From Biker Bar to Metal Mecca: Check Out Another Round

by | Dec 5, 2024 | COMMUNITY, CULTURE, METAL, PUNK, THRASH & HARDCORE, NIGHTLIFE, ROCK & INDIE, SMALL BUSINESS

Richmond has always been a city where music does more than just play in the background. For decades, heavy music has found its footing here, rising from packed clubs, DIY spaces, and warehouses. A part of that culture today is Another Round Bar & Grill, a modest spot on Brook Road in Lakeside that’s become a part of the city’s music ecosystem right on the city limits.

From the outside, Another Round doesn’t scream for attention. It’s the kind of place you discover rather than stumble upon. Inside, though, it’s alive. By day, it’s a relaxed neighborhood joint serving burgers and beers. At night, the amps hum, the lights dim, and it transforms into a space where the music takes over and the crowd locks in.

Brian Fisher: The Heart Behind the Bar

Every great venue has someone who makes it tick, and at Another Round, that person is Brian Fisher. A veteran of Richmond’s heavy music scene, Fisher has done it all—played the shows, toured the country, and seen firsthand what it takes to keep a scene alive. When he took over Another Round a few years back, his vision was clear: create a space for musicians and fans to come together, thrive, and grow.

“This wasn’t about just running a bar,” Fisher explains. “It was about giving Richmond something it needed—a place for bands to get their start and for fans to feel connected.”

He’s done just that. Whether it’s a band playing their first set or a seasoned act shaking the walls, Another Round gives every performer a chance to leave it all on stage.

Another-Round-Bar-Grill_by-R.-Anthony-Harris_RVA-Magazine-2024
Photo by Dave Pearson

What Sets Another Round Apart

What makes Another Round special isn’t flashy design or over-the-top concepts—it’s the sense of purpose. The venue still carries traces of its biker bar past, but the vibe is welcoming and inclusive. Regular events like metal karaoke and comedy nights keep things interesting, while the steady lineup of live shows ensures there’s always something happening.

And it’s not just about the music. The food and drinks are straightforward and satisfying, the kind of no-frills menu that suits the atmosphere perfectly. Whether you’re there for the riffs or just wandering in for a beer, the place feels comfortable, unpretentious, and genuinely inviting.

Why Another Round Matters

Richmond’s music scene has always thrived in spaces like Another Round—venues where people gather to create, connect, and celebrate the music that moves them. It’s not about the headliners or the glitz; it’s about the roots. For Brian Fisher, this isn’t just a business—it’s a mission to preserve and support the scene he loves.

“This place is for the community,” Fisher says. “For the people who care about the music, community and each other.”

Main photo: Tyler Small of Saving Vice by @joshgmba4

R. Anthony Harris

R. Anthony Harris

In 2005, I created RVA Magazine, and I'm still at the helm as its publisher. From day one, it’s been about pushing the “RVA” identity, celebrating the raw creativity and grit of this city. Along the way, we’ve hosted events, published stacks of issues, and, most importantly, connected with a hell of a lot of remarkable people who make this place what it is. Catch me at @majormajor____




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