The capital of the great state of Virginia lies in Richmond, which has the distinction of being one of America’s oldest cities as well. Richmond consists of the city of Richmond and the four counties of Chesterfield, Hanover, Henrico, and Powhatan. This makes Richmond an area that offers interesting history lessons with its various historic sites (including the birthplace of Pocahontas), a bustling cityscape filled with world-class dining and shopping as well as numerous beautiful natural scenic spots for hiking. If you don’t know where to stay yet during your visit, take a look at some of the scenic Airbnbs in town. Besides touring the many museums, shopping streets, and historical sites, do carve out some time from your busy sightseeing schedules to dine at some of the top rooftop restaurants in Richmond, Virginia as well.
1. The Boathouse at Rocketts Landing
One of the best places to take your family out for a meal in Richmond is The Boathouse at Rocketts Landing. This contemporary seafood restaurant with a terrace is situated in glass boxes overlooking the river. Besides seafood, a classic American grill menu is also served here. The house specialties include lobster trio mac and cheese, boathouse crab cakes, 14-oz ribeye steak, and beer-battered fish and chips. Of course, what’s “classic American” without burgers? Try the Boathouse Burger for an absolute feast!
The Boathouse at Rocketts Landing
Address: 4708 E, Old Main St, Richmond, VA 23231, United States
Website: The Boathouse at Rocketts Landing
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 4pm - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 10pm; Sun: 10am - 9pm
2. Sonora Cantina & Rooftop
Right in the middle of Richmond’s vibrant arts district is where you’ll find this chic and bright Mexican restaurant. Sonora Cantina & Rooftop serves a casual and adventurous fare that represents the beauty of the Sonoran desert. From street-style tacos, carne asada, chicken chimichanga, and pollo enchilada, you’ll get only the best flavors of Mexico. You can enjoy their large selection of margaritas, as well as small plates and beer, from the rooftop terrace too! Feeling adventurous? Make sure that you try the jalapeño margarita!
Sonora Cantina & Rooftop
Address: 11 W Broad St, Richmond, VA 23220, United States
Website: Sonora Cantina & Rooftop
Opening hours: Wed - Thu: 5pm - 10pm; Fri: 5pm - 11pm; Sat - Sun: 3pm - 10pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
3. The Lobby Bar
Looking for someplace to take your friends out for a drink or brunch? The Lobby Bar at Quirk Hotel is just the right place! This restaurant with a rooftop bar, Q Rooftop, features Virginia’s revolutionary dishes in a classic and chic rustic setting. You can expect regional and seasonal flavors that will truly bring you closer to the state’s culinary prowess. Refined yet relaxed is this restaurant’s theme, and it’s exactly where you need to be for some good, casual fun in Richmond.
The Lobby Bar
Address: 201-07 W Broad St, Richmond, VA 23220, United States
Website: The Lobby Bar
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 3pm - 11pm; Sat - Sun: 10:30am - 11pm
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4. GWARbar
Inspired by the heavy metal band Gwar, GWARbar is one of the Richmond community’s most beloved hangout spots. This quirky bar with a rooftop terrace is full of quirks, take for one their fake blood-splattered interior which, of course, is also filled with Gwar posters and memorabilia. If you have a special fondness for the band or you just wish to have a sense of belongingness as you munch on good food, head down to GWARbar. You can even bring home some merch to remember the place by!
GWARbar
Address: 217 W Clay St, Richmond, VA 23220, United States
Website: GWARbar
Opening hours: 4pm - 12am (daily)
5. CAVA
Located within the vicinity of Virginia Commonwealth University, CAVA on West Grace Street is one of the trendiest spots in the city. This restaurant with a rooftop terrace serves Mediterranean dishes with plenty of healthy options. CAVA makes it a point to prioritize sustainability, hence you can expect responsibly sourced food that is filling and delicious. Some of their newest fares and chef-curated bowls are the spring lamb and feta bowl and harissa avocado bowl! Start your Richmond adventure with a visit to CAVA.
CAVA
Address: 810 W Grace St, Richmond, VA 23220, United States
Website: CAVA
Opening hours: 10:45am - 10pm (daily)
6. Byrd House @ Graduate Richmond
Byrd House @ Graduate Richmond is a rooftop restaurant, bar, and pool that sits atop the Graduate Richmond Hotel. With 360-degree, all round views of Richmond city, Byrd House is a popular hangout for locals due to its lively atmosphere and great views. During the warmer months, enjoy a dip in the rooftop pool with a cocktail in hand or one of Byrd House’s famous ice cream sandwiches. Snack on sharing platters and appetisers that cater to all tastes - from vegetables and homemade dips, ocean-fresh seafood, and deliciously meaty burgers. The happy hour at this restaurant with a view in Richmond is also popular for its half-price Frosé and discounted beers and wines.
Byrd House @ Graduate Richmond
Address: 301 W Franklin St, Richmond, VA 23220, United States
Website: Byrd House @ Graduate Richmond
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 4pm - 12am; Sat - Sun: 12pm - 12am
7. Postbellum
Care for a dinner with a view? Postbellum is located in Richmond’s historic Fan District and is a New American restaurant and rooftop bar that pays homage to postbellum or post-American Civil War recipes and dishes with a modern twist. Postbellum is committed to using fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients and the menu is always changing, always giving diners a fresh taste. A popular dish at Postbellum is the restaurant’s take on Shrimp and Grits and their Soft Pretzel that is served with pimento cheese and Postbellum’s signature beer mustard. While enjoying a craft beer from Postbellum’s extensive collection and enjoying the view, get an order of the smoked pork rinds that come with a side of traditional bread and butter pickles, pimento cheese, and garlic crackers.
Postbellum
Address: 1323 W Main St, Richmond, VA 23220, United States
Website: Postbellum
Opening hours: 11am - 2am (daily)
8. The Hof Garden
The Hof Garden is one of Richmond’s top ten happening spots, now with an all-round experiential restaurant and rooftop beer garden. Located in the historic Hofheimer Building at the edge of the Fan District, The Hof Garden is inspired by and is a homage to the Hofgarten or Court Garden in Munich Germany. This aesthetically pleasing restaurant takes up three floors in the Hofheimer Building, with a beer hall, a loft and music lounge, as well as a rooftop patio with fantastic views. Besides chowing down on great food and drinks, The Hof Garden provides games that diners can play with their friends as well. On the weekends, The Hof Garden also has DJ nights that will get your feet tapping!
The Hof Garden
Address: 2818 W Broad St Suite A, Richmond, VA 23230, United States
Website: The Hof Garden
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 3pm - 12am; Fri - Sat: 3pm - 2am
9. Kabana Rooftop
Kabana Rooftop is one of the hottest spots for wining and dining in Richmond. Located 20 floors above Richmond’s swanky financial district, this restaurant has a chic lounge where you can enjoy speciality cocktails, craft beers, local and boutique wines as well as elegant appetisers that range from seafood to house-baked bread and even kosher bar bites. With a full-service indoor and outdoor bar, you and companions party will be comfortably seated in colder and warmer months alike. Do take note that Kabana Rooftop only accepts patrons 21 years old and above after 9pm, while guests aged 18 to under 21 years old must be accompanied by an adult or legal guardian before 9pm. The establishment also requires its patrons to adhere to a dress code after 9pm.
Kabana Rooftop
Address: 700 E Main St, Richmond, VA 23219, United States
Website: Kabana Rooftop
Opening hours: Mon - Wed: 4pm - 12am; Thu - Sat: 4pm - 1:30am (closed on Sun)
10. Havana 59
Havana 59 takes you to a bygone era of Havana, Cuba from the heart of Richmond’s Downtown district. Its rooftop restaurant and bar call to mind a softer, more romantic time of island indulgence in 1950s Havana, with the prettily strung fairy lights, off-white plaster walls, swaying palm trees, and tantalising fragrance of cigars. Breathe in the soft night air and imagine yourself back in “The Paris of the Caribbean” while enjoying authentic Cuban dishes and cocktails. Start with fresh oysters on the shell and ceviche to whet the palate. This high-rise restaurant’s popular mains include the signature ‘59 Paella that is good for sharing so that you can try the other Cuban dishes on the menu. This place also has a fully stocked cigar bar that visitors can try.
Havana 59
Address: 16 N 17th St, Richmond, VA 23219, United States
Website: Havana 59
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 4:30pm- 10pm; Fri - Sat: 10:30am - 11pm; Sun: 10am - 3pm
Enjoy a leisurely meal with superb views over Richmond, Virginia
Whether in the day or at night, the views of Richmond, Virginia are spectacular. What will improve such a pleasing sight is tucking into a delicious meal complete with fabulous drinks. Note down Trip101’s discoveries, and get ready to enjoy the experience of dining at some of the top rooftop restaurants in Richmond, Virginia.