Richmond does not do boring after dark. This 2-hour ghost-and-booze crawl strings together real haunts, big-name American literary lore, and pub stops in the city center.

I like two things most. First, the guides can turn the walking tour into a story you actually remember, and the names Mars and Bob come up often for animated, engaging delivery. Second, the route mixes drinking stops with “why this place matters” stops, so you get more than jump-scare vibes—you get history that feels connected to Richmond’s streets.

One thing to factor in: the timing and rules can affect how bar-like it feels. Food and drink are not included, and you may be asked to follow guide instructions around drinking or smoking while you’re moving and listening, so plan on a tour you’re present for—not a nonstop sipping session.

Key things to know before you go

• A small group feel (up to 15 people) makes it easier to hear the guide and keep the night moving.
• Stops tied to real sites like the Poe Museum and multiple Civil War era hospital stories add weight to the spooky talk.
• You’ll walk more than you think on a 6:00 pm start, and Richmond’s hills mean comfortable shoes matter.
• You get researched history plus local legends—not just generic ghost lines.
• Alcohol is part of the theme, not the ticket: you’ll be able to try drinks at stops, but food and drink aren’t included.

Starting at McCormack’s Irish Pub: the vibe and pacing

Your night kicks off at McCormack’s Irish Pub (12 N 18th St) at 6:00 pm, and it loops back there when you’re done. The whole experience runs about 2 hours, so it’s built for a focused evening, not a long pub crawl where you lose track of time.

The pacing is the point. You’re meant to hear stories while you move, then get a chance to sample something at the stops. With a max of 15 travelers, you’re more likely to stay in sync with the group rather than get swallowed by a crowd.

If you’re planning this around dinner, I’d keep it flexible. Since food and drink aren’t included, you may want to eat beforehand or plan to grab something after. Think of this as a guided “evening program,” with drinks as a perk when the stop allows.

Rosie Connolly’s Pub: the “red light district” setting

One of the first stops is Rosie Connolly’s Pub & Restaurant, in a historic building that once held the Railroad YMCA. It sits in an area that was previously known as Richmond’s red light district, which instantly gives the ghost stories a different tone than a quiet, suburban cemetery tale.

The pitch here is simple: you’ll be offered a drink, and the guide’s story will frame the building as a place with a past that refuses to stay in the past. Even if you’re not a full-on paranormal believer, the setting helps. A building like this carries texture—sounds echo a little differently, corners feel sharper, and the stories land faster.

Practical tip: arrive ready for a walking tour. Even at the pub stop, you’re not just hanging out. You’re there for a short window, a drink if you want it, and the story connection to the street around you.

JewFro and the rumor of a haunting in Richmond’s oldest commercial building

Next you’ll head to JewFro, another stop anchored in the idea that Richmond’s oldest commercial structures can feel cursed. The building’s history includes a rumored haunting tied to Daniel Denoon.

This is where the crawl leans into a specific kind of ghost lore: the “people moved in, businesses failed, and now someone is still here” style of story. It’s more local legend than supernatural proof, but it’s exactly the kind of tale that makes walking tours fun because you can look at the building and picture all the lives layered inside.

There’s also a tangible touch here: Smith and Foundry (in the same building) offers African wines for tasting. That’s a nice way to turn a spooky stop into something you can actually experience, not just hear about.

The Masonic lodge and War of 1812 hospital story stop

Between the food-and-drink venues, you’ll hit a major historic site: a structure described as one of the world’s oldest Masonic lodges still in operation. It was used as a hospital during the War of 1812, and the tour leans into how places like this create strong “memory” in the imagination.

This is a good moment to adjust your expectations. Not every stop is designed for a drink or a photo. Some stops are for perspective: understanding that what feels like a haunted building might also be a building that once saw suffering and urgency.

I like this kind of stop because it helps you treat the ghost talk as storytelling with context. If you’re the type who likes to learn why a legend exists, this is one of those stops.

Poe Museum: where Richmond’s literary ghost feels plausible

You’ll also visit the Edgar Allan Poe Museum, located close to Poe’s house and workplace, in what’s described as Richmond’s oldest standing structure. The story angle here is direct: Poe’s ghost is reportedly seen in multiple locations inside the house, and the tour links that to Poe’s possible attachment to personal items.

If you’ve ever visited Poe-related places before, you know the effect. You start imagining him moving through rooms, revisiting corners where he kept his things. Even if you don’t take the ghost claims literally, the museum setting is built for that mood.

This stop is especially strong if you like literary history and atmospheric storytelling. It also gives the crawl a “Richmond-specific” anchor that doesn’t rely on generic haunted-house themes.

Richbrau Brewing: American beer background and the sour ale moment

After the Poe stop, the crawl shifts back into tasting mode with Richbrau Brewing. Here you’ll get a background lesson on the history of beer in the US, then you can try what’s brewed on site.

One drink detail that stands out from the experiences shared by people who did this crawl: the 14th Street Horribles sour ale. If it’s available, that’s the kind of “small choice, big payoff” moment that makes a short tour feel worth it.

What I like about a brewery stop on a ghost crawl is the contrast. You go from ghost stories about old buildings to something you can smell and taste right there. It’s a mood reset that still keeps the evening on theme.

A heads-up: some people report that certain stops don’t always go as expected, like not entering a location. If Richbrau specifically matters to you, I’d treat it as a likely stop, not a guaranteed one, and keep your expectations flexible.

The old church and cemetery ghosts: first built, many catastrophes

Another major non-bar stop is an old church, described as the first one built in Richmond. Over time it witnessed numerous catastrophes, and the tour tells you about four ghosts alleged to prowl the cemetery and church.

This is classic haunted walking-tour material, but the value is in the way it connects story to place. Cemeteries and old churches don’t just look spooky at night. They already look like they’ve been waiting for your imagination to catch up.

If you want a richer effect, slow down mentally during this stop. Let the guide set the scene and then look around at the churchyard yourself. That’s when the legend stops feeling like a script and starts feeling like a local tradition.

The Civil War hospital and former tobacco store: why the stories feel heavy

You’ll also hear about a facility where over 300 troops died. It served as a hospital during the Civil War and was formerly a tobacco store. Like the Masonic lodge, this stop leans into the idea that tragedy and everyday industry can occupy the same walls.

This is where I’d be honest with you: the ghost talk here isn’t just spooky flavor. It’s framed by real, grim facts, which changes how you experience the “haunting.” You might not feel goosebumps so much as a quiet weight.

This stop works best if you enjoy the blend of atmosphere and real stakes. If you want your ghost tour strictly for fun scares, you may still like it, but you’ll probably feel the seriousness.

Patrick Henry’s Pub & Grille: farmhouse cider and colonial flavor

The crawl ends at Patrick Henry’s Pub & Grille, where you’ll get a chance to try Farmhouse Dry Cider and hear what colonists consumed every day.

That colonial food-and-drink framing is a smart add-on. It moves the tour from ghost lore into daily-life history, which makes the past feel less like a theme park and more like an actual way people lived.

And yes—this is still a booze-themed night. Just remember: food and drink aren’t included, so you should expect to pay for what you choose to drink.

Price and value: what $37 really covers

At $37 per person, this tour sits in the “short guided experience” category. You’re paying for a professional tour guide, thoroughly researched history, and authentic local legends and ghost stories.

You’re not paying for included drinks or a meal. That’s a key value point. You might save money compared with paying for a separate paid attraction plus drinks, because the guide content is doing a lot of work for you.

Where the $37 feels most justified is if you want two things in one evening: (1) a guided walk that makes sense of Richmond’s historic places and (2) pub-and-brewery stops that give you something to do with your hands, not just your ears.

How to make the night better: shoes, listening, and group energy

A few practical things will help you enjoy the tour more.

First, wear comfortable shoes. Richmond can be steep, and this is a walking experience with a set route.

Second, treat it like a show you’re part of, not a backdrop. Some rules may limit how you drink or smoke while the guide is talking and the group is moving. If you came hoping for a constant “sip and stroll,” you may feel a mismatch. The better approach is to follow the guide’s rhythm: listen first, then enjoy the drink opportunity during stops.

Third, the small group size helps. Many people mention the social side, like meeting new folks and chatting as the stories unfold. If you’re traveling with someone, it still works well as a shared experience. If you’re solo, it’s easier to plug in than on big tours.

Should you book Richmond Ghosts Boos and Booze?

I think you should book if you want a tight, story-driven evening in Richmond that goes beyond generic ghost talk. The Poe Museum stop, the mix of old institutions, and the fact that the night includes both pub/brewery moments and history stops make it a good fit for people who like atmosphere with substance.

Skip it or approach with open expectations if you’re mainly chasing bar time. Food and drink aren’t included, and the guide may set rules that keep you listening more than sampling. If Richbrau is a must-do for you, plan to be flexible about how stops play out during your specific night.

If you love small-group storytelling, guide-led humor, and the feeling of walking through real Richmond corners after dark, this one fits.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The tour starts at 6:00 pm and runs for about 2 hours, ending back at the meeting point.

How much does the Richmond Ghosts Boos and Booze pub crawl cost?

It costs $37.00 per person.

What is included in the ticket price?

The ticket includes a professional tour guide, thoroughly researched and accurate history, and authentic local legends and ghost stories.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drink are not included, though the tour includes pub and brewery stops where you can try items.

Where do I meet the tour?

You meet at McCormack’s Irish Pub, 12 N 18th St, Richmond, VA 23223, and the activity ends back at the meeting point.

Is there an age limit?

Yes. The tour is not for travelers under the age of 21.

What’s the group size and walking requirement?

The tour has a maximum of 15 travelers and requires travelers to have a moderate physical fitness level. Service animals are allowed, and the tour is near public transportation.