Classic Richmond bars aren't polished — they're perfect
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Top to bottom, left to right: The Franklin Inn, O'Toole's, Joe's Inn, Sidewalk Cafe, 3 Monkeys and Bamboo Cafe. Photos: Karri Peifer/Axios
👋 Karri here, still thinking about a recent experience I had at a Richmond bar: Service was chaotic. I was asked to settle my tab before I'd finished my first drink. Staffers liberally dropped f-bombs in every interaction.
Why it matters: I loved it.
State of play: I'd had what, to me, was a classic, old-school Richmond bar experience. One I fear will become less frequent as this city grows and stylish "concepts," often from out-of-town hospitality groups, move in.
- Don't get me wrong, beloved Richmond dives are sticking around — for now.
- But after my recent trip to D.C., where I visited many fantastic "concepts," I found myself thinking about the sometimes gritty, informal, everyone-is-welcome, just-grab-a-seat vibe that makes Richmond, Richmond.
- And our bars, Richmond bars.
Context: My server wasn't rude during my recent experience. I was there at shift change and he needed me to settle up so he could go home. A tech issue created the chaos and inspired the extra-salty language.
- He even apologized: "This 🤬 computer, man; sorry. This 🤬 thing is a piece of 🤬, ya know?"
I do know. I've been there. And the exchange reminded me that when you belly up to a Richmond bar, the relationship isn't server and patron — it's neighbors.
- A Richmond bar is basically a locally owned, neighborhood restaurant where you can stop in for a drink, a meal or an entire birthday party of people.
Zoom in: But it's also so much more:
- A Richmond bar has booths that are eligible for AARP benefits.
- The food can be great (Sidewalk Cafe), the portions ridiculous (Joe's Inn) — and the kitchen is always open (at least until 10pm or unless the cook had to move his car real quick).
- A Richmond bar doesn't accept reservations.
- There isn't always a "patio," but there's definitely an outdoor chair situation. Smoking is encouraged (The Franklin Inn).
- A Richmond bar doesn't "measure" drink pours. It pours, until the glass is full and the liquor is the dominant flavor.
- A Richmond bar doesn't close for a private party or corporate buyout, but you're welcome to try to squeeze yours on in.
- It doesn't close when it snows. It likely even offers drink specials in celebration (Sticky Rice).
- A Richmond bar may have a host. It may not. But if a booth is open, you can grab it. Probably.
- The service might be informal, but it's friendly, efficient and always on point (Bamboo Cafe).
- A Richmond bar is most closely associated with the Fan, but can be found all over town, from Church Hill (The Hill Cafe) to the Near West End (The Grill), on Northside (Dot's) and south of the river (O'Toole's).
- The bathrooms … well, they work. It's best not to dwell on the smell emitting from 100-year-old pipes.
- And a Richmond bar is open every day, usually from lunch through dinner. Sometimes even for breakfast. You don't have to check the hours, worry about 90-minute table limits, or wait until your whole party shows up to sit. You're welcome to pop in whenever you like.
The bottom line: A Richmond bar is quite possibly the very best part of Richmond. And if you need me, you can probably find me at one right after work.