The 9 Best Cocktail Bars in Richmond, VA (From Locals)

Looking for the best cocktail bars in Richmond, VA? Richmond’s food and craft beer scenes get plenty of love, but its cocktail bars deserve just as much hype. From moody speakeasies to rooftop stunners and bartenders who treat mixology like performance art, this city knows how to pour.

We’re Sam and Chris – travel lovers and former Richmond locals – and we’ve personally sipped our way through every bar on this list (more than once, for quality control).

Whether you’re short on time or building the ultimate booze crawl, this guide has what you need to find your kind of bar.

Quick Takeaways

• All bars serve food – Virginia law requires it
• Most stay open late, even on weeknights
• Don’t miss: Grandstaff & Stein (for the vibe) and The Verdant Lady (for the menu)

Ready to drink well in Richmond? Let’s go.

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Alcohol Laws in Virginia: What to Know Before You Drink

We’re not here to rant (okay, maybe just a little), but Virginia’s alcohol laws are… old-school. If you’re used to bar-hopping in NYC or New Orleans, you’ll notice some quirks.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Food is required.
  In Virginia, if a business wants to sell mixed drinks but isn’t a brewery or distillery, 45% of their overall sales must come from non-alcoholic items – like food, coffee, or soda.
  → Translation: No food = no cocktails. That’s why every cocktail bar on this list also serves food.
• No happy hour after 9 PM.
  By law, alcohol can’t be discounted between 9 PM and 2 AM.
  So if you’re looking for deals, hit the bar early – any happy hour promos will wrap by 9.

We get it – these laws are meant to promote “responsible drinking.” But if you’ve ever wanted a whiskey sour without having to order fries too… welcome to Virginia.

Map of the Best Cocktail Bars in Richmond

Download our full Richmond Cocktail Map below!

9 Best Cocktail Bars in Richmond, VA (What to Drink + Where to Go)

1. The Jasper: Carytown’s OG Cocktail Bar

Need-to-Know Info

• Hours: Daily 5PM–12AM | Fri–Sat until 2AM
• Happy Hour: 5PM–7PM
• Reservations Required? First come, first served

The Jasper opened in 2018 and quickly became the blueprint for Richmond’s modern cocktail scene. Tucked into Carytown, it feels like a relaxed speakeasy – no gimmicks, just damn good drinks.

The bar is named after Jasper Crouch, a freed Black man and legendary Richmond bartender from the 1800s who served Chief Justice John Marshall’s social club. The tribute runs deep – they take cocktail craft seriously here, but never pretentiously.

With their motto “full pours and fair prices,” The Jasper hits that sweet spot between creative and approachable. The vibe is casual but confident – you’ll see bartenders pulling off high-level technique without the side of snobbery.

Quick Sip Summary

• Vibe: Low-lit, unfussy, and effortlessly cool
• What to Order: Anything off the seasonal menu – or ask for a custom stirred classic
• Why We Love It: It’s the kind of bar that reminds you why cocktails are an art form
• Pro Tip: Go early for happy hour – it fills up fast (and rightly so)

2. Grandstaff & Stein: Hidden Speakeasy with Prohibition Vibes

Need-to-Know Info

• Hours: Daily, 4PM–12AM
• Happy Hour: Not offered
• Reservations Required? No

This downtown gem is a true speakeasy – and not just in name. Grandstaff & Stein hides behind a bookcase entrance, and you’ll need a password (posted daily on their website) to slip inside.

The space is dark, moody, and packed with old-school flair – think velvet chairs, antique bar tools, and a cocktail menu that reads like a love letter to Prohibition.

We visited on a Friday night and were seriously impressed. I ordered The Duke, a bourbon sour riff made with… Duke’s mayonnaise. Sounds weird, tasted amazing. Chris had the Tobacco Row – a smoky, complex blend featuring Virginia-made Catoctin Creek rye, brandy, chicory, and bitters.

Bonus points: They offer curated spirit flights – from Virginia rye to amaro and everything in between – plus a surprisingly solid dinner menu. The baked brie and duck drumettes smelled like trouble (in the best way).

Quick Sip Summary

• Vibe: Secretive, vintage, and very Prohibition-era cool
• What to Order: A flight and a specialty cocktail (ask for the Duke if it’s on menu)
• Why We Love It: The password, the bookcase, the drama – it’s a full experience
• Pro Tip: Check their website for the daily password before you go

3. The Roosevelt: Southern Fare Meets Booze Brilliance

Need-to-Know Info

• Hours: Mon–Sat: 5PM–10PM | Sun: 5PM–9PM
• Happy Hour: Not offered
• Reservations Required? No, but highly recommended

Located in historic Church Hill, The Roosevelt is technically a restaurant – but the cocktails here absolutely deserve their own spotlight. The drink list is tight, thoughtful, and seasonal, designed to pair with their elevated Southern fare. And with awards from Thrillist, Esquire, and half the local press, it’s safe to say we’re not the only ones who love it.

We came with friends for a nightcap and were lucky to grab four seats at the bar. I ordered the House Penicillin, their take on the classic with a house-made ginger-lemon sherbet syrup. It was bright, layered, and seriously good. Chris went with My Full Name is Richard – a warm, whiskey-forward drink that was perfectly balanced.

It’s cozy, polished, and still has that neighborhood vibe. But with limited seating, we definitely recommend a reservation – especially if you plan to stay for dinner.

Quick Sip Summary

• Pro Tip: Grab a bar seat for drinks and skip the wait – or book a res for dinner
• Vibe: Southern charm meets award-winning cocktail precision
• What to Order: The House Penicillin or anything with whiskey
• Why We Love It: Creative drinks, great food, and a killer bar team

4. The Emerald Lounge: Tropical Cocktails with Mid-Century Vibes

Need-to-Know Info

• Hours: Daily from 5PM–Close
• Happy Hour: Yes, daily from 5PM–7PM
• Reservations Required? Not accepted – walk-ins only

This bar is the tropical, tiki-adjacent sibling to The Jasper – and we loved everything about it. The Emerald Lounge sits in a revamped Church Hill space with plush booths, low lighting, and serious mid-century energy. Think Cuba in the ’20s meets California in the ’70s, with rum, agave, and brandy cocktails that lean bright, juicy, and strong.

We got there right at 5PM to score a big booth and soak up happy hour. Cocktails started at just $6, which is basically a miracle in 2025. We shared the Togarashi Popcorn, Shrimp Ceviche, and Spam Cubano Sliders. I hadn’t touched Spam since childhood… and wow. I’d go back just for that slider.

This place fills up fast, and they don’t take reservations – so show up early if you want a seat. It’s worth the effort.

Quick Sip Summary

• Pro Tip: Go right at 5PM – happy hour is solid, and seating goes quick
• Vibe: Retro tropical hideout with a modern twist
• What to Order: Ceviche + anything rum-based from the seasonal menu
• Why We Love It: It’s tiki energy without the kitsch

5. Black Lodge: Dark & Quirky Drinks in Scott’s Addition

Need-to-Know Info

• Hours: Tue–Thu: 5PM–12AM | Fri–Sat: 5PM–2AM
• Happy Hour: Daily, 5PM–7PM
• Reservations Required? No

Tucked next to its upscale sibling Brenner Pass, Black Lodge is one of those blink-and-you’ll-miss-it cocktail bars in the heart of Scott’s Addition. It’s dark, cozy, and usually buzzing – especially near the bar where seating is limited and standing with a drink is the norm.

We grabbed a couple rounds here and loved the creativity behind their cocktails. I started with a classic vodka gimlet, but round two stole the show: The Dressed Up Pony. Served in a Miller High Life pony bottle glass, it came with whiskey, ginger, lemon, and two High Life shots on the side. Unhinged in the best way.

The menu is as unpredictable as the drinks – they serve everything from caviar to hot dogs. There’s even a “Tower of Power” for $110, featuring two tiers of hot dogs, wings, patty melts, and fries. Honestly, it’s the perfect group order for a night out with friends.

Quick Sip Summary

• Pro Tip: The kitchen closes at 9PM, so plan your munchies accordingly
• Vibe: Moody, loud, and ultra-quirky
• What to Order: The Dressed Up Pony – if it’s on the menu, don’t skip it
• Why We Love It: It’s unapologetically weird in a way that just works

6. The Verdant Lady: Creative Cocktails in a Suburban Stunner

Need-to-Know Info

• Hours: Mon–Thu: 5PM–11PM | Fri–Sat: 4PM–12AM
• Happy Hour: Daily (varies by day)
• Reservations Required? No – first come, first served

The Verdant Lady is a hidden gem that shocked us in the best way. When we walked in, we looked at each other like, “This is in the suburbs?!” The vibe, the decor, the drinks – all felt like something you’d expect downtown or in a major cocktail city.

Naturally, the Verdant Lady cocktail is first on the menu – a twist on a gimlet with green Chartreuse and mint – but everything we tried was incredible. Chris went with Nothing Forgotten (a booze-forward blend of rye, bourbon, Amaro, and thyme), while I had the Shrunken Honey, a gorgeous gin drink with egg white and honey-lemon-ginger notes.

We liked it so much that we returned the next night with friends – and the cocktails were just as stellar the second time around.

Quick Sip Summary

• Pro Tip: Go on a Wednesday – signature cocktails are discounted during happy hour
• Vibe: Lush, inviting, and way cooler than you’d expect from the West End
• What to Order: The Verdant Lady or anything with egg white
• Why We Love It: It’s creative without being fussy, and just downright fun

7. Harry’s at Hofheimer: Speakeasy + Rooftop + Lounge in Scott’s Addition

Need-to-Know Info

• Hours: Tue–Thu: 4PM–10PM | Fri–Sat: 4PM–12AM
  • Brunch: Sat–Sun: 11AM–3PM
• Happy Hour: Tue–Sat, 4PM–6PM (discounted wine, beer, cocktails)
• Reservations Required? Not required, but recommended

Harry’s at Hofheimer is a choose-your-own-adventure kind of place. Located in Scott’s Addition, it’s technically two bars: a speakeasy-style space on the first floor, and a rooftop lounge upstairs. When we went, we couldn’t get into the speakeasy because it was at capacity – and we’ve heard better things about it than what we experienced upstairs.

The second-floor lounge has big couches and space to spread out, but the music was so loud we could barely hear each other. We might be aging ourselves here, but it didn’t match the chill, low-key lounge vibe we expected.

Worse, the cocktail menu was tiny (only five drinks) and served in plastic cups. They tasted decent – not bad, not mind-blowing – but at $13 a drink, we were hoping for glassware and a little more finesse.

That said, we’re still curious about the speakeasy. From what we’ve heard and seen online, it has a completely different feel – and might redeem the experience.

Quick Sip Summary

• Pro Tip: Try again on a weeknight if the speakeasy is your goal – the rooftop may not be the vibe you’re looking for
• Vibe: Two bars, two very different experiences
• What to Order: If you’re in the lounge, stick to beer or wine
• Why We Love It: TBD – we’re holding out hope for the speakeasy

8. Fanboy: Loud, Flashy, and Hidden in Plain Sight

Need-to-Know Info

• Hours: Sun–Thu: 11:30AM–12AM | Fri–Sat: 11:30AM–2AM
• Happy Hour: Nope
• Reservations Required? Not required, but HIGHLY recommended via Resy
• **NOTE: 21+ only

Fanboy is one of the newest cocktail bars in Richmond – and it’s a total sensory overload in the best way.

It’s not technically a speakeasy, but you won’t find it on Google Maps, and there’s zero signage. Even as pro booze hunters, we almost missed it.

Inside? Picture red lighting, pulsing music, and major main-character energy. We had a 9:30PM reservation on a Friday, and even sitting side-by-side, we had to yell just to talk. If you’re looking for a quiet night, this ain’t it.

The cocktail menu leans bold and cheeky: I tried the BBQ Old Fashioned made with bacon fat-washed Old Forester and a strip of bacon, while Chris went for the Hot Champurrado with mezcal and Mexican chocolate. Our honest take? The concepts were fun, but the flavors didn’t quite blow us away.

Round two was all classics – an Old Fashioned, a Negroni, and a Whiskey Sour – and those hit the spot. Fanboy also has a legit food menu with truffle fries, lobster rolls, Wagyu hot dogs, and a mushroom “cheesesteak.” We didn’t eat, but everything coming out of the kitchen looked amazing.

Quick Sip Summary

• Vibe: Loud, dark, and unapologetically extra
• What to Order: The Old Fashioned or Negroni – the classics shine
• Why We Love It: It’s part chaos, part creativity – and totally unfindable unless you’re in the know
• Pro Tip: Bring your voice and your camera – the aesthetic pops

9. Heritage Restaurant: Refined Cocktails in the Heart of the Fan

Need-to-Know Info

• Hours: Wed–Sat: 5PM–9PM (kitchen) | Bar open until 11PM
• Happy Hour: No
• Reservations Required? Not required, but recommended (via Resy)

If you’re hunting for one of the best cocktail bars in Richmond with food that rivals the drinks, Heritage Restaurant is your place.

Located in the Fan and just steps from one of our favorite wine bars, Heritage has earned titles like Best New Restaurant, Top 100 in the South, and Chef of the Year – but it still feels like a neighborhood hangout.

Their food menu is seasonal and chef-driven – we’re talking Szechuan-glazed duck breast, local fluke, and pork chops with flavor combos that make you pause. But the show-stealer? The Pimento Croquettes. Deep-fried pimento cheese balls that hit every Southern comfort note. Do not skip them.

As for cocktails – these are some of the most inventive drinks in Richmond. The list changes regularly, but on our visit, we saw drinks like:

• Should Have Had a V8 – a clarified gin punch with cheese rind, garlic scapes, basil, mint
• High Brow/Low Brow – peanut butter fat-washed sherry with sesame and crème de cassis
• Sage Against the Machine – sage and brown butter-infused rye, with absinthe and demerara

It’s creative without being pretentious, and every drink was beautifully executed.

Quick Sip Summary

• Pro Tip: Pair your drinks with a full meal for the best experience
• Vibe: Warm, welcoming, upscale without being stuffy
• What to Order: Ask your server for seasonal recs – and always get the croquettes
• Why We Love It: Michelin-level creativity meets neighborhood charm

Updated June 2025
We first published this guide in February 2024 and just gave it a fresh update with new bars, updated hours, and local tips to help you drink smarter in Richmond.

Richmond Cocktail Bar FAQs

What are the best cocktail bars in Richmond, VA for a date night?

The Roosevelt offers cozy lighting, upscale food, and strong drinks, while The Jasper nails that effortlessly cool neighborhood vibe. Both are great for a laid-back but memorable night out.

Are there any rooftop cocktail bars in Richmond?

Yes! Harry’s at Hofheimer is one of Richmond’s top rooftop bars – especially at sunset.

>>Want more drinks with a view? Check out our full rooftop bar guide.

Is Richmond known for any signature cocktails?

While Richmond doesn’t have one “signature” drink, you’ll find a lot of bars using local spirits like Belle Isle Moonshine and Reservoir Distillery. Many menus offer riffs on classics like the Old Fashioned, Negroni, or Manhattan with local twists.

Can you walk between cocktail bars in Richmond?

Absolutely. Bars in Carytown, The Fan, and Scott’s Addition are especially walkable. You could hit 3–4 great spots in one night without ever needing a car.

Do Richmond cocktail bars require reservations?

Some do – especially newer or trendier spots like Fanboy or The Roosevelt. We always recommend booking via Resy or checking Google in advance, particularly on weekends.

Watch it on YouTube

Want to see these spots in action?

We filmed our full Richmond cocktail crawl – drinks, vibes, and everything in between.

Final Sips on Richmond’s Cocktail Scene

Whether you’re local or just visiting, Richmond has more cocktail magic than most people expect. From loud and flashy to dim and refined, this city has range – and a bar stool waiting with your name on it.

And if you love exploring a city one drink at a time, give us a follow or join our newsletter – we share real, booze-forward travel guides without the fluff.

Still thirsty for more?
Richmond’s booze scene goes way beyond cocktails – and we’ve covered it all. Dive into our other Richmond guides to keep planning the ultimate boozy itinerary:

• Ultimate Guide to Richmond Distilleries : From moonshine to modern spirits
• 7 Best Wine Bars in Richmond: For those vino-only nights
• Scott’s Addition Breweries Guide: RVA’s craft beer capital, mapped
• A Local’s Guide for fun things to do in Richmond, VA: What to do between drinks
• Top 6 Rooftop Bars in Richmond VA to catch a view: Where the views are as strong as the pours

Or browse the browse the full list of Richmond Content Here