Wine Bar
Unclaimed profileBack Bistro
Folsom, CA · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
Back Bistro runs a serious, multi-category beverage program: barrel-aged cocktails, a deep wine list anchored by the value-priced Cecil's List, and rare bourbons like Old Fitzgerald 19. House-infused syrups and a dedicated mocktail menu show range. Customers consistently praise the cocktails and staff recommendations, though the juice value drew one complaint.
- What should I order?
- Start with the Back Barrel Pick, a barrel-proof old fashioned. For wine, try the $35 Cecil's List bottle, like the Seghesio Zinfandel. Bourbon lovers should ask for the house infinity bottle or Blanton's single barrel.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Whiskey collectors, wine explorers hunting value, and cocktail enthusiasts who appreciate barrel-aging and house-made syrups. The mocktail list makes it welcoming for non-drinkers.
- When should I go?
- Happy hour is a good time for cocktails, based on customer feedback. The bottomless mimosa option suggests brunch appeal.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Cocktails range $11–$19; house wines $8–$9 a glass; drafts $8–$10; bourbon pours $6–$85; rare bottles like the 1983 Salon Magnum reach $1999.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The Cecil's List is a dedicated value wine list at $35 per bottle, a rarity. The house infinity bottle and on-site barrel aging for cocktails add craft. Rare bottles like 1983 Salon Magnum and Old Fitzgerald 19 yr provide depth.
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
Extensive menu with barrel-aged options, house-infused syrups, and creative morning cocktails. Customer feedback praises happy hour cocktails and bartender consistency.
Menu strengths
- — Barrel-aged options like the Barrel Aged Manhattan show craft ambition.
- — House-infused syrups in the Moscow Mule and others add originality.
- — Morning cocktail menu with The Bloody Works and TANQ 75 broadens appeal.
Standout selections
- — Back Barrel Pick – Old Forester Barrel Proof, angostura, cane syrup, brandied cherry ($17).
- — Smoked Old Fashioned – smoked maple syrup, black walnut bitters, brandied cherry ($16).
- — Barrel Aged Manhattan – Sazerac rye, sweet vermouth, aged in house oak barrel.
Pricing: Featured cocktails $11–$19; bottomless mimosa $20.
Wine
Deep list spanning sparkling, white, red, and dessert, with a dedicated value list. Includes iconic Napa producers and rare vintages.
Menu strengths
- — Cecil's List offers value wines at $35 per bottle.
- — Includes rare bottles like 1983 Salon Magnum.; Positive customer feedback on dessert wine recommendations.
Standout selections
- — Blanc de Blancs, Schramsberg, Calistoga, CA 2020 – $18/glass, $75/bottle.
- — Cabernet Sauvignon, Hour Glass, Napa Valley, CA 2023 – $22/glass, $79/bottle.
- — 2019 Zinfandel, Seghesio, Sonoma – $35 on Cecil's List.
- — 1983 Salon Magnum – $1999 per 1.5L (call ahead).
Pricing: House wines $8–$9/glass; premium bottles up to $1999 for 1983 Salon Magnum.
Beer
Rotating draft list with California breweries, plus bottled options including a non-alcoholic choice. Solid but not extensive.
Menu strengths
- — Local draft selection includes Figueroa Mountain and East Brothers.
Standout selections
- — Figueroa Mountain West Coast IPA – 7.2% ($9).
- — Altamont 'Juice Above the Clouds' DIPA – 9% ($10).
- — Lead Dog Peanut Butter Stout – 6.6% ($7).
Pricing: Draft $8–$10; bottles $5–$7.
Nonalcoholic
Dedicated mocktail and zero-proof list using Lyre's products, with creative flavor combinations. A rare commitment to non-alcoholic craft.
Menu strengths
- — Wide variety of mocktails, from Pink Starburst to Fauxjito.
- — Uses premium Lyre's non-alcoholic spirits for zero-proof cocktails.
Standout selections
- — Zero Proof Espresso Martini – Lyre's coffee, cold brew, cane syrup, cream.
- — Herbal Spritz – Lyre's Italian spritz, lemon, apple cider vinegar.
- — Grey Pup – fresh grapefruit, ginger syrup, lemon, soda.
Pricing: No specific prices; one customer felt a juice drink was overpriced.
Spirits
Wide selection across tequila, bourbon, whiskey, and scotch, with rare limited releases and a house infinity bottle. Strong for collectors.
Menu strengths
- — Rare bourbons like Blanton's Gold Edition and Old Fitzgerald 19 yr.
- — House infinity bottle blends staff favorites at 99 proof.
- — Scotch and after-dinner pours include Macallan 18 and Louis VIII Cognac.
Standout selections
- — Back Bistro's Infinity Bottle – $12/1 oz, $22/2 oz.
- — Blanton's Single Barrel – $13/1 oz, $26/2 oz.
- — Old Fitzgerald 19 yr – $45/1 oz, $85/2 oz.
Pricing: Tequila $11–$24/1.5 oz; bourbon $6–$85/pour; scotch $9–$47/oz.
How it sits with the food
Morning cocktails like The Bloody Works and TANQ 75 pair with brunch fare; the bottomless mimosa option suggests a food-friendly brunch program. Dessert wine recommendations from staff were well-received.
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.