Restaurant
Unclaimed profileArch City Tavern
Columbus, OH · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
Arch City Tavern's drink menu spans craft cocktails, an extensive draft list, and a compact wine list. Highlights include the mesquite-smoked Old Fashioned and $3 beer flights. Happy hour discounts drafts, wine, and house well cocktails. A community reviewer praised a freshly made Old Fashioned but found pre-batched versions pricey.
- What should I order?
- Start with the Smoked Tavern Old Fashioned for its mesquite and cherrywood smoke. For beer, try the 5oz flight to sample multiple drafts. Non-alcoholic drinkers can order the BBL with basil-infused agave and blueberry.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Craft beer enthusiasts will appreciate the rotating draft list and flight option. Cocktail seekers looking for creative, smoke-infused drinks will find appeal. The non-alcoholic cocktail menu also accommodates designated drivers.
- When should I go?
- Happy hour is a good time for discounted drafts, wine, and well cocktails. Evening visits suit the full cocktail and beer menu.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Cocktails run $13-$16; wine by the glass $10-$12; beer flights $3 and pints $7. Happy hour offers drafts at $5 and wine at $9.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The cocktail menu's smoked Old Fashioned and house-made syrups, combined with an extensive craft beer list and low-priced flights, create a versatile beverage program. The inclusion of non-alcoholic options with Lyre's adds breadth.
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
Creative signature cocktails with house-made syrups and smoked ingredients. Range includes Moscow Mule, Hot HoneyBee, and You Up?.
Menu strengths
- — Diverse cocktail list with inventive ingredients like jalapeño-infused tequila and butterfly pea blossom gin.
Standout selections
- — Smoked Tavern Old Fashioned: High Bank Whiskey War, mesquite and cherrywood smoke, Luxardo cherries, vanilla bean.
- — Moscow Mule: High Bank vodka, house ginger simple, fresh lime.
Pricing: $13-$16
Wine
Compact list covering major varietals and regions. By-the-glass options include Moscato d'Asti, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Prosecco. Happy hour wine at $9 adds value.
Menu strengths
- — Includes a Napa Valley Red Blend (The Prisoner) at $70 bottle.
Standout selections
- — The Prisoner Red Blend: Napa Valley, bottle only.
- — Thierry Lurton Sauvignon Blanc: France, $12 glass / $45 bottle.
Pricing: $10-$12 glass; $35-$70 bottle
Beer
Extensive draft list featuring local and national craft breweries across styles including IPA, stout, lager, and porter. Flight option encourages exploration. Happy hour drafts are a bargain.
Menu strengths
- — Low-cost 5oz flights allow sampling multiple beers.; Includes a house lager from Arch City.
Standout selections
- — Left Hand Milk Stout: Nitro stout 6%.
- — Arch City Lager: House lager 5.5%.
Pricing: $3 for 5oz flight; pints $7; happy hour drafts $5
Nonalcoholic
Three dedicated non-alcoholic cocktails using fresh ingredients and Lyre's non-alcoholic spirits. Priced at $11, they offer a crafted alternative for abstainers.
Menu strengths
- — Fresh ingredients such as basil and sage infusions.
Standout selections
- — BBL: Basil-infused agave, blueberry, fresh lemon, sparkling.
- — SOBAR SPRITZ: Lyre's Italian spritz, alcohol-removed prosecco, sparkling.
Pricing: $11
Spirits
No dedicated spirits list, but cocktail menu uses a range of vodka, rum, gin, tequila, bourbon, and whiskey. Additions allow customization with premium spirits and tinctures.
Menu strengths
- — Premium spirit additions like Stoli Blueberry and Ketel Citron.
- — Unique tinctures such as Lions Mane and Kava.
Standout selections
- — High Bank Whiskey War in the Smoked Tavern Old Fashioned.
- — Watershed 4 year bourbon in Hot HoneyBee.
Pricing: Cocktail additions +$3; tinctures +$2
How it sits with the food
Menu evidence shows a brunch program with Bloody Marys and mimosas, suggesting pairing potential with brunch dishes. The diverse beer list likely complements bar food, though specific pairings are not documented.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
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