Restaurant
Unclaimed profileThe New Fashioned - A Bars & Recreation Experience
Milwaukee, WI · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
The New Fashioned anchors its beverage program around a 50-tap self-pour wall, the largest in offering beer, wine, cocktails, and N/A options. Customers single out the Cranberry Old Fashioned and Spicy Pineapple Paloma on tap as standouts. The Melt Yard adds brandy and vodka-based drinks. A self-serve model encourages exploration, though the wine selection remains generic.
- What should I order?
- Start with the Cranberry Old Fashioned from the tap wall—customers say it beats the bartender-made version. The Spicy Pineapple Paloma also earns praise. For a different angle, try a Berens Old Fashioned Brandy favorite or a Tito's Bloody Mary in The Melt Yard.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Crowds who like controlling their own pour will find the self-serve wall appealing. Beer enthusiasts can sample 30 rotating locals, while cocktail fans can taste variations without committing to a full drink. Groups exploring different styles will appreciate the variety.
- When should I go?
- Evenings when the self-pour wall is in full swing, especially for groups wanting to sample multiple beverages. The Melt Yard offers a separate space for brandy and vodka drinks, suitable for a more focused tasting.
- What should I expect to spend?
- No pricing information is available, but the self-pour model suggests pay-by-the-ounce, which can be economical for those who pour modestly. The lack of listed prices means cost depends entirely on consumption.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The 50-tap self-pour wall is the largest in a genuine draw. It spans beer, wine, cocktails, and N/A options, letting guests craft their own flight. The inclusion of a seasonal cocktail on tap and the Melt Yard's brandy and vodka focus add further character.
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
Cocktails on tap distinguish this program. The Cranberry Old Fashioned and Spicy Pineapple Paloma, with the former noted as superior to the bartender-made version receives consistent praise. A seasonal special adds variety, though the full menu remains undocumented.
Menu strengths
- — Cocktails available on self-pour tap wall, a unique and interactive approach.
Standout selections
- — Cranberry Old Fashioned: praised by customers as better than the regular Old Fashioned.
Wine
Wine is available on the self-pour tap wall, but no specific varieties, regions, or quality indicators are documented. It appears to be a functional option rather than a curated selection.
Beer
The beer program is the centerpiece: 50 taps with 30 rotating local beers, billed as the largest self-pour wall in. This provides substantial variety and supports local breweries, though specific breweries are unnamed.
Menu strengths
- — Largest self-pour tap wall in with 50 taps.
- — 30 rotating local beers offer variety and local support.
Nonalcoholic
N/A options are available on the self-pour wall, but no specific beverages are named. The inclusion is positive for non-drinkers, yet the lack of detail prevents a higher assessment.
Spirits
The spirits program features Berens Old Fashioned Brandy favorites and Tito's Bloody Marys in The Melt Yard. This offers a distinct regional nod to Wisconsin's brandy tradition, though the overall spirits list is not documented.
Menu strengths
- — Berens Old Fashioned Brandy highlights a local classic.
- — Tito's Bloody Mary provides a familiar vodka option.
Standout selections
- — Berens Old Fashioned Brandy: featured in The Melt Yard.
- — Tito's Bloody Mary: available in The Melt Yard.
How it sits with the food
Pair the Cranberry Old Fashioned with savory bar snacks to balance its sweetness. The Spicy Pineapple Paloma's heat and citrus can cut through rich, fried foods. For beer, the rotating local taps offer flexibility with a range of dishes, while the Tito's Bloody Mary suits brunch-style fare.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
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