45 Best Cocktail Bars in Richmond

“The rockfish special was fantastic! Great service too. My wife and I enjoyed our dinner at the bar.“

“Food was wonderful!!!! One of the top restaurants in RVA!“

“We recently had dinner at Beaucoup, and while there were definitely things we enjoyed, there were also some challenges that would make me hesitate before recommending it to everyone.

The highlights were exceptional. The beet salad was outstanding, and the bouillabaisse alone was worth the visit. Both dishes were beautifully prepared, full of flavor, and memorable enough that I would gladly order them again. The cocktail program is also excellent, with a creative selection that complements the menu well.

The service was another standout. Our servers were friendly, attentive, and incredibly efficient. Despite a busy dining room, everything arrived promptly, and we felt well taken care of throughout the evening.

The biggest drawback was the atmosphere. The restaurant was extremely loud, and the tables were packed very closely together. The combination of the noise level and cramped seating made it difficult to fully relax and enjoy the meal. By the end of dinner, I was ready to get outside and enjoy a little breathing room.

The menu is somewhat limited, so if oysters, seafood, or steak aren't your favorites, I would suggest reviewing the menu before making a reservation. That said, I appreciated seeing a vegetarian special available as well.

Overall, the food and service were excellent, and the beet salad and bouillabaisse were so good that they more than made up for the crowded, noisy environment. Despite the challenges, I'll absolutely be back—hopefully for another bowl of that incredible bouillabaisse.“

“We were traveling through Richmond and stopped at Brazen for Sunday brunch. So glad that we did! I had the Brazen Bowl with short ribs. The short ribs were no joke-unctuous gravy, cubes of short rib & perfectly cooked potatoes topped with over easy eggs. I'm not a big eater but finished the plate, sending my compliments to the kitchen. Another diner had the same and ordered a second Brazen Bowl with short ribs to go. I would've done the same if we lived in Richmond. My husband had the Trifecta burger. Well cooked with roasted red pepper aioli, arugula & we think pesto + he selected a side of Brussels sprouts. Love that you can get fries or veg of the day.

Service was friendly, attentive and helpful as this was our first visit. Our wait staff (I wish I could remember her name) was welcoming to all diners-the hip, adorable & cool and older tourists like us. Refreshing to feel welcomed and well fed! We will definitely be back when passing through after our lake trip! Check this place out!“

“Well researched food, solidly composed cocktails, and a warm interior make The Roosevelt one of the most talked about restaurants in RVA currently. Chef Leah is as much a researcher as she is a good chef. Being a long time food writer who has been on assignment in many kitchens, its no surprise to me that Leah has carved out a reputation for herself in Richmond recently. She sources a lot from local farmers, adheres often to seasonal common sense, and takes inspiration from her reading and research on Soul Food, Southern food, and Virginia food. I wouldn't classify prices at The Roosevelt as cheap but also wouldn't classify them as extravagant either. Marketed by many as a "neighborhood spot" I always see The Roosevelt as a great date night spot, particularly for those who might fancy themselves foodies. Congrats to Leah and The Roosevelt on their recent James Beard nod. In my opinion, well deserved.“

“Phenomenal flavors paired together for sweet and savory dishes. Unique menu options they change regularly! So yummy 😋“

“Excellent little cocktail bar with plenty of fun speakeasy style and atmosphere. Drinks are unique and very delish! Come by every first Monday of the month for vintage style jazz 6-8pm by @gracestreetseven duo!“

“Caught up with an old friend I hadn’t seen since around ’95/’96 over lunch on 6/17/2025. I’m not usually a downtown Richmond person—city crowds just aren’t my thing—but I’m really glad he suggested this spot. I made the drive from King William, and it was absolutely worth it! The food was fantastic, and the laid-back atmosphere made it the perfect place to reconnect. I had the pork carnitas with a Caesar side salad—super flavorful, and the pork was incredibly tender. The Caesar dressing? Easily one of the best I’ve ever had. I’d love to know if it was homemade or store-bought, because I need it in my life! Highly recommend this place if you’re looking for a relaxed and cool meeting spot. I’m already planning to explore more RIC gems soon!“

“Lovely stay in very well kept modern hotel in an excellent location. Staff was professional and courteous. Rooms have a nice up to date decor with lots of subtle amenities to help things feel that much more homelike. Very nice open lobby with food, coffee, and plenty of space to work. Clear elevators in lobby are a nice feature. Excellent buffet breakfast with made to order omelettes. Definitely recommend and would happily stay here again.“

“Great place to grab good food and great margaritas, Grant and Sam were amazing!!“

“The staff were phenomenal and the food/spirits were outstanding. Highly recommend.“

“Honestly, hands-down, the best experience at a restaurant I had in Richmond, Virginia. I asked for the bartenders recommendation on cocktails, and they hit the nail on the head every time! Best lychee martini I’ve had in Virginia. The crab dip with caviar on top was definitely an experience. But I really appreciate was that the staff took the time to talk to us and understand our pallet and make recommendations that were spot on every time. 18/10 Experience“

“My family and I took my Mother there for her 91st birthday. In all there were 14 of us. The staff took great care of us. We ordered from the brunch menu. Everyone one of us had a wonderful time. The food was tasty, chef (AJ) even came out to say Happy Birthday to his Grandmother! Several of us said we will return again. The dinner menu looks amazing I wanted to stay for dinner but I had to head home and I was too full from brunch. I wish Sweet P's much success!“

“We came in for galaxy con this past weekend and I ran by this place on the open table app to get a Saturday reservation. Place had great reviews and i loved the pictures so I wanted to give it a try. I was very impressed! My husband and son loved their food. I had an issue with the first thing I ordered being too spicy so they nicely took it back and had me order something else. The burger was delicious ! They then took both meals off my tab for me for the inconvenience . Great service and will be back! Oh and the rooftop area is beautiful!“

“OMG!!!! I love soup , especially Wonton and I had exactly that. That was the best flavor explosion 💥 that I’ve ever had. The broth, the perfect wonton, the delicious oversized noodles 🍜, vegetables. I could go on and on.“

“This place is awesome! Great service, great food. My go-to every time I’m in Richmond.“

“fabulous food, great flavors, excellent service, and a fun place to eat and relax. we all loved it.“

“This place is one of the best restaurants in Richmond hands down!!!! #crispyporkbelly❤️“

“Had the most wonderful experience last night, the bartenders, food and drinks were amazing.“

“Atmosphere was great and so was the food. I will go again.“

“Ramen Bowl 🥣 are so good and the happy hour ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️“

“Go to the Emerald Lounge to impress your friends. The service is so fast and friendly, and love is poured into every cocktail. These are tikki cocktails for people who have been disappointed by cruise cocktails, but miss the islands with all their hearts (for a fraction of the price).“

“We had an early Christmas Eve dinner at The Boathouse at Rocketts Landing. It was one of the best meals that we have had in Richmond. The atmosphere was delightful, enhanced by the duo playing holiday music; the food was excellent (as usual) but what made this a truly wonderful dining experience was the service. Our server, Trinity, was upbeat, efficient, and most of all really seemed to care if we were having a good meal. Without being intrusive, she checked on us several times to be sure we were doing ok. She is absolutely outstanding!“

“The food was really good and service was good even though there was only 1 working and the cook. Will definitely eat there again if back up in that area.“

“We had the best dinner with the greatest waitress and superb cocktails this weekend! Thanks for the tremendous experience!“

“There is a saying a ruined shoe in the dessert is gold. This place is the only kosher place plus another in entire VA and West Virginia. Very friendly atmosphere. Quick serving and fair prices hope they don’t change it if in and around VA don’t miss it it’s cool with poker night , bingo night and jackpot“

“The bacon wrapped scallops are wonderful. The chicken pot pie was the best I have ever had. My compliments to the Chef �“

“Good food, clean place. Staff are super helpful. Nice room 👌“

“My daughter and I stopped here for lunch, and it was amazing! We finally found some delicious dim sum with great portion sizes and excellent customer service. I highly recommend it and can’t wait to go back for more. There's a lot of variety, and I especially love that they offer roasted pork, duck, and chicken!“

“Loved the duck and the fried green tomatoes. Great service, too!“

“The food was amazing! I ordered the lamb chops & eggs and my husband had the chicken & waffles. They didn’t disappoint. Our server Briana was awesome! Very outgoing and friendly. If you’re looking for an all day brunch spot look no further I highly recommend 10/10!“

“Moving from the west coast I was worried I wouldn’t find good Mexican restaurants. Thank god I found this gem! They smoke their meats fresh everyday and it’s amazing! Pastor, asada and chicken are all absolutely delicious! Highly recommended! Staff are great, environment is authentic and welcoming! If you’re looking for a great meal stop in and try it!“

“Where do I even begin? This place is incredible! Hands down, it has some of the best burgers and oysters in Richmond. Every bite was amazing, and the quality really stands out.

What truly made the experience unforgettable, though, was the bartender, Oshane. His professionalism, attention to detail, and skill behind the bar are top-tier. He not only crafts excellent drinks but also creates such a warm, welcoming atmosphere that makes you feel right at home.

If you’re in Richmond or even just visiting do yourself a favor and ask for Oshane. He’ll make sure your experience is nothing short of exceptional!“

“What an unexpected culinary treat. We wanted to try out Mantu after reading a favorable article about it in the RTD a few months ago. We belong to a gourmet group and I can't wait to bring them back with me to this delightful restaurant. Our dumpling appetizer of an encrusted whole egg was subtle, different, and enjoyable. Our main course kebabs were nothing like meat and veggies on a skewer, there were no skewers in sight just wonderfully grilled, tender, and amazingly flavored lamb and vegetables. Our desserts of custard with fruit and a very imaginative take on baklava were a perfect close to the meal. In the end, it was the remarkable and very different use of unusual spice combinations, together with a friendly and engaged staff and chef that will guarantee our early return. P.S. the Afghan cuisine, if you have never experienced it, is quite different from the cuisine of India and Nepal.“

“Loved it. Great views, amazing cocktails, perfect for late spring/early summer w a lovely breeze. Kid friendly, but don't be a jerk- if you are ordering food (for yourself or your kid) rub the two neurons together that it takes to understand how unfair it is to the staff to order food on the balcony - it SUCKS to have to get food to there, (and, shockingly!) even more than it sucks having to go back downstairs to order food. Just be a decent person, order drinks at the bar (like a normal person), and get your food downstairs close to the kitchen.... that way it is still warm when you get it, and you won't sound like a completely entitled dumbass when you complain about how long it took/how cold your food is, when you were too lazy to even try to go downstairs without the burden of an order.“

“Edwin is the best bartender in Cary town!!! Highly recommend his Smoked Preach Old Fashioned!!!!“

“We were asked to LEAVE the restaurant by the manager. He told us that just ordering drinks was not making him money and we were taking up space from the people waiting to be seated. I looked and there was NO ONE WAITING. I hope everyone believes this. I was embarrassed and so very angry that I got up and left before I spoke out in anger. Also we had already decided to come back there and have lunch after our scheduled tour was over. After how he treated us..... he lost our business and the business from everyone else I tell my experience to This is the review I posted on their website.“

“Amazing wings, pizza, and service“

“100% recommend! Such a wonder gem of a restaurant. The staff were all so genuine and amazing. And the food was beyond good. The Cubano sandwich was heavenly. Thank you all so much for an amazing experience. ❤️✨“

“Very dog friendly to our three pups. Brought water out for them. Food was Fantastic“

“The staff was funny and professional . Food and service was excellent.My wife loved the 1950,s decor. I recommend going and have a meal.“

“Love Gather and Hem. Amazing service, very creative drinks and yummy food menu“

“First time today! Loved It. Definitely to return!“

“Shout out to Armondo for excellent service“

“everything was amazing a must visit if in Virginia“