The Rogue Gentlemen had its grand opening Jan. 24. (Photos by Michael Thompson)
A much-anticipated Jackson Ward establishment is finally pouring.
The Rogue Gentlemen had its grand opening Jan. 24 at 618 N. First St. With no beer on tap, Jackson Ward’s latest restaurant gives its cocktails center stage.
The bar focuses on craft cocktails.
“I’m kind of opposed to offering 100 different things to make sure every single person is happy,” owner John Maher said. “The way I see it, if you’re a beer guy, you’re going to go to Mekong or the Southern Railway Taphouse. If you want cocktails, then you come to us.”
The drink menu includes cocktails on tap and cocktails that have spent at least 20 days inside used bourbon barrels donated by the Reservoir Distillery in Richmond. Maher said the spirits are stored in barrels that do not exceed the two-liter limit set by the Virginia ABC.
Maher said it cost a little more than the $120,000 he had previously estimated to get the restaurant ready.
About $70,000 worth of building permits have been issued since May 2013 for the Jackson Ward property, according to city records. Sandy and Allison Appelman bought the property in February 2013 and financed renovations of the 75-year-old building.
The Rogue Gentlemen also serves farm-to-table-style food: Small plates cost between $7 and $9, and large plates cost between $15 and $22.
The eatery arrives on the heels of a few other Jackson Ward restaurant openings. Max’s on Broad and Lucy’s opened late 2013, and Sweetopia, a bakery, plans to open in January.
Maher plans to have a patio built at the Rogue Gentlemen by spring.
The Rogue Gentlemen’s 75-year-old building.
The Rogue Gentlemen had its grand opening Jan. 24. (Photos by Michael Thompson)
A much-anticipated Jackson Ward establishment is finally pouring.
The Rogue Gentlemen had its grand opening Jan. 24 at 618 N. First St. With no beer on tap, Jackson Ward’s latest restaurant gives its cocktails center stage.
The bar focuses on craft cocktails.
“I’m kind of opposed to offering 100 different things to make sure every single person is happy,” owner John Maher said. “The way I see it, if you’re a beer guy, you’re going to go to Mekong or the Southern Railway Taphouse. If you want cocktails, then you come to us.”
The drink menu includes cocktails on tap and cocktails that have spent at least 20 days inside used bourbon barrels donated by the Reservoir Distillery in Richmond. Maher said the spirits are stored in barrels that do not exceed the two-liter limit set by the Virginia ABC.
Maher said it cost a little more than the $120,000 he had previously estimated to get the restaurant ready.
About $70,000 worth of building permits have been issued since May 2013 for the Jackson Ward property, according to city records. Sandy and Allison Appelman bought the property in February 2013 and financed renovations of the 75-year-old building.
The Rogue Gentlemen also serves farm-to-table-style food: Small plates cost between $7 and $9, and large plates cost between $15 and $22.
The eatery arrives on the heels of a few other Jackson Ward restaurant openings. Max’s on Broad and Lucy’s opened late 2013, and Sweetopia, a bakery, plans to open in January.
Maher plans to have a patio built at the Rogue Gentlemen by spring.
The Rogue Gentlemen’s 75-year-old building.
ESSEX BANK PROVIDED THE FINANCING ON THIS AWESOME PROJECT
FRANK BESOSA
708-5082
Indeed! This project was made possible by Frank Besosa at Essex Bank and Hugh Jones at the City’s Department of Economic and Community Development. We want to thank all those at ECD and Essex for their support.
-Sandy