When Oderus Urungus promised that GWARbar would be open in 2014, nobody expected it to be done with only four hours to spare.
The long sought after goal of GWAR, the iconic thrash metal band, to open an establishment worthy of the name was finally realized and added to the Virginia restaurant scene in the historic Jackson Ward arts district. On New Years Eve 2014, the doors to 217 West Clay Street in Richmond were smashed in and GWARbar was officially open for business. Jonathan Staples of James River Distillery and former GWAR lead singer Dave Brockie spearheaded the project with the help of restaurant partner Travis Croxton of Rapphannock to create a which boasts “intergalactic junk food.”
Guitarist Michael Derks tells of the unique menu which boasts exclusive dishes for every pallet, “The thing most people are surprised about is just how damn good the food is. Head chef Jeremy Dutra (drummer for Richmond’s own US Bastards) has made my vision of gourmet junk food rock! With items like our Scumdogs (house made sausages) and McDuckets (a duck, chicken, cheese and truffle nugget) we are turning your guilty pleasures into gastronomic masterpieces!”
GWARbar will also serve signature drinks in a collectible GWAR Tiki Mug which was specially designed for GWARbar by Holden Westland of Southern California’s Tiki Farm. Boasting the title of world’s largest manufacturer of tiki mugs, Tiki Farm worked closely with GWAR to create a one of a kind souvenir mug tailored to the band’s unique visual style. GWAR’s signature blend of beauty and brutality is brought together throughout the rest of the restaurant by the design and construction prowess of Barry Griffin at Griffin Customs.
GWAR fans, foodies, and neighborhood families alike are sure to enjoy the marvels GWARbar has to offer. This new restaurant is sure to become a top tourist destination for the Richmond area.