Restaurant
Unclaimed profilePolite Society Restaurant and Bar
St. Louis, MO · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
Polite Society's bar turns out eight signature cocktails built on house-made syrups and bitters, with rye, cachaca, and mezcal getting serious play. The wine list is compact but thoughtful, and the beer program leans local, from Urban Chestnut to 4 Hands. A single non-alcoholic beer covers the sober set. Cocktails are the clear draw, and guests describe them as high quality in an upscale but unpretentious room.
- What should I order?
- Start with the Sinner Man, a cachaca and amaro number with cinnamon and anisette, or the Glow Worm, a mezcal-gin-armagnac blend with holy basil. For a bourbon-led sip, the Bourbon Murray uses house-made peppercorn bitters. Pair with a local beer like Urban Chestnut's Zwickle if you want something lighter.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Cocktail enthusiasts seeking creative, well-made drinks will find much to like. The bar's relaxed yet classy atmosphere appeals to those who want a quality drink without pretension. Local beer fans will appreciate the St. Louis breweries represented.
- When should I go?
- Evenings are prime for the full cocktail menu. The bar area is noted as a great spot to relax and watch events like the World Cup, so game nights could be lively.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Beer prices range from $6.00 to $10.00, with examples like Brooklyn Lager at $6.50 and Perennial Saison at $9.50. One wine is listed at $12. Cocktail prices are not listed on the menu.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The cocktail list is the standout, with eight original creations that pair unexpected ingredients: eucalyptus syrup with rye, celery root in a cachaca sour, and Thai simple with gin and peanut-coriander tincture. House-made syrups and bitters appear throughout, and the menu rotates seasonally.
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
Eight signature cocktails showcase house-made syrups and bitters, with a wide spirit range from rye to mezcal. Recipes are inventive, like eucalyptus syrup with rye and celery root, and guests praise the quality. A creative, well-executed program.
Menu strengths
- — House-made syrups and bitters are used across the cocktail list.
- — Diverse spirits include rye, cachaca, tequila, mezcal, gin, vodka, and rum.
- — Guests describe cocktails as high quality with an upscale feel.
Standout selections
- — Rye Down Under: James E Pepper Rye, Eucalyptus Syrup, Apologue Celery Root, Lime Juice.
- — Sinner Man: Novo Fogo Silver Cachaca, Montenegro Amaro, Cinnamon Syrup, Meletti Anisette, Bittermen's Boston Bittahs.
- — Glow Worm: Los Nahuales Joven Mezcal, Príncipe de los Apóstoles Gin, Ch. Arton Fine Blanche Armagnac, Holy Basil Syrup, Peychaud's Bitters.
Pricing: No prices listed for cocktails on the menu.
Wine
A compact wine list includes rotating house white and red, plus sparkling and rosé. Each wine carries a brief tasting note, from citrusy Sauvignon Blanc to a peppery Côtes du Rhône. Limited pricing info, but the selection is thoughtful.
Menu strengths
- — Rotating house wines offer flexibility.; Brief tasting notes help guide selection.
Standout selections
- — Selbach-Oster Riesling Feinherb: peachy fruit with a touch of sweetness.
- — La Manarine Côtes du Rhône: spice, red and blue fruit, some pepper.
- — Bliss Family Pinot Noir: raspberry notes, florals, light and bright.
Pricing: Reserve de Saurine listed at $12.
Beer
Beer list emphasizes local St. Louis breweries like Urban Chestnut, Perennial, and 4 Hands, with a mix of styles from lager to sour. Prices are reasonable. A solid, regional selection.
Menu strengths
- — Includes a variety of styles: lager, IPA, stout, sour.
- — Beers listed with brewery location and serving size.
Standout selections
- — Urban Chestnut 'Zwickle' ($8.50) from St. Louis, MO.
- — Perennial 'Saison de Lis' ($9.50) from St. Louis, MO.
- — 4 Hands 'Divided Sky' Rye IPA ($6.75) from St. Louis, MO.
Pricing: Beer prices range from $6.00 to $10.00.
Nonalcoholic
Offers a single non-alcoholic beer, Well Being (NA) from St. Louis. No mocktail menu is evident. Adequate for designated drivers but not a destination for zero-proof drinkers.
Standout selections
- — Well Being (NA) from St. Louis, MO.
Spirits
No dedicated spirits list, but the cocktail program shows a broad spirit selection including rye, cachaca, tequila, mezcal, gin, vodka, and rum. Supports a diverse cocktail menu, though not showcased separately.
Menu strengths
- — Broad spirit range used in cocktails.; Selection supports creative cocktail recipes.
How it sits with the food
Seasonal menus suggest cocktails are designed to complement the food. The Sinner Man's herbal-spiced profile could match roasted dishes, while the Thai Fighter's peanut and coriander notes might echo Asian-inspired plates. The rotating house wines offer flexible pairing options.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
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