The Whiskey Jar

Searching for a Bite to Eat:

My first goal of the morning was to locate a coffee shop to sit for breakfast/brunch and verify my remaining plans for the day. It was the perfect fall day to sit outside and ruminate. My attention turned to the varying restaurants and open patio dining.

I noticed that some patios were more inviting than others. While some patios lay barren and empty, others attracted those looking for a safe haven to dine. The Nook’s patio on the opposite end of the Main Street walking path was packed with patrons. The area was filled with greenery and umbrellas, and it appeared well shaded. However, I couldn’t access their menu from their web page, so decided to save them for another day.

Furthering my menu research, I was taken off-guard by the possibility of a fried chicken biscuit sandwich that sounded too good to pass up. Hence, I scrapped my breakfast idea and decided to grab a bite (and a bourbon, of course) at The Whiskey Jar.

Cost Range:

Soup: $7.00-$12.00

To-Go Cocktails: $15.00-$20.00

Stand-alones: $6.00-$10.00

Salads: $9.00-$15.00

Appetizers: $7.00-$13.00

Sandwiches: $9.00-$16.00

Entrees: $16.00

Family Meals: $35.00-$60.00

Sides: $5.00-$12.00

Desserts: $8.00

Gift Cards: $15.00-$100.00

(Note: Local Musicians are supported through Feed a Musician!)

Visit the Whiskey Jar:

Hours: Open Monday-Thursday: 11:00am-10:00pm; Friday-Saturday 11:00am-11:00pm; Closed Sunday.

Address: 227 W Main St, Charlottesville, VA 22902

Phone: 434-202-1549

http://www.thewhiskeyjarcville.com/

My Dining Experience:

The Whiskey Jar is tucked at the end of the Main Street, with a cozy patio featuring simple metal chairs and tables, most with wide umbrellas. It features homey southern cooking and a wide array of specialty cocktails. I’m happy to say that my innate craving led me to the right place.

The Whiskey Jar is known for… you guessed it, WHISKEY! Beyond their ample whiskey and bourbon list, which will NOT disappoint, they have specialty cocktails that will surprise you. Their iconic cocktails include the “Boulevard of Broken Figs” (Bulleit Buorbon, Black Mission figs, Carpano Antica, Aperol, orange bitters, and deep thoughts – haha), “The Whiskey Jar Whiskey Sour” (Jameson Irish Whiskey, House Oleo Saccharum, Muddled Citrus, Fresh Citrus Juice), the “Apple Pie Mule” (House-Made Apple Pie Whiskey, Lemon, Maine Root Ginger Beer, Bitters – back by popular demand), and (my choice) the “Old Fashioned” (Larceny Bourbon, Muddled Orange Peel, Sugar, Bitters, House-Cured Cherry). Some of these selections are even available To-Go, so you can bring home some of the deliciousness you enjoyed out at the restaurant.

I chose the Old Fashioned, and my, oh, my – was it ever so good! It’s not the most complicated cocktail, but the mixologists here clearly know what they’re doing. It may have been the best Old Fashioned I’ve ever had! At $9.00, it was worth every penny.

My $8.00 chicken biscuit was simply decadent! The chicken was crispy and full of peppery pizazz, and the classic addition of coleslaw with a light drizzle of Carolina BBQ sauce tied the whole sandwich together, adding moisture, crunch, and a zesty sweetness. I do have a particular fondness for mustard-based BBQ sauces. However, that delicious flaky biscuit was falling apart in my fingertips, making a bit of a mess. It was worth every bite!

The wait staff was attentive and very pleasant. I sat at my tiny two-top comfortably typing my expose of Main Street. I was able to take my time and enjoy my comfort food undisturbed. Even with a small bill, I wanted to leave an ample tip as a matter of thanks for the time I spent sitting at their establishment.

The only negative part of my dining experience was that my particular table was not shaded at the time. There is a large tree that looms over the area, but my area was just outside of its shady reach. Thank goodness I wore a hat, because that sun was beating down on me! But there was a cool breeze, and I knew I could hack the heat. By 1:30pm, I was ready to check out a new destination – Carter Mountain Orchard.