Copperwood Tavern Brings Home-Style Food, Moonshine to Shirlington Village

White lightning has struck Arlington County.

Copperwood Tavern, an effort to bring a "woodsy retreat" to the quaint Village at Shirlington, is now open. Stop by and try one of five moonshines — two from Virginia, three from Tennessee.

It's the latest concept from Wooden Nickel Bar Co. — owners of Irish Whiskey and the Mighty Pint in Washington and Wilson Tavern in Clarendon-Courthouse — and fills the former Bistro Bistro spot at 4201 Campbell Ave.

The 5,700-square-foot tavern seats 188 people and features 24 draft beers, 30 small-batch whiskeys and five moonshines, and offers front porch dining for people and their pets.

The rustic tavern was designed by Silver Spring, Md., artist Maggie O’Neill to make customers feel like they're "entering the wilderness in southern Virginia," according to a past news release.

Following a permitting issue in June, the tavern was slated to open in early September. After a few more scheduling changes, the restaurant held a soft opening Thursday night and was open to the public on Friday.

The establishment blamed "unforeseen 'red tape' issues" with Arlington County for the delays on its Facebook page.

Copperwood Tavern's website is now live and features its full menus. Check them out here.

And if you're in Shirlington this weekend, don't forget: Oktoberfest is Saturday.