Restaurant
Unclaimed profileIdeal Bar & Grill
Santa Cruz, CA · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
Ideal Bar & Grill has been a go-to spot for food and cocktails since 1994, and its beverage program shows why. The 15-drink signature cocktail list includes El Presidente with Don Julio Blanco and a Bulleit Old Fashioned, while the wine list spans eight whites, eight reds, and six sparkling options. Four local drafts anchor the beer side, and happy hour pricing makes the bar area a practical stop.
- What should I order?
- Start with the El Presidente, made with Don Julio Blanco, Cointreau, fresh lime, and a float of Grand Marnier. The Bulleit Old Fashioned is a straightforward whiskey option, and the Mr. Belvedere Bacon Bloody comes with a housemade mix and Maplewood bacon.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Guests looking for a broad cocktail list with recognizable spirits, a wine selection that includes local Mountains bottles, and local draft beers will find plenty to choose from at the bar.
- When should I go?
- Happy hour is a good time to visit for discounted cocktails, draft beer, and house wine in the bar area.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Happy hour cocktails are $6, draft beer is $7, domestic bottles are $5, and a glass of house wine is $6. Regular cocktails like the Valentine's Berrilicious Bubbles and Pink Heart Mimosa are $14 each. Wine by the glass runs $9 to $13.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The cocktail list names specific spirits such as Don Julio Blanco, Belvedere, and Bulleit, and the wine list includes local Mountains and Central Coast selections alongside a dedicated Champagne and Bubbles section.
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
The signature cocktail menu lists 15 drinks built with named spirits including Don Julio Blanco, Belvedere, Bacardi, Tito's, and Bulleit. A seasonal slushee is available by asking the server, and happy hour offers discounted cocktails in the bar area.
Menu strengths
- — 15 named cocktails with branded spirits like Don Julio Blanco, Belvedere, and Bulleit.
- — Seasonal slushee flavor available by asking the server.
Standout selections
- — El Presidente: Don Julio Blanco tequila, Cointreau, fresh lime, sweet & sour, and a float of Grand Marnier.
- — Mr. Belvedere Bacon Bloody: Belvedere vodka, housemade bloody mary mix, celery salt glass, and Maplewood bacon.
Pricing: Happy hour cocktails $6; Valentine's cocktails $14 each
Wine
The wine list includes 8 white wines, 8 reds, and a Champagne & Bubbles section with 6 sparkling options. Happy hour offers a glass of house wine for $6.
Menu strengths
- — Balanced list of 8 whites, 8 reds, and 6 sparkling options.
- — Sparkling wines available by the glass, split, and bottle.
Standout selections
- — Soquel Vineyards Pinot Noir: local Mountains red, $13 glass / $50 bottle.
- — Storrs Chardonnay: local Central Coast white, $13 glass / $50 bottle.
Pricing: Glass $9-$13; bottles $34-$50; sparkling $8/glass to $55/bottle
Beer
Four local drafts include Mountains IPA, Mountain Amber Ale, Humble Sea Socks & Sandals, and Discretion Shimmer Pilsner. The bottled list adds domestic and imported options such as Pacifico, Guinness Stout, and Golden State Cider.
Menu strengths
- — Four local draft beers on tap.; Bottled list covers domestic, imported, and gluten-free cider options.
Standout selections
- — Mountains IPA: 7.5% organic American IPA CA.; Humble Sea Socks & Sandals: 6.6% Foggy IPA CA.
- — Santa Cruz Mountains IPA — 7.5% American IPA, organic, Santa Cruz, CA.
Pricing: Happy hour draft $7; domestic bottles $5
Nonalcoholic
The drink menu has a non-alcoholic section with the note 'please ask for current selection'. Strange Beast Kombucha in Blood Orange & Passion Fruit is listed under bottled beverages.
Menu strengths
- — Strange Beast Kombucha offers a non-alcoholic bottled option.
Standout selections
- — Strange Beast Kombucha: 7% Blood Orange & Passion Fruit kombucha from Chico, California.
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