Beer Recommendations in RVA?

Mekong for sure! Also, stopping by Hardywood would be a good time.

 

I must second Mekong. Brewery-wise, definitely Strangeways. For food, Saison/Saison Market have fun menus and great beer selections and Black Sheep is an experience - we like to take visiting friends and family there.

 

Both Triple Crossing and Ardent are worth a visit. They both just opened up in the past six months, but are making some solid beer.

 

Mekong and Strangeways are my two favorite spots to hit.

 

Strangeways is a must...always 25 house beers on tap.....Mekong also a must see......u can even see the Beer Club 4 Men on the wall as well...(worth the trip itself)

 

If you do not mind going about 15 miles north of Richmond, Center of the Universe Brewing, right off exit 89 on I-95 is worth the trip.

 

Did anyone mention Mekong yet? If not I'd stop there.

 

Ardent>Hardywood>Strangeways>Kong...in that order. Trust me, always end at Kong.

 

Since no one has mentioned it, a couple good places to eat include: Dot's Back Inn (in the Northside, and was featured on Diner's, Drive Ins, and Dives)---solid and cheap food. The Roosevelt (in Church Hill)---fantastic southern cuisine along with great cocktails and also solid local beer on draft. If you're going with someone make sure to get reservations, it's a small place and can get crowded quickly, especially on the weekends. The Cask Cafe (Carytown/Fan)---serves local sausagecraft sausage, and has an array of different meat and cheese plates. Great place to go for lunch or before heading out to dinner. The draft list is great, and includes a nice mix of styles. Deep Run Roadhouse (Short Pump)---arguably the best BBQ in RVA. I love this place. In addtion, you could try Alamo BBQ (Church Hill), which is similar, but I prefer DRR. Millie's (just past Downtown)---probably the best brunch place in RVA. It's $$$$, but worth a one time shot. A big fan of their Eggs Benedict and "Mess's". Bottom's Up Pizza (The Bottom)---very good pizza place with some decent craft options. Strawberry Street Cafe (The Fan)---a personal favorite. Solid food, and a nice craft selection. Go during happy hour though, as the drafts tend to be a bit pricey. Burger Bach (The Fan)---have a very solid burger, but also a good selection of craft. The burger can be pricey, that would be my onlu knock on them.

Places to buy craft beer: Once Upon a Vine North (Northside), Total Wine West Broad (West End), Strawberry Street Market (The Fan), Once Upon a Vine South (Southside), Whole Foods (Short Pump), Libbie Market (West End), Ellwood Thompson's (Carytown).

Breweries: Most have already been mentioned. If you are looking to venture out of RVA for a day, head north to Mad Fox Brewing in Northern Va. Great food and always delicious brews on tap. Williamsburg Alewerks is also nice if you decide to hit Williamsburg (fun day trip, also family activities).


Enjoy your trip!