9:38 p.m.
Bar: Capital Ale House, Innsbrook
Who: Ronald Simms Jr., 39
Drinking: Coke and root beer.
Purpose: "This is my first time here," he says. "We're actually here celebrating our bowling team." The team, Chicken and Pancakes, saved for a night out.
9:48 p.m.
Bar: Bailey's Smokehouse & Tavern, West End
Who: Drew Weis, 28, and Monte Mayfield, 28.
Drinking: "I'm a Bud draft," Mayfield says. "I think he's on Bud Light. Normally we're Heffeveisen guys. Normally a Blue Moon, Shock Top, something like that."
How long: Since 1 p.m. Stopping by after watching a bikini contest at Quaker Steak and Lube up the street. "These guys take us close to home. We're Lakesidians," Mayfield says.
"Born and raised, baby," Weis interjects.
"Good times, good people, good vibes overall," Mayfield says. "No trouble here."
Postscript: They are spotted later, around 1 a.m., in Shockoe Slip.
10:35 p.m.
Bar: The Republic
At your service: Heather Dixon, Shari Schaefer, bar manager Natalie Weaver, Stephanie Mackey, Lauren Parker and Jess Erwin.
Favorite part of Richmond nightlife: "I like that you can pretty much go anywhere and find someone that you know, or a bartender that you know," says Weaver, 26. "It's kind of like a nice, neat little family. Richmond bartenders hang tight together — it's like a big family."