Keagan’s Irish Pub Opens Doors at West Broad Village

A new-to-Richmond Irish pub opened its doors Tuesday evening, just in time for St. Patty’s Day. Keagan’s Irish Pub opened around 4:00 p.m. at 3939 Duckling Drive under the Aloft Richmond West Hotel and had a packed house by 6:00 p.m. Those from the Hampton Roads area may be familiar with the restaurant, whose original […]

March 9, 2011; 9:20 AM • by Trevor Dickerson

The large pub features rich, dark wood trim that gives it a traditional pub feel, but has plenty of modern accents. Two glass-separated dining and bar areas allow for a smoking section compliant under the recent Virginia restaurant smoking ban.

Original plans called for a heavy modification of the building’s facade (renderings can be seen here), but much of that work was never completed. An outdoor dining area will still reportedly be utilized, however.

Keagan’s joins The French Boutique, recently-moved 3Sports, Sweet Spot Candy and the Children’s Museum of Richmond’s Short Pump location on the same block.

West Broad Village community reporter James Barrett offered his take on the new restaurant on the Residents of West Broad Village website Tuesday evening. His comments, as well as a photo of the packed bar from opening night, can be seen below.

Excerpt from James Barrett, Editor of Residents of West Broad Village:

Across the board, we were very pleased with our dining experience.

The atmosphere was warm and inviting – wood throughout, stone fireplaces, high ceilings, and Celtic decor. It somehow felt like the type of place I could bring my Irish grandmother for dinner or become my favorite West End watering hole.

The service was exceptional. This may be a new restaurant but this was clearly not new wait staff. Our waitress knew every detail about the menu and was extremely accommodating – from changing the channel on one of their many flat panels to offering to bring both broiled and fried crab cakes when my wife and I couldn’t agree on how we wanted them prepared.

The food selection and taste was a cut above traditional pub food. Our crab dip was a pleasant surprise and the crab cakes (both fried and broiled) were some of the best I’ve had in Richmond. To top it all off, the bold taste of Guinness on draft.