Bar
Unclaimed profileThe Bend Bar
Raleigh, NC · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
The Bend Bar pours a well-curated Trophy Brewing tap list with local craft options, creative spritzes featuring regional spirits, and a compact wine list of Italian and French bottles. The curved bar and regular events—from wine tastings to Alt Beverage Parties—keep the program lively. A 20oz beer for $4 is hard to beat, and THC seltzers broaden the appeal.
- What should I order?
- Start with a Trophy Brewing draft—Mort's Trophy Lager or Earthly Remains tart saison. For something cocktail-forward, try the spritz with Young Hearts Distilling Potenza. Wine lovers can explore the 2024 Mazzolino 'Camara' Chardonnay by the glass.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Local beer enthusiasts, cocktail drinkers seeking creative but approachable drinks, and wine curious patrons. The bar's social curved layout and patio suit groups and casual gatherings.
- When should I go?
- Evenings when the patio is open, or during special events like wine tastings and beer release parties. Weekday happy hours likely offer draft specials, though not confirmed.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Beer is a steal at $4 for 20oz, with $5 draft specials on certain days. Wines by the glass run $8–$10 and bottles $24–$32. Cocktail and spirit prices are not documented.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- A full-service bar in a historic home with a covered patio and backyard, The Bend Bar doubles as a hub for local beverage culture. Its partnership with Trophy Brewing ensures a rotating tap list of house-made beers, while events like wine tastings and an Alt Beverage Party showcase a broader range.
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 but not overcomplicated cocktails, featuring spritzes with local spirits like Young Hearts Distilling Potenza and hemp-infused Calmezzi. An alternative menu for Dry January includes Ghia sumac and chili, Cut Above Agave, and sage.
Menu strengths
- — Focus on local and alternative ingredients.; Seasonal and event-driven cocktail offerings.
Standout selections
- — Spritz with Young Hearts Distilling Potenza
- — Hemp-infused spritz with Calmezzi spirits and King Akira
Pricing: No pricing evidence for cocktails.
Wine
A compact but diverse wine list with Italian and French selections, including a Loire red blend and Lombardy Chardonnay. Wine tastings with producers like Wonderwerk and Les Lunes add interest.
Menu strengths
- — Good value pricing for by-the-glass and bottle options.
Standout selections
- — 2022 Chateau Quincay 'Trio Vinum' (Loire red blend)
Pricing: Wines by the glass $8–$10; bottles $24–$32.
Beer
A well-curated tap list featuring Trophy Brewing beers, from slow-pour pilsners to tart saisons and IPAs. The $4 20oz pour is exceptional value, and frequent events like release parties keep the list dynamic.
Menu strengths
- — Rotating tap list with a variety of styles.
Standout selections
- — Mort's Trophy Lager (slow pour pilsner)
- — Earthly Remains (tart saison with rosemary and lemon verbena)
- — Blue Wibbon (Belgian witbier with NC blackberries)
Pricing: 20oz beer for $4; $5 draft specials on certain days.
Nonalcoholic
A notable nonalcoholic selection including THC seltzers like Starry Eyes, and an Alt Beverage Party featuring an alternative cocktail menu. The program supports Dry January and other sober-curious occasions.
Menu strengths
- — Extensive nonalcoholic options including THC seltzers.; Dedicated events for alternative beverages.
Standout selections
- — Starry Eyes Strawberry Lime (5mg THC, 5mg CBD)
- — Starry Eyes Ginger Peach (10mg THC, 10mg CBD)
Pricing: THC seltzers $19.99–$23.99 per 4-pack.
Spirits
Spirits program features local and craft producers like Calmezzi and Young Hearts Distilling, used in spritzes. While the selection is not extensively documented, the focus on regional distillers adds a distinctive touch.
Menu strengths
- — Highlights local and craft spirits.; Integrates spirits into creative spritzes.
Standout selections
- — Young Hearts Distilling Potenza (featured in a spritz)
Pricing: No pricing evidence for spirits.
How it sits with the food
No food menu is documented, but the beer and wine selections suggest easy pairings with bar snacks or light fare. The tart saison with rosemary and lemon verbena could complement salads or seafood, while the Primitivo pairs with grilled meats.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
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