CENTRAL VIRGINIA
Babes of Carytown
3166 W. Cary Street, Richmond, VA 23221
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BabesofCarytown
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/babesofcarytown
For decades, Babes of Carytown has been one of Richmond's most iconic LGBTQ+ gathering places — and one of the most historically significant in the country. Rooted in the heart of the city's eclectic Carytown district since 1978, Babes holds a distinction few bars in America can claim: it is the oldest lesbian bar on the East Coast and the second oldest in the entire country. That longevity is remarkable in context. In 1980, more than 200 lesbian bars operated across the United States; as of 2026, only about 36 remain — making Babes not just a neighborhood institution, but a national rarity.
That endangered status has drawn well-deserved national attention. Babes is a featured bar in The Lesbian Bar Project, the Emmy Award-winning docuseries and advocacy campaign documenting the country's dwindling lesbian bars, and was included in its "Ask Me About My Local Lesbian Bar" campaign alongside actor Liv Hewson of Yellowjackets. It has also been profiled as Stop #20 in Cruising: A Lesbian Bar Road Trip, a documentary podcast series telling the human stories behind the last surviving lesbian bars in America.
Today, Babes remains what it has always been: a welcoming neighborhood gathering place known for themed dance nights, drag entertainment, karaoke, and a clientele that spans multiple generations. Having survived decades of political hostility, a pandemic, and the slow erasure of queer spaces across the country, Babes stands as a testament to the enduring need for spaces where people can be fully themselves. Its location within one of Richmond's most walkable entertainment districts makes it a beloved stop for locals and visitors alike — and a living piece of LGBTQ+ history.
Barcode
6 East Grace Street, Richmond, VA 23219
Website: https://www.barcodedowntown.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BarcodeRVA
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barcode_rva
Located in downtown Richmond, Barcode brands itself as one of RVA’s premier LGBTQIA+ bars and restaurants. The venue combines nightlife, dining, and entertainment into a single destination. Guests can expect drag performances, dance parties, brunches, and special-event programming throughout the year. Barcode has become especially popular among younger patrons while still attracting a broad cross-section of Richmond’s LGBTQ+ community. Opened in 2001 by Marcus Miller, Barcode was founded with a mission of serving Richmond’s LGBTQ+ community, and its parent company Matthew Enterprises was named in tribute to Matthew Shepard. Under current owner Brian Harris, the venue has maintained its status as one of Richmond’s longest-running LGBTQ+-owned nightlife destinations while continuing to host community events, Pride celebrations, and themed gatherings.
Godfrey's
308 East Grace Street, Richmond, VA 23219
(804) 648-3957
Website: https://godfreysva.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/godfreysvirginia
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/godfreysrva
Godfrey’s has become synonymous with drag brunch culture in Virginia. The Richmond venue draws visitors from across the Commonwealth for its elaborate performances and high-energy entertainment. The atmosphere blends theatrical flair, Southern hospitality, and community spirit. Whether attending a sold-out drag brunch or an evening show, visitors encounter a venue that celebrates LGBTQ+ creativity and performance culture in a distinctly Richmond way. Godfrey’s traces its roots to 1997, when founder Jeff Willis opened the downtown Richmond venue as a restaurant serving the LGBTQ+ community before expanding it into one of Virginia’s most influential nightlife and entertainment destinations. Today, under the ownership of longtime team members Mark and Brian, Godfrey’s continues its legacy as a queer-owned institution, preserving the inclusive vision established by Willis while remaining a cornerstone of Richmond’s LGBTQ+ culture and community engagement.
Thirsty’s RVA
3516 Forest Hill Ave, Richmond, VA 23225
Website: https://www.thirstysrva.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThirstysRVA
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thirstysrva
Thirsty’s has established itself as one of Richmond’s newest LGBTQ+-focused gathering places and quickly earned a loyal following. The venue offers a more casual neighborhood atmosphere while still providing entertainment, special events, and community-centered programming. Patrons often cite its relaxed vibe, welcoming staff, and inclusive environment as reasons they return. It exemplifies the next generation of LGBTQ+ hospitality businesses emerging in Virginia. Originally opened in 2018 as a neighborhood bar and grill in Richmond’s Forest Hill corridor, Thirsty’s was purchased in 2019 by spouses Keyan and Cameron Herron, who embraced the venue’s organically growing LGBTQ+ clientele and transformed it into a proudly queer-focused gathering space. Under their ownership, Thirsty’s has evolved into one of Richmond’s most inclusive community hubs, known for fostering a welcoming environment where LGBTQ+ patrons, allies, and diverse subcultures can connect through entertainment, conversation, and shared experiences.
