The Whiskey Jar
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The Whiskey Jar

4.6
·491k reviews·,

The Whiskey Jar serves classic Southern comfort food with a focus on local ingredients, complemented by an impressive whiskey selection and live music...

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Highlights

Must-see attractions

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Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

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The Whiskey Jar

The Whiskey Jar

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

The Whiskey Jar serves classic Southern comfort food with a focus on local ingredients, complemented by an impressive whiskey selection and live music.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"Experience Southern hospitality with hearty dishes, a vast whiskey list, and live bluegrass music!"

TIP

Happy Hour Specials

Take advantage of happy hour for great drink specials and value on beverages.

Bourbon & Whiskey Selection

Don't miss the impressive selection of bourbons and whiskeys at the bar.

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Quick Facts

Closed·Opens 11AM

Cuisine

Southern

Price

Mid-range

Phone

(434) 202-1549

Address

227 W Main St, Charlottesville, VA 22902, USA

Insta-Factor

Medium

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Authentic Southern Cuisine

Authentic Southern Cuisine

Savor classic Southern comfort food, from crispy fried catfish to tender BBQ brisket, made with locally sourced ingredients.

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Extensive Whiskey Selection

Extensive Whiskey Selection

Explore a vast array of local beers and a notable whiskey and bourbon collection, perfect for enthusiasts.

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Live Bluegrass Music

Live Bluegrass Music

Enjoy lively bluegrass performances that enhance the vibrant atmosphere and classic Southern dining experience.

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Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Happy Hour Specials

Take advantage of happy hour for great drink specials and value on beverages.

Bourbon & Whiskey Selection

Don't miss the impressive selection of bourbons and whiskeys at the bar.

Check Glassware

Some guests have reported chipped or broken glassware; inspect before use.

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Tips

from all over the internet

Happy Hour Specials

Take advantage of happy hour for great drink specials and value on beverages.

Bourbon & Whiskey Selection

Don't miss the impressive selection of bourbons and whiskeys at the bar.

Check Glassware

Some guests have reported chipped or broken glassware; inspect before use.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

The Whiskey Jar offers a mixed bag of experiences, with many praising its authentic Southern cuisine, extensive whiskey selection, and lively atmosphere with live music. However, some diners have noted inconsistent service and occasional issues with food preparation or presentation. It's a popular spot, especially on the Downtown Mall, for those seeking a taste of the South.

"The restaurant is so cute and the food is amazing! I absolutely love the cornbread and have to get it every time. I’m also a huge fan of the blackened catfish. This past time I got the oyster poboy with the broccoli salad and both of those were so good."

Zoe Gehman

"The bourbon selection is pretty fantastic at the whiskey jar and the staff were great. We stopped in on the way through town and had a few local brews and had some dinner. On a recommendation from the server, I got the BLT and it was unquestionably the best one I’ve ever had. The kids had grilled cheese and they were also raving about it. We had to wait about 25 minutes to get a seat outside, but that’s probably because we showed up around 6pm on a Friday night. I’ll definitely stop here the next time I’m in Charlottesville."

Adam Hovak

"I went with a friend for lunch. The decor was authentic and made the place charming.
I took the rack ribs with french fries and salad. The meat was really tender with a barbecue sauce. Absolutely loved it."

Kevin GI-MIN

What People Like

Authentic Southern dishes like fried chicken and cornbread
Impressive whiskey and bourbon selection
Live music and lively atmosphere

What People Dislike

Inconsistent service
Occasional issues with food quality/preparation
Watered-down drinks

Frequently Asked Questions

The Whiskey Jar specializes in authentic Southern cuisine, featuring dishes like fried catfish, BBQ brisket, fried chicken, and collard greens.

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Yes, it's known for its extensive selection of local beers and a wide variety of whiskeys and bourbons, as well as house-made cocktails.

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Yes, The Whiskey Jar frequently features live bluegrass music, enhancing the dining experience.

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Some guests have reported inconsistent service and minor issues with food quality or presentation, such as chipped glassware.

Google Review+1

While reservations are not explicitly mentioned, it can get busy, especially on weekends. Arriving early or being prepared for a wait might be wise.

Google Review

The atmosphere is described as laid-back, comfy, cozy, and welcoming, with a rustic charm enhanced by brick walls and reclaimed touches.

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The Whiskey Jar claims that their food is ‘nothing fancy’, but the locally grown, hand prepared food served is always exquisitely executed. The fact that the chef is also a farmer is evident in the quality of the food he provides to his patrons. As indicated by the name, whiskey is plentiful on the menu here, along with a couple of traditional brunch cocktails making for a boozy brunch.

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The Whiskey Jar is a popular spot that combines Southern cuisine with a laid-back, welcoming atmosphere, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike. The menu features hearty dishes like the fried catfish, which is crispy and flavorful, and the BBQ brisket, which is tender and smoky. The extensive selection of local beers and whiskeys, including their house-made whiskey cocktails, adds to the restaurant’s appeal, offering a variety of options to pair with your meal and enhance your Southern dining experience.

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Add a touch of tradition to your craft cocktail journey with a stop at The Whiskey Jar. This watering hole is an embodiment of Southern hospitality, where comfort food meets a high-quality bourbon collection in perfect harmony. Taste of Tradition: Home to an impressive assortment of locally-sourced bourbons, The Whiskey Jar allows visitors to savor the nuanced flavors of the South through both their food and drink menus.

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Charlottesville locals love The Whiskey Jar for its warm atmosphere, Southern-inspired menu, and, of course, the extensive whiskey selection. Located on the Downtown Mall, this bar has a little bit of everything: live bluegrass, friendly bartenders, and the best fried chicken and collards in town. If you’re looking for a true taste of Southern hospitality alongside live tunes, The Whiskey Jar won’t disappoint.

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This Downtown Mall newcomer from Rev Soup owner Will Richey satisfies cravings with its local chicken that’s raised on a Mennonite farm and drenched in flavor from the outside in (“It tastes like it’s been injected with Texas Pete!” a judge observed) then served over local collards studded with Kite’s Country Bacon for $12. A drink made with one of the 46 bottles of whiskey on the wall sweetens the deal.

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Grab a cocktail at The Whiskey Jar or get your caffeine fix at Mudhouse Coffee Roasters. Snag some locally-crafted souvenirs at Rock Paper Scissors or peruse the shelves at New Dominion Bookshop – the oldest independent bookseller in the state of Virginia. For those looking for a palate cleanser, head to Champion Brewing Company or South Street Brewery for some refreshing, locally-produced pints.

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Located off West Main Street, The Whiskey Jar serves classic southern food, with local ingredients coming from the restaurant owned farm. The food is authentic and delicious while the atmosphere is delightfully relaxed. At various times of the year, The Whiskey Jar features performances from an assortment of entertainers thus enhancing the overall dining experience.

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This casual concept is part of Ten Course Hospitality, a family of local bars and restaurants envisioned by Will Richey, and fits the bill when you’re seeking something hearty and comforting. The menu skews Southern – so expect excellent buttermilk biscuits, po’boys, and fried chicken – and wash it all down with a shot of housemade apple pie whiskey.

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For classic Southern comfort food and a robust selection of whiskeys, look to The Whiskey Jar. This friendly eatery, with its cozy wood-paneled walls, proudly embraces its “Nothing Fancy” philosophy. Yet, its menu is packed with irresistibly delicious favorites like smoked chicken wings, country-fried pork chops, and blackened catfish sandwiches.

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Get your local farm-to-table on with comfort food and a creative spin on some of the classics. Fall in love with Sweet Potato Biscuits slathered in Sorghum and Apple Butters, or try the Wild Rice and Sausage Stuffed Quail. Stake out a pet-friendly table on the sidewalk patio and get ready to enjoy some delightfully elevated local grub.

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As a sucker for Southern food, I can assure you of the authenticity of this farm-to-table Southern style restaurant. Every menu item bursts with the simple yet rich flavors of the South. The hush puppies and biscuits with butter and apple butter never disappoint, nor do the chicken and dumplings or the pulled pork BBQ sandwich.

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Sidewalk patio is dog-friendly – Shaded seating options available – Water bowls available upon request. Get your local farm-to-table on with comfort food and a creative spin on some of the classics. Fall in love with Sweet Potato Biscuits slathered in Sorghum and Apple Butters, or try the Wild Rice and Sausage Stuffed Quail.

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The Whiskey Jar is the perfect place to brunch before wandering around Charlottesville’s Downtown Mall. After all, chicken and waffles pair perfectly with old bookstores and vintage shopping. To top it off, no brunch at The Whiskey Jar is complete without dessert, which is all made from scratch by baker Rachel Pennington.

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The Whiskey Jar is such a fun place to visit with friends when you’re looking for a casual experience that still has excellent food and a top-notch bar. If you’re looking for classic southern staples that seriously deliver, then you need to have a meal here. I’ve checked out The Whiskey Jar for both brunch and dinner.

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This spot provides a lot of types of its titular drink but also provides a wide range of beers and mixed drinks. Half indoors and half outdoors, it’s a nice sit-down spot during the week. During the weekends, you can get your usual “stand at the bar” ambiance, with much less waiting time for drinks.

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My boss wants to take myself and co-workers out to lunch and the few restaurants I've tried - Jack Browns, The Whiskey Jar, Citizen Burger Bar, etc. - all can't guarantee me on being safe. I stay away from ethnic restaurants for obvious reasons... So does anyone have any suggestions?

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If this name is not obvious, this is a great spot to go for whiskey!. At the far end of the downtown mall, there is plenty of seating indoors and a festive wooden bar inside. The menu features southern favorites like fried chicken and catfish, plus mac and cheese and cornbread.

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Classic Southern Food mostly specific to Virginia’s Piedmont region, The Whiskey Jar serves a fine selection of whiskeys. We have tried more than 20 of the whiskeys at The Whiskey Jar. Brown liquor runs through Will Richey’s (owner) veins at the same speed of culinary genious!

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The Whiskey Jar: Located in the historic downtown, this is a fun spot for a cocktail or a casual lunch or dinner. They feature 125 bourbons, rye whiskeys, single malt Scotch and Irish whiskeys. I had a really excellent Virginia ham sandwich as soon as I got to town.

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There are also plenty of places you can sit at the bar and still have a great meal — chow down on Southern staples at The Whiskey Jar or graze Asian-inspired tapas and fancy martinis at Bang. (Note: Bang is not on the Downtown Mall, but is very close by.)

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The food is sustainably sourced and freshly prepared and you’ll find a lot of the menu changes with the seasons. You’ll love the bright but rustic interior: there’s a big and comfortable bar with plenty of (obviously) whiskey, and a beautiful patio.

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227 West Main Street, Charlottesville, Virginia 22902 Website | Facebook | Twitter | Photo: The Whiskey Jar. The Whiskey Jar’s rustic and country decor gives you a homey feeling. Everything on the menu has a story, and every item is locally sourced.

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Once we checked into the hotel, we walked down to The Whiskey Jar on the Downtown Mall. I hadn’t been in years, and wow, it was better than I remembered it!. They had a lovely tent outside with heaters going and it was a great atmosphere.

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Such a great menu, with emphasis on locally grown ingredients. BBQ Nachos made with hickory smoked pork Hush Puppies & Sweet Potato Biscuits with Sorghum & Apple Butters, Wild Rice & Sausage Stuffed Quail, Fried Whole Trout.

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For a quintessential Southern brunch experience, The Whiskey Jar is a must-visit. Committed to sourcing from local farms, they craft their menu with fresh, seasonal ingredients that showcase the region’s best flavors.

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The Whiskey Jar is another great place for southern comfort food in the Charlottesville area. The restaurant is located in the historic downtown mall. Their seasonal menu features locally sourced ingredients.

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Their menu changes seasonally, but the dishes offered rotate through a variety of Southern dishes, including hushpuppies and biscuits, catfish po’boy, and shrimp and grits.

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A cornmeal encrusted catfish sandwich is one of the specialties at The Whiskey Jar in Charlottesville, Virginia on the downtown mall. Photo by: Jeff Stafford

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Of all the restaurants on the Downtown Mall in Charlottesville, The Whiskey Jar is my favorite. I eat here every time I visit!

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