what were the beer bars/breweries to hit in Richmond?
Friend was asking and I know a few places were namedropped here
Stone isn't on line yet?
Best place to drink beer (and eat Vietnamese, imo) is Mekong. And it's sister establishment, the Answer Brewpub. Mekong has a draft list that's as good as, or better than Churchkey. At like half the cost. The Answer also has a fantastic draft list, inclusing their own beers, andis making IPA's as good as or better than Ocelot and Aslin. They're next door to each other in a nondescript strip mall, so you can hit them both.
If friend is willing to drive out of the way a bit, Lickinghole Creek, in Goochland is great. Farmhouse style brewery, really nice to hang out outside on a good weather day. Solid beers all around.
Triple Crossing, downtown, makes some really good IPA's.
I've always found their beers underwhelming, but others swear by Hardywood. A boisterous scene on a Saturday afternoon, with live music and a plethora of fat chicks.
There are others, but those are the ones I picked after doing my homework.
The Stone taproom opens March 3. Just had their soft opening.