Wine bar
Unclaimed profileAmélie DC Bistro & Wine Bar
Washington, DC · $$$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
Amélie DC Bistro & Wine Bar runs a serious beverage program centered on a deep wine list that spans from a $14 Portuguese rosé to a $395 Margaux. House cocktails show ambition with infusions like banana bourbon, while happy hour deals and wine flights add practicality. A compact beer list and thoughtful non-alcoholic options round out a program that rewards exploration.
- What should I order?
- Start with a wine flight to sample the by-the-glass range. For a cocktail, the Ba' Nanhattan pairs banana-infused bourbon with sweet vermouth and black walnut bitters. Happy hour brings $8 cocktails, and brunch offers bottomless mimosas and bellinis for $26 per person.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Wine enthusiasts will appreciate the extensive French and international list, including a $180 Châteauneuf du Pape and a 2001 Margaux. Cocktail lovers can explore creative infusions, while those seeking lighter options find a solid NA selection and a few well-chosen beers.
- When should I go?
- Happy hour runs daily with varying hours and features $8 cocktails, $14 wine flights, and $10 wine of the day. Lunch also offers $8 cocktails and $12 wine flights, making it a good time for a budget-conscious tasting.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Cocktails range $16–$18, wines by the glass $14–$25, bottles $40–$395. Beers $10–$12, spirits $13–$24, and non-alcoholic drinks $5–$9. Happy hour and lunch specials lower the entry point significantly.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The wine list is the anchor, with depth in French regions and a price range that accommodates both everyday glasses and celebratory bottles. Creative cocktails like the Fraise Volante and Ba' Nanhattan show a playful side, and the daily wine specials make exploration accessible.
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 creative cocktail list with infusions like banana bourbon and strawberry bourbon, plus classic spritzes and martinis. Happy hour and lunch specials make them accessible, though some prices are unlisted.
Menu strengths
- — Infused bourbon cocktails like Ba' Nanhattan and Fraise Volante show originality.
- — Happy hour and lunch specials offer $8 cocktails.
Standout selections
- — Ba' Nanhattan – banana-infused bourbon, sweet vermouth, black walnut bitters, $17
- — Fraise Volante – strawberry infused bourbon, lemon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino
- — Naked In The Rain – mezcal, Aperol, St. Germain, lime, $18
Pricing: $16–$18 full price; $8 at happy hour/lunch
Wine
An extensive wine list covering sparkling, rosé, orange, white, and red, with strong French representation.
Menu strengths
- — Broad selection with many French and international wines.
- — Wine flights and wine-of-the-day specials at happy hour and lunch.
Standout selections
- — Château Margaux, 2001 – $395 bottle
- — Châteauneuf du Pape, Château Mont-Redon 2021 – $180 bottle
- — Sancerre, Gerard Millet 2023 – $23 glass / $86 bottle
- — Crémant de Limoux, Maison Salazar – $16 glass / $60 bottle
Pricing: $14–$25 by the glass; $40–$395 by the bottle
Beer
A compact but curated selection of bottled beers, including a French lager, an American IPA, and a Belgian blonde. Prices are reasonable, though the list is short.
Standout selections
- — Kronenbourg Lager, Alsace, France – $10
- — La Chouffe Blonde, Belgium – $12
Pricing: $10–$12
Nonalcoholic
Thoughtful non-alcoholic options include NA beer, spritzers, and a sparkling tea-based rosé alternative. Priced accessibly, these are more than an afterthought.
Menu strengths
- — Diverse NA selection including beer and spritzers.; Affordable pricing.
Standout selections
- — NA Töst Rosé – sparkling white tea, ginger, elderberry
- — Ginger Spritzer – ginger syrup, lime, seltzer – $9
Pricing: $5–$9
Spirits
A broad spirits list spans Armagnac to mezcal, with notable French and Scotch selections. Pricing is moderate, though not all items have listed prices.
Menu strengths
- — Broad category coverage.; Includes rare categories like Armagnac and Calvados.
Standout selections
- — Glenfiddich 15 years, Speyside – $24
Pricing: $13–$24
How it sits with the food
The bistro menu supports the beverage program, with brunch featuring bottomless mimosas and bellinis. Wine flights and by-the-glass options encourage pairing with multiple courses, and the French-leaning list complements bistro fare.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
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