Richmond, Will You Be My Valentine?
A Queer Lover’s Guide to RVA This February
Richmond’s dating profile is live, and it reads a little something like this:
I’m an artsy foodie who loves a good concert or outdoor stroll. I’m looking for great conversation, drag energy, brunch vibes, and gifts made with love.
Turn-ons: cocktails made with local spirits, cozy cafés, and supporting queer-owned businesses
Red flags: trying to split dessert, not having a favorite mural in town, and visiting Carytown without treating yourself to a little something
Sound like your type? Here are some of our favorite local picks to fall just that little bit more for our city this Valentine’s Day.
The First Date: Low Pressure, Easy Exit, All the Caffeine
Perfect for: cozy conversation, people-watching, and elevenses that turn into lunch. Easy exits. Easy extensions.
Riverbend Roastery
Queer-owned, warm, and ideal for lingering conversations that start with coffee and end with “should we take a walk?” Bonus points for Church Hill strolls afterward.
By Any Beans Necessary
For dates that lean a little bookish and a little artsy. Grab a drink, browse, and casually reveal how hot you find independent bookstores.
Minglewood Bake Shop
Sweet vegan-friendly treats, cozy vibes, and a chance to find out early on if your date thinks that sharing a dessert is foreplay or foul.
The Activity Date: To Low-Key Impress and Keep the Convo Going
Perfect for: bridging the awkwardness and thoughtful daytime dates. Because sometimes conversation flows better while doing something.
Richmond Triangle Players
A queer-centered performance is a built-in conversation starter and a great way to show you’re thoughtful and cultured.
Carytown Wandering
Unstructured, charming, and perfect for discovering shared tastes. Window shopping counts as a date. So does buying each other an oh-so-perfect card from Mongrel.
Reveler Experiences
This chill and quirky spot is ideal for drinks and music before heading to the next adventure.
Godfrey's
Drag brunch is the ideal date to up the ante on fun with a drink in one hand and a dollar bill in the other.
Care for a Nightcap?: Let’s Keep The Night Going
Perfect for: post-work cocktails, when you’re not ready to call it a night, or some late-night confessions. If the daytime dates went well, this is where you level up.
Beaucoup
It’s intimate, stylish, and perfect for a “just one more drink” situation that turns into two. Feels romantic without trying too hard.
Thirsty’s RVA
Casual, queer-friendly, and welcoming. The ideal choice if you want good energy without the pressure of being fancy.
Barcode
This classic LGBTQ+ staple is a little louder, a little flirtier, and great if you want the night to feel social instead of serious.
Babe's of Carytown
Divey in the very best way, this community-rich spot is loaded with queer history and regular events like drag and karaoke.
Say You’ll Remember Me: And Say It With a Little Something from a Local Queer Businesses
You had a great time, and you’re looking to make a lasting impression. A diamond may be a girl’s best friend, but a gift from these local spots can turn a friend into a lover.
Maven Made
Handcrafted self-care, skincare, and gifts from a queer-owned business. It’s thoughtful without screaming “Call me, maybe!”
Dayum Jam RVA
A small, sweet, locally made treat that says, “Think of me when you’re making breakfast.”
Mongrel
Epic cards, quirky gifts, and items that feel personal without being intense. A love language in retail form.
Our Final Swipe Right
Richmond makes Dating Life easy with queer-owned and queer-friendly spaces that are warm, welcoming, and built for lasting connection, if that’s what you’re going for.
Whether you’re on the rebound, looking for an excuse to flirt a little, or are ready to hard launch your next relationship, RVA is ready to match up when you are.