Cocktail Bar
Unclaimed profileThe Friesian Gastro Pub
Grand Rapids, MI · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
The Friesian pours a deep, well-priced drink menu across every category. Cocktails run from a $8 Dark & Stormy to a $14 Japanese '75, with 20 options including house margaritas and slushies. Wine spans 12 bottles by the glass or bottle, and the draft list covers lagers, IPAs, stouts, and cider. A dedicated non-alcoholic menu and an extensive spirits list round out a program that rewards exploration.
- What should I order?
- Start with the Rye Old Fashioned, a Sazerac 6 yr rye build with Demerara syrup, orange peel, Angostura bitters, and a Luxardo cherry. For something lighter, the Japanese '75 tops Roku gin with sparkling yuzu sake. Customers also single out the Expression Martini as well-made.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Drinkers who want options will find them: cocktail traditionalists, craft beer fans, wine-by-the-glass drinkers, and those avoiding alcohol all have dedicated menus. The breadth suits groups with divergent tastes.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Cocktails run $8-$14, drafts $3-$7, canned beer $4-$10, and craft non-alcoholic drinks $5-$10. Wine by the glass starts at $8, with bottles up to $90. Spirit pours range from $3 well to $65 for rare whiskey.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- A 20-item cocktail list that ranges from classics to slushies, plus a separate sake/sparkling menu and a notable non-alcoholic program. The liquor list includes rare pours like Heaven Hill Heritage Collection 20-year, and customers praise the cocktails and mocktails.
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 20-cocktail menu spans house margaritas, slushies, and classics, with prices from $8 to $14. Happy hour takes 25% off. The cocktails, singling out a well-made Expression Martini receives consistent praise.
Menu strengths
- — 20 cocktails including creative house margaritas and slushies as well as classics.
- — A recent customer account describes the cocktails as well-made, specifically mentioning the Expression Martini.
Standout selections
- — Rye Old Fashioned: Sazerac 6 yr rye, Demerara syrup, orange peel, Angostura bitters, Luxardo cherry ($13).
- — Japanese '75: Roku gin, lavender syrup, lemon, topped with Hana Awaka sparkling yuzu sake ($14).
- — House Margarita: Corazón Reposado tequila, Gran Gala triple orange, lime, simple syrup ($10).
- — Expression Martini: praised by a customer as well-made.
Pricing: $8-$14 per cocktail; 25% off during happy hour.
Wine
Twelve wines by glass or bottle cover red, white, rosé, and sparkling, with a separate sake/sparkling section. Happy hour and Wednesday specials make glasses more affordable. No customer commentary exists for this category.
Menu strengths
- — A 12-wine list spans multiple varietals and regions, including California, France, and Italy.
- — Separate sake/sparkling menu adds prosecco, cava, and sparkling red options.
- — Happy hour offers $1 off wine glasses; Wednesday halves wine glass prices.
Standout selections
- — Robert Hall Artisanal Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles 2020 ($10 glass/$34 bottle).
- — Eroica Riesling, California 2024 ($9 glass/$32 bottle).; Maison Saleya Rosé, France 2024 ($11 glass/$38 bottle).
Pricing: $8-$12 by the glass; $25-$90 per bottle.
Beer
Ten drafts and thirteen cans cover lagers, IPAs, stouts, and cider, including local and national names. Tuesday half-off drafts and happy hour specials add value. No customer commentary exists for beer.
Menu strengths
- — Draft list includes lagers, IPAs, stouts, and cider; can list adds seltzers and non-alcoholic options.
- — Happy hour takes $1 off drafts and cans; Tuesday halves draft prices.
- — Includes local and national brands plus non-alcoholic beer.
Standout selections
- — Bell's Two Hearted IPA ($6 draft).; Guinness Nitro Dry Irish Stout ($7 draft).
- — M43 Strawberry Fruited NE Style IPA, 16 oz can ($10).
Pricing: $3-$7 drafts; $4-$10 cans.
Nonalcoholic
A dedicated non-alcoholic menu features craft N/A drinks, coffee, tea, soft drinks, and N/A beer. Customers report mocktails are very good, and children enjoyed fancy mocktails. Prices are reasonable.
Menu strengths
- — Dedicated menu with creative N/A options, from lavender lemonade to a phony negroni.
- — Mocktails are very good and that children enjoyed fancy mocktails stands out repeatedly.
Standout selections
- — Matcha Millions: matcha, coconut milk, strawberry puree, basil sugar rim ($7).
- — St Agrestis Phony Negroni, regular or espresso ($10).
- — Blueberry Lavender Lemonade ($5).; Casamara Club Superclassico non-alcoholic aperitivo ($9).
Pricing: $3 soft drinks; $5-$10 craft N/A drinks.
Spirits
An extensive liquor list spans vodka, gin, tequila, mezcal, rum, whisky, scotch, amaro, and liqueurs. It includes premium and rare whiskies like Heaven Hill Heritage Collection 20-year. Happy hour offers $3 wells.
Menu strengths
- — Extensive spirits selection across many categories.; Includes premium and rare whiskies, such as Heaven Hill Heritage Collection 20-year.
- — Happy hour offers $3 well liquor and late-night $1 off wells.
Standout selections
- — Heaven Hill Heritage Collection 20yr ($65 pour).; Don Julio 1942 Añejo ($35 pour).
- — Oban 14 Year Scotch ($20 pour).; Rittenhouse Rye ($7 pour).
Pricing: $3-$65 per pour; $3 wells during happy hour.
How it sits with the food
The Espresso Martini and Rye Old Fashioned are strong after-dinner choices. For food, the wine list's Eroica Riesling and Maison Saleya Rosé are versatile pairings, while the M43 Strawberry can complement lighter fare.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
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