Cocktail Bar
Unclaimed profileOn The Rox
Minneapolis, MN · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
On The Rox pairs a serious craft cocktail program with a diner kitchen and weekly deals. The menu is organized by style, from old fashioneds to martinis, and Monday Mixology puts guests behind the shaker. Roxy's Old Fashioned and the Smoked Banana Old Fashioned lead a list that also covers mocktails and local beer.
- What should I order?
- Start with Roxy's Old Fashioned, a mix of barrel gin, maple cinnamon vanilla demerara, and house bitters. For something different, the Smoked Banana Old Fashioned layers mezcal with crème de banane. The Minneapolitan, built on rye and amaro, is another strong choice.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Cocktail enthusiasts will appreciate the structured menu and hands-on Monday Mixology workshops. Those who prefer non-alcoholic options have a full mocktail list, from the Virgin Mary to the Hawt Tamale. The weekday happy hour and Wednesday pint deal suit casual drinkers.
- When should I go?
- Happy hour runs weekdays with $1 taps, rails, and wine. Tuesday offers half-price bottles of wine, and Wednesday features the Roxstar pint for $5. Monday is the night for cocktail workshops.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The cocktail menu is divided into clear style sections, and the list of signature drinks shows a playful approach, such as the Smoke Banana Old Fashioned and the Ghostbuster with Red Bull. Monday Mixology adds an interactive layer rarely seen at a cocktail bar.
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 menu is extensive and organized by style, including brunch staples, fun & fruity, old fashioneds, and martinis. Signature options like Roxy's Old Fashioned and the Minneapolitan show a creative, house-focused approach. Monday Mixology workshops add an interactive element.
Menu strengths
- — Menu is structured by cocktail style, making it easy to navigate.
- — Signature drinks use local spirits and house-made ingredients, such as J. Carver gin and house bitters.
Standout selections
- — Roxy's Old Fashioned with barrel gin, maple cinnamon vanilla demerara, and house bitters.
- — Smoked Banana Old Fashioned with mezcal and crème de banane.
- — Minneapolitan with rye, amaro di Angostura, and Lustau Rosso vermut.
Pricing: No prices listed for cocktails; happy hour offers $1 rails on weekdays.
Wine
The wine list is described as fantastic, and Tuesday offers half-price bottles. Wine also appears in cocktails like the Mimosas and Limoncello Spritz.
Menu strengths
- — Tuesday date night deal offers half-price bottles.; Chloe Prosecco is used in Mimosas and Limoncello Spritz.
Standout selections
- — Chloe Prosecco — Used in Mimosas and Limoncello Spritz.
Pricing: Half-price bottles on Tuesdays; $1 wine during happy hour.
Beer
The menu offers a wide variety of Minnesota-made beers on tap, plus domestic and import selections. The house beer, RoXstar American Lager, is featured as a chaser for Bloody Marys and as a pint. Wednesday wing fling promotes the pint at a special price.
Menu strengths
- — Wide selection of local Minnesota beers on tap.
- — House RoXstar American Lager is a versatile pour, served as a pint or Bloody Mary chaser.
- — Wednesday wing fling offers the RoXstar pint at $5.
Standout selections
- — RoXstar American Lager — $5 during Wednesday Wing Fling — House beer, served as a pint or chaser.
Pricing: RoXstar pint $5 on Wednesday; $1 taps during happy hour.
Nonalcoholic
A dedicated mocktail menu lists creative options like the Hawt Tamale with habanero and the Purple Skittles with shrubs. Soft drinks include fountain drinks, coffee, and juices. The Virgin Mary uses the bar's Bloody Mary mix with a spice-rimmed glass.
Menu strengths
- — Dedicated mocktail menu with inventive combinations.; Virgin Mary replicates the bar's Bloody Mary experience with a spice blend rim.
Standout selections
- — Virgin Mary — World-famous Bloody Mary mix with spice blend rim, olive, and lime.
Spirits
The spirit program is defined by its use in cocktails, featuring local brands like Tattersall and J. Carver, as well as names like Wiseman Rye and Johnnie Walker. Service Industry Night offers 2-for-1 rail drinks.
Menu strengths
- — Extensive use of local craft spirits from Tattersall and J. Carver.
- — Service Industry Night promotion for rail cocktails.; Spirits are integrated into the cocktail menu rather than showcased as a standalone list.
Standout selections
- — Tattersall Tightline Vodka in the Bloody Mary; Wiseman Rye and J. Carver Apple Brandy in the Dynamic Duo
Pricing: Service Industry Night offers 2-for-1 rail cocktails.
How it sits with the food
The bar works with The Nicollet Diner kitchen, and happy hour includes $3 off appetizers. Wednesday's wing fling pairs a $5 Roxstar pint with wings.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
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