Wine bar
Unclaimed profileScrewtop Wine Bar
Arlington, VA · $$$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
Screwtop Wine Bar, established in 2009, runs a wine-first program with themed flights, a multi-tier wine club, and weekly tastings. Cocktails span classics to frozen crowd-pleasers, and the non-alcoholic list includes Curious Elixirs and NA sparkling wine. Happy hour and brunch expand the appeal beyond oenophiles.
- What should I order?
- Start with the Island Wines flight for a rare look at Crete, Cyprus, and Sardinia. For bubbles, the Bubbles Up! Flight covers four sparkling styles. Cocktail drinkers should try the Espresso Martini or a happy-hour Strawberry Margarita. Non-alcoholic options include Curious Elixirs and Prima Pave Rosé Brut.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Wine club members and those who like themed tastings will find a home. The happy hour and frozen cocktails appeal to a casual crowd, while brunch with Mimosas and Bloody Marys suits weekend socializing. Non-alcoholic drinkers are covered with premium options.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Cocktails range from $12 to $16; happy hour drops to $8-$10. Wine flights run $31-$45, with happy hour glasses at $8 and bottles at $29. Wine club memberships start at $49.99 per month. Non-alcoholic cocktails are $14.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The wine club with multiple tiers (Explorer, Adventurer, Voyager, Rosé, Sparkling, White) and monthly pick-up parties is a standout. Themed flights like Island Wines and Bubbles Up! Show a curator's touch. Weekly tastings and a strong non-alcoholic program round out the offering.
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
Classic and specialty cocktails with a frozen section, plus happy hour discounts. The Espresso Martini and Old Fashioned are well-known, but the program lacks a distinctive house style.
Menu strengths
- — Extensive cocktail menu with classics and frozen options.
- — Happy hour pricing on select cocktails.; Brunch-specific cocktails like Bloody Mary and Mimosas.
Standout selections
- — Classic or Spicy Margarita - Milagro Tequila with agave or spicy agave, $15.
- — Espresso Martini - cold brew, vanilla vodka, Kahlua, Baileys, $15.
- — Woodford Reserve Old Fashioned - bourbon, bitters, sugar, $16.
- — Frozen Strawberry Frosé - rosé, strawberry puree, simple syrup, $14.
Pricing: $12-$16 standard; $8-$10 happy hour; $7-$15 brunch
Wine
Extensive wine list with global regions, curated flights, and a multi-tier wine club. Weekly tastings and monthly pick-up parties add structure. The flight themes are creative and well-priced.
Menu strengths
- — Themed flights like Island Wines and Bubbles Up!.
- — Wine club with multiple tiers and regular events.
Standout selections
- — Bubbles Up! Flight - four sparkling wines including Abrau-Durso Brut and Graham Beck Brut Rosé, $35.
- — Island Wines! Flight - four wines from Crete, Cyprus, and Sardinia, $37.
- — Cheers! Flight - sparkling, white, and two reds, $45.
- — Billecart-Salmon Brut - Champagne, France, NV, $129/bottle.
Pricing: Flights $31-$45; happy hour glasses $8, bottles $29; wine club $49.99-$109.99/month
Beer
International lagers and ales, with a focus on cans and bottles. Happy hour specials are notable. Non-alcoholic options add breadth, but the draft selection is limited.
Menu strengths
- — International beer selection including Argentine and American craft.
- — Happy hour beer and cider specials at $6.
Standout selections
- — Port City Downright Pilsner - American pilsner, $8.
- — Quilmes Clásica Lager - Argentine lager, $8.
- — Bell's Two Hearted IPA - American IPA, $8.
- — Blake's Hard Cider Imperial Strawberry Blush - gluten-free, $9.
Pricing: $8 generally; $6 happy hour
Nonalcoholic
A robust non-alcoholic program with premium Curious Elixirs cocktails, NA sparkling wine, and NA beer. Also offers craft sodas, French press coffee, and Harney & Sons tea. This is a thoughtful selection for designated drivers and abstainers.
Menu strengths
- — Premium non-alcoholic cocktails from Curious Elixirs.; Non-alcoholic sparkling wine and beer available.
Standout selections
- — Curious No. 1 - Pomegranate Negroni Sbagliato, $14.
- — Curious No. 7 - Sparkling Champagne Cocktail, $14.
- — Prima Pave Rosé Brut - non-alcoholic sparkling wine, $14.
- — Clausthaler Dry Hopped IPA - non-alcoholic IPA, $8.
Pricing: Curious Elixirs $14; NA sparkling wine $14; sodas $2-$4; coffee $5; tea $5.50
Spirits
No dedicated spirits list, but quality brands appear in cocktails. Sake offers a distinct option. The program is functional rather than a destination for spirit enthusiasts.
Menu strengths
- — Quality spirits used in cocktails such as Woodford Reserve and Milagro.
Standout selections
- — Classic Martini - Tito's Vodka or Tanqueray Gin, $16.
- — Woodford Reserve Manhattan - bourbon, sweet vermouth, bitters, $16.
- — Big Baby Sake - 250ml, $10.
- — Real Magic Sake - 250ml, $10.
Pricing: Spirit-forward cocktails $15-$16; sake $10-$19
How it sits with the food
Evidence does not detail food menu, but the wine flights are designed to be shared and could accompany small plates. The brunch cocktails like Bloody Mary and Mimosa suggest food-friendly pairings. No specific food pairings are documented.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
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