Gwar Bar

Loved the vibe of this bar until near closing. I used to listen to GWAR a lot in the early 2000’s and it was so cool to see this place. Decor: lots of memorabilia of the band, including props, photos of costumes/shows, masks, etc. make sure you take a good look at the ceiling and walls when you’re there, there’s so much to see! Food/drinks: just average bar food with a couple vegan options. Some of the dishes have really cool names. Service: you order all drinks and food at the corner of the bar. The guy we were ordering from looked like he hated his life, he seemed so over it. It was a bit of a bummer, especially since my friend and I were there to celebrate my bday, but we just brushed it off and sat in our little corner. I took off 3 stars for service because of the aforementioned experience and also because as my friend and I were leaving, (it was 20 minutes before closing) we got up and like 3-4 employees started shouting at us that we needed to get out. We were already putting on our coats and putting our drinks away when they started shouting at us. There were still probably 15 people in the bar and we had kept to ourselves the entire time, we weren’t drunk or loud or rude in any way. I’m not sure what was up, but it was extremely off putting. I’ve never had this experience in any bar before, even Sticky Rice will let you leave without harassing you unless you’re not leaving at all or being belligerent. I’m not sure if it was just an off night, but the vibes were really good up until we started to leave. We had a great time otherwise, so it was really disappointing being shouted at as we clean up after ourselves by putting the food in the trash and put our glasses on the bar counter… I’d probably go back again, but I think next time I’d just have one drink there and move on to another bar after. Also, someone brought their toddler in at some point (probably around 10pm), which was extremely freaking weird. So apparently that’s allowed.

I walked here after the Gwar show at The National as a part of my great Gwar pilgrimage. Food was so good. I think about the deviled eggs every day. The cider on tap was also so good that it’s got me considering moving to RVA. Added bonus: Derks basically watched me eat my food. Fun bar, great food and great service.

What a great experience. Long time fan of GWAR and didn't realise they had a bar until we arrived in Richmond. The bar is everything you'd expect and want from a place run by GWAR. Only reason it's getting a 4 and not 5 star is the beer is pretty basic. Don't go expecting anything exciting; I'd love it if they had a better GWAR branded beer.

I’m a regular here and used to work here. Loved this place ever since I celebrated my 21st here. It’s now my second home and first choice to go out to. I feel super safe here, even as someone in the LGBTQ+ community. Everyone that’s a regular or works here is genuinely amazing when you get to know them, and reviews that say otherwise are most likely people who were rude! 🖤