10 of the Best Spots in Richmond for Craft Cocktails
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You might be thinking, What exactly is a craft cocktail? They’re cocktails made with great care and fresh ingredients — and Richmond is home to an amazing craft cocktail scene.
Check out these local spots to get your mixology fix, along with some of my personal recommendations.
—contributions by Alie McArdle and Paige Poprocky
Alewife
Located in the historic Church Hill neighborhood, Alewife serves Mid-Atlantic seafood influenced by the Chesapeake Bay and the foodways of Virginia. The restaurant chooses seasonal items, so its menu is ever-changing. Give their “Lost At Sea” cocktail a try; it is bright, tropical, and effervescent — Mezcal, Pineapple, Coastal Tonic Syrup, and House Seltzer.
Cocktail Rec: Clean Slate — Caraway Gin, Singani, Rosehips, Bitter Bianco, Galliano — Floral + Bubbly
Location: 3120 E Marshall St (Church Hill)
Hours: Found here
Tobacco Company
The Tobacco Company is a classic Richmond spot. Perfect for solo drinkers, couples, and girl’s + guy’s nights, you’ll find just what your craving in a cocktail here. My personal favorite is the Lavender Bees Knees for its simple yet sophisticated taste.
Cocktail Rec: Lavender Bees Knees — House-made Lavender Honey Simple Syrup infused with Gin and Lemon Juice — floral + sophisticated
Location: 1201 East Cary Street (Shockoe Slip)
Hours: Found here
Fuzzy Cactus
Fuzzy Cactus is Richmond’s neighborhood rock and roll bar and restaurant. They are known for serving up urban cowboy fare, dressed-up cocktails, and beer for all palates.
Cocktail Rec: Creature from the Blue Lagoon — Espolon Reposado Tequila, Plantation Original Dark Rum, Banana Syrup, Blue Curacao, Lime Juice, and Orange Bitters — Full of flavor + Zest
Location: 221 W Brookland Park Blvd (Northside)
Hours: Found here
Grandstaff & Stein
Make your way to Richmond’s finest speakeasy, Grandstaff & Stein. This 1920s-inspired spot offers an impressive libation list. Make sure you check Instagram or Facebook — you'll need the password to get in!
Their menu is extensive, with classic and signature cocktails, Old Fashioneds, and Mules.
Cocktail Rec: Basil Crush — Gin, mint, simple syrup, apple, lime, basil — crisp + tasty
Location: 2113 E Main St (Shockoe Bottom)
Hours: Found here
Sabai
If craft cocktails in fun glasses and edible flower garnishes are your thing — you’ll love Sabai. Their cocktails are totally Instagram-able, and their menu features a handful of unique flavor profiles for various tastes.
Stick around for dinner, too. They’re a must-try for foodies.
Cocktail Rec: Wild At Heart — Tequila, Mezcal, Pineapple, Lemon, Orgeat, Falernum, Passion Fruit, Hellfire Bitters — Smoky + Fruity
Location: 2727 W Broad St (Museum District)
Hours: Found here
The Jasper
Located in the heart of Carytown, this cocktail bar is known for its full pours and honest prices. Not only does this place have amazing cocktails, but they have a really cool wine list and affordable canned beer.
Their focus is craft cocktails — and their food menu is “aimed at satisfying the hunger you get when you’re having a drink.”
Cocktail Rec: Mango Unchained — Beefeater gin, Trinidad bitter, mango, lemon, orange bitters Juicy — spiced and delicious
Location: 3113 W Cary St (Carytown)
Hours: Found here
Bar Solita
Teleport to a sandy beach in Mexico at Bar Solita because their cocktails are something else. I’ve been on the hunt for the best spicy marg in the city. And once I took at the first sip of Sh*t That’s Fresh from Bar Solita, I knew I found what I’d been searching for — it’s got the perfect balance of fresh flavor + spice.
Not a fan of spicy drinks? No worries! They offer a full suite of other craft cocktails to choose from, like their Sage Advice and Solita Mule.
Cocktail Rec: Sh*t That's Fresh — Lunazul Blanco tequila, cilantro, basil, jalapeño + lime — tastes like you’re on a beach in Mexico.
Location: 123 W Broad St (Jackson Ward)
Hours: Found here
Lemaire
If you are looking for a classic Richmond spot, Lemaire’s bar at The Jefferson is the way to go. My partner and I love grabbing a seat at the bar and taking in the classy atmosphere.
Lemaire has a unique cocktail list that features classic drinks with a modern twist and made with fresh, handcrafted ingredients grown right here in Virginia. Whether it’s a pre-dinner spritz or a late night bourbon, Lemaire’s cocktails change seasonally allowing you to customize your experience each time you visit.
Cocktail Rec: The Riviera — Tito's vodka, rosemary ginger syrup, lemon juice — Fresh and flavorful
Location: 101 W Franklin St (Monroe Ward)
Hours: Found here
The Daily
The cocktails offered at The Daily are one of the reasons I love this restaurant (one major reason being I had my first date with my partner there). The food is delicious, and their signature cocktails are affordable. My favorite on the menu is their blackberry basil margarita. It boasts that classic margarita flavor with fruity undertones. Just what I like.
Cocktail Rec: Blackberry Basil Margarita — Lunazul blanco tequila, triple sec, fresh blackberries, basil, lime — Classical margarita flavor profile with fruity undertones
Location: 2934 W Cary St {Carytown)
Hours: Found here
Roosevelt
Charming and chic, The Roosevelt is an inviting space that feels welcoming and fresh. Their cocktail menu is quite different from your average upscale spot. You’ll find cocktails with quirky names and intriguing ingredients like toasted almond bitters, banana chips, and sweet tea syrup.
Cocktail Rec: Catcher and The Chai — Chai tea infused George Dickel Rye Whiskey, cynar, grapefruit, and mole bitters — Sweet and spiced with a bitter whisper
Location: 623 N 25th St (Church Hill)
Hours: Found here
Another round?
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