Restaurant
Unclaimed profileDowntown Social
New Braunfels, TX · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
Downtown Social's beverage program spans a nine-cocktail 'Social Cocktails' list, a 35-option beer lineup, and a modest wine selection. Happy hour brings premium spirits like Ketel One, Bulleit, and Don Julio into the mix, plus $1 off drafts. The menu shows ambition with creations like the Social Butterfly and Paper Plane, though pricing remains undisclosed.
- What should I order?
- Start with the Social Butterfly—grapefruit rose vodka, Aperol, and St Germain—or the Paper Plane for a bourbon-led classic. For beer drinkers, the draft list includes local Karbach and Crawford. Pair with a Red Sangria for a sweeter, wine-based option.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Cocktail enthusiasts seeking a broad menu with both classics and originals will find plenty to explore. Beer lovers will appreciate the extensive draft and bottle list, especially during happy hour. Groups looking for a social venue with games and live music will fit right in.
- When should I go?
- Evenings are lively with games, bowling, and live music.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Pricing is not listed on the menu, but happy hour offers $1 off draft beers. Expect moderate bar prices typical of a social venue.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The program stands out for its 'Social Cocktails' section, which blends classics like the Old Fashioned with inventive mixes like the Social Butterfly. The venue's historic building and entertainment options—games, bowling, live music—create a unique social atmosphere.
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
Nine cocktails in the 'Social Cocktails' section range from classics like the Old Fashioned and Paper Plane to originals like the Social Butterfly. Happy hour features premium spirits. The menu is ambitious but lacks pricing and a dedicated cocktail list beyond this section.
Menu strengths
- — Diverse cocktail menu with classic and creative options.
Standout selections
- — Social Butterfly: Grapefruit rose vodka, lemon, simple syrup, Aperol, and St Germain.
- — Paper Plane: Bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Montenegro, and lemon juice.
- — Old Fashioned: Bourbon, simple syrup, bitters, orange zest, and a cherry.
Pricing: No prices listed for cocktails on the menu or happy hour pages.
Wine
A compact wine list offers whites, reds, and a rosé, including Murphy Goode house wines and a Catena Malbec. Wine also serves as a base for sangrias. The selection is limited but serviceable for a social venue.
Menu strengths
- — Offers a selection of wines by glass or bottle.
Standout selections
- — Catena Malbec Vista Flores: A red wine option.
- — Cambria Chardonnay: A white wine choice.
Pricing: No wine prices listed.
Beer
An extensive beer program with 19 drafts and 16 bottles/cans, including local and craft options like Karbach and Crawford. Seasonal drafts are available on request. Happy hour discount adds value.
Menu strengths
- — Extensive draft and bottled beer selection.; Includes local and craft options.
Standout selections
- — Karbach: A local craft draft option.
- — Guinness: A classic stout on draft.
Pricing: Happy hour offers $1 off all draft beer.
Nonalcoholic
Non-alcoholic options are minimal, with Heineken 0.0 as the sole beer and milkshakes as dessert. No dedicated non-alcoholic cocktail menu exists, which limits appeal for non-drinkers.
Pricing: No pricing evidence.
Spirits
The cocktail program uses well-known premium spirits, including Ketel One vodka, Bulleit bourbon, and Don Julio tequila, as highlighted on the happy hour menu. No dedicated spirits list exists, but the quality is evident in the cocktails.
Menu strengths
- — Uses well-known premium spirits in cocktails.; Happy hour specifies premium brands.
Standout selections
- — Ketel One: Featured in happy hour cocktails.
- — Bulleit: Bourbon used in classic cocktails.
- — Don Julio: Tequila for margaritas and mules.
Pricing: No dedicated spirits list or pricing.
How it sits with the food
The menu includes food, but specific pairings are not detailed. The Red Sangria with its Cabernet base and fruit notes could complement grilled meats, while the Classic Margarita's citrus and agave would suit lighter fare like tacos or ceviche.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
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