Babe's of Carytown

I spent Halloween weekend in rva for the first time . Let me tell you, Babes’ WAS THE PLACE TO BE AT! The atmosphere was awesome and music was jumping! I felt VERY comfortable and included. I ordered vodka crans all night and the beautiful southern bartender, Lily made them! I loved Babes’ and it’s going to be a stop EVERY time I come into town.

The drinks were good. Wouldn't reccomend going if you expect it to be a lesbian bar. I dont know if it was the saturday I choose or not, but majority of the patrons were men. A mixed bar isnt an issue, but I feel like that label can set certain expectations. I also don't feel super safe going back after being assaulted by one of the men there.

Love going to babes with my friends every weekend but was very disappointed with my experience last night. Michael, an off-shift member of the staff, was extremely intoxicated. He and his friend were leaning on me while I was waiting in line for the bathroom because they were having trouble standing. When I said something, he flexed the fact he worked there, and immediately got really aggressive and attempted to assault me. No bar should have off-duty staff waving their badges of power around.Especially when that staff is extremely intoxicated and unable to handle their emotions. It’s 2026. Learn to control yourself. I hope Michael is relieved of his position

have tried to go here twice and both times they have closed early without posting on social media or anything.. so I recommend calling ahead! I'm a lesbian and would really love to support this business but making the long drive multiple times to be disappointed is disheartening. I understand times are slow and I don't mean to be insensitive to that, just better communication about your hours could save some people a lot of trouble.

Edit: I was just blocked on Instagram for sending them a message letting them know how I was treated. This is extremely disappointing, but Babes is absolutely not a safe space. I usually love babes but have recently had multiple bad experiences with the staff, specifically the male bartender that is always there. He frequently snaps at or plain ignores me and my friends, and today he yelled at me after I asked a question. This is supposed to be a "safe space" for lesbians and queer people, yet the staff have made me feel incredibly unwelcome.

It has been about 5 years since I was here. I was thinking about returning. I see there has been a lot of negative changes. My last visit was so boring. I called my ex husband for conversation and was playing my own music through my cellphone. A patron was at the bar with her miniature toy dog hanging from her purse as if it were drunk. (That was the only entertainment) No one came to take my order. I'm a indigenous "black" woman by the way.🪶🪶🪶My best friend and I used to frequent this place 10 years before that. Back then, everyone got along regardless of "race". I loved the diversity. The D.J. that was there was a long haired white guy and he was awesome. The place stayed packed. The drinks were out of this world and so we're we. Lol. Babes has truly fell off. How could you allow political views and their agendas affect such what was once a beautiful spot for all to safely enjoy themselves? Bring the beauty and the love back!!!!

Place has such a nice and welcoming environment! They got plenty of bathrooms, and they are all single stalled so you have privacy. I love the dance floor and the back yard area the most. The food and service is just excellent! The only thing that I would say that stinks is that at night it’s a 5 dollar cash cover only, it would be nice if there was a Venmo or cash app options as well but just come prepared and you will have a great night !

Drove all the way from South Carolina to go to a lesbian bar. Manager/bartender was immediately rude and walked away with my ID and kept accusing me of having a fake. She kept talking down to my friends and I and offered no solution. She claimed it was a holiday weekend, so lots of people would try to come… there were only 2 other people in the place. She made my friends and I leave our booth after that. Very dead inside and bad energy. DO NOT waste your time coming here.

Sure, I can help you with editing your review. Here is a revised version of your review: Babes of Carytown is a place that I love to visit with my friends. Whether it's a sunny day on the backyard volleyball court or a cold winter night with a $7 pitcher of Lions Head, I always have a good time here. I plan to keep coming to this fine establishment until I move out of this dirty river city or die. The drinks are great, the staff is friendly and efficient, and the food is decent. I've had wings here a few years ago, but I don't remember them very well. They recently introduced a new payment system that has improved the service and made it easier to track the bar tabs. That's a step in the right direction.

Do you like to dance? Find a place with a DJ who can dance. The DJ tonight is either utterly uneducated in DJ technique, can't dance, or hates ppl who wanna dance. Otherwise, the bar is fine. 1 Good point, music is loud enough but not too loud to talk, bc the music is Not music to dance to. It's standing around and talking music. If you wanna go and watch ppl sit and stand around waiting for a good dance song, but not dancing, this is the best place ever. Oddly, the DJ only plays a complete song if it's un-dancable. If it's a good dance song, 15-20 seconds the it's something else that's weird. Oops, the DJ accidentally played a good song and then immediately cleared the dance floor w the next song. What a unique talent for a DJ in a dance club! This club could really be great if they get a different DJ or train the DJ in DJ technique and demand it be followed. Good dance music is 105-115 beats per minute. Just ask Michael Jackson. Just ask Madonna. Ask Katie Perry. Then, if the floor is too full or it's getting rowdy, or if there aren't enough ppl at the bar buying drinks, play an odd tune that isn't easy to dance to. Has anyone explained this to this DJ? Please help this poor thing learn. Ppl were just filing in and the DJ played Shots! That's for after it's full for at least an hour. So sad. And didn't even finish the song. And now it's a not dance club song. Just wow. I'm sure at 2am when it's empty the DJ will play good pop music. So sad.

Babe's is a part of LGBTQ history here in Richmond as one of the few remaining lesbian bars in the country, but it's really gone downhill over the years. What once was a charming dive bar is now derelict, and it no longer has the welcoming atmosphere it used to. It could desperately use some sprucing up and employee training. It really feels like the people who run it don't care at all. Bartenders are rude, drinks are served in disposable cups, the bathrooms are gross, and decor very much feels like an unfinished basement where you store old mismatched folding tables and holiday decorations. There is a great patio space out back that a local sports league uses, but even then they have to bring their own speakers for music. It's crazy that they charge a cover on certain days, even weeknights, especially when they offer none of the amenities, atmosphere, or at least cleanliness of any other bar in town.

From karaoke on Wednesday to late night dancing over the weekend, babes is a guaranteed fun night out. They also have great non alcoholic beers available.

This place is trash. I only go here because my friends like to go, but even then it's not worth it. I went last night for my friend's 21st and it was dead, but of course they still charged their $5 cover fee, which I despise. They're just monetizing on the fact that it's one of the few gay bars in the area. As everyone else will say the staff at the door are unbelievably rude, it's unreal. And even after paying your cover fee, you will stay have to pay for pool if you want to play it & can't play volleyball or corn hole in the winter. The DJ was also terrible.. playing certainly not dance music, & he was on his phone for the most part. Listening to voice memos or something, more focused on what he was going to do after the gig than knowing his audience. So since most people weren't dancing a lot of people were just standing in the middle of the dance floor making out. The bartenders were also horrible. The one girl didn't even know how to make a sex on the beach & had to look it up on her phone & no surprise it wasn't good & half of it was just ice. Oh & not to mention the cover is cash only & if you use your credit card for anything in the bar there's a $1 surcharge on it. As other people mentioned; save your money & go somewhere else. New York deli, Sines, & bingo have better djs, vibes, & are more consistent all around, & you know what? There's NO cover. Don't waste your time or money coming here. I will beg my friends not to go here next time they suggest it.

Go to this bar if you don't mind being berated and treated poorly. It is an establishment that is supposed to be safe for the LGBTQ community and their allies/supporters but that is not at all how they treat their patrons. You would think they could act respectfully to their community. It is a toxic environment and a shame for the community it serves. The bartenders can't handle social situations and they act like they are just fine with treating people like scum for show. On a decently busy Friday, one of the regular bartenders exclaimed to incoming patrons to "lower your expectations". It's like they want to be a jerk bar. Avoid this place if you care about how you are treated. Otherwise, you can get cheap drinks here and try to enjoy your company.

Awesome fun and good times. Cold beer and good dance music. Friendly staff and make you feel welcome there

If I could rate it lower I would. I have never had an establishment without the ability to scan a license and refuse to accept a valid license. ABC should investigate whether they're letting in minors.

Are you going to have a good time at Babe's? Not necessarily. In fact, you might experience moments of pure misery more acute than you previously thought possible. The food is atrocious, the bathrooms are admittedly grimy, and sometimes the bartenders look at you like you personally beat their dog to death with a paperweight. You will, at some point, run into an ex or an former situationship or some other local queer who traumatized you deeply. You might even get roofied by a unicorn-hunting couple like I did at one point! But with all that being said, Babe's is a Richmond establishment for a reason. Their drinks are cheap, tasty, and heavyyy on the liquor. The people are always friendly or interesting--and sometimes both. You can always bum a cig off the ex of an ex. And when the dance floor gets going, baby it's bumping! At Babe's I have written love poems on the patio, kissed countless cuties in line for the bathroom, had my heart broken in the booths, and thrown ass to more Troye Sivan than I really care to admit. Every night here seems to last a lifetime, and I always leave feeling like a main character. Babe's has seen me at my highest highs and lowest lows and met me with grace in every place. The staff is sweet as can be when they're not actively fighting for their lives in an evening rush. In particular, Dustin the security guard is one of the kindest human beings alive and I genuinely get happy to see him every time. When I'm at Babe's, I'm home, and for that, I will always be thankful. Sláinte, Babe's!

For the young lady who works on Sunday's!!!!! She is so night much better than the woman who worked. THURSDAY night who decided idea to basically serve the women first leaving the men to wait. Thought this was an LGBTQAI place but I am here on Sunday!! Best service. 5 stars gorgeous Sunday 's bartender

I waited in line for 30mins just to be turned a way. After waiting in line I reached the door, only to be told I "can't come in like that". I asked 'like what', and was told because my nipples were showing. 1) it's Halloween, and I can go many places without a shirt on...but because my costume has my nipples exposed, I can't enter BABES, a bar? It's perfectly fine to go in and out if this establishment wearing a string thong though, with a fully exposed ass.

Two of our three experiences have been great. Fun bartenders. Great banter. But one bad apple bartender. We have heard our complaint is not unusual but that no one will speak up because she is a friend of the owner and who wants to lose their job. Totally ignored us. And others. Typically males who get ignored. So it's hard to give a proper rating. Great when the bad apple is not there. Awful when she is. Not an isolated incident so it makes me think management is ok with this.

I've been to this place many different times. Nothing has changed, no updates, rude customer service( to the bouncer, dj, Bartenders, management). They play the same old music, same run down place. My advice to everyone, try it out at least once but, if I had to sum it up. RUN, TAKE YOUR MONEY ELSEWHERE!!!

I went to Babes for their monthly drag show. I most say that I enjoyed the show, but was disappointed with their hospitality. Right now, my friend and I are taking a break from alcoholic beverages, so we're drinking club soda. I ordered two club sodas from one of the bartenders and she gave them to me at no charge. That is typical of every bar the I have been to in RVA. When I'm not drinking and get club soda on the house, I still tip. I gave the bartender a 3 dollar tip. When I came to get a single refill, another bartender (or maybe the Boss) told the bartender that there should be a 2 dollar charge for club soda. Too me, that is crazy. I'm also turned off by them charging 1 dollar for each credit card transaction. I won't say that I will never go back as we were celebrating a friend's birthday. However, I probably will only go back there when invited for an occasion like that.

Music was good with very small town vibes...had a lot of non-sapphics there and I was expecting a more lesbian-centered experience. But the staff was nice and drinks good! Had a good birthday here

It was weird because a couple got inside in front of us and they left, and when the bartender asked for our id, she said we could getting into the bar because my id was expired by 3 days, and I was born in 89, so I'm old. It was a sad place and not cool the way they treated us. I've got really disappointed because me and my wife we wanted to know better the lgbtqi+ scene but they gays/lesbians doesn't help with it

I would normally never write a bad review about a gay business, but I have never been treated so badly or felt so unwanted as I have here. We walked in, used the bathroom and left. Horrible people.

It's a great place to eat and drink the owner is rude and nasty I tip them but they like earl

A great place to relax and hang out. If you're old like me go early stay late. Fun and tasty food await you at babes of carytown.

The old ladies at bar made a show of my outfit, making me turn around and loudly talking about how they weren't sure my shorts were appropriate. Felt like I was getting slut shamed by my grandmother. Will never be coming back ~ (Try Fallout if you are looking for a good queer bar)

Do NOT come here, specially if military! Tried to go. It was dead upon arrival. I only had my military ID, the bartender or whoever she was. Would not let me in with it because she "couldn't see the DOB". On top of that she disappeared for 5 minutes with my ID. Friends who stayed said it was not fun. District 5 is worth more then this place.

The bouncer at the front was incredibly rude and the atmosphere did not feel like a safe place that you would expect from a lesbian bar. The cover is definitely not worth it for what they have to offer. Could be a great place if the staff were nicer. I was excited to go to a historic LGBT bar and feel comfortable but the atmosphere was completely unwelcoming.

Excellent Customer Service and food,beer. Chaz is the coolest bartender I've ever met. Guy needs a raise

The food here is just okay, and the dress code is kinda meh but does not seem to be overly enforced at this time. Otherwise, I have enjoyed myself here and have had no problems other than nearly getting hit by a volleyball on the back patio. (Maybe they need to not allow volleyball on Friday and Saturday nights when it's crowded...) The occasional weird swingers who don't dance or talk to anyone and just make out against the bar are annoying, but honestly everyone else is SO nice and cool and genuinely LGBTQ welcoming. I have friends who feel more comfortable here than at any other bar in town. Drinks are not too expensive. After 9:30 an additional bar opens up (at least Friday/Saturday) which alleviates some of the wait times mentioned in other reviews. Also a bar out on the patio later on those nights. Cheers y'all!

I was out walk Craytown and decided to get some dinner. Stopped into Babes for a Stobe Ale and had the grilled chicken. The bar tender was great to converse with.

If I could give a rating of 0 I would. My friend and I felt completely discriminated against. While we waited in a long line and seeing people go in foursomes and threesomes, my friend and I used the bathroom together and were out in less than 3 minutes (tops). Next thing we know we are being kicked out by the security guard who happens to catch the only "non white" customers. The security guard not only followed us to our booth after we profusely apologized, but proceeded to kick us out. I've never felt this humiliated; Babes being an inclusive place we never thought this was going to happen since we were not disruptive.

Walking through the streets of Carytown with my friends and they wanted to show me the local Gaybar. I was happy to see they had a nice place to go to when they wanted to see drag performances and what have you. There was a large crowd of people in attendance mid afternoon due to some Kickball players being in town, so the bar was fairly active at mid day. If I'm back in town, you can bet I'd come back. Everyone was friendly and welcoming.

The line was incredibly long and the staff upfront were very rude. The only thing I really enjoyed about this place were the bartenders, cooks, and bar food. The food is really good for it being a small bar, but not worth the $20 to get in. The bartender who attended us deserves all the tips because he was so pleasant with everyone he spoke to and never lost his cool in the chaos.

Will NOT be returning to this establishment for many reasons but the MAIN reason is because the rude bartender asked if we had our vaccination cards, when we had our masks on mind you, & says "well that's very socially irresponsible of you isn't" SIR... first off we waited patiently in your long ass line because you took forever even though you only served draft beer at the time. Only to be greeted with unnecessary sass. Yes I know that I need to wear my mask, thank you for reminding me and my mask that I'm currently wearing.

I ask for a burger whit pineapple and is nasty. The just take out from the can. The bread is no good quality

Terrible customer service. Bartender several times served about 5 people before me, when confronted he told me I should have yelled to get his attention like other people.

The staff at the door were rude and unprofessional. The cover charge was hardly even worth it, especially to be patted down before going in. I would not recommend going here.

This place is DIRTY and DISGUSTING! The city needs to re-evaluate this place and shut it down! RENOVATION is DEFINITELY REQUIRED! Unfriendly racist, and rude staffs, and over charges for drinks. Also, there's a FEE to get in (Fri-Sun), and there's a FEE for every time you use your credit card, WTF! NEVER going back there EVER again!!!

I just went here for the first time and while the club had good music and it wasn't the worst environment, the policies are a little questionable to me and the bartender straight up ignored me. Let me preface this by saying that I've been to many a club in the Richmond area, and I've never waited so long for service from the bartender, I'm talking 10 minutes in front of the bar, which wasn't crazy busy at this point. I needed my card back after I ordered one drink because the bartender informed us that if we didn't start a tab we would be charged a dollar on our card with every new drink we ordered. What? That's not something I've ever come across. My drink also got stolen while I was here which made me sad, though my own fault. My purse got completely ravaged by the bouncer which I'm fine with for safety usually but she didn't need to completely remove everything and be so aggressive with it. Again, I enjoyed the music and the cool outside area but I don't think I'd come back here. Did I mention that you have to pay 5 dollars to enter?

I was here a few times with a freind. The lady checking out the I.D'S seemed like she was bored. We went in and two people were in a corner kissing among other things and the whole place looked run down and kinda dirty. We had some drinks but for some reason I felt uncomfortable the whole time I was there. We left after our drinks. Just didn't like that place.

Jeremy sucked as a DJ and lesbian shamed a wedding party of two brides. We will not be returning. We thought this was a queer friendly space for ALL folks. We were wrong. What a disappointment.

At this point a historic gay bar...the food, well if you have been to a gay dive bar you ain't going for the food. Have a drink, have fun

This LGBT establishment refused to let our group of 4 into their establishment with a 10 pound service dog. Paperwork in hand from a doctors office. Not friendly, I don't recommend. This is the first time we have been refused service with a service dog. We were visiting from LA, our first time in Richmond VA. Very disappointed.

In my humble opinion, this LGBT establishment should REALLY reconsider having a dress code...or at least allowing a tank top with a more than 6 inch drop sleeve to enter. What is the point of barring that?! I would hope a diversity-friendly bar would welcome all types of expression. But let's call a spade a spade: it's Richmond...they think they're something special...And This dump has a fake botanical garden with empty, moldy fish tanks in the windows! How retro. Our offensive, low class tank tops definitely don't deserve to step foot in Babes. Maybe take that stupid cover charge and make some interior renovations...THEN it would make sense to turn away your fellow LGBT community members for wearing a tank top with arm holes "too low"... until then, keep watering those cute plants.

This place is a Richmond icon. They have different themes every night. The drag shows are awesome, and the staff is super cool. They have a back patio and sand volley ball court.

For my 21st birthday, I had a large group of friends celebrating with me, and our last stop of the evening was going to be Babe's. When we walked inside we were apathetically greeted by two older women; one on a stool checking IDs, and the other hovering nearby, appearing to be a bouncer of sorts. They let me inside and I turned to wait for the rest of my friends. Several of my girlfriends had on crop tops, and as they approached the threshold, the two older women scornfully announced that they either had to put on shirts, or they were not allowed in. Considering that this was a club, and no place that I had been to before had such restrictions on attire, I asked why that rule was in place. It wasn't as if Babe's was a place of classiness or cleanliness, either... The bouncer scoffed, "No women are allowed to have any stomach showing." I asked her if those rules were stated anywhere on their website, and she replied, "Naw, but if you don't like it, you can get out. You wouldn't be served if you didn't have shoes or a shirt on- same thing here." But, it obviously wasn't the same thing at all, so I got my money for the entrance fee back, and rounded up the rest of the group, feeling quite bewildered and angry. Firstly, Babe's represents a part of the gay Richmond community- a community that prides itself on inclusion and acceptance, and that I'm proud to be a part of as a gay male. The fact that my female friend's couple inches of bare skin were so sexualized the moment that they entered, made my blood boil. After all, this is the 21st century, and it wasn't like we were exposing ourselves in any crass or provocative way. Secondly, they didn't question my attire when I entered first with a skimpy, mesh, see-through top. What a double standard... Needless to say, we were smart to head elsewhere for a fun end to the night. I've heard from numerous people that Babe's has gone by the wayside, but this brief experience truly solidified it.

One of RVA and va most fun LGBTQ+ bars there's all kinds of drag shows available and is one of the only bars that books kings and female bodied drag entertainers. The food is pretty good and is very cheap the drinks are also well priced and usually pretty strong in my experience. The perfect place for a bunch of people to go out and have a fun time.

I absolutely love this place! This was my second Richmond gay bar experience and it was worlds better than Godfrey's. The bouncer was extremely friendly, the bartenders were fast and nice, and the crowd was so positive and energetic! Everyone was having a great time and there was such a mix of people there. I had a wonderful experience and will continue to come here for as long as I'm in Richmond I highly recommend going!!!!

I love this bar. If you're looking for some hipster, chic bar that masquerades as a dive bar then this ain't for you. Babes is a dive in the truest sense and hasn't changed much since I first started going in undergrad. I most enjoy the back patio and sand volleyball pit out back. The music is awesome and last time I went, when I visited Richmond this past summer, I danced all night. The drinks are cheap and the bar is crowded and the bar needs more bartenders. Know what you want when it's your turn bc they will just move on to the next person. The ambivalence is part of the charm, check your sensitivity in at the door...actually just leave it in the car bc it starts at the door lol.

The Thursday night drag show is amazing! Great entertainment, stiff drinks and $1 tacos and potato tots - There isn't a better deal on the planet! Show starts promptly at 10p so be sure to arrive on time to secure a seat.

I have to say this is not a high class place but it for sure has some high class entertainment! Good drinks Good dance floor and good music. I have eaten here many times too and the food is great for what it is. A must see if you have never been!

So happy Richmond has a spot like this. It's the cracker barrel of gay clubs. Fills you up with comfort and leaves you feeling just the right amount of queasy. The decor is special. Highlights are the random fish tank, babe's spelled out in tiles on the dance floor, and the volleyball court out back. Also, honorable mention to the makeshift pole in the middle of the dance floor that could probably tell quite a few stories. The crowd is eclectic and full of good vibes. Staff is good at keeping the drinks moving. Front bar tends to be faster. The cover is comparable to what you get inside. ($5 when I went.) Never had the food. DJ is hit or miss. They play 20% new stuff, 40% throw backs, and 40% songs that need to be retired. I'm looking at you Cupid Shuffle! Overall, I recommend checking out this place at least once.

Haters gotta hate. Though the mayor says Richmond is all gay friendly now Babes is still the only lesbian bar we have. it's got to have points for that. The music isn't fantabulous, there aren't drunken lesbians dancing pelvis to pelvis, this is a lesbian bar, not a gay bar. I just don't think lesbians roll that way. I've never been to a wild and crazy lesbian party in my life...then again, I am one of those dreaded *bisexuals* so maybe they were just hiding the good china because I was there. But it's a fun time! The drinks are good, the food is okay. I could do without the cover and the bartenders are hit and miss for "being nice" versus "being rather surly". They do drag nights that are great huge super happy fun times (so maybe I HAVE seen lesbians party) and they used to do volleyball out back in the summer. I don't know if they do it any more, haven't been around in a while. Come on guys! This is a lady gay bar in the center of the "capitol of the confederacy". I think they're doing great!

Ok, so it's a lesbian bar. The only one in RVA, and it has been there forever. Get over the feeling that you can't go there if you aren't a lesbian. This place is great for everyone for a lot of reasons: First-the food is good~ I have eaten lunch there several times, and never was disappointed. It is your general American fare, pretty basic-but it's GOOD. The hidden gem is BRUNCH. Best brunch in Carytown if you ask me. The last time I was there my omelette was cooked perfectly and was falling-off-the-plate huge. My toast was warm (rare), the hashbrowns were good, the grits were PERFECT (yes, I got both-be quiet) and the bacon was CRISPY, not floppy, not fatty, not burnt. Everything was perfect. I even asked to see the cook to thank her. Second-it's CHEAP!!~ That brunch with a half-caraffe of mimosas was under $20.00! Carafes of mimosas? Sure-maybe six bucks for that half carafe. Sure, my skinny friend only got and egg and cheese biscuit-but in CARYTOWN people? Land of over-priced everything?? My last lunch for two was also under $20.00. If you want to drink... They have a great happy hour~ Don't ask me to rattle off prices-but like I said-cheap. Rail highballs, pitchers of beer-go get 'em drinkers on a budget. They are usually not crowded~ Sure on busy nights with cover charges and the "regular crowd" they are, but at lunch or brunch or happy hour-nope. Grab a booth-no wait. They have a cool deck in the back~ Smokers can smoke here, Drinkers can drink here. People play volleyball when the weather is warm-yes people, meaning all sorts of people-not just lesbians. It's fun to watch. A wayward ball has landed on my table, but that's the risk you take. If you do like the nite life... You can dance there~ In addition to occasional drag shows and live music, there are several dance nights. So what you say? Do you dance? Do you wonder where to go? Now don't ask me what type of music what night and all of that business-but there is a big, usually uncrowded dance floor. I love it- there might be a $5 cover charge-who cares. If you happen to be a lesbian-bonus.

I went here for lunch on a Friday, and the food was pretty good, and our waitress was super nice, but just... The entire atmosphere of it was very off-putting, and I just didn't like the overall "feel" of it. And they need to do something about the bathrooms.