Lacing Pictures (2025)

I'd def. try Vasen and Streangeways... both dog friendly as well (in that they have outside areas). Ardent is open as well, but I'd prefer Vasen and Strangeways. Hell, do the 3 of them.

Not to poo-poo on Bingo and 3 Notch'd but 3N is EVERYWHERE in the state, and the Scotts Addition location is no exception. And Bingo is very much an "arcade brewery" with kids potentially bouncing off the walls.

 

Vasen and Ardent for sure. If you're into Lagers then definitely Bingo as well. I'm not sure about their dog friendliness but since they all have outdoor space I would assume at the very last dogs are allowed there.

I don't see too much Bingo where I am about an hour down the road but while @MistaRyte is correct that Three Notch'd is everywhere don't sleep on them (or even Starr Hill for that matter). They have quite a bit in distro across the state the masses see but their taprooms also have a good number of draft only / taproom only exclusives. They do each brew on site. Both do a good job of keeping their taplist updated on Untappd which I linked each above. As of this post, Starr Hill has 6-7 beers only available in their taproom and then Three Notch'd has a separate section of taplist showing their 'RVA Exclusives' which are currently at 7 as well.

 

I'm not a huge Star Hill beer fan, but their rooftop set up is pretty nice and deserves one beer's worth of time just to check it out.
Vasen is the (non Veil) must stop in SA's imo, I think they should get a little more hype, lots of well made varying styles there.
Strangeways strength is their sours/Berliners, I wouldn't prioritize it if you can't do them, but I assume they have more there to try. Ardent is one of the OG's, its a cool spot and I personally wouldn't go to 3N.
Black Heath is a fun stop too if you are into mead.

 

if OP does check out Starr Hill just keep in mind dogs are welcome on the main level patio/deck but cannot go upstairs to the rooftop. That's being said, I agree even if you don't care for the beers the rooftop patio is really nice to check out just for that feature.

 

Ardent is my favorite brewery in SA. Not necessarily the sexiest beers, but just well made beers. I've enjoyed my visits to Vasen as well. Those are the two I'd identify. I have taken my dog to both of those breweries.

 

I'm making the trip down to see The Melvins on the 25th of June, and imagine I will try and hit a few breweries beforehand. So far The Veil and Hardywood, but open to other suggestions. I'm much more excited about a good bock or rauchbier than an IPA....exceptions for NZ hop centric beers.

From perusing menus. drinking in Richmond seems quite expensive. I suppose new breweries tend to have higher prices, but surprised to see a price point that is comparable to New York or DC. I really can't see long term success for breweries that are expecting customers to pay 8-9 dollars for a Kolsch or something similar.

 

I'm not doubting you, I'm genuinely curious - who has a $9 Kolsch or comparable beer? haha, bc that's pretty off market.

 

Welcome to craft beer prices. I can't say I've ever seen RVA beer prices in the $8-$9 range for a lighter / lower abv beer but can confirm many breweries have increased their prices by $.50-$1 over the past couple months. IPAs 7.5%+ are often in the $7+ range. Veil being an example at the higher end you are looking at that cost for a 12oz pour whereas on the opposite end there's Three Notch'd that has a good number of their beers at that cost for 20oz pours.

 

Like you said, 8 dollars for a lighter beer at Three Notchd. Most new breweries tend to add on tax these days as well, plus tip...looking at a ten dollar beer. I don't think you are getting too many repeat purchases with prices like that. I know the industry has been gearing itself towards overpriced samples and things like that for years now, I just think it is a bad long term plan.

 

And it's not like I'd ever expect an actual 20oz pour either, or 12oz, or pint. I really appreciate the few breweries whose glassware has a full line.

 

Gripes aside, any less talked about spots that are worth checking out? So far I'm looking at Veil, Hardywood, Bingo...maybe some others within walking distance.

 

If you're a walker, and park "centrally" in SA, pretty much all the breweries are within walking distance.

No one has mentioned Isley yet, if you hit Ardent you might as well hit Isley (right around the corner) and get a Choosy Mother (peanut butter porter, which is basically their flagship beer).

If you hit Veil, hit Vasen (also right around the corner, and excellent beer)

 

Eazzy Burger just opened up a few weeks ago. It's the smash burger "concept" collab project between Ardent / ZZQ. Here's a recent article about their opening. They are located in between ZZQ and Ardent. You can eat at Eazzy Burger and then order beers from your table to be brought over from Ardent or pick it up and go somewhere else to eat. it will probably be busy since they just opened but likely not as busy at ZZQ and shouldn't be sold out. Since ZZQ and Eazzy Burger are right beside one another you can easily survey the BBQ situation. I have not been yet but from reviews I've read it is a bit pricey though it's worth the price in flavor if you don't mine paying it. $10-$15 for a burger (no side) plus $5-$6 for fries / onion rings.

Three Notch'd also just completed the expansion of their space not too long ago so now they have a restaurant side with full food menu along with their normal pizza & sandwiches.

If you are looking to keep your son occupied and depending on how old he is there's also Bingo Beer which is on the opposite side of the block from Three Notch'd. They have some arcade games, skeeball, pinball, etc and their good is solid. They have a variety of beer styles but do some of the best Lagers in RVA imo.

They don't have food other than food trucks on several days during the week and on weekends but Starr HIll Rooftop and Beer Hall recently hired a new brewer (came from Hardywood) and I had the pleasure of trying his first 3 beers a few weeks ago at their 3rd Anniversary and they were all really really good.

As for restaurants in SA with solid beer selection and good atmosphere, I would recommend Wood & Iron Gameday Grill. If you happen to be visiting on a weekend and want to catch NFL playoffs that's the spot to go.

 

If you haven't come yet or are coming again check out Triple Crossing. They have a couple locations, the Midlothian one is the one closest to me and it is very nice. Their beer is great, and the 16 ounce draft pours range from $6.50-7.50.