One of my favorite ways to explore a new city is through its local craft beer scene. Breweries often capture the personality of a place, and they’re usually great spots to relax, try something new, and spend an afternoon.

My girlfriend and I recently took a day trip to Richmond, Virginia, and between great food and great beer, it quickly became clear why Richmond has been getting so much attention for its growing craft brewery scene.

While we only scratched the surface, the breweries we visited made for a fantastic afternoon of beer tasting and city exploring.

The Veil Brewing Co.

Our first stop was The Veil Brewing Co. (1301 Roseneath Rd | Richmond, VA), which came highly recommended by a coworker who has never steered me wrong when it comes to beer suggestions.

The brewery has a large, open taproom with a relaxed vibe that makes it easy to spend an entire afternoon there. If we hadn’t planned on hopping between multiple breweries, we probably would have stayed much longer.

We sampled three beers, and my favorites were New Sun and Never Know, both of which were refreshing and packed with flavor.

Ardent Craft Ales

Our second stop was Ardent Craft Ales (3200 W Leigh St | Richmond, VA), which was conveniently just a short walk away.

The taproom was great, but the real highlight was the outdoor beer garden, which felt like the perfect place to hang out on a warm afternoon.

With about ten beers on tap, we decided to split a beer flight so we could try several options. My favorites here were the Saison and the Honey Ginger, though the Berliner Braunbier was also really interesting.

Legend Brewing Co.

After a quick lunch stop at Buz and Ned’s BBQ, we headed across town to Legend Brewing Co. (321 W 7th St | Richmond, VA).

I had heard the brewery offered one of the best views in Richmond, and it absolutely lived up to the hype. We grabbed a table outside overlooking the river and shared the Year Round Flight.

My favorites from this stop were the Pilsner and the Lager.

Of course, no brewery visit feels complete without a snack, so we also shared a soft pretzel with beer cheese and honey mustard. It was warm, salty, and exactly what you want alongside a cold beer.

Planning a Richmond Brewery Trip

Richmond has quickly become one of the best craft beer cities in Virginia, and even a short visit can include several great breweries.

The breweries we visited included:

• The Veil Brewing Co. – 1301 Roseneath Rd, Richmond
• Ardent Craft Ales – 3200 W Leigh St, Richmond
• Legend Brewing Co. – 321 W 7th St, Richmond

If you enjoy brewery hopping, Richmond is definitely worth adding to your travel list.

More Virginia Travel Inspiration

If you’re planning a trip through Virginia, here are a few other guides and destinations worth checking out:

• Richmond Bakeries – some of the best places in Richmond for pastries, breads, and sweet treats.
• Shenandoah National Park – a beautiful destination for hiking, scenic drives, and outdoor adventures.
• An I-81 Road Trip – one of the most scenic ways to explore small towns, mountain views, and hidden food stops throughout Virginia.

Together with Richmond’s breweries, these destinations highlight some of the best things to see, eat, and drink across Virginia.

You can see where else my travels take me, here.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Richmond Breweries

Is Richmond a good city for craft beer?
Yes. Richmond has become one of the top craft beer destinations in Virginia with a growing number of creative breweries.

What are some popular breweries in Richmond?
Some favorites include The Veil Brewing Co., Ardent Craft Ales, and Legend Brewing Co.

Can you walk between breweries in Richmond?
In some neighborhoods like Scott’s Addition, several breweries are within walking distance, making it ideal for brewery hopping.

What is the best time to visit Richmond breweries?
Afternoons and weekends are especially popular, particularly when the outdoor patios and beer gardens are open.