Cocktail bar
Unclaimed profileThe Clifton Club
Dallas, TX · $$$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
A cocktail lounge that puts real work into its classics and its low-ABV section, the Clifton Club covers espresso martinis, French 75s, and a Tanqueray No. 10 or Ketel One martini with Castelvetrano olives. The wine list is short but travels from Champagne to Santa Barbara. Mocktails get equal menu space, and the offbeat Happy Meal pairs a cocktail with a mini smashburger, fries, and a cigarette.
- What should I order?
- Start with the Classic Martini, choosing Tanqueray No. 10 or Ketel One, with olive brine and Castelvetrano olives. For something lighter, the Figgy Sherry Cobbler or Blood Orange is the New Pink from the Low ABV section. The Happy Meal, during happy hour, bundles a mini smashburger and fries with a cocktail.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Cocktail drinkers who appreciate a proper martini and a mix of classics and creative low-ABV options. Those who want a non-alcoholic drink with the same care, or a wine list that spans recognizable regions, will find something. The bar's playful Happy Meal and weekly steak-and-tini nights add a casual draw.
- When should I go?
- The venue's weekly steak-and-tini night is another supported occasion.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Cocktail prices are not specified in available sources; entrée prices average $20–$30, suggesting a mid-range spend for a cocktail bar.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The cocktail menu balances breadth with a low-ABV section and a signature Happy Meal that includes a cigarette (not to be smoked indoors). The 25-seat bar, partially covered patio with fire, and private dining for up to 50 add to its neighborhood-club feel. It is a sister concept to Beverley’s.
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 broad menu of classics, specialties, and low-ABV drinks, with espresso martinis and French 75s cited as popular. The Classic Martini with Tanqueray No. 10 or Ketel One is a highlight, though some specialty cocktails are noted to lack distinct flavor.
Menu strengths
- — Well-considered classic cocktails, especially the martini with olive brine and Castelvetrano olives.
- — Low ABV section offers creative, sherry- and cocchi-based options like Figgy Sherry Cobbler.
- — Happy hour includes a playful Happy Meal pairing a cocktail with a mini smashburger and fries.
Standout selections
- — Classic Martini: Tanqueray No. 10 gin or Ketel One vodka, olive brine, Castelvetrano olives.
- — Figgy Sherry Cobbler: oloroso sherry, caramelized fig, sage, cointreau, lemon.
- — Espresso Martini: vodka, espresso liqueur, cointreau, LDU espresso.
- — French 75: gin, lemon, sugar, prosecco.
Pricing: Cocktail prices not specified in available sources.
Wine
A compact wine list spanning Italy, France, New Zealand, and California, with sparkling, white, and red options. Includes a Champagne, a Provençal rosé, Sancerre, and a Santa Barbara Pinot Noir.
Menu strengths
- — Includes sparkling options from Veneto, Loire, and Champagne.
Standout selections
- — 2023 Rose Gold, Côtes de Provence, France.
- — 2023 Au Bon Climat, Santa Barbara, California.
Pricing: Wine prices not specified in available sources.
Nonalcoholic
A dedicated mocktail section using Ritual agave alternative and Lyres orange, with four examples including a coconut-lime-jalapeño and a hibiscus-ginger option. Demonstrates effort beyond standard soda-based drinks.
Menu strengths
- — Uses non-alcoholic spirits like Ritual and Lyres, not just juice.
- — Variety of flavor profiles from spicy to citrusy.
Standout selections
- — Mocktail with Ritual agave alternative, coconut, lime, jalapeño.
- — Mocktail with Lyres orange, demerara, LDU espresso, oat milk.
Pricing: Mocktail prices not specified in available sources.
Spirits
The cocktail program is spirit-forward, using tequila, mezcal, gin, vodka, bourbon, and sherry. A bartender’s choice specialty shot adds a flexible element. No separate spirits list is documented.
Menu strengths
- — Broad spirit usage across cocktails, from reposado tequila to oloroso sherry.
- — Offers a bartender’s choice specialty shot for adventurous drinkers.
Standout selections
- — Specialty cocktail with reposado tequila, lime, hibiscus, ginger, tajín.
- — Specialty cocktail with mezcal, blanco tequila, watermelon, aloe, lime, salt.
Pricing: No dedicated spirits list or pricing found.
How it sits with the food
The Happy Meal pairs a mini smashburger and fries with any happy hour cocktail, and weekly steak-and-tini night suggests a martini with steak. The wine list's range—from sparkling to red—offers flexibility with small plates.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
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