Restaurant
Unclaimed profileChops Wine Bar
Fort Wayne, IN · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
The cocktail list is the reason to pay attention here: ten named drinks split between Featured and Classic sections, with barrel-aged versions of a Manhattan, Old Fashioned, and Aperol Boulevardier. Named spirits show up throughout, including Town Branch bourbon, Sombra mezcal, St. George Botanivore gin, and Journeyman Last Feather rye. Prices sit at 9 to 12 dollars. Beyond cocktails, the program runs on a rotating craft beer selection and a Bourbon & Rye focus.
- What should I order?
- Start with a barrel-aged cocktail — the Manhattan uses Town Branch bourbon, Dolin Rouge, Carpano Antica, Punt e Mes, and Angostura, and the Old Fashioned adds Luxardo, Peychaud's, and a bruleed cherry. For something lighter, the Mezcal Paloma with Sombra mezcal and Cointreau Noir is 11 dollars.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Drinkers who want a recognizable classic executed with named spirits, plus a few fruit-forward options like the Raspberry Fizz and Jalapeno Margarita. The barrel-aged section rewards anyone who prefers stirred, spirit-forward drinks over novelty.
- When should I go?
- The venue keeps separate dining and bar hours, so the bar side is the natural target for a cocktail-focused visit rather than a full meal.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Cocktails run 9 to 12 dollars, with most classics at 11 and the Sazerac and Raspberry Fizz at 12. The Featured section stays at 11 to 12.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- Three barrel-aged cocktails on one list is uncommon for a restaurant bar, and the spirits named across the menu — Town Branch, Sombra, St. George Botanivore, Journeyman Last Feather rye — give the drinks specific rather than generic footing.
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 named cocktails across two sections, with three barrel-aged options and named spirits throughout. The Featured side leans fruit-forward — Blood Orange, Mezcal Paloma, Raspberry Fizz, Jalapeno Margarita — while the Classic side covers Manhattan, Old Fashioned, Sazerac, and Corpse Reviver No. 2. Prices stay between 9 and 12 dollars.
Menu strengths
- — Two distinct sections with ten total named cocktails, split between contemporary and classic builds.
- — Three barrel-aged options: Manhattan, Old Fashioned, and Aperol Boulevardier.
- — Named spirits including Town Branch bourbon, Sombra mezcal, St. George Botanivore gin, and Journeyman Last Feather rye.
Standout selections
- — Barrel Aged Manhattan — Town Branch bourbon, Dolin Rouge, Carpano Antica, Punt e Mes, Angostura; 11 dollars.
- — Sazerac — Starlight Rock and Rye, St. George absinthe, Peychaud's, Wilks & Wilson Gertrude's Gomme, lemon twist; 12 dollars.
- — Mezcal Paloma — Sombra mezcal, Cointreau Noir, lime, grapefruit, simple syrup; 11 dollars.
- — Corpse Reviver No. 2 — St. George Botanivore gin, orange liqueur, Lillet Blanc, absinthe, lemon; 11 dollars.
Pricing: Featured cocktails 11-12; Classic cocktails 9-12
Wine
A dedicated Wine Bar Menu is referenced on the homepage, and an official menu image names a 'Legendary Wine Pour.' The venue runs as a wine bar with separate dining and bar hours, so the wine side operates on its own schedule rather than as a restaurant afterthought.
Menu strengths
- — Dedicated Wine Bar Menu referenced on the homepage.
- — Separate dining and bar hours give the wine program its own service window.
- — 'Legendary Wine Pour' named on an official menu image.
Standout selections
- — Official menu image references a 'LEGENDARY WINE POUR'.
Beer
The rotation is available by asking the server, which makes the list a moving target rather than a fixed printed lineup.
Menu strengths
- — Chops Wine Bar has a wide variety of Craft Beers and a rotating selection available by asking the server.
Standout selections
- — Chops Wine Bar has a wide variety of Craft Beers and a rotating selection available by asking the server.
Spirits
A Bourbon & Rye section anchors the spirits side on the homepage, and the bar states that experienced bartenders make craft cocktails and martinis and will take a unique order. The focus is narrow and stated rather than a broad spirits inventory.
Menu strengths
- — Homepage 'Bourbon & Rye' section gives the spirits side a stated focus.
- — Bartenders make craft cocktails and martinis and will take a unique order.
Standout selections
- — Homepage has a 'Bourbon & Rye' section stating experienced bartenders make craft cocktails, martinis and more, and guests may order something unique.
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