Spirits American Bar & Grill

I've been here many times and have always had a good experience especially with the bartenders. they're all so sweet at the bar and make you feel safe as a woman. but tonight when standing in line outside waiting to be IDed, the shorter white security guy with a mediocre red beard let these two guys who cut the entire line and were being rude to all the women in line in before everyone who had been standing there waiting. I used to love Spirits, but if we're employing sexist men and allowing them to let other sexist men to cut the line and even let them in?? my large group of girls and I decided to go down the street to Charlie G's instead. you know it's bad when I would rather my hair smell like stale cigarettes than to give my money to an establishment who employs a man who is going to act sexist towards women.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 3

Service: 2

I wanted to enjoy a night out, seeing as I don’t travel to VA often.

I was turned away by security, according to him it’s a VA law, that foreigners cannot be served if they don’t carry their Passport with…. which complete and utter rubbish.

I understand if the bar has its own rules, but don’t fabricate lies.

I do however hope management changes their stance. Wish you nothing but the best.

All five star as i loved it 😍. Great atmosphere and keep it up. 😊

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Godzilla Burger, Beef Tacos, Fried Mushrooms, Wings, Sliders

Let me share my recent experience at this bar, which was a bit of a rollercoaster. My friends and I were there on a busy First Friday around 10 PM, and things didn’t start off well. I had been walking around the event earlier, so I had a tumbler with me to stay hydrated—nothing unusual when you’re out and about on a hot night. When we got to the third-floor bar, though, the bartender’s attitude turned things sour pretty quickly.

She told me I couldn’t put anything in my tumbler, not even water from the sink. Fine, I wasn’t about to fill it up with dirty bathroom sink water anyway—who would, when you can just ask the bar for a glass of water? I totally understood and said I’d follow the rules, but instead of just moving on, she got in my face and went off about it like I hadn’t already agreed to comply. It was way over the top, and even my friends had to step in because her attitude was so unnecessary.

Look, I get that bars have rules, especially on busy nights like First Friday, and I have no problem following them. I even explained I have worked in the industry and know the laws and will comply with them. But there’s a big difference between explaining the rules and being rude to a new customer who’s already agreed to them. That’s not how you treat people if you want them to come back.

After that, the service didn’t improve. We were ready for another round of drinks, but she ignored us for over 10 minutes while chatting with regulars, and disappeared from time to time. We were honestly about to leave at that point.

Luckily, my partner decided to check out the second-floor bar before heading out—and I’m glad he did. The bartenders there were fantastic: friendly, quick, and super attentive, even though they were handling way more customers. It was a complete 180 from what we experienced upstairs. We ended up staying longer, getting a few more drinks, ordering food, and actually enjoying ourselves. If we hadn’t given the second floor a chance, we would’ve left with a bad impression of the whole place.

So, here’s my takeaway: if you get bad service in one part of this bar, don’t let it ruin your night. Try another section, or maybe come back on a different day. There are definitely people here who know how to treat their customers right, and they’re worth sticking around for.

As for the other bar tender on the third floor, a conversation with management is definitely needed before she drives more people away.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 3

Service: 3

Recommended dishes: Fried Mushrooms

It's really empowering when you have to beg to be served by a bartender that skips over you and your 2 friends 5 times to serve a man before you. Not just one bartender, but both that were behind the bar. We stood there longer and than any normal person might have. The straw that broke the camels back was when we were half acknowledged, and then immediately skipped over FOR THE LAST TIME in order to serve a man before us. Something was said, and we were finally served. It was the first time we had come out, and we were gravely disappointed.

I do want to give praise to the guy that was running the food!! He was incredibly polite, and extremely helpful!

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 4

Service: 2

For Wednesday night I had a great time bartenders are pretty cool if you like karaoke it's a good vibe

Atmosphere: 4

Service: 5

Let me share my recent experience at this bar, which was a bit of a rollercoaster. My friends and I were there on a busy First Friday around 10 PM, and things didn’t start off well. I had been walking around the event earlier, so I had a tumbler with me to stay hydrated—nothing unusual when you’re out and about on a hot night. When we got to the third-floor bar, though, the bartender’s attitude turned things sour pretty quickly. She told me I couldn’t put anything in my tumbler, not even water from the sink. Fine, I wasn’t about to fill it up with dirty bathroom sink water anyway—who would, when you can just ask the bar for a glass of water? I totally understood and said I’d follow the rules, but instead of just moving on, she got in my face and went off about it like I hadn’t already agreed to comply. It was way over the top, and even my friends had to step in because her attitude was so unnecessary. Look, I get that bars have rules, especially on busy nights like First Friday, and I have no problem following them. I even explained I have worked in the industry and know the laws and will comply with them. But there’s a big difference between explaining the rules and being rude to a new customer who’s already agreed to them. That’s not how you treat people if you want them to come back. After that, the service didn’t improve. We were ready for another round of drinks, but she ignored us for over 10 minutes while chatting with regulars, and disappeared from time to time. We were honestly about to leave at that point. Luckily, my partner decided to check out the second-floor bar before heading out—and I’m glad he did. The bartenders there were fantastic: friendly, quick, and super attentive, even though they were handling way more customers. It was a complete 180 from what we experienced upstairs. We ended up staying longer, getting a few more drinks, ordering food, and actually enjoying ourselves. If we hadn’t given the second floor a chance, we would’ve left with a bad impression of the whole place. So, here’s my takeaway: if you get bad service in one part of this bar, don’t let it ruin your night. Try another section, or maybe come back on a different day. There are definitely people here who know how to treat their customers right, and they’re worth sticking around for. As for the other bar tender on the third floor, a conversation with management is definitely needed before she drives more people away.

Good food and service. Old food under table however which could be improved

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Hamburger, Gyro

I went with my boyfriend earlier in the night and we were served in a timely manner. Come later in the night and they do not care who got there first they just serve whoever is in their line of vision. There was a guy next to us who waited at least 15 minutes for a water while others who got there later than us were served. I was so disappointed but I guess that’s what you get in a small town. Not coming back :(

Atmosphere: 5

Service: 2

This is such a cute hole in wall! The food is SO good and the server, Jessie is absolutely amazing! We are new parents and every time we come in she takes our baby and entertains her so we can eat. Highly recommended!! Get the wings!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

If you're looking for a spot in Fredericksburg that guarantees a good time any night of the week, Spirits Bar is your go-to destination. With **Karaoke on Wednesdays**, you can belt out your favorite tunes or cheer on the brave souls who take the stage. The vibe is supportive and electric, making it the perfect midweek pick-me-up.

**Trivia Thursdays** are a blast for those who love to flex their brainpower. The questions are challenging yet fun, and the atmosphere is always lively. It's a great way to bond with friends or make new ones.

As the weekend rolls in, Spirits Bar turns up the heat with a **DJ spinning from Thursday night through Saturday night**. The music is always on point, and the dance floor is irresistible. Whether you're into the latest hits or classic throwbacks, you'll find yourself dancing the night away.

And let's talk about the drinks – they're **super reasonably priced**, which means you can enjoy a night out without breaking the bank. The bartenders are friendly and know their craft, so whether you're a beer aficionado or a cocktail connoisseur, you'll be well taken care of.

Overall, Spirits Bar is a gem in Fredericksburg's nightlife scene. It's the kind of place that feels like home, but always keeps you entertained with something new and exciting. Definitely worth a visit – or many!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I have been to this establishment many times now and I’d say take your business somewhere else. The past 2-3 times I tried to get a drink from the bar upstairs, I was completely disregarded. The bar tender upstairs has favorites and if you’re not one of them, you will not be served. I have experienced this many times with her to the point where I asked around. Others said the same as-well. I waited at the bar for 30 minutes and watched 2-3 rotations of people change. I understand if I experienced this was a one time thing but it’s every time I go. As an establishment, how do you allow this?

Service: 1

Went to the restaurant side with my son, and Jessica was one of the best waitress we had in a while

Every time I go to Spirits I try something new. The sliders were fantastic but the sweet potato fries are where it's at. Absolutely wonderful and our waitress was great, too!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Amazing, quaint little grill. While the wait times for food aren't anything special, the food and atmosphere make up for it easily. Good pizza, good burgers.
Both times I got here during dinnertime on the weekdays it's been slow and quiet, in a good way. Show them some love!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 4

Recommended dishes: Hamburger