Are you looking for a new favorite bar in Richmond, Virginia? The River City has a great bar scene.
I’ve been to some of the top bars, taverns, and pubs in Richmond, and I’m here to share a round-up of my favorite places.
So whether you’re a Richmond local or just stopping by, you can find a new favorite place in this article.
See the best of Richmond by touring the botanical gardens on a sunny afternoon or heading inside the Poe Museum.
Then, you can choose one of the top bars to end your day.
Check out my list of the best bars in Richmond, Virginia, below!
GWARbar
217 W Clay St, Richmond, VA 23220
Phone: (804) 918-9352
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Head to the Jackson Ward district and visit GWARbar, a casual bar with a heavy-metal theme.
It’s by the Black History Museum in north Richmond.
GWARbar features draft beers like the Optimal Wit, a wheat beer, and an American lager called Narragansett.
As a fan of tropical flavors, I love ordering Zombie’s March here, which is a coconut rum with pineapple.
The Jasper
3113 W Cary St, Richmond, VA 23221
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The Jasper might be for you if you’re looking for a bar with an old-school vibe.
It’s in Carytown, in northwest Richmond, and is within walking distance of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.
I always visit The Jasper when I’m visiting Richmond, and I like to grab a Hercule Manhattan with sweet vermouth.
Alewife
3120 E Marshall St, Richmond, VA 23223
Phone: (804) 325-3426
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Alewife is a classic Richmond staple.
It’s a seafood and cocktails restaurant in Churchill, near Chimborazo Park, and the place has a cozy, upscale atmosphere.
Bring a group or go solo to this family-friendly spot.
It features cocktails, canned beers, and draft brews like the Finch and Thistle IPA from Portland.
Rosie Connolly’s Pub Restaurant
1548 E Main St A, Richmond, VA 23219
Phone: (804) 343-1063
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Rosie Connolly’s Pub Restaurant is in Shockoe Bottom, across from the Poe Museum in southeast Richmond.
It has a cozy atmosphere, live music, and an Irish comfort food menu.
This snug bar offers a rotation of beers, delicious whiskeys, and ale.
My favorite drink there is the Snake Bite lager and cider.
Fuzzy Cactus
221 W Brookland Park Blvd, Richmond, VA 23222
Phone: (804) 716-6213
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Head to Fuzzy Cactus, north of the Richmond city center, for an evening at a rock ‘n roll bar.
It’s in Northern Barton Heights and has Mexican cuisine to snack on.
Go for a Ranch Water cocktail with Lunazul Blanco and citrus, or try a beer from the rotating draft list.
Mekong Restaurant
6004 W Broad St, Richmond, VA 23230
Phone: (804) 288-8929
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Mekong Restaurant is a Vietnamese place with a casual, friendly atmosphere.
It’s in north Richmond and is ideal for families or groups.
The craft beer list is extensive, and they always have something new on tap.
I like to get the Tilted Barn dark ale, a coffee oatmeal stout from Rhode Island.
Wonderland
1727 E Main St, Richmond, VA 23223
Phone: (804) 643-9233
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Wonderland is in Shockoe Bottom, near the waterfront and Mayo Island.
It’s a small, punk-themed hangout spot with eclectic decor and a beer menu.
The vibe is casual and divey, and you can grab some meat sandwiches if you get hungry.
I recommend the Sierra Nevada, a sour beer.
Can Can Brasserie
3120 W Cary St, Richmond, VA 23221
Phone: (804) 358-7274
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Can Can Brasserie is in northwest Richmond, in the Carytown neighborhood.
It’s a French eatery with chic decor, and the place has an upscale yet cozy vibe.
The menu includes cocktails, beer, and wines, and you can try a Stone IPA pale ale or a citrus-infused Drew’s Tini.
Pair with a sticky toffee pudding or creme brulee.
Penny Lane Pub
421 E Franklin St, Richmond, VA 23219
Phone: (804) 780-1682
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Head downtown to Penny Lane Pub, a Liverpool-style pub with a rustic vibe.
It’s ideal for a cozy evening chat with friends after a long day touring the city.
The bar serves English pub cuisine like cottage pie and fish & chips.
I like to get a Twisted Thistle Scottish ale with my meal.
Final Thoughts
Make the most of your time in the city and check out the best bars in Richmond, Virginia.
I always stop by my favorites when I’m in town, and I love how I can enjoy local cuisine, inventive drinks, and regional brews.
Which bar in Richmond has impressed you the most? Let us know in the comments below!
Best Bars in Richmond, Virginia
- GWARbar
- The Jasper
- Alewife
- Rosie Connolly’s Pub Restaurant
- Fuzzy Cactus
- Mekong Restaurant
- Wonderland
- Can Can Brasserie
- Penny Lane Pub
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