Rose Marie Inn

Richmond, Virginia

Field Note

Finding a dive bar in a strip mall is a common occurrence, but there’s something unique about the placement of Richmond’s Rose Marie Inn, nestled in the corner of a strip mall that is in itself nestled into an easy-to-miss corner of the city (technically Henrico). “Where friends met” is a fairly unbeatable dive bar slogan and Rose Marie Inn embodies that vibe well, the space clearly designed as a hub for locals and regulars at all hours of the day.

A quick perusal of online reviews reveals a tale of two ownership stints at Rose Marie Inn divided by the tenures of longtime owner John Fleming, whose family took over the space in 1971, and new owner Lee Robinson, who purchased the Richmond dive bar in 2021. Fresh ownership has brought a series of updates and modifications that have served to preserve the bar’s divey status while adding such vaunted amenities as functional light bulbs (138 blown or missing bulbs were replaced upon Robinson’s purchase) and an expanded food menu.

The history of Rose Marie Inn extends past its current Patterson Avenue location thanks to a prior stint on Cleveland Street in Richmond’s Museum District as early as 1938. The business moved to its current plot in 1958, the date inscribed on merchandise related to the Richmond dive bar. Thankfully, it would be easy to assume that bits and pieces of the Rose Marie Inn interior have been preserved since 1958, the sum total of those parts a dive bar as authentic as can be found in Richmond.

Outside, two simple, towering signs atop the Rose Marie Inn structure proclaim both the name of the bar and “Rose Too” in reference to a related catering & delivery side of the business. Underneath the name of the bar, the word ‘Restaurant’ can be found in large block letters, reflecting a renewed focus on food under Robinson’s tenure. Of course, “Where Friends Meet” makes its first appearance on the bar’s exterior sign, echoed inside with a sign behind the bar.

Crucially, a long, covered patio runs the length of the bar’s exterior, serving as primary socialization location for the regulars that have long made Rose Marie Inn home. Tables and chairs are sprinkled throughout this outdoor space that can make it easy to miss the script red neon sign reading “Rose Marie Inn” that runs along the bar’s front window. The bar’s hours of operation are posted here as well, notable thanks to a special early start of 8 AM each Sunday morning.

Inside, all of the signs of a great dive bar can be found, including string lights and extensive wood paneling that runs the length of the space. Under a hat collection that borders the bar’s ceiling, a row of booths provides fixed seating opposite the bar counter. Diamond mirrors dot the walls that include additional hats, framed photos and the occasional beer sign among their decorative elements. Taken together with the black & white tile floor, the look here is almost diner-like, down to the small kitchen that anchors the rear of Rose Marie Inn.

Despite the small footprint, live music and karaoke nights rotate through Rose Marie Inn each week with the occasional dance party among the bar’s events. The food menu is comprised of typical sandwiches and snacks, though specials and seasonal offerings add variety (who can turn down baked spaghetti). Also in true dive bar fashion, holidays and major sporting events are celebrated with drink specials, unique food offerings and the occasional costume.