GWAR, Bruce Springsteen, Aimee Mann, and Tom Robbins spent formative years exploring the residential streets, cobblestoned alleys, hidden parks, and river views that make up the swath of land west of the Capital City's downtown presence. As Virginia Commonwealth University has grown, it's become more and more a part of the surrounding Fan District. The two have housed cultural, gastronomical, and creative forces for years, and their mix of genteel style and gritty energy set the resulting neighborhood apart. Nearby, Hollywood Cemetery brings historic star-power to the area by serving as the resting place of US Presidents James Monroe and John Tyler, in addition to offering killer views of Downtown and the James River.
Beautiful co-working done in a beautiful space.
It’s in a small, dark basement in the heart of VCU’s campus, but don’t call it a dive bar. Ipanema has a double life of Vegetarian Restaurant / Gritty-Hip Watering Hole. When the last of the diners have finished their smoked gouda sandwich or a seasonal special ordered from the one chalkboard menu, the tattooed set starts to pour in for budget-friendly beer, wine, cocktails, and company. Hit it at the right time, and you can (and should) have the best of both worlds.
