Dive bars are known for being a bit on the shabby side; however, that shouldn’t overshadow the unassuming charm. With eclectic décor and a sense of familiarity, many prefer dive bars over glitzy new cocktail and mocktail lounges and hipster breweries.
Virginia’s dive bar scene is about as diverse as the commonwealth itself, with many of the establishments amassing loyal clientele. Here are the 20 dive bars in Virginia that locals love.
Northern Virginia
From New Orleans-inspired saloons to cowboy-themed cafes, here are the dive bars Northern Virginians come back to again and again.
Fats Fairfax
Location: 10673 Braddock Rd., Fairfax, VA 22032
Fats Fairfax, a New Orleans-style saloon, has been making Fairfax residents feel as though they’ve just walked into a Bourbon Street bar since 1982.
It has 17 beers on tap, daily food specials, and plenty of live entertainment. Make sure you ask which beers pair best with the gator bites!
The Cue Club
Location: 7016 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003
The Cue Club is a dive bar that knows how to keep its customers occupied with regular trivia nights, billiard tournaments, dart-throwing competitions, band nights with local acts, and DJ club nights.
In between activities, enjoy a cold beer with a hearty bowl of Cue Club’s downhome chili.
JV’s Restaurant
Location: 6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church, VA 22042
Locals frequent JV’s Restaurant to enjoy a cold beer and serving of meatloaf while listening to local country and rock-and-roll bands.
The restaurant has been going strong since 1947.
Cowboy Café
Location: 4792 Lee Hwy., Arlington, VA 22207
Despite going through several different iterations, first as an old-school American restaurant, then as a Southwestern biker bar, and now as a burger and beer joint, Cowboy Café has long been a north Arlington watering hole. Today, the café features many elements from its past life, including a wall lined with license plates and a mural of previous owners.
Stop by on Tuesday for a beer from the 14-brew tap and half-off burgers.
Central Virginia
From speakeasies to beloved hole-in-the-wall bars, here are the Central Virginia dives locals love.
Lost Saint
Location: 333 W Main St., Charlottesville, VA 22903
Head to the Lost Saint cellar cocktail bar that’s cozy from the fireplace in winter and cool in the summer. The speakeasy-style space is known for its intimacy, creating a fun atmosphere for sharing a drink.
Give the Dilly Dally, a dill-infused gin cocktail, a try.
Chiocca’s
Location: 425 N Belmont Ave., Richmond, VA 23221
Don’t let the unassuming deli façade of Chiocca’s fool you. Inside, it’s a lively old-school basement “hole in the wall” where you can get a hearty Italian sub and beer to wash it down.
Grab a stool at the butcher block table and check out some of the eclectic photos on the walls.
The Locker Room
Location: 5035 Forest Hill Ave., Richmond, VA 23225
The Locker Room is where locals head to for cheap drinks, delicious snacks, and even the opportunity to drink and smoke at the same time.
The nostalgia-inspired bar with its 80s-themed decor has been a community watering hole for well over 40 years. It’s known for its billiard tables and karaoke nights.
When going for the first time, keep an eye out for the iconic red sign.
Joe’s Inn
Location: 205 N Shields Ave., Richmond, VA 23220
Joe’s Inn has quite a following with many loyal customers frequenting the establishment weekly since its opening in 1952. The distinct row of booths down a narrow aisle feels like home for those who meet regularly for board games over pastrami and Swiss sandwiches.
Be sure to wash the sandwich down with Joe’s gimlet.
Fuzzy Cactus
Location: 221 Brookland Park Blvd., Richmond, VA 23222
Fuzzy Cactus is known for its music venue, which supports the local music community and touring musicians, as well as its reasonably priced beverages.
You can’t beat its beer-and-shot combo. Go for the “Over the Top,” which comes with PBR and Fireball. Happy hour is Tuesday through Friday from 5 to 7 p.m.
Coastal Virginia
From rustic lodges to lively sports bars, here are some of the Coastal Virginia dive bars locals love.
The White Oak Lodge
Location: 3533 Kecoughtan Rd., Hampton, VA 23661
The White Oak Lodge has been a community mainstay since 1935. The rustic lodge, decorated with nautical and vintage touches, feels like a home away from home for many regulars.
With more than 150 liquors, seasonal cocktails, and plenty of beer and wine options, it’s the perfect place to wet your whistle. Uniquely, it also serves breakfast all day.
Josh’s Bar & Grill
Location: 1938 East Pembroke Ave., Hampton, VA 23663
Josh’s Bar & Grill lives by the motto of “great food and great people.” It’s known for its steaks, seafood, and burgers.
Locals especially like going on Friday nights for the live bands and Saturday nights for the DJ and karaoke.
Norfolk Taphouse
Location: 931 W. 21st St., Norfolk, VA 23517
Head to the Norfolk Taphouse to test your singing or comedy chops. The establishment hosts weekly karaoke and open mic events weekly.
If you need some liquid courage, there are plenty of drafts to select from. It also has a sizable vegan and vegetarian menu.
Poppa’s Pub Sportz Bar & Grill
Location: 2105 Diamond Springs Rd., Virginia Beach, VA 23455
Poppa’s Pub Sportz Bar & Grill is your one-stop shop for a good time in Virginia Beach. It offers nightly specials, more than 15 beers on tap, and live music. You can even join a pool league or perform during the Thursday night open mic at 7:30 p.m.
Go on a Sunday for the buffet and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. happy hour.
Duck Dive Tavern
Location: 404 Laskin Rd., Virginia Beach, VA 23451
With a casual coastal theme, Duck Dive Tavern is a go-to hangout spot for Virginia Beach residents.
The tavern offers plenty of engaging programming to keep you entertained while you enjoy a happy-hour beverage, including DJs and live performances.
Western Virginia
From roadhouses known for their novelty architecture to beloved college hangs, here are the dive bars Western Virginians love.
The Coffee Pot Roadhouse
Location: 2902 Brambleton Ave. SW, Roanoke, VA 24015
Stop by The Coffee Pot, a circa-1930s roadhouse, to marvel at the giant stucco coffee pot that sits on top of the building and listen to some live music over a cold beer or two.
The spot has hosted the likes of Willie Nelson and other well-known musicians. Be sure to come prepared to dance.
Good Times Tavern
Location: 3107 Williamson Rd., Roanoke, VA 24012
Roanoke residents know where to go for a good time, and that’s Good Times Tavern.
Kick back and enjoy the candied bacon that comes in a pint glass while knocking back a brew or two after a long day at work. The tavern regularly hosts musicians and karaoke. You’ll find plenty of regulars in the back playing billiards.
Top of the Stairs
Location: 217 College Ave., Blacksburg, VA 24060
Top of the Stairs has been a go-to spot for Virginia Tech students and alumni since 1978.
Be sure to try the bar’s signature mixed drink, the Rail, with some TotSchos, tater tots topped with beer cheese, pulled pork, and slaw. If you love karaoke, go on a Tuesday night.
The Alley Cat Pub & Venue
Location: 335 S. Main St., Rocky Mount, VA 24151
Although it only opened in 2023, The Alley Cat Pub & Venue has already amassed a dedicated following among Rocky Mount locals seeking beer, live music, and a great vibe.
The 1970s Vegas lounge feel serves as the perfect backdrop for music, trivia nights, karaoke, and line dancing.
Surprisingly, the pub has more than 100 beers available from around the world. There are 10 draft beers at any given time, which are constantly changing. Bring your friends to sample a variety of beers while sharing The Ricky Bobby board, which offers a Franklin County twist on the classic charcuterie board.
Riley’s Main Street Lounge
Location: 1043 E. Main St., Radford, VA 24141
Riley’s Main Street Lounge is known for its cheap drafts and rum and Cokes. It attracts university students and locals alike.
Enjoy a cold beer on the patio over a friendly game of beer pong or rum and Coke while playing billiards. You can also hit up the dance floor.
Billy Jack’s Shack
Location: 92 S Main St., Harrisonburg, VA 22801
Billy Jack’s Shack is known for its beer, burgers, and fried Oreos.
Dedicated regulars become members of the Bone Club. All you have to do to become a member is hang out and drink beer—after your first 100 beers, you’re a member. You’ll get a gift once you’ve visited 500 times, then become a captain at 1,000 visits.
Be sure to check out the unique collection of bottles, stickers, and license plates that make up the shack’s unique décor.
This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
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