Restaurant
Unclaimed profile520 Bar & Grill
Bellevue, WA · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
520 Bar & Grill runs a beverage program that spans signature cocktails like the Drop and Main Street Old Fashioned, a wine list reaching $500 bottles, and a spirits collection with Pappy Van Winkle and George T. Stagg. Happy hour trims prices on select drinks. Non-alcoholic options include three mocktails and NA beers. The program is ambitious, though independent reviews offer little on drink quality.
- What should I order?
- Start with the Main Street Old Fashioned, a bourbon-forward classic with Domaine de Canton and luxardo cherry. For a lighter pour, the Drop adds a Chambord float to Stoli Blueberri vodka. Wine drinkers should consider the Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon 2017.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Bourbon enthusiasts will appreciate rare pours like Pappy Van Winkle and William Larue Weller. Cocktail fans can explore creative signatures, while wine lovers can splurge on premium bottles. Non-alcoholic drinkers have mocktails and NA beers.
- When should I go?
- Happy hour offers $2 off select cocktails and bottled beer, plus $8 wines, making it a good time for a value-driven visit. The venue also serves brunch with mimosa flights, though details are limited.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Cocktails range $10-$18, beers mostly $10, wines by the glass $12-$18, and non-alcoholic drinks $5-$12. Premium spirits and wines can push the tab well above $100 per pour or bottle.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The bar's claim to 'quality spirits, classics the way they were intended' is backed by a deep spirits list featuring Pappy Van Winkle, George T. Stagg, and Macallan 25, plus a wine list with Silver Oak and Cristal. The '520 Signature Shot' (Fireball and pineapple) adds a local tradition.
Beverage categories
We only score what a venue sets out to do. Categories a venue doesn't attempt are left unscored rather than penalized.
Cocktails
A broad cocktail menu with creative signatures like Drop and Main Street Old Fashioned, priced competitively. Happy hour discounts add value, though some prices are unlisted.
Menu strengths
- — Creative signature cocktails with house twists, such as the Drop's Chambord float and the Main Street Old Fashioned's Domaine de Canton.
- — Happy hour discounts on select cocktails, including House Margarita and Skinny Eddy.
Standout selections
- — Main Street Old Fashioned: Elijah Craig Small Batch bourbon, Domaine de Canton, bitters, orange twist, luxardo cherry ($17).
- — Drop: Stoli Blueberri vodka with a Chambord float ($16).
Pricing: $10-$18; happy hour $2 off select cocktails
Wine
A diverse wine list spanning varietals and price points, with premium bottles like Silver Oak and Dom Perignon. Happy hour wines at $8 offer entry-level value.
Menu strengths
- — Includes premium and rare bottles such as Jordan Cabernet 2017, Silver Oak 2016, and Cristal 2007.
- — Happy hour wines at $8 for select pours.
Standout selections
- — Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 Alexander Valley ($120 bottle).
- — Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 ($280 bottle).
Pricing: $12-$18 by glass; $42-$500 by bottle; corkage $25
Beer
A solid beer list with local favorites like Bodhizafa IPA and Mac & Jack's Amber, plus non-alcoholic options. Happy hour discounts bottled beer.
Menu strengths
- — Wide selection including local craft and popular brands.
Standout selections
- — Bodhizafa IPA ($10).; Mac & Jack's Amber ($10).
Pricing: $7-$11; most drafts $10; happy hour $2 off bottles
Nonalcoholic
Thoughtful non-alcoholic program with three mocktails, including a spicy cucumber gimlet with NA gin, plus standard sodas and NA beers. Priced reasonably.
Menu strengths
- — Three dedicated mocktails at $12, including a non-alcoholic gin option.
- — Variety of NA beers and classic soft drinks.
Standout selections
- — Spicy Cucumber Gimlet: non-alcoholic gin, muddled cucumber, jalapeño, lime ($12).
- — Sparkling Blackberry Lemonade: blackberry lavender syrup, lemon, soda ($12).
Pricing: Mocktails $12; soft drinks/juices/coffee $5; NA beers $7-$8
Spirits
An expansive spirits list with rare bourbons like Pappy Van Winkle and George T. Stagg, plus a wide range of tequilas and scotches. Prices span from well to ultra-premium.
Menu strengths
- — Rare bourbons and ryes including Pappy Van Winkle 15 Year and George T. Stagg.
- — Extensive scotch selection with Macallan 25 and Johnnie Walker Blue.
Standout selections
- — Pappy Van Winkle 15 Year ($200).
Pricing: Well spirits from $10; premium pours up to $300 (Macallan 25)
How it sits with the food
The menu includes classic American fare, but specific pairings are not documented. The Cadillac Margarita's reposado tequila and Grand Marnier could complement grilled meats, while the Huckleberry Lemonade's tartness might suit lighter dishes.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
Community reviews
Anyone with a free Inebrious account can rate the drinks here. Community ratings are kept entirely separate from the Inebrious editorial score above.
No community reviews yet. Be the first to write one.