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The Best Bars for Foodies in Richmond

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by The OpenTable Team
Updated 26 February 2020

Richmond, the capital city of Virginia, straddles the north and south, offering a blend of warm southern hospitality with a fast-paced Yankee culture. After the hustle and bustle of the day, locals unwind in the standout bar scene. Richmond boasts countless watering holes serving unforgettable cocktails and small bites with opportunities for socializing. But how do they decide which bar to check out when in town? Check out our Tastemaker List of the best bars in Richmond. We’ve pulled data from thousands of bars to find the top spots among OpenTable's most expert, seasoned locals. Pick a bar that suits your taste or cravings, then book a table to discover the best hangouts in Richmond.

A photo of The Tobacco Company Restaurant restaurant
The Tobacco Company Restaurant
4.6
4.6 (4080)
$31 to $50
American
Richmond
About the restaurant
One place with an excellent bar in Richmond Is the Tobacco Company. It doesn’t get more classic Richmond than the Tobacco Company, with old-style wood and leather interiors and a distintly “old-man” feel. This upscale eatery has perhaps the best bar in Richmond because the drinks are strong and the atmosphere feels upscale and special. (it is a good spot for a first date or a special event). The first floor bar here also has its own food menu to enjoy while sipping on cocktails. The menu has small plate items like fried oysters, spinach and artichoke dip, and a crab stack. The Tobacco Company has been located (and thriving) on the Downtown Shockoe Slip since 1973.
Top review
MarnieVIP
Dined 4 days ago
Thank you Tobacco Co for a great holiday gathering! A group of five of us were seated in an “office” which made it a cozy, unique experience! And we were actually able to hear one another! Our waitress was superb as was our entire dining experience. The drinks were festive, appetizers were so delicious we asked for more, the main meal was wonderful and the desert was to die for. Couldn’t have asked for a better time!
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A photo of Prime Rib of a restaurant
Popular dish
Prime Rib
A photo of She Crab Soup of a restaurant
Popular dish
She Crab Soup
A photo of New York Strip of a restaurant
Popular dish
New York Strip
A photo of Bar Solita restaurant
Bar Solita
4.5
4.5 (1220)
$30 and under
Mediterranean
Richmond
About the restaurant
Bar Solita has the word bar in its name because it is an establishment that is focused on the fine cocktail. This beautiful eatery showcases the bar, which spans an entire wall, and the staff knows how to mix a mean, unforgettable drink. The menu here is focused on Mediterranean cuisine, so the cocktails have their own Mediterranean flair, too. In addition to cocktails, the restaurant has an excellent wine list. So visitors can choose to order by the glass or by the bottle. Bar Solita gets particularly busy during happy hour, which takes place Monday to Friday and offers ½ off pizzas, set prices for 2 people, ½ off bottles of wine, and more, depending on the day of the week.
Top review
Alison
Dined on 12 Dec 2024
Server was great and knowledgeable! Happy hour was super!
A photo of Rappahannock - Richmond restaurant
Rappahannock - Richmond
4.5
4.5 (2527)
$31 to $50
Seafood
Richmond
About the restaurant
Rappahannock is a farm-to-table restaurant that offers comforting food a dark, wood rustic interior. This warm and inviting neighborhood joint has one specialty of the house: Oysters. Open since 2011, the joint is known for its raw bar, and they also have great cocktails that can help you wash down that delicious, fresh, ice cold seafood. The bar at Rappahannock is front and center, so grab a seat there to be in the center of the action. Order a cocktail that the bartender can mix up like a show, or choose a glass of bubbly, which pairs perfectly with fresh oysters.
Top review
steveVIP
Dined 7 days ago
All in all it was great but for some reason it was about 80 degrees in the restaurant and it is very loud.
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A photo of Scallops of a restaurant
Popular dish
Scallops
A photo of Oysters & Pearls of a restaurant
Popular dish
Oysters & Pearls
A photo of Baked Oysters of a restaurant
Popular dish
Baked Oysters
A photo of Grandstaff and Stein Book Sellers restaurant
Grandstaff and Stein Book Sellers
4.5
4.5 (970)
$30 and under
Contemporary American
Richmond
About the restaurant
Grandstaff and Stein Book Sellers is an old-fashioned themed restaurant with a speakeasy twist. The restaurant part of Grandstaff and Stein offers prohibition era food in an authentic-feeling atmosphere that might just make visitors feel like they stepped into a time machine. The bar at Grandstaff and Stein might just be the best part of the establishment. Called the Juice Joint, the watering hole is a legitimate speakeasy, and visitors have to have the right password to get in. (They change it regularly on their website so people can get in if the do the legwork to find what they need). Grandstaff and Stein is perhaps the best bar in Richmond for anyone looking for a fun, entertaining themed night out.
Top review
Edward O
Dined 3 days ago
Dinner is consistently good, whenever we've been. Hot and delicious as you'd expect. Service is always friendly, quick and attentive. The fried duck legs are unique and wonderful. Always a must have for dinner!
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A photo of Classic Ribeye of a restaurant
Popular dish
Classic Ribeye
A photo of Meatballs of a restaurant
Popular dish
Meatballs
A photo of Shrimp Pesto of a restaurant
Popular dish
Shrimp Pesto
A photo of Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant - Richmond, VA restaurant
Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant - Richmond, VA
4.4
4.4 (6931)
$30 and under
American
Richmond
About the restaurant
Sports bar lovers will absolutely love Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurant. Despite its name, Cooper’s Hawk is not actually a winery. It is a warm and casual sports bar where people come to eat delicious food and watch their favorite team play. Cooper’s Hawk is a chain, and the location in Richmond does not disappoint. Visitors can enjoy a glass of wine or their favorite cocktail, or they can order their favorite beer on tap, since there are many on tap. For visitors coming to see a specific game, saddle up to the bar and ask the bartender or server to change the channel. They’ll be happy to oblige while their guests root in style. Cooper’s Hawk is technically in Short Pump.
Top review
Virginia
Dined 5 days ago
I have been many times with girlfriends for lunch so this is the first time with my husband for lunch. We both had appetizers and then dessert which was plenty for us two seniors . The only complaint was the noise level…it was really high and since my husband wears hearing aids it was hard to take. Food was fantastic!
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A photo of Key Lime Pie of a restaurant
Popular dish
Key Lime Pie
A photo of Drunken Shrimp of a restaurant
Popular dish
Drunken Shrimp
A photo of Gnocchi Carbonara of a restaurant
Popular dish
Gnocchi Carbonara
A photo of Brenner Pass restaurant
Brenner Pass
4.7
4.7 (1914)
$30 and under
Contemporary European
Richmond
About the restaurant
For diner who love to hang out in a bright, airy feeling space that has a Scandinavian vibe, there is Brenner Pass, one of the cutest and most popular bars in Richmond. Named after a part of the Alps, Brenner pass is stark white and beige inside—perhaps reflecting the cold color palette of the snowcapped mountain range. Those who come to Brenner Pass to drink can enjoy a glass of wine from the extensive menu from the Alpine region (selected by wine director Nathan Conway). Alternatively, they can get a suggestion from bar director James Kohler, who heads up a craft cocktail program and helps diners learn more about amari, brandies, sherries, and his love of cane spirits.
Top review
Darrin
Dined 3 days ago
Incredible as always. Arctic Char was outstanding and the Fondue starter was fun.
A photo of Lemaire at The Jefferson Hotel restaurant
Lemaire at The Jefferson Hotel
4.7
4.7 (4271)
$31 to $50
Contemporary American
Richmond
About the restaurant
Sometimes hotel bars are lame and overpriced. This is not the case with Lemaire at the Jefferson Hotel, since many consider it to be the best bar in Richmond. This new restaurant offers diners inventive, fresh American cuisine, and they also mix up a huge list of innovative cocktails, with only handcrafted, fresh, local ingredients. The wine list at Lemaire is extensive, with more than 200 offerings. So, whether a visitor is in the mood for a glass of wine or they want to try something a little stronger, Lemaire is definitely a spot for them to consider visiting. The Jefferson Hotel is a destination in the heart of Richmond, so come visit this famous tourist attraction, then stop for a refresh at Lemaire.
Top review
David
Dined 6 days ago
Love an excuse to see the Christmas decorations at the Jefferson.
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A photo of Virginia Peanut Soup of a restaurant
Popular dish
Virginia Peanut Soup
A photo of Lemaire "Barnyard" Burger of a restaurant
Popular dish
Lemaire "Barnyard" Burger
A photo of Crab Cake Sandwich of a restaurant
Popular dish
Crab Cake Sandwich
A photo of The Boathouse at City Point restaurant
The Boathouse at City Point
4.6
4.6 (2414)
$31 to $50
Seafood
Richmond
About the restaurant
There is a serious of bars and restaurants in Richmond called the Boathouses. Located in waterfront locations, the Boathouses offer trendy bustling atmospheres, delicious food options, and strong drinks to help people unwind and have fun. The Boathouse at City point is particularly trendy and stylish inside, with distinctive mod and art déco interior design features. The menu here has coastal dishes, with seafood as the star. One real draw is the bar, which is outside. When the weather is nice, people gather at the bar and on the patio to stare out at the water and sip on their delicious libation. For some of the best outdoor drinking in Richmond, this is definitely the spot.
Top review
MelissaVIP
Dined on 10 Dec 2024
Thank you, Sara, for your awesome service! We appreciate you!
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A photo of Fried Oysters of a restaurant
Popular dish
Fried Oysters
A photo of Shrimp & Grits of a restaurant
Popular dish
Shrimp & Grits
A photo of The Boathouse at Rocketts Landing restaurant
The Boathouse at Rocketts Landing
4.4
4.4 (5353)
$31 to $50
Seafood
Richmond
About the restaurant
Another location of the Boathouse is at Rocketts Landing in Richmond. Much more low key and less trendy than the Boathouse at City Point, the Boathouse at Rocketts Landing is a family friendly, casual place where visitors can refuel after a long day in the city. The views at Rocketts Landing are gorgeous, and diners can see them from inside at the bar. Enjoy the view while enjoying delicious food and a well-crafted cocktail or ice cold beer.
Top review
Linda
Dined 3 days ago
Good place for a holiday get together. I always love the fried oysters.
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A photo of Shrimp & Grits of a restaurant
Popular dish
Shrimp & Grits
A photo of Crab Cake Sandwich of a restaurant
Popular dish
Crab Cake Sandwich
A photo of The Boathouse at Sunday Park restaurant
The Boathouse at Sunday Park
4.3
4.3 (4285)
$31 to $50
Seafood
Midlothian
About the restaurant
A third popular location of the Boathouse in Richmond is at Sunday Park. This Boathouse outpost has indoor and outdoor seating options, where diners can sit an enjoy waterfront views. The menu here features local, seasonal ingredients, and diners rave about the food. But, because it has one of the best bars in Richmond, some people just come here to drink and relax, and people can enjoy summery, beachy cocktails in the Virginia sun. Sunday Park is located in Brandermill, which is technically in Midlothian.
Top review
Patricia
Dined 4 days ago
Everything was great. We even took a pix with Santa
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A photo of Fried Oysters of a restaurant
Popular dish
Fried Oysters
A photo of The Hard Shell - Bellgrade restaurant
The Hard Shell - Bellgrade
4.7
4.7 (2677)
$30 and under
Seafood
Midlothian
About the restaurant
Seafood lovers who also love a nice bar will love the Hard Shell. This seafood-centric eatery features an upscale menu with a fine dining vibe (with white table cloths and impeccable service). People who come here to sit at the bar can enjoy ordering from the menu while in a more casual, laidback atmosphere. Make conversation with the bartender while sipping on a delicious glass of wine.
Top review
lori
Dined 7 days ago
The food was excellent and our server was wonderful.
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A photo of She Crab Soup of a restaurant
Popular dish
She Crab Soup
A photo of Crab Dip of a restaurant
Popular dish
Crab Dip
A photo of 6 oz Filet Mignon of a restaurant
Popular dish
6 oz Filet Mignon
A photo of Tarrant's Downtown restaurant
Tarrant's Downtown
4.5
4.5 (3288)
$30 and under
American
Richmond
About the restaurant
Tarrant’s Café is a Richmond Classic. Some also consider it to have the best bar in Richmond. This historic location (West Broad and Foushee) has long held an important Richmond business. In 1883, it became home to a famous drugstore, which eventually was renamed Tarrant’s, which is where the restaurant got its name. Tarrant’s touts its beautiful interior and fun dining vibe. This is one of the best spots in Richmond for anyone who loves a good martini. There are more than 7 options on the menu that bartenders can customize to visitors’ likings.
Top review
Paul
Dined 2 days ago
Outstanding food, service, ambience - great dinner experience. Drinks were excellent and the she-crab soup was fantastic!
A photo of Stella's - Richmond restaurant
Stella's - Richmond
4.9
4.9 (2975)
$30 and under
Greek
Richmond
About the restaurant
Stella’s is a popular rustic Greek restaurant in Richmond. It is also home to a popular bar. The menu features its own cocktail list, each inspired by Greek or Mediterranean ingredients. Sidle up to the bar and order something like the Onassis (champagne, fresh mint, lime, housemade syrup, and float of rum), or the Santorini (tito’s, blueberries, ginger, lemon and pomegranate). For flavorful, ethnic food and inventive cocktails to match, Stella’s is a great option in Richmond.
Top review
Suzanne
Dined 6 days ago
Great as always, a wonderful experience! Food and service were fabulous!
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A photo of Mushroom Saganaki of a restaurant
Popular dish
Mushroom Saganaki
A photo of Artichoke Moussaka of a restaurant
Popular dish
Artichoke Moussaka
A photo of Moussaka of a restaurant
Popular dish
Moussaka

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