Wine Bar
Unclaimed profileThe Briar
Minneapolis, MN · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
The Briar runs a dual-shift beverage program: daytime coffees and libations give way to an evening lineup of inventive cocktails. The cocktail list leans on savory, unexpected ingredients—tomato gin, dill aquavit, fish sauce—while the wine list spans Loire Sauvignon Blanc to Portuguese sparkling. Non-alcoholic options and THC drinks broaden the appeal. A solid, distinctive bar for adventurous drinkers.
- What should I order?
- Start with the Tomato Martini, a savory study in tomato gin and dill aquavit. The Dirty Mai Tai swaps in Cihuatan rum and olive brine for a briny twist. For wine, the Draslop Alvarelhao from Vinho Verde offers a light, mineral red. House wines are a bargain at $8 a glass.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Drinkers who like their cocktails with a savory, experimental edge will find much to explore. Wine lovers will appreciate the globe-trotting list, from Austrian Gruner Veltliner to a Czech orange wine. The non-alcoholic and THC options make it welcoming for those abstaining.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Cocktails run $11-$15, wines $8-$70 by bottle, with many glasses under $16. Non-alcoholic drinks are $8-$9, and beers are $5-$7. A round of creative cocktails for two will land around $30.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The Briar's cocktail program is defined by savory, umami-driven ingredients—fish sauce in a Bloody Mary, dill aquavit in a martini, olive brine in a Mai Tai. The wine list is similarly adventurous, featuring obscure regions like Bairrada and Collioure. A rare day-to-evening transition from cafe to cocktail bar.
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
An inventive cocktail list split into daytime and evening sections, featuring savory ingredients and global spirits. Prices are moderate.
Menu strengths
- — Savory, unexpected ingredients like tomato gin, dill aquavit, and fish sauce show a confident, distinctive approach.
- — Daytime and evening menus offer distinct options, from morning libations to complex evening cocktails.
Standout selections
- — Tomato Martini: Moletto tomato gin, dill aquavit, tomato consume cordial, dill oil – $14
- — Dirty Mai Tai: Cihuatan rum, amaro di angostura, pineapple, lime, pistachio + almond orgeat, olive brine – $13
Pricing: Cocktails range from $11 to $15.
Wine
A compact but well-chosen wine list covering classic and obscure regions, with orange, sparkling, and house wines. Prices span accessible to premium, with several interesting by-the-glass options.
Menu strengths
- — Includes orange wine and sparkling options from less-common regions like Bairrada and Collioure.
- — House wines at $8/$24 offer an affordable entry point.
Standout selections
- — Draslop: Alvarelhao, Vinho Verde, Portugal – $14/$42
- — Familie Bauer: Gruner Veltliner, Niederosterreich, Austria – $12/$46
- — Casa de Saima: Baga Bruto Espumante, Bairrada, Portugal – $16/$48
Pricing: Wine prices range from $8 to $70 per glass/bottle.
Beer
A minimal beer program with rotating taps and a couple of listed options. Limited detail and range; serves as a basic complement to the cocktail and wine focus.
Standout selections
- — Cider Co. – $7, ABV 5.9%-6.9%
- — Hamm's (Chef's Choice) – $5, ABV 4.7%
Pricing: Beer prices range from $5 to $7.
Nonalcoholic
A thoughtful non-alcoholic cocktail list with inventive ingredients like olive oil, kumquat vinegar, and whey syrup. THC beverages are also available, broadening the zero-proof and alternative options.
Menu strengths
- — Creative zero-proof cocktails use complex ingredients mirroring the bar's savory style.
- — THC beverage options provide an alternative for those seeking a different experience.
Standout selections
- — Silk Road: kiwi puree, kiwi syrup, malabar ginger tea, lemon, black pepper, olive oil – $9
- — Sharbat: limoo amani syrup, kumquat vinegar, whey syrup, mint, soda – $8
Pricing: Non-alcoholic cocktails range from $8 to $9.
Spirits
No dedicated spirits list, but the cocktail program showcases a wide range of spirits including vodka, gin, whiskey, tequila, mezcal, rum, and liqueurs. Specific selections like Moletto tomato gin and Cihuatan rum highlight a curated approach.
Menu strengths
- — Spirits are chosen to support creative cocktails, including niche products like dill aquavit and amaro di angostura.
How it sits with the food
The menu's savory cocktails, like the Tomato Martini with dill aquavit, would pair with light seafood or vegetable dishes. The Coastal Negroni's preserved lemon brine suggests Mediterranean flavors. For wine, the Draslop Alvarelhao's lightness suits grilled fish, while the Casa de Saima sparkling Baga could handle richer fare.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
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