Wine Bar
Unclaimed profileAmbi Wine Bar & Desserts
Anoka, MN · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
Ambi Wine Bar & Desserts pairs a Minnesota-honored wine list with a cocktail program built on local spirits. The wine flight at $16 is a practical entry into a list that spans regions and styles. Cocktails like the Ambi Old Fashioned show ambition, while the non-alcoholic menu is notably extensive. Beer and cider round out a program that serves multiple audiences without diluting its wine-first identity.
- What should I order?
- Start with the wine flight for a curated tour of the list. For a cocktail, the Ambi Old Fashioned uses Tattersall Whiskey, maraschino, and maple. If avoiding alcohol, the Scarlet Cranberry Tonic or Berry Basil Fizz are crafted options.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Wine enthusiasts will appreciate the award-winning selection and flights. Cocktail drinkers will find a range of classics and signatures. The extensive non-alcoholic menu makes it a welcoming spot for designated drivers and non-drinkers.
- When should I go?
- The venue is part of the Historic Downtown Social District, making it suitable for a stroll-and-sip outing. Patio seating is mentioned by guests, suggesting warm-weather visits are appealing.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Cocktails run $11-$13, wines by the glass $8-$15, bottles $40-$55, and a wine flight is $16. Mocktails are $9, NA beer $5, and other non-alcoholic drinks $3-$6. Beer is $5-$6.50.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- A family-owned wine bar with multiple 'Best of' awards, including Star Tribune Gold 2026. The wine list emphasizes small independent winemakers, and the cocktail program incorporates local distilleries like Tattersall. Coravin pours and wine flights add flexibility.
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 list includes classics like Aperol Spritz and Aviation, plus signatures like the Ambi Old Fashioned with Tattersall Whiskey and maple. Local spirits are featured throughout, and prices are moderate.
Menu strengths
- — Diverse menu with classic and signature options; Use of local spirits like Tattersall
Standout selections
- — Ambi Old Fashioned: Tattersall Whiskey, maraschino liqueur, maple, bitters
- — Aviation: Rose Gin, cherry liqueur, creme de violette, lemon juice
- — Espresso Martini: Tattersall Vodka, coffee liqueur, brown sugar simple, espresso
Pricing: Cocktails range from $11 to $13.
Wine
An extensive, award-winning wine list featuring whites, reds, bubbles, and dessert wines from various regions. Recognized as Minnesota's Best Wine Bar multiple years, with a focus on small independent winemakers.
Menu strengths
- — Curated selection of world-class wines from small independent winemakers
Standout selections
- — Aveleda Vinho Verde: crisp, green apple, lime seltzer
- — Raimund Prum Essence Riesling: pineapple, white peach, apricot
- — Saint Clair Sauvignon Blanc: lemongrass, grapefruit, salty mineral
- — Tessellae GSM Old Vines: blackberry, spice, jam
Pricing: Wines by the glass $8-$15; bottles $40-$55; wine flight $16 for 4 tasters.
Beer
A compact but local-leaning beer list with Minnesota craft options like Surly Furious and Lift Bridge Farm Day, plus ciders and seltzers. Prices are reasonable.
Standout selections
- — Lift Bridge Farm Day Golden Ale: Stillwater, MN
Pricing: Draft domestic $5, craft $6.5; bottles/cans $5-$6.
Nonalcoholic
An extensive non-alcoholic program with crafted mocktails, NA beer, coffee, and tea.
Menu strengths
- — Wide variety of non-alcoholic options including mocktails and NA beer
Standout selections
- — Scarlet Cranberry Tonic: cranberry, lime, brown sugar simple
- — Berry Basil Fizz: cranberry, orange, fresh basil, simple, blueberries
- — Creamsicle: orange juice, heavy cream, cold foam
Pricing: Mocktails $9; NA beer $5; other non-alcoholic drinks $3-$6.
Spirits
Spirits program is defined through the cocktail menu, featuring premium and local brands such as Tattersall Whiskey, Michter's Rye, and G4 Tequila. No standalone spirits list.
Menu strengths
- — Use of premium and local spirits in cocktails
Standout selections
- — Tattersall Whiskey in Ambi Old Fashioned
- — G4 Tequila in Straight Up Marg
Pricing: No standalone spirits pricing; spirits appear as cocktail ingredients.
How it sits with the food
The venue partners with Truffles & Tortes for desserts, which could complement the dessert wines and sweeter cocktails. The wine list's range of whites, reds, and bubbles offers pairing flexibility for a dessert-centric menu.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
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