First Place: Southern Railway Taphouse

111 Virginia St.
308-8350
srtaphouse.com

Second Place: The Tobacco Company

Third Place: Siné Irish Pub and Restaurant

A relative youngster in an area dominated by long-running restaurant stalwarts, Southern Railway Taphouse has built a loyal following since opening in August 2013 overlooking the Turning Basin. General manager Mark Chavez contributes that to the variety of people who come through the doors. “Anyone can enjoy themselves here,” he says. “We have business people, attorneys, accountants, MCV students and tourists that just want somewhere to go to have a good meal, great service and a cold beverage in a comfortable atmosphere.” And while weekend nights tend to draw a younger crowd with DJs, live entertainment on the patio and 40 beer taps, Chavez notes that food quality helps too: “I think a lot of people would be amazed at the amount of ‘from scratch’ that we do here.” Nearby, the venerable Tobacco Company is a classic nightspot, while Siné offers a big back patio and music along with the perfect Guinness.