Finding hot hookups in Richmond shouldn’t be too challenging. It’s not only the Capitol of Virginia, but there are 229,395 people in our city according to the latest Census--it’s not like you’re stranded in Chamberlayne! We’ve compiled a list of the best apps, sites, and bars for Richmond hookups. With this guide, you’re sure to find casual relationships faster than the fall of the confederacy. But first, for those of you who want quick answers, let’s talk about the top Richmond hookup apps and sites that have consistently worked for us:
Site Our Experience Our Rating Free Trial Link 
Experience Highlights Try AFF For Free 
Tinder Highlights Try Tinder 
Experience Highlights Try Passion
We set our own team of experienced dating experts loose in Richmond and tasked them with checking out local bars and testing out different hookup apps. Their findings were promising.
Your chances of getting laid in Richmond through apps and while hanging out in Richmond’s swank bars are nearly limitless. The city’s closeness to the coastal beauty of Virginia Beach and the big city hubbub of Washington DC makes it alluring to residents from across the country and around the world.
People of different nationalities, educational backgrounds and ages come to learn at Richmond University or Virginia Commonwealth University. And sometimes they also decide to stay a spell.
Scroll through and check out our comprehensive list of Richmond hookup apps, sites and bars, then let us know what you think. If you think we should add a place to our list, leave it in the comments below…
Methodology for Finding the Ideal Spots to Hook Up in Richmond
The thing with finding hookups is that it's not something you can be good at in a matter of days, especially if you're new to the city. Good thing our team of experts at Heart Insider frequently collaborate to keep our list of recommendations as updated as possible. Here's how we found the best places to find Richmond hookups:
- We start off by doing research online about which spots get the most buzz when it comes to finding hookups. We then create a list of places that seem popular enough to put on our list.
- We enlist the help of our ground crew--locals who know the city well and know how to find hookups. They go to each location to see if it really is easy to meet women and talk to them. They then use their charm to find hookups at each spot.
- Every spot is vetted by a number of our experts, all looking for the most conducive places to find hookups.
- At the same time, our experts also use a variety of hookup apps and sites to see what the online dating scene is like in every city.
- After rigorous testing, we create our ultimate list of hookup hotspots in the city. Every few months, we update our recommendations to remove closed venues and replace them with new ones that we think you'll love.
Table of Contents
Our favorite spots to find Richmond hookups
We’ll start with the most useful Richmond hookup apps and hookup bars. Our crew gave each bar high marks on different factors, which we’ve detailed below. Find out why we gave these Richmond hookup bars and apps two thumbs up!
The art of the pickup is a skill. So if you haven't quite mastered it yet, you should definitely check out our complete video series on how to approach and attract women. When you’ve got this skill down, finding Richmond hookups will be a breeze.
Tobacco Company Club – A great place to get laid in Richmond
@Tobaccococlub
A place to dance all night, listen to great music with a fun, and a bit young, crowd. They also have a cool stage where you can dance your soul out.
The best thing about the place is that even though it’s been around for a while, it’s still holding itself and the management hasn’t lost their enthusiasm or dropped on the service quality. It’s also close to multiple hotels which makes it easy – if you’re staying at one – to pull the girl back from the club to your room and get laid. The food choices there are great so it’s also a good choice for dates.
What other people are saying about Tobacco Company Club
Joseph Kirsch - Google Maps
“Really a great atmosphere in a building with a lot of history. Loved the overall aesthetic, especially the lighting and chandeliers. The restaurant was very busy and the food and service was decent.”
AFF is the best hookup app in Richmond (try it free)
“Online dating is by far the fastest and most effective way to meet singles these days,” says dating expert Amber Brooks. “You can create your profile, set your search parameters, and start chatting within minutes.”
For most people, especially guys, AFF is going to be the best hookup app in town. Tinder is solid if you are one of the most handsome guys around but isn't a really great experience for guys who don't fall into that category.
What makes AFF so solid is that they have a ton of single women using it (there are over 60 million active members) and those on the app actually want to meet up. So many of the girls on Tinder are just looking for attention and compliments but NEVER actually meet a guy. AFF is different.
We have tested out all the hookup apps in Richmond that you have heard of, and a lot you haven't. And we have had the best success with AFF (we are not all super handsome guys). We think you will too (especially if you want to meet women 30+).
We think that the vast majority of guys will find the most consistent success in finding a hookup on AFF.
Each year, AFF makes our list of best hookup apps. And we know that it’s our favorite Richmond hookup site. Too many hookups start online for you to skip it. Check out their free trial below.
To give you a more detailed look at how AFF works and how it performs for regular guys, you can also have a look at our Adult FriendFinder review.
What people think of AFF
Mike T. - SiteJabber
"I enjoy my membership with AFF as much as I do it with couple other sites I use to have a guaranteed success. But guys, stop complaining that there are so many fake members on the site! Yes, dating industry is suffering from Nigerian scam and cam girls. Keep your mind clear and don't send any money to the members of the site. None of real members would ask money from you. And if hot looking girls inviting your to another site to have a private chat - report them straight away!"
u/CelebrationOk7819 - Reddit
"Been on AFF as a couple looking for married/single men. It is completely legit, have met many good people. Mostly milfs. That's correct. The problem that I have dealt with, that makes ALOT of guys think it's a scam, is they are not gold members. As a couple, if you can't afford gold, then you can't see our pics or actively chat with us... so, we will not bother. Then, the some that pay, get pushy and expect, because a woman is on there, they are expected to hook up just because they are asked. Women don't want little dicks, guys that don't take care of themselves etc.... with that being said, the positive reviews from men looking for females, are the guys that know how to talk, approach, bathe and have a package to offer."
The best Richmond pickup bars we've tried
The fact we all agree on is that Richmond does have some good hookup bars. Good for you but kinda a pain in the ass to us since we had to filter through a lot of them to come up with the best ones to find hookups in Richmond... and here's our "purified" list...
The Answer is one of the best bars to find hookups in Richmond
@theanswerbrewpub
It’s another one of those pubs that locals adore and is one of the top options for places to get laid near you. The Answer is an eclectic Richmond staple that you hear about but never get a chance to visit.
There’s live music on Monday and hipsters adore this place mainly for the beer experience. And why wouldn’t they?
We recommend showing up on a Monday, finding a perch at the bar, and mix and mingle with local singles. The crowd is slightly young, but it's definitely worth it.
What other people are saying about The Answer
Ben Bibay - Google Maps
“Delicious food and beers! My favorite brewery in the Richmond area :)”
Siné Irish Pub is a delicious place for Richmond hookups
@Sine-Irish-Pub-Restaurant-254613678816
No list of Richmond hookup bars would be complete without Siné! That’s Siné (pronounced “shin-áy”). They’re in the Shockoe Slip and they’re modeled after authentic “city pubs” in Ireland. What we liked most about Siné was the interiors, the ambiance, and the food. It also reminds us some of the best spots to get laid in Durham.
What we liked most about Siné was the interiors, food, and ambiance. It goes without saying, if you’re looking for an interesting hookup in Richmond, then this should be at the top of your list. People who travel from all over the city to sit and enjoy all that Siné has to offer.
What other people are saying about Siné Irish Pub
Meganlynne18 - Google Maps
“Great atmosphere and the food was pretty good. They have a DJ start at 9:30 on Saturday (they check your ID at the door) and it was fairly loud.”
Jack Brown’s Beer and Burger Joint is a surprisingly hot hookup spot
jackbrownsjoint.com
It’s a burger bar. What woman would be caught dead trying to hook up at a burger bar? The kind of lady who knows a good burger. The crowd here is lovely, and the ambiance is also quite memorable and funky. A disco ball hanging from the ceiling next to used bras? Classic.
They’re open Monday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. It gets crowded, so prepare to get there early and save a seat for, hopefully, whoever you meet. Can't find hookups in Greensboro? This spot will make your search easier!
What other people are saying about Jack Brown’s Beer and Burger Joint
Anthony Couillard - Google Maps
“Great little burger place. Have a little patio area out front with some heaters. We sat outside since we thought the inside was a little loud. It's not very big, but it was pumping and jumping inside.”
Hook up over drinks at Caturra on Grove
@CaturraGrove
This bar has a warm and welcoming atmosphere, a casual vibe, and a killer menu. They’ve got a fusion of seafood including calamari, mussels, and good-old American food.
Caturra on Grove made the list because it’s a slow down from the louder bars and the younger hipster crowds. There’s indoor and outdoor seating, a fire pit, boutique wines, and artisanal cocktails. It’s also popular among Richmond hot mommas. So if you still have trouble hooking up with cougars, check out our acclaimed course on dating older women.
They’ve got everything at Caturra -- Saturday and Sunday brunch, happy hour from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., and foxy ladies. What else could you ask for?
What other people are saying about Caturra On Grove
Daniel Sop - Google Maps
“This is a cool spot that is both classy and quaint. It has a huge fireplace with comfy leather couches that will swallow you. The food is delicious and the service is prompt.”
The hookup apps in Richmond dating coaches prefer
A huge number of hookups start online now. You don't have spend all day on the apps but spending 10-20 minutes a week sending messages can really pay off. These are the best hookup apps in the city right now:
| Site | Our Experience | Our Rating | Free Trial Link |
|---|---|---|---|
Best Hookup Site Right Now | Experience Highlights
| 9 | Try AFF For Free |
Great If You're Handsome | Tinder Highlights
| 8 | Try Tinder |
2nd Best For Most Guys | Experience Highlights
| 8 | Try Passion |
How to stay safe on dating apps in Richmond
Some 48% of online daters believe it’s a safe way to meet partners, according to Pew Research. That’s despite FBI data suggesting roughly $3.3 billion was lost to online romance scams in 2022.
“These scammers are relentless,” said Social Catfish spokesperson David McClellan. “They know there’s extra stimulus money out there, extra unemployment money out there.”
Although Virginia as a hotspot for these types of scams, it’s still important to be aware and keep yourself protected. These tips will help you.
- Keep your personal data to yourself. There’s no reason to share your full name, address or financial details with an online dating match. Those who press you for it may be planning a identity fraud.
- Take steps to identify catfishes. Some 71% of dating app users say that catfishing is “very common” in their experience, according to Pew Research. To identify catfishes, consider adding your dating app matches on social media or arranging a video call. A reverse image search on their photos could be useful too. Two thirds of women consider this form of ‘online stalking’ acceptable before a date, according to a poll by the Thriving Center of Psychology.
- Watch out for love-bombing. Romance scammers are known to try and overwhelm their victims with loving sentiments to gain their trust before creating a reason to ask for money. So, watch out for this behavior known as love-bombing. “These scams are hugely traumatizing for the victims as they truly believe they are involved in a romantic relationship,” says Richmond RCMP Cpl. Adriana O’Malley. “It shows just how far these fraudsters are willing to go to defraud people of their money.”
- Never give money to online strangers. It sounds like simple advice byt thousands of Americans grow to trust these scammers, then lend them money when asked for it. Needless to say, they never get it back. The most effective way to avoid this scam is to make a rule to not give money to people you don’t know from the internet in ANY circumstances.
The best clubs for finding hookups in Richmond
Here are our favorite Richmond nightclubs that are both fun, and full of hot local women…
The Canal Club - A real babe magnet for Richmond hookups
@Thecanalclub
This place is a babe magnet even though it’s just a tiny club in an old warehouse. The Canal is a cozy place with two stages (the upper venue is arguably better) and great live music. Over the years it became the hub for small local bands, so don’t expect to see familiar faces, however… you’re going to have fun there (and hopefully get laid). Even Raleigh girls agree that this is one of the city's liveliest bars.
The staff is friendly and very professional, and the service is good and within your budget. Also, if you’re a fan, they run punk and metal nights twice a week.
What other people are saying about The Canal Club
Gene McDonald - Google Maps
“I have never had a bad time at this venue, they book the best bands to play here.”
Fallout - The best place to hook up with kinky Richmond girls
@Falloutrva
Get ready to dance to some amazing music, and meet some amazing singles, and a little bit funky, at Fallout. The club has a wide range of music and food choices which makes it perfect for finding hookups AND going on dates. If Lexington Fayette hookups seem out of your grasp, you'll definitely find them here.
It also has some really fun gothic and custom nights that can bring the weirdo out of you, and maybe hook up with a kinky Richmond single.
What other people are saying about Fallout
Melissa Arriaza - Google Maps
“Awesome place for diverse like-minded people and love the open dance floor and freedom to be an individual. Great service and great entertainment.”
Best places to meet sexy Richmond girls during the day
Gyms, cafes, and even museums and public libraries are full of hot women - where do you think they spend their time? So we recommend you spend your free morning time hooking up with them, and here are a few places to start with..
Quit wishing for a healthy lady and get to Ellwood Thompson’s
@EllwoodThompsonsRVA
This isn’t just an ordinary supermarket—it's "THE" supermarket... Talk about the place most women visit at least three times a week and think of how many hookups you can meet at ET's.
We found beautiful women of all ages at Ellwood Thompson’s searching the aisles for groceries or settling down at the hot bar for a bite to eat. So dig your reusable bag out of the closet and make a grocery list or build up your appetite. You’ve got some shopping to do.
We suggest visiting after working hours and sitting down for a meal at the hot bar. You never know who you’ll meet!
What other people are saying about Ellwood Thompson’s
Christian Harder - Google Maps
“Always amazing, colorful, fresh local produce, protein and provisions. Tasty and healthy food. Great cafe. Amazing store culture. The most pleasant grocery shopping experience for a reviewer who isn’t even a huge fan of grocery runs.”
Find something hot and get laid in Richmond at Lift Coffee Shop
@liftcoffee
Lift Coffee Shop sits at Broad Street near the Richmond Dairy. It’s one of those coffee shops where people come to finish a school paper, chat with friends or have a beer or a mimosa (yes, beer and mimosas). They’ve also got a full breakfast menu, sandwiches, soups, salads and panini. We sometimes even find singles from Winston Salem here!
What we like most about Lift Coffee Shop is how easy it is to meet new people here. Whether you’re a student, an artist or you just love coffee, you should wander into Lift. You might find yourself sitting beside someone cute at breakfast or locking eyes as you look up from your computer. Chance encounters and second dates need a place to grow and Lift Coffee Shop provides that.
Check out their website for hours, grab that book you’ve been meaning to finish and head over to Lift this week!
What other people are saying about Lift Coffee Shop
Lindsey Sequeira - Google Maps
“A lovely little coffee spot! The staff is always friendly, the coffee is hot and the vibes are immaculate. There's ample outdoor seating as well.”
One of the best Richmond’s hookup app for younger singles is Tinder
Tinder is the most popular dating app in Virginia according to a study by datingnews.com, and Statista data suggests it was downloaded in the United States around 64 million times in 2022. And for good reason.
You’ve been to the Candy Bar and the Daddy Rabbit’s, but there are rules at those places. No touching (at least not for a few more bucks). Maybe you’re on a business trip and you’re just looking for some action. Or maybe you’re just lazy and don’t feel like going through the trouble of dressing up and going out. Well, sir, bust out your phone and download Tinder. It's great for Richmond, but it's also one of the best hookup apps in Charlotte.
Keep in mind: Tinder ain’t for prostitutes. These are real women who still want respect. So if you’re a hot guy, you’re kind and you’re funny--you know, a top-notch package?--Tinder is where you can get laid in Richmond. If you’re not sure you can send a respectful or funny message, you have options. You can check out Ash Wright’s tips for flirting on Tinder or you can head back to Rabbit’s.
Get ready to get it on, on Tinder.
What people think of Tinder
Porter J. - SiteJabber
"Tinder has revolutionized the way we find love! This incredible app has made dating exciting and accessible like never before. With its user-friendly interface and innovative matching algorithm, Tinder brings people together effortlessly. I love the variety it offers, allowing me to meet amazing individuals from diverse backgrounds. It's a delightful experience, filled with countless possibilities and genuine connections. Thanks to Tinder, my social life has blossomed, and I'm grateful for the endless opportunities it presents. Highly recommended!"
Frequently asked questions about dating in Richmond
Is Richmond good for singles?
Richmond was recently ranked as the greatest city in the United States for dating in a study by The Thriving Center Of Psychology. This was based on a range of factors including ratio of singles, in which Richmond was also found to be the greatest.
To be more precise, it had the six-greatest ratio of single men and second-greatest ratio of single women. This might be something to do with the favorable man/woman ratio; there is 91 men for every 100 women in Richmond according to Census data.
What’s it like dating in Richmond?
Dating in Richmond is a blast, not least because there would appear to be an abundance of good-looking people in Virginia.
“Virginians are the total package,” says travel blogger Spencer McKee. “They’ve got fit bodies, stunning smiles, and great tan lines, making them some of the most beautiful people around.”
On top of that, there’s an abdundance of great venues to date and Richmond is generally rated as a fantastic place to live in general.
"They say that Virginia is for lovers. From sipping wine and eating charcuterie at one of the state's many vineyards to visiting historic landmarks, Virginia has plenty of date spots to offer,” says travel and lifestyle writer Erin McDowell.
“This capital city of Virginia is known for its charming atmosphere, ancient buildings, pleasant climate, peaceful parks, thriving culture, and a plethora of employment opportunities,” adds Home and Money blogger Adam Berns. “With lots of things to do and lots of places to see, Richmond just has it all.”
Is it expensive dating in Richmond?
I doesn’t have to be. The Black Tux blog recently analysed the likely cost of an average date in 50 major U.S cities, and Richmond ranked as the third cheapest.
This article may contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission. This commission comes at no additional cost to you.
References:
Anderson, M., Vogels, E. A., Turner, E. (2020). The Virtues and Downsides of Online Dating. Pew Research Center.
Berns, A. (2023) Pros and cons of living in Richmond. Home & Money.
Brooks, A. (2023) Most popular dating apps by state. Dating News.
Collier, K. (2023) Online romance scams are netting millions of dollars — And pushing some to self-harm. NBC News.
Davis, J. (2024) The best spots for Raleigh hookups in 2024. Heart Insider.
Gill, M. (2021) ‘Hugely traumatizing’ romance scams on the rise in Metro Vancouver, police warn. CTV News Vancouver.
Mahoney, S. (2024) 8 proven places to find casual hookups near you in 2024. Heart Insider.
McDowell, E. (2020) Here’s what dating looks like in every state. Business Insider.
McKee, S. (n.d.) 14 things you need to know about dating someone from Virginia. Movoto.
Redwood, J. (2023) Survey ranks Richmond best city for dating. 12 On Your Side.
Reed, G. (2024) The best spots for Winston-Salem hookups in 2024. Heart Insider.
Rhodes, M. (2024) The best spots for Greensboro hookups in 2024. Heart Insider.
Sbraccia, S. (2021) Romance scammers stealing online profiles, using them to defraud those looking for love. CBS 17.
Senkus, T. (2024) Adult FriendFinder review 2024. Heart Insider.
Stevens, M. (2024) The best spots for Charlotte hookups in 2024. Heart Insider.
States 101 (n.d.) Richmond city, Virginia gender ratios.
Statista (2022) Leading dating apps worldwide in 2022, by downloads.
The Black Tux (n.d.) The average cost of a date in each U.S. City.
Thriving Center of Psychology (2023) SIngle and dating? Here is where the most singles are living in the US.
United States Census Bureau (2023) Richmond city, Virginia.
Vine, R. (2024) The best spots for Durham hookups in 2024. Heart Insider.
Vogels, E. & McClain, C. (2023) Key findings about online dating in the U.S. Pew Research Center.
Wright, A. (2024) How to flirt on Tinder and get her interested. Heart Insider.
Contributing Authors:
Joe Elvin
Joe Elvin is an internationally known confidence and dating coach with nearly a decade of experience. He is the successful author of several dating and confidence books that have helped thousands of men find success. While traveling the world Joe consistently finds new and valuable ways to meet and attract women. Joe has a Bachelor’s Degree in Multimedia Journalism from Bournemouth University and he has been featured in many large publications including AskMen, TSB Magazine and The Good Men Project.
As one of the most prolific writers on Heart Insider, Joe has reviewed over a hundred dating apps. He is the site’s foremost authority when it comes to selecting what dating app works for whom. From an app’s mechanics to its algorithm to telltale signs that a dating app is a scam, Joe’s is able to expertly discern between dating apps that provide value and those that don’t.
Ash Wright
Ash Wright is a dating coach for Heart Insider focused on helping men completely turn their lives and dating prospects around. He was once a World of Warcraft addict who hated leaving the house, a lot has changed since then. After watching the steady success of others, hitting the gym for some added self-confidence and forcing himself to get out there to trial things for himself, life has never been better. After many years of barely leaving the house, he embarked on a self-improvement journey that eventually led to tremendous success with women. He now teaches many of the skills he learned first-hand to other men in similar positions.
Ash has a Bachelor of Science from the University of Calgary and incorporates many of the psychological principles he’s learned into what he teaches his students.
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.
