I have been unintentionally following John “J.R.” Riley on Friday nights for the better part of two decades now.

He has spearheaded some of Hampton Roads’ most exciting nightlife hot spots. I first met him at Rogues in the early ’90s. Then, I ran into him often at Hammerheads in the late ’90s, and at Tikis and Boneshakers in the early 2000s. His reputation as a nightclub owner is matched by few in this town. So, about four years ago, when word hit the street that J.R. would be opening up a new place near Kempsville, I was intrigued. Sure enough, three years ago, Knuckleheads Roadhouse popped up at 401 North Witchduck Road, right next to the Bayside Harley Davidson dealership.

Admittedly, I was apprehensive about J.R.’s new gig. I understand the location choice; it is seven blocks from the Virginia Beach Town Center and a half-mile from the interstate. But a place called “Knuckleheads” right next to a motorcycle dealership just conjured up images of Patrick Swayze and Sam Elliot throwing burly, bearded, tattooed bikers out the back door of the joint while some Southern rock band plays songs about better days. (Little did I know: while the front is packed with bikes, the cars are out around back!)

I mustered up the nerve to check it out one night. I saw on the marquis that The Deloreans were playing. Fittingly a Delorean was, in fact, parked outside. I walked up to the wraparound porch where a couple dozen folks were drinking, eating, and smoking. To my surprise, there was only a minimal amount of leather being worn. When I got to the door, a very intimidating bouncer turned around, shot the kindest smile, opened the door for me, and said, “Good evening.”

Inside the place is unbelievable! Ten huge plasma TVs on the walls, state-of-the-art lighting and sound filling the room with acoustics rarely found in a nightclub. There was actually no smoke indoors (huge outdoor patio only for smoking), and I was struck by the smell of food. I headed over to one of the two bars. The lead singer of The Deloreans, looking very much like Billy Idol, was rocking out on the corner of the bar with the rest of his band jamming onstage in pure ’80s fashion. Head bobbing, I saddled up to the bar between a couple that was probably in their mid-50s and a group of young ladies clearly involved in a bachelorette party. Behind me, there was a pool tournament going on between two tables. Again, the mix of people was amazing – early 20s to early 60s, sneakers to leather boots, polo shirts to jean jackets, crew cuts to mullets. Seriously, it was bizarre, yet strangely refreshing. And comfortable. Definitely comfortable.

The truth is that I was instantly in love with this place, mainly because of how I felt as I was standing there–like a rockstar. The black and chrome Harley Dyna sitting atop the center of the bar and featured in spotlights was all the ambiance I needed. Not for nothing, I could not believe how good even my tuna bites were By the end of the night, I had run into several neighbors, old high school friends, and a few younger folks I met as the manager of a skate team; I even met some new faces that I have come to love.

Yes, it’s true. Knuckleheads Roadhouse is definitely not what I imagined…not even remotely close (except that there are some burly, bearded, tattooed bikers inside; although, they are quite possibly some of the sweetest and most generous men I have ever met. This is not a Hollywood-style, biker bar; this is a place for the young at heart to gather, eat, drink, dance, party, and be charitable (teaser – keep reading).

I caught up with  J.R. and asked him to give me the scoop on the place–what he thought most people did not know about Knuckleheads. Aside from the fact that they have lunch and dinner specials, drink specials, and live music on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, he told me about how they cater in-house parties, have the best singers in Tidewater come out on Tuesdays for karaoke night, and attract clientele from all walks of life – both locals and tourists. He mentioned how it was prime real estate and that owning the land and the building in such a central location was an obvious stake in a successful future for Virginia Beach commerce. Then I asked him what it was about this establishment, given all his years in this industry, that made it his best yet. His excitement nearly lifted him out of his seat as he explained.

“We are constantly giving back to the community. And that is the most important and most valuable aspect of Knuckleheads. We are a family, and we take care of each other in our community.” To be specific, through various charity events including raffles, car shows, bike shows, auctions, and other fundraisers, Knuckleheads has raised over $300,000 for charities as well as individuals in need of help. Last year, they raised over $35,000 alone for breast cancer research through a Bon Secours event held there. What really interested me was that Knuckleheads and its patrons do not just contribute to well-known organizations; but even individuals as well. For example, there is a “Hail to a Hero Ride” coming up on June 6 to help save the house of a local man, Ray, who risked his life and became permanently injured while saving a passenger and a child from a burning automobile in a horrendous traffic accident. When I looked on Knuckleheads’ website, I was awestruck by all the various past and upcoming events that championed community outreach.

There is no way for you to fully comprehend the welcoming atmosphere inside unless you park and go in. Sure, there are plenty of bikes outside and plenty of bikers inside. However, Knuckleheads Roadhouse is absolutely not a biker bar in the stereotypical sense, unless of course we are referencing the gruff-yet-gentle genre, you know – tough on the outside, tender on the inside – because you will find a few of those there. Knuckleheads is a place to meet all kinds of people from Harley-riding mamas to PBR-drinking hipsters. It is good food, good drinks, good music, great times and even greater people. If you go once, you just may find yourself in the market for a vintage leather vest eventually.