Wine Bar
Unclaimed profileTender Mercy
Dayton, OH · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
Tender Mercy is an underground cocktail bar with a grunge-and-glamour theme and a 14-drink signature list ranging from $13 to $16. The wine program spans sparkling to orange wines by glass and bottle, with a reserve spirits list featuring rare bourbons. A dedicated non-alcoholic cocktail menu covers creative options. Customers praise the balance and creativity of cocktails like Teach the Crows to Smoke.
- What should I order?
- Start with Teach the Crows to Smoke, the customer-praised signature cocktail with fruity and smoky notes. For a deeper dive, the reserve bourbon list offers Blanton's Gold and George T Stagg. Wine drinkers can order the Bertrand-Delespierre 'Enfant de La Montagne' 1er Cru Brut Champagne by the bottle.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Cocktail enthusiasts who appreciate creative, balanced drinks and a bartender willing to craft personalized orders. Bourbon collectors will find rare and allocated bottles on the reserve list. Wine lovers seeking a diverse selection from Champagne to Slovenian Pinot Noir will find variety.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Cocktails range from $13 to $16. Wine by the glass starts at $13 and bottles range from $11 to $230. Reserve spirits are priced from $25 to $100. Beer costs $3 to $16, and non-alcoholic drinks run $4 to $11.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The combination of an underground grunge-and-glamour setting with an extensive 14-cocktail list and a reserve spirits program featuring rare bourbons like George T Stagg sets it apart. A dedicated non-alcoholic menu with a Bartender's Choice option and the ability for bartender Jessie to create personalized drinks adds further distinction.
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 signature cocktail list comprises 14 drinks with detailed ingredients and a grunge-and-glamour theme. Prices range from $13 to $16. The quality, creativity, balance, and presentation receives consistent praise.
Menu strengths
- — Extensive signature cocktail menu with 14 creative drinks
- — Bartender Jessie is noted for crafting personalized drinks based on flavor preferences
Standout selections
- — Teach the Crows to Smoke: fruity with a smoky note, praised by customers
- — Racing Meadows: Barrel-aged gin, cocchi americano, acidified grapefruit, honey
- — Habana Stand: Spiced rum, vanilla de madagascar, orgeat, cola, vanilla cold foam cream
Pricing: $13-$16
Wine
The wine list spans sparkling, white, rosé, orange, and red wines by glass and bottle. Selections include Champagne, Cava, Riesling, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir from multiple regions.
Menu strengths
- — Diverse wine list covering multiple styles and regions
- — Offers both by-the-glass and bottle options; Includes premium bottles like 1er Cru Champagne
Standout selections
- — Bertrand-Delespierre 'Enfant de La Montagne' 1er Cru Brut Champagne (2016)
- — Ravines Dry Riesling from Finger Lakes, New York
Pricing: $11-$230 per bottle; glasses from $13
Beer
Beer and cider are available on draft, in cans, and bottles, with prices from $3 to $16. Styles include lagers, IPAs, stouts, and cider.
Menu strengths
- — Variety of formats: draft, cans, and bottles; Range of styles from lagers to stouts and cider
- — A 40oz Miller High Life option for sharing
Standout selections
- — Three Birds x Branch & Bone 'Perch Pounder' Keller Pilsner on draft
- — Maine Beer Company 'Lunch' East Coast IPA; Urban Artifact 'The Gadget' Midwest Fruit Tart
Pricing: $3-$16
Nonalcoholic
A dedicated non-alcoholic cocktail menu offers creative options from $4 to $11, including a Non-Alcoholic Bartender's Choice where guests can direct a custom creation.
Menu strengths
- — Dedicated non-alcoholic cocktail menu with creative options; Non-Alcoholic Bartender's Choice allows for personalized drinks
- — Wide price range from $5 wellness shot to $11 mocktails
Standout selections
- — Garden Party: Non-alcoholic elderflower cordial, lime juice, tonic
- — Back in Fashioned: Non-alcoholic aperitif, maple syrup, cinnamon syrup
- — Tender Tonic (Wellness Shot): Apple cider vinegar, honey, horseradish, hot chiles
Pricing: $4-$11
Spirits
The spirits list covers vodka, gin, rum, whisky, agave, brandy, and more. A reserve list features rare bourbons and premium spirits, with prices from $25 to $100.
Menu strengths
- — Extensive spirits selection across many categories; Reserve list includes rare and allocated bourbons
- — Premium spirits like George T Stagg and Blanton's Gold
Standout selections
- — George T Stagg reserve bourbon at $90; Blanton's Gold reserve bourbon at $70
Pricing: Reserve spirits $25-$100
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