Restaurant
Unclaimed profileBar Bantam
Rochester, NY · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
Bar Bantam, tucked into the lobby of The Metropolitan, pours a ten-cocktail list that leans into offbeat ingredients: papaya cordial, mango-tarragon syrup, and a spicy onion brine. The wine list sticks to Italy and France, with glasses from $11 to $13, while the beer side covers drafts, ciders, and local lagers. Non-alcoholic options exist, including Stella N/A. A capable, reasonably priced program with a creative streak.
- What should I order?
- Start with O.D.B., which uses Castle & Key Roots of Ruin gin and spicy onion brine for a savory twist. For something fruit-forward, MI BEBE MASOQUISTA mixes tequila, Ancho Reyes Verde, and papaya cordial. The METROPOLITAN, a rye-and-brandy blend with Carpano bitter, is a solid classic-leaning choice.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Drinkers who appreciate inventive cocktails with unusual ingredients will find plenty to explore. The wine list's Italian and French pours suit those who prefer straightforward regional selections, and the beer options, including local drafts, cover casual drinkers.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Cocktails run $14 to $20, with the Old Fashioned at the top end. Wine by the glass costs $11 to $13, and beers range from $4 to $10.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The cocktail program is the main draw, with ten signature drinks that incorporate ingredients like papaya cordial, mango-tarragon syrup, and spicy onion brine. Located in the lobby of The Metropolitan, it also runs Café Bantam, which serves coffee and cocktails all day.
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
Ten signature cocktails priced from $14 to $20. The list leans creative, with ingredients such as papaya cordial, mango-tarragon syrup, and spicy onion brine. Named options include BEBBO, METROPOLITAN, and O.D.B. Customer feedback praises smooth, well-balanced drinks, though one was noted as harsh.
Menu strengths
- — A wide price range and varied base spirits give the list breadth.
- — Customers generally praise the cocktails as smooth and creative.
Standout selections
- — BEBBO: Empress, cucumber, lemon gin, Esubac, honey lemon orange.
- — O.D.B.: Castle & Key Roots of Ruin gin with spicy onion brine.
- — MI BEBE MASOQUISTA: Tequila, Ancho Reyes Verde, and papaya cordial.
Pricing: $14-$20
Wine
A compact wine list focused on Italy and France, featuring Prosecco, Pinot Grigio, Pecorino, and red blends. All pours fall between $11 and $13. Named selections include BONELLI GUTTERINO RED BLEND and DOMAINE DU BOSC ROCHET.
Menu strengths
- — Clear regional focus on Italy and France.; Reasonable glass prices across the list.
- — Variety of styles from sparkling to red blends.
Standout selections
- — BONELLI GUTTERINO RED BLEND: Red blend from Rivergaro, Italy.
- — DOMAINE DU BOSC ROCHET: French blend from Minervois, France.
Pricing: $11-$13 per glass
Beer
Beer options include draft and bottled selections such as IPAs, ciders, and domestic lagers. Prices range from $4 to $10. Local and craft options appear, including a rotating IPA and Strangebird draft.
Menu strengths
- — Variety of formats from draft to bottle.; Includes local and craft options.
Standout selections
- — ROTATING IPA DRAFT: Rotating IPA on draft.; STRANGEBIRD DRAFT: Strangebird beer on draft.
Pricing: $4-$10
Nonalcoholic
The café also serves coffee and espresso drinks, which are non-alcoholic. This is a minimal but serviceable selection.
Menu strengths
- — Two non-alcoholic beer choices at low prices.; Café menu provides coffee and espresso alternatives.
Standout selections
- — STELLA N/A: Non-alcoholic Stella.; MICHELOB ULTRA ZERO: Non-alcoholic beer.
Pricing: $4-$5
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