If over the last three months you’ve gone in search of Long Live Beerworks or Knead Doughnuts in Providence’s West End neighborhood, you might already know that there’s a new “secret” bar in that part of the city.

Or maybe you’ve stumbled across it on Instagram. (I mean, who among us doesn’t enjoy a beautifully done drink photo?)

Not sure how I’m only just finding out about Far West at 55 Cromwell - situated in what was once a vault on the ground floor of a refurbished factory that’s been reimagined as a 21st century residential and commercial space called ROOMS & WORKS - but I finally got there last night and am jazzed to report that it is indeed awesome.

Part industrial inspired speakeasy, part stylish time machine (The old time-y tv set over the bar wasn’t playing cable news or the latest episode of Jeopardy. Instead we were treated to something that I would say had to be vintage 1960’s and sci-fi-esque.), Far West is small and (applause, applause) friendly. We were greeted immediately by Luke, one of the owners - who was joined a few minutes after we had gotten our drinks by co-owner and proprietor Michele - with menus and water.

Also, circling back to that part about it being small, we counted and the whole place probably seats around 22 or so people comfortably. With that in mind, the owners have said on the Far West Instagram that if you’re planning on going with a party of four or more, definitely text them in advance via the contact number in their bio and give them a heads up, so that they can best accomodate. I mean, is that great or what? (Absolutely loving this current wave of clandestine bars in the capital city where there is this kind of emphasis on being welcoming and service oriented!)

But let’s talk drinks, food, and so on - and not just because someone trolled me online recently about NOT doing enough of that. Their menu changes seasonally, and I found it to be a nice, accessible mix of craft cocktails, wines, beer, picky bits, and some unexpected non-alcoholic options (Mexican Coca-Cola anyone?) including a mocktail. (Side bar, even the lobby bar at the Carlyle in NYC is offering mocktails. Would be wonderful to see more places in and around RI offering them.)

So, get your friends together and get over to the Far West some night soon.