Empire

Certainly wouldn't consider this to be a "dive bar". No frills? Yes. Dive bar? No. It has a chill vibe and great drink prices. Can't go wrong with that.

being located on the doorstep of vcu has it's advantages....namely $1 high life cans on a wednesday night.  

definitely a hipster bar.  tattoos, piercings, black clothing on most the other patrons.  great music, newer alternative with a little classic (rolling stones, etc) mixed in.  and yes, even with $1 high lifes, many are still drinking $3.50 pabst 24 oz cans.  

enter thru the side door (front one is probably locked), the bar will be on the right and wooden booths on the left.  past the bar is one video game and a few lower wooden eating tables and high tables.  the booths along the left are against a brick exterior until about halfway down, where the side windows start.  windows are great and open the place up.  the booths themselves look uncomfortable, no padding and 90 degree backrests.  the bar is a laminated wooden top with no rail.  the footrest is a large wooden cube, very nice.  17 or 18 adequate bar stools, all with backrests.  

only 1 working TV on top the bar back.  rest of the bar back is simple shelves filled with liquor, ledgers/books, etc.  classic stamped ceiling, though it's been horribly painted, kinda fits the place though.  there's a kitchen behind the end of the bar, but i never checked out the menu.  lower lighting, but far from dark, really just perfect.  a great red "EMPIRE" sign over thew front door and a black EMPIRE sign over the bar. slight industrial look with the exposed hvac, brick, and floor.  overall solid bar.

Richmond's best dive bar, hands-down.
It's a theme in my reviews ... I lament the lack of authentic honest bars. Empire is a solid, down to Earth joint.