GayCities’ series “Gay Bar of the Week” showcases LGBTQ-owned bars around the world that help bring our community together. These bars go above and beyond slinging drinks and dancing go-gos by making safe, inviting places with lasting impact.
Presenting this week’s pick:
Barcode
View this post on Instagram
Gayborhood – Monroe Ward, Richmond, VA
Years in business – Since November 2001, 20 years (almost old enough to drink!)
Queer Quotient – 5/6
Using Kinsey’s scale, rating the bar’s level of queerness on a scale ranging from 1 (uncomfortably straight) to 6 (as queer as physically possible), we rate this bar as a solid 5. While it has predominantly gay and lesbian patronage, Barcode has an atmosphere that caters to every member of Richmond’s steadily growing alternative community. The pub is known for its great food and music, as well as its cute, friendly staff. Customers are just as likely to come for the karaoke as they are for a relaxing drink after a night exploring Monroe and Jackson Ward.
Vibe check – Come As You Are
Barcode was opened in November 2001 under its original owner, Marcus Miller. Barcode has and continues to provide a comfortable and friendly atmosphere in what can be a less-than-friendly city for members of the LGBTQ+ community. Patrons are welcomed by the bar’s exuberantly friendly staff. Hitting that sweet spot between a nightclub and your favorite dive bar, the bar’s cozy interior offers a mouth-watering selection of starters, snack cakes, and sandwiches along with its delicious cocktail menu. During the summer, patrons can relax and enjoy the bar’s outdoor patio area. Every week has specialty food nights, theme events, and a bombastic Sunday Karaoke. More often than not, Barcode hits that happy medium with its chill yet vibrant atmosphere, where you can walk in for the theme night, meet your friends, or make new ones.
View this post on Instagram
Specialty cocktail – Deputy Dan
Folks love Barcode’s margarita with that southern twang, made with your choice of tequila mixed together with Hpnotiq, pineapple juice, sprite, and peach schnapps. Or the “Snowcone”, a mix of Smirnoff cherry vodka, triple sec, raspberry liquor, lime juice, sour mix, and Sprite.
‘Instant hangover’ – Long Island Iced Tea
When your only goal is to get [responsibly] hammered, you can never go wrong with the Long Island Iced Tea. (It spells LIIT, which is exactly what you’ll be after drinking it!) Barcode’s variation consists of Vodka, Gin, Rum, Tequila, triple sec, sour mix, and coke. Enjoy responsibly.
Fun Fact
Barcode was originally opened by Marcus Miller and the bar’s parent company, Matthew Enterprises. The company was named in remembrance of Matthew Shephard, a young gay Wyoming man murdered in 1998. Mr. Miller’s leadership, his commitment to Richmond’s LGBTQ+ community, and his goodwill have attracted a loyal staff and maintained a stellar reputation for his establishment. Barcode has been cited as one of Richmond’s longest-standing and friendliest gay-owned and operated businesses. Now with the new management hand-picked by Mr. Miller, Barcode will continue to provide a safe and welcoming environment for Richmond’s LGBTQ+ community.
Noteworthy events
Barcode’s choice decor showcases local LGBTQ+ artists’ works for sale. The pieces lend themselves to the bar’s relaxed and friendly environment. These artists are also featured weekly on the bar’s website. Barcode also hosts a weekly Karaoke night on Sunday, along with theme nights and specialty menus all throughout the week. The bar is also known to participate in and sponsor local LGBTQ+ events, the most recent being Stonewall Sports RVA’s Winter Sports Season.
View this post on Instagram
RELATED – Gay Bar of the Week: the dive that grows with time
