Firstly, the stars are for the food. I recently came here for a show ( which was great) the service was chill and prompt, the staff was nice, the drinks were cold and not watered down. But the food was very bland....I don't have high expectation for bar food but...have you ever bitten into something that literally barely tasted like anything at all? yeah that was my na'an pizza...the presentation was fine, everything seemed/looked freshly made there just wasn't any seasoning on anything, the chicken (I had the bacon ranch pizza) tasted like it was frozen and thawed (that watery nothingness taste). The cheese fries were a pinch better but not much. Would I come here again? absolutely, would I order food here again?...maybe...it could've been an off night ( it was a sunday evening) who knows....just wasn't digging the lack of flavor. read more

I've been here a few times. The first few times were a five, the last time was a two so I compromise and give it a four. They have some really great bands and they play the music at an entirely reasonable level. I've actually never heard a band I didn't like here. The food is also pretty damn decent. The fried artichoke is freaking amazing. You'll LOVE the beer flights if you're a beer person. Lots of vegetarian food options, pretty creative flavors. It's kinda a pub but the food is nicer than your standard pub and the atmosphere is a little classier than a typical pub. Speaking of which, it's really nicely decorated. The decor really goes with the bluegrass and brass band kind of bands they have here. The last time I was in here it was absolutely SLAMMED. We had made reservations for the rehearsal dinner for our wedding. It was so busy that we feared our reservation was lost. We had a bit of a time tracking down a host who knew about our reservation but we finally did and we were seated at a long table in the side hallway. Since it was so busy it was understandable that the service would be a little slow. It took 10 or 15 minutes before someone took our orders, then probably the same amount of time before we got drinks. People who got beer flights waited up to 20 for theirs. By the time the server arrived with our food (about another 40 minutes) we'd finished all our beers. I ordered the hummus wrap but the server misheard and got me the hummus platter. She zipped away before I could mention it and because I knew it'd take forever for her to come back or get me the right food I just ate it. It was another 20 minutes before we got the second round of beers and, despite asking for it multiple times, it took me over an hour after that to get my check. The next morning I had some pretty gnarly gastrointestinal distress (on my wedding day! Aieee!) and it's been mentioned that I possibly had food poisoning. I think perhaps it was a combination of nerves and the hummus not sitting so great in my stomach. I've never had bad food there and the ingredients have always seemed reasonably fresh, but it's worth noting. I'm totally going to go back and I'd recommend it to others, but if you show up and it's busy, you might want to turn around and come back another time. read more

The fried Mac n Cheese is sooo delicious! Laid back bar vibe with great service. Stopped in here otw to getting a tattoo next door at All For One. read more

Small in the cut kind of restaurant looks dull from the outside and also the inside but don't let that fool you with the food. Their Bacon burger was excellent my gf had the Harvarti Mac although she says the seasoning was relatively light it was a great dish with a piece of bread! I'd recommend read more

The Camel - Bacon cheeseburger, Havarti Mac - Music Venues Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

Came down to see Amigo the Devil (5/14) and had a good time. The staff was courteous and prompt, the food and drinks were good, the audio system wasn't bad; and I'd definitely come back. It is a small intimate setting that plays well to the performers. read more

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Three amazing facts about the camel. 1. Camels are social animals who roam the deserts in search of food and water with up to 30 other individuals. (The Camel is full of friendly patrons) 2. The amount of water a camel drinks on a day-to-day basis can vary greatly, as they drink to replace only the fluid they've lost. A thirsty camel can drink up to 135 liters in one sitting. (The Camel has a wide variety of beer on tap) 3. Camels are mostly famous for their humps. Most people believe that humps store water, but they actually store fat, which animal uses as a source of energy when other food sources are not available. (there is no other food source in Richmond, try the sausage stars. and chicken & waffles) read more

Awesome live music spot. I've only been here for drinks and a show so I can't comment on the food, please note this review is purely on The Camel as a music venue. The building is split (roughly) in two with a small space housing a bar and seating and a larger space housing a stage, more seating/standing room, a great sound system and ample room to dance or just jive out to the music. The two are connected by a large divider and hallways so even if you're in the bar you can enjoy the music. The spot has a dive-bar-type charm, an inviting and warm atmosphere yet the stage and equipment packs the punch of a serious music venue (it's not just some speakers from some kids' parents house), enough that you can really enjoy the bands' sound. A nice beer section round out The Camel to make it a really great spot to enjoy some music. Reminds me of bar/concert venues in bigger music cities like Austin and makes me feel like it's the best place in Richmond to catch a show. Try and see an act you know or discover a new favorite. If you ever see Richmond band Griff's Room Band playing, check them out! I saw them last night and they played a great show and their openers were equally awesome, made for a really fun night! read more

Since my initial review, I've returned to The Camel numerous times. Usually for concerts, sometimes for drinks and/or dinner. They consistently have one of the best craft beer selections of any bar I got to (mostly local stuff, but a few from farther away as well); they have at least 20 taps (conservative estimate) at any given time. Several of the bartenders I've interacted with there have been very helpful and friendly. The food is great (kitchen is open all night!), and they bring in some good shows. Another thing I enjoy about their bar is that, unlike many places that double as frequent music venues, they serve all their drinks in actual glasses (I'm picky about what I drink out of sometimes; so I'm less likely to buy a drink at a place like Broadberry that only uses plastic cups). The Camel is divided into two rooms. One with the bar and the other with the stage (with a large opening between them so you can see the stage from one end of the bar). There are a few booths near the bar, and several in the room with the stage. They have live music every night, and there may or may not be a cover. All in all, The Camel is my favorite bar I've found anywhere, and one of my favorite venues. read more

One of my favorite meeting places, bars, and venues in the city. I love the layout of The Camel with one side for the bar, food, and socializing and the other devoted to the stage and the music while doubling as an art gallery. Too many delicious menu items to name but the Chicken Pesto panini w. sweet potato fries always does the trick. I love their veggie options and beer choices as well. If you haven't been yet, definitely go eat before one of their great shows almost nightly. read more

Went here for a "Science Pub" gathering where a local scientist talks about research to a crowd, loved the small neighborhood bar vibe. Attentive staff, but they were a bit overwhelmed by the crowd that night and food came pretty late. The couple next to me had it arrive at the end of the event, but the waiter comped them, so that was good. Easy to find, parking not too bad for W. Broad Street. read more

I love this place. The food is so good. My favorite is the roasted garlic chicken melt with sweet potato fries on the side. I also love their burger called "The Hump!" Always perfectly made. The bartenders are the best. Collin, Georgia, & Ally, I adore y'all! read more

I had my husband's 50th birthday party at The Camel and it was absolutely perfect! My friends can't stop telling us how much fun they had. We had a private party from 6-730 then it opened to the public for an incredible night with the band Suggesting Rhythm. Georgia organized everything, the food Xavier made was delicious, and Tina and Taylor kept the drinks flowing. Suggesting Rhythm jammed the night away! So much fun! SR plays there once a month. Check them out! read more

Stopped in for dinner before going to see American Idiot[GREAT SHOW BTW] at Firehouse Theater. Food,service and drinks were awesome! We will be back! read more

I liked this place and found it be incredibly fun! Music was great and staff are super friendly! I found it to be mixed aged with older at bar and younger on live music side. Awesome beer selections and staff will help you worth selection. Go and have. A great time! read more

The Camel - Band playing? - Music Venues Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

I drove down here from DC to see William Elliott Whitmore play, and grabbed some fries at the bar while I was there. The great: Nice selection of beer, great space for a show, good sound. William Elliott Whitmore himself was great. The good: The food was standard bar fair, but pretty good for a bar/concert space. I had sweet potato fries that were far better than I would have gotten in DC at a similar place. The Bad: The second of the two opening bands went on well over an hour longer than they were supposed to (I could see the times taped up behind them). Not only were they nervous and horrible, but they just kept playing, even acknowledging that they were over their time limit and pushing through to finish "their" set. The club should have just yanked them, but they seemed to be friends with the guy running the sound board. It meant that the main show started super late, went super late, and probably shortened the headliner's set as well. And for that they get docked a star. read more

Excellent, excellent, excellent. This was my first time in Richmond and while I don't have much to compare it to other places in the area, I DO have Norfolk to compare it to (where I live) and holy crap this place is through the roof more awesome than any spot in Norfolk (sorry Norfolkers). Awesome bartenders (cute too), excellent beer selection (I'm kind of a beer snob and they were kind enough to give me a few samples), AMAZING music, very cozy atmosphere, decent food. I would highly recommend this place if you consider yourself a music aficionado because the bands playing here on this night were of extremely high quality. If you're looking to party, this might not be your spot, at least on the night we went it was a bit more mellow. read more

Restaurant/Food Review: Stopped in for a quick dinner at happy hour to use an about-to-expire Groupon. Boyfriend forgot his ID and didn't get served; understandable, but a let down. We shared mozzeralla sticks as an app - straight from the freezer but tasty, unfortunately marinara sauce was icy cold. Lamb panini and Chicken panini for dinner, sides of chips/salsa and a house salad with balsamic 'dressing' which was really just a drenching of vinegar. Sandwiches were on the bland side of fine. Interior was inexplicably smoky. My eyes stung. Took forever to get the check, but service was good otherwise. I'm sure this is a great place to see local bands and have a drink, but go somewhere else for dinner. read more

They have a great selection of beers and drinks. The fried artichokes are awesome. I loved the venue for the concert too. I loved seeing Erin, Janita, and Julia. Sound guy was great didn't sound blown out or anything. Parking was pretty good too. read more

It was so Great to order food at a music venue and just be Amazed, taken back at how fresh & well made everything was. This chef has so much heart and must love what he/she does because it just shows through in the items. Really Wonderful Food. Amazing show! Great Atmosphere. read more

Wow, I haven't reviewed the Camel yet...strange. The Camel is one of the best bars and locations for live music in the city. Their food is great and not even for bar food. Staff is always incredibly accommodating and the sound from the stage is quite possibly the best in the city. I've played here many times with various bands and the drink and food specials they give to band members is astounding. I'm always stoked whenever I get the chance to play here because I know I'll be leaving drunk and full, both in my stomach and in my wallet. Well done, Camel. Well done. read more

Best freaking night ever! Bluegrass band covering the big lebowski! The taps had beer dedicated to it! So cool. Anyway- fabulous nachos and beer. Our cook and waitress were sweet as hell. And the burgers were the best we have had. I had the one with the grilled onions and mushrooms and my husband had the bacon one. OMG! They were thick and incredible. The price was reasonable. The music was pleasant. Quick service and friendly. Perfect night! Yay! read more

The food...No. So much went wrong with the food, I don't know where to start. First off it took forever and a day to even get the food, we were at brunch. When we did get it, my sister's mac and cheese was barely edible. I did not know how she managed to eat it at all, I could not force it down my throat. She left most of it on the table as well. My crab cake eggs benefit was overcooked so much that I could not finish 1/4th of it, and before this time I've always finished my crab. The crab soup was ok, but it had sharp crab pieces that my sister and I both chocked on, in fact she said she almost threw up right then and there because a big piece of crab shell got in her throat. Overall it was a horrible, horrible waste of money on the food, and it won't happen again. read more

Ok, so this is supposed to be a music venue! We paid money to get into the place to enjoy the bands playing music that night. The customers sitting at the bar next to us were screaming to continue a conversation over the top of the music being played! Not once did the bartender ask them to keep their conversation down so that others could enjoy the bands. And yet, we were asked to not cheer for the bands after they finished a song because we were bothering some of the other customers. Excuse me, that is not a music venue! It is just a hole in the wall bar with an really bad, rude bartender! read more

Went here for a show. Prices are good. Show was good. The stage is kinda small but it's nice because you can stand right by it. The menu has nice selection of drinks from all around. I didnt order food but I saw a lot of people eating. It smelled pretty good. The restrooms were super disgusting!! I went in two different ones and they smelled like they haven't been cleaned in months! I scrubbed my hands so hard before I left. The bartenders were nice and attentive. Overall good time and I guess dirty restrooms is something I should expect going to a punk bar but it's still gross! read more

1ll, all mii'z needa sayyy is Th1s 1s HoTt.! Errbody here iss Tew frinndly lyke furreall. Th1sz isz da kewlesT pl4c3 on duh E4rtHh, ya dyggG it? 1 sure doo! So, dis is Dat cool place, 100% REAL TALK, NO f4k3 hata's.. it str8 repZz da 804 h4rda den ever b4. AAnnd dizz plaice D1dnt 3ven hhav3 a sep3rat3 w4ta fountAINn for uSz COLOR'D FolkkZz th4nkz to mii boii MArtInnN LuTha Kyng JuniorR. Thiz zS place IS Firee 200 perCINT. Str8 uPP, no TrikkiN, I 4inT lie-in to yhu, yhu's izz donE gettINNG duhh truth and NUTTIN' But duh truth. C-yah h0m13! read more

One of my friends called me up to ask if me and the hubby wanted to meet her and her bf for beers and banjos... I figured why not. I had no idea what to expect. The beer list is pretty good and the music was great. We all split the fried oysters, spinach pizza and fried artichokes. The fried food was amazing but the spinach pizza left something to be desired. After 8 pm, they start charging cover to see the next band. Normally if you get to a place before a certain time they wont charge you, however, at the Camel they will actually close off the bar area for non paying patrons so you feel almost like a second class citizen. It was the weirdest thing. I'll definetly go back to enjoy some brews and some live music. read more

I have never been here so when my friends invited me for live music and beer, i couldn't say no! The venue is small but there is outside seating and the live bands were awesome. It's defiently a great place to chillax with friends! read more

I ordered the fish and chips and the fish was completely terrible! Literally had to spit it out.

The Camel is a great venue to watch local bands play, get drinks, and the food is even pretty good! The times I have been, were to watch a friend perform, and they've turned out to be great nights! There's a big area to stand around to listen to the music and even dance. I like it too because if you aren't in the mood to be front and center watching the band, the bar is in a separate connecting room! My bf had a burger and fries which was actually really tasty compared to other venues whose food isn't so appetizing. I recommend even stopping in on their Wednesday Open Mic Night if you're looking for something to do! There's great talent that shows up and you may be surprised by what/who you come across! read more

great venue for live music, especially dance parties. also, they've just redone the bar, and it's really cool, and they've completely redone their menu. i always found the food to be subpar for how pricey it was, but i think they've definitely made up for it with their new menu. this place also has three or four bathrooms, which is never a bad thing! read more

My wife and I went to The Camel today for the first time and were very impressed by the menu and Chef's attention to detail. Everything from the appetizer to the desert was excellent and we will definitely be going back again soon. read more

This is the fairly new casual restaurant at Independence (completely public course no membership required). Great service

I have only been here for a few bands playing and I had a pretty good place to listen to music. Tons of space, tons of seating and there is a good amount of seats at the bar. Parking is not that great, so you may walk a bit. I have never had anything to eat here, but the drinks are pretty good. Overall, clean place - with the exception of the bathrooms!. Service is good at the bar. read more

Always a great place to hang out. The staff is great, music is usually great and the drinks and food are wonderful.

Wow. Despite the sketchy looking surrounding area, this place is a gem! The beer selection is great, but the burgers are unbelievably delicious! Best burger I've had in a while. read more

Came here for dinner on New Year's Eve. Super amazing food. Had the crab cake which was great and the grilled chicken panini. The atmosphere is great. Music is even better. Xavier is the man! read more

The food here is pretty good! They make a killer burger. Desserts are good too. Thumbs up.

I have been here twice for Sunday Brunch shows. The room where the stage is located has great sound and it's a really good venue. The other room, where the bar is located, the sound is not very good. The food is OK. I've had a few different things from the menu and they are good, but not great. Their beer selections is TOP NOTCH. Something like 28 taps and I'm sure you will find something you like. read more

Nothing but good people here. The shows are always fun and this is some of the best bar food you're going to get in RVA.

Justin Townes Earle was amazing. Awesome acoustics. Food was orgasmic. Spectacular selection of beer's. Great atmosphere with an interesting decor of art and stained glass. Top rate staff. Only allowing 131 patrons makes for an intimate evening for your favorite singer-songwriter. read more