Which Richmond Bar To Visit, Based on Your Favorite Taylor Swift Era
The thing is, I’m going to find a way to bring up Taylor Swift, and I’m going to make my thesis a City Guide assignment. In other words: It’s me, hi, I’m the problem, it’s me.
But the other thing is, she IS even relevant to the liquor in our cocktails — the woman’s a mastermind, after all. So, enjoy this roundup of local spots that pair perfectly with Taylor Swift eras. Just like the songwriting queen herself, I didn’t include a single bad bar.
— by Kelsey Heintz, Managing Editor
Taylor Swift
Helen’s
An original for an original. Taylor Swift kicked things off with her self-titled album in 2006, and Helen’s has been in the biz of good drinks, good eats, and good times in Richmond since 1935. Channel Taylor’s (and your) country roots with Hunter (Bulleit Rye, Cointreau, lemon, honey, bitters).
Location: 2527 W Main St (The Fan)
Hours: Found here
Fearless
The Jasper
The Jasper has a policy of “full pours and honest prices,” and Taylor’s sophomore album is where she really starts to hit her quintessential, full-of-honest-emotion stride (cue You’re Not Sorry). This spot is everything you know and love about a cocktail lounge, too — delish menu and swanky, but cozy, vibes. It’s a perfect companion to Fearless, which is everything we know and love about Taylor — details and a lot of sparkle. We’re still feeling our country-TS here, so order the Rhinestone Cowgirl, obvs (rye whisky, vermouth blanc, strawberry, red bitter, celery).
Location: 3113 W Cary St (Carytown)
Hours: Found here
Speak Now
Jardin
Jardin is a wine bar for everybody, as they say; it’s got “age gracefully” bottles, but it’s also a place “for the people” and so is Speak Now. There’s country, there’s pop, there’s inarguably the best break-up song there ever was. These two are a match made in enchanting, unfussy, just-plain-solid heaven. Have a glass of wine, order The Board, and enjoy the patio’s string lights. Taylor would.
Location: 1520 W Main St Basement Suite 1 (The Fan)
Hours: Found here
Red
Fanboy
You don’t get more burning red than Fanboy. Literally — the spot is drenched in red, and the Blistered Shishitos bite as much as All Too Well (10 Minute Version) (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault). While you’re there, kick back a Rye or Die for our girl (Wild Turkey 101, demerara, grapefruit oleo, grapefruit bitters) and scream it with your chest: “Go straight to hell, Jake Gyllenhaal!”
Location: 2713 W Broad St (The Fan)
Hours: Found here
1989
New York Deli
Taylor was having an NYC moment with her 1989 album, so what better spot to reflect that vibe than the birthplace of the sailor sandwich? New York Deli says it draws in a mix of guests, old and new, and that’s so 1989. The album reflects Taylor’s official and complete move to pop music, delighting long-time fans and attracting new ones. Order a 212 (Rabbit Hole Boxergrail, sweet vermouth, Angostura bitters) — it’s been waiting for you.
Location: 2920 W Cary St (Carytown)
Hours: Found here
Reputation
Cobra Cabana
Snakes are *the* motif for the Reputation era, and at Cobra Cabana, they’re slithering all over the place (figuratively, of course). A massive cobra head watches over at the bar, and the menu items hiss (see: Saladsss, Sandwichesss, Sidesss, and Extrasss). Order the Copperhead (bitters, sugar, orange, whisky old fashioned) — it’ll hit you like a shotgun shot to the heart.
Location: 901 W Marshall St (VCU)
Hours: Found here
Lover
The Lobby Bar
When it comes to Lover, we think dreamy — and pastels — which leads us to Quirk Hotel. Cozy up at The Lobby Bar, and swear to be overdramatic and true to your drinking buddy with something like the Hell or High Guava (habanero-infused blanco tequila, guava, lime, agave syrup).
Location: 201 W Broad St (Jackson Ward)
Hours: Found here
Folklore | Evermore
Grandstaff & Stein
Wait for the signal, and I’ll meet you after dark — er, like, peep this week’s password before you head to your dinner reservation at this ‘20s-inspired speakeasy downtown. Folklore and Evermore (sister albums, as we consider them) are heavy on Taylor’s English-lit prowess, so the full bookcase that greets you at Grandstaff & Stein seems especially fitting when you think of these eras. Plus, there are the many signature cocktails that speak to the albums’ storytelling richness. Toast to Rebekah Harkness while you sip on the American (gin, St-Germain, mint simple, lemon juice, champagne).
Location: 2113 E Main St (Shockoe Bottom)
Hours: Found here
Midnights
LOSO
Now it’s time to party. You’re over your ex, you’re on an explosive world tour, you’re dating The Guy on the Chiefs — and by the way, you’re going out tonight. LOSO is the new underground-dance-music scene that’s taken over The Jungle Room’s space. But don’t fret: There are still disco balls aplenty, so it’s the perfect spot to go out with your crew. Head over for anything and everything on the drink menu, depending on what kind of mood and situation-ship you’re in, and what's in your system.
Location: 2727 W Broad St (The Fan)
Hours: Found here
The Tortured Poets Department
Poe’s Pub
If he were alive today, Edgar Allan Poe would most certainly be on the board of the Tortured Poets Department. So, when you’ve got Taylor’s eleventh studio album (and The Anthology, ofc) on repeat, head to Poe’s Pub. The Irish tavern in Church Hill is moody and twisty, just like TTPD, and features a tasty menu, too. Have a cold one to go with your order of Raven Fries, and summon exactly the right amount of darkness to craft that scathing text to the smallest man who ever lived — and crossed you.
Location: 2706 E Main St (Church Hill)
Hours: Found here
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