Restaurant
Unclaimed profileGoldfinch Tavern
Seattle, WA · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
Goldfinch Tavern pairs a waterfront setting with a serious beverage program. Cocktails range from the classic House 50/50 Martini to inventive pours like the banana-laced Emerald City and the smoked Manhattan. The wine list leans on Washington producers, while local craft beer and thoughtful non-alcoholic options round out a versatile menu. Customers specifically praise the dirty martinis and Old Fashioneds.
- What should I order?
- Start with the House 50/50 Martini, a gin-and-dry-vermouth classic with orange bitters. For something more adventurous, the Smoked Manhattan uses Woodinville bourbon and vanilla-infused Carpano Antica. Wine drinkers should consider the Treveri Blanc de Blancs from Yakima Valley, a crisp sparkling option.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Cocktail enthusiasts seeking both classics and creative originals will find plenty to explore. Wine lovers will appreciate the Washington-focused list, and those avoiding alcohol have well-crafted alternatives. The range of options suits a group with varied tastes.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Cocktails range from $13 to $26, with the Smoked Manhattan at the top end. Wines by the glass start at $12, and beers are $8 to $10. Non-alcoholic options run from $6 to $16.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The drink menu spans a wide spectrum, from a $12 Washington sparkling to a $85 Dom Pérignon pour, and from a $13 Spring Spritz to a $26 smoked Manhattan. The cocktail list is notably creative, with ingredients like Calvados, banana liqueur, and walnut bitters.
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
Cocktails range from classics like the House 50/50 Martini and Manhattan to creative originals such as Emerald City and Smoked Manhattan. Customers specifically praise the dirty and filthy martinis and the Old Fashioneds, confirming the program's execution.
Menu strengths
- — The list balances traditional cocktails with inventive builds, covering gin, rye, bourbon, mezcal, and rum.
- — Both a happy hour selection and a full menu provide varied price points, from $13 to $26.
Standout selections
- — Smoked Manhattan — Woodinville bourbon, vanilla-infused Carpano Antica, Amaro Sibona, walnut bitters ($26)
- — Emerald City — Planteray 3 Star rum, Calvados, Giffard Banane du Bresil, lime, cinnamon, allspice ($18)
Pricing: $13-$26
Wine
The wine list spans local Washington vineyards and international bottles, with options from sparkling to dessert. Happy hour features a Treveri Blanc de Blancs, while the full list includes a Dom Pérignon and Château D'Yquem by the pour.
Menu strengths
- — Strong representation of Washington producers, including Treveri, L'Ecole, and Dossier.
- — Variety across categories: sparkling, white, red, and dessert wines.
Standout selections
- — 2015 Dom Pérignon — Champagne, FR ($85); 2016 Château D'Yquem — Sauternes, FR, 1 oz pour ($58)
Pricing: $12-$85 by the glass
Beer
Beer offerings focus on local breweries, with Post Alley Pilsner from Pike Brewing, Lush IPA from Fremont, Bodhizafa IPA from Georgetown, and Reuben's Pilsner. A rotating local tap adds variety.
Menu strengths
- — All listed beers come from breweries, giving a strong local identity.
- — Happy hour pricing at $8 for most pints makes it approachable.
Standout selections
- — Post Alley Pilsner — Pike Brewing Company, WA ($8)
Pricing: $7-$10
Nonalcoholic
Non-alcoholic options are substantial, including the Seedlip-based Garden Party, the adaptogen-infused Rainier Valley, and the Pathfinder-based Stregatto. Athletic Brewing's Free Wave Hazy NA IPA is also available at a low price point.
Menu strengths
- — Multiple non-alcoholic cocktails with complex ingredients like Seedlip, Aplós, and Pathfinder.
- — Includes a dedicated NA beer from Athletic Brewing.
Standout selections
- — Rainier Valley — Aplós Ease, Rainier cherry shrub, lime, adaptogens ($16)
- — Garden Party — Seedlip Spice, Giffard ginger, cucumber, green tea, ginger beer ($12)
Pricing: $6-$16
Spirits
The cocktail program uses a variety of spirits including gin, vodka, rye, bourbon, mezcal, and rum.
Menu strengths
- — The cocktail program uses a variety of spirits including gin, vodka, rye, bourbon, mezcal, and rum.
Standout selections
- — Drink menu includes a Spirit List available for download.
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