Restaurant
Unclaimed profileChar Bar
Kansas City, MO · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
Char Bar pairs a sprawling beer garden with one of the more ambitious beverage lists in. The beer program leans heavily on local breweries, the whiskey menu runs deep, and the cocktail list shows real imagination, from the Burnt Old Fashioned to a $17 Smoking Gun. A dedicated mocktail menu and gluten-free beer options round out a program that is as inclusive as it is extensive.
- What should I order?
- Start with the Burnt Old Fashioned, a Knob Creek rye number with burnt syrup and pimento absinthe bitters. For something smoky, the Smoky Paloma uses charred cinnamon. Beer drinkers should seek out Boulevard Tank 7 or a local draft from KC Bier Co. Don't skip the Faux Fashioned mocktail.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Beer enthusiasts will appreciate the deep local draft list and the city's largest outdoor beer garden. Whiskey collectors can work through over 40 pours, including labels like J. Rieger and Tom's Town. The mocktail menu and gluten-free beer options make it welcoming for non-drinkers and those with dietary restrictions.
- When should I go?
- Weekend brunch brings a different set of cocktails, including the spicy Bayou Mary. The beer garden is a draw in warmer months.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Cocktails run $10 to $17, with mocktails at $8. Beer is $4 to $10 for drafts, $6 to $9 for bottles. Whiskey pours range from $6 to $33 depending on size and rarity. Happy hour specials drop prices to $4-$7.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The beer garden is billed as the city's largest, and the beer list leans heavily on breweries like Boulevard, KC Bier Co., and Free State. The whiskey program is similarly local-minded, featuring J. Rieger and Tom's Town. Few programs this size also offer a full craft mocktail menu and gluten-free beer.
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 house cocktails with a barbecue-adjacent smoky theme. The Burnt Old Fashioned and Smoky Paloma show ambition, and the brunch menu adds Bloody Mary variations. Happy hour specials provide value.
Menu strengths
- — Signature cocktails like the Burnt Old Fashioned use house-made burnt syrup and pimento absinthe bitters.
- — Brunch offers unique Bloody Mary variations, including the Bayou Mary with chile-infused whiskey and pickled okra.
Standout selections
- — Burnt Old Fashioned – Knob Creek rye, burnt syrup, pimento absinthe bitters, $13.
- — The 'Smoking' Gun – Bulleit rye, campari, grand marnier, burnt syrup, smoky ice ball, $17.
- — Smoky Paloma – Espolòn blanco, pamplemousse, lime, charred cinnamon, $12.
Pricing: Cocktails range from $10 to $17; happy hour Moscow Mules and Horsefeathers are $7.
Wine
A modest but serviceable wine list with a handful of regions and styles. Mostly familiar California labels, with a Portuguese rosé and German Riesling adding variety. Happy hour house wine is a steal.
Menu strengths
- — Includes a German Riesling and Portuguese rosé for variety beyond domestic wines.
- — Happy hour offers house Woodbridge Chardonnay and Cabernet for $6.
Standout selections
- — Dr. Hermann Riesling – Germany, $13/glass, $48/bottle.
- — Q.S.S. Rare Rosé – Portugal, $10/glass, $36/bottle.
Pricing: Wine by the glass $7-$13; bottles $26-$48; happy hour house wine $6.
Beer
An exceptional beer program with 20+ drafts, heavy on breweries. Non-alcoholic and gluten-free options are integrated. The outdoor beer garden is the city's largest and anchors the experience.
Menu strengths
- — Extensive local draft selection from Boulevard, KC Bier Co., and Free State.
- — Includes non-alcoholic beers like Athletic Brewing and gluten-free options like Martin City Yoga Pants.
- — The outdoor beer garden is described as the city's largest.
Standout selections
- — Boulevard Tank 7 – Farmhouse ale, 8.5% ABV, $5/$10.
- — Prairie Artisan Blueberry Boyfriend – Fruited sour, 5.4% ABV, $4/$8.
- — Left Hand Nitro Milk Stout – 6% ABV, $7.
Pricing: Draft beers $4-$10; bottles/cans $6-$9; happy hour $4 throwback beers and $5 local drafts.
Nonalcoholic
A dedicated craft mocktail menu with five options, plus non-alcoholic beers and cold refreshers. The Faux Fashioned is a clever zero-proof take on an old fashioned. Community evidence highlights the strawberry lemonade.
Menu strengths
- — Five craft mocktails, including the Faux Fashioned with Earl Grey tea infusion.
- — Non-alcoholic beer options from Athletic Brewing and Michelob Ultra Zero.
- — One guest described the strawberry lemonade as 'kickin'.
Standout selections
- — Faux Fashioned – Maple syrup, orange, Earl Grey tea infusion, soda, $8.
- — Peach Dream – Peach nectar, orange juice, lime, honey, mint, $8.
- — Strawberry Lemonade – cold refresher, $4.50.
Pricing: Mocktails $8; non-alcoholic beers $6; cold refreshers $4-$5.
Spirits
A deep whiskey program with over 40 varieties, including local distilleries like J. Rieger and Tom's Town. Pours are available in two sizes, making it accessible for both sipping and sampling. Happy hour shots add value.
Menu strengths
- — Over 40 whiskeys, with a focus on bourbon, rye, and labels.
- — Two pour sizes (1.5oz and 2.5oz) allow for tasting without commitment.
- — Local distillery representation from J. Rieger and Tom's Town.
Standout selections
- — Blanton's Straight Bourbon – $20/$33.; WhistlePig Piggyback Rye – $20/$33.
Pricing: Whiskey pours $6-$33 for 1.5oz or 2.5oz; happy hour $5 Four Roses shots.
How it sits with the food
The menu includes gluten-free and vegan options, and the beverage program supports them with gluten-free beer and cider. Smoky cocktails like the Smoky Paloma would stand up to barbecue, while the Burnt Old Fashioned's burnt syrup echoes charred flavors. Brunch cocktails like the Bayou Mary bring spice that pairs with hearty breakfast dishes.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
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