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The National

3.9 (176 reviews)
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The Stews!
Soliman S.

If you have the chance to see a band at the national, TAKE IT! I had such a good time with all my friends here, gather a large group and ROLLLL! Do: get a beer, super cheap, super quick. Thank bouncers, security and service people, they are so nice and polite here! Don't: crowd surf, surefire way to get kicked out. Come to the national!

It's Tabitha Brown time and what could be better than that?!!!
Shay J.

No food No service... Just the ambiance of the world famous NATIONAL in Richmond, VA and they have SOLD out the theater for Tabitha Brown! It doesn't get any better than this!!!

The stage before the Jose Gonzalez show!!!!
Marie S.

Just saw an amazing concert put on by Jose Gonzalez!!!!! The staff was very helpful, full bar and very clean.

Box office ticket purchases are cheaper!
Lena M.

One of Richmond's biggest and most well known concert venues. We get a lot of big names here. It's a charming theater too. I love the balconies in this space. It's a really gorgeous venue. I should start with the fact that it's a standing room kind of venue. If you're short (like me), you either want to get there early, get a balcony seat, or stand near the back (there is a slight incline on the standing space). I'm not sure if there are more, but there was a bar near the back left (if you're facing the stage) and a bar at the front before you enter the room with the stage. Drinks felt reasonably priced. I also appreciated that they had bathrooms with A LOT of stalls so the wait is never too long. We came for the Tove Lo show and had an incredible time. The stage and lighting were amazing. I highly recommend buying tickets for a show from will call before they sell out online. You can get them for the best price by buying them this way.

The Struts!
Jeffrey T.

5/5 Great venue for a small concert. Cool, old theater with interesting architecture. The main floor is slightly sloped downward which helps with viewing and it's not a very deep theater so even if you are in back you are not very far from the stage. One of the better small-concert venues I've been to.

Victor H.

Rolled up here for 311. It's an older venue so there's some character behind it. The sound quality and volume were just right and it's located on E. Broad Street making for easy access. Parking is easy to navigate on the side streets as well. Had a good time seeing my favorite band here and the staff was helpful in showing me how to get around the areas. I made the mistake of purchasing my ticket online as I'm seeing many recommend going straight to the box office and purchasing. I'll have to do that next time I'm in Richmond as there were still plenty of tickets available for the show. Can't wait to return for another show here!

This was my very first time here and I must say, I look forward to returning. I've been to many shows before and I can say this was my favorite. Main floor was nice and spacious (the slope however caught me off guard) plenty of standing room, never felt too crowded at any point. Whoever was manning sound did an amazing job as well. Everything sounded very clean.

Joywave
Jason G.

I recently attended a Joywave concert at this venue and enjoyed it. There was free parking a few blocks away which was convenient and cost effective. It was a clean area of downtown Richmond that seemed safe and well lit. I showed my ticket on my phone to the people at the front door and they scanned it and let me right in. There was no line toward the end of the opening band's set. I liked how the front door was only a stone's throw away from the first seats. I was in general admission which was only a few feet in front of just 2-3 rows of seats. Security wasn't letting people go upstairs, but I would've went upstairs for a song or two. Only a couple people were up there. It wasn't extraordinarily loud, but I jammed pieces of paper towel in my ears and it worked pretty well. The entire stage was easy to see from the side of the general admission floor. I was on the left side of the venue, but the bathrooms were on the right side. They were clean enough. Joywave was co-headlining and I left after they played, but most of the crowd stayed to see the last band play. This made it very easy to leave without crowd interference. This venue reminded me of Amos' Southend in Charlotte, NC. If more bands that I like play here I'll consider returning. The ticket was $25, but $38 after taxes and fees.

Dogstar band

Went to see Dogstar. My first time at The National. Venue was great!! Acoustic were good, well staffed, organized. Had seating which is essential for people of a particular age. Would definitely attend more concerts there.

Stage
Katie H.

My family and I went to this venue to see The Shins play which was AWESOME. However, I do have advice on seating. If you sit in the balcony do not choose the front rows. In front of the general balcony seating is the "VIP" seats where the people are allowed to stand, blocking the view of the stage. When I asked one of the staff members if I could ask the person to sit down to not block the view of myself, they told me "they are allowed to stand, if you ask them to sit you will be kicked out, they pay a lot of money for those seats, front row sucks" So to sum up, don't sit in the front row, and don't speak to the elite, else be kicked out like the peasants we are

Cool event at the National
Maria T.

Yes, I've been here for concerts... but on this occasion I came with a group of fellow journalists for a "venue showcase". The National opened its doors to photographers, writers, chefs, restaurant owners, florists, magazines, event planners, etc. to showcase their concert hall as more than a music venue, but an event destination. Several restaurants were there providing light bites, there was an open bar, lovely tables displayed for a wedding or party, a cool jazz trio playing, and a fun photo booth providing lots of laughs! The photo booth would be a hoot at a gathering: wedding, graduation, bridal/baby shower, retirement party, business convention, or any other event! We were offered back stage tours of the facility and the staff was attentive, accommodating and top notch! The dim lighting added to the cool, retro/deco vibe. I'm not sure about the parking sitch for big events, so call the National for deets! I'd recommend this historic spot for your next party! A great time was had by all! Well done!

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Ask the Community - The National

What can I expect for disability accommodations?

The main entrance is ADA compliant. There is a section roped off by the railing for wheelchair and ADA seating. While I didn't go into the restroom, they are on the main level and would assume they are also ADA compliant.

My 13 year old daughter wants to see one of her favorite bands here, accompanied by an adult of course. Is this place appropriate for a 13 year olds?

Yes absolutely if it's a all ages show

I have ADA needs but the show is tomorrow night, will that be a problem?

Not at all. All lower level access is ramp based with special ADA sections beside the sound booth. Enjoy!!!

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Review Highlights - The National

In the future, I'll just walk over to the box office if I can make it while it's open; they have a $10 online convenience fee.

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The Broadberry - Negative Approach

The Broadberry

3.6(56 reviews)
2.3 miThe Fan
$$

Went to the Broadberry for the first time for a concert! It is a pretty large space with a small…read morestage leading to a very intimate experience. Apparently the capacity is 500 so be prepared to be close to others if your show is sold out! Showed up early prior to doors opening to ensure we got a good spot which is a must especially if you'd like to be close to the stage. The staff was really friendly and set up barricades by the door which helped corral the line. I loved that they had a metal detector set up and a security check point. I felt very safe and comfortable the whole time. I will say be prepared to stand for an extended period especially if you show up early. There is little to no seating available and as show time nears it is practically standing room only. So wear comfy shoes! Overall it's a nice venue and I am glad we have it as an option here in Richmond!

More customer care and service, attention to detail. tone down band volume and provide free ear…read moreplugs (so cheap anyway!), venue too narrow, coat area a mess (coats and personal items can be stolen or accidentally taken), don't make customers guess what is going on, make each night the best, stop hurting our ears, decrease prices of food and drinks - too expensive, pump up staff for events that will pass to our/the customers experience, spruce up outside and ensure safety - public but seedy area, increase overall mood especially if a big event and pay attention to detail, ensure advertisements online match up with what takes place - things were missed, improve attention to detail for the events to make it nice for customers ensuring every detail plays out - some folks it is a big deal to have those details and if it helps one customer overall it should be done, everyone on the same page, make going a better value, attract younger crowds and don't hurt their ears!

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The Broadberry
The Broadberry
The Broadberry

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Reveler Experiences

Reveler Experiences

4.7(44 reviews)
2.6 miCarytown

Révéler is the kind of place that defies easy description, which is exactly what makes it worth…read morevisiting. The décor is wildly eclectic and definitely gives the spot a unique feel. I was there for a private event. The crowd was warm and wonderfully mixed. There was a little chat before the event began that basically told us to not get kicked out by being mean or non-inclusive. Not sure how I felt about that. Parking in Carytown is its own contact sport. Come early -- your blood pressure will thank you. I parked 6 blocks away and was lucky to get that. Bottom line: Weird, welcoming, and worth every lap around the block looking for a spot if you're into crowds and are looking for something different.

Came here with friends and it seems like a cool spot, especially for an older crowd. We purchased…read moretickets expecting a jazz experience, but the music was not jazz at all, which was a bit disappointing. The art exhibitions were nice and definitely interesting to walk through. The charcuterie board we ordered was excellent and a highlight of the night. The location is also great for nightlife. That said, the drinks didn't quite hit the mark for me, and the service was inconsistent. We were told guests are expected to be quiet during the sets, yet another group was talking loudly and nothing was addressed, which felt a bit uneven. Overall, it's not a place I'd return to, and I wouldn't recommend it if you're looking for a more diverse crowd.

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Reveler Experiences
Reveler Experiences
Reveler Experiences

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Canal Club - State Champs

Canal Club

3.2(54 reviews)
0.7 miShockoe Bottom
$$

Caught a show at The Canal Club in Richmond last week for the first time, and it was such a fun…read moreexperience. From the outside, the building has this classic warehouse vibe that fits right in with the historic feel of the area. There's a big sign so you can't really miss it, and the overall look is super inviting if you're into that old-school industrial style. When you up to the entrance, you'll go up the stairs to find the staff checking your tickets. Once you're inside, the place opens up into a big, open floor plan with a solid mix of standing room and a few spots to sit along the wall. The layout works well for concerts, the sightlines are good, and everything feels close to the stage even if you're not right up front. The inside keeps that warehouse feel going. It's exposed brick, high ceilings, just a bit gritty in a cool way. The bar is off to the side and stretches pretty long, so grabbing a drink was quick! Bartenders were friendly and the drink selection covers the basics. Nothing wild, but you'll find everything you need for a good night out. I went to see Jutes for the first time, and it was such an awesome show. The energy in the room was electric, and the sound quality was surprisingly clear for a venue this size. Everyone seemed to be having a great time, and you could feel the crowd's excitement the whole set! This was definitely a solid spot for live music in Richmond. I love a small concert venue, and would definitely go back for another concert!

The venue provides an environment where you feel that "live music" connection with the artist as…read morewell as the other spectators. The bar staff moves the patrons through efficiently.

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Canal Club - Packed to the rafters

Packed to the rafters

Canal Club - Gin and sours

Gin and sours

Canal Club - The Acacia Strain with NO BARRICADES

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The Acacia Strain with NO BARRICADES

The Camel - Chicken and waffles so gooood

The Camel

4.0(96 reviews)
1.5 miThe Fan
$$

Gonna be a long one but a 1 star deserves an explanation -…read moreWent for Friday beers and banjos two weeks ago. My gf paid for a reserved table. When arriving no one was a the host stand to direct us to our table and the only person in Camel gear said he was a sound tech and couldn't help. Went back to the bar side and told the bartender our table number, he advised which table it was. There were several of us trying to get this sorted let me add Finally seated we had the same bartender come over to ask for orders. I inquired about the HH food specials that are posted at the bar Sun-Fri 3-7. The guy tells me they don't do HH on fridays. Ok... so he leaves while we browse the menu. Then another worker comes over and says sorry we double booked your table, you can't sit here. He also said, this happens all the time!! Maybe fix your system if it's an often occurrence. Yes a refund was issued but at this point the place is full, bar and all bar tables. So we stand with our drinks (3 of us) and hover by the bar looking for an opening so we can order food bc we're starving. Luckily in mins a table opens up. We sit down and wait and wait and wait. So I go to ask if there's table service or if we should order at the bar. No, there's table service. Finally the guy comes over takes our order for food. At this point from getting there to ordering it's been an hour and we are starving. We order the quesadilla, bbq tacos and cheesesteak. This takes another 45 mins.. ugh Food comes and isn't great. Tacos are super doused in bbq sauce and cheesesteak was bland. My gf is not a picky eater and she only ate one bite. The quesadilla seemed to be alright by her mom's standards. We finally get the bill, put out the card but the guy doesn't come back. My gf takes card to the bar to pay. Person 1 hands it to person 2, gf is standing there waiting to pay- never gets the bill/card back. Then person 2 asks my gf, what can I get you to drink. She says I'm trying to pay my bill, person 1 just gave it to you. Person 2 says, I don't have your card. Minutes later they determine she put it in front of another patron. Overall terrible experience. I'd still go back for a show. One that's standing room only

This establishment was super small on the outside but extremely large on the inside. I went for a…read moreshow and it was very well organized. The band they had , The Moment, was amazing! If I'm ever in the area, I will be returning to try the food and drinks.

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The Camel
The Camel - Southwest Burger

Southwest Burger

The Camel - Fish tacos. Fried cod. Very good

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Fish tacos. Fried cod. Very good

Fuzzy Cactus - Totchos

Fuzzy Cactus

4.5(69 reviews)
2.0 miNorthern Barton Heights
$$

If you haven't been to Fuzzy Cactus yet, you are seriously missing out on one of Richmond's…read morebest-kept secrets. This place has been a go-to spot. Paul is the best!! Now let's talk food, because the wings and nachos here are absolutely to die for. The wings come out perfectly crispy with just the right amount of sauce, and the nachos are piled high and loaded in all the right ways. Every single time I order them I wonder why I ever eat anywhere else. But here's my pro tip -- hit happy hour. Trust me on this one. The daiquiris during happy hour are hands down the best in all of Richmond. Refreshing, perfectly balanced, and dangerously easy to drink. Fuzzy Cactus has the perfect combination of great food, killer drinks, and even better people. Do yourself a favor and get in there.

Eclectic emo is what comes to my mind. We came for food but definitely will be retuning for the…read moredrinks. Service was fast and food came out quickly. Came only for the wings and they definitely live up to the hype. Came out fresh and hot. The wings were huge and perfectly saucy - might be some of my favorite wings in RVA thus far. The buffalo sauce was perfect. We also got the sweet heat which was like a mild bbq sauce with a little bit of heat - the sauce itself was okay but the wings being perfectly cooked made up for it. Will be back again soon as our usual wing spot!

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Fuzzy Cactus - Bathroom

Bathroom

Fuzzy Cactus - Nachos

Nachos

Fuzzy Cactus - Canta Loca

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Canta Loca

The National - musicvenues - Updated May 2026

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