Fallout RVA

Great bar food… Load up tots with chili and cheese and be prepared for a delicious gut bomb! Their quesadillas are awesome as well! We recommend the all meaty one… No complaints…

Food is nice and the club looks cool but any positive points about this club end there. There are some very rude people who unfortunately attend here and the fact that some of the staff are pretty rude themselves certainly don’t help matters. For a club that preaches acceptance, there’s quite a bit of judgment and childish bickering that goes on here. If only there were less snobby types of people who attend this place, this might be a pretty decent hangout spot. If you don’t mind being around grown people who engage in high school drama and foolish cliques, then feel free to make yourself at home here. But for everybody else, go to Wonderland or Strange Matter instead…

Everyone is cool. Especially the bartenders. I like the wings with awesome sauce. I went to pirate night a while back and had fun. It’s dark, loud and full of people that don’t judge. My kind of place.

The biggest smoking pile of shit in Richmond, Va.

I like this place. The inside décor is not the most exciting thing ever, but the people are what keeps me coming back. I never met more friendly, accepting, and welcoming people anywhere. I got to admit I was a bit intimidated by the club’s theme and the style /​dress code, but they are just cool friendly people who dress in gothic style clothing.
They have some cool events that you should check out, though there is a vetting process in general, but I can see why. They want other tolerant and accepting people and not just anyone off the street. If you are a guest of a member on the weekend it should be more fun than going alone on a public night.
Minor note is that it is a niche thing in my opinion, so it might not be your thing in the end, but you never know unless you try, right? I only planned to check it out once but I have been back six times since then.

I love this place. GREAT FOOD! QUESDILLAS AND CHEESE FRIES ON POINT! GREAT DRINKS! GREAT STAFF! Especially the service there. Both at the door and the bar. We came in Friday night at 2am and usually they don’t allow people in after then, but, since we agreed to pay for food and because my friend had been a member for awhile they let us in, what great respect and appreciation for their members and then to mention there bartenders are knowledgeable, friendly, and quick especially «KELLY» SHE IS AWESOME :) If there is one person you want to give your hard earned money to, it’s her. She deserves it because she works just as hard if not more. Love Love her. Lol. To the manager who let us in thank you keep it up. You might have a future member in sight. Great RAVE music. Fun atmosphere. Free spirited. Come as you are, no judgement. You need to be here this is the place in Richmond to be on a weekend, If you’re into rave music, non judgemental people, great food and drinks, and atmosphere.

Fallout is an impressive place and by far the most unique club in the region. If you fall somewhere outside of how most people would define the term «normal» (or if you like to put on an alternate ego in your off-​hours), this is a stellar place for it.
(NOTE: the review on here in regard to the Apocalypse event contains lots of false information, and I know this since I was present for the entire evening; an African-​American gentleman started damaging part of the event display and was subsequently ejected from the club. The theme for this particular night was «the end of all things and the breakdown of social order», and part of that included historical references which may have been controversial in nature. That said, this club is not for people who are easily offended, and frankly if you disagree with controversial artistic presentations, you have no business being here in the first place. Go to Off the Hookah, then.)
Came here for their Apocalypse event at the invitation of a friend. The place is big on theming, as you’ll be able to tell from the moment you step in. The front counter worker was polite and walked me through their expectations: 1) Don’t be a jerk, 2) No photography (only their photographer can take pictures, and even then only with the permission of the photographed people), and 3) Follow the dress code. The first one is easy if you’re naturally a nice person (and if you’re not you shouldn’t come here, this is not a place to bring your drama to). The second one is more difficult for those who like photographic memories of their experiences, since it’s a really interesting interior with lots of fascinating people; just the same, don’t take pictures, they will remove you. The third one is harder, since their explanations of the dress code on the site are a bit vague. My advice is to put together an all-​black outfit that still looks classy, that will work for all occasions. Costume parties are different in their requirements (and happen all the time here), though they will let you know what they’re looking for in the event advertisement.
A minor note: this place is not for the faint of heart. The music comes at you loud and heavy, with the intensity of the atmosphere depending on what night you come. A night where they’re talking about and showcasing proper bondage techniques will likely be very quiet, while a major event (like the one I went to) will be very crowded and loud. Some people are outgoing, some not so much, though I have yet to meet a single rude person here. It’s a subculture unto itself, and people tend to appreciate one another.
The club is on a single level, with several areas split into sections by partial walls, a bar towards the back, and a room in the far rear for special events.
In order to become a member, there are two requirements: 1) you have to have a current member as a sponsor (either you know someone or you come in on one of the nights anyone can come in and see if you can make a friend who will sponsor you), and 2) you have to pass a little test they give on their computer. I can’t talk about the test, though it’s actually pretty fun and they’re reasonable about it. For that same reason, I can’t talk about many of the club’s activities. You’ll just have to come by and try it out.
A final note: if you are expecting a typical club only with darker themes, this is not for you. If you’re expecting some off-​the-​wall sex club, you will also be similarly disappointed. It’s in a class of its own, and it defies definition in that sense. I enjoy coming here thoroughly, and if you’re open-​minded, you will as well.
Overall: 4.5 stars
— — — — —
Pros:
— A unique experience, to be sure.
— If you attend a special event, you will remember if for the rest of your life.
— Fascinating/​nice people.
— Drinks are made well and there’s lots to choose from.
— Tired of the grind of other clubs? This place will serve you well.
Cons:
— Members and their guests only on Fri/​Sat and certain events, so either make a friend who is a member and go as their guest or get them to sponsor you.
— The dress code requirements are a bit vague, though an all-​black outfit will work.

So my room-​mates informed me that there was an apocalypse-​themed night going on at a club in Richmond called Fallout, that’s associated with the LGBT and BDSM communities. I spent something like two hours putting together a sweet «The Road» esque costume, and we get there and there’s cardboard lining the floor and walls and crumpled newspapers — typical looking post-​apocalyptic stuff, which is cool, but…
Then I started noticing the «graffiti» on the cardboard walls. Lots of swastikas, a bunch of antisemitic sh*t like «cooking with jews» (get it?) and «NO N***ERS ALLOWED». I look around, and sure enough there are maybe 3 or 4 non-​white people in a pretty crowded bar/​club on a Saturday night.
So at this point I’m pretty deeply uncomfortable and I’m wandering around in a kind of daze. Then somebody bumps into me, and this tatted up, frankly, Aryan-​brotherhood-​looking motherf*cker is pushing this skinny Black punk kid into the dance floor and there’s a confrontation between the kid and his one friend and this growing posse of aggressive white dudes, before THE KID is basically told to leave (maybe by someone actually connected to the club — that part was unclear to me). Apparently the kid had been trying to take down the cardboard sign that said «NO N***ERS ALLOWED», and that precipitated the argument.
So at this point my head is clearing at least to the point of realizing that we need to get the f*ck out of here. I alert the people I came with to the situation that we are in fact in a racist wannabe neonazi club and that angry white dudes are pushing around people who are trying to do something about the racist bullshit, and we start the process of collecting everybody/​thing and leaving. On the way out, I pass a small group of white people putting the «NO N***ERS ALLOWED» sign back up, and a small collection of tv sets playing Nazi military parade footage on loop.
I wait outside while people are extracting, and the same skinhead jackass stomps out of the club with a few other angry white dudes. They’re conversing and pointing, and they enter the bar next door, where apparently the two kids had gone, and they come back out to continue the argument. To clarify: A LARGE GROUP OF WHITE MEN FOLLOWED THE TWO PUNK KIDS INTO THE NEIGHBORING CLUB TO EXPRESS THEIR ANGER THAT THEIR RACIST SLURS HAD BEEN DEFACED.
The situation seemed to end and the punk kids went back into the other bar, and no serious violence ensues, at least by the time I left with my group.
The moral of the story is if you live in Richmond DO NOT GO TO FALLOUT. You might want to argue that only a few people were involved in the confrontation. Apparently those people are well-​known in the club, for starters, but beyond that, EVERYBODY in the club was capable of seeing all the nazi sh*t and all the racist slurs, and people were acting offended that somebody had attacked the «decorations», not that the decorations were vile and offensive.

Recently had a chance to visit Fallout and meet up with a couple of friends. The staff where quick and attentive, when retrieving my friend so that I could be let in. Since this is a members only club. Dance floor was a pretty good size with an adjacent cage for girls to dance in. It was a slower night without to many people, music was slightly offbeat. But nothing horrible. Bartenders are attentive and friendly drinks price where about average. Will defiantly be visiting again the next time I am in the Richmond area.

Went here for an event and found parking very easily. It was very large and dark inside. Is this a Richmond thing?
There’s a large open area and then lots of black benches and velvety furniture to sit on. I actually enjoyed the way it was set up.
The bar staff was friendly the bathrooms weren’t as dirty as I expected. They had some food specials going on which was nice. Unfortunately this is a bar that you can smoke in and that sort of killed the place for me but I’d return if there was fun event going on.
All in all I think if you’re a local this can be a good place to grab a beer and if you’re not, then it might be a good place to check out an event. Just know most of their events are adult nature so check the calendar before heading out.
Oh and P. S. Whatever you do DO NOT take pictures in this place or they will freak the F#&@ out. =\

There is a reason this is my go to spot. Fantastic crowd of people, awesome theme nights on the weekends, and a great open mic comedy show every other Tuesday! The weekend theme nights require that you be a member, but Monday — Thursday are open to everyone. The bartenders always have great recommendations for whatever you’re in the mood for, and the food is far superior to any other bar in the area.

I’ve got some choice nouns for the cats who drove 1 – 2 hours from out of town and whined about not getting the ultimate fantasy fetish club that only exists on TV, but I don’t think Unilocal will let me use them. My friends and I drove TEN HOURS from New York to Fallout for a birthday celebration, went straight out after arriving at our hotel (and dinner), and stayed until closing because that is how we roll.
My friends had regaled me with tales of Fallout from the last time they went and several months later, we made good on our word to go again. As with any fetish club, you need to be vetted by someone there, be approved for membership, etc, but it’s inexpensive and existing members are friendly if you show you’ll be responsible. We went in as guests on my friend’s membership card and wow, I was not disappointed with the place. There are no pictures allowed inside, so get ‘em taken outside by the sign!
First off, I’m impressed with any place that operates solely as a goth/​fetish club, especially with the current state of the American scene. Second, there’s a different theme every night they’re open. When my friends went last summer, all the sprinklers were turned on on the dancefloor and the bar for a ‘hurricane’ theme. (Baggies were provided for your phones so they wouldn’t get wet). When we went, it was a wild west theme, and almost everyone was dressed up. Points for dedication! Third, the drinks come in pints! Pints! We’re used to nursing a tumbler of a mixed drink for $ 12 in our neck of the woods, so I did not expect to polish off a $ 6 vodka cran pint and stay standing afterwards. Especially when we started out with some excellent car bombs.
The dancefloor was huge and nicely maintained so I could bounce and thrash to a great setlist that ranged from classic goth tunes to EBM. There’s a coat check up front with cubbies for your bag, with reasonable fees. There are pool tables and poker tables if you want to take a break from dancing, and a room in back for… purposes. (Nothing going on when we were there tho.)
It was a wicked fast trip, but the amazing ambience and experience at Fallout definitely has us planning on return trips. I’m interested in checking out more of Richmond when I have time, especially after we drove past the Edgar Allan Poe Museum and the Science Museum.

now i’ll disagree with the majority of the bad reviews about fallout i’ve been there twice this year once in may of ’12 (when they had they’re gothic prom) it was a good intro to the staff) and in may of ’12)admitidly i wasn’t «all there» emotionaly that night, a few complaints about falloutrva (at least for us handicaped folks it’s not EXACTLY handicapted able i have seeing problems and walking problems so my boyfriend had to lead me in there and to make sure i didn’t fall, but we ARE going BACK come christmas weekend and i’m hoping for a SPECTACULAR theme for christmas (gigggle) i can’t wait

I drove 2 hours from DC for the Imperative Reaction show last Saturday and I was completely shocked by this venue. After reading Fallout’s website I was excited to see what this club had to offer. Yes, I realize I went on a night when the venue was not members only and yes, I realize that I went for a concert and not a fetish party. With that being said, you don’t need to go to a members only night to know this place isn’t worth the drive or the effort of even getting into latex.
First major problem, there are picnic benches and a seating area. I’m sorry but what type of fetish club serves food? I’ve been to fetish parties thrown by Fetish Factory for years and have attended parties all over the world and none of them served food. Honestly, the benches and food takes away from the club.
Second, I walk in and the club is playing the show The Big Bang Theory on tv. Are you kidding me? This is a nightclub regardless of what event is taking place and honestly if you want people to join, especially people who love fetish and have the money to spend then you should probably hold your standards to what your website claims they are even on public nights.
Third, the dress code at this venue is a joke! No honestly, I laughed continuously through out the night. According to the website they ask that guests come dressed according to Fallout’s standards. I read the list, I dress goth/​fetish every day so it was no big deal. Um, pfffft, the dress code thing is a joke. I saw multiple people in jeans. I wasn’t aware that fetish clubs started allowing people to just show up in jeans and polo shirts. Like at least make them wear all black. Black jeans are tolerable. According to the website, those people shouldn’t have even been allowed even on a public night.
Fourth, this place is way too small for any decent fetish party. Having two cages doesn’t make it kinky. Where is the bondage gear, swings, whips, etc. You couldn’t even whip someone properly in that space. Don’t tell me they put it all away because of the concert. We all know they don’t have storage space.
Lastly, the air quality and sound quality. I respect that people are smokers and that Richmond hasn’t banned indoor smoking but as a private establishment Fallout can make their club a smoke free environment. Honestly, there was so much cigarette smoke that I could barely see my friend and he was standing right next to me. I couldn’t even dance because my chest started hurting so bad and I had shortness of breath. If Fallout allows its guest re-​entry which is what I get from the club then they should encourage their patrons to smoke outside. Actually they should also encourage their employees not to smoke inside as well. It’s basically unprofessional on so many levels. It would be a much more enjoyable place if it was smoke-​free. The sound quality is complete crap. That may not ever be fixed without a serious investment.
I know I wrote a bunch of negative things but I do have some positive things to mention. The bartenders were extremely friendly and remembered my order. The drinks were extremely reasonably priced & since I don’t drink alcohol it was nice to not be charged $ 6 for a cranberry juice the size of a shot glass. The bathroom was also decent for the type of venue.

—2015 EDIT—
So I should’ve made this edit about the Doomsday 2014 controversy a while back, but better late than never I suppose.
Before you read Matt Elgin’s and Style Weekly’s story as gospel truth, please consider talking to other members and staff of the club who were actually there. I was there, and most of what Matt E. said was a mix of omissions and complete lies, which the local press and mob-​justice crowd took and ran with.
Anyways, I was there, my girlfriend and other friends I was there with saw what happened, and what Matt said didn’t match what I witnessed. It’d be pointless to repeat everything but this reddit post outlined what really happened and matched everything we saw:
— — -ORIGINAL REVIEW BELOW (with some edits for length) — –
I came from the LA area, where the clubs are big and bangin. Das Bunker and Perversion as I recall them were tough to beat, and many times I found myself grossly disappointed with some of the smaller clubs you’d find in San Diego in cheap, campy venues. I admit I was a bit skeptical about Fallout, since from verbal description I got the impression it was a small club in a region that’s pretty dry in terms of the goth/​industrial/​EBM music scene. So naturally I went in with low-​to-​no expectations, but still with an open mind.
What I found was awesome. Fallout really does feel like a seedy dive you might find in a Neo-​Tokyo slum or in some rusty wasteland colony. Regulars consist of MC bikers, goths, rivetheads, kinky folk and other enjoyable riff raff. It’s not a place for censors, puritans, and squares. I felt like I’d walked onto the set of a low budget 80s post-​apocalyptic thriller.
On my first visit I went in the middle of the week at an early hour, so it was a bit quiet at the time, but within 20 minutes I’d been introduced to just about everyone at the bar. Chat like that did not happen easily at a lot of the bigger clubs I’ve been to, where it’s usually assumed that you socialize within the small group you already know there. With Fallout, I was able to talk face to face with the DJ (Jackie) no problem, and get more info about the place, what to do to apply for membership, etc.
Some people get a little intimidated by the «members only» nature of the club and the rules/​dress code, but it’s honestly not that big a deal, and after you’ve been going there a few times you’ll see why it’s a necessary system. Just don’t be afraid to ask questions and you’ll have a pretty cool.
DRINKS: Great selection, and the prices are fairly low compared to the average in RVA. I’m more of a cider drink these days and love that they’ve been stocking up on ACE. Also their happy hour is pretty rad.
FOOD: Good stuff. It’s your usual bar/​diner food, nothing fancy, but it IS really good. I’ve had a lot of their burgers, quesadillas, and breakfasts-​for-​dinner and so far it’s all been filling and tasty. My favorite though are the .25-​cent wings on Monday nights 6−9pm, they’re freakin delicious and filling as hell. The «Awesome Sauce» wings definitely are awesome.
MUSIC: Aside from the people, this is the main reason I go. They have the usual range of «club favorites» that you’ll hear every weekend but they generally have a fresh rotation to keep things from getting repetitive. Also, the different theme nights usually affect the playlists. For example «Blackout» night (one of my favorites) tends to have a lot more EDM and old-​school Trance/​rave stuff, which you generally won’t hear much of on other nights. The DJ’s are also pretty good about taking reasonable song requests. If it can fit in the theme with the night’s existing playlist, they’ll generally find a way to squeeze it in there for you.

The negative reviews you’ll see on this page generally say this: I wanted to go to an elite, sexy goth/​fetish club but you have to be a member to get into this one. I didn’t have a membership and I don’t know a member so I went on one of the non-​members’ nights when they let any schmoo off the street walk in and I was disappointed to see that the place was full of schmoos off the street! No kidding! For once, I’d recommend that –to get more information– you actually read the filtered reviews.
The vibe they’re going for here is, «old fallout shelter»: Dark, goth, sexy, gritty, dirty, elite. Apparently it’s super hype as «ZOMG elite fetish club» amongst, I don’t know, new VCU students and people who live in New Kent. If you know anyone who is remotely involved in any kind of alternative fashion or alternative lifestyle here in Richmond you know a Fallout member so it can’t be *that* elite. If «there are a couple of cages for people to dance in and they have bondage gear sprinkled around for decorations» means fetish club, sure, okay. If that gives you heart palpitations please never go to The Castle in Tampa Fl. I will say that if you take away the hype that has built up amongst people who don’t know any better it is an admirable club. They do what they set out to do very well. It is dark, goth, sexy, gritty, dirty, and reasonably elite. To that last point, if you have a problem with cliques and/​or fashionably dressed goth people staring at you with typical gothic disdain, don’t come here.
To avoid a steep cover charge you must be a member (14 $ to apply when I applied and was rejected, LOL) or come with a member. There is a dress code. Just think goth when you’re dressing and you’ll be fine. By far the most fun thing about the club is the theme nights. Friday and Saturday nights there are themes that you can dress to and get in free (with a member). I always go for the rain themed nights, where they pipe the roof of the club with water hoses and rain and storm down on the inside. As long as your junk is covered enough to follow the letter of the law of legal you can wear ANYTHING. In fact, a common theme is «anything but clothes». If, to be street legal on your way to and from the club you must wear something over your ensemble they have very secure cubbies and a coat check behind the doorfolks.
IF you like EBPM, dark electronic or dance music you will love this club. There’s a small dance floor in the front and they’re always playing some pretty damn good dark electronic music. There’s a special night for the raver-​styled folks, too. Music is not too boneshakingly loud but you will have to yell to be heard.
Drinks and food are reasonable. There are special drinks each theme night and there are several «off the menu» and on the menu drinks named after patrons. The «S&M», for example, is a fruity, girly version of a Long Island and is named after two members who got married this year.
Points that I will give the negative reviews: This is a small club, you’re not going to have a 200 person wedding in here. Since it’s a members-​only establishment, patrons can do what they want (as long as it’s legal) so people can and do smoke in here. That half step at the end of the ramp by the dance floor is a hazard for sure. There’s a strip of yellow paint on the top to warn you but there have been many, many nights when I’ve not watched my step and wiped the hell out.
Don’t go if:
–You’re not comfortable with people looking at you like they’re judging if you’re «cool enough».
–You’re not interested in the alternative lifestyle/​fashion scene.
–You’re allergic to cigarette smoke.
–You’re afraid of GLBT folks
Go if:
–You’re interested in getting involved with or already are involved with the local alternative lifestyle/​fashion scene.
–You already know someone who is a member and can introduce you around.
–You love dressing up.
–You love EBPM kind of music.
If you go:
–Don’t sit on the couches in the back room.
–Don’t drink the S&M if you’ve already pre-​gamed.
–Dress to the theme.

I am from CT but have a friend that lives in Richmond and I always try and spend a night at Fallout when I am visiting. I originally planned to move to the area, so I picked up a membership which allows you to go any night they are open, not just Wednesday which is «open to the public». Membership was free but invite only. My «invite» came after wandering into the club on a member only night and just bullshitting with the staff for a few minutes. I was told I could hang out for the night as I was from out of town, and by the end of the night they invited me to join.
The club looks nice inside, not as nice as Manray in Boston used to look, but nice enough you can relax and hang out w/​o feeling like you are in a seedy hole in the wall. It’s a goth & industrial club, so expect that type of environment. Drinks were reasonably priced and strong enough. Its like anywhere else, if you are polite, tip well, and show up enough they will take care of you with a free round now and again. In this case, I don’t really show up enough being seven hours away, but I have never been screwed on drinks both in alcohol content or price.
The music here is hit or miss which is my only complaint. Some nights I have gone the music was amazing, other nights it was crap. I like goth, synthpop, darkwave, and industrial that’s not angry metal /​punk sounding. Unfortunately, there have been a few times where they basically just played really hard industrial, which is not my thing. Also, if you have been around the scene long enough you know that Goth/​Industrial DJ’s are mostly prima donnas and hate requests. I found they would say they would play what I requested, but it was hit or miss whether it actually got played. I am not talking about something outlandish, usually VNV or Depeche Mode. This again is not atypical for a Goth /​Industrial club. Again, hit or miss based of your music preference.
The staff here is amazing. The bartenders are friendly and fun to talk to when they are not busy. I met the owner, who was a fun guy to hang out with, in fact he was the one who sponsored my membership. I have never seen any bouncers and not once have I seen a problem, fight, confrontation, etc. At least last time I went the place was open 7 days a week for extended late night hours. Also, because its private you can still smoke inside unlike other VA bars. Coming from CT where we can’t smoke anywhere inside, this is kind of nice.
Overall, if you are into the goth scene I would highly recommend Fallout. It’s too bad I don’t live closer, but any chance I get to stop by the club has always lead to a fun night.
I was spoiled by Manray in Boston, having gone for many years and eventually working at the club, it was like a home away from home. While no Goth /​Industrial club has ever topped Manray, this one comes close. I am sure if I lived in the area, that sense of Fallout being «home» would quickly grow on me. Again, defiantly check out Fallout if you are in the Richmond, VA area.

I came in from over an hour away with a partner for one of their ‘open public’ events expecting a unique venue worth the drive. But it turned out to be quite the opposite. In short, this is a dark, dirty hole-​in-​the-​wall that is poorly arranged and has no outdoor area except out on the sidewalk. They certainly do not need any fog machines here with amount of cigarette smoke and no ventilation. Combine that with the half of a step in the middle of the walkway and you get a sense of how much this place is a health hazard.
The arrangement consists of performers near the back of a narrowing walkway facing the bar and the ‘crowd’ crammed along the side. The front half of the place is practically useless with piles of equipment sitting on the two pool tables and minimal space to sit down. There was a TV presumably so that you could view the performance from the front, but the video on this is so dark that it only shows occasional flashes of the lights against a black background (You can not see people on this monitor).
We also noticed a large mural on the wall that looks like something which might be in a jazz club or restaurant. Whatever it was before they came in and ruined it, the place is definitely a tragedy in the making. Now I can see why they do not show any pictures nor do they allow any to be taken, a point that is made very clear when you enter.
While we were hopeful on the idea of an alternative club closer to home, I could not recommend anyone waste their time or money to get back into this phony disaster. Add to that the parking situation is treacherous and just not worth walking down the street for. After seeing clubs in Atlanta and some in New England, I certainly will not be taking this exit ramp in the future.

Best bar in RVA. Hands down! Great bartenders every night they’re open! Drinks are cheap, delicious and well poured!

Intimate members-​only fetish lounge with theme nights and an all-​black dress code. Fog, furries, and blackout nights are particularly keen. Strong drinks, decent music, uncrowded bars, and an accepting, unpretentious atmosphere that does not objectify anyone. If you see people doings things in the back that you don’t fetishize, the appealing, edgy girl at the front advises you to quietly keep walking or get the hell out. Smoking is permitted through most of the space, but there are a couple of tables in an enclosed space at the front for those who do not partake. No photography, of course.