Cocktail bar
Unclaimed profileThe Usual
Fort Worth, TX · $$$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
The Usual is a cocktail bar with a serious, classic-leaning program. The menu spans Prohibition-era recipes and inventive originals, backed by a deep spirits list and a dedicated non-alcoholic lineup. Happy hour delivers value, and Friday's $5 Fernet shots are a ritual. A confident, unpretentious spot for drinkers who want range.
- What should I order?
- Start with the Old Fashioned, a staff pick with an optional Dark Arts Usual Barrel finish. The seasonal daiquiri is a rotating highlight, and the Swan Song layers Old Tom gin, rye, and Yellow Chartreuse. For something bold, the La Frutera with habanero bitters lets you choose heat level.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Cocktail enthusiasts will appreciate the classic craft and creative originals. Spirits collectors can explore rare bourbons and agave. Non-alcoholic drinkers are well served by the Practical Choices menu. Happy hour seekers get well-made classics at $5.
- When should I go?
- Happy hour runs all night Sunday and Monday, and 4-7 Tuesday through Friday. Friday nights feature $5 Fernet Branca shots, drawing a crowd. Evenings are the time for the full cocktail experience.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Cocktails run $10-$24, with most around $11-$17. Happy hour classics are $5-$12. Wine by the glass is $11-$13, beer $3-$12, and spirits pours $6-$80. A night out with a few drinks can range from moderate to premium.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The Usual balances a deep classic cocktail program with adventurous originals and a serious spirits list. The non-alcoholic menu is unusually thoughtful, featuring Lyre's-based concoctions. Friday's Fernet ritual and all-night Sunday happy hour add personality.
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 broad menu of classics and originals, from the Old Fashioned to the clarified 'Why Don't We Go.' Seasonal daiquiri and spice-level options show range.
Menu strengths
- — Classic and Prohibition-era recipes are a focus, with creative originals like the Safe Word and La Frutera.
- — Happy hour offers classic cocktails at $5, making quality accessible.
Standout selections
- — Old Fashioned – Bourbon, sugar, bitters, with optional Dark Arts Usual Barrel finish.
- — Swan Song – Old Tom gin, rye, Yellow Chartreuse, Cocchi Americano.
- — Seasonal Daiquiri – Mexican rum, China-China, pineapple, lime, sugar.
Pricing: $10-$24, with happy hour classics at $5-$12
Wine
A compact but curated by-the-glass list covering sparkling, rosé, white, and red. Regions include Italy, France, and Spain. No bottle list was evident.
Menu strengths
- — A thoughtful selection of by-the-glass wines from varied regions.
Standout selections
- — Micel Mellesimato Prosecco – Italy, $13.
- — Villa Garrel Rose – Cotes de Provence, France, $12.
Pricing: $11-$13 per glass
Beer
A diverse beer list from domestic lagers to craft and imports, including non-alcoholic options. Happy hour boilermakers add value.
Menu strengths
- — Range from Miller High Life to Fuller's London Pride, with local Texas options.
Standout selections
- — Montucky Cold Snacks Lager – 16oz, $5.
Pricing: $3-$12
Nonalcoholic
A dedicated non-alcoholic menu with creative zero-proof cocktails using Lyre's spirits and other NA products. Options range from citrusy to spiced, showing real effort.
Menu strengths
- — Creative recipes like 'Fire Adjacent' with black ginger NA spirit.
- — Use of Lyre's spirits and NA beer expands choices.
Standout selections
- — Practical Choices – Lyre's London Spirit, lemon, molasses, sage, Lyre's Classico.
- — La Curandera – Lyre's Spiced Cane Spirit, lemon, Earl Grey, orgeat, smoked sea salt.
Pricing: $9-$17
Spirits
An extensive spirits program covering bourbon, rye, scotch, agave, rum, and more. Includes allocated bottles like Willett Single Barrel and rare agave spirits.
Menu strengths
- — Deep selection across categories, including rare and allocated pours.
- — House barrel pick 'Dark Arts Usual Barrel' finished in orange wine cask.
Standout selections
- — Dark Arts Usual Barrel Pick – Bourbon finished in orange wine cask, $22.
- — Neta Bicuixe Capon – Agave spirit from Oaxaca, $40.
- — Willett Single Barrel Bourbon 'Take Me to a Dancehall' 2024 – 1oz, $80.
Pricing: $6-$80 per pour
How it sits with the food
No food menu was evident, but the cocktail program pairs well with bar snacks. The Safe Word's poblano liqueur and pineapple tepache suggest a savory edge, while the seasonal daiquiri's citrus and spice could match lighter fare. The Spanish red and Provençal rosé are flexible for casual bites.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
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