Best Bars in Smithfield, VA

Wharf Hill is where serious beer drinkers go to cut loose; it's got that lively, slightly boisterous brewery floor vibe, perfect for groups who appreciate a good pint. You're coming here for the perpetually rotating taps brewed right on the premises, not for quiet conversation or fancy cocktails.

The Fiddlin’ Pig nails that boisterous, slightly sticky-floored pub vibe, making it prime territory for loud groups of friends or anyone craving a proper pint and some hearty grub without the fuss. Unlike the sterile gastropubs popping up, this place genuinely feels lived-in, often serving up surprisingly good live folk music that actually makes you want to stomp your feet.

The Oak & Ivy offers a polished, industrial-chic brewery vibe that's miles above your typical sticky-floor pub. It's best for craft beer snobs and anyone trying to impress a casual date, because unlike other taprooms, their food menu is actually as good as their genuinely unique, rotating beer selection.

Creekside Landing is where you head when you want a decent bar-and-grill meal but don't mind shouting over a live band. It's best for groups looking for some rowdy entertainment with their dinner, not for a quiet catch-up or a first date. What sets it apart is being one of the only spots that consistently delivers actual live music, not just some acoustic guy in the corner.

The William Rand Tavern is a gloriously unpretentious dive, smelling vaguely of stale beer and untold stories, where the lights are dim and nobody's trying to impress anyone. This is your spot if you just want a stiff drink after a long shift or if your idea of a good time is yelling at the TV with fellow grizzled regulars, not trying to find a matcha martini. What makes it unique? It’s blissfully free of any 'curated experiences' or Instagram-worthy corners—it’s just a damn bar.