Cocktail bar
Unclaimed profileOasis The Listening Bar
Arlington, VA · $$$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
Oasis The Listening Bar pairs a Japanese-leaning cocktail menu with a deep Japanese whisky and sake collection. Signature drinks like City Hunter and Tokyo Banana show creative use of infused spirits and clarified techniques. A daily happy hour adds value, and the non-alcoholic list is thoughtful. The wine list is conventional but well-priced, while the beer program favors local and Japanese craft.
- What should I order?
- Start with the City Hunter for a spicy, savory kick, or the Tokyo Banana for a clarified, dessert-like cocktail. For whisky enthusiasts, the Yamazaki 18 Yr is a splurge. During happy hour, the $12 Cocktail of the Day is a smart pick.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Cocktail enthusiasts seeking inventive, Japanese-inspired drinks will feel at home. Whisky and sake aficionados will appreciate the extensive selection. Happy hour seekers will find value in the specials.
- When should I go?
- Evenings are ideal for a relaxed listening bar atmosphere.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Signature cocktails $18-$28, mocktails $12, draft beers $6-$13, wine bottles $75-$276, Japanese whisky pours from $16 to $275.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The bar's focus on Japanese whisky and sake is rare, with pours like Hibiki 21 and Dassai 23. Cocktails incorporate matcha, yuzu, and clarified spirits, setting it apart from typical cocktail bars.
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 cocktails with unique ingredients like jalapeño-infused tequila, yuzu, matcha, and clarified spirits. Range includes City Hunter, If You..., Tokyo Banana, and more. Happy hour special adds value.
Menu strengths
- — Creative use of infused spirits and clarified techniques
- — Diverse flavor profiles from savory to dessert-like; Happy hour offers a $12 cocktail special
Standout selections
- — City Hunter: Jalapeño-infused Tequila, Guava Purée, Lime, Salted Plum-Rimmed, $18
- — Tokyo Banana: Clarified Vodka, Banana du Brésil, Honey, Lemon, $25
- — If You...: Bacardí Limón, Yuzu, Lemon, Honey, Yuzu Foam, $19
Pricing: Signature cocktails $18-$28; Cocktail of the Day $12 during happy hour.
Wine
Wine list covers red, white, rosé, and sparkling, with vintages from Napa, Sonoma, Paso Robles, Spain, and New Zealand. Classic producers like DAOU and Far Niente.
Menu strengths
- — Includes well-known producers like DAOU and Far Niente
Standout selections
- — 2023 DAOU Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles
- — 2023 Far Niente Chardonnay, Napa, $175
Pricing: Bottles $75-$276.
Beer
Draft and bottled selection includes local Joy Boy beers and Japanese craft beers, plus non-alcoholic options. Happy hour draft specials at $6.
Menu strengths
- — Local and Japanese craft beer focus; Happy hour draft specials at $6
Standout selections
- — Joy Boy Vienna Lager, 6.0% ABV, $6
Pricing: Draft beers $6 during happy hour, $9-$13 regular.
Nonalcoholic
Thoughtful non-alcoholic options include mocktails like Arigato with coconut water and matcha foam, plus non-alcoholic beer and specialty coffee drinks.
Menu strengths
- — Diverse non-alcoholic menu including mocktails and NA beer
Standout selections
- — Arigato: Coconut Water, Matcha Foam, $12
- — Hyper Cold IPA: Non-alcoholic beer, $8
Pricing: Mocktails $12; non-alcoholic beer $8.
Spirits
Exceptional Japanese whisky and sake program. Whisky includes Hibiki 21 and Yamazaki 18; sake ranges from Dassai 23 to Hakkaisan snow-aged.
Menu strengths
- — Extensive Japanese whisky selection with rare aged pours
- — Sake list organized by style, with premium offerings
Standout selections
- — Hibiki 21 Yr, $275; Yamazaki 18 Yr, $250
Pricing: Japanese whisky $16-$275; sake $15-$1,580.
How it sits with the food
Given the Japanese culinary focus, sake and Japanese whisky naturally pair with sushi and sashimi. The cocktail menu's citrus and herbal notes also complement lighter dishes.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
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