Restaurant
Unclaimed profileLARS Restaurant and Bar
Bloomington, MN · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
LARS Restaurant and Bar in delivers a beverage program with a theatrical edge. Eight signature cocktails at $16 each include the hickory-smoked Smoked Old Fashion and playful Prince-themed names. The wine list spans by-the-glass and bottle options, while local Minnesota drafts and a dedicated mocktail menu broaden the appeal. Creative cocktails are the clear highlight, though prices draw occasional note.
- What should I order?
- The Smoked Old Fashion is the signature move, with Bulliet Bourbon and hickory smoke. For a lighter sip, the Heat Haze blends Titos Vodka with jalapeño-infused syrup and ginger beer. Mocktails like Raspberry Beret showcase Seedlip Notas de Agave.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Cocktail enthusiasts seeking inventive presentations will find much to like. Fans of Prince-themed naming and creative garnishes will appreciate the playful touches. The local draft list and mocktail options also suit groups with varied tastes.
- When should I go?
- The bar is suitable for an evening out when the cocktail list and happy hour are in play. Guests have mentioned enjoying the happy hour drink selection.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Cocktails are uniformly $16, mocktails $12. Draft beers run $9, canned $8, bottled $7. Wine by the glass starts at $10, with bottles ranging up to $130.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The drink menu is themed around the story of Lars, a Renaissance man, with cocktails named after Prince songs. The Smoked Old Fashion, smoked with hickory wood, and the golf club toothpick garnish on a praised drink add memorable flair.
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
Creative cocktail list with unique ingredients and presentations. Signature smoked old fashioned and Prince-themed names add personality.
Menu strengths
- — Creative cocktail list with unique ingredients and presentations.
Standout selections
- — Smoked Old Fashion: Bulliet Bourbon, Demerara Syrup, Angostura Bitters, smoked with hickory wood.
- — Heat Haze: Titos Vodka, Jalapeno Infused Simple Syrup, Lime Juice & Ginger Beer.
- — Campfire Light: Montelobos Mezcal, Yellow Chartreuse, Lemon Juice & Filthy Cherries.
Pricing: All eight signature cocktails are priced at $16.
Wine
Extensive wine list with diverse regions and varietals, offering both by-the-glass and bottle options. Includes premium selections like Moet Imperial Brut and Domaine Carneros.
Menu strengths
- — Extensive wine list with diverse regions and varietals.
- — Includes premium selections like Moet Imperial Brut and Stags Leap.
Standout selections
- — Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc-Viognier (Napa) – $11 glass / $30 bottle.
- — Cambria Pinot Noir (Santa Maria Valley) – $12 glass / $35 bottle.
- — Domaine Carneros Sparkling Wine Brut – $90 bottle.
Pricing: White wines range from $10 to $90 per bottle; red wines from $10 to $130; sparkling wines from $13 to $90.
Beer
Rotating local Minnesota draft beers support regional breweries. Includes non-alcoholic options like Heineken 0.0 and Athletic N/A. Variety of formats: draft, can, bottle, and seltzer.
Menu strengths
- — Rotating local Minnesota draft beers support regional breweries.
- — Includes non-alcoholic beer options like Heineken 0.0 and Athletic N/A.
- — Variety of formats: draft, can, bottle, and seltzer.
Standout selections
- — Lake Monster Como Pilsner – draft from Minnesota local brewery.
- — Utepils Ewald the Golden – draft from Minnesota local brewery.
- — Lupulin Tropical Fun Pants – draft from Minnesota local brewery.
Pricing: Draft beers are $9, canned beers $8, bottle beers $7.
Nonalcoholic
Dedicated mocktail menu with creative zero-proof options using premium non-alcoholic spirits like Seedlip and Ritual. Breakfast menu also offers a variety of non-alcoholic beverages.
Menu strengths
- — Uses premium non-alcoholic spirits like Seedlip and Ritual.
- — Breakfast menu includes a variety of non-alcoholic beverages.
Standout selections
- — Raspberry Beret: Seedlip Notas de Agave, Lime Juice, Raspberry Syrup & Simple Syrup.
- — Darling Nikki: Ritual Zero Proof Rum, Coconut Milk, Lime Juice & Simple Syrup.
- — Express Yourself: Spiritless Espresso, Cold Brew & Cream.
Pricing: All mocktails are priced at $12.
Spirits
Spirits are showcased through the cocktail program, featuring premium brands like Bulliet Bourbon, Glenlivet 12 Scotch, and Montelobos Mezcal. No dedicated spirits list or tasting menu exists.
Menu strengths
- — Cocktail program showcases a variety of premium spirits.
Standout selections
- — Glenlivet 12 Scotch appears in the Weathered Axe cocktail.
- — Montelobos Mezcal anchors the Campfire Light cocktail.
- — Bulliet Bourbon is used in both the Smoked Old Fashion and The Edmund Fitzgerald.
Pricing: No standalone spirits pricing is available; spirits are integrated into cocktail recipes.
How it sits with the food
No specific food and beverage pairing evidence was provided, but the cocktail list's range—from smoky bourbon to refreshing vodka and rum drinks—could complement bar snacks or a full meal.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
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