10 Richmond Bars Mixing Some of the City's Best Cocktails
Sure, there’s nothing wrong with ordering a vodka soda, but every once in a while, it’s nice to let someone else do the shaking and stirring. Richmond’s best cocktail bars are serving up drinks that are just as creative as the people making them. So, whether you’re looking for a cocktail with edible flowers, unexpected ingredients, or a keepsake glass, keep scrolling for 10 spots mixing some of the best craft cocktails in RVA.
Image Source: The Jasper
The Jasper
The Jasper doesn’t need much of an introduction at this point, but we’ll give it one anyway. Their cocktail menu changes several times a year, with their famous Miracle on Cary pop-up during the holidays. Go for one of their signature drinks or hit happy hour for $8 classic cocktails.
Location: 3113 W Cary St (Carytown)
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Image Source: Grandstaff & Stein
Grandstaff & Stein
Prohibition who? This downtown 1920s-themed speakeasy really has it all: a long list of apps and dinner, all the spirits your heart desires, signature cocktails, and even mocktails. Don’t forget to check their website for the secret password before you go!
Location: 2113 E Main St (Shockoe Bottom)
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Image Source: Goldwing
Goldwing
Brought to you by the folks at Fighting Fish, Goldwing has Asian-inspired cocktails with creative flavors like yuzu, ube, and matcha. It’s the perfect place to end a night out with a drink, dessert from Shyndigz, and some live jazz.
Location: 910 N Arthur Ashe Blvd (Scott’s Addition)
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Image Source: The Verdant Lady
The Verdant Lady
You may not expect the suburbs to be the place to go for a craft cocktail, but that’s very much the case with The Verdant Lady. This West End bar boasts an extensive list of signature drinks (including their namesake cocktail) and the classics. They also have a draft beer and wine menu and snacks from Sebastian & Co. Bistro.
Location: 1310 Gaskins Rd (West End)
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Image Source: Fan Boy
Fan Boy
Fan Boy likes to keep things fun and fresh with rotating drinks, food, and even the mural on the front of the building. They focus on modern takes on classic cocktails and are always trying something new, so no two visits there are the same.
Location: 2713 W Broad St (Scott’s Addition)
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Image Source: The Emerald Lounge
The Emerald Lounge
The Emerald Lounge is like The Jasper but on a tropical vacation. Their cocktail menu changes with the seasons, but expect lots of fresh citrus, herbs, and island-inspired flavors year-round. The bartenders are happy to help if you’re undecided, and the patio makes it dangerously easy to stay for “just one more.”
Location: 2416 Jefferson Ave, Unit C1 (Church Hill)
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Image Source: Birdie’s
Birdie’s
You may know Birdie’s (AKA The Evergreen) for their festive holiday cocktails, but did you know they actually serve delicious drinks all year long? They have plenty of signature, bird-themed cocktails on their menu, but they’re also happy to mix up your go-to drink instead.
Location: 305 W Broad St (Arts District)
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Image Source: Cirrus Vodka
Cirrus Vodka
Don’t write Cirrus off if you don’t like vodka. They have a wide variety of options ranging from spirit-forward martinis to fruity cocktails and mocktails, so everyone is sure to find something to sip on. They don’t have their own food menu, but you can grab snacks, sandwiches, and more from Slack Tide Fish Co. and Fish Camp inside Ballast.
Location: 1320 Summit Ave (Scott’s Addition)
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Image Sources: Fuzzy Cactus
Fuzzy Cactus
Fuzzy Cactus’ drink menu is just as fun as their rock n’ roll live music lineup, proving that you don’t need a candlelit lounge to enjoy a really good cocktail. Grab a drink, head to the patio, and see where the night goes.
Location: 221 W Brookland Park Blvd (Northside)
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Image Source: The Brooklyn
The Brooklyn
Expect one cocktail at The Brooklyn to turn into ordering dinner. Between the seasonal cocktail menu and shareable plates like hamachi ceviche and country ham and prosciutto croquettes, it's impossible to order just one thing. Make sure you save room for the sticky toffee pudding. You'll thank us later.
Location: 1616 Summit Ave (Scott’s Addition)
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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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