RVA Bar Hangouts

Everyone has that one place where they can go and feel at home. Here’s a list of some favorite RVA bar hangouts among the Boomer crowd:

CITY FOLK

Penny Lane Pub – Two-level bar with friendly atmosphere, English fare, pool table and darts
421 E. Franklin St., Richmond
804-780-1682
pennylanepub.com

Buddy’s – True Fan neighborhood bar
600 N. Sheppard St., Richmond
804-355-3701
BuddysPlace.net

WEST ENDERS

Mekong – Vietnamese food, favorite hangout of many RVA craft beer aficionados
6004 W. Broad St., Richmond
804-288-8929
MekongIsForBeerLovers.com

Rare Olde Times – Authentic Irish all the way
Canterbury Shopping Center, 10602 Patterson Ave., Henrico
804-755-6229
RareOldeTimes.com

JJ’s Grille – Warm and fuzzy atmosphere
10298 Staples Mill Road, Richmond
804-755-6229
JJsGrille.com

SOUTH OF THE JAMES

O’Toole’s – Oldest Irish pub in Richmond, occasional spontaneous sing-a-longs
4800 Forest Hill Ave., Richmond
804-233-1781
OToolesRestaurant.com

Sergio’s – Italian fare, friendly vibe, well-chosen craft beers, cider, mead and wine
4824 Market Square Lane, Midlothian
804-744-0111
SergiosVA.com

Brew – Friendly, knowledgeable bartenders and a top-notch draft list
6525 Centralia Road, Chesterfield Courthouse
804-454-0605
BrewBarAndKitchen.com

Howlett’s Tavern – Full bar and food menu and helpful staff
3530 Festival Park Tavern, Chester
804-930-1034
HowlettsTavern.com

IN TOWN AND OUT

Capital Ale House – Among Richmond’s largest selection of beers
623 E. Main St., Richmond
4024-A Cox Road, Glen Allen
13831 Village Place Drive, Midlothian
804-780-ALES
CapitalAleHouse.com

What makes great RVA bar hangouts for baby boomers?

Toby Keith’s song “I Love This Bar” struck a chord so deep it became a number one hit. Why so much love for our favorite bars?

I’m not talking about big chain bars and restaurants. They just don’t have the cozy, dressed-down ambience or quirky personality of the small, individually owned bars.

There is something great about a dimly lit hole in the wall where you don’t have to pretend to be cosmopolitan (or like to drink them).

Read more from writer Diane York here:

Updated June 10, 2024