Restaurant
Unclaimed profileCitySēn Lounge
Grand Rapids, MI · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
CitySēn Lounge's beverage program leans on a strong cocktail list with Michigan spirits like Eastern Kille and Iron Fish, plus a thoughtful non-alcoholic lineup. Wine covers the basics with a Wednesday bottle deal, and beer stays conventional. The bar earns its keep with inventive drinks and a rare commitment to no-proof options.
- What should I order?
- Start with the CitySēn Sour, a gin cocktail built on Eastern Kille Dry Gin and fresh muddled blueberries, or the Smoky Ponche for a mezcal-forward pour with a Tajin rim. For something spirit-free, the Smoked Maple No Fashioned mirrors the old fashioned without alcohol.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Cocktail drinkers who appreciate local spirits and creative combinations will find plenty to explore. The mocktail program makes it a solid choice for designated drivers or anyone avoiding alcohol.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Specialty cocktails run $11 to $16, with brunch cocktails from $8 to $13. Wine by the glass is $9 to $14, bottles $30 to $48. Bottled beer is $4.50 to $5.50, and mocktails are $10 to $12.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The bar leans into Michigan producers—Eastern Kille gin and liqueur, Traverse City Peach Bourbon, Iron Fish Maple Bourbon—and pairs them with a full non-alcoholic program featuring Seedlip and Ritual Zero Proof. Wine Wednesday and a glitter cocktail that customers praise add character.
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
A broad cocktail list spans inventive specialties, classics, and brunch pours.; Extensive menu with separate specialty, classic, and brunch sections.
Menu strengths
- — Extensive menu with separate specialty, classic, and brunch sections.
- — Uses regional spirits like Eastern Kille Dry Gin and Traverse City Peach Bourbon.
- — Pricing is moderate, with brunch cocktails starting at $8.
Standout selections
- — CitySēn Sour: Eastern Kille Dry Gin, muddled blueberries, lemon, foam.
- — Smoky Ponche: mezcal, mango, pineapple, housemade sour, Tajin rim.
- — Smoked Maple Old Fashioned: Iron Fish Maple Bourbon, simple syrup, bitters.
Pricing: Specialty $11-$16; classics $11-$16; brunch $8-$13
Wine
A compact but geographically varied wine list covers red, white, and sparkling. The Oregon Pinot Noir and Michigan Riesling show regional range. Wine Wednesday's half-off bottles is a clear value hook.
Menu strengths
- — Includes red, white, and sparkling by glass and bottle.
- — Regional diversity with Oregon, Michigan, France, and California.
Standout selections
- — Chemistry Pinot Noir (Oregon) – $13 glass / $40 bottle.
- — Chateau Grand Traverse Late Harvest Riesling (Michigan) – $10 glass / $32 bottle.
- — Saint Hilaire Brut (France) – $11 glass / $34 bottle.
Pricing: Glasses $9-$14; bottles $30-$48
Beer
The beer list is mostly mainstream macros and a few non-alcoholic options. A rotating seasonal and draft availability add some flexibility, but there is little craft distinction beyond Founders All Day IPA on the older menu.
Menu strengths
- — Includes both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options.; Rotating seasonal and draft beers are available.
Standout selections
- — Founders All Day IPA (bottle) – $5.00.; Athletic Brewing (NA) – $5.
Pricing: Bottles $4.50-$5.50
Nonalcoholic
A dedicated mocktail menu with four creative selections, plus NA beer and wine, makes this a standout for a hotel lounge. The use of Seedlip and Ritual Zero Proof shows intent beyond a single afterthought.
Menu strengths
- — Dedicated mocktail list with four options.; Uses alcohol-free spirits like Seedlip Grove 42 and Ritual Zero Proof.
Standout selections
- — Smoked Maple No Fashioned: Kentucky 74, maple, N/A bitters.
- — French 86: Seedlip Grove 42, lemon, Grüvi Dry Secco.
- — Espresso Azteca: Ritual Zero Proof Tequila, espresso, sweet cream.
Pricing: Mocktails $10-$12
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