Wine Bar
Unclaimed profileTender Mercy
Dayton, OH
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
Research completed 2026-09-09 · Based on current public sources
Editor: Micah Rousey
Review methodology and evidence standardsThe 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
About this review
Research is based on recent public evidence, including official venue materials and beverage menus when available. The review date is the research completion date and does not imply an in-person visit.
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