Liquid Smoke

I came here with my husband and a friend Friday night to see a local band, Rhythm Kitchen, play. I knew that it was going to be smoky since it's a cigar bar and I'm not an idiot, but what I did not anticipate was the complete lack of give-a-shit with regard to their customers' ability to breathe.

There was only one functioning fan in the place, and as soon as we walked in I felt my lungs flip me a double bird as they closed up shop.

We were there for less than an hour, but I had to go outside to get fresh air multiple times. Rhythm Kitchen came on and they were good--I mean, really, really good--but I started to feel like I was going to throw up from all of the smoke. Thick, heavy, sweet smoke swirling together above me from cigar after cigar, plus a few cigarettes mixed in. I didn't even see that many people smoking while we were in there; it was like all of the smoke that had ever been created in the place had never dissipated. It hung there all around us like a smoky blanket, just waiting to be breathed.

Obviously a cigar bar is going to be smoky, but I don't think it's too much to expect some sort of ventilation system that involves more than one wobbly ceiling fan and a prayer to St. Bernardino of Siena, the patron saint of lungs.

The two stars are for the excellent beer selection (and price) as well as the amazing bathroom. I tried to be irritated that they took enough space for two good-sized bathrooms and made it into one, but that one is so ridiculously over-the-top awesome I can't complain. It's like the Las Vegas of bar bathrooms: There is a fish tank in the wall, space for two or three people to sit around and lounge while you take a whiz, and a beautiful modern sink with plenty of paper towels. If there hadn't been 10 people waiting in line behind me I would've hung out in there with the fish, hiding from the oppressive smoke blanket, until the band I was there to see came on.

When I lived in Murfreesboro, we hit this place almost every week. Walking into this bar is like stepping into a Quentin Tarantino movie - the place is funky, relaxed and off the wall. It's narrow like a Bourbon St bar, dark and smoky with local art on the walls and big squishy chairs to get lost in. The bands they get in their are always unique and they never have the same style twice in a row. Not many beers on tap, but they are always good beers. They keep one tap regularly rotating, so you get something new every time.  The bottled selection is pretty large, so plenty to choose from there!

Not a beer drinker? Too bad, the only other beverage they have is Woodchuck.

As one reviewer mentioned, the humidor has been moved into the establishment next door, The Humidor. The place seems so big and empty now that the hulking humidor is gone, but it did do wonders for improving the crowd around the bar. They still sell some cigars in the bar, but for a wider selection you need to go next door.  
Is the Humidor closed? Then you should rent out one of their private humidors that are installed near the back. They are accessible from both the Humidor and Liquid Smoke, making cigar storage pretty darn convenient.

Not into cigars? Rent a hookah! Split between a few people, the cost is pretty affordable and provides a fun centerpiece for the evening. They have lots of flavors to choose from, and will combine them if asked.

And what review of the Liquid Smoke would be complete without mentioning the bathroom? I've seen people stop by just to see if the rumors are true. And yes, they are. Liquid Smoke has one of the most unique bathrooms in the 'Boro. Since I first moved here, they remodeled it to make it a bit more chic, but it's still funky as ever. Gotta love the fish tank.

Liquid Smoke is married to the Humidor cigar shop next door, where you can buy an assortment of cigars and tabacco.

The bar itself is many things, smokey, grungy, unique and relaxed. The walls are covered in old advertisements and classic cigar lounge garb.

There are tons of special import beers as well as domestics available. On a weeknight this place isn't normally packed and the bar tender is easy going. I've only been a few times but I highly suggest it if you want an easy going place to enjoy special brews, a cigar and conversation. I also here there is live music on some nights.

As noted by others, the bathroom is unexpectedly nice and setup in a special style (pictured above).