Cocktail bar
Unclaimed profileThe Portrait Bar
New York, NY · $$$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
The Portrait Bar's cocktail list roams from Oaxaca to Cebu Island, with clarified preparations and bold ingredients like sesame-oil washed Laphroaig. A compact wine list counters with classics—Pierre Péters Champagne and a 1999 Vietti Barolo by Coravin. Expect a library-like setting and prices that reflect Manhattan. The non-alcoholic program is equally considered, making this a destination for serious drinkers.
- What should I order?
- Start with the Cebu Island, a clarified rum and Scotch cocktail with calamansi and bay leaf. For a splurge, the Vieux Carré XOXO ($65) layers Michter's 10yr Rye and Jean Fillioux XO. Wine drinkers should not miss the Vietti Barolo 1999 ($125, en coravin).
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Cocktail enthusiasts seeking inventive, globally inspired drinks and wine lovers interested in aged Barolo and grower Champagne. The cozy, library-like ambiance appeals to those wanting a refined, intimate setting.
- When should I go?
- Evenings suit the bar's moody, fireplace-lit ambiance; peak hours may bring crowds and noise, so early visits offer a more relaxed experience.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Cocktails range from moderate to premium, with specials at $54-$65. Wines by the glass start at $25, with the Barolo at $125. Beers are $12-$14. Overall, expect high Manhattan prices.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- A globally inspired cocktail menu that names drinks after cities and regions, featuring clarified techniques and unusual ingredients like queso fresco and beetroot. The wine list includes a 1999 Barolo served by Coravin, and a dedicated non-alcoholic section shows equal craft.
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
Globally inspired, clarified cocktails with unique ingredients. Specials showcase premium spirits.
Menu strengths
- — Creative use of unique ingredients like sesame-oil washed Laphroaig
Standout selections
- — Cebu Island – rum, Scotch, coconut, calamansi, bay leaf, peppercorn, clarified
- — Mapo District – Tokki soju, sesame-oil washed Laphroaig, cucumber, lemon, pineapple-vanilla cordial
- — Vieux Carré XOXO – Michter's 10yr Rye, Jean Fillioux XO, Cappellano Barolo Chinato, Bénédictine ($65)
Pricing: Vieux Carré XOXO $65, Golden Cadillac $54; other cocktails not priced on menu
Wine
Diverse wine list with regional selections from Italy, France, Austria, and Sicily. Includes premium Champagne and aged Barolo by Coravin.
Menu strengths
- — Premium selections including Pierre Péters Champagne and Vietti Barolo 1999
- — Regional diversity from Italy, France, Austria, and Sicily
Standout selections
- — Vietti Barolo 'Rocche' 1999 – Piedmont, en coravin ($125)
- — Pierre Péters Blanc de Blancs – Cuvée de Réserve, Champagne ($55)
- — Tement Sauvignon Blanc 'Kalk & Kreide' 2024 – Südsteiermark, Austria ($28)
Pricing: Wines by the glass range from $25 (Pecorino) to $125 (Barolo 1999)
Beer
Small but thoughtful beer list with a Vermont pilsner, a local IPA, and a non-alcoholic option.
Standout selections
- — Athletic Brewing 'Upside Dawn' N/A Ale – non-alcoholic ($12)
Pricing: Von Trapp Pilsner $14, Athletic Brewing N/A Ale $12
Nonalcoholic
Dedicated non-alcoholic cocktail list with creative ingredients like pistachio, yuzu, and lapsang souchong, plus a non-alcoholic beer.
Menu strengths
- — Variety of non-alcoholic cocktails; Creative ingredients and zero-proof spirits
Standout selections
- — Ramos Revival – Aplós Blend, Apéritif Bianco, pistachio, yuzu, cream, egg white, bubbles
- — Negroni Adrift – Roots Divino Bianco, Pentire 'Adrift', Aplós 'Ease', Ritual 'Aperitif'
- — A-Mock-Xicillin – Three Spirits 'Social', Optimist 'Smokey', Lapsang Souchong, ginger & honey, lemon
Pricing: No prices listed for non-alcoholic cocktails
Spirits
Spirits are showcased through premium cocktail ingredients, including Michter's 10yr Rye, Jean Fillioux XO, and Tokki Soju.
Menu strengths
- — Use of premium and unique spirits in cocktails
- — High-end expressions like Michter's 10yr Rye and Jean Fillioux XO
Standout selections
- — Michter's 10yr Rye – featured in Vieux Carré XOXO
- — Jean Fillioux XO Grande Reserve – featured in Vieux Carré XOXO
- — Tokki Soju – featured in Mapo District
Pricing: No dedicated spirits list; prices not available
How it sits with the food
The bar's food menu, including items like Tuna Tartare and Hot Dog Au Poivre, pairs well with the clarified cocktails and crisp whites; the Barolo's age suits richer dishes.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
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