Your spawn point in Shockoe Bottom
Date of visit: I’ve been here over 100 times since 2020
Wonderland is an icon. A dark beacon of safety in the chaos of this world. When you’re staggering through Shockoe Bottom far later (or earlier!) than you should be, Wonderland is there to welcome you home. You can show up sober too, but I’m not the man to speak to that.
Vibe:
A classic punk bar with killer clown decor. You’ll find a motley bunch here: crusty punks, punks who shower, bartenders from nearby establishments, your correspondent (nearly blacked out), women off shift from the club up the street, and a man who goes by Vermin, among others. TVs generally show D-rated horror films or WWE. Punk, darkwave, or metal is the music du jour.
This is a bar by locals, for locals. Come often enough and you’re guaranteed to make local friends. Don’t be intimidated; the vast majority of people here are friendly, and the bar staff don’t tolerate assholes.
Drinks:
Wide variety of canned beers along with a cocktail menu. Most of the cocktails contain energy drinks as a mixer. Try the Ecto-cooler!
This is an N/A friendly bar. Athletic Brewing is available and you will not be judged for it.
You will be judged for ordering a White Claw (or equivalent), but just own up to it and you’ll earn your respect back.
Beers in the $3-6 range. Cocktails around $12. Price is not something I’m thinking about by the time I’m taking shots.
The Move:
Wonderland opens pretty late (8pm at the time of this review) and closes late (2am), so it’s a great nightcap. Make sure to say hi to Chad (the enigmatic owner) when he’s behind the bar.
But really, don’t limit yourself! I’ve celebrated birthdays here. I’ve mourned friends here. I’ve come here on a Monday just because. If you can’t find what you need here, you’ll at least find the inspiration.
There is typically at least one bar seat available. Some tables are close enough to the bar to make do otherwise. I would snipe a bar seat as soon as one opens.
Bonus:
There is a stage next door to the bar area. If it’s a live music night, cover is $10 at the door. Chad also runs Punks for Presents, a biannual charity concert series. The Wonderland stage always has a few of those acts.
Nearby places of interest:
- Patrons will try to invite you to Mac’s (McCormack’s Irish Pub). Proceed with caution
- The Pizza Place is here to replace the booze in your gut with grease & carbs