6 Gay Bars in Richmond, VA — LGBTQ+ Nightlife

Downtown Richmond, Barcode has been a gay-owned staple since 2001. The bar and restaurant serves food until 1:30 am daily, with a full bar and outdoor patio. Happy hour draws a local crowd, while late nights bring a younger, more urban vibe. The venue is named for Matthew Shepard, a fact that shapes its inclusive ethos. Regulars appreciate the well-priced drinks and bar food that's a cut above typical pub fare. Weekends can get busy, but the smoking area offers a breather. If you want dancing, Godfrey's is a short walk away.

A mixed crowd of 20-somethings through 40-somethings packs Godfrey's most weekends. This longstanding Richmond gay bar runs drag shows Friday and Saturday nights, plus a popular Sunday brunch. DJs spin between sets, and the video bar keeps things lively. The drinks are strong and the bar food hits the spot. Happy hour runs weeknights, and you can grab a seat on the outdoor patio. Saturdays are split: brunch 11am-4:30pm, then reopen at 8pm for the night crowd. Sunday brunch runs straight through till 4:30pm.

Babe's of Carytown calls itself Richmond's Everybody's Bar, but it's especially known as a lesbian and trans-friendly dance spot. Two full-service bars inside and one on the patio mean you'll rarely wait for a drink, and the dance floor draws a mixed LGBTQ+ crowd ready to move. Style Weekly's #1 DJ & Drag Queens regularly take the stage. Reviews are mixed: regulars praise the eclectic, party-hungry crowd, but others note the bar can feel dirty and the sound system is subpar. Brunch and daily lunch specials are available starting noon on weekends, and Thursday through Saturday are the best nights to go. If you're looking for a divey, casual vibe with karaoke and live bands, this is your spot.

Fallout is Richmond's only full-time Goth and Fetish nightclub, open since 2007. This private 18+ club welcomes vampires, furries, costumed kids, and the scantily clad. You'll find a mix of ages from 20s to 50s, and the atmosphere is trans-friendly and LGBTQ-owned. The space includes a video bar, dance floor, cocktail lounge, smoking area, and backroom. It also serves as a community hub for diverse interests and lifestyles, hosting everything from dance parties and DJs to fetish events and educational workshops. Best nights are Monday, Friday, and Saturday when the bar stays open until 2am. There's a full bar and free wifi. Reviews note the club is accepting of every gender identity and sexual orientation, making it a safe space for alternative scenes. If you're bar-hopping, Godfrey's is another nearby LGBTQ-friendly spot in the River District.

Papi’s brings a Miami-style nightclub to Richmond, open Thursdays through Saturdays from 7:30pm until 2am. Dancing and Latin bar vibes draw a mixed LGBTQ+ crowd, mostly in their 20s, and the setup works well for groups. The venue may have closed permanently, so confirm before planning a visit. If you're looking for other options, Godfrey's is another nearby spot worth checking.

Thirsty's RVA Bar and Grill stands out as a neighborhood bar that serves Cajun-inspired dishes alongside old-school American favorites. The crowd leans local, with a mixed LGBTQ+ vibe that stays casual and welcoming. It's a solid stop for happy hour or a relaxed meal in Richmond's gay scene. Regulars appreciate the familiar, no-fuss atmosphere. If you're bar-hopping, you could easily pair it with a visit to Godfrey's nearby.