Restaurant
Unclaimed profileCharlotte Restaurant & Lounge
Seattle, WA · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
Charlotte Restaurant & Lounge pairs a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence list with a globally-minded cocktail menu. Ten signature drinks span Japanese whiskey, mezcal, pisco, and cachaça, while the wine program, curated by a 40-year veteran, reaches from $16 Pinot Gris to Screaming Eagle. A $10 happy hour and a dedicated spirit-free section round out a program that rewards both casual and serious drinkers.
- What should I order?
- Start with the Gold Fashioned, a Japanese whiskey old fashioned with saffron and black lemon, or the Smokey Blues for mezcal and bergamot. Wine lovers should ask for sommelier recommendations—guests praise the detailed context—and consider the King Estate Pinot Gris at $16. Happy hour offers classic cocktails and $10 wines.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Wine enthusiasts will appreciate the 200-plus selection and award recognition, while cocktail drinkers will find creative, globally-inspired drinks. The spirit-free section and non-alcoholic beers make it welcoming for abstainers. Happy hour draws those seeking value, and the lounge ambiance attracts a stylish crowd.
- When should I go?
- The lounge is suitable for after-work drinks or a relaxed evening. Breakfast and brunch times feature cocktails like Bloody Mary and Mimosa.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Signature cocktails range from $14 to $24, with happy hour classics at $14. Wines by the glass are $14-$39, and happy hour wines are $10. Draft beers run $10-$14, with bottled options from $8. Non-alcoholic cocktails are $10-$15. A full wine bottle can reach $4,500 for Screaming Eagle.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The wine program stands out with its Wine Spectator Award of Excellence and a 200-selection list curated by Gene Dexter, a 40-year hospitality veteran. The cocktail menu is equally ambitious, using international spirits like Japanese whiskey and mezcal in inventive combinations. A dedicated spirit-free section and non-alcoholic wines add breadth uncommon in a lounge setting.
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 cocktail menu with 10 drinks using international spirits and unique ingredients. Happy hour offers classic cocktails at accessible prices. Community feedback is positive but limited to one Bloody Mary mention.
Menu strengths
- — Diverse spirits and ingredients, including Japanese whiskey, cachaça, mezcal, pisco, and rye.
- — Happy hour provides affordable classic cocktails at $14.
Standout selections
- — Gold Fashioned - Toki Japanese whiskey, saffron, black lemon, Angostura bitters, $24.
- — Smokey Blues - Los Siete Misterios mezcal, Italicus bergamot liqueur, blueberry, lime, $22.
- — Butterfly Effect - Barsol pisco, passion fruit, strawberry, butterfly pea flower, egg white, $24.
Pricing: Signature cocktails $14-$24; happy hour classics $14.
Wine
Award-winning wine list with over 200 selections, curated by a veteran specialist. Includes premium labels like Screaming Eagle and Opus One. Community praise highlights sommelier expertise.
Menu strengths
- — Wine Spectator Award of Excellence.; Extensive selection with rare and premium producers.
- — Dedicated wine specialist Gene Dexter with 40+ years experience.
Standout selections
- — Krug, Grand Cuvée Brut 171ème Édition - Champagne, France, $850.
- — Opus One Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 - Napa Valley, $750.
- — Screaming Eagle Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 - Oakville, Napa Valley, $4,500.
Pricing: Wines by the glass $14-$39; happy hour wines $10; bottles from $35 to $4,500.
Beer
Focused beer program featuring Pacific Northwest craft beers and ciders, plus international bottles. Includes non-alcoholic options. Happy hour pricing adds value.
Menu strengths
- — International bottled beers from South Korea, Germany, and Japan.
Standout selections
- — Chuckanut Pilsner Lager - Washington, $10.
- — Finnriver Blueberry Semi-Dry Cider - Washington, $14.
- — Kiuchi Hitachino Nest White Ale - Japan, $11.
Pricing: Draft beers and ciders $10-$14; bottled beers $8-$11; happy hour $10-$12.
Nonalcoholic
Dedicated spirit-free section with creative mocktails, plus non-alcoholic wines and beers. Offers a range across dayparts, from lounge to breakfast. No community evidence but program is well-documented.
Menu strengths
- — Creative mocktails with ingredients like Pathfinder and Giffard aperitif.
- — Available across multiple menus including breakfast and brunch.
Standout selections
- — Island Hopper - Giffard aperitif, pineapple, lime, house-made orgeat, soda, $15.
- — Aubert & Mathieu Kisumé Blanc de Blancs - Non-alcoholic sparkling wine, $16.
- — Rosemary Mule - rosemary syrup, lime, ginger beer, $10.
Pricing: Non-alcoholic cocktails $10-$15; non-alcoholic wines $16; non-alcoholic beers $8.
Spirits
Well-stocked bar with a wide range of spirits used in creative cocktails. Happy hour classic cocktails demonstrate versatility. No dedicated spirits list, but menu coverage is solid.
Menu strengths
- — Diverse spirit selection including whiskey, gin, vodka, rum, mezcal, pisco, and cachaça.
- — Happy hour offers classic cocktails like Manhattan and Mezcal Negroni.
Standout selections
- — Dark Matter - Rittenhouse rye, Tempus Fugit cacao liqueur, Calvados, Fernet-Branca, chocolate cherry, $24.
- — Basil Affair - Roku gin, Campari, Punt e Mes, lime leaf tincture, Thai basil bitters, $24.
- — Maya Made - St. George green chile vodka, pineapple, lime, cilantro, $20.
Pricing: Cocktails using premium spirits $20-$24; happy hour classics $14.
How it sits with the food
The wine list's depth supports pairing across cuisines, from sparkling wines for brunch to bold Cabernets for red meat. Cocktails like the Basil Affair with Japanese gin and Thai basil bitters could complement lighter fare, while the Smokey Blues with mezcal pairs with grilled dishes. The Bloody Mary, praised by a guest, suits breakfast and brunch.
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.