Anyone who has known me for more than a week can tell you that there are two architectural/decor styles that I am obsessed with: Art Deco and Midcentury-Modern. It follows then, that I MUST review the only food & drink spot in The Fort (Fort Smith, AR) that is decorated with a nod to the style of the former.
906 Cocktail and Cigar Lounge is the sweetest little spot in downtown Fort Smith with live music offerings on the weekends (usually Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays). My favorite by far are the jazz nights, and I’d go so far as to say those kept me sane through the seemingly dark, endless winter we’ve just come out of! (Seasonal Affective Disorder is REAL, folks.) The Lounge is home to a “chef-inspired” menu, a walk-in humidor with a selection of hand-rolled cigars, and an extensive collection of wines, beers (including superb stouts), and premium liquors, as well as a varied cocktail menu. It is rated #1 for Nightlife on TripAdvisor.com in The Fort.
Walking into the venue, you’re greeted by luxe leathers, hardwood floors, black & white marble-topped tables, and rich yet muted wallpapers & wall coverings. Always immaculately clean, I especially appreciate the luxurious bar and the small but richly appointed restrooms. There is a relaxed refinement in the air (particularly if one goes earlier in the evening during Happy Hour, or at the beginning of the live music for the evening). Sports fans can enjoy the large screen at the back, while a stylish shuffleboard area, complete with a smaller screen, caters to more interactive entertainment.
From 4-7 pm, you can indulge in Happy Hour at 906, offering $1 discounts on beer, well liquors, and wines. It’s the perfect time for swift service and a serene atmosphere. Evenings bring livelier vibes, particularly on live music nights, though securing a table and waiter can be a challenge. However, the bustling times often mean fresher and tastier food, so take your pick!
Concerned about smoke? Fear not, as 906’s Air-Replacement system refreshes the air every 4 minutes, ensuring a comfortable environment. As a vocalist who values air quality, I’ve always found it pleasant, even with nearby cigar smokers. For those fully immersing themselves, the well-maintained cigar humidor offers options for all budgets, with a knowledgeable concierge ready to pair/match your drinking experience.
Diving into 906’s food and drinks, start with the Pretzels and Yuengling Beer Cheese ($10) – a great opener with a balanced, creamy dip. The Wings ($14) offer a hearty choice of flavors, including Buffalo, Teriyaki, and the unique 906 Signature. My top pick: the Black and Bleu Wings, with house cajun spices and blue cheese dressing. The Charcuterie boards (small $25, large $45) are attractive but lean towards fruit-heavy. Salads are always fresh, with garlic butter-laden croutons.
For sandwiches, try the Filet and Smoked Gouda Panini ($18) – beef tenderloin and smoked gouda on ciabatta, or the flavor-rich Cubano ($15). Sandwiches come with thinly sliced French Fry chips, best when fresh. Don’t miss the “906 Ultimate PB&J” ($10), a gourmet take with peanut butter, bacon jam, and a jalapeno/cherry preserve.
The Fish & Chips ($15) sport a tasty batter but were slightly overdone on a recent Friday visit. The Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls, however, were always fried to perfection and I’m eager for their menu return.
As a diner who rarely repeats dishes, the “Pork Wontonchos” ($15) are an exception. Despite my limited pork experience/preference due to a kosher dietary upbringing, these wontons loaded with pulled pork, BBQ sauce, slaw, red onion, sour cream, and Caso Fresco are irresistible. The balance of texture, temperature, and flavor is unparalleled in bar food. I recommend pairing it with a Riesling, sparkling Rosé, or Zinfandel, based on your wine preference. Plus, one order can easily satisfy two, especially with side salads and dessert.
Speaking of dessert, try the “Mo’ Nanner Pudding” ($10) for a sweet ending when you visit. This just-right pudding is made fresh daily, and whimsically served in a cocktail glass. Serving as a light finish, I’d recommend pairing it with one of their younger tawny ports, or, if feeling adventurous – one of their brandies… And, speaking of drinks…let’s talk about their cocktails.
906 is all about the smoked cocktail; when ordering most whiskey drinks, you’re asked if you want it smoked whether it’s listed as such or not. Makes sense for a cigar lounge! Regarding whiskey drinks, “That’ll Do Pig” ($25) is one to try. Made with a 10-year Rye + Cardamom syrup + Barrel Aged Tobacco Leather bitters + flamed orange peel + a cherry – it’s an interesting take on a classic Old Fashioned. Have it as your first drink of the evening, while your taste buds are awake to enjoy the complexity. Their regular Old Fashioned ($12) is customizable, with a choice of good Bourbon OR 4-year Rye + Angostura Bitters + a sugar cube + flamed orange peel OR muddled orange + smoked OR unsmoked… and a luxardo cherry.
Ultimate Sour
Another honorable mention in the smoked drinks category is the “Smokin’ Gun” ($17), which is a combo of Irish Gin + Lavender Syrup + and Orange Bitters. This drink is excellently nuanced and surprisingly refreshing. It inspired me to try making a gin drink with my cocktail smoker at home; the results were less than ideal. Think I’ll stick to smoking Old Fashioneds only.
Continuing in the Whiskey Category, their 3 sours on offer are the New York Sour ($13), the Boston Sour ($13), and the 906 Ultimate Sour ($15). I consider myself somewhat of a Whiskey Sour Connoisseur and feel really impressed when a place outdoes the Sour I’ve perfected to my taste at home. 906 certainly does this with their “Ultimate.” A combination of Disaronno Amaretto + Nelson Bros Reserve Bourbon + Lemon + Simple Syrup + Egg Whites + a cherry – this takes the Sour to next level refinement and smooth-sipping intricacy. The Boston and New York Sours are just fine; the 906 Ultimate is great! Order it sans the egg white in the summer.
After sampling most of their cocktail menu, I can vouch for the consistency and quality of their drinks. While I’d prefer more fresh botanicals and herbs, the overall cocktail experience is solid. Solid choices include the French 75, Manhattan, Espresso Martini, and Paper Plane. For a fruity treat, opt for The Hemingway Daiquiri ($13). However, the “Irish Cold Fashioned” falls short for me, coming off a bit watery.
Non-Alcoholic options on the drink menu consist of an array of soft drinks, sparkling waters, hot teas, and coffee + espresso drinks. A wonderful addition to 906’s offerings would be a mocktail menu. However, during my practice of semi-dry January this year, I was pleased that the bartender came to my table to discuss crafting a non-alcoholic cocktail to my preferences.
If you’re wondering if you should give 906 Lounge a try, check out this gentleman’s comment from an online review: “I travel 3 hours on the weekend just to get down here (From Joplin, MO) Nothing like it where I come from (Illinois).”
TLDR: For cool tunes, flavorful bites, and a chill yet classy drink spot, you can’t beat 906 Lounge in the AR River Valley. Order the Wontonchos and the 906 Ultimate Sour. Go on Jazz night and come say hello to me, as I’ll probably be there. I give 906 Cocktail & Cigar Lounge 1 star. Cheers!
https://www.facebook.com/906lounge
(As a reminder, my star rating system is similar to the Michelin rating system, and my rankings are as follows: 1 star signifies a good experience, 2 stars indicate an excellent experience, and 3 stars denote an exceptional experience. Therefore, even a 1-star rating represents a ‘good’ experience. I only review places or experiences to which I can award at least one star.)
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