Wine Bar
Unclaimed profileThe Wild
Denver, CO · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
The Wild runs a serious beverage program out of a wine bar that also pours coffee, cocktails, and brews. The cocktail list splits classics and originals, with house drinks like the Wild Fashion and Ocean Threat hitting $16. Happy hour is the real draw: select cocktails at $9, house wine at $6, and all drafts at $6. Spirits list goes deep into allocated whiskey.
- What should I order?
- Start with the Wild Fashion, a rye-sherry house cocktail, or the Ocean Threat with mezcal and guava. The espresso martini is a guest favorite. For wine, the Sauvignon Blanc or Malbec by the glass are reasonable. During happy hour, the $9 Old Fashioned and $6 house wine are the value picks.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Cocktail enthusiasts will appreciate the range of classics and originals, while whiskey collectors can explore rare allocated pours like George T Stagg and Van Winkle. The dedicated zero-proof menu and non-alcoholic beers make it welcoming for those skipping alcohol. Happy hour seekers get solid deals on drinks.
- When should I go?
- The weekly cocktail feature is another reason to check in regularly.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Classic cocktails $12, house cocktails $16, zero-proof cocktails $10, wine by glass $12-$14, drafts $8-$9, well spirits from $10 to $55 for rare pours. Happy hour drops select cocktails to $9, house wine to $6, and drafts to $6.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The Wild combines a wine bar base with an unusually deep spirits list, including allocated whiskeys like George T Stagg and Van Winkle. Its zero-proof cocktail program is more elaborate than most, with options like the Phony Negroni and Timeless Passion. The happy hour runs seven days a week, unusual for a venue of this scope.
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
Broad menu of classics (Saturn, Aviation) and originals (Wild Fashion, Ocean Threat). Happy hour deals are strong. Guest praise for espresso martini adds a point of confidence.
Menu strengths
- — Extensive cocktail menu with both classics and originals.
- — Dedicated zero-proof cocktail section.; Happy hour cocktail specials.
Standout selections
- — Wild Fashion: Jim Beam rye, manzanilla sherry, Peychauds, cardamom - $16
- — Ocean Threat: Mezcal Union Uno, blue curacao, guava, lime, aquafaba - $16
- — Espresso Martini: Roaring Fork vodka, Borghetti, vanilla, Middle State espresso - $16
Pricing: Classics $12; house cocktails $16; happy hour select $9; zero-proof $10.
Wine
A serviceable wine list covering the basics from Prosecco to Cabernet. Happy hour house wine is a solid value. No distinctive or unusual selections noted.
Menu strengths
- — Diverse wine selection across categories.; Happy hour wine specials.
Standout selections
- — Sauvignon Blanc: Touraine Protégée, Les Jarriers, FR - $13/$45
- — Malbec: Trapiche Alaris, Mendoza, AR - $12/$40
Pricing: By glass $12-$14; bottles $40-$60; happy hour house wine $6 glass/$30 bottle.
Beer
A compact but varied draft list including Pilsner, IPA, Cider, and Peach Wheat, plus reliable canned options. Happy hour price is a good deal.
Menu strengths
- — Variety of draft and packaged beers.; Non-alcoholic beer options.
Standout selections
- — Fremont Lush IPA - $8; Palisade Peach Wheat - $9
Pricing: Draft $8-$9; cans/bottles $7-$8; happy hour all drafts $6.
Nonalcoholic
A dedicated zero-proof cocktail section with three creative options and two non-alcoholic beers. Happy hour feature makes it accessible.
Standout selections
- — Phony Negroni: St. Agrestis nonalcoholic spirit forward cocktail - $10
- — Timeless Passion: Three Spirits Livener, thyme, passion fruit, lime - $10
Pricing: Zero-proof cocktails $10; non-alcoholic beers $7-$8; happy hour zero-proof $8.
Spirits
An extensive spirits list spanning agave, whiskey, rum, gin, and more, including rare allocated bourbons. Prices are reasonable for the quality level.
Menu strengths
- — Deep and diverse spirit selection.; Rare and allocated whiskeys available.
Standout selections
- — George T Stagg 2025 - $55
- — Van Winkle 12yr - $50; Macallan 12yr - $22
Pricing: Spirit pours $10-$55; happy hour well spirit and mixer $7.
How it sits with the food
The menu includes tinned fish, small bites, sandwiches, cheese and meats, which pair naturally with the wine list. The Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Noir would complement the cheese and meats, while the house cocktails like the Wild Fashion could stand up to heartier sandwiches.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
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