Midlothian is, yes, a Richmond suburb—but it’s also so much more. This Chesterfield County community (we’re focusing on the area around Midlothian Turnpike) is home to historic coal mines, as well as an impressive amount of shopping centers. It also has a high concentration of excellent cocktail bars. Whether you’re visiting family or get thirsty after browsing the Village Marketplace, here are 17 spots for a classic martini, a craft tiki drink, and everything in between.
Sidecar Cocktail Lounge
$$ | (804) 566-3534 | WEBSITE
Tucked away in Midlothian, Sidecar Cocktail Lounge marches to its own drumbeat, a world apart from the surrounding suburban sprawl. This cozy tropical haven opened in 2026, and it still manages to feel both vibrant and serene (the rum-focused menu is its heart, and the welcoming staff are its soul).
There’s a snug bar area up front, a softly lit lounge space in the middle, and a back section that would feel like a generic eatery if it weren’t for the bamboo accents, woven wall hangings, and the low hum of island music.
The best thing about this place is the way the attentive bartenders remember your name and your usual order, but the delightful tropical drinks, small plates like Jerk Chicken Satay and Costa Rican Pork Tacos, and hearty options like the fresh Ahi Tuna Bowl will serve you perfectly for a casual night out or a special gathering. Expect to spend about $15-$20 per cocktail and $12-$18 for the small plates—worth every penny for the transportive experience.
Brunches
$ | (804) 447-2463 | WEBSITE
The closest thing us Richmonders have to a classic brunch spot in the city, Brunches is a delightful breakfast restaurant that offers a fun morning experience. Before we talk about their excellent breakfast dishes and morning cocktails, the first thing you need to know about Brunches is that their chicken and waffles, served soft and fluffy, is perfection. They make it fresh throughout the morning, so consider ordering it as soon as you arrive.
If you’re looking for something else, there’s great breakfast fare, like a breakfast burrito topped with amazing queso cheese, or whatever sausage and gravy special they have that day. Come here for a celebration, drink some mimosas or breakfast shots, and don’t skip the coffee specialty shots.
Great American Ranch
$ | (804) 608-0182 | WEBSITE
Between the live music venues and casual dining spots in Midlothian, having a reliable gathering place is key. Great American Ranch doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but they are a one-stop-shop for generous portions, tasty bar food, and a welcoming western ambiance. Everything on the menu at this chill and friendly restaurant is under $20. It’s affordable, it’s lively, and the bison burgers that are served are cooked to perfection. Plus, it’s right next to other popular spots in the area.
They serve basically the same vibe as other casual dining places, and you’re a lot less likely to run into a wait during non-event nights.
E’terie
This spot sits inside the Embassy Suites, and it shows. E’terie’s $15 onion rings incorporate fresh beer batter and crispy texture into a classic bar snack served with dipping sauce and the like. But the space itself bears no resemblance to a sterile hotel restaurant—more like a cozy neighborhood tavern. Come for a casual dinner or a relaxed hang with someone who will enjoy a well-made cocktail poured from their small-batch Prosecco selection.
Tres Machos Cantina & Cocina
$ | (804) 349-0578 | WEBSITE
If you’ve ever wondered where to drink a house margarita in Midlothian, look no further than Tres Machos Cantina & Cocina. Look here, too, for a first-class dinner, which starts with warm chips and on-point salsa. There’s a range of traditional and non-traditional dishes, but we’d encourage you to order the expertly prepared specials—like the flavorful enchiladas supreme, and a mixed fajitas sampler.
Yes, that’s a sizzling platter of chicken and steak for $28, but it’s not like you can get your hands on fajitas this good any day. Lovers of Tres Machos tend to come here for every group gathering, probably because once you eat here enough, the staff, like Leticia, will learn your name.
Twin Hickory Tavern
$ | (804) 215-6300 | WEBSITE
Twin Hickory Tavern is the only bar where we’ve ordered another round after finishing dessert. We just didn’t want to leave yet. It’s fun at this lively tavern. Not dance-on-tables fun, like at some downtown clubs.
But the band bounces around the second floor, the bartenders liberally pour well-made drinks, and the Chicken Tender Wrap is described by regulars as: “I think we managed to make a better wrap than the usual pub fare.” It’s best suited for a properly social night out, or a long evening with friends who get excited about treating creme brulee with caramelized banana like royalty and nachos that could use a bit more seasoning.
El Arriero Mexican Food Midlothian
$ | (804) 745-7000 | WEBSITE
El Arriero is a constant favorite in Midlothian, and it’s not necessarily due to being fancy. (Though some things, like the spicy salsa with free chips, are genuinely addictive.) It’s the definition of an endearingly vibrant local spot, and it has the lively atmosphere to prove it. The colorful restaurant is always buzzing, and it’s not going to tone things down any time soon (or ever).
Come for the cheerful family gatherings, bring about $15-20 per entree, and expect the sort of friendly, attentive service that makes you feel right at home. At best, you’ll get sneaky-good frozen margaritas, and at worst you’ll leave with a happy belly from the large portions of pollo feliz.
The Boathouse at Sunday Park
$$$ | (804) 744-2545 | WEBSITE
Open until midnight, The Boathouse at Sunday Park is a waterfront restaurant where you can enjoy a peaceful meal after a long day or celebrate a special occasion with its breathtaking view. Their excellent dishes include crab cakes, shrimp tacos, oysters, and scallops, with seafood cooked perfectly every time.
They also have desserts like bread pudding and crème brûlée—both sweets are made with care and attention that’ll satisfy, comfort, and delight your palate, and they’re perfect for enjoying on the patio by the water when you want something more memorable than a typical dinner.
Tazza Kitchen Short Pump
$ | (804) 716-6448 | WEBSITE
Tazza Kitchen began as a popular local spot known for its brick-oven pizzas, and at their Short Pump location, you can get those, plus a bunch of other inviting comfort dishes. Picture things like crab cakes packed with lump crab from that same oven, and brisket tacos with just the right kick. It’s a pretty bustling spot, and everybody wants to bring friends here and sip on high-end cocktails, but you can usually snag a table without too long a wait thanks to quick seating.
Bring someone who loves creative brunch or dinner on a rotating menu, and make sure to check out the very beautiful bar area where you can watch the pizza oven in action.
Tazza Kitchen Alverser Plaza
$$ | (804) 415-6224 | WEBSITE
If you’re sitting at work right now dreaming of a New Era cocktail and that crunchy potato and arugula salad with shrimp, make sure your evening plans involve Tazza Kitchen. Though technically a restaurant, the main reason to come here is to relax in the cozy, well-decorated space and drink, as people have done at this spot for years. Follow suit, then make the difficult decision between a New Era and a Permanent Leave.
And if you get peckish, order the sausage and black pepper honey pizza or the chicken nachos.
Poseidon Boil
$$ | (804) 562-2812 | WEBSITE
Poseidon Boil is a modern seafood restaurant, but it’s got the sort of crowd-pleasing menu that will satisfy even the friend who thinks seafood begins and ends with fish sticks. It’s a spacious spot perfect for parties, but it’s only here that you can try their Poseidon boil feast, with crab legs, shrimp, mussels, clams, crawfish, corn, potatoes, and sausages, all served with a flavorful sauce that somehow rivals the best coastal boils.
Come for a group meal, order a bunch of platters to share, and sip on some strong cocktails while you crack into fresh crab legs, and savor the lobster rolls, fried corn, and poke bowls that go beyond the usual seafood offerings.
NAPA Kitchen and Wine
$$ | (804) 893-5684 | WEBSITE
Budget-friendly happy hours are popping up everywhere in Midlothian, but NAPA Kitchen and Wine still stands out for an experience that feels more luxurious than it costs. For around $25, you get a generous selection of drinks and small plates—like refreshing lettuce chicken wraps, or perfectly portioned shrimp fried rice. You’ll also enjoy some elevated touches, like their fun wine education classes, beautifully calming ambiance, and thoughtful servers like Shannon C.
and Jenny who check on you regularly—as well as a memorable setting for celebrating life’s big moments. This is a great spot for a casual gathering that won’t completely break the bank, or a special occasion dinner to toast making it through the week.
Full Kee Restaurant
$ | (804) 673-2233 | WEBSITE
Full Kee’s reputation precedes itself. It’s one of the most authentic Chinese spots in Midlothian (and also one of the hardest to get a table at on weekends). Should you camp out for dim sum here? Absolutely. But if the opportunity arises, go to Full Kee. And since that might be your one and only chance, here’s your exact order: the pork bao, black bean spare ribs, shrimp rice noodle crepe, shumai, and beef and vegetable with pan fried noodles. Plus whatever catches your eye off the dim sum cart.
Weekday lunch is slightly easier to snag a seat (slightly), and we actually like it here better during the afternoon. It’s somewhat of a revelation to sip Chrysanthemum Tea with crystal sugar in a room full of people enjoying a clean, homey atmosphere.
The Verdant Lady
$ | (804) 918-0760 | WEBSITE
If you’re looking for a cozy cocktail spot in Midlothian, there’s no better option than The Verdant Lady. It’s tucked away in a shopping mall, and regular visitors describe it as having a speakeasy-style atmosphere. Despite its small size, it still feels intimate, with green and leafy décor that might compel you to order one of their unique and delicious drinks. If you don’t have a reservation on a busy night, try snagging a bar seat, even just for a perfectly strong, expertly crafted cocktail.
Jadean’s Smokin’ Six O BBQ
$ | (804) 716-1726 | WEBSITE
There are more barbecue joints in Midlothian than there are pickup trucks. (Unconfirmed, but it feels right.) Jadean’s Smokin’ Six O BBQ stands out. From the road it doesn’t look like much, but when you step inside, you’ll find a comfortable dining space, where families, couples, and friends sip on local beers, and eat pulled pork barbecue with a vinegar-based sauce that tastes pretty frickin good.
The other meats are by no means an afterthought—and the BBQ brisket certainly feels celebration-worthy—but we’d still recommend focusing on the homemade sides. They’re consistently awesome, but if the baked beans and collards are available, order them.
Charred Swift Creek
$ | (804) 818-5341 | WEBSITE
Do you need a burger? If the answer is, “yes” or even, “maybe” try Charred Swift Creek, one of those places that will make you feel really excited about a smash burger. You could bring just about everybody here for just about every possible occasion, so keep this one in your back pocket, and then take it out of there often. Besides the burger, you can’t go wrong with any of the wings, the pizzas always hit the spot, and the pimento cheese dip is reliably lovely.
Eggspectation – Richmond
$$ | (804) 823-8525 | WEBSITE
Eggspectation opened in the 2020s, and it’s not just a breakfast spot—it’s a lot of people’s go-to restaurant. The popular eatery is always bustling, even on a weekday morning, and though you can sit at a table in the clean, comfortable dining room next to someone wearing their workout gear and order traditional breakfast items from a server who might be a bit slow, you should always try for the outdoor seating.
It’s a coveted spot for hearty portions of creative spins on French toast and pancakes under a bright Virginia sky. End with blackened salmon tacos with mango salsa that’s tasty enough to make you feel eternally grateful to live in Midlothian so you can drive home with a 20% gratuity already added to your bill.
