View GayRVA Nightlife Guide in a larger map
Take a look at these gay and lesbian hotspots in the RVA. A pink triangle (
) designates gay-owned and operated establishments. Have a story to share? Are we missing something? E-mail editor@gayrva.com.
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Cary St. Cafe features casual lunch, dinner and weekend brunch as well as live entertainment nightly, including karaoke, live bands and an old-time jam on Sunday afternoons. CSC also delivers food, beer, champagne, wine and cigarettes! Although not gay-owned, this venue plays host to a pretty large gay clientele.
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This fine dining venue on the outskirts of the Fan district hosts a great mix of hipsters and a more mature crowd during the evenings. Offers a great selection of beers and spirits.
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Predominately a lesbian hangout, Babes welcomes men as well with a nice outdoor deck and a spacious volleyball court.
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Urban chic in the heart of the Fan serving lunch, dinner, and cocktails. Stop by for the popular Sunday Supper or a weeknight for live music in the back room.
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Barcode provides big lunch business for downtown professionals, turning into a favorite watering hole at night. The bar also boasts a fantastic outdoor patio for the summertime.
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Step up to the cozy bar to chat with the friendly bartenders. Have a smoked gouda sandwich and one of several brews on tap. Casual fare in a warm atmosphere serving a mix of VCU kids, artsy folk, and your average city dweller.
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Serving modern French cuisine in a charming environment, Can Can has become a chic staple in Carytown. Impress your special someone or flirt with a hot young professional at the massive marble bar. Housed in a remodeled wedding dress shop, Can Can serves up dishes ranging from the casual to formal—try the moules et frites!
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A private club with goth tendencies, Fall Out offers its members access to special themed events with a range of music genres spinning each night. Themes afford members the opportunity to explore their creativity—week to week, one can expect to see members sporting anything from the most unconventional superhero costumes, to the scantiest, sexiest skivvies.
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Venue for art shows, performance art, comedy, and local music, housed in a remodeled fire station in the heart of the historical Jackson Ward neighborhood.
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This dance club with a popular Sunday drag brunch draws a mixed crowd with special DJ nights. A hot spot for college crowd.
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You’re in good company at Ipanema Café. With enticing vegetarian, vegan, and yes, even omnivore offerings, Ipanema offers something for everyone—serving brunch, lunch, and dinner. Great for date night or family night; try anything with the vegan chorizo!
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Recently remodeled, and its menu revamped, Lemaire offers plates to share, at affordable prices. Located in the historic Jefferson Hotel, Lemaire's bar offers classic cocktails, often with clever, modern twists. Spoil yourself without spoiling your budget.
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This Shockoe Bottom bar plays 80's music nearly every night of the week. Offering karaoke, drink specials, and lots of dancing, Mars Bar caters to an eclectic mix of hipsters and preps alike. 18+
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Your friendly Robinson-Street bar serving up frat boys and Fan dwellers throughout the week. It becomes a gay-male mecca for Sunday brunch thanks to "family" behind the bar, cheap mimosas, and good eats.
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Nacho Mama's serves up Tex-Mex fare and the best margaritas in town. Mama's After Dark, the third Friday of each month, draws quite the crowd.
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Spacious dance floor, pool tables, and the two bars aside, the staff is ready to get you a drink as soon as you step into the building. Nations has been bringing in big-name drag entertainers (i.e. Coco Peru, Hedda Lettuce, Lady Bunny) to perform on its cabaret stage.
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A completely mixed crowd aggregates to nosh on delicious sandwiches and enjoy nightly DJ's, karaoke, and other fun events.
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Part arcade, part vegan diner, Strange Matter finds itself on Grace Street as a creative space for live music and other events.
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Oasis for local and regional music, late night dance parties, and amazing sweet potato fries.
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Open for early-morning espresso and late-night dessert cravings, Empress considers itself "social cuisine." Affordable euro-inspired dishes are great for sharing.
