD’s New restaurants boomin’ in Bottom takes note of all of the activity in Shockoe Bottom and gives props to LuLu’s, The Halligan Bar & Grill, Alex’s Thai Cuisine, the soon-to-open Sheba Restaurant & Lounge (this weekend?!?), Julep’s New Southern Cuisine, and GlobeHopper Coffee House & Lounge.

The RTD’s Dana Craig visits Halligan Bar & Grill and comes away raving:

Brined in vinegar and drizzled with Halligan’s signature tomato-meets-vinegar barbecue sauce, the Carolina pulled pork sandwich was excellent — tender meat flaunting smoke-kissed, crispy edges served on a toasted bun. Just as good were the hand-cut fries, hot from the fryer and packing plenty of seasoning. [...] The corn bread alone — super-moist and accented with rosemary and crushed red pepper — is worthy of top menu billing.

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John Haddad visits The Halligan Bar & Grill for Style Weekly and comes away raving:

The Halligan Bar & Grill excels in what it is trying to be. With one of the most original and authentic bars in town (serving Hook & Ladder beer from Silver Spring, Md.), a loyal customer base of our community’s finest, and a solid repertoire of smoked fare and tasty sandwiches, a bright future lies ahead.

The Halligan Bar and Grill (3 North 17th Street) opens Thursday. That fire truck looks truly awesome when peeking though the window, can’t wait to get inside…

Style Weekly had the word about the new restaurant/bar, Halligan Bar & Grill, that is going into the space at 3 North 17th Street that used to be the Kitchen Table. The project of Henrico firefighter Shawn Gregory, the only restaurant in town with 1/2 of a firetruck as the bar will be open for lunch and dinner daily.