Restaurant
Unclaimed profileBar La Grassa
Minneapolis, MN · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
Bar La Grassa's beverage program pairs a creative cocktail list with a deep Italian wine list. The BLG Old Fashioned, built on a barrel-select Knob Creek, anchors a menu that runs from a Pepperoncini Martini to a Spicy Passion Fruit Margarita. A dedicated Spirit Free section covers zero-proof cocktails, beers, and sparkling wine. The wine list spans regions and price points, from Prosecco to Barolo.
- What should I order?
- Start with the BLG Old Fashioned for its barrel-proof personality. For something brighter, the Cucumber Hugo Spritz or Fragola Rock. Wine drinkers should seek out the Chianti Classico or, for a splurge, a Barolo from the limited list. Non-alcoholic: the Phony Negroni or N/A Bellini.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Cocktail enthusiasts who appreciate house-infused spirits and classic builds, plus wine lovers drawn to Italian labels. The Spirit Free section makes it welcoming for designated drivers or those avoiding alcohol. Bar seating offers attentive service, per guest reports.
- When should I go?
- Evenings when the bar is lively and the full cocktail and wine lists are available. The rotating seasonal Bellini suggests a reason to return throughout the year.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Cocktails run $13-$18; wines by the glass $11-$20, bottles $40-$500. Non-alcoholic drinks $6-$12. A round of cocktails for two lands around $30-$36 before tax and tip.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The BLG Old Fashioned's tobacco and orange bitters over a barrel-select bourbon shows a kitchen-style precision. The Spirit Free section is unusually deep, offering N/A versions of spritzes and a negroni. The wine list's Italian focus, from Prosecco to Brunello, matches the kitchen's pasta-centric identity.
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, well-priced cocktails with house-infused spirits and a signature barrel-select bourbon Old Fashioned. The menu balances classics and originals, from a Pepperoncini Martini to a Spicy Passion Fruit Margarita.
Menu strengths
- — House-infused habanero & serrano tequila adds a custom touch.
- — Barrel-select Knob Creek in the BLG Old Fashioned shows care.
- — Range of styles from spritzes to stirred drinks.
Standout selections
- — BLG Old Fashioned - Knob Creek BLG Barrel, brown sugar, tobacco bitters.
- — Pepperoncini Martini - Veritá vodka, pepperoncini brine.
- — Spicy Passion Fruit Margarita - house-infused tequila, passion fruit.
Pricing: $13-$18 per cocktail
Wine
An Italian-focused list with broad regional coverage and price points, from Prosecco and Moscato d'Asti to Barolo and Brunello. Includes limited high-end bottles and a praised Chianti Classico.
Menu strengths
- — Deep Italian selection covering sparkling, white, red, and orange wines.
- — Limited red and white sections for special occasions.
Standout selections
- — Barolo 'Albe' GD Vajra 2022; Brunello di Montalcino Mocali 2020
- — Chianti Classico Tenuta di Arceno 2023
Pricing: By the glass $11-$20; bottles $40-$500
Beer
Alcoholic beer list not documented; the program focuses on zero-proof options including Heineken 0.0, Surly Outlook Good, Lagunitas Hop Water, and Guinness 0. Priced reasonably.
Menu strengths
- — Variety of non-alcoholic beer styles from hoppy to stout.
Standout selections
- — Surly Outlook Good Hoppy Ale; Guinness 0
Pricing: $6-$8 for non-alcoholic beers
Nonalcoholic
A dedicated Spirit Free section offers a wide range of zero-proof cocktails, beers, and sparkling wine, including N/A versions of classic spritzes and a negroni. Thoughtfully priced and inclusive.
Menu strengths
- — Extensive N/A menu with creative builds like the Pomegranate Nojito.
- — N/A versions of popular cocktails like the Negroni.
Standout selections
- — St. Agrestis Phony Negroni; N/A Cucumber Hugo Spritz
Pricing: $8-$12 for N/A cocktails; $6-$8 for N/A beers; $12/45 for sparkling wine
Spirits
A solid selection of premium and craft spirits used in cocktails, including Veritá vodka, Prairie gin, Maker's Mark, Bulleit, Knob Creek, and Poli grappa. House-infused tequila and barrel-select bourbon highlight the program.
Menu strengths
- — Includes Italian spirits like Veritá vodka and Poli grappa.
- — House-infused habanero & serrano tequila.; Barrel-select bourbon for the Old Fashioned.
Standout selections
- — BLG Old Fashioned - Knob Creek BLG Barrel
- — Flight of the Honeybee - Poli grappa miele
Pricing: Spirit-based cocktails $14-$18
How it sits with the food
The Italian wine list pairs naturally with the menu's pasta and seafood. A Chianti Classico suits tomato-based dishes, while a crisp Sauvignon Blanc from Collio complements seafood. The Cucumber Hugo Spritz offers a lighter counterpoint to rich pastas.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
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