12 of Richmond’s Best Dive Bars Throughout the City
Not every night calls for craft beer or a perfectly curated wine list. Sometimes you just want a strong drink, a good crowd, and a place that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Richmond’s dive bar scene delivers, with spots that range from neighborhood staples to late-night haunts. Whether you’re in it for cheap drinks, solid bar food, or just seeing where the night takes you, there’s no shortage of options. Keep scrolling for some of the best dive bars around RVA.
Image Source: Helen’s
Helen’s
Can’t decide where to go? Helen’s is the answer. You can come here just for dinner or make a whole night out of it with drinks on the patio. Also worth noting: their pours are strong, so pace yourself… or don’t.
Location: 2527 W Main St (The Fan)
Image Source: Bamboo Café
Bamboo Café
Whether you’re looking for a place to pre-game, hang out all night long, or grab one last drink before heading home, Bamboo is the spot for all of the above. The patio is prime real estate when the weather’s nice, and inside has that classic, dimly lit dive bar vibe we all know and love. Grab a beer and a sandwich and settle in.
Location: 1 S Mulberry St (The Fan)
Image Source: Cobra Cabana
Cobra Cabana
Cobra Cabana is one of the few bars where the food is just as much a reason to go as the drinks. They have an extensive vegan menu that even non-vegans will love, and they’re known for solid happy hour deals during the week. Inside can get a little crowded, but their patio has plenty of space if you want some fresh air.
Location: 901 W Marshall St (Carver)
Image Source: 3 Monkeys
3 Monkeys
If you’re starving and need a drink, 3 Monkeys is one of the best spots to go. Their happy hour runs every day with discounted drinks and not regular bar food, but cool bar food. People are serious about the wings and the Monkey Fries, and the cocktails come with little plastic monkeys on them, which somehow never gets old.
Location: 2525 W Main St (The Fan)
Image Source: Sidewalk Cafe
The Sidewalk Cafe
Sidewalk is a Richmond staple and a rite of passage for VCU students and those new to the city. It’s open late, the drinks are cheap, and the pizza is surprisingly good. It’s the kind of place you end up even if you swear you “weren’t planning on going out”.
Location: 2101 W Main St (The Fan)
Image Source: Patrick Henry’s Pub & Grille
Patrick Henry’s Pub & Grille
Patrick Henry feels like a true neighborhood spot where everyone knows your name. It’s small and a little worn-in, and the drinks are straightforward and affordable. It’s not flashy, but that’s kind of the whole point.
Location: 2300 E Broad St (Church Hill)
Image Source: Buddy’s Place
Buddy’s Place
Good food, good people, and good times — that’s what you get at this neighborhood bar. It’s an easy place to grab a quick drink after work with friends, hang out for trivia, or start a night out. It’s small, unfussy, and has the perfect dive-bar energy, where people actually talk to each other.
Location: 600 N Sheppard St (Museum District)
Image Source: Wonderland
Wonderland
Wonderland is a dive bar, a karaoke bar, and a wrestling bar, which honestly tells you everything you need to know. Drinks are cheap, the space is tight, and the energy is very “we’re all in this together.” If you’re in the mood for something a little chaotic but very fun, this is your spot.
Location: 1727 E Main St (Shockoe Bottom)
Image Sources: Fuzzy Cactus
Fuzzy Cactus
A self-proclaimed “rock n roll bar”, Fuzzy Cactus is part dive bar, part music venue. They’ve got solid drink options, a good outdoor setup, and a steady lineup of live shows and DJs (rock, punk, metal, and indie only). It’s a good spot if you want to catch an impromptu show while you grab a drink.
Location: 221 W Brookland Park Blvd (Northside)
Image Source: Penny Lane Pub
Penny Lane Pub
Penny Lane is open late (like reealllly late), making it a go-to when everywhere else is closing but you’re not ready to call it a night. It’s dark, cozy, and always full of regulars having a drink at the bar. If you’re hungry, the British pub menu also hits the spot.
Location: 421 E Franklin St (Downtown)
Image Source: Sticky Rice
Sticky Rice
Come for the sushi, stay for the dance party. Sticky Rice is a classic Richmond dive bar with karaoke, bingo, and DJs throughout the week. Be warned: it gets crowded on the weekends, so plan accordingly if you want to snag a table to dance on.
Location: 2232 W Main St (The Fan)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
A born and bred Richmonder, Christine’s love of RVA runs deep. So does her love of words. She’s wanted to be a writer since she was 8 years old, leading her to earn a degree in Communication Studies from Roanoke College. Since then she’s edited and contributed to a handful of local and national publications. When she’s not working on her next article, you can find her taking walks throughout the city with her fiancé and their adorable rescue pitty Rosie. You can also find her on Instagram @christinewinder where she posts way too many photos of her cats.
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