Restaurant
Unclaimed profileMerlins Rest Pub
Minneapolis, MN · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
Merlins Rest Pub pours a serious drink in a casual setting. The beer list spans local craft and Irish classics, with 20oz pours of Guinness and Padraigs N.E. Porter. Cocktails like the House Old Fashioned, built with Makers 46 and house-made cherry bitters, show more ambition than the typical pub. Non-alcoholic options are thoughtful, and house wines start at $6.25.
- What should I order?
- Start with the House Old Fashioned, then explore the draught list for local picks like Padraigs N.E. Porter or Indeed Flavorwave IPA. For a low-ABV option, the Blackberry Ginger Spritz balances fruit and spice.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Beer enthusiasts will appreciate the range of draughts and beer cocktails, while cocktail drinkers can find crafted classics. The non-alcoholic selection makes it welcoming for designated drivers and those avoiding alcohol.
- When should I go?
- Evenings with live jazz, blues, or swing music provide a lively backdrop for the drinks. The pub's atmosphere is a draw for casual gatherings.
- What should I expect to spend?
- House wines are $6.25, but most beverage prices are not disclosed. Based on community comments about food pricing, drinks likely fall in the moderate range for the area.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The beer program is the standout, with a wide draught list featuring local breweries like Castle Danger and WarPigs, alongside traditional Irish and British ales. Beer cocktails like the Snakebite and Black & Tan add a playful twist. The cocktail menu also punches above its weight with premium bourbons and house-made bitters.
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
Cocktails show craft ambition with premium spirits like Makers 46 and Basil Hayden, plus house-made cherry bitters. The menu is small but well-considered, with a nod to pub classics like the Merlins Ginger.
Menu strengths
- — Uses premium bourbons and house-made cherry bitters in the House Old Fashioned.
Standout selections
- — House Old Fashioned with Makers 46, house-made cherry bitters, demerara syrup, and Filthy cherry.
- — Manhattan with Basil Hayden bourbon and Carpano sweet vermouth.
Pricing: No prices listed for specialty cocktails.
Wine
The wine list covers a range of varietals from Prosecco to Zinfandel, plus meads. It's a serviceable pub list rather than a destination, with a couple of value house blends.
Menu strengths
- — Offers a broad selection including sparkling, white, red, and mead.
Standout selections
- — Cline Old Vine Zinfandel; Loosen 'DR L' Riesling
Pricing: House red and rose blends are $6.25.
Beer
The beer program is extensive, with 20oz pours of Irish and local craft options, plus a variety of beer cocktails and non-alcoholic beers. This is a pub doing beer right.
Menu strengths
- — Draught list includes local craft like Padraigs N.E. Porter and Indeed Flavorwave IPA alongside imports.
- — Beer cocktails like the Snakebite and Black & Tan add variety.
Standout selections
- — Guinness Stout (Ireland, 20oz); Padraigs N.E. Porter (20oz)
Pricing: No prices listed for beers.
Nonalcoholic
Thoughtful non-alcoholic offerings include crafted mocktails like the Blackberry Ginger Spritz and Butter Beer, plus a range of non-alcoholic beers. This goes beyond the usual soda fountain.
Menu strengths
- — Mocktails use house-made components like blackberry puree and maple syrup.
- — Non-alcoholic beer selection includes Guinness Zero and Heineken 0.0.
Standout selections
- — Blackberry Ginger Spritz with blackberry puree and Gosling's ginger beer.
- — Butter Beer with Flying Cauldron butterscotch soda and fresh whipped cream.
Pricing: No prices listed for non-alcoholic drinks.
Spirits
A dedicated whisky section covers single malt Scotch and Irish whiskey, though specifics are not detailed. Spirits appear in cocktails, but the standalone selection is underdocumented.
Menu strengths
- — Includes a dedicated section for Single Malt Scotch whisky and Irish whiskey.
Standout selections
- — Makers 46 bourbon in the House Old Fashioned.
How it sits with the food
The pub's hearty fare, such as fish and chips or lamb cottage pie, pairs naturally with a Guinness Stout or Fullers ESB. The House Old Fashioned's demerara sweetness could complement a rich dessert or a savory sausage roll.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
Community reviews
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