Latest reviews from Smithfield

“Stopped by this Meadery on a Saturday out with MrsSHIG. This one is way off the beaten path, but worth it. They have their own hives on the farm so they have resources for most of their meads and craft goods. They have a small (soon to be bigger as they expand) tasting room/shop.“

SHIG 572 days ago

“The street feels like an old western salon like setting. MrsSHIG, friends and I sat in the bar side although they have a restaurant side as well as over all it takes up a few buildings in a row. Service was okay as it was super busy and seemed like only one server for the bar area. Good selection of their beers and a couple guest taps. The loaded fries were awesome and went well with the beer. If you're in the area I would recommend visiting.“

SHIG 573 days ago

“Even with the GPS on we missed this smaller "converted house" beer and wine store. The selection was really good and organized in a way that made it easy to select by styles, not necessarily breweries. They even had a seasonal display. Prices were average for around here. The service was great.“

SHIG 573 days ago

“Had an afternoon date in Smithfield with MrsSHIG and friends. We stopped by Red Point at opening. It's a small location with interesting hours, even though they seem standard it's sometimes not open. Service was great, found out they were veteran owned. They are in the process of upgrading the brewery from a small nano to a micro. We shared the pretzel plate which was a huge German style pretzel and sides. It was awesome. Definitely worth the stop and a tick. Just watch out because of the 12 or so taps only 2 that day were their beers.“

SHIG 573 days ago

“It looks like a house by the side of the road, It is a house by the side of the road. I thought I’d typed the wrong address into the GPS, but it’s got a sign out front and everything. As you enter the beer room is on the left, the counter is on the right, and the wine room is in the back. Despite the relative coziness of the space, the clerk behind the counter still took the time to give us a tour. I liked that everything was available for individual purchase and if you’re holidaying in the area it’s pretty solid.“

DiarmaidBHK 2482 days ago

“From the outside it looks small, but they pack a lot merch in the house. I’d say the ratio is 35%/65% beer to wine. The staff was friendly and seemed to be knowledgeable about the beer. They had mostly major players, with some nice locals, though I was hoping for more. It looks like they are rotating stock well, no dusty bottles. All the six packs can be broken up into pick-6, and they off a 10% discount if you get 6 or more. They had a similar deal on the wine. They also have educational beer tasting events some nights, for a very reasonable price.“

magsinva 2492 days ago

“I drove out here myself from Hampton after a LOOONNGG meeting finally ended. Situated in the middle of historic Smithfield, really nice old building, ornate woodwork. Super busy inside, with a fairly large but cramped bar up front and a separate dining area. I was luck to find a single seat at the bar. This is clearly a locals dining location. I did not try the food myself. They had 8ish taps running, including three of their own beers and a selection of locals (plus something from ballast point). Everything available as half pours. I had halfs of their IPA and EPA - both were English styled, decent but nothing great. I can see this as a local hangout, particularly if the food is indeed good. Not really a beer destination other than for brewery tickers.“

bytemesis 2623 days ago

“Cool old building, with some decent beers and solid food.“

jeremytoni 2641 days ago

“There are SO many new breweries and brewpubs in the country these days, but I tend to really favor ventures like this -- a skilled retooling of an historic space. This one is extremely well done, a cool vibe, capturing the character of "old Virginia" with some very well done historical structures and accents (like a carved-out canoe from who-knows-when, found in a local swamp). We had lunch, and all our dishes were very, very good ... served fresh, and freshly made. The only negative I can present is the nice, but undereducated server we got. Here’s the exchange: "What kind of beer is ___?" "It’s an ale." "Yeah, but what kind?" "An ale." .... She goes and asks another server. "It’s kinda like an IPA." To be fair, the rest of the service, absent her complete lack of any beer knowledge (which may be not a big deal at Applebee’s, is a complete fail in a brewpub), the service was excellent. They only had two of their own beers on tap, one good, one average at best. They also had about 6 other very good tap offerings. But be a brewery or don’t ... great restaurant, marginal brewpub. Brewery #779.“

Braudog 2706 days ago

“Like everyone says "its small" but when you go inside it is another story. Been going here for years and always get excellent service and learn something new about the beer or wine scene. they are very friendly, knowledgeable and have a wide selection. Definitely a gem of a place in southeast VA.“

AKORN 3774 days ago

“No kidding that this place is tiny. Looks like somebodys house except for the open sign in the window. The place is tiny, but the beer room has high density. You won’t find any whales here, but the owner clearly has good taste. Picked up some Maine beer co when i was there. Not sure it deserves a 99, but they get an "a" for effort.“

bytemesis 4145 days ago

“This is a small pillbox house stuffed to the rafters with wine and beer. Staff is very passionate, and when I told them it was my first visit, they looked at each other and said "He needs the beer tour." Great selection, but only within Virginia’s archaic distributor laws. Worth going out of your way to try.“

Travlr 4199 days ago

“Don’t blink or you’ll miss the place. Very small inside but they pack a ton of beer in there for such a small place. One of the better places around to get beer. If it wasn’t so far away from me I might visit more. Owner was very friendly and helpful.“

drunkenpolack 4496 days ago

“Clearly one of the best places to find craft beers in the Hampton Roads area. Unfortunately it is such a long drive from Norfolk/Va Beach. Join the mailing list. I’ve made the 45 minute drive several times because of rare beers that were featured on their newsletter.“

gvmdw7 4728 days ago

“I came to Smithfield last weekend for a wedding and I did my research on this place because it had the only good selelction of beer in the general area. I heard it was small, but I had no idea how small. When I pulled up to the place it looked like a regular house with a garden out back and I thought "how is this place gonna house all that good beer?" I walked in and went into the beer room and was blown away. The staff was incredibly smart and helpful. I would definilty recommend this store to anyone in the area. Cheerz“

dimenhetfield 5478 days ago

“The first time I went to this store I passed by it. From the outside you can hardly believe it’s a top rated beer store because it is so small. But inside I was amazed by the selection. Typically I am able to find 1 or 2 beers here that have long since left the area. Overall a really good beer store.“

zizzybalubba 5528 days ago

“It’s a very small location. I’m not familiar with the area, so I passed by it twice and had to ask for directions. Inside is another story. The selection was very good, and everything is available in singles. I got a fantastic mead (Iqhilika)there from South Africa. The prices are very competitive. The staff is very friendly, knowledgeable, and passionate about wine and beer. I definitely plan to return.“

obguthr 6195 days ago

“This place should make itself more obvious. Definitely the hidden gem of this small town. Looks like a house full of beer, wine, chocolate and other such aids of seduction. Beer selection is very nice, having many rare items. Owners are knowledgeable about everything they have. I’ll have to swing by here again if I get a chance.“

molassesfan 6201 days ago

“Like this one better then Governers Point. More beer selection. One whole shelf rack dedicated to IPA’s...my favorite. Plus they carry ice cold Legends.“

Trooper11 6503 days ago

“Finally visited late July 2006. Driving up to this place, you’ll say no way. But inside this little hut is a wonderful lineup of hard to find beers, not to mention an impressive selection of wine. The owners are down to earth folks who really are welcoming. This is a DEFINITE topper on the Hampton Roads list. Later update .... no question, Bon Vivant is the best retail location in southern Virginia and could hold it’s own with the finer retailers in the country. Mike and company simply provide a stellar lineup of incredible singles that sometimes can be found nowhere else, and at the least all the greats can be found here. Worth a 2-hour detour at least.“

Braudog 6509 days ago

“Though I am an inexperienced beer "hack", I was treated like an old friend at Bon Vivant. When heading through the Isle of Wight area, be sure to stop. Whether an accomplished beer sampler or "hack" like me, it’s worth the experience. Thanks, guys!“

craundawg 6532 days ago

“I was down in Isle of Wight for work, and figured, what the heck, The_Beer_God always raves about this place, might as well swing by during lunch. I saw the outside of the place and was prepared for disappointment, as the entire building was smaller than most garages. Boy was I wrong. The inside was absolutely packed with a great selection of beers, thoughtfully arranged by style. Standouts that struck me were Allagash Victoria and a couple of the La Trappe beers. I left with a load of beer and a much lighter wallet. Also met Mike the owner, great guy who really knew his stuff. Can’t believe a place like this exists out in the middle of nowhere Virginia. A must stop, and well worth the occasional journey as well.“

Kinz 6550 days ago

“Visited Bon Vivant last night for their beer tasting and had a great time! Even though it was packed, the atmosphere was friendly, the people great and the beer selection was through the roof! Absolutely worth the trip.“

gputty 6691 days ago

“Excellent, excellent place! Best selection I have seen in the entire region, GREAT people. Mike is a very nice guy, and really knows his beer. Treated a few of us newbies like we were family at The Beer Lovers Club meeting (which is a fabulous tasting the last Friday of each month, and a cool time to truly "beer geek"). Can’t say enough about this place, you just gotta GO!“

Immy 6691 days ago

“I have only visited once so far but plan on many more. Mike has the best selection in the area. Plan on making trip from Va Beach for Beer Lover Club this place is great. I have yet to meet Mike however his emploees speak highly of him as well as other owner of beer stores in the area. Bon Vivant is small and easily missed but is well worth the drive.“

OldRaspy 6698 days ago

“One word description of this place: awesome! Mike does everything he can to bring great beer into our area and definitely succeeds on all levels. This small store that could be missed if you’re not looking contains wonderful beers and fabulous service. I get 90% or more of my beer from here. A fellow Ratebeerian (bonvivant), Mike keeps up with everything here in order to get the best beers available. The last Friday of every month bring the Beer Lovers Club. Attendees usually sample 5-7 beers. Lucky folks may get to stay after for some extras. Well worth your time if you are in the area!“

TheBeerGod 7442 days ago