Cocktail Bar
Unclaimed profileGatsby's Bar Raleigh
Raleigh, NC · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
Gatsby's Bar pours a dependable lineup of classic cocktails at $12, with creative touches like the Dead Rabbit and Baker's Special. Daily specials sweeten the deal, from $10 Margaritas on Wednesdays to $10 Espresso Martinis on Fridays. North Carolina spirits flights showcase local distilleries, and the draft beer list is broad and budget-friendly. A solid, unpretentious neighborhood spot for a well-rounded drink.
- What should I order?
- Start with the Dead Rabbit for a coffee-cream twist, or the Baker's Special for a mezcal-rum blend. On Wednesdays, the $10 Classic Margarita is a value. For spirits enthusiasts, the Local Whiskey Flight or Tequila Flight on Tuesday at $15 is a must.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Cocktail traditionalists will appreciate the classics, while local spirits fans can explore North Carolina distilleries through the flights. Beer drinkers have a wide draft selection at reasonable prices. Bargain hunters can plan around the daily specials.
- When should I go?
- Weeknights are best for deals: Monday for $4 draft pints, Tuesday for discounted flights, Wednesday for $10 Margaritas, Thursday for $10 Old Fashioneds and Mules, and Friday for $10 Espresso Martinis. Saturday offers $5 house wine and $2 off pitchers.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Cocktails are $12 each, with many specials dropping to $10. Draft beers range from $4 to $6 per pint. Liquor flights are $18, or $15 on Tuesdays. House wine is $5 on Saturdays.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The bar's commitment to local spirits is evident in its flights: Local Gin from Sutler's, Conniption, and End of Days; Local Whiskey from CB Fisher's, Lonerider, and Mystic. The Dead Rabbit and Baker's Special add creative flair beyond the standard cocktail list.
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 list of classics and a few originals, all at a fair $12. The Dead Rabbit and Baker's Special show ambition. Daily specials provide good value. No evidence on execution, but the menu breadth and pricing are solid.
Menu strengths
- — Well-known classics like Tom Collins, Bees Knees, and Old Fashioned are all represented.
- — Creative options like the Dead Rabbit and Baker's Special add originality.
- — Frequent specials make cocktails affordable on multiple nights.
Standout selections
- — Dead Rabbit: Tullamore Dew, Demerara syrup, coffee, heavy cream.
- — Baker's Special: Mezcal, rum, lime juice, Kahlua, Demerara syrup.
Pricing: Standard cocktails are $12; specials offer $10 Margaritas on Wednesdays, $10 Old Fashioneds and Mules on Thursdays, and $10 Espresso Martinis on Fridays.
Wine
Wine is a minor part of the program, appearing mainly as a $5 Saturday special and as an ingredient in the New York Sour. No dedicated wine list or variety is mentioned.
Menu strengths
- — A $5 house wine special on Saturdays is a budget-friendly option.
Standout selections
- — New York Sour: a cocktail featuring red wine.
Pricing: House wine by the glass is $5 on Saturdays.
Beer
A wide draft selection includes regional and national favorites, with prices that are hard to beat. The Monday $4 pint special is a standout value.
Menu strengths
- — Diverse draft list including Sweet Water 420, Highland Gaelic Ale, Red Oak Lager, and Guinness.
- — Affordable pricing, especially with Monday's $4 pint special.
Standout selections
- — Sweet Water 420 Pale Ale at $6 a pint.
- — Pabst Blue Ribbon at $4 a pint.
Pricing: Draft pints range from $4 to $6; Monday special is $4 drafts; Saturday offers $2 off pitchers.
Spirits
Spirits are a highlight with flights that showcase North Carolina distilleries. The local gin and whiskey flights are especially distinctive.
Menu strengths
- — Flights feature local distilleries like Sutler's, Conniption, and CB Fisher's.
Standout selections
- — Local Gin Flight: Sutler's, Conniption, End of Days.
- — Local Whiskey Flight: CB Fisher's Single Malt, Lonerider, Mystic.
- — Tequila Flight: Lunazul, Corralejo, Astral Anejo.
Pricing: Liquor flights are $18; Tuesday special offers Tequila and Local Whiskey Flights for $15.
How it sits with the food
With a bar-focused menu, the cocktails pair well with typical bar snacks. The Dead Rabbit's coffee and cream could complement desserts, while the Baker's Special's smoky mezcal and coffee notes might stand up to grilled meats. Beer pints are versatile for casual fare.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
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