Read all the write-ups of the Shockoe Bottom area calling it a vibrant bar scene revitalized, hip new area etc, etc. We went expecting to see lots of activity and cute places to eat and drink. It was like a ghost town. A spooky ghost town. The restaurants we saw were either seedy or generic chain fare, with the exception of an Ethiopian restaurant with several panhandlers outside. The streets were deserted and the stroll though the area, which included a long stretch under a dark highway underpass was uncomfortable. Shockoe Bottom has a long way to go before it can live up to its self proclaimed vibrance and hipness.

Quite the little quiet and cozy area. You have everything you need for an excellent weekend or so of fun and great eats. Quaint little pizza joints surrounded by larger establishments like Buffalo Wild Wings and a restaurant with its own brewery. Hotels and Pubs galore too.

I like Shockhoe Bottom a lot, there are a lot of restaurants to pick from, and it's a great place for night-life + it's within walking distance of a lot of the loft apartments and condos downtown.

it's a great area to walk around, there are cobble streets and some great restaurants and pubs, a must is the visit to Central station

I enjoy walking areas. Here you experience cobblestone streets. Check out Main St station. There are several pubs and eateries. Mural art is all around too. Parking seems fairly easy to find and we easily used a $5 parking lot.