Restaurant
Unclaimed profileBethlehem Barrel & Drafthouse
Bethlehem, PA · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
Barrel & Drafthouse leans into its tagline with a dedicated whiskey list spanning rye and bourbon, plus a cocktail menu that includes a truffle-pecorino martini. Draft beer covers stouts, lagers, IPAs, and alcohol-free options, though at least one local lager has drawn a skunky complaint. Wine is present but plays a supporting role, with familiar labels and a broad price range. The program is at its best when you skip the ordinary and go for the signature pours.
- What should I order?
- Start with the Lehigh Martini ($16), Ketel One vodka with olive brine and truffle pecorino olives, which one customer described as perfect every time. If you prefer whiskey, the WhistlePig Straight Rye 10 Year ($30) or Booker's Straight Bourbon ($38) offer depth. For a lower-alcohol option, the Athletic Brewing Free Wave Hazy IPA ($7) is a solid non-alcoholic choice.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Whiskey enthusiasts will find an extensive rye and bourbon selection, and cocktail drinkers who appreciate creative martinis will be drawn to the Lehigh Martini. The draft list's non-alcoholic options also make it accessible to those avoiding alcohol.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Cocktails run $14 to $16, beers $6 to $10, and whiskey pours $10 to $90, so a round of drinks can range from modest to premium depending on your order.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The venue separates its menus into Beers, Cocktails, and Whiskey, with a tagline that emphasizes 'Beer. Bourbon. Better Times.' The cocktail list features a truffle pecorino olive martini, and the whiskey list includes a broad range of rye and bourbon options from $10 to $90.
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
The cocktail menu lists five named drinks, including a Negroni with Carpana Antica sweet vermouth, a Southside Mule with barrel-aged gin, and a Yuzu-Pineapple Marg with a togarashi-salt rim. One customer reports the Lehigh Martini is perfect every time.
Menu strengths
- — Five named cocktails with clear ingredient lists, from a classic Negroni to a yuzu-pineapple margarita.
- — The Lehigh Martini's truffle pecorino olives add a distinctive touch, and a customer describes it as perfect.
Standout selections
- — Lehigh Martini ($16) - Ketel One vodka, olive brine, truffle pecorino olives; praised by a customer.
- — Yuzu-Pineapple Marg ($15) - Casamigos reposado, yuzu, agave, pineapple lime, togarashi-salt rim.
Pricing: $14-$16
Wine
The wine list covers white, red, bubbles, and rosé, with a price range of $9 to $26.85. Selections include Sonoma-Cutrer Chardonnay, Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio, Whispering Angel Rosé, and Mionetto Prosecco.
Menu strengths
- — Variety of wine types including whites, reds, bubbles, and rosé.
- — Price range accommodates both entry-level and premium pours, from $9 bubbles to higher-end whites.
Standout selections
- — Whispering Angel Rosé ($17) - a well-known Provence rosé.
- — Sonoma-Cutrer Russian River Ranches Chardonnay ($17) - a California Chardonnay from Sonoma Coast.
Pricing: $9-$26.85
Beer
The draft list includes stouts, lagers, IPAs, and non-alcoholic options, with prices from $6 to $10. A reviewer reported that the Yuengling on tap tasted skunky, which is a concern for a staple lager.
Menu strengths
- — Diverse draft selection covering stouts, lagers, IPAs, and non-alcoholic options.
- — Reasonable pricing, with most drafts between $6 and $9.
Standout selections
- — Yards Hazy IPA ($8) - a hazy IPA, a popular style.
- — Guinness Draught ($8) - a classic stout on draft.
Pricing: $6-$10
Nonalcoholic
Two non-alcoholic draft options are offered: Athletic Brewing Free Wave Hazy IPA at $7 and Guinness 0 at $9. This provides a modest selection for those avoiding alcohol.
Menu strengths
- — Provides non-alcoholic choices from recognizable brands.; Priced competitively at $7 and $9.
Standout selections
- — Athletic Brewing Free Wave Hazy IPA ($7) - a non-alcoholic hazy IPA.
Pricing: $7-$9
Spirits
The whiskey menu is extensive, with many rye and bourbon selections ranging from $10 to $90. Named pours include Knob Creek Rye 10 Year, WhistlePig Rye 10 Year, Angel's Envy Bourbon, and Booker's Bourbon, showing depth in both categories.
Menu strengths
- — Extensive whiskey list with a clear focus on rye and bourbon.
- — Price range from $10 to $90 allows for both accessible and premium pours.
Standout selections
- — WhistlePig Straight Rye Whiskey 10 Year ($30) - a well-regarded rye.
- — Booker's Straight Bourbon ($38) - a barrel-proof bourbon.
Pricing: $10-$90
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