We had a friend meet up at this establishment and absolutely loved it! It's very different but they have really turned this old building into something quite special. I can't wait to come back and sit on the deck during the summer or fall. I had an N/A drink as I was driving. It was really mellow but refreshing. My friend had a bonafide cocktail and also enjoyed the citrus and clove flavor. We had the buffalo chicken dip and fig and prosciutto flatbread. Both really good and clean. By that I mean I had no stomach issues after eating there. Service was good although they could have come by more often. Nonetheless I will be back. read more

The Alchemist - N/A beverage - Cocktail Bars Near Me - White Bear Lake, Minnesota

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Say it with me: OVERRATED. The scene is odd, the furnishings are odd (old office chairs and old wheelchairs for seating) but I could get past all of that if the drinks were actually good... Sometimes you look at a drink menu and are intrigued but a bunch of options, this place was the opposite, not one drink looked good. All of the options are very masculine in nature: vermouth, bitters, etc.. you would think there would be something with like vodka or tequila and some fruit but nope. There was one drink that almost fit that profile but they threw in pink peppercorn and I was told that under no circumstance would they alter the ingredients... makes me think the bartender is either incapable or a complete jerk. In any case, bad customer service. I came here with 3 others and no one liked their drinks. read more

The Alchemist - Cocktail menu - Cocktail Bars Near Me - White Bear Lake, Minnesota

They make excellent drinks in a offbeat, quaint, unique setting. Difficult to describe the setting other than to say it's enjoyable. Small menu of flatbreads and other appetizers. Nice place for a happy hour drink. Stop in for a drink and then check out the other restaurants in downtown White Bear Lake. read more

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. read more

The Alchemist - Kung Fu Pandan - Cocktail Bars Near Me - White Bear Lake, Minnesota

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My new favorite. Cool place to catch up on work or just hang with friends. Trying their Old Fashioned drinks. This far, each has been excellent. read more

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

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! read more

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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! read more

The Alchemist - Cocktail Bars Near Me - White Bear Lake, Minnesota

The vibes of the bartender and waitress were strange. Asked if the bartender could add a little ginger beer because it was too strong- but she refused because she doesn't alter the drinks. She would have rather dumped out and wasted a whole drink than just altering it. And the bartender and waitress couldn't explain what their rationale was for not altering drinks. I also asked where we should sit and they said we can sit anywhere because we were the only ones there. Then when we picked a spot she said "not there". Nobody else showed up the whole time we were there. The place itself was really neat looking but was too bad that it was ruined by the service. Place is too overpriced for that kind of service. read more

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. read more

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The waitress with the squeaky voice is rude and told us to go get our own waters. That may be what you do here, however it's bad customer service! read more

This is our go to bar when we want a unique and high end cocktail. Whether you go with one of their recommended cocktails or stick with a classic, they are all amazing. I love the spicy margarita variations they often have on the menu. Some of the stuff have such unique ingredients I have to Google them. ;-). The presentation is always good. I've always had great service. read more

Came here for a double date with our friends. Drinks and food were amazing. Samantha was super nice and we loved all her fall drink recommendations! read more

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! read more

The Alchemist - Back left: "Moroccopolitan" (ask the bartender to add spice) Other three: "Business as Usual" - Cocktail Bars Near Me - White Bear Lake, Minnesota

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Changed a lot since first here soon after it opened. WBL needs a nice place to grab a cocktail instead of the light beer found elsewhere. Our server was accurate & efficient, even fun. The bartender however ruined the night for us. She didn't seem to want to be there & had absolutely no charm to give customers. It was after dinner on a Sat night but she acted like we were disturbing Sunday mass. Interesting drinks and great decor ruined by 1 persons bad attitude. Can't imagine any of us going back. read more

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. read more

The Alchemist - The Frenchy - Cocktail Bars Near Me - White Bear Lake, Minnesota

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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! read more

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I miss the days of when they first opened with friendly bartenders and wait staff. We would ask for something fruity and they would make a concoction. The female bartender now absolutely refused to alter any drinks, even to switch out tequilas as some don't like mezcal. She even refused to make a simple gin with ginger beer. Wait staff has no sense of humor or a friendly demeanor. Used to love going here but now not so much. read more

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 read more

The Alchemist - What a place the owner Julie It's quite spectacular just like the rest of her staff the music amazing - Cocktail Bars Near Me - White Bear Lake, Minnesota

Such poor customer service and the drinks are over priced. Some folks go out with their friends and want a simple drink, not one of the ones on the menu. To refuse to make simple drink such as a vodka-soda is absurd. This place thinks too much of itself. It used to be a great place- did they get new owners? read more

Lovely place, great ambience. They have a wonderful rooftop deck for guests. Some of the best drinks I have ever had! Bartender and wait staff are very knowledgeable and friendly. read more

Best dirty martini ever! It's called Ivan Putzki. Very smooth and served with pepper. If you like drinks with flavor and class, this is the one. We came on a Wednesday evening and it was very low key, but amazingly intimate. I would highly recommend anytime you are in White Bear Lake. Give it a try and I am sure you like it. read more

The Alchemist - Great environment to enjoy some good company! - Cocktail Bars Near Me - White Bear Lake, Minnesota

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AMAZING all around! Cocktails are made from fresh ingredients. No mixes used here. Many different places to sit including patio, rooftop, intimate spaces or the bar. Something for everyone. Very impressed by Julie, the wizard behind the bar. It's my go to place for a quick cocktail or to entertain a group of friends. Don't miss out. read more

Freddie and Beth are the reason for five stars. Wow personable relate-able and went above and beyond service I've experienced. Definitely heading back for some food and conversation PLUS our pups were shown some love too. read more

Really great cocktail menu. Many yummy appetizers. Nice outdoor patio. Chill location with fancy wedding party facilities. read more

The Alchemist - This is a pineapple martini. Something else too but I can't remember the name lol yum. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - White Bear Lake, Minnesota

The appetizers are delicious and the Carol Burnett, my favorite cocktail, is awesome. Our server, Beck, was very professional and accommodating. The Alchemist continues to be one of our favorite places. read more

This placed wow'ed me and I can't wait to go again. There are no other words for this place but sexy. It's literally almost a hole in the wall alchemy themed den of drinks. Real candles everywhere; so high on the walls I don't know how they reach them. Dark, intimate and enthralling. The drinks matched this interior as well. An appletini garnished with Honeycrisp and made with local Pine Tree Apple Orchard cider. Perfect. Whatever my partner ordered was surprisingly satisfying as well. This place has even more allure than bars in the Cities and it's arguably easier to get to depending on where you hail from (and definitly cheaper). Dress nice! This place is connected to an old armory that is used for events and guests regularly visit. I felt very underdressed. Also, the music is indie trance etc. Great ambiance. read more

A unique and interesting place where you'll find great food and amazing drinks created by the "alchemist" behind the bar. Seat yourself inside where you'll find fascinating decor or up top where you can sit outside and listen to live music while looking down on the bustling activity below. There's always something new that will pop up even if you're a regular at the Alchemist! read more

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A friend and I stopped in for a cocktail last evening. She had been telling me about this place for a few months, and I was excited to give it a try. The menu features an assortment of craft cocktails, which all featured exotic combinations of ingredients. If you don't see anything on the drinks menu that catches your eye, they are also willing to make a standard cocktail. Unfortunately, the bar area seemed a little cramped because it is just a narrow passageway. After we got our drinks, we moved out to the street-level garden, and sat at a table. Even in early September, with the weather just starting to turn cool, the garden area was well-kept and beautiful. Definitely a nice start to the weekend. read more

My friend and I like to go here on girls night out when we stay in white bear! Always fun and delicious drinks! Just one thing that was slightly off putting was when our server Zane told us our minor alteration to our on-menu cocktail was upsetting the bartender, it felt a bit inappropriate. We decided to leave instead of ordering another round. At $13 per drink, I would hope going forward they are more understanding about slight changes, or at least that if it is an undesirable change, it's not mentioned to the customer! Great fig and truffle flatbread though. read more

Have heard nothing but good things about this place, boy was I disappointed. Ordered a vodka martini and it tasted like water with hint of vodka. You know, vodka teenagers steal from the liquor cabinet and replace with water.That vodka! Told the waiter and he just stood there. You know like the kid that has been busted and doesn't know what to say, staring blankly then turns his back and walks away. The martini was dreadful and left on the table full, olives too. read more

First & foremost - this place has legit strong tasty drinks. No fluff, nothing watered down. Prices aren't extravagant considering any downtown Minneapolis joint charges $10 for mixed beverage. 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. But inside the Alchemist looks like a swanky prohibition meets goth decor which is uber funky. There's a semi-private table way in the back that seats 6 comfortably. We were there Friday night and the place was buzzing for a couple hours. Word of mouth & reputation will make the Alchemist a popular spot guaranteed. read more

The Alchemist - Cocktail Bars Near Me - White Bear Lake, Minnesota

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Highly recommend! Me and a few girl friends had a reservation for the patio and enjoyed pizza and a beautiful charcuterie board along with our drinks. It got a little chilly but there was room at the bar so we moved inside where the experience was still a 10/10. The bartenders truly enjoyed their job and made great conversation while creating some of amazing drinks! read more

For White Bear, this place isn't too shabby. If it were in Minneapolis, I'd probably knock it down to 3 stars. While the vibe is awesome, the cocktails lacked the complexity of others I've had in the Twin Cities, but with the same price tag. Boo. The servers were all fantastic, however! read more

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

Rum poured on a huge cube of ice! I was asking for another rum and the bartender brought out a Rare Rum from Trinidad which I must say was very satisfying! This is a small place as we had a group of 8 however once we got our drinks and a big round, cool as hell gear table we were all set! Decor and vibe is second to none in White Bear! Can't wait to go back!!! read more

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

I wish I took photos of this cocktail bar! It was not warm enough to sit on the patio or garden alley, but the edgy and eclectic atmosphere inside is unique. I love that it's here in quaint Downtown White Bear Lake. The Alchemist has beautifully crafted cocktails. My sister-in-law and I both had the Carol Burnett which had hints of citrus, tequila, St Germaine and a pink edible flower. I noticed they also have wine and beer, so it will be a good excuse for me to bring by husband next time! I've visited this spot a handful of times, and just learned that flatbread and regular pizzas and appetizers are available. We shared a full size BBQ Chicken Pizza, but I think I'll try a different one next time. Service was also phenomenal on a early Thursday evening. Julie was attentive and friendly. We will visit again! read more

5 stars fo sho. Awesome drinks in an awesome establishment with an awesome rooftop deck with great service. I'm down. Came here after our 2nd botched attempt at liking Big Wood Brewery next door and decided to establish base at the rooftop deck. Cool view of downtown WBL. I ordered an Old Fashioned and it was fantastic, the way it should be. The waitress was super friendly, believing I was from Kazahstan *giggle*giggle*. And of course as everyone else has mentioned the place is just spiffy, super cool designs all over the place. Fun place, highly recommended. read more

It is hard to believe that a place like this exists in White Bear Lake. It is as if an incredibly creative bar from LA has been transported to downtown WBL. Walking inside you are transported to a super trendy, steampunk themed, candle lit bar. It is small and intimate, but feels other worldly. The drinks here are out of this world. Honestly they are some of the best I've ever had. They can do things like take an old classic and put a fresh twist on it (caramel old fashion) to creating something entirely new (my personal favorite, the Macho Camacho, which sadly isn't on the menu anymore). The drinks take time to make, but they are expertly crafted (not mixed here, crafted). If you aren't sure what you are in the mood for or you have a vision in mind, just tell the bartenders. If they aren't too busy they probably will whip you up something amazing. On the nice nights there is a great patio upstairs to go enjoy if it is too crowded downstairs. The prices here can't be beat either. You get a to die for cocktail at WBL prices. Such a steal! I will keep coming back here long after we move. 71/100 read more