Bar
Unclaimed profileDodson's Bar & Commons
Kansas City, MO · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
Dodson's Bar & Commons runs a broad, value-conscious beverage program. Cocktails span classics to house creations, with a Black Manhattan built on a house amaro blend and a Mai Tai using a custom rum blend. The beer list is deep, including local craft and non-alcoholic options. Wine is limited but includes a Meursault. Happy hour knocks $2 off cocktails, draft beer, and wine.
- What should I order?
- Start with the Black Manhattan for a house-amaro twist, or the Mai Tai with its custom rum blend. If you prefer something lighter, the Horse Feather offers rye and spicy ginger beer. For beer, try a local craft like Boulevard Tank 7 or BKS Circles Around Citra.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Cocktail enthusiasts looking for creative classics at moderate prices will find plenty to explore. Beer drinkers will appreciate the extensive selection, including local craft and non-alcoholic options. The happy hour discount makes it a good stop for budget-conscious drinkers.
- When should I go?
- Happy hour is the time to visit, with $2 off cocktails, draft beer, and wine. Evenings are likely to be busier, so go early if you prefer a quieter bar experience.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Cocktails run $8–$12, beers $4–$9, and a glass of wine $12–$13. Happy hour reduces drink prices by $2 each.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The cocktail menu showcases house-made components like the amaro blend in the Black Manhattan and the rum blend in the Mai Tai. The bar also offers a substantial non-alcoholic program, including THC-infused options, and a beer list that spans from macro lagers to local craft.
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 diverse list of 15 cocktails, from classics to house creations, at moderate prices. House blends (amaro, rum) add distinction.
Menu strengths
- — Wide variety of classic and house cocktails; House-made amaro and rum blends
Standout selections
- — Black Manhattan – rye whiskey, house amaro blend, bitters ($12)
- — Mai Tai – Dodson's Mai Tai rum blend, dry curacao, orgeat, demerara, lime ($12)
- — Horse Feather – rye whiskey, bitters, spicy ginger beer ($10)
Pricing: Cocktails priced $8–$12, with happy hour discount of $2 off.
Wine
A small but curated list with a Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc and a Burgundy Meursault, plus Prosecco and Pinot Noir. Pricing is fair, but the selection is limited and lacks community feedback.
Menu strengths
- — Includes premium option (Meursault); Happy hour discount on wine
Standout selections
- — Meursault, Mat Rot – Burgundy, France ($13 glass / $80 bottle)
- — Sauvignon Blanc, Kim Crawford – Marlborough ($12 glass / $45 bottle)
Pricing: Sauvignon Blanc $12 glass / $45 bottle; Meursault $13 glass / $80 bottle; happy hour $2 off wine.
Beer
Extensive beer selection ranging from macro lagers to local craft, plus non-alcoholic options. Prices are modest.
Menu strengths
- — Broad range from domestic to local craft; Includes non-alcoholic beers
Standout selections
- — Boulevard Tank 7 – local craft
- — BKS Circles Around Citra – local craft
Pricing: Beers priced $4–$9, with happy hour $2 off draft beer.
Nonalcoholic
A generous non-alcoholic program with four zero-proof cocktails, several N/A beers, and a THC-infused can. Pricing is mostly unlisted, but the variety is notable.
Standout selections
- — Seedlip Grove Marg – Seedlip Grove 42, lime juice, agave
- — Undone Gimlet – Undone London Dry N/A gin, lime juice, simple syrup
- — Lyres Kentucky Mule – Lyres N/A American malt, lemon juice, spicy ginger beer
Pricing: Smashd N/A Seltzer priced at $7; other non-alcoholic items not priced on menu.
Spirits
Spirits are used in cocktails, but there is no dedicated spirits list.
Pricing: No dedicated spirits pricing available.
How it sits with the food
The spicy ginger beer in the Dark 'n Stormy and Horse Feather could pair with bar snacks or fried foods. The El Diablo's reposado tequila and cassis might complement grilled meats or spicy dishes.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
Community reviews
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