I have been to several Irish Pubs, And Rare Olde Times outshines them all. For starters, they are located in a hidden strip mall on Patterson Ave. There is available parking near the Pub. Don't let the bland and boring facade fool you. Because once you walked through those doors to enter, you are transported to another place and time....back in Ireland. The first thing that caught my eye was the fully stocked bar. Second was the decorations around the place that screams Irish. We were greeted enthusiastically by the server who seated our large group on one long table facing the Wimbledon match going on then on their projection screen. The indoor lighting is a little subdued, several tables scattered around the dining area, a stage in the corner for live entertainment, and the projection screen for major sporting events going on. It took a little while for our food to arrive, but it was worth the wait. The Reuben Sandwich was piled high with Corned Beef, it will be an effort for someone who can get the first bite in. The Mean Veggie Sandwich containing a giant portabella mushroom cap grilled and topped with vegetables was satisfying and delicious. The Irish Breakfast is a plateful of hash browns, sausages, eggs beans, toast and mushrooms, you already had your fill for the day ahead. The Smoked Salmon is a lighter selection for brunch, wherein the smoked salmon complemented with the mixed greens, capers and brown bread. All the dessert selections we had were all equally delicious as well. I was fully satisfied and happy with the experience we had at Rare Olde Times. I hope you all come out and find out for yourselves..... read more

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Great Reuben and a perfectly pouted Guiness. Service was fast and friendly. 5 stars.

Hands down the best bar in Richmond from my experience there. Lived around the corner one year and spent many a Thursday night reveling with Uisce Beatha into the wee hours. Oh, and shuffleboard too! Socialllllllllllll!!!!!!!!!!! read more

Only been here once, but I definitely intend to come back. Very warm and welcoming people. I came on a Friday night to get out of the house and to hear a live band, but unfortunately had to leave before they set up. Truthfully, I'd come back just to hear the owner/manager(?, blonde lady) speak all night with her Irish accent. read more

Love this place! Thursday nights with Uisce Beatha... Just doesn't get any better

I visited Rare Olde Times years and years ago once, and was instantly not a fan. So when a Groupon showed up, I hesitantly thought maybe I should give it another go. It's a greet your neighbor, hang out by the front stoop kind of atmosphere. And to be sure, when we pulled up, there were 2 or 3 guys sitting on a bench out front. So the inside decor is a bit dark - wood type of thing but it just plain feels right. There's nothing pretentious about the place or the atmosphere. We were there for an early dinner and sometime before we left, one by one, guys starting showing up with guitar cases so I guess it must have been some sort of open mike night. Some other time, but not tonight. So GD had a grilled cheese with bacon - and they outdid themselves with the amount of bacon. Now just a little more cheese and she would have been in heart attack flavor heaven! I had the Rueben and unlike the photo, mine was not a double decker but who needs the extra bread. The corned beef was fabulous - just loved it. Everything about the flavors were perfect. And if you want REAL fries, get some of these and throw the malt vinegar on. GD had the brownie a la mode and was done before I could get half of the whiskey bread pudding eaten. I have another meal for myself at home! The bread pudding was moist but firm, plenty of raisins, cinnamon and just not enough whiskey sauce! My Sprite turned out to be carbonated water, but I was ready to leave then so didn't bother to mention it. It seems to attract an older crowd or maybe that was just the time/day of the week affecting the clientele. Nice excursion and we enjoyed the meal. Waitress was very attentive as well - kudos on the service! read more

Serve great food accompanied by a great atmosphere. I've tried and liked all of their sandwiches which come with some of the best fries around. Always get a few of their low priced PBRs with my dinner! read more

A coworker and friend of mine recommended Rare Olde Times as a good place to take another team member who was in town last week as we were looking for a good Authentic Irish pub. It's pretty easy to get to, right on Patterson Ave, so we were all able to meet here no problem. Walking in the door, it's a dimly lit place, and got this pub feel to it, with folks' hanging out at the bar, and a big grungy, but not in a bad way. One of the downsides for our visit, and probably why I'm hesitant to give them ore than 3 stars is that we were there on one of their event nights, and even though the event wasn't starting for a couple of hours, they were still unable (or unwilling) to pull some tables together for our group, so we ended up sort of standing around over by their tabletop shuffleboard table and using a couple of booths to put our food on, not quite the best atmosphere to sit back and relax in. I went with the Bangers and Mash for my dinner, and my wife the Fish and Chips; we found both of them to be good, but nothing what I'd consider a showstopper. The flavors were all there, and I really liked the bangers, however my wife felt that by the time her fish had gotten to us, it wasn't as crispy as it could have been, and that didn't help the oily mouth feel on some bites. Both of our meals were slightly cool when they were brought out to us, and I'm not at all a fan of cold (by the time I got to eating them) peas and carrots as my vegetables. One high point is that they have Harp on draft, which was nice. Our waitress was also very attentive and took care of us, so they get kudos for the staff as well. I'm not one to let one decent but not stellar night spoil the fun, so definitely willing to come back and give them another shot when the opportunity presents itself read more

This place was great. Everyone was really friendly! I am visiting from LA and stopped by for some bar Trivia (wednesday nights). Yvonne was the best, she paired me up with a team of fun people and fun times were had by all. Thanks for the shots guys! read more

Rare Olde Times is my second attempt at fish and chips in Richmond and it appears that I need to continue my search. It wasn't bad, but it was americanized. My wife got the burger and that's what I'm getting next time. We were only there for dinner, but we want to go back when there is entertainment. read more

Stopped by for dinner tonight. I shared Reuben egg roll with my husband. It was greasy on the outside, like it had not been drained on paper towels, but it was sooo good. I had the lamb stew for dinner and it tasted like beef stew. I know what lamb is supposed to taste like. The waitress went back in the kitchen to ask and she came back to say yeah its lamb stew. So either the cook doesn't know what lamb looks like and bought beef by mistake or they bought beef and are passing it off as lamb. While the stew was quite hearty and delicious, it was not lamb stew My husband had the Shepherds pie many times at other Irish Pubs and he said it was good but was watery and not up to par with the Shepherds Pie he's had before. The Irish soda bread that was served on the side was quite dry, crumbly and lacked taste. Irish soda bread is supposed to be a hearty quick bread, but flavorful. For dessert I had bread pudding. It was not at all what I was expecting. I grew up in the South and KNOW what bread pudding is supposed to look like and taste like. It was quite dry and tasted like the soda bread was used to make the bread pudding. My husband had the Kahlua cheese cake and said it was quite good. read more

I was there today for the singers and dancers sponsored by Wild West Irish tours. It was a good show and the beer food and people were amazing. Will def be back read more

The best Ruben Sandwich that you will ever have!!! The staff is very pleasant and always welcome everyone with a smile. The music is authentic and very enjoyable. read more

The most authentic Irish pub in Richmond, the friendly staff is top notch. The traditional ambience is inviting and comfortable. The prices are good and they have a large selection of beer on tap including Guinness and Smithwicks. Tuesday music trivia is also a lot of fun. read more

Just moved to Richmond recently and found this place close to home. Such a wonderful and welcoming staff! Absolutely loved the atmosphere and the food was great! (We got the fish and chips!). With the great food and great hospitality we will definitely be returning! Thank you again! read more

Visited here while on a quick vacation with some extended family. Great atmosphere and our bartender/waiter was super funny and nice! Our food was way better than Irish fare we've tried before and the drinks were delicious and exactly what we were looking for. 10/10 would visit again! read more

Casual, good food, fun environment! Went for a late dinner on Friday night. We were pleased to be able to listen to live music while we enjoyed our dinner. We had the cheddar bbq burger and the big fella sandwich. Both were very good and came with fries. The staff were very nice and knowledgeable. We enjoyed some Irish whiskey after our food and even a drink called an Irish breakfast. read more

Lots of fun, good food and surprisingly good entertainment most weekends. We hit Rare Old Times about once a month. Love it!

Great food and great music every time! The service is always spot on. I wish they had a wider draft beer selection ....

I'm glad I found this little hole in the wall. It's so unassuming from the outside.

Great vibe, awesome fish and chips and a full Irish breakfast. The white and black puddings were delicious and something different.

A good pub should have great beer, tasty food, friendly service and also include an enjoyable entertainer now and then. Rare Olde Times covers it. Three gals enjoyed Reuben egg rolls and Irish crisp nachos for appetizers--terrific! When everyone arrived we ordered the parmesan french fries and they were a tasty upgrade from the usual ff. The Harp beer was just right, and the wine choices were the favorites of our crew. For entrees we had bangers and mash, corned beef and cabbage, codwich and a Kerry blue burger. Everyone enjoyed their Irish touch dinner and took part home for the next day. Having been in waitstaff shoes, I have to say that the service was outstanding. We went also for the performer who sings traditional Irish songs and plays at least 4 instruments. Matthew O'Donnell has an excellent voice and plays the steel guitar, accordion, the bodhran (Irish drum) and a strong Irish fiddle. His energy is unreal, and he invites the audience to take part in the music with him (don't worry--you don't have to be on key). The skill of this musician is such that we wished he was there on a night when more folks attend; on Sunday night many of us are preparing for our Monday morning work schedule. His music choice and delivery are just what we were seeking, but would like to return on a Friday or Saturday to enjoy his entertainment. read more

Just got back from their St. Patty's Day celebration and it was FUN. Good times, convivial group of people, food was ok (not great but filling, please not it was a special buffet not their usual menu). This place has a good feel. Can't wait to go back. read more

A really nice place to relax and enjoy reasonable portions of food. With live music !!!!!:-)

Food is actually really good here, however we've been in several times and can't get over the rude waitress. It's always the same one. She acts like she hates her job, and that the customers are a nuisance. Beer could be a bit colder, but the food is the best thing, so we tolerate the others. read more

Went for our second visit. Food, bad. Fish and chips, fish fried to death hard greasy and cold. Chips, limp but plentiful. Peas and carrots obviously canned, boiled into surrender and served cold. Crab cakes, ordered by my companion, dry without taste. "Music" loud, not Irish. Dessert apple cake with ice cream good. No plan to return. read more

We love this place! Awesome food (the Big Fella is our favorite!) good music, cozy atmosphere and fun friendly people. Can't beat it!

Every time I come to Richmond to visit, I must come here. The atmosphere. The service. The music. The food. All top notch. Have seen it go through some changes over the past decade but still feel very welcomed every time I visit. read more

I am admittedly biased because I occasionally perform at Rare Olde Times, but I adore this place. Solid food, great ambiance and regular live music, a rarity in the West End. read more

Easily the best Irish pub I've ever been to, and certainly my favorite in the greater Richmond area. The atmosphere is perfect, from the staff to the live music to the aesthetic; I first stepped foot in what my friends and I simply refer to as "the pub" about two years ago, and every time I return it just feels like coming home. There's always something going on, from open mics to trivia to live Irish music... and I haven't even gotten to the food! My goodness, the FOOD. Best shepherd's pie I ever had, and I would recommend the Big Fella to anyone and everyone. Great drinks, and a wonderful selection of Irish and Scottish beers that aren't always easy to find in Richmond. Short version: I will always remember Richmond in the Rare Olde Times. read more

Anybody who doesn't appreciate the charm of Rare Olde Times doesn't understand what an Irish pub is all about. If you're looking for high-gloss paint, Restoration Hardware fixtures and trendy gastropub finger food, allow me to direct you to the suburban utopia known as Short Pump. Leave Rare Olde Times to those of us who know why we frequent the place. The pub food is authentic and tasty, the staff are friendly, helpful and packed with character and the crowd is always in good spirits. I've been here a number of times now and, so far, I have zero complaints. R.O.T. is as close to the Irish pubs of New York City as I've found here in Virginia. The food, the people, the beer and the whiskey are as good as you might hope for from a true public house. I'm not going to go so far as to claim it's straight out of County Cork, but for my money you can't go wrong with a night of pints and the Irish Dip sandwich down at Rare Olde Times. They know how to do it up right. Slàinte! read more

We came here for Sunday brunch. We ordered the "steak and egg" as well as "drunken pig." The steak was a good portion for the price. It's not the fatty and greasy steak that some people associate with higher end steak. It's lean but tasty, done medium rare, just the way I like it. The ambiance was nice. There were people playing music. The waitress was also very attentive. Definitely highly recommend!! read more

this place is horrible. went here because we got a groupon and decided we finally needed to use it. upon walking in I was really taken aback- not the place I was expecting at all. the first turn off was the horrible loud music, which was then switched to horrible live and loud music. ordered our food and it took like 30 minutes for it to come out and it was WRONG. boyfriend got his dish, had to send my back. finally got my food which wasn't all that bad but the worse part comes when they bring out Kroger brand ketchup. I have NEVER seen a place do that..really you can splurge and get heniz or hunts? so we ask for the check and once again they have messed up- over charge us for the dish we didn't ask for. when we ask the waitress to fix it she goes ohhh I already ran your card...and looks at us like we're crazy for wanting it fixed. she finally fixes it and we leave. I will be happy to never see this place again. bad service, bad environment, and okay food. although I will give them points for giving us a free dessert which was actually really good! read more

I had a good olde time at Rare Olde Times. I recommend the fish and chips. Nice service and good selection of menu items. Some days they have live music too. I've been there a few times now and it's always enjoyable. Prices are on the affordable side. read more

Delish been here a couple times now and have tried quite a few dishes and loved them all. I've had the Irish dip which is basically a French dip made with corned beef instead and it was wonderful on a yummy chewy soft grinder roll. The soup of the day Guiness Onion Soup was very good, the shepards pie - hearty and delicious, steak and cheese - one of the best steak and cheese sandwiches I've had in a long time, no steak umms found here! Special of the day andys burger - omg!! So good if you see this get it, even if its not the special they can usually make it, It's basically a burger without the bun add mushrooms mashed potatos gravy and peas, the burger is so huge it almost looks like a big chunk of steak. If the burger and sheperds pie had a baby it would be this dish and you couldn't help but love this hearty meaty baby drenched in gravy. Bangers & mash - good, yes I'm working my way through the menu, fries are fantastic and there is something about the ranch dressing that makes me want to dip everything in it!! A couple of times there has been a band playing and each one I've seen has been quite good. The last time was an Irish band that was absolutely great. They also have music trivia and general trivia nights. Service can be lacking at times however they all pitch in and help eachother out usually. read more

I thought it was excellent. The waitress and chef were from Ireland, so it can't get more authentic than that. My only complaint is the location. It's not the nicest corner of town and seems a bit secluded. I think with the amazing food along with the complete lack of competition, they would do well anywhere. Overall, two thumbs up, will return read more

Disappointed that they did away with the Karaoke on Sundays. Never advertised for the DJ (NOT ONCE) on the board or online, and expected him to bring in his regulars. That's not how a good business works. There are a lot of singers in the Richmond area, Some advertising would have brought them in. That's what businesses are supposed to do when they provide public entertainment. Now that the weather is finally warming up, I am positive the DJ would have had more positive results. read more

I think you have to have an open mind to try this place. Don't be scared off by its rough exterior and enjoy it for what it is. The staff was some of the friendliest I've ever encountered. The Bartender answered any and all questions we had. The food was wonderful. The beer selection was expansive. They also have shuffle board and darts probably the best bar games. They also have live music from the looks of it. We will definitely be returning. read more

Friendly staff and great food! We especially like the fish and chips, shepherd's pie, and mussels. And the onion rings are the best ever!

This is a really fun place for the whole family. My wife and I have been coming here for years. First as a dating couple, then married, and finally married with children. It's a great place to get together with friends to throw some darts, play shuffle board, and listen to live music. The food is tasty and the prices are good. It has a "hole in the wall" atmosphere but its not nasty or dirty. Its a down to earth place where almost anyone will feel at home. read more