Restaurant
Unclaimed profileTavern 23
Edina, MN · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
Tavern 23's beverage program is built on a house cocktail list that favors bold, spirit-forward drinks like the Old Fashioned #23 and Wisconsin Old Fashioned, alongside a wine list that stretches from Germany to Argentina. The beer taps lean local with Modist and Surly, and the spirits shelf is deep. Cocktails run $13-$15, wines from $9 to $125, and happy hour brings $6 wines and beer specials. A lively bar area and positive reviews on cocktail variety make it a reliable stop.
- What should I order?
- Start with the Old Fashioned #23, a signature built with Lou's hand-selected Knob Creek bourbon, rye, coriander syrup, and Angostura bitters. The Wisconsin Old Fashioned offers a cognac-based variation with cherry bark vanilla bitters. For something lighter, the PAULoma tops tequila with Paulaner Grapefruit Radler. Wine drinkers can explore the international list, with by-the-glass options from $9.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Cocktail enthusiasts looking for a well-made Old Fashioned will find a home here, as will whiskey drinkers exploring the extensive bourbon and scotch selection. The lively bar area suits casual group gatherings, and the happy hour draws those seeking value on wine and beer.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Cocktails are $13-$15. Wine by the glass runs $9-$12, bottles from $34 to $125. Bottled beers are $6-$7, cans from $5, and tap beers $6.50-$7.50. Happy hour features $6 wines and select beer specials.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The cocktail program is notable for using house-selected spirits, such as Lou's hand-picked Knob Creek bourbon in both the Old Fashioned #23 and Tavern Manhattan. The Wisconsin Old Fashioned, made with cognac and cherry bark vanilla bitters, adds a regional twist. The wine list spans eight countries, and the beer list includes local Minnesota craft options like Modist and Surly.
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
House cocktail list balances classics and creative twists, with several drinks built on house-selected spirits.
Menu strengths
- — House-selected spirits in signature cocktails.; Variety of classic and creative cocktails.
Standout selections
- — Old Fashioned #23 - Knob Creek bourbon, rye, coriander syrup, Angostura bitters, orange peel, filthy cherry.
- — Tavern Manhattan - Knob Creek bourbon, rye, sweet vermouth, Americano rosa, Jamaican bitters #2.
- — Wisconsin Old Fashioned - cognac, simple, Angostura, cherry bark vanilla bitters, orange peel, filthy cherry.
- — PAULoma - tequila, lime, simple syrup, topped with Paulaner Grapefruit Radler.
Pricing: Cocktails $13-$15.
Wine
International wine list spanning Germany, Italy, California, France, New Zealand, Washington, and Argentina, with a range of price points.
Menu strengths
- — Variety of price points from affordable to premium.
Standout selections
- — Riesling, Clear Night - Pfalz, Germany ($10 glass / $37 bottle).
- — Pinot Grigio, Luna Nuda - Alto Adige, Italy ($11 glass / $40 bottle).
- — Sauvignon Blanc, Matanzas Creek - Sonoma, CA ($58).
- — The Beach by The Whispering Angel - Rosé, Provence, FR.
Pricing: Wine by the glass $9-$12; bottles $34-$125; happy hour $6.
Beer
Beer list includes local Minnesota craft options on tap, plus a variety of bottled and canned beers. Happy hour features select beers at reduced prices.
Menu strengths
- — Local Minnesota craft beers featured.; Wide variety of beer styles and formats.
Standout selections
- — Modist Brewing Co. Dreamyard IPA (MN) - tap.
- — Kona Big Wave Blonde Ale - tap ($6.50).
Pricing: Bottled beers $6-$7; cans from $5; tap beers $6.50-$7.50; happy hour specials.
Nonalcoholic
Limited non-alcoholic options: coffee and espresso drinks only. No dedicated non-alcoholic cocktail menu found.
Standout selections
- — Cappuccino & Latte - after-dinner drink.
Pricing: Espresso $3.25 single, $5.25 double; cappuccino/latte $5.25.
Spirits
Extensive spirits list including bourbon, rye, scotch, cognac, and port, with many premium and rare options. Community feedback suggests some customers wish for more scotch variety.
Menu strengths
- — Extensive spirits selection with premium and rare options.
Standout selections
- — WhistlePig 10 Year - rye whiskey.
- — Macallan 18 Yr - scotch.; Hennessy XO - cognac.
- — Ramos Pinto 10 Yr - port.
Pricing: No prices listed for spirits.
How it sits with the food
The drink menu complements the food menu with after-dinner coffee options like espresso and cappuccino. The wine selection, including Riesling from Germany and Pinot Grigio from Italy, pairs well with lighter fare, while the robust bourbon and scotch list suits heartier dishes.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
Community reviews
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