I've been coming here once a week since I moved to Virginia a year and a half ago. I wish I could leave 4 stars and give something slightly negative to say but I really can't. First of all, the wait staff are the nicest people you could want to meet: Katie, David, Raleigh, occasionally Becky are the only ones I've ever interacted with. Not only are they extremely friendly and good staff, if you're even semi regular, they will learn your likes and preferences immediately. If an order comes out slightly incorrectly there is never even a hint of attitude or annoyance about the situation - they just fix it...with a smile...every time. Some might worry about "pub food" and not having an experienced chef back in the kitchen because they are just pumping out fried stuff and apps...not the case. Everything I've had they cook perfectly. It's the best BLT I've ever had, the tacos are always rotating and delicious, best fries in Richmond IMO. It'd be cool to see a wider variety of specials would be the only thing I'd wish for. this place is hands down-lights out the best pub or bar around. Make it a regular stop if you enjoy the irish pub theme atmosphere. read more

Love this place and it's tribute to Ireland. Came for breakfast and was not disappointed- hubs had the black pudding and loved it. I had the Scottish egg and it was yummy! read more

Sunday, February 26 about 1pm, my husband and I were craving corn beef & cabbage and live close by Rare Olde Times. I called to see if they were serving this dish and the woman who answered said they were serving the dish but w/o mashed potatoes - great. We changed direction and went in and took a seat at the bar. Bartender seemed a bit agitated but we ordered drinks and menus. I ordered the corn beef dish and he immediately told me that it is not served on Sunday. I explained that we had called and what we were told when we called. He was definitely agitated now and said that he'd speak to the kitchen. We waited a minute and then put money on the bar for our drinks and left. I guess this is why we never visit this restaurant. The attitude and inconsistency did us in. Bummer.i read more

This is a wonderful local place full of character, good food, and great service. The drinks are cheap, the food is plentiful and delicious, and it's got the warmest, inviting atmosphere. Each night there's a different form of entertainment, open mic night, live music, trivia, etc. I had the reuben eggrolls (awesome!) the honey smoked salmon salad (my new favorite salad with all of the pickled onions, capers, beets, and potato pancakes to go with the salmon), and the pub style cheesesteak with fries for my husband. I consider this one my go to places; they offer dine in and take out. There's lots of parking and you can even order online. read more

Just stopped in for a late lunch this past weekend - great friendly service, interesting menu and specials. We had burgers and the bacon cheese fry appetizer - mmm mmm good! The Mac and cheese was perfect- this from a person who NEVER orders it out! If it weren't for the dogs at home, I might have settled in for the night... read more

I always enjoy this place and I regularly visit, as I do enjoy that they have a nice selection of beers and a good variety of live music. My favorite bartender is Gibby, he is awesome and calls me by my nickname--fabulous! lol. The food I have tried here is always good, never undercooked, and portions are usually good: not too much, and not too small. They have their own parking so this is a good feature as well. read more

This place has the best Irish breakfast we have had in a long time. The bartender told me they import their black and white puddings from Ireland; I can believe it as they are very tasty and tasted authentic to us. We also had Irish Breakfast tea to complement the meal. The meals are more expensive than most breakfasts but they were plentiful. The service was excellent as well. We will return. read more

I came here to kill some time and watch some football on a day that just so happened to be Robert Burns day. I didn't know anything of it at the time, but I would soon come to learn that this was an incredibly fortuitous circumstance. Within no less than 10 minutes of my showing up, a fully kilted out bagpiper comes strolling on through the gates, and my ears were quickly lit ablaze with his fierce, melodic pitch. The oaken walls assume their full potential, reverberating the sound about the tavern. The owner bursts forth from the kitchen, hopeful for an evening filled with merry and laughter. Whatever did I do to deserve such an epic and enthralling experience? "Have another pint, lad!" the bartender shouts as I reply that I must be on my way, but only out of obligation--as I said, I had some time to kill, but not as much as I'd have liked on a day such as this. read more

I understand that this place is the dive bar of some people's dreams, but that someone ain't me. We finished our Saturday night out here for a friends bday after kindred spirit. Immediately after sitting down, we were told we needed to order food if we wanted it since the kitchen was closing in 5 minutes (almost 10) - all of us had worked in the service industry at some point so we totally understood and placed our orders. My burger was SO rare pink, I'm unsure how they thought it was passable. I wasn't asked how I wanted it cooked, and I didn't specify, not thinking any of it -so maybe that's on me. My friends shepherd pie was cold. Again, okay, it's later in the evening, that's fine. What was NOT fine, was after we moved over to the shuffleboard area, a patron at the bar - who we assumed was related to/there for one of the bartenders if NOT an off-duty employee shouted pretty loud about it being last call at 11:30. Okay, again, fine....until she did it another 3 times over the next ten minutes, staring pretty pointedly at our group, two of whom were waiting on the waitress to return our cards after tabbing our. We are all in our 30s/40s and are anything but rowdy, and were sipping on beer the whole time we were there/not exactly the type of people you need to kick out of a bar. This place is not a large area, she was ridiculously loud, and frankly, it was beyond obnoxious. The service, location AND food are not good enough here to entice a return trip read more

My former wife and a good friend of ours were all Irish pub fans and Rare Olde Times never disappointed. Great Guinness on tap, friendly service a good food. Entertainment always on point. Moved away from VA in 2007 and wondered what happened to this place. So glad to read that it sounds like the same great place. Current reviewers echo our experiences back in the 90s and early 2000s We used to take the day off for St Patrick's Day and spend it there. They were OK with us bringing our own food since we were vegetarians read more

We walked into this bar just looking for some fish and chips and something cold but they had a full soccer game on a huge scrim and you could tell there were regulars in attendance. The food was amazing. So good we went back to see what their breakfast was like and it's now our Sunday morning brunch. A staple in our routine. Try a "Mean Mary" (Spicy Bloody Mary) and ask for a shot of Guinness in it. It will rock your world. This place is old school Irish and has the best full Irish breakfast I've seen stateside in a very very long time. read more

Old school Irish bar with incredible corned beef. Great atmosphere nothing fancy but very warm and friendly. Great staff a rare find. Unbelievable selection of distilled spirits including 25 different Irish Whiskeys. About to embark on white chocolate banana pudding. read more

Awesome Place,Excellent Food and Great Service!!! The Fish and Chips are the best around!! Definitely be going back!! Love the atmosphere and decor!!! read more

I always enjoy going there. I use to work across the street from them and during that time for a period they were open for lunch. I miss going there for lunch because the stopped being open for lunch a while ago. I love there being a place in RVA there reminds me of and makes me proud of my Irish roots. read more

This bar is a fun place to catch a soccer match and enjoy a pint. There is plenty of parking and the staff is inviting. They also have a few dartboards for entertainment. They have a full bar and a nice selection of beer. The food here is excellent as well. I really enjoy the Corned Beef Hash and Bangers and Mash. If you're in the area, it's worth stopping by. read more

This was my first visit to Rare Old Times but I thoroughly enjoyed it! I've been looking for a local place, that has a friendly vibe, good food and also provides live music, and I think I found it. On this visit, we were pretty hungry so decided to start with an appetizer. We chose the delicious sausage rolls and loved them! They were flaky and flavorful, while not being too filling to throw off my appetite. I'd definitely order these again. The rest of the menu looked so tasty it was hard to decide, but I went with the drunken pig. Just the name alone got me excited, but the sandwich lived up to my hopes. Anything pork-related and marinated in Guiness has to be good, and it was! Besides the unique sandwiches, they also have some classic pub food like bangers & mash, shepherd's pie, corned beef & cabbage, and, of course, fish & chips. The beer was a high quality and broad selection including a cold Guiness for me. My friend had one of the micro-brews and also enjoyed it. By the time we finished eating, the band had finished tuning up and played a great set of soulsy blues. The audience loved it! I can see Rare Old Times as a great place to become a regular. All the staff was friendly and helpful, without that "it's not my table" attitude. Anyone who wandered by with a water pitcher filled up our glasses and offered to clear our plates. And, of course, always with a smile. I know I'll be returning soon! read more

Rare Olde Times - Tonight's band with a good bluesy sound... Mike Lucci Band - Irish Near Me - Henrico, Virginia

See all

My husband and I ate at Rare Old Times last night for thelast time. We ordered the large salad and it was a joke. A 12" bowl of mixed greens, two not ripe tomato wedges, 4 slices of cucumber, 4 pieces of onion and several slivers of carrots on top. This for a cost of $9.25 and we had to ask for crackers. Then we had the main course, my husband had sheppards pie that he enjoyed and I had corned beef and cabbage. We asked for rolls and do not have bread. The cabbage was cold, the corned beef was thick and hard to cut and the potatoes were luke warm. Not good. If our waitress had been attentive I would have asked it to be heated up. I did not eat much. Then we ordered their speciality, bread pudding with a whiskey sauce, could not taste any whiskey. Not a good night and will never go back. read more

This place is absolutely disgusting. I would love to throw the 1 star bash at it HOWEVER the service was amazing. The Irish blonde woman who waited on us was as pleasant and fun as could be, but sadly she couldn't save the food. I had the burger and without hesitation can tell you its the worst burger I've ever had. I'm not sure if it was frozen, or fresh, but still somehow rotten, but somehow so off putting it was purple, I'm not even sure what to say. Additionally the fries were burnt, flies covered the table, kitchen forgot to make one of my appetizers before my entree, and mash potatoes were gummy. I get the whole stereotype that pubs have bad food... but this is ridiculous. read more

This dive is in a strip mall I have never ever thought of going to ever. It's cute, they have a stage for bands and it kind of looks like a cowboy saloon. Cheap beer!!!!! Cheap food!!! I was majorly ballin on a budget on this day or else I wouldn't of gotten chicken tenders. People can mess up chicken tenders though and these were on point so I respect that! My friend had a bbq sandwich, it was HUGE. I'd defiantly love to come back here and try something else for sure. read more

Irish pub run by actual Irish people on the West End. I spent a lot of time escaping from the artsy hipster / ultrapreppy dual nature of downtown Richmond. I'd rather drink, play darts, and sing along with the band at a dive bar. Oh, and they have a shuffleboard table, too. Met lots of interesting people and generally had a blast here. The staff is great, the place is small and very comfortable----this was a favorite low-key hideaway bar for me in Richmond. St. Patty's Day is always nuts, though, just a warning! read more

I was in Richmond on a business trip and found Rare Olde Times. We were very excited after looking at the menu, and ordered Scotch Eggs and Sausage Rolls. The scotch eggs came out cold and covered in mustard, cold is not bad(great quick breakfast from M&S) would have been better with the mustard on the side. The sausage rolls were just ok. The main courses were the fish and chips, and bangers and mash. The bangers were good, gravy and potatoes were ok, the peas and carrots were cold. The fish and chips were disappointing, a piece of previously frozen cafeteria fish and a handful of greasy chips that were just rubbish. Not what I expected, not a good experience. read more

Good Irish pub for some good food, wonderful drink selection and the events the bar hosts from time to time. read more

Rare Olde Times - Irish Near Me - Henrico, Virginia

Stopped in to try a new bar. Great service and amazing food! Feels like you're in a real Irish pub. Very clean and temperate! Definitely would come again read more

Old staple, good food and drinks, live music and friendly staff. The lamb sandwich was a little dry last week though and so was the pork sandwich. Maybe it was just too late in the evening for the kitchen. If the wall was taken out or opened into a half wall then the whole place could see the band. Or there could be a dance floor on that side. Solid place, always fun! read more

Rare Olde Times is a great, authentic Irish neighborhood pub. The food is consistently good and the craic (beer) is grand! The staff is light-hearted, welcoming & friendly. If you're visiting the otherwise lame west end of Richmond (or even close), make the trip to Rare Olde Times & order up a pint. Delicious comfort food & good cheer for all. I'm proud to call Rare Olde Times MY PUB! read more

Went to Rare Olde Times with a Groupon and it's located near my place. I instantly loved how big the place was once you stepped inside, very much a casual and friendly bar with plenty of regulars. My husband and I sat down and our waitress was attentive with getting us a hard cider and beer. We ordered the shepard's pie and corned beef with cabbage, two Irish staples. They were a great portion size and decent flavor. The bread pudding though saved the meal for me, it was delicious and moist and full of great flavor. I'd really only recommend this place for the beer and the atmosphere more than the food. I plan to come back for drinks soon! read more

Their new menu has lots of yummy food. But the portions are really small and pretty expensive. I like the atmosphere but you may want to eat elsewhere to avoid a huge tab. read more

Stopped in to watch games and burger. Excellent food and service. Clean. Homemade cheesecake. And Uva won

I have lived in the area of Rare Old Times for years and driven my wondering what it was like. Finally took the plunge and now I regret the time I have list not going here sooner! Live music, good food, and a wide range of beers. A great place to go with your family or friends. Since that first time, I've been back several times and enjoyed each visit. Been for just the music and for Trivia Night. Each time, the crowd is good and well behaved. Just out for some fun. The environment is a bit dated, but it is clean and inviting. Gives you that warm, pub feeling which keeps me coming back. Enjoy! read more

My Wife, good friend, and I had a great time at the 20th Anniversary. I haven't been there since it first opened after Loose Ties closed and they were still smoking in bars. I really enjoyed the smoke free atmosphere. I will definately go back soon. The food was delicious and the Wait Staff was awesome! read more

Rare Olde Times was good as expected. Its a cozy pub with good live music and we appreciate the Andy's burger and Dublin burger. Staff was nice and ready. read more

If you want an old Irish pub feel this is the place. Not sure who was performing on New Years eve but they were good. The food in another story. My wife got the beef tips, mash potatoes, and peas. For 25 dollars she got maybe 5 beef tips on top a mound of potatoes. I got the bangers and mash. The bangers, for sausage were flavorless and my mash like my wife's tasted like instant potatoes and horrible. The mixed peas and carrots seemed like the were made from frozen and not fresh at all. Sixty dollars later we came home to eat something else. If you want cold beer or good Irish whiskey yes. Stay away from the food read more

Love this place. Great Irish fare. Tasty and hot. Guinness on tap. Owners and servers really friendly. Good price, too. Every night has a theme - Sunday is Irish Jam Session, Monday is Open Mic, Tuesday and Wednesday are music trivia, Thursday-Saturday are live music nights. read more

See all

Great shepherd's pie and the staff is very warm and welcoming. Had lots of fun playing darts and shuffleboard! The menu is authentic Irish. read more

Rare Olde Times - Both Sides playing on Saturday night...what fun! - Irish Near Me - Henrico, Virginia

The BEST Guinness and Irish coffees, in-or-around the Richmond area. The food and appetizers are always excellent, and the staff is incredibly friendly. One of the only AUTHENTIC Irish Pubs around. read more

Great food. Had the sampler platter because we wanted the scottish egg. Loved everything on it. Had bangers and mash and my friend had the corned beef and cabbage. They allowed me to substitute fried cabbage for the peas and carrots. Very nice staff. Excellent food. Ambiance was so so. read more

If you've ever been overseas in a pub, you'll feel right at home here! This place is the real deal. Fantastic food! Great music and fun! Lots and lots of regulars in here. My mother was Scottish and Rare Old Times stole her heart Go. Tonight! You'll become a regular, too. read more

This place impresses me as the Cheers of west Richmond. It seemed like everyone knew everyone else in there - and even though our party of 4 were not regulars, we were treated like one of the crowd. The food was pretty good - I had the bangers n mash, my wife had the fish n chips and our friends both had the shepherds pie. Everyone washed it down with a few of the local beers, but if you want something from the island they have Harp and Guinness on tap as well. Live acoustic music started at 8pm so we stuck around for the first set. Overall, a good experience. read more

Wonderful Paddys Day celebration at Rare Old Times! Great music, food samplings and of course Belhaven and Smithwicks.....well Guinness to. Bar staff top notch all afternoon long. Will return for more traditional experience. Chef Matt wonderful job! read more

Today was my boyfriend and I decided to try out rare olde times since it is right by our house and we will def be back. The food was so good, try the Reuben!! And they also had awesome drink deals. Very cool decor. read more