Something about a casual night out with your mom hits differently. No special occasion, no big plans—just the two of us looking for good food, better drinks, and a laid-back vibe. That’s precisely how we ended up at Industrial Taphouse West in Goochland, Virginia.

I’d heard of this spot a few times through word-of-mouth—friends who said it was great for drinks, with a fun, upbeat atmosphere, and solid comfort food. Goochland isn’t too far of a drive, so we figured we’d give it a shot. I’m always looking for hidden gems outside the Richmond city limits, and this one has been on my radar for a while.

First Impressions & Atmosphere

As soon as we walked in, I noticed how cool the space felt. Think rustic meets industrial chic—exposed beams, high ceilings, and wood everywhere. It’s the kind of place that feels welcoming right off the bat like it wants you to relax, laugh a little louder than usual, and stay awhile.

But with all that wood and open space comes noise—and lots of it. The place doesn’t have many sound-absorbing materials, so once it fills up (which it did while we were there), it gets loud. Not uncomfortably so, but if you’re hoping for an intimate, low-volume dinner, you may want to snag a patio table or visit during a quieter time.

We were seated at a high-top table near the bar, which I loved. It gave us a great view of the whole place, and the energy was infectious. Laughter, clinking glasses, good music—just the Friday night vibe I hoped for.

Cocktails Worth Writing Home About

Let me start by saying this: they know what they’re doing behind that bar. I ordered the Dragon Berry Mojito, which is made with Bacardi Dragon Berry Rum, simple syrup, fresh lime, mint leaves, and soda. It was perfectlybalanced—light, refreshing, and not too sweet- exactly how I like my cocktails. What surprised me most was how smooth it was. You could barely taste the alcohol but in a good way. It was the kind of drink that could sneak up on you, especially if you're hanging out with friends on a summer night.

My mom got the Cherry Limeade Crush, a mix of Smirnoff Cherry Vodka, orange liqueur, fresh lime juice, Sprite, and grenadine. It tasted like a grown-up version of a Sonic cherry limeade (and I mean that in the best way possible). Tart, sweet, bubbly, and fun—just like my mom. She loved it.

I couldn’t help but think: I would've been in trouble if I had been here with friends just out for drinks. These cocktails are dangerously drinkable, and the bartenders know how to mix them right—major points for the drink menu.

Appetizer: Southern Roots on a Plate

We started with the pork rinds,… which were still popping when they hit the table. That sound—that sizzle and crackle—is from my Southern upbringing. They came out hot, crispy, and light with just enough seasoning. It brought me back to childhood cookouts and roadside gas stations where you could find the best homemade snacks. As someone who grew up loving the food that sticks to your ribs and tells a story, I felt this little appetizer was a moment of nostalgia.