Richmond rocks in the New Year

Richmond was alive with bustle Tuesday evening as 2024 drew to a close. Locals headed out to mingle and share good cheer at eateries, bars, and clubs, waiting expectantly for the arrival of the new year.

In the North and East neighborhood, “Richmond’s Best” winner, the Factory Bar, offered a celebratory evening with festive cocktails, a DJ, and a champagne toast at midnight to ring in the new year with festive style. 

Owner Tom Lyons said the bar was already half-full by 7:30 p.m., with more revelers expected later in the evening as 2024 faded.

“People are definitely coming out tonight; we have a pretty good crowd now, and more are coming in, which is pretty typical for New Year's,” Lyons said. “It’s usually pretty full by midnight.”

Lyons said the fun wouldn't end at midnight. The Factory Bar is hosting another event on New Year's Day featuring southern eats, its famous cocktails, and, of course, more good cheer.

Since opening in 2020, The Factory Bar has become a neighborhood favorite known for its creative cocktails and festive outdoor seating. Often described as an "urban oasis," the bar has received numerous awards and helped prompt what some call a burgeoning food district along the strip of San Pablo Avenue south of Solano Avenue. This district is also home to El Tucan, Waffles and Cream, Pram Jam, and Catahoula Coffee, which are well-known throughout the Bay Area.

Across town in Point Richmond, perennial favorites like Biaconverdi (Hotel Mac for those who’ve been around for a while) and Baltic Kiss drew sizable crowds for those seeking to kick off the new year with dinner and live music.

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