Cocktail bar
Unclaimed profileSalt
Arlington, VA · $$$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
Salt's cocktail program is the main draw: barrel-aged old fashioneds and clarified sours show real technique, while the Salt Spicy Margarita layers heat and fruit. The wine list spans regions with a weekly 50% off bottle deal, and the happy hour trims prices on cocktails, beer, and wine. Expect a speakeasy vibe and a menu that rewards exploration.
- What should I order?
- Start with the Salt Spicy Margarita for a balanced hit of spice and agave. The Barrel Aged Maple Old Fashioned brings rye and maple depth. For something brighter, the Clarified New York Sour mixes whiskey with rosemary yuzu and coconut milk. Share the Two-Fer rum punch for a group.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Cocktail enthusiasts who appreciate barrel aging and clarified techniques will find plenty to like. Wine lovers can take advantage of Salt Tuesdays' 50% off bottles. The speakeasy atmosphere suits date nights, and the creative mocktails will please designated drivers.
- When should I go?
- Tuesday nights are best for wine drinkers, with 50% off bottled wines.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Cocktails range from $11 to $29, with most craft drinks around $15–$17.50. Wines run $15 to $150 by the glass or bottle, with many bottles priced $57–$82. Beers cost $6.50–$9, and mocktails are $11–$12.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- Salt's cocktail list is ambitious: barrel-aged old fashioned, clarified sour, and a spicy margarita with mezcal and strawberry agave. The weekly Salt Tuesdays wine discount is a rare value. A speakeasy-style setting adds to the draw.
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 menu with barrel-aged and clarified techniques, plus a spicy margarita with layered flavors.
Menu strengths
- — Barrel-aged old fashioned and clarified sour show technical ambition.
- — Unique ingredient combinations like strawberry agave, cayenne, and rosemary yuzu.
- — Happy hour discount on seasonal cocktails adds value.
Standout selections
- — Salt Spicy Margarita: Ghost Blanco tequila, Amaras Verde Joven mezcal, Luxardo, strawberry agave, cayenne, cinnamon, lime.
- — Clarified New York Sour: Toki whiskey, rosemary yuzu, ginger, coconut milk, Portillo malbec.
- — Barrel Aged Maple Old Fashioned: Open Road rye, Fee Brothers bitters, maple syrup.
Pricing: $11–$29; happy hour $2 off seasonal cocktails
Wine
Global list with Burgundy, Willamette, Champagne, and more. Salt Tuesdays 50% off bottles is a strong incentive.
Menu strengths
- — Extensive selection across red, white, and sparkling.; Weekly 50% discount on bottled wines.
Standout selections
- — Joseph Drouhin 'La Foret' Bourgogne 2018: classic Burgundy at $47.
- — Champagne Palmer Brut Reserve: celebratory option at $150.
- — Elk Cove Pinot Noir 2021: Willamette Valley fruit.
Pricing: $15–$150 per glass/bottle; 50% off bottles on Tuesdays
Beer
Solid draft and bottle list with local DC-area options and classics. Happy hour discount makes it a good value.
Menu strengths
- — Includes local craft choices like Atlas and Port City.
- — Range from light pilsner to high-ABV IPA.; Happy hour $3 off draft beers.
Standout selections
- — Atlas Tropic Thunder IPA: DC-area 6.1% IPA.
- — Dogfish 90 Minute IPA: 9% imperial IPA.
- — Port City Optimal Wit: local Virginia witbier.
Pricing: $6.50–$9; happy hour $3 off draft
Nonalcoholic
Three creative mocktails with layered ingredients like grilled pineapple, matcha, and yuzu. A thoughtful non-alcoholic program.
Menu strengths
- — Uses quality mixers like Q Tonic and ginger beer.
Standout selections
- — Las Palabras De Amor: grilled pineapple turbinado, orange, lime, coconut water.
- — Who Needs You?: matcha, lavender, yuzu, rosemary, coconut, ginger beer.
- — AYo: cantaloupe, carrot, ginger, lemon, orange blossom, tonic.
Pricing: $11–$12
Spirits
The cocktail menu showcases a broad spirit range, from tequila and mezcal to whiskey, rum, gin, and vodka, using premium and craft labels.
Menu strengths
- — Includes craft distilleries like Open Road Distilling Co.
Standout selections
- — Daddy Issues: Open Road bourbon, Banhez mezcal, Ramazzoti amaro, spiced honey.
- — Oaxaca Flocka Flame: 400 Conejos mezcal, Chinola mango, Cointreau, cinnamon.
- — Stacy's Mom: Macchu pisco, Leblon cachaca, Chinola passionfruit, jalapeno.
Pricing: No standalone spirits pricing
How it sits with the food
Food mentions include wagyu burgers, calamari, and small plates. The Salt Spicy Margarita's cayenne and cinnamon could stand up to the burger's richness, while the clarified New York sour's citrus and spice might cut through fried calamari. The Hugo Spritz offers a lighter pairing for sharing plates.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
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