Cocktail bar
Unclaimed profileSea Level Oyster Bar
Salem, MA · $$$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
Sea Level Oyster Bar's cocktail program leans on house-made shrubs, syrups, and purées, from a strawberry basil shrub to cosmic lavender syrup. The wine list spans multiple varietals and regions, with glasses from $10 to $14. A dedicated mocktail menu and non-alcoholic beers broaden the reach. The 'Scary Mary'—a $41 bloody mary crowned with a half lobster—is the program's audacious centerpiece.
- What should I order?
- Start with the Watermelon Basil Bramble, Empress 1908 Indigo gin with house watermelon purée and lemon. The Double Diamond Margarita offers a coconut-water twist. For a non-alcoholic option, the Pineapple Cobbler uses house strawberry shrub. The Scary Mary is a spectacle worth splitting.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Cocktail enthusiasts seeking creative, house-made ingredients will find plenty to explore. The dedicated mocktail menu and non-alcoholic beers make it welcoming for designated drivers and those avoiding alcohol. Wine drinkers will appreciate the varied by-the-glass selection.
- When should I go?
- The patio sangria and fishbowl format suggest warm-weather visits. Evenings are likely best for the full cocktail list, though the non-alcoholic options work for a casual afternoon stop.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Cocktails run $13-$41, with most in the $13-$15 range. Wines by the glass are $10-$14, bottles up to $120. Mocktails and non-alcoholic beers are $7.50-$9.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The cocktail program's emphasis on house-made components—strawberry basil shrub, cosmic lavender syrup, watermelon purée—sets it apart. The Scary Mary, a $41 bloody mary with a half lobster, is a bold, over-the-top signature. The dedicated mocktail menu and non-alcoholic beer options also show range.
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
Two lists—signature and seasonal—showcase house-made syrups, shrubs, and purées. Eight signature and seven seasonal cocktails feature creative combinations and premium spirits. The Scary Mary is a $41 bloodymary loaded with shrimp, oyster, bacon, steak tip, and half lobster.
Menu strengths
- — House-made components like strawberry basil shrub and cosmic lavender syrup show craft.
- — Seasonal list rotates with spirits like Empress 1908 Indigo gin and Privateer Reserve rum.
- — Creative presentation and premium ingredients in specialty cocktails.
Standout selections
- — Watermelon Basil Bramble: Empress 1908 Indigo gin, Grey Whale gin, watermelon purée, basil, lemon.
- — Scary Mary: Grey Goose, house bloody mix, shrimp, oyster, bacon, steak tip, half lobster.
- — Double Diamond Margarita: Peligroso Blanco tequila, Coco Lopez, coconut water, pineapple, black salt rim.
Pricing: Cocktails priced between $13 and $41, with most in the $13-$15 range.
Wine
A broad list spanning Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Albariño, Rosé, Merlot, Cabernet, Pinot Noir, Malbec, red blends, and sparkling. Offerings by glass, bottle, and half bottle. Sparkling includes Veuve Clicquot and Nicolas Feuillatte.
Menu strengths
- — Offers wine by glass, bottle, and half bottle.
Standout selections
- — Nicolas Feuillatte Brut, Champagne, FR - $75 bottle.
- — Stags Leap 'Artemis' Cabernet, Napa, CA - $115 bottle.
- — Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, NZ - half bottle $28.
Pricing: Glasses $10-$14; bottles $36-$120; half bottles available.
Beer
Beer selection is limited in evidence, with only non-alcoholic options listed. Includes Athletic Lite, Sam Adams Just The Haze NE IPA, and Best Day Electro-Lime Cerveza.
Menu strengths
- — Community evidence suggests craft beer selection is appreciated.
Standout selections
- — Sam Adams Just The Haze NE IPA - non-alcoholic IPA.
Pricing: Non-alcoholic beers priced at $7.5 each.
Nonalcoholic
Dedicated mocktail menu with four drinks featuring house-made components like raspberry syrup and strawberry shrub. Additional non-alcoholic options include lemonade, iced tea, fountain beverages, and bottled water. Non-alcoholic beers also available.
Menu strengths
- — Variety of non-alcoholic beverages including beers and waters.
Standout selections
- — Pineapple Cobbler: pineapple juice, lemon, house-made strawberry shrub, soda water.
- — Raspberry Lime Rickey: raspberry syrup, fresh lime, soda water.
Pricing: Mocktails priced at $9 each; lemonade and fountain beverages $4.50.
Spirits
Spirits are showcased through cocktails, with a wide range including vodka, gin, tequila, rum, bourbon, and more. Brands like Tito's, Grey Goose, Don Q, Privateer Reserve, Puncher's Chance, and Empress 1908 appear. No standalone spirits list.
Menu strengths
- — Diverse spirit selection supporting creative cocktails.; Includes premium and craft brands.
Standout selections
- — Empress 1908 Indigo gin featured in Watermelon Basil Bramble.
- — Privateer Reserve rum appears in seasonal cocktails.
How it sits with the food
As an oyster bar, the cocktail list includes options that pair with seafood: the Watermelon Basil Bramble's gin and watermelon suit raw oysters, while the High Tide Mai Tai's rum and citrus could complement fried fare. The wine list's Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are classic oyster partners.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
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