RICHMOND, Va. -- This article had so many beginnings. A first attempt regaled the importance of a specific brand of semi-dive bar to the ethos of Richmond’s Fan neighborhood (think Bamboo Cafe or Sidewalk). A second explored the value, both price and quality, of a masterclass classic cocktail or ice-cold brew in the aforementioned drinking den. And a third and fourth iteration noted the value of community and company in a place where longevity on a bar stool or bench seat is celebrated with or without booze.
Each opening worked well, but only together did they form the package that is our underrated local entity known as the ‘Fan bar.’
Smoke and Barrel, located at 2329 W. Main Street and North Stafford Avenue, occupies the bottom floor of a corner building that has been many things over the years; most recently (recent is relative in the Fan) a small restaurant with big feelings, The White Dog. Then after the quirksome TWD came a Big Easy-themed bar with a huge ego, Lady N’awlins.
Smoke and Barrel is neither a combination nor a refresh of those former places. Click here to continue reading in Style Weekly.
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