Housed in a former Richmond train depot, Buskey Cider blends tradition with bold, modern flavors. Their dry-hopped cider offers a crisp, floral twist, while their tart seasonal releases keep cider lovers coming back for more. The airy taproom, with its industrial charm, is the perfect spot to sip and ponder whether the ghosts of old railway workers still linger nearby. Buskey Cider, owned and operated by a married couple, was established as a result of dissatisfaction with the available cider. Try a different cider flavor. Since the cidery plans to offer a new one every other week, there are many options available.

Step into Strangeways Brewing, and you’ll find a wonderland of eccentric flavors and funky fermentation. Known for their wild ales and experimental brews, this brewery thrives on the unusual—try the Wake Me Up Before You Gose for a tart, citrusy kick. With walls covered in oddities and a vibe straight out of a mad scientist’s lab, this is Richmond’s go-to spot for the weird and wonderful. The owner of this brewery, who founded it in 2013, scoured the globe for outstanding brews. The rotating selection of more than 36 beers on tap here, which you can try at your convenience, reflects what he discovered.

Once a humble garage brewery, Ardent Craft Ales now crafts some of Richmond’s most beloved beers, blending Old World brewing techniques with modern innovation. Their flagship Honey Ginger ale offers a refreshing balance of spice and sweetness, while their IPAs pack a citrusy punch. The beer garden, nestled in historic Scott’s Addition, invites you to slow down, sip, and soak in the stories of Richmond’s past.

Richmond’s first meadery, Black Heath, resurrects the ancient art of honey-based fermentation with a modern twist. Their award-winning Scarlett Cyser, a blend of Virginia apples and local honey, is a must-try for both cider and mead lovers alike. With a tasting room that feels like a medieval apothecary, this spot offers a taste of history in every golden glass. This meadery brings an antiquated alcoholic beverage into the modern era. Try one of their meads, which are brewed with ingredients found in Virginia.

Set in a beautifully restored 19th-century stables, Blue Bee Cider brings a deep respect for Virginia’s apple-growing heritage. Their Hewe’s Crab cider, made from a nearly lost colonial-era apple, delivers a sharp, complex flavor with a hint of oak. Whether you’re sipping in the cozy courtyard or exploring their barrel-aging cellar, this cidery offers a delicious glimpse into Richmond’s past and future. This location, which takes its name from a native Virginia bee, combines old and new methods to make some of the best hard cider available. Try one of their distinctive flavors, which go far beyond hard apple cider.