Cocktail bar
Unclaimed profileNo. 9 Lounge
Alexandria, VA · $$$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
No. 9 Lounge fields a serious beverage program: six $13 signature cocktails with house-made syrups, a wine list spanning from Virginia sparkling to Barolo, and a draft list packed with hazy IPAs and imperial stouts. Named beverage director Greg Engert and wine director Erin Dudley signal intent. Cocktails like the hibiscus-gin Pink Pepper and the smoked old fashioned earn customer praise. A solid zero-proof section rounds out the offering.
- What should I order?
- Start with the Pink Pepper, a hibiscus-infused Roku gin cocktail with blanc vermouth and orange blossom water. For something smoky, the smoked old fashioned is a customer favorite. Wine drinkers should try the Thibaut Janisson Fizz, a Virginia sparkling chardonnay. Beer enthusiasts can pick the Trillium The Avenues, a hazy triple IPA at 9.5%.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Cocktail enthusiasts seeking inventive, well-priced drinks will find much to like. Wine lovers will appreciate the depth of the list, from Vinho Verde to Barolo. Beer nerds will enjoy the rotating hazy IPAs and stouts. The zero-proof options make it accessible for designated drivers or non-drinkers.
- When should I go?
- Anytime the lounge is open; the menu suggests a focus on evening drinking. The group event space could make it a good spot for private gatherings, though specific times are not detailed.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Signature cocktails are uniformly $13. Wine by the glass ranges from $11 to $18, with bottles from $44 to $125. Beer prices are not listed, but draft pours are typically in the $7-$9 range for craft options.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The program is part of Evening Star Cafe, with a group event space in the lounge. The menu includes a 'pro tip' to pop any bottle purchased from Planet Wine for a low price of $10. Named beverage and wine directors add credibility.
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
Six inventive cocktails, each $13, feature house-made syrups and creative infusions. The menu includes a smoked old fashioned and seasonal gin drinks, with a customizable spritz option. The creativity and quality receives consistent praise.
Menu strengths
- — Creative cocktail list with unique ingredients and house-made syrups.
Standout selections
- — Pink Pepper: hibiscus-infused Roku gin, blanc vermouth, cocci americano, orange blossom water.
- — Smoked old fashioned (customer favorite, not on menu example but mentioned in reviews).
- — Casa De Oro: reposado tequila, aperol, passionfruit liquor, lemon, agave.
Pricing: All signature cocktails are $13.
Wine
Extensive wine list with sparkling, white, rosé, and red options from diverse regions. Includes Virginia sparkling, German riesling, Australian pinot noir, and Italian Barolo. Wine director Erin Dudley is listed.
Menu strengths
- — Extensive wine list with diverse regions and varietals.
- — Wine director Erin Dudley is listed on the menu.
Standout selections
- — Thibaut Janisson Fizz: chardonnay, Virginia NV.
- — Ca'Viola Barolo Classico: Nebbiolo, Piedmont 2015.
- — William Downie 'Cathedral' pinot noir: Australia 2023.
Pricing: Wine prices range from $11 to $18 per glass and $44 to $125 per bottle.
Beer
Diverse beer list with many craft drafts, including hazy IPAs, stouts, and sours. Local and regional breweries are featured.
Menu strengths
- — Diverse beer selection including many local and regional craft breweries.
Standout selections
- — Trillium The Avenues: hazy triple IPA, 9.5%.
- — Perennial Sump Vanilla Latte: imperial coffee stout, 11.5%.
- — Bissell Brothers Swish: hazy double IPA with mosaic, 8%.
Pricing: Beer prices are not listed on the menu.
Nonalcoholic
Offers a variety of non-alcoholic options, including NA beers from Sierra Nevada and Best Day, plus iced tea, coffee, and standard soft drinks. No dedicated mocktail section.
Menu strengths
- — Offers a variety of non-alcoholic options including NA beers and soft drinks.
Standout selections
- — Sierra Nevada Trail Pass IPA: non-alcoholic IPA, 0.5%.
- — Best Day Electro-Lime: non-alcoholic pale lager with lime, 0.5%.
Pricing: Pricing not listed for non-alcoholic items.
Spirits
Spirits are integral to the cocktail program, featuring vodka, gin, rum, tequila, and bourbon. Beverage director Greg Engert is listed, indicating a dedicated spirits program.
Menu strengths
- — Spirits are integral to the creative cocktail menu.
Standout selections
- — Roku gin infused with hibiscus (used in Pink Pepper).
- — Flor de Caña dark rum (used in Zombie Sour).
- — Jim Beam bourbon (used in Low Man Tequila).
Pricing: No standalone spirits pricing available.
How it sits with the food
No food menu is provided in the evidence, but the cocktail and wine lists suggest pairing with bar snacks or small plates. The sparkling wines and crisp whites like the Vinho Verde would complement light appetizers, while the Barolo and bold reds suit heartier fare.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
Community reviews
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