Cocktail bar
Unclaimed profileService Bar DC
Washington, DC · $$$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
Service Bar DC runs a serious cocktail program with a menu spanning $10 to $23, including seasonal and bird-themed specials. Happy hour brings $9 cocktails and a $7 shot-and-beer combo. The wine list, though compact, reaches into Krug and rare sherry. Zero-proof options are integrated, not tacked on. The drinks are the draw.
- What should I order?
- Start with the Celery Martini ($16) for a savory, clarified take. The Zombie ($21) is a rum-forward tiki classic with a 151 float. For something lighter, the Rosé All Day ($13) is carbonated and fruit-forward. Happy hour's shot-and-beer combo at $7 is a pragmatic move.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Cocktail enthusiasts looking for creative, well-priced drinks will find plenty to explore. The happy hour deals appeal to budget-conscious drinkers, while the Krug and rare sherry options cater to those seeking higher-end pours. Zero-proof drinkers have thoughtful non-alcoholic choices.
- When should I go?
- Weekends can get crowded, so an early evening visit on a weekday is ideal for a relaxed experience.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Cocktails range from $10 to $23, with happy hour options at $9. Wines by the glass start at $11, with premium Champagnes like Krug at $75. A round of drinks for two could easily land in the $30-$50 range without splurging.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The cocktail menu is the centerpiece, with a bird-inspired section and inventive combinations like the Flying Squirrel with acorn and mushroom butter. The bar also offers a shot-and-beer combo during happy hour, a nod to approachability. The wine list's sherry and high-end Champagne selections add unexpected depth.
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 program is extensive and creative, with seasonal and bird-themed specials. Prices span $10-$23, and happy hour offers $9 cocktails.
Menu strengths
- — Wide range of creative cocktails, including seasonal and bird-inspired specials.
- — Happy hour offers $9 cocktails and a $7 shot-and-beer combo, providing accessible pricing.
Standout selections
- — Celery Martini ($16) with Fords gin, celery, Old Bay, and curry leaf oil.
- — Flying Squirrel ($23) with acorn, mushroom butter, apple, and Courvoisier VS.
- — Zombie ($21) with Appleton 12yr, absinthe, and a 151 float.
- — Rosé All Day ($13) with Hendrick's gin, seasonal fruit, and clarified citrus.
Pricing: Cocktails range from $10 to $23; happy hour cocktails are $9.
Wine
Wine list includes Italian, Spanish, and French selections, with several by-the-glass options. Champagne and sparkling wines are featured, including Laurent-Perrier and Krug. Sherry options add unique variety.
Menu strengths
- — Diverse wine selection with multiple regions and styles.
- — Includes high-end Champagne options like Krug Grand Cuvée.
Standout selections
- — Laurent-Perrier La Cuvée Brut Champagne ($20/$90).
- — Fino En Rama de Jerez ($12).
Pricing: Wines by the glass range from $11 to $20; bottles range from $40 to $325.
Beer
Beer menu is limited but includes a variety of styles: Miller High Life, rotating IPA, Samuel Smith Cider, Allagash White, Monopolio amber lager, and Guinness can. Option to add a 'pop' of whiskey or tequila to beer.
Menu strengths
- — Offers a variety of beer styles including lager, IPA, cider, witbier, and stout.
- — Affordable pricing for Miller High Life at $4.
Standout selections
- — Miller High Life ($4).; Allagash White (Belgian-style witbier).
Pricing: Miller High Life is $4; other beer prices not listed.
Nonalcoholic
Zero-proof options include Seedlip-based Citrus Cooler, No-Mar Swizzle with Lucano n/a amaro, Sanbitter, and Aranciata. These are integrated into the cocktail menu, offering creative non-alcoholic choices.
Menu strengths
- — Provides several non-alcoholic options beyond standard sodas.; Includes creative zero-proof cocktails.
Standout selections
- — Citrus Cooler with Seedlip citrus, berry, lemon, and mint.
- — No-Mar Swizzle with Lucano n/a amaro, lime, pineapple, and mint.
Pricing: Sanbitter is priced at $10; other non-alcoholic prices not listed.
Spirits
Spirit selection is extensive, showcased through cocktails featuring vodka, gin, rum, tequila, mezcal, whiskey, and brandy. Recipes highlight rare and aged spirits, with a focus on spirit-forward drinks.
Menu strengths
- — Diverse and high-quality spirit selection.; Includes rare and aged spirits in cocktails.
Standout selections
- — Daddy Issues with Teeling Irish whiskey, Averna, and fig balsamic.
- — Mountain Mist and Fog with Wild Turkey 101 rye and Appleton 12yr.
- — Giddy-Up ($17) with Fords gin, horseradish, and Laurent Perrier.
Pricing: Spirit-forward cocktails range from $17 to $23.
How it sits with the food
While food is not the focus, the cocktail menu's savory elements—like celery, horseradish, and fig balsamic—suggest pairings with light bites. The sherry options would complement salty snacks, and the carbonated Rosé All Day could stand up to fried fare.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
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