Cocktail Bar
Unclaimed profileDave & Buster's Carlsbad
Carlsbad, CA · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
Dave & Buster's runs a high-volume bar with a cocktail menu organized into categories like Magnificent Margaritas and Legendary LITs. Signature pours such as the Million Dollar 'Rita and Passion Fruit Ranch Water lean playful, and Happy Hour drops several cocktails to $5. The spirits program backs the cocktails with top-shelf options, but the real draw is the sheer variety and value pricing rather than craft nuance.
- What should I order?
- Start with the Million Dollar 'Rita, a Reposado Tequila cocktail with an interactive gold glitter bomb. For a lighter option, the Passion Fruit Ranch Water with Tajín rim balances refreshment and spice. If you want value, Happy Hour features $5 Backwoods Blueberry Lemonade and Tres Tequila Rita.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Cocktail drinkers who appreciate a broad menu with sweet, fruit-forward options and theatrical presentations. The value-focused Happy Hour and Game Day specials appeal to groups looking for inexpensive drinks while watching sports or playing arcade games.
- When should I go?
- Happy Hour is the time to visit for discounted cocktails, with several options at $5. Game Day specials also offer $5 drinks, making those occasions budget-friendly for a sports crowd.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Cocktails are promoted at $5 during Happy Hour and Game Day specials, with other Happy Hour drinks ranging from $6 to $8.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The cocktail program is unusually extensive for an arcade-bar, with named categories from Margaritas to LITs and interactive touches like the gold glitter bomb in the Million Dollar 'Rita and booze-infused fruit snacks atop the Strawberry Watermelon 'Rita. The full-service bar stocks top-shelf spirits, and Happy Hour and Game Day specials keep prices aggressive.
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 menu spans several categories, from margaritas to Long Island iced teas. Signature drinks like the Million Dollar 'Rita and Strawberry Watermelon 'Rita add theatrical flair. Happy Hour and Game Day specials offer $5 cocktails, making the program accessible and value-driven.
Menu strengths
- — Multiple named signature cocktails, including Million Dollar 'Rita and Passion Fruit Ranch Water, demonstrate a creative approach.
- — Happy Hour and Game Day specials provide widespread $5 pricing on cocktails, encouraging sampling.
- — A community reviewer praised the bartenders for making excellent cocktails with friendly service.
Standout selections
- — Million Dollar 'Rita: Premium Reposado Tequila with an interactive gold glitter bomb.
- — Passion Fruit Ranch Water: Crisp refresher with Tajín rim.
- — Strawberry Watermelon 'Rita: Fruit-forward margarita topped with strawberry booze-infused fruit snacks.
Pricing: Happy Hour: $5 Backwoods Blueberry Lemonade, Tres Tequila Rita, D&B Long Island Tea; $6 Watermelon Rita, $7 Moonshine LIT, $7 Dangerous Waters Island Punch, $8 Henny Strawberry Nirvana. Game Day: $5 Lime Time 'Ritas and $5 Transfusions.
Spirits
The bar describes itself as having premium top-shelf spirits, and the cocktail menu features a variety of base spirits including tequila, Hennessy, Crown Royal, Jack Daniel's, and Jameson. While no dedicated spirits list or pricing is provided, the program supports a range of spirit-forward cocktails.
Menu strengths
- — Website explicitly mentions a full-service bar with premium top-shelf spirits.
- — Cocktail menu incorporates a diverse set of spirits, from Reposado Tequila to Hennessy and Crown Royal.
- — Multiple Long Island Iced Tea variants showcase the breadth of the spirits selection.
Standout selections
- — Henny Connection: Dessert cocktail likely made with Hennessy.
- — Crown Apple Mule: Cocktail likely made with Crown Royal Apple.
- — Ultimate Tennessee LIT: Long Island Iced Tea variant likely made with Tennessee whiskey.
- — Jameson Long Island Tea: Long Island Iced Tea variant made with Jameson.
Community reviews
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