Collegiate Times

The Cellar is located at 302 North Main St. between Sharkey's and Hokie House. In the summer, it is open every day from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., the same hours as during the year.

The design of The Cellar is unique in the fact that the bar is located in the basement underneath the restaurant on the ground floor. This gives the downstairs a more somber mood, with very little in the way of lighting.

The Cellar is a top spot for beer drinkers who like to try new beers. Its extensive list of domestic and imported beers both on tap and bottled is one of the largest lists of beers on Main Street. Its imported beer list is especially large.

If you are a beer connoisseur looking for a new type of beer, there is something on its list that you probably haven't tried.

The only drawback to imported beer is its high price, which will turn away people on a budget. The Cellar does offer discounted rates for draft beers during happy hour from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. every afternoon.

The atmosphere downstairs seems very reminiscent of a lounge or jazz club. The musical performances are usually jazz or blues, which is great for a calm, quiet night.

"We offer the same regular shows as far as live music goes," said owner Kevin Long. These shows are every Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday.

Additionally, there are occasional shows on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays during summer months, so call The Cellar in advance to find out who's playing and when.

This coming Wednesday, June 17, the Virginia Folk/Jazz Trio is playing at The Cellar at 9 p.m. This is a great opportunity to go out in the middle of the week and see what The Cellar is really all about.

If you miss out, the band will be returning throughout the summer on two more dates, one in July and another in August.

The restaurant above the bar serves an assortment of entrees, but primarily Italian food. Subs, pasta, pizza, and calzones dominate the menu. Don't expect to go to The Cellar for a cheeseburger because you won't find it on the menu.

"We've added a few, newer summer dishes as specials," said Long. These new items are available everyday in the summer, so stop by to check them out.

Of all the locations in downtown Blacksburg, The Cellar offers a refined and relaxed place for a night downtown.

The extensive beer list, as well as a sizeable wine list, caters to a relaxed drinking environment - as opposed to the crazy, standing-room-only crowds found at Sharkey's or Top of the Stairs.

Add to this the usual folk/jazz entertainment and The Cellar can almost be considered the closest thing to a lounge bar that Blacksburg has to offer.

It's definitely a place for people trying to escape the typical college bar full of loud club music.

This is a bar people will either love or hate, depending on their mood or personality. Some people find a relaxed social environment to be more enjoyable than a jam-packed, obnoxiously loud bar.

Others will be bored by the lounging environment. In the end, it all comes down to a matter of preference as to whether a night at The Cellar is for you, but check it out - it can't hurt to try something different.

The Cellar's menu is posted on its Web site minus the new summer additions.  Sign up for its e-mail notifications to receive a coupon of your choice. The offers range from savings off table checks to discounts on individual food items.