Cocktail Bar
Unclaimed profileThe Lobby Bar
Saint Paul, MN · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
The Lobby Bar at The Hotel anchors its beverage program in local character: cocktails named for city streets and landmarks, built with Tattersall spirits and fresh citrus. The 10-cocktail list spans $13–$18, while a zero-proof section offers crafted non-alcoholic options. Beyond the bar, the program extends through in-room dining, banquet service, and afternoon tea, where a themed cocktail and Champagne accompany scones. A 11-bottle wine list and local craft beer round out a comprehensive, if conventional, hotel bar.
- What should I order?
- Start with the Summit Avenue Old Fashioned ($18), a bourbon, Demerara sugar, and Angostura bitters build. The West Seventh Manhattan ($17) swaps in rye and Luxardo cherry. For something lighter, the Cathedral Bloom ($14) pairs Prosecco with St-Germain. Non-drinkers should try the Blue on the Bluff ($4.50), a botanical non-alcoholic riff on a Bee's Knees.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Travelers staying at the hotel will appreciate the convenience and range, from craft cocktails to zero-proof options. Locals may find the local spirits and beers appealing, and anyone seeking a classic hotel bar experience with a regional twist will feel at home. The afternoon tea service adds a draw for those seeking a leisurely, ceremonial occasion.
- When should I go?
- The bar suits an after-work cocktail or a pre-dinner drink. Afternoon tea, with its themed cocktail, offers a distinct daytime occasion. Evenings likely bring the full bar menu, though specific hours are not documented.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Specialty cocktails run $13–$18, wines by the glass $13–$30, and beers $7–$10. Zero-proof drinks are a bargain at $3.50–$4.50, while in-room mocktails cost $9.95. Banquet cocktails start at $10.50.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The program leans into its setting: cocktails named for local landmarks, spirits from Minnesota's Tattersall, and local beers like Summit and Surly. The dedicated zero-proof section, with drinks like Blue on the Bluff and Lowertown Lemon, goes beyond standard soda offerings. Afternoon tea with a themed cocktail adds a singular experience.
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 10-cocktail list with local spirit integration and fresh ingredients. Names evoke local geography, and the range covers classics to sparkling refreshers. Zero-proof options expand the program's appeal.
Menu strengths
- — Creative naming and local spirit integration (e.g., Tattersall) give the menu a sense of place.
- — Diverse styles from Old Fashioned to French 75 to Espresso Martini.
Standout selections
- — Summit Avenue Old Fashioned – bourbon, Demerara sugar, Angostura bitters, orange peel ($18).
- — West Seventh Manhattan – rye, sweet vermouth, Angostura bitters, Luxardo cherry ($17).
- — Cathedral Bloom – Prosecco, St-Germain, Sauvignon Blanc ($14).
Pricing: Specialty cocktails $13–$18; afternoon tea cocktail $13; banquet cocktails $10.50–$12.50.
Wine
An 11-bottle list covering major varietals and regions, from Prosecco to Cabernet. No flights or sommelier noted, but the selection is competent and available across multiple service venues.
Menu strengths
- — Covers key varietals and regions, including sparkling options.
- — Available in bar, in-room dining, amenities, banquet, and afternoon tea.
- — Includes value picks like La Crema Chardonnay at $13.
Standout selections
- — Bisol NV Jeio Brut Prosecco – Veneto, Italy ($13).
- — Dr. Loosen Riesling Kabinett – Germany ($17).
Pricing: Wines by the glass $13–$30; banquet wines $12.50–$13.00 per glass.
Beer
A 13-option list including domestic, import, and local craft. Summit and Surly represent the local scene, and a non-alcoholic option is offered. No draft or flight details, but solid for a hotel bar.
Menu strengths
- — Includes local craft beers (Summit EPA, Surly Hell) and a non-alcoholic option.
- — Beer available across bar, in-room dining, and banquet menus.
Standout selections
- — Summit EPA – local craft pale ale ($8).
- — Surly Hell – local craft lager ($10).
Pricing: Beers $7–$10; banquet domestic $7.50, import/local $8.00.
Nonalcoholic
A dedicated zero-proof section with creative non-alcoholic cocktails like Blue on the Bluff and Lowertown Lemon. Includes a botanical non-alcoholic spirit and non-alcoholic beer. Exceptional value at bar prices.
Menu strengths
- — Creative non-alcoholic cocktails with house-made shrubs and fresh ingredients.
- — Includes a botanical non-alcoholic spirit, adding complexity.; Low pricing ($3.50–$4.50) makes it accessible.
Standout selections
- — Blue on the Bluff – blueberry, honey, lemon, botanical non-alcoholic spirit ($4.50).
- — Lowertown Lemon – basil sparkling lemonade ($4.50).
- — Grand Ave Ginger – ginger shrub, fresh thyme, soda water ($3.50).
Pricing: Zero-proof drinks $3.50–$4.50; in-room mocktail $9.95.
Spirits
An extensive spirits list covering all major categories, with local Tattersall and premium options like Macallan 12. No individual prices at the bar, but the range suggests depth.
Menu strengths
- — Covers all major spirits categories.; Includes local craft distilleries.
- — Premium options available in banquet and in-room dining.
Standout selections
- — Tattersall Tightline Vodka – local vodka.
- — Macallan 12 yr Scotch – single malt.
- — Bulleit Bourbon – bourbon ($30 in-room).
Pricing: In-room dining spirits $8–$35; no individual bar prices documented.
How it sits with the food
The bar menu does not detail food pairings, but the cocktail list's fresh citrus and herbal notes could complement light fare. The afternoon tea menu suggests a natural match with its themed cocktail. In-room dining offers a Bloody Mary and Blackberry Rosemary Mule, which could pair with breakfast or brunch items.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
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