Smiley’s Pub & Beer Garden

Smiley’s has had new owners since April 2012. They’ve made some changes and the place isn’t so dark and dreary anymore. It is still pretty smokey inside though. I came here with a group of colleagues on a Thursday evening. The patio is great and relatively smoke-​free during dinner hours. Smiley’s is known for their pizzas and drink/​food specials. They were really busy and the wait staff was ok, but obviously overwhelmed. It’s a decent place to go after work for a drink in the evenings to sit outside in the summer. They offer local beer (New Boswell) on tap.
I’m not sure I would come here on a weekend night just based on things I’ve heard around town. I hope they turn the bar around and will sponsor a few more smoke-​free evenings.

With my latest travels last week, I found myself in Richmond yet again. (not surprisingly) However, this was probably about the only remaining place I had on my list of Richmond places I’d kept wanting to go to, and since I’d heard many good things about this place from my brother who recently graduated from Earlham.
Was definitely worth going to, IMHO. Atmosphere-​wise, between Chuck’s Sports Bar and Smiley’s Pub (the 2 bars I usually hit up, if I’m in these parts), this is my fav of the 2. Better than expected selection of beer (both imports and domestic), very spacious bar overall that has several different rooms, free popcorn every night, real décor inside that makes you think you traveled to Britain, even down to a working pay phone in a British-​style red booth. They also have a decent food menu, too. Much of the other bases are covered well, too (i.e. TVs, a dart room, cheap drink specials, etc.). Found it interesting that local pool tournaments and leagues are often held in the pool room they have here. A food menu is also served here before 9pm, so no wonder I got confused when I glanced at their regular brochure after I got there mid-​evening (plus didn’t suspect this place served food beyond popcorn), and saw a full-​fledged food menu.
Also had my favorite Long Island Ice Tea I’ve ever had anywhere here, so of course that helps cement this place into 5 star territory. Will also note that I didn’t find this place that smoky, though I came here on a weekday night, and imagine that it probably could be the opposite case on weekends. (and for anyone that may be sensitive to smoke, I’d recommend instead going to Chuck’s) And anyway, with the diminishing number of states and cities/​towns that allow businesses to permit smoking, it’s nice for once to be able to socially smoke in a bar.
Don’t think I need to say much more about this place, except that it’s a must-​stop if you’re trying to find a Richmond bar with both a nice atmosphere, and cheap drinks.
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