Restaurant
Unclaimed profileThe Cellar at Duckworth's
Charlotte, NC · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
An underground speakeasy in a 1912 building, The Cellar at Duckworth's runs a serious cocktail program. Mixologists handcraft classics and originals like the Smoked Whiskey Sour and Cellar Mai Tai, using house-made toasted pecan syrup and Madagascar vanilla bean syrup. No-ABV options are equally thoughtful. A curated beer list and a well-regarded wine selection round out the bar, though beer is more streamlined than the upstairs taphouse.
- What should I order?
- Start with the Smoked Whiskey Sour or the Vieux Carré, both praised in reviews. For something original, the Cellar Mai Tai uses coconut milk and lime. The Smoked Buttered Pecan showcases house-made toasted pecan syrup with cinnamon-pecan smoke. If avoiding alcohol, the Berry Lemon Drop with Madagascar vanilla bean syrup is a solid choice.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Cocktail enthusiasts looking for a speakeasy atmosphere with handcrafted drinks and house-made syrups will find much to like. Those who prefer non-alcoholic options will appreciate the dedicated no-ABV cocktails. Wine drinkers may find the curated list appealing, while beer purists might expect more variety given the upstairs taphouse.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The 1912-built, underground space with original brick walls and period attire sets a prohibition-era tone. The cocktail program leans on house-made syrups—toasted pecan, Madagascar vanilla bean, blood orange—and smoke-infused presentations. Seasonal, locally sourced menu items complement the drinks, and the venue has been recognized as one of America's most romantic restaurants.
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
A robust cocktail menu blends classics and originals, with house-made syrups and fresh ingredients.
Menu strengths
- — Extensive menu with both classic and original creations.
- — House-made syrups and fresh ingredients elevate the drinks.
Standout selections
- — Smoked Whiskey Sour: classic sour infused with smoke.
- — Vieux Carré: bourbony, sweet, slightly bitter New Orleans classic.
- — Cellar Mai Tai: coconut milk and lime freshness unique to the venue.
- — Smoked Buttered Pecan: buttered rye with toasted pecan syrup, chocolate bitters, and sea salt, served with cinnamon-pecan smoke.
Wine
Well-curated selection noted by customers.; Knowledgeable staff handle issues promptly.
Menu strengths
- — Well-curated selection noted by customers.; Knowledgeable staff handle issues promptly.
Beer
The venue touts specialty and rare beers served at proper temperatures, but customers note a more streamlined selection compared to the upstairs taphouse.
Nonalcoholic
A thoughtful selection of no-ABV cocktails, each built with fresh ingredients and house-made syrups, offers a genuine alternative for non-drinkers.
Menu strengths
- — Multiple no-ABV cocktails with fresh ingredients.; House-made syrups add depth.
Standout selections
- — Berry Lemon Drop: fresh blueberries, strawberries, lemon, Madagascar vanilla bean syrup.
- — Pineapple Thyme Mule: jalapeños, thyme, ginger, pineapple, lime.
- — Salted Cucumber Highball: cucumber, basil, salt, club soda, lime.
Spirits
A diverse range of spirits—bourbon, rye, gin, mezcal, rum, scotch—is deployed across the cocktail menu, with recognizable names like Elijah Craig and Del Maguey.
Menu strengths
- — Includes quality producers like Maker's 46, Elijah Craig, and Del Maguey.
Standout selections
- — Paper Plane: Elijah Craig Bourbon, Amaro Nonino, Aperol, lemon.
- — Naked on A Plane: Del Maguey mezcal, Yellow Chartreuse, Aperol, Nonino, lemon and raspberries.
How it sits with the food
The menu sources from local farms and changes seasonally, but no specific beverage pairings are documented. Given the cocktail program's smoke and sweet notes, the Smoked Buttered Pecan might pair with hearty dishes, while the no-ABV Pineapple Thyme Mule could complement lighter fare.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
Community reviews
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