Restaurant
Unclaimed profileThe Lobby Bar
Richmond, VA · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
The Lobby Bar's cocktail program is the clear draw, with a lineup of inventive drinks like the Quirk Spritz and Funky's Flight School, featuring house-made components and a spirit range spanning mezcal to bourbon. The wine list leans Southern European and Virginian, with a sustainable bent. Guests praise the cocktail quality and the friendly, attentive bartenders.
- What should I order?
- Start with the Quirk Spritz for a bright, bubbly aperitif. For something richer, the Old Fashioned Quirk pairs bourbon and rye with demerara. The Sealed in Smoke showcases mezcal with black salt, while Funky's Flight School layers coffee-infused rum and banana peel oleo.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Cocktail enthusiasts seeking creative, well-crafted drinks will find much to like. Those interested in a thoughtfully curated wine list with a regional focus, especially biodynamic and sustainable options, will also be well served. The friendly bartenders add to the appeal.
- When should I go?
- Evenings are ideal for exploring the cocktail menu, and the holiday cocktail menu suggests a festive season visit. The rotating wine selection may offer something new on return visits.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Pricing is not listed for cocktails or wine, so expect to spend typical craft cocktail bar prices, though exact figures are unverified.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The cocktail program stands out for its house-made ingredients, such as hibiscus syrup and banana peel oleo, and a playful approach to classics like the Old Fashioned Quirk. The wine program's emphasis on Southern European and Virginian wines with sustainable practices adds a distinctive regional thread.
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 creative and diverse cocktail menu with house-made syrups and bitters, featuring eight signature drinks that span gin, mezcal, rum, and bourbon.
Menu strengths
- — Diverse cocktail menu with creative ingredients and house-made components.
- — Positive community feedback on cocktail quality and variety.
Standout selections
- — Quirk Spritz: Cocchi rosa, vodka, fresh lemon, simple syrup, soda water.
- — Sealed in Smoke: Banhez mezcal, triple sec, hibiscus syrup, lime, black salt.
- — Funky's Flight School: Coffee infused Smith & Cross rum, creme de banane, house-made banana peel oleo, lemon, egg white.
Pricing: Prices not listed on the menu.
Wine
The wine program emphasizes Southern European wines, with Virginian highlights and a rotating bottle selection leaning towards biodynamic and sustainable vineyards. This regional and sustainable focus is a distinctive strength, though detailed list information is lacking.
Menu strengths
- — Wine program emphasizes regional connection and sustainable practices.
Pricing: No specific wine prices provided.
Spirits
The spirits selection is integrated into the cocktail program, featuring gin, mezcal, rum, bourbon, and rye. While no dedicated spirits list exists, the variety supports a creative cocktail menu.
Menu strengths
- — Spirits selection is integrated into a creative cocktail program.
Pricing: No dedicated spirits list or pricing available.
How it sits with the food
No specific food pairing recommendations are provided, but the cocktail menu's range from light spritzes to spirit-forward drinks suggests flexibility with a variety of dishes. The wine list's Southern European focus could complement Mediterranean-influenced cuisine.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
Community reviews
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