Restaurant
Unclaimed profileThe Upstate Lounge & Cafe
Hartford, CT · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
Classic cocktails with full recipes anchor the drinks at this cafe-bar, from a Sloe Gin Fizz to an Old Fashioned blending bourbon and rye. A dedicated mocktail line includes four $12 options, and the Tottenham menu pours Guinness and Carlsberg at $7. Customers single out well-executed classics and Hannah's cold brew. The cocktail list is the main event; beer and spirits stay modest.
- What should I order?
- Order from the classic cocktail list: the Old Fashioned combines bourbon, rye, sugar, and a bitters blend, or the Saratoga Sour uses Old Overholt Straight Rye with lemon, simple syrup, and fee foam. The Negroni is a straightforward Damrak Gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth build. If you're not drinking, the $12 mocktails are a solid alternative.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Cocktail traditionalists will find a menu of recognizable classics built with named spirits, including a Caesar, Negroni, and Espresso Martini. The cafe side and $12 mocktails also suit coffee drinkers and designated drivers. Beer drinkers have a narrow selection, but Guinness and Carlsberg are available at $7.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Cocktail prices are not listed, but the beer and mocktail pricing anchors the range: Guinness and Carlsberg are $7, College Night spirit specials are $5, and mocktails run $12. Expect a moderate tab for cocktails, likely above the beer and mocktail marks.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The drink menu leans on classics with published recipes, and the website tagline says 'Craft, Classic, And Everything Between.' It also runs a cafe and bar with a dedicated mocktail section, unusual at this level. Customers mention 'great classic cocktails with wonderful execution.'
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
The cocktail menu is built around classics, with a wide list including Caesar, Spritz, Sloe Gin Fizz, Saratoga Sour, Margarita, Negroni, Old Fashioned, Albany, Espresso Martini, and Martini. Each drink lists specific ingredients, such as the Caesar's Absolut Tabasco and Clamato and the Old Fashioned's bourbon, rye, sugar, and bitters blend. The classics as well executed stands out repeatedly.
Menu strengths
- — Broad list of classic cocktails with detailed recipes for each.
- — Specific spirits used throughout, such as Damrak Gin, Old Overholt Straight Rye, and Jose Cuervo Tradicional.
- — Community praise calls the classic cocktails 'wonderful execution.'
Standout selections
- — Caesar — Absolut Tabasco, Clamato, celery salt rim
- — Saratoga Sour — Old Overholt Straight Rye, lemon, simple syrup, fee foam
- — Old Fashioned — Bourbon, Rye, Sugar, bitters blend
Pricing: Cocktail prices not listed on the drink menu.
Beer
Guinness and Carlsberg available at a consistent $7 price.; Guinness — $7.00; Carlsberg — $7.00; Gennys — $3.00
Menu strengths
- — Guinness and Carlsberg available at a consistent $7 price.
Standout selections
- — Guinness — $7.00; Carlsberg — $7.00; Gennys — $3.00
Nonalcoholic
The cafe menu includes coffee, tea, lemonade, and a dedicated mocktail section with Espresso Old Fashion, Matchalada, Espresso Mojito, and Dirty Chai Tonic, each $12. A customer specifically praises Hannah's cold brew as a standout non-alcoholic beverage.
Menu strengths
- — Dedicated mocktail section with four creative options.; Mocktails are uniformly priced at $12.
- — Hannah's cold brew is highlighted by a customer as a standout.
Standout selections
- — Espresso Old Fashion — $12; Matchalada — $12
Pricing: Mocktails are $12 each.
Spirits
College Night offers $5 Tequila Soda and Vodka Soda specials.; Named spirits used in a range of classic cocktails.
Menu strengths
- — Named spirits used in a range of classic cocktails.
- — College Night offers $5 Tequila Soda and Vodka Soda specials.
Standout selections
- — Tequila Soda — $5 College Night special; Vodka Soda — $5 College Night special
Pricing: College Night specials: Tequila Soda and Vodka Soda are $5 each.
Community reviews
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