Cocktail bar
Unclaimed profileLa Cueva
Atlanta, GA · $$$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
La Cueva's cocktail program, crafted by Francis Coligado, showcases inventive ingredients like tepache and ube, earning consistent praise from guests. The wine list spans global regions with detailed notes, while a concise beer selection and creative zero-proof options round out the program. A cave-inspired speakeasy setting adds to the experience.
- What should I order?
- Start with the Drifter for its peaty pineapple foam, or the Bandolero for smoky mole spice. For wine, try the Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc. Beer enthusiasts should opt for St Bernardus ABT 12. Non-alcoholic drinkers can enjoy the Berry Mule.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Cocktail enthusiasts seeking adventurous flavor combinations and a moody, intimate atmosphere will find much to like. The diverse wine list appeals to oenophiles, while the zero-proof options cater to designated drivers and non-drinkers.
- When should I go?
- Evenings are ideal for the speakeasy vibe, especially when live music is scheduled. The dress code suggests a more polished outing, so plan for a night out rather than a casual stop.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Cocktails and glasses of wine run $16-$18, with bottles $60-$180. Beers are $8-$12, and zero-proof cocktails are $12 each. Expect to spend $50-$100 per person for drinks and food.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The cave-inspired design, enforced dress code, and live music create a distinctive speakeasy atmosphere. The cocktail menu's use of global ingredients like ube and tepache sets it apart from typical bar offerings.
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 creative, globally inspired cocktail list by Francis Coligado, featuring unique ingredients like tepache, ube, and mole spices.
Standout selections
- — Drifter - Nikka Days, Lillet Blanc, passion fruit, bitter bianco, peaty pineapple foam.
- — Bandolero - Mezcal, rhum agricole, crème de cacao, mole spices, lime, chili oil.
- — Buford Highway - Mi Campo Tequila, Nikka Days, tepache liqueur, five-spice, clarified.
Pricing: Cocktails range from $16 to $18.
Wine
Diverse wine list with international selections and detailed tasting notes, from Argentina to New Zealand.
Menu strengths
- — Variety of styles including sparkling, rosé, and still wines.
Standout selections
- — Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc - Marlborough, NZ, vibrant with passion fruit and lime.
- — Luigi Bosca Cabernet Sauvignon - Mendoza, structured and elegant with polished tannins.
Pricing: Glasses $16-$18; bottles $60-$180.
Beer
Curated five-beer list focusing on Belgian styles and a craft IPA, with ABV and IBU details for each.
Menu strengths
- — Includes ABV and IBU information for informed choices.
Standout selections
- — St Bernardus ABT 12 - Quadrupel, 10% ABV, dark and malty.
- — Westmalle Tripel - Trappist Tripel, 9.5% ABV, golden and fruity.
Pricing: Beers range from $8 to $12.
Nonalcoholic
Three dedicated zero-proof cocktails with creative ingredients, plus soft drinks and lemonade.
Menu strengths
- — Dedicated zero-proof section with creative options.; Affordable pricing for non-alcoholic drinks.
Standout selections
- — Berry Mule - raspberry and mint shrubs with ginger beer.
- — Not a Paloma - Undone Mezcal, grapefruit soda, and citrus.
Pricing: Zero-proof cocktails at $12 each.
Spirits
Spirits program integrated into cocktails, featuring premium brands like Nikka Days, 400 Conejos Mezcal, and High West Bourbon.
Menu strengths
- — Premium spirits used in creative cocktails.; Global variety including Japanese whisky and mezcal.
Standout selections
- — Nikka Days Japanese whisky featured in Drifter and Buford Highway.
How it sits with the food
Menu by Chef Luis Damián, with dishes like branzino and goat cheese croquettes praised. The robust cocktails and wines can complement these dishes, though food quality has mixed reviews.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
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