One of the Oldest Lesbian Bars in the U.S. is a Beloved, Inclusive Safe Space in Richmond, Virginia

"Babe’s of Carytown was created out of a need for a space for lesbians to come together. As times changed… Babe’s has remained dedicated to creating a place for people to find themselves and meet others."

CNN Travel named Richmond, Virginia, "the number one town to visit in America" in 2024, highlighting its vibrant art and culture, diverse cuisine, and historical significance. In 2025, Livability named the capital city "one of the top 100 best places to live in the U.S." As someone who attended graduate school in Richmond and later moved my family here for the long term, this comes as no surprise to me, as I find Richmond unique, lively, community-oriented, and incredibly livable.

According to Niche, Richmond is also one of the most diverse cities in America. The diversity of the community is evident and has played a large role in creating the city as it is today. You can see the city’s diversity reflected in the residents, the variety of festivals and other events, and its businesses.

For instance, Babe's of Carytown is a neighborhood bar/restaurant founded in Richmond in 1979. Babe’s became a predominantly lesbian bar in the late 1980s. Four decades ago there were approximately 200 lesbian bars in the U.S. According to The Lesbian Bar Project; what makes a bar uniquely lesbian is "its prioritization of creating space for people of marginalized genders including women (regardless if they are cis or trans), non-binary folks, and trans men. As these spaces aim to be inclusive of all individuals across the diverse LGBTQIA+ community; the label lesbian belongs to all people who feel that it empowers them."

Babe's celebrated its 47th year of operation in April, hosting a "Hoedown Throwdown." The anniversary celebration—with patrons from their 20s through their 70s dancing together—reflected the multi-generational appeal of Babe’s.

Nearly 50 years of operation is an enormous achievement for any business, but given the data, it’s even more impressive; per The Lesbian Bar Project, lesbian bars have been on a steady decline since the 1980s; only 35 remain in the U.S. today.

Nearly 50 years of operation is an enormous achievement for any business, but given the data, it’s even more impressive; per The Lesbian Bar Project, lesbian bars have been on a steady decline since the 1980s; only 35 remain in the U.S. today. Despite discrimination and challenges that caused other Richmond businesses to close over the decades, Babe’s has remained resilient and community-centric.

There are many potential reasons for its success and longevity. One possibility: Babe’s has cultivated and fostered over the years a safe haven for its customers, a place where everyone can be themselves. According to Bar Manager Chas Warren, "Whether you're walking in the doors for the first time or coming back for your thousandth time, you'll feel like you're coming home. Babe’s has always strived to create an authentic environment for anyone to show up as they are and find a community at the end of the day… While Babe’s is often known for being a lesbian bar, the staff has worked hard to make sure diversity is celebrated and included. As long as you're here to have fun and are respectful of others, then you are welcome to join and come inside."

Simply put, Babe’s is a terrific, unique bar, a place where you can eat, shoot pool, and enjoy a laid back evening. You can also play "beach" volleyball and participate in karaoke, themed dance parties, drag shows, and, yes, even a hoedown throwdown, all while partaking in cocktails, craft beer, Jell-o shots, and good food.

Everything about Babe’s feels authentic, including the menu of unique drinks and Southern pub fare. For instance, sandwich lovers will appreciate their wide array of options, including meatloaf, pastrami, and even a bologna burger!

There’s plenty for the vegetarians, too, such as a grilled veggie wrap and salads. Perhaps what stands out most about the menu, though, is the extensive, creative drinks menu. Depending on your tastes and mood, you can enjoy a mimosa, hard cider, Babe’s Pride Brew Watermelon Strawberry Wheat Beer, a Drag-On Berry Blast, Witch’s Brew, Morgue-A-Rita, or a Vampire Kiss.

"As times changed… Babe’s has remained dedicated to creating a place for people to find themselves and meet others. People keep coming back… because they know that you need to show up to foster a community, be present, and be seen not giving up."

When asked about its loyal customers, owner Vicky Hester said that "Babe’s of Carytown was created out of a need for a space for lesbians to come together. As times changed… Babe’s has remained dedicated to creating a place for people to find themselves and meet others. People keep coming back… because they know that you need to show up to foster a community, be present, and be seen not giving up."

As far as Richmond’s reputation for being a diverse and inclusive city, Hester shared that, “over the 47 years that Babe’s has been in the city, a lot of things [have] changed. You'll find more rainbow flags now and welcoming messages in business storefronts. There are more pockets of inclusivity… and progress has been on the side of diversity… So, yes, Richmond is an inclusive city, but that doesn't mean more inclusion and measures to ensure we stay a diverse place are not needed.”

One thing’s for sure: all are welcome at Babe’s of Carytown, “RVA’s EVERYONE’s Bar.” At Babe’s, you can do you; you can be you. And it may just be the coolest, most unique bar in CNN’s number one “town” to visit in the U.S. (2024). After all, where else can you sit on a patio, bury your bare feet in the sand, and enjoy a vodka bomb after a fierce game of beach volleyball?

Editor's Note: Unfortunately, since the publication of this article, Vicki Hester, the owner, has passed away. We thank her for sharing her story with us and for providing a safe space for the LGBTQIA community in Richmond.