Cocktail Bar
Unclaimed profileHey Luigi Cocktail & Pasta Bar
Portland, OR · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
Hey Luigi's cocktail program is a studied exercise in Italian aperitivo culture, with a menu organized by intensity and a zero-proof section that gets real attention. The Garibaldi Spa and Escape from Pompeii show a kitchen-like approach to flavor construction. Pricing stays reasonable for the creativity, though the menu itself is presented as a sample.
- What should I order?
- Start with the Garibaldi Spa for a bright, bitter-orange kick. For something more complex, the Escape from Pompeii pairs clarified rum with a poblano espuma. The Top Shelf Old Fashioned is a rotating market-price choice for a spirit-forward finish.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Cocktail enthusiasts who appreciate inventive flavor combinations and a strong non-alcoholic selection. The aperitivo-style menu also suits those who prefer lighter, lower-alcohol drinks, though there are stronger options available.
- When should I go?
- The menu is explicitly designed for Aperitivo hour, making it a fitting destination for a late-afternoon or early-evening drink.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Cocktails run $14 to $17, with zero-proof options at $14 and martinis from $15 to $25. The Top Shelf Old Fashioned is priced at market.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The program leans into Italian aperitivo culture with a Pacific Northwest botanical bent, evident in ingredients like turmeric, genepy, and pickled fresno chili. The dedicated zero-proof section is not an afterthought but a full-fledged part of the menu.
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 well-organized menu with sections for light, juicy, strong, and martini styles. Creative cocktails like Garibaldi Spa and Escape from Pompeii show ambitious flavor construction. Prices are reasonable for the level of creativity.
Menu strengths
- — Clear flavor descriptors and creative names on every cocktail.
- — Dedicated sections for different cocktail styles, including light and strong.
Standout selections
- — Garibaldi Spa – Campari, fresh OJ, pineapple, passion fruit, turmeric, black pepper ($15).
- — Escape from Pompeii – clarified rum with genepy, pineapple, coconut, lime, poblano espuma ($17).
- — Ernesto's Garden Stroll – espresso-infused Basil Hayden bourbon with coffee liqueur and toasted milk punch ($17).
Pricing: Cocktails range from $14 to $17, with martinis from $15 to $25 and a market-priced Top Shelf Old Fashioned.
Nonalcoholic
A standout zero-proof program with six creative options, each priced at $14. Drinks like No! Groni and Garibal'don't mirror the main menu's inventiveness, using non-alcoholic spirits and fresh ingredients.
Menu strengths
- — Uses non-alcoholic spirits like Pathfinder and Lyre's for complexity.
Standout selections
- — No! Groni – Pathfinder with Roots Divino Rosso & Bianco ($14).
- — Garibal'don't – Lyre's non-alcoholic aperitivo with fresh OJ, pineapple, passion fruit, turmeric, black pepper ($14).
- — Colomba – Amalve non-alcoholic tequila with lime, hibiscus cordial, pickled fresno chili ($14).
Pricing: All zero-proof cocktails are priced at $14.
Spirits
Spirits are used boldly in cocktails like Old Bals with 25-year balsamic and Old Forester 100. The Top Shelf Old Fashioned rotates premium bourbon. The selection is integrated into the cocktail menu rather than offered as a standalone list.
Menu strengths
- — Premium spirits like Basil Hayden bourbon are featured in cocktails.
- — Rotating Top Shelf Old Fashioned offers a changing, high-end pour.
Standout selections
- — Old Bals – 25-year balsamic, black walnut bitters, Old Forester 100, orange peel ($15).
- — Top Shelf Old Fashioned – rotating bourbon, angostura & orange bitters, demerara, big cube (market price).
Pricing: Spirit-forward cocktails range from $15 to $17, with the Top Shelf Old Fashioned at market price.
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