Not only is Richmond the capital of Virginia, it is also the king of good times. The bar has always been the "tie that binds" a community. It is a place where you can meet and greet one another and where everyone is always welcome. Whether you want to grab a drink to unwind after a tough day or catch up with old friends, the bar is the perfect meeting place. Here are the ten bars that anchor the city of Richmond.

Photo by Mblius In Mobli / CC BY

The Halligan Bar and Grill - Shockoe Bottom

This bar is named after the most commonly used firefighter tool, the halligan bar (pun fully intended). Just as this tool is used to open locked doors, just so does the Halligan Bar and Grill open their doors to the Richmond community in the neighborhood of Shockoe Bottom.

McCormack's Irish Pub - Shockoe Bottom

The "anything goes" vibe makes hanging out here fun any night of the week, especially every 2nd and 4th Wednesday, when McCormack's Irish Pub hosts its open mic comedy night. Sit back in a booth and enjoy some great food while tasting their fine craft beers.

Photo by Ron Cogswell / CC BY

Amour Wine Bistro - Carytown

For those who want to have their drinks with the option of sampling some fine French dining, then Amour Wine Bistro in Carytown is the place to go. The full dinner menu is available at the bar as well. If you can't decide on which of their 30 award-winning wines to try, then sample a few with a wine flight.

Poe's Pub - Shockoe Bottom

You won't say "nevermore" to this Richmond low-key pub, where you can enjoy your favorite drinks while listening to live blues. Poe's Pub is known for its friendliness and Southern hospitality. When you need to feel welcome and a place to take it easy, come to Poe's Pub.

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Bar Louie - Short Pump Area

This energetic chain serves classic American bar favorites along with incredible happy hour steals. Come to Bar Louie in the Short Pump Area to order one of their celebrated martinis or check out what they have on tap from their microbrewery.

Penny Lane Pub - Downtown

Savor the best of American and English feel-good food at Penny Lane Pub. Everyone's favorite bar staples like Fish and Chips are always on the menu as well as the fabulously English Cottage Pie. The pub's atmosphere has also been praised by its guests, with its dark wood decor providing a casual and classic mood.

Photo by Jack Newton / CC BY-SA

Pearl Raw Bar - Fan District

Satisfy your seafood craving in a beautiful, sophisticated bar made of marble and reclaimed wood. At Pearl Raw Bar, you can have your pick of shellfish towers, oyster samplers, clams, snow crab legs, and much more while you sip on some wine from their carefully curated wine list. Make sure to check out this bar in the Fan District of Richmond.

GWARbar - Downtown

If you want to try something eclectic, then GWARbar should be on your Richmond itinerary. From the unique menu options to the fake blood-splattered bar, GWARbar makes a statement. There's always something to do here as well on any given night, including game nights.

The Rogue Gentlemen - Downtown

The dynamic list of cocktails at this pub consistently wins the best of Richmond, whereas the farm-to-table gastronomic creations are also winners in themselves. The Rogue Gentlemen also offers the only true cocktail pairing tasting menu in Downtown Richmond.

Siné Irish Pub & Restaurant Richmond - Downtown

Locally owned and operated since 1999, Siné Irish Pub & Restaurant served the Downtown area Irish pub fare and regional favorites. This traditional-style Irish pub's interior was actually made in Ireland and transported to Richmond, which is why the atmosphere feels authentically rustic.