Description: It’s really such a great idea, and now it has a home on Washington Street in Charles Town. Beasley's Books and Eccentricities is one of the town’s newest businesses. It opened in mid-December past, and what a gem it is. It’s a bookstore (new and used, mostly the latter) that serves up beer, wine, and light fare—a tavern plus a book shop, go figure.
Beasley’s quiet charm includes a traditional bar with stools and beer on tap, a few tables, a comfortable sofa, a few overstuffed upholstered chairs, and walls lined with bookshelves. There’s even an attractive chess set waiting for anyone who might feel so inclined. The décor is inviting and understated, but it is not the eclectic collection of secondhand furnishings one often finds in cafes with "zone" seating. The whole arrangement has been put together with thought and taste—and likely not a slight investment in up-front cash.
At Beasley’s, one can meet for a quiet lunch, settle into overstuffed comfort with a solitary read and a glass of wine, listen to music or poetry readings on selected evenings, or drop in for a beer at the bar to catch up on local news. Other options might well be expected to receive a fair hearing—a pub quiz, perhaps?
The food is good to very good. On the merely ‘good’ side is the humus—not greatly exciting, and certainly not the best I’ve tasted. But it is reasonable and fresh, and it goes nicely as nibbles with toasted pita and fresh veggies. I’ve found the sandwiches to be very tasty. All told, the menu includes appetizers, salads, deli sandwiches, and a soup of the day (I love their cold cucumber). The menu is not extensive, but it offers a carefully chosen variety that includes some international influences. These include simple fare like ham & cheese and BLT sandwiches, plus ciabatti and panini creations. In all cases, fresh and wholesome would seem to be the bywords for food preparation.
The bar is modest in size but has a pub-like selection of brews, some on tap and some in bottles, with artisan beers being well represented. The wine is also carefully selected across a range of tastes, including a Chateau Ste. Michelle riesling (a personal favorite).
As for the books—well, there are more than 10,000 titles lining the walls. Not bad for tavern, eh? There also are a few mostly ‘green’ giftables. These include cards and stationery, candles, journals, and the like—no doubt the ‘eccentricities’ of the shop’s full and formal name.
Patronizing Beasley’s is sometimes akin to joining a group of friends. At other times it’s an opportunity to slip away for a few minutes of solitude. It’s a place for informal business meetings and impromptu. However you arrive and whatever your purpose, the staff does its best to accommodate your purpose. Early during our first visit, a member of staff approached us, introduced herself, and asked our names. It’s that kind of place. It means to be personal and friendly. And at least so far, it has succeeded.
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