Bar
Unclaimed profileLumber Baron Bar
Grand Rapids, MI · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
Lumber Baron Bar, in the historic Pantlind building, pairs a clubby setting with a serious cocktail and spirits program. Smoked drinks like the Old Mahogany show range, while the $120 Pantlind Margarita pushes luxury. The whiskey list runs deep, from Jefferson's Reserve to a $1,000 Macallan pour. Wine and local beer round out the list.
- What should I order?
- Start with the Old Mahogany, a smoked Jefferson's Reserve cocktail with hickory-infused Michigan maple syrup and walnut bitters. For a splurge, the Pantlind Margarita blends Louis XIII cognac with Grand Marnier 100 yr and Don Julio Rosado. Scotch drinkers should consider Macallan 18yr at $45 per ounce.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Whiskey enthusiasts will appreciate the extensive single malt and bourbon selection. Cocktail drinkers seeking creative, well-made drinks—especially smoked variations—will find much to like. The bar's range of prices accommodates both casual sippers and those seeking rare pours.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Cocktails range from $17 to $120, with most between $17 and $23. Spirits vary widely, from $8 for Bombay Sapphire gin to $1,000 for a 1oz pour of Macallan 33yr. Beer is $7-$16, and wine glasses run $14-$28.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The bar offers smoked cocktails, a rare and theatrical touch, and carries exceptionally rare spirits like Louis XIII cognac and Macallan 33yr. The historic Pantlind building setting adds atmosphere.
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 cocktail list is extensive and creative, with a range from $17 to $120. Smoked options like Old Mahogany and The Straights of Jor'doun add flair. Customers praise the quality, strength, and variety.
Menu strengths
- — Menu lists numerous specialty cocktails with varied spirits and house-made components.
- — Smoked cocktail options, including Old Mahogany and The Straights of Jor'doun, are distinctive.
Standout selections
- — Old Mahogany: Jefferson's Reserve, hickory-infused Michigan maple syrup, walnut bitters, smoked.
- — Pantlind Margarita: Louis XIII cognac, Grand Marnier 100 yr, Don Julio Rosado, agave, lime.
- — Lavender Blues: Plymouth gin, butterfly pea flower tea, lemon, lavender honey, egg white.
- — The Straights of Jor'doun: Codigo Rosado tequila, demerara, orange bitters, plum bitters, smoked.
Pricing: $17-$120; $2 upcharge for smoke infusion on any old fashioned
Wine
The wine list covers sparkling, rosé, white, red, and dessert wines, with well-chosen producers from France, New Zealand, and California. Pricing is reasonable for a hotel bar.
Menu strengths
- — Diverse selection by region and style, from Champagne to California Pinot Noir.
- — Offers both glass and bottle formats, accommodating different needs.
Standout selections
- — Greywacke Sauvignon Blanc (Marlborough, NZ 2024) – $17 glass / $66 bottle.
- — Au Bon Climat Pinot Noir (Santa Barbara County, CA 2024) – $19 glass / $74 bottle.
- — Laurent-Perrier La Cuvée Champagne (France, 375ml) – $28 / $56.
Pricing: Glasses $14-$28; bottles $54-$106
Beer
A compact but thoughtful beer list includes Belgian classics and local Michigan craft options. Prices are fair, and the presence of Trappist Orval adds interest.
Menu strengths
- — Includes local Michigan craft beers from Third Nature and Saugatuck Brewing.
- — Offers a mix of familiar and specialty imports, such as Weihenstephaner and Orval.
Standout selections
- — Amway Hazy IPA by Third Nature (Michigan) – $8.
- — Rainbow Rodeo IPA by Saugatuck Brewing (Michigan) – $8.
Pricing: $7-$16
Spirits
An extensive spirits selection spans single malt scotch, bourbon, rye, gin, rum, cognac, and amaro. Rare pours like Macallan 18yr and Louis XIII command top prices. Customers recognize the bar as a whiskey destination.
Menu strengths
- — Extensive whiskey list with rare and premium options, including Macallan 18yr and Bowmore 25yr.
- — Selection covers multiple spirit categories, from bourbon to cognac.
Standout selections
- — Macallan 18yr (Highland single malt) – $45 (1oz) / $85 (2oz).
- — Bowmore 25yr (Islay single malt) – $65 (1oz) / $125 (2oz).
- — Louis XIII (Cognac) – $340 (1oz) / $475 (1.5oz) / $600 (2oz).
Pricing: Wide range: $8 (Bombay Sapphire) to $1,000 (Macallan 33yr, 1oz)
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