Best Gay Bars & Bathhouses In Richmond
Richmond's LGBTQ+ nightlife scene is more self-contained than many comparably sized cities — most of the bars, clubs, and community venues that locals actually frequent are right inside the city or just over its borders in Henrico County. There is no major metro hop required, though residents in the broader Central Virginia region do treat Richmond as the regional hub for queer nightlife. A dedicated gay bathhouse in the traditional sense does not currently operate within reach of Richmond, so this guide focuses on the bars, clubs, and entertainment spaces where the community actually turns up.
The Richmond LGBTQ+ Scene
Richmond's LGBTQ+ community is concentrated in the Fan District — the Victorian neighborhood of rowhouses west of downtown that has been the city's arts and alternative culture hub since the 1980s. The scene feels broadly LGBTQ+ friendly, especially in Carytown, the Fan, Scott's Addition, and around VCU, where queer nightlife and community spaces are visible. It's a city where queer community feels present without being confined to one strip. The city's arts scene, anchored by Virginia Commonwealth University, creates a queer-adjacent creative community throughout the year. For a mid-size Southern city, Richmond punches well above its weight — with dedicated lesbian bars, drag clubs, and welcoming neighborhood spots all within a reasonable distance of each other.
Top Gay Bars for Richmond Locals
Godfrey's Restaurant and Nightclub
Type: Gay club / Drag venue / Restaurant
Location: 308 E Grace St, Richmond, VA 23219
Features: Godfrey's has Richmond's only nightly drag shows and drag brunch, along with excellent food, atmosphere, and dancing — and everyone 18 and up is welcome. The Sunday drag brunch is a Richmond classic, jam-packed across two seatings.
Website: https://www.godfreysrva.com
Barcode
Type: Gay bar / Restaurant
Location: 6 E Grace St, Richmond, VA 23219
Features: Barcode provides a comfortable and friendly atmosphere geared toward Richmond's LGBTQ+ community and their friends, and as one of the longest-standing gay-owned and operated businesses in the city, it offers an outdoor patio area and a full food menu served until 1:30 a.m. daily. Expect themed events including Lesbian nights, Bear nights, Leather nights, and Pride parties.
Website: https://www.barcodeva.com
Babe's of Carytown
Type: Lesbian bar / LGBTQ+ mixed bar
Location: 3166 W Cary St, Richmond, VA 23221
Features: Founded in 1979 as a lesbian bar, it is Richmond's only lesbian-focused bar and one of only thirty-three remaining in the country — and the oldest lesbian bar on the East Coast and the second oldest in the nation. You'll find drag shows, karaoke, line dancing, live bands, a full patio, and a famous beach volleyball court built into the outdoor area.
Website: https://babes-of-carytown.site
Thirsty's RVA
Type: LGBTQ+ friendly neighborhood bar / Grill
Location: 3516 Forest Hill Ave, Richmond, VA 23225
Features: Thirsty's RVA feels like a neighborhood hang with theme nights and a great patio — it's the kind of place you go on a weeknight when you want a low-key drink with queer company rather than a full club night. It describes itself as an RVA LGBTQ+ friendly neighborhood bar.
Harlym Blue'Z
Type: LGBTQ+ restaurant and entertainment venue
Location: 210 W Brookland Park Blvd, Richmond, VA 23222
Features: Harlym Blue'Z is a bold restaurant and entertainment venue led by powerhouse couple Le'Teshia LeSane and Mecca, offering live music, home-cooked meals, and a mission to uplift the community. It has emerged as one of RVA's most talked-about new LGBTQ+ hotspots.
Website: https://www.harlymbluezrva.com
What to Expect
Most Richmond LGBTQ+ bars run casual dress codes — jeans and a clean shirt get you in almost everywhere. Barcode is open seven days a week and goes 21-plus after 9 p.m. Godfrey's is 18-plus for most events, making