The 10 Best Bars In Richmond Virginia

Richmond, Virginia has fantastic bars of all kinds to choose from. The craft beer scene is especially strong, and in recent years the city has given rise to a number of excellent cocktail bars. Whether you prefer the friendly atmosphere of an Irish pub or are searching for a trendy cocktail spot, Richmond has just the bar for you.

1. Rosie Connolly's

Pub, American, Beer, Wine, Cocktails, Pub Grub

Rosie Connollys Pub & Restaurant, 17th Street Farmers Market, Richmond, Virginia

Rosie Connolly’s is an Irish pub located in Shockoe Bottom that will make any Irishman feel right at home. This is the place to go for the best Guinness pour in Richmond, as well as other favorites like Harp, Smithwicks and Newcastle. Also featured is an array of single malt scotches and Irish whiskeys. Expect to make a friend or two at Rosie Connolly’s.

2. Saison

Restaurant, American

Saison owners Adam Hall and Jay Bayer have imagined a unique style of food and drink through a blend of southern American and Central American flavors. Try one of the creatively named cocktails, like A Dutchman in Milan – a blend of gin, fresh lemon, Campari and celery shrub. Alternatively, try the Baby Alpaca, which is a modern take on the classic pisco sour. The cocktail list is constantly rotating, but the knowledgeable mixologists are always happy to create a custom-made wonder or an old favorite.

3. Southern Railway Taphouse

Bar, Restaurant, Beer, American, Wine, Cocktails, Vegetarian

The beer selection at Southern Railway Taphouse rivals that of any bar, with a rotating list of 40 drafts and more than 100 craft bottles. Check their website to find out which drafts are available on any given day, as it is updated in real time. The spacious bar area is a high-energy, late night gathering place and the outdoor patio that overlooks the canal walk in downtown Richmond is perfect for the summer.

5. GWARbar

Bar, American

GWAR is a heavy metal band that formed at Virginia Commonwealth University in downtown Richmond in the 1980s. GWARbar, located just a few blocks from where the members met, pays tribute to the iconic band. GWARbar goes all-out on that theme, with band posters adorning the walls and fake blood splattered on the menus and the floor. You don’t have to be a heavy metal fan to enjoy GWARbar, however, as the burgers, fries and other comfort food are sure to hit the spot.

6. Mekong

Restaurant, American, Vietnamese, Beer, Asian, Vegan, Gluten-free

Over the past few years, Mekong has been recognized as one of the Great American Beer Bars. The beer selection at Mekong is excellent – with more than 100 different craft brews to choose from, you’ll find a number of rare and unique beers that are hard to find elsewhere. Perhaps most interesting is the fact that it’s all located in a restaurant serving delicious Vietnamese food.

7. Penny Lane Pub

Pub, Pub Grub, Wine, Beer, Cocktails, American

Penny Lane Pub is an English pub which has adopted the slogan of the Liverpool Football Club, ‘You’ll never walk alone’. The downstairs bar scene is relaxed and the perfect spot to try some traditional British fare, such as the fish and chips or steak and Guinness pie. Head to the upstairs bar if you fancy a more lively scene and prefer to play billiards or darts.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.