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Richmond, Virginia, certainly has its fair share of good bars. From chic French bars, through to elegant wine bars, digs with craft beer on tap, and raucous Irish pubs, there’s something for everyone. So if you’re looking to unwind or have a good time, we’ve rounded up the best bars in Richmond, VA:
1. Rogue
For a swanky drinking experience head to The Rogue, which is known for its delicious cocktail menu and French-influenced nibbles. The bar serves up bespoke cocktails and a menu that changes with the seasons. Be sure to order ‘Dealer’s Choice’, where you tell the skilled barman what type of drink flavors you like, and they whip up something bespoke for you on the spot. Meanwhile, examples of fixed-drinks on the menu include a s’mores themed drink, called “S’mores Again” which is made from cocoa-infused Cachaça, graham cracker-infused white rum, Benedictine, and oloroso sherry — to give you a sample of what you’re in for. It’s on the menu as of Fall 2018, so get there quick before it’s gone!
2. Secco
Taking things to a classy wine-bar-level is Secco’s bar, located on Cary Street and one of Richmond’s most busy thoroughfares. The intimate bar oozes elegance and has a fantastic wine menu, with small-batch bottles on offer. Pair your wine with a charcuterie board for a relaxing afternoon or evening. Secco is a late night bar, so many people head there for a glass of wine following a meal.
3. Can Can
Craving a spot of French elegance, but don’t want to fly all the way to France? You’re in luck because Can Can wine bar possesses a certain je ne sais quoi and is known to be one of the best bars in Richmond, Va. Can Can has a chic interior, with booth seating that’s reminiscent of a French Bistrot restaurant. It’s got plenty of light that comes in through its large windows and there are a couple of French flags thrown in the mix too. The bar offers an incredible French wine list, and you can pair your drink with one of its French-themed plates, such as a cheese platter, moules frites or a croque monsieur.
4. Southern Railway Taphouse
Southern Railway Taphouse is known for its awesome beers on tap. The bar has up to 40 drafts at any one time and even more craft bottle beers. It’s got a decent American food menu and often has live music nights. The bar draws a young, hip crowd and is open late night.
5. Rosie Connolly’s
Would a ‘best bars’ round-up ever be complete without an Irish bar? For a fun night with friends head to Rosie Connolly’s, which is the city’s best Irish pub. You can knock back Guinness, single malt scotches and whiskeys as if you’re in Dublin. It’s a loud pub with a buzzing atmosphere — not the place for an intimate date.
6. Penny Lane Pub
Another pub to add to our roundup is the Penny Lane Pub, which is an English-themed pub, or more specifically Liverpool-themed, that serves up British classics such as buttie rolls, fish ‘n’ chips, and steak and Guinness pie to accompany its beer selection. It features a classic, chummy pub-style decor and is kitted out with plenty of Union Jacks.
7. The Answer Brewpub
Known for its incredible beer selection (with some going as far to say some of the best beers in the country) is the Answer Brewpub. The founder brings experience from working in the family-owned restaurant the Mekong, and the Answer Brewpub serves up Asian classics such as pho to pair with your beer. The pub has around 50 taps spread across two bars as well as a great stage for live music.