Seven Cozy Bars to Check Out This Winter

Stay cozy with a cocktail from one of these local favorites

Even though this winter has been unseasonably warm in Virginia, we all know means we likely have a late winter snowstorm headed our way. What is better than curling up in an intimate booth with an exquisite cocktail looking out at the cold night outside? I have rounded up some of my favorite cozy bars across Virginia that feel special, welcoming, and homey while serving up delicious drinks and delightful atmospheres.

Lost Saint Bar Charlottesville

333 W Main St, Charlottesville, VA 22903

https://www.instagram.com/lostsaintbar/ | https://www.facebook.com/LostSaintBar/

This speakeasy, nestled just off Charlottesville’s historic district, is known for its brilliant service, delicious food, and spectacular craft cocktails. Though Charlottesville has numerous watering holes and dining options, this bar is a local favorite – you will see locals frequenting the bar on a regular basis. Hint: ask for the dealer’s choice at the bar for some of the best cocktails on the menu! The bartenders are extremely knowledgeable and know how to make a fantastic drink.

Bloom Restaurant and Wine Bar Roanoke

1109 Main St SW, Roanoke, VA 24015

https://www.facebook.com/bloomrke/ | https://www.bloomrke.com/ 

Roanoke is worth visiting just to have the chance to enjoy and meal and a drink at Bloom. This restaurant and wine bar sources all of their ingredients locally serves delightful creations in the form of small plates in their warm and cozy restaurant. While you are there, you can watch the chefs preparing your food in the open kitchen and nibble on their delicacies as you sip your wine. The staff and décor manage to strike a balance between casual and upscale that is so appealing to customers that they find themselves coming back again and again.

Press 626 Norfolk

626 W Olney Rd, Norfolk, VA 23507

https://www.press626.com/ | https://www.facebook.com/Press626/ 

“Press 626 is a casual, local restaurant and wine bar focused on creating a one-of-a-kind experience.” This local bar and restaurant has an extensive wine and craft cocktail list, delicious food, and a welcoming ambiance. The space is cozy and warm and makes you feel like you are in someone’s (very stylish!) living room. They even host regular supper clubs and wine tastings that are a culinary experience on their own!

The Tobacco Company Restaurant

1201 E Cary St, Richmond, VA 23219

https://www.thetobaccocompany.com/ | https://www.facebook.com/TobaccoCoDine/ 

The Tobacco Company Restaurant is situated in a historic building and is beautifully decorated on three floors with velvet sofas and leather accents, greenery and trees that bring the outside in, and stunning skylight that gives a greenhouse vibe. You will find yourself coming for the ambiance, but staying for the amazing cocktails and food. Many nights, you will be treated to a jazz music performance as you sip your cocktail and take in your surroundings.

The Jasper Richmond

3113 W Cary St, Richmond, VA 23221

https://jasperbarrva.com/ | https://www.facebook.com/JasperBarRVA/ 

Enjoy craft cocktails in a vintage setting at The Jasper. Take a seat at the bar, which is reminiscent of an old-school ice cream shop, or choose from one of the many cozy booths while you enjoy your drink. Known for its happy hour and themed nights, this bar is a local favorite. Though you’ll also find delicious dishes flowing out of the kitchen, this place is really known for its top-notch drinks and “full pours,” as advertised on their website.

Trummer’s Coffee and Wine Bar

14013 Promenade Commons St, Gainesville, VA 20155

https://www.trummerscoffeewinebar.com/ | https://www.facebook.com/TrummersCoffeeandWineBar/ 

This European-inspired café and bar is a nod to the coffeehouses you might find across Europe, where you may come in for a coffee and a pastry in the morning and stay for a drink by the evening. At Trummer’s, every cocktail is hand-made with care using homemade syrups as well as fresh fruit and juice. This cozy and welcoming café is inviting, whether you are there for a coffee, or a cocktail. “You can make Trummer’s Coffee and Wine Bar whatever you want it to be,” says owner Victoria Trummer.

Captain Gregory’s Alexandria 

804 N Henry St, Alexandria, VA 22314

https://www.captaingregorys.com/ | https://www.instagram.com/captaingregorys/ 

Captain Gregory’s is a small intimate space

This hidden gem in old town Alexandria space serves divine cocktails paired with phenomenal service. The bartenders manage the intimate space with ease, they are knowledgeable and know how to mix a variety of drinks, happy to answer questions, and select every detail down to the glassware with care. Their drinks are so good, patrons say that their mocktails are just as good as their alcoholic options! You can also enjoy a donut while sipping on your cocktail. 

Winter is definitely the time of year to imbibe in some treats and discover some new drinks. Warm up at one of these spots this winter and drink your way through Virginia’s finest cocktail establishments.