Welcome to Richmond’s #1 nightlife guide.
On this page, you’ll discover the vibrant and varied nightlife scene in Richmond. You’ll find the perfect venue for you and your preferred night out. Whether you want to go all-out clubbing or if you’d like a more laid back dinner and drinks with a view, we’ve got your covered.
Enjoy!
Richmond, Virginia, is an outstanding city getaway destination, elegant, distinguished, and proud of its heritage. Live music, fine dining, and shopping are available in Richmond, Virginia’s capital and the largest city. The Confederate capital of Richmond was also one of the most prosperous cities in the South, so that history buffs will enjoy this city.
Alternatively, you can travel by bicycle to historical sites such as the American Civil War Center located within the Tredegar Ironworks. The City of Richmond also appeals to nature lovers. Take a course at Belmont Park or surf the James River in a kayak, take a mountain bike tour of Belle Isle or go rafting on the James River.
Richmond has become one of the South’s busiest cultural centers due to an explosion of live music venues in recent years. Music lovers can enjoy bluegrass, reggae, and rock at the Cary Street Cafe and the Canal Club.
A little about Richmond’s weather
You can have a great time in the city this time of year if you’re prepared. Winter temperatures in Richmond typically range from the low 40’s to mid-’50s.
As precipitation is not expected to exceed two inches, there will be little rain or snowfall. As a result, January usually has the coldest temperatures. However, you can enjoy warmer temperatures in spring without being uncomfortable because it isn’t overly humid. Experience Richmond’s art scene, rooftop bars, and breweries at this exciting time of year.
As summer approaches, there will be plenty of sunshine, but it may be humid and even rainy—temperatures in July average 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Nevertheless, you can enjoy Riverrock and the Jazz and Music Festival on the James River if you don’t mind the heat. Cool evenings are perfect for nightcaps on hotel rooftops or dining outdoors.
Culture and Attractions in Richmond
Richmond has developed an eclectic culture on the cobblestones. Here, murals cover the walls of local restaurants and shops. A unique neighborhood in this city is the Fan District, rated among Southern Living’s Best Neighborhoods.
National attention is drawn to significant art museums. Shops and markets are places where artisans display their talents. The art of cooking is evident here as well. Richmond was recently listed as one of National Geographic’s “top 10 places to visit for food.”
The James River runs through it all. There are class III and IV rapids downtown that you can whitewater raft. You can ride your bike right alongside the James River on the Virginia Capital Trail. The river rocks are an excellent place to spend time with your dog.
There are 300+ historical markers in Richmond, which is a city full of stories. Eye candy in terms of architecture. There are many great things to see and do in this area and the East Coast, which is located just a short drive away. Here’s what you need to know. Become a local and dive right in.
Richmond’s Nightlife
You know how to party in Richmond. Besides the little black dress places, they have dance clubs. Several people wait in line to get into shows that feature hip hop and alternative music. Get a mojito and learn how to salsa in a Cuban dance club.
Enjoy a trip down the Richmond Beer Trail. A cozy pub is a perfect place to yell at the soccer referees. The #1 dive bar in Virginia offers line dancing. Richmond is a nightlife region, and everyone goes out late at night.
Best bars in Richmond
Local Legend Brewing Company
A large selection of locally brewed beers is available at Virginia’s largest and oldest microbrewery. On West 6th Street, Tom Martin opened a little tasting room/pub in 1994. It was a popular destination for the city’s nightlife scene for its selection of their Legendary Beer and pub fries, along with a delicious sandwich.
The restaurant has grown into a full-sized restaurant with 180 seats using a smaller beer garden and deck with 200 seats. A full menu is available at the Pub that features Richmond’s best burgers and sandwiches along with Legend Beers.
Address: 321 W 7th St, Richmond, VA 23224, United States
Timing: Mon – Sat (11:30 am – 10 pm); Sun (11 am – 8 pm)
Contact Details: +1 804-232-3446
Website: https://www.legendbrewing.com/
The Beach House Bar and Grille
Featuring a deck & white weatherboarded restaurant that serves fresh seafood & cocktails. Upon entering the building, one can feel a feeling of happiness and good energy. Even in the middle of January, a beach vacation is a welcome change of pace.
There is a decent amount of space for a bar and tables and seating, as well as fun stuff like jukeboxes and arcade games. If the decor reflected more of the beach, it would become kitschy, so they nailed the beach theme. Here, you will find tasty drinks and attentive staff.
Timing: Sun-Sat (11 am – 2 am); Happy Hour (11 am – 7 pm)
Phone: City Beach (804) 482-8822; South Beach (804) 608-0048; Beach House Bar (804) 612-6116
Address: 2416 W Cary St, Richmond, VA 23220, United States
Website: https://www.beachhousebar.us/
Best nightclubs in Richmond
The Canal Club
An old brick warehouse now houses a bi-level nightclub that features live concerts and a performance venue. From anywhere in the city, the club can be accessed via Cary Street. All of the staff at The Canal is friendly and helpful, including the bartenders.
To ensure that a unique nightclub experience is offered, the club has a fully stocked bar. Rather than tables with high tops, there are booths at The Canal Club that provide a more comfortable alternative to dancing. In addition, our guests have free access to wireless internet at the club. The Canal Club offers gift vouchers as well.
Address: 1545 E Cary Street, Richmond, VA 23219, United States
Timing: 5 pm – 10 pm
Contact Details: +1 804-643-2582
Website: http://www.thecanalclub.com/
Siné Irish Pub
An Irish-built building shipped across the Atlantic provides a comfortable environment where friends and family can come together. Live entertainment is provided on weekends, along with Celtic-inspired food.
In Ireland, a pub is a place of family and friends, laughter, and good times- not just for the beer or stout, but for the whole atmosphere. Irish philosophy believes that a stranger is not a stranger but a friend who has not yet met. So at Siné, there’s the opportunity to eat, drink, and enjoy a pint or two.
The restaurant opened in May 1999 after renovations were completed to the former warehouse space located in Richmond’s historic Shockoe Slip neighborhood. The rustic interior of Siné is based on the rural interior of authentic “city pubs” in Ireland, which were built and designed in the mother country.
With spacious dining areas, cozy snugs, three pubs, Richmond’s only pet-friendly outdoor patio, and three bars, this is a welcoming, traditional Irish pub that is accessible to all. One of Richmond’s best bars. Visitors to Siné agree that “This is it” does justice to the place’s Gaelic name.”.
Address: 1327 E Cary St, Richmond, VA 23219, United States
Timing: Fri – Sat: 11 am – 2 am; rest all week: 11:30 am – 1 am
Contact Details: +1 804-649-7767
Website: https://www.sineirishpub.com/
Tobacco Company Restaurant
Tobacco Company Restaurant’s dance club is known as “the best in Richmond.” A recognizable antique is the wonderful brass chandelier, which originally hung in the Cincinnati Federal Reserve Bank lobby. In New York, Otis Elevator Company manufactured the antique brass elevator for Con Edison.
You can see a clock made by H.B. for the &P National Bank in the corner of the building outside. St. Luke’s Hospital in Richmond was the site of the grand walnut staircase. The first floor hosts’ desk was made from an old train station ticket booth and carved by a craftsman in South Carolina.
A variety of entertainment and dining options are available at the Tobacco Company Restaurant. Restaurant on four levels with two distinct dining rooms, a cocktail lounge accompanied by live music, and a nightclub with a dance floor. There is a modest cover charge for this venue that features Victorian chandeliers, modern sound and lighting equipment, and a dance floor. You don’t even have to leave the building to take advantage of all these options!
Address: 1201 E Cary St, Richmond, VA 23219, United States
Timing: Fri – Sat (5 pm – 11 pm); Thurs – Sun (5 pm – 9 pm); Mon-Wed (closed)
Contact Details: +1 804-782-9555
Website: https://thetobaccocompany.com/
Fallout
The Fallout Nightclub is located in Richmond, Virginia, and was the first fetish and goth club in the region when it opened its doors in 2007. There are live D.J.s, events, and bands performed at this upbeat nightclub. You can get cocktails, beer, and bar bites there as well. It is one of the best clubs for adults in Richmond. Among the best things about Fallout Club are its atmosphere, excellent bar food, and staff.
It has a limited entry on weekdays for members to meet and exchange sponsorships. Aside from these special events, the club hosts wedding anniversary parties, corporate events, bachelor parties, and special parties. At Fallout, you can experience the best nightlife around.
Address: 117 N 18th St, Richmond, VA 23223, United States
Timing: 5 pm – 11 am
Contact Details: +1 804-343-3688
Website: http://www.falloutrva.com/
Other attractions in Richmond
Byrd Theatre
The event schedule is designed to integrate educational, cultural, and community elements. A historic downtown theatre is home to The National, an eclectic concert venue that features live music. Renovating the theatre has retained its charm while adding modern comforts for an evening of dancing.
Byrd Theatre, founded in 1926, is celebrating its 90th anniversary in 2019 and proudly earned the title of a movie palace in the U.S. today. The Byrd Theatre, which seats 1,200 people, is one of the country’s finest cinema treasures, named for one of Richmond’s founding fathers, William Byrd. With opulent fittings and modern technology, the theatre was outfitted with an opulent set. In terms of today’s dollar amounts, the Byrd would cost about $13 million.
In the first-floor niche keystones and the space between the spandrels of the proscenium arch, gilded details symbolize the Fine Arts. In another corner are torches and horns of plenty, representing the goddess Ceres’ abundance.
There are several different types of metal leaf finishes (copper, gold, silver), and the moldings are either polychrome or come in a variety of colors. A golden harp and a grand piano connected to the Wurlitzer organ console can be seen in two boxes on either side of the stage. Gold-finished balustrades cover this semi-circular box which is surrounded by secondary Ionic columns.
Address: 2908 W Cary Street, Richmond, VA 23221, United States
Timing: evening and night shows/concerts begin at 7 pm (depending on the event calendar shared by the theatre)
Contact Details: +1 804-353-9911
Website: https://byrdtheatre.org/
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the convenient places to eat in Richmond?
You can find a huge variety of cuisines in Richmond, from authentic southern foods to French and Japanese food. If you’re a fan of local seafood, do not miss Rappahannock Oyster Company. Julep’s, Edo’s Squid, and Sidewalk Cafe are excellent budget restaurants.
Julep’s serves the best Southern meats and seafood (and great mint juleps!). There are many excellent meals for much less than $20, and a good meal shouldn’t cost more than that.
How does shopping in Richmond look like?
Richmond’s major attraction is shopping. Carytown, located west of the city center, is home to the city’s independent retail scene.
Shops of all kinds can be found here, including fashion shops like Phoenix and Fabrik, accessory stores like Schwarzschild Jewelers, and specialty stores like Carytown Dolls & Bears and For the Love of Chocolate. Make sure you check out the local vendors’ list before you visit since you’ll find a wide variety.
What is Belle Isle?
Belle Isle is a gorgeous place. There are miles of secluded trails, kayak rentals, swimming in the James River, and soaking up the sun at this island park located within Richmond’s city limits. The park is within walking distance of top hotels in the city center.
Conclusion
It is possible to wing it here and have a great time. However, for your trip to be effective, you must plan. Prepare for upcoming events by seeing what is coming up. There is something for everyone in Richmond, whether you are a foodie, a shopper, is a history or art enthusiast, enjoy a family vacation, a beer experience, or an adventurer.
