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    The Alchemist

    4.2 (80 reviews)
    ModerateCocktail Bars
    Closed Closed

    The Alchemist Photos

    THE ALCHEMIST ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Trendy
    Moderate noise
    Good for groups
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - The Alchemist

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    Kung Fu Pandan
    HonestlyMommy P.

    The atmosphere was really fun; moody and the decor was very different, we loved the vibe. Honestly though for the prices the drinks were good but not outstanding. And the pretzel was okay, the size was great but we weren't amazed. Our waitress was friendly and attentive and drinks came out quickly. Cool look and feel and I'm glad we visited but I don't think we'll be back anytime soon.

    Seasonal cocktail menu- this was the Verde Nice to Meet You. House made cilantro chili ginger beer and tequila.
    Laura A.

    We were walking downtown WBL looking for a dinner spot and stumbled upon the Alchemist. The Alchemist can best be described as a cocktail potions laboratory. The bar manager Julie (aka Joe Exotic) creatively crafts a rotating menu of cocktails. The names and flavor combinations are so unique. She was making her own bitters, simple syrups and dehydrating fruits for garnishes. She also makes a ginger beer on rotation. We were lucky to try the spring onion rhubarb ginger beer and the cilantro chili ginger beer. Both were incredible. I had the Stache cocktail which features a house made pistachio cold foam. RUN to try this drink!! We shared the spinach artichoke dip which was good but the fig pizza was one of the best flatbreads we have ever had. The bar has tons of antiques to look at and very cool seating spaces. To the bar manager Julie- thank you for the love and effort you put into this place, we loved chatting with you!

    Rich P.

    Great little spot, amazing craft cocktails. So many great looking drinks on the cocktail menu and I saw being servers to other customers...too bad I had to drive so I only had one cocktail. Check the place out!

    BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza~
    Pardra H.

    Come out and sit outside for Flatbread Pizza and drinks - perfect way to end the day! The drinks are perfection (like drinking juice!) and the food is the perfect amount along with taste! The location couldn't be better - quaint and nice shops/cafes to explore before stopping in for a drink.

    Back left: "Moroccopolitan" (ask the bartender to add spice) Other three: "Business as Usual"
    Summer B.

    Cannot say enough good things about The Alchemist. Ordered their cocktail kits all during COVID, so we could make craft cocktails at home for friends and family. There is truly no place else in the northern suburbs like it! From the drinks, to the decor, to the staff--one of the best cocktail bars I've tried in the Midwest. The owner was kind enough to give us a tour of the space and explained in detail all of the unique decor--some of which is from the 1800's. The space also has an event venue upstairs for weddings (Kellerman's Event Center). What a cool venue for a wedding/reception. One of the things I love most is their menu rotation--they switch it up each season, which makes it more fun to come back and switch up your order! This time my group ordered two rounds of drinks. One of the go to's is the "Business as Usual", which is their Old Fashioned. Some other favorites include their Mexican Standoff (spicy margarita) and the Coco Loco. Do yourself a favor and make the trip to downtown White Bear Lake. The Alchemist never disappoints!

    The Frenchy
    Brian H.

    I've been meaning to stop in here for a drink for a lonnngggg time and finally made it for a date night with my beautiful bride. We came during Market Fest and they had live music on the rooftop patio. It was pretty loud and not really our taste of music, but that's a preference thing, I think we can all agree that outdoor live music on the summer is awesome. We stayed downstairs for our cocktails and pulled up to a couple high stools by the window. The interior has a kind of classy dungeon decor, if that's a thing. It seems to work well in the space, which is a bit tight. We didn't venture upstairs, but I imagine there's more room to spread out up there. The service was friendly and prompt and the drinks were delicious. The drink menu has a lot of options that all sound great. I went for the Stolen from Glasgow which was smooth with a hint of maple without being sweet, and my wife went for The Frenchy, which she loved. It's a bit expensive but on par with other cocktail bars, we'll be back to try something new.

    Chandeliers!
    Catherine C.

    If you're into eclectic, edgy Steampunk décor and memorabilia, this is the craft cocktail bar for you! It is so beautiful inside. I was a little taken aback. I felt that it's too hidden away in White Bear Lake (BUT maybe that's a good thing, more for us here in the 'burbs!) I could see a place like this in Minneapolis. It's dark and mysterious inside. It's not super spacious, but that adds to the appeal of the place. The bartenders are great and we had a good chat. Our group of three ladies ordered cocktails and appetizers. The Buffalo Chicken Dip and Stuffed Mushrooms were delicious! I had two different cocktails, one had Mezcal and the other had Norseman gin. Both very good cocktails. Take a look at the cool and creepy Gargoyle as he gazes down upon the bar. It's so funny. I loved the atmosphere and the wonderful interior. My friends and I will return!

    What a place the owner Julie It's quite spectacular just like the rest of her staff the music amazing
    Jamey b.

    If you get a chance to stop in and meet the staff do it place is great she'll even make a drinks that are not on the list very easy to talk to great with requests great prices great music great atmosphere, will be back for Halloween

    Great environment to enjoy some good company!

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    2 months ago

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    7 months ago

    Drinks were fantastic! Would like to see more food choices. Flare read was good. Would go there again.

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    6 years ago

    My favorite place to get cocktails. Every time I go I'm satisfied with everything I ordered, and the customer service is superb.

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    6 years ago

    Fun drinks for sure. It is pricey but you're paying for quality ingredients and service.

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    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - The Alchemist

    Review Highlights - The Alchemist

    This joint is located is downtown WBL in a part of town I'd say is throwback to what a quaint small town downtown looks like.

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    Stone & Oak - December 2023 - Wild mushroom flatbread  With basil oil, brie, Parmesan, red onion, and balsamic glaze

    Stone & Oak

    4.3(6 reviews)
    2.5 mi

    Through word of mouth, found this intimate gem that offers a dining experience once a month at…read moretheir establishment. The chef and bartender design and develop new and fresh ideas for the menu each month. The Prime Rib sandwich was a sell out hit. The wild mushroom flatbread was tasty and a nice crispy crust. The craft cocktail concoctions were especially enjoyable. Loved the Christmas Cookie cocktail with the sugar cookies dessert option. Will definitely be going back on another month.

    To summarize in one word, disappointing. We live close by and I felt bad that we had not checked…read moreout this restaurant. On a warm humid Saturday we needed something to do and finally made the reservation. We had originally reserved two spots at the bar. With an open kitchen, we thought it might be entertaining and fun to watch them prepare the food. The bar seating is not very attractive as the kitchen area is a bunch of shelving and and to be honest, not much to see. We changed our plans and were seated at a table. The drinks. My spouse ordered a drink that did not come with any alcohol. When we pointed it out to the server, she stated that she could get us another one. Also mentioned that she would advise the bartender. My spouse passed on another try at the drink and ordered a glass of wine instead. I ordered one of the special drinks they offered and was just somewhat satisfied. The food. I ordered the halibut which was presented very well, but it was very bland with a total lack of taste. My spouse ordered the roasted vegetable pasta which our servers said was loaded with vegetables. That was definitely an exaggeration as other than a few pieces of broccoli, it was very light on vegetables. My spouse is willing to give it another try but for me, I believe it is the last time. I will check it out if I see some encouraging reviews on yelp.

    Photos
    Stone & Oak - Seating area

    Seating area

    Stone & Oak - December 2023 - Christmas Cookie cocktail served with sugar cookies

    December 2023 - Christmas Cookie cocktail served with sugar cookies

    Stone & Oak - December 2023 - House Fries with lemon garlic aioli

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    December 2023 - House Fries with lemon garlic aioli

    Oliver’s - Shoreview - Nutella cookie

    Oliver’s - Shoreview

    4.4(195 reviews)
    5.6 mi
    $$

    This is one of my very favorite places for breakfast, and I return often because the food is…read moreconsistently delicious. I highly recommend the Original Bagel Sandwich--an everything bagel with bacon, American cheese, and a fried egg--paired with Oliver's hash. The hash has outstanding flavor and is truly a standout. Another favorite is the Scrambler (scrambled eggs with bacon, scallions, mushrooms, peppers, aged cheddar, and Oliver's hash underneath). Again, the flavor is excellent. If you enjoy a little kick, be sure to ask for their homemade hot sauce--it's terrific. I believe the ketchup is made in-house as well, although it's not quite to my taste. My one consistent disappointment with breakfast is that the menu never changes. They don't seem to offer specials, and I would really love to see new items introduced--whether occasionally or seasonally. Adding some variety would make an already great experience even better. I've considered going for lunch, but the current menu doesn't quite draw me in. I tend to go to specialty places for pizza or tacos, and while I'm sure the soup is very good, I can't justify $17 for a bowl. There are burgers and sandwiches as well, but nothing that really stands out to me. Again, introducing lunch specials or rotating items would make a big difference and likely bring me in more often. The atmosphere is excellent--comfortable, inviting, and full of charming little nooks and crannies, along with bar seating. If having a booth is important to you, I recommend making a reservation.

    Food so-so…read more Service GREAT! Thank you sharon b."sheri" for your amazing care! We'll try again when you're working! Ambiance- really nice- spacious, great and comfortable seating.

    Photos
    Oliver’s - Shoreview
    Oliver’s - Shoreview - Chicken Tenders

    Chicken Tenders

    Oliver’s - Shoreview - Menu 1/23/26 p1

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    Menu 1/23/26 p1

    The Alchemist - cocktailbars - Updated May 2026

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