Cocktail Bar
Unclaimed profileThe Monarch Club
Detroit, MI · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
The Monarch Club's rooftop bar pours a thoughtful cocktail list with creative twists, a deep spirits collection, and a capable wine program. Zero-proof options are a cut above. Customers praise the well-balanced drinks and the panoramic views, making it a destination for elevated drinking in.
- What should I order?
- Start with the TMC Old Fashioned, a barrel-specific Elijah Craig build with cola syrup and burnt orange. The Stardust offers a complex blend of Four Roses, velvet falernum, and Aperol. For something lighter, the A Summer Place pisco sour is a classic done right.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Cocktail enthusiasts seeking creative yet classic drinks, spirits collectors wanting rare pours, and anyone who values a rooftop setting with city views. The zero-proof menu also makes it welcoming for non-drinkers.
- When should I go?
- Evenings are ideal to enjoy the rooftop views, especially during summer or game nights, as guests mention. The setting enhances the drink experience.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Cocktails range from $18 to $24, zero-proof drinks $10 to $12, beers $6 to $20, and wines from $15 to $385 per bottle. Premium spirits can reach $217.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- Perched atop the restored Metropolitan Building, the bar offers a historic neo-gothic setting with panoramic city views. The cocktail list is ambitious, using local spirits and creative ingredients, and the spirits selection is remarkably broad.
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
Creative yet classic cocktails with thoughtful ingredients and local spirits.
Menu strengths
- — Extensive list with creative ingredients and local spirits
Standout selections
- — TMC Old Fashioned - Elijah Craig TMC Barrel #3, cola syrup cardamom, burnt orange
- — Stardust - Four Roses Single Barrel, velvet falernum, Combier de Rose Aperol, lemon
- — Witchcraft - Hendricks Gin, guindilla pepper brine, torched guindilla pepper
Pricing: $18-$24 per cocktail
Wine
Diverse wine list with international selections, including by-the-glass and bottle options. High-end bottles like Ridge Monte Bello add depth.
Menu strengths
- — Diverse international selections; Includes both by-the-glass and bottle options
Standout selections
- — 2022 Nicolas Potel Pinot Noir, Bourgogne, FR ($22/88)
- — 2022 te Pa Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, NZ ($16/64)
- — Ridge 'Monte Bello' Cabernet Sauvignon ($385)
Pricing: $15-$385 per bottle; by-the-glass from $16
Beer
Focused draft list with local and international options, including a non-alcoholic beer. Priced uniformly at $12 for drafts.
Menu strengths
- — Selection of local and international drafts; Includes non-alcoholic option
Standout selections
- — Cigar City Jai Alai IPA - draft
- — Roak Devil Dog Oatmeal Stout - draft
Pricing: $6-$20
Nonalcoholic
Dedicated zero-proof section with creative non-alcoholic cocktails, plus a non-alcoholic beer. Priced reasonably and thoughtfully crafted.
Menu strengths
- — Dedicated zero-proof cocktail section; Includes non-alcoholic beer option
Standout selections
- — Spicy Maracuya - passionfruit, habanero bitter, Tajin
- — Coco Brûlée - coconut, clove, condensed milk, caramelized cinnamon sugar
- — Chai Affair - oat milk, espresso, chai, pumpkin spice
Pricing: $6-$12
Spirits
Extensive spirits list covering all major categories, with rare and high-end bottles. Bourbon, scotch, tequila, and gin selections are particularly strong.
Menu strengths
- — Very extensive selection across all categories; Includes rare and high-end bottles
Standout selections
- — Elijah Craig TMC Barrel - bourbon, $18
- — Don Julio 1942 - tequila, $56
- — Nolet's Reserve Dry Gin - gin, $150
Pricing: $10-$217 per pour
How it sits with the food
While the bar does not offer food, the cocktail program's bold flavors—like the spicy Tainted Love or the herbal Witchcraft—would pair well with rich or spicy bar snacks. The wine list's by-the-glass options provide flexible pairing choices.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
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