Cocktail Bar
Unclaimed profileStandby
Detroit, MI · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
Standby's cocktail program is a culinary-inspired tour de force, with a 'Yes, Chef' theme that reimagines drinks like Whisky Ramen and Liquid Olive Martini. Zero-proof offerings are integrated seamlessly, and the bartenders' expertise is frequently praised. Wine and beer lists are compact but well-chosen, making this a destination for adventurous drinkers.
- What should I order?
- Start with the Liquid Olive Martini for a saline, spherified twist, or the Diaspora Club for a carbonated, green aromatic lift. For a zero-proof option, the Buddy Boy Negroni delivers bitter, smoked depth. The cherry amaretto sour is a community favorite.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Cocktail enthusiasts who appreciate culinary-inspired drinks and well-executed zero-proof options. Also suitable for those who value bartender expertise and a creative, themed menu.
- When should I go?
- Evenings when the full cocktail menu is available and pop-up events like 'Baker's Dozen' or 'Hotel Standby' are scheduled, offering unique themed experiences.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Cocktails range from $12 to $20, with zero-proof options at $15. Wine by the glass is $13-$15, bottles $56-$60, and beers are $4-$6.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The 'Yes, Chef' cocktail menu uses culinary techniques and iconography, featuring drinks like Whisky Ramen and Benton's Old Fashioned with fat-washed bourbon. A strong zero-proof program and rotating amaro soda add to its uniqueness.
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, culinary-themed cocktails with sections like Opening and Principals. Notable for zero-proof options and diverse spirits.
Menu strengths
- — Themed menu 'Yes, Chef' explores culinary icons through cocktails.
- — Multiple zero-proof options, including Buddy Boy Negroni and California Sober.
Standout selections
- — Liquid Olive Martini – gin, vermut ambré, fino sherry, tangerine olive brine, reverse spherified.
- — Whisky Ramen – Japanese whisky, ginger shochu, yuzu, umami tincture.
- — Benton's Old Fashioned – bourbon, bacon, maple, angostura, fat-washed.
Pricing: $12-$20 per cocktail
Wine
Compact but international wine list with selections from Spain, New Zealand, France, Austria, and Oregon. Offers both glass and bottle pricing.
Menu strengths
- — Diverse international selection including Albariño, Cava, and Orange Wine.
Standout selections
- — Albariño Atlántico, Anónimas 2022 – Rías Baixas, Spain.
- — Orange Wine, Biokult 2022 – Burgenland, Austria.
Pricing: $13-$15 per glass, $56-$60 per bottle
Beer
Limited beer selection with three options, including a non-alcoholic pils. Includes a rotating amaro soda as a unique alternative.
Menu strengths
- — Includes non-alcoholic beer (Untitled Art Italian Pils).; Offers rotating amaro soda from Casamara.
Standout selections
- — Drafting Table Resolute IPA – $6.
Pricing: $4-$6 per beer
Nonalcoholic
Strong non-alcoholic program with three zero-proof cocktails, a non-alcoholic beer, and a rotating amaro soda. Zero-proof options are crafted with complex ingredients.
Menu strengths
- — Multiple zero-proof cocktails with intricate recipes.; Non-alcoholic beer and amaro soda provide variety.
Standout selections
- — Buddy Boy Negroni – N/A aperitif, charred citrus, maple, green coffee.
- — California Sober – hemp & root spirit, ginger, lemongrass, acidified orange, CO₂.
Pricing: $15 for zero-proof cocktails, $4-$6 for non-alcoholic beer/soda
Spirits
Robust use of diverse spirits across the cocktail menu, including rhum agricole, gin, mezcal, Japanese whisky, and bourbon. No dedicated spirits list found.
Menu strengths
- — Extensive use of diverse spirits in cocktail creations.
Standout selections
- — Diaspora Club – rhum agricole, coconut rum, pandan, honey, calamansi, CO₂.
How it sits with the food
The food menu includes shareables and entrees that complement the beverage program. The culinary-themed cocktails are designed to pair with the kitchen's offerings, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
Community reviews
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