Once again Yelp led me to the best cocktail bar ever. Wow. Ty r menu was colorful and extremely informative with pictures and descriptions. Both the the Fig-get About It and the Bless your Heart were good. They distill their own spirits, make their own shrubs, etc. Douglas the bartender and the other were both great and knowledgeable. They kept an eye out and my water glass never went empty. The atmosphere was cozy- low lighting and a comfy bar chair. The playlist was a mix of late 60s hits that brought back memories. This was a highlight of the trip and I would come here again. read more

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Awesome craft cocktails, very knowledgeable bartenders. Retail on site. One of the best places in town read more

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Little distillery and cocktail lounge on the edge of the Oregon district. Good service parking on site. Their bourbon is 118 proof with a pleasant mild vanilla finish. Their Rye is spicy on the front with a rich rye finish. Give it a few seconds after it goes down to get that rye flavor. Very good cocktail line up offered. Pleasant and cozy atmosphere. read more

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The Van Buren Room (located in the Belle of Dayton distillery building!) offers really complex cocktails great for a variety of flavor profiles. The space is small, so plan ahead, but we really had a great time here. PROS: -Really lovely, complex drinks in a variety of tastes. Prefer them sweeter and less in-your-face? They have it. Want smokey and very booze-forward? They have that too. We tried to go to a few places after this, and all of the flavor profiles of subsequent places felt a little too one note. It's a testament to the flavor complexities here. -Great pours too. Not too much booze, not too little. You're getting solid cocktail options here. -Van Buren Room has two unisex/one room bathrooms. These bathrooms are outfitted to the 9's including tissues, antacids, tampons, pads, mouth mints, and more. You'll be prepped for any dating/flirting you want to do in a clean, well-lit bathroom. -If you're a little peckish, they have snack options that are very affordable. They aren't huge portions, but for $2, I'm not going to complain about a bowl of pretzels. A+ pricing and a bit of a foodie pick-me-up. -Great staffing. The four bartenders seemed like overkill when we first arrived, but when people started filtering in, they were handling all of the demands like champs. CONS: -The space is small. They've expanded some of it with an outdoor area, but the indoor space is definitely long, rectangular, and narrow. They have a few (2?) high top tables, high top bar seating, and 6-ish two-person booths. The booths were comfortable; I don't think we would have enjoyed ourselves as much as we did if we had to sit at one of the high-top options. -Would love to see a few more non-alcoholic cocktails. The three they have are lovely, and we didn't ask if they could custom make any, but with how good they are at complex flavors, I would have loved to have had more options. -Parking is a bit annoying. There's a small parking lot, but it's only for employees. It appears to be street parking for customers in a busy residential neighborhood. read more

Finding fine cocktail bars like Van Buren Room is very satisfying. I love me a good ol' nightcap and sometimes (most times) I prefer a cocktail bar just like this one. Van Buren Room exudes that classic style ambiance where you just know you'll be served some delicious cocktails by a passionate and knowledgeable bartender...and this place surely didn't disappoint. After a long workday, I found myself thirsty for a drink and thankfully, Van Buren Room popped up and so I arrived, plopped myself on the bar-seating and enjoyed the relaxing feel of the bar along with the great playlist in the background (The Smiths/Morrissey at the time). I ordered the Penicillin, Boulevardier and a local bourbon. The Penicillin was superb. I mentioned to the bartendar that I dont prefer sweet cocktails and he assured me that their version isn't like the typical Penicillin. They make their own ginger honey which to my pleasant surprise, really dumbed down the sweetness in favor of a more ginger (but not overpowering) flavor. As for the Boulevardier, another classic cocktail, spirit forward as promised....very delicious. I came during a weeknight and only the bartender was present. The bar-seating was full at one point in the evening but he managed to engage with everyone and maintain the prompt service. Just the relaxing experience I was looking for that evening and it won't be the last. read more

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Small, quaint bar with interesting drinks. Watching the bartender make our drinks was like watching an artist preform. I have no idea how he kept all seven of our drinks memorized and separated with the drip of this, the spray of that, a shack here and a twist there. They were all a piece of art read more

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Nope. Have tried to go several times and every time we're told "standing room only." This last time, the weather was nice and we could clearly see that half or more of the patio was available. I said, "really? Even on the patio?" Without even checking we were told yes, all full. I am too old to stand around holding a $20 cocktail like a frat party. I am also too old for junior high nonsense. Maybe they just don't like my face. 100% done supporting Belle in any fashion. read more

The drinks were very creative and delicious. From one bartender to another, I was definitely impressed. If you are looking for a small, intimate spot with a killer back bar, you've found it. read more

Van Buren Room - Bars Near Me - Dayton, Ohio

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The first time I came here it was with my husband during the winter season and it was great. Everything from the bartenders to the drinks and atmosphere. Last night, I visited with a girlfriend and I ordered the Jurassic cocktail, which I enjoyed, but my friend wanted an off-menu cocktail (Clover Club). Which is a classic drink any bar should know how to make; they knew what she wanted, but didn't have raspberry syrup. So, they suggested the Scarlett Letter which is tequila based and has raspberry shrub. She didn't end up liking the earthy flavor to it and in truth I didn't like it enough to drink it for her. One of the bartenders, Martin was not very accommodating, so much so that we were desperate to get another bartender to help us. The other two (guy) bartenders weren't in their best mood either, so it was either Martin was bringing them all down or they were all in sour moods. It's unfortunate, because I really liked this bar when I came with my husband, but this experience does not make me want to come back anytime soon. read more

Van Buren Room - Scarlett Letter - Bars Near Me - Dayton, Ohio

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Great cocktails, wonderful staff, and awesome atmosphere! Can't recommend it enough. The bar is my go to for seating, but with the nice weather lately the patio is hard to beat. read more

Fanatic cozy little place with signature drinks all around. They have a drink for every profile taste. Paid around $10 per drink, but they had great service. Seating is a little crammed, but that shows how popular they are! read more

Nice place, good location. Drinks are good but can improve. Too much light inside, using dimmers would help. Using spacers on the bar would give them more capacity and help the ambience. One server would help the flow of drinks instead of having to walk/mask to the bar every time. read more

Van Buren Room - People waiting to order a drink. - Bars Near Me - Dayton, Ohio

Cool place loved the drink selection. Big fan of your gin very smooth and flavorful. We will be back soon

Some of the best cocktails in Dayton. They do not serve food and I usually go there after dining somewhere in downtown Dayton. The bartenders are true mixologists, love sitting at the bar and watching them at their craft. Small indoor seating with a very nice patio for summer nights. If you haven't been I would say you are missing out on one of Dayton's best cocktail bars. read more

We were excited when we heard this place was opening. Dayton needs more places like this. Really the only thing I didn't like was the pricing. $14 for a Manhattan is abuse. We had a cocktail each and walked out $35 light. OUCH I really liked the look and feel inside. They had booths along one wall and the bar against the other. Behind the bar you could see in to the distillery. I think that's cool. My wife got the heart of gold. It was good but again, priced like it was actual gold. I got the Manhattan. I was surprised to see they made it with regular bourbon and not rye. What's so special about it that you charge $14? Nothing. I went to Oakwood club afterward and got a rye Manhattan with Antica vermouth for $10. This place is cool but I doubt we will go back. read more

Van Buren Room - Heart of gold has a little kick. - Bars Near Me - Dayton, Ohio

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Great hole in the wall spot to grab some incredible cocktails! Highly recommend showing up early since this place fills up pretty quick! read more

Van Buren Room - Bars Near Me - Dayton, Ohio

Nice bar, a few indoor and outdoor tables, great cocktail menu made with their liquors. We came in for after dinner drinks and the line did get very backed up considering the time it takes to make each cocktail, but they were very friendly and offered anyone getting a drink straight to cut the line. The atmosphere was very cool, the indoor tables are big comfy booths for 4 people and really fostered conversation. I hope they do well, they have a great location and great menu, just need more staffing which will come in the future months I'm sure. Stop in and support the local distillery and bar. read more

Amazing atmosphere and even more amazing cocktails! Staff are phenomenal, very knowledgeable and extremely relatable! The menu has a choice for every pallet! Highly recommend making this establishment a regular stop! read more

Going to give this place 5 stars. The ambiance and music is perfect. I like what they did with the old tasting room. Dayton has needed more images like this. Signature cocktails with locally made alcohol. They have done it right!!! Very excited about this place opening. Will definitely be back for sure!!! Great experience and outstanding drinks. read more

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Great drinks and great service. I have been to this place 6 times now and last Friday was the best! The new drink I tried was tremendous. This is my pre dinner or post dinner spot! read more

Came here on a slow Thursday evening. Very cute and trendy interior. Cozy with high backed booths and low tables. The drink list is gorgeous. The bartender was very nice and it was so cool watching him make the drinks. It looked like performance art crossed with a science experiment. The drinks were incredible. I had the Dusk to Dawn and Heart of Gold. Both were great but I especially loved HoG. I'll be back. read more

This place is really great. Fantastic drinks! I really like the sesame daiquiri. Wonderful atmosphere and top notch friendly service! I don't think I've ever seen such a clean bathroom. I will be recommending VBR to all my buddies. read more

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Let me start by saying that Belle of Dayton makes some of the best vodka on the planet. The van Buren room attached to the distillery had a great ambiance and you can watch them make vodka/gin/etc while you enjoy a cocktail. The bar tenders put on a show and make a great drink. I will definitely be back! read more

Serving up amazing cocktails in a speakeasy type place, the Van Buren room is a hidden gem in Dayton. Attached to the Belle of Dayton Distillery, this spot is a classic cocktail bar at its finest. read more

Van Buren Room - Bars Near Me - Dayton, Ohio

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A simple and elegant bar in a terrific location near the Oregon District! Great ambiance, lighting, and music. The drinks were above average relative to other classy options in the area. read more

This place is my after-dinner favorite. I've been here many times - live a short walk away. I tell you what - these guys got the ambiance just right: its dark, yet warm and inviting; it's small, yet not claustrophobic; the drinks are priced at a higher than average price-point, yet deservingly. I'm a big fan of old-fashioned cocktail. Probably had two dozen at this establishment, and each one was more delicious than the other. As soon as this COVID rubbish is over, I'm coming back for more! read more

Went here for 4/20 the bartender was a dick. It's cold outside and everyone paid $140+ to be there. I was told if I wanted to get warm to go inside. Well I had a drink and the bartender is like fussing at me and my friend because we are inside drinking. I feel like they should've made better accommodations for the price. No one who paid $140+ ANYWHERE should be subject to be uncomfortable eating and drinking in the freaking Cold. #DOBETTER read more

My only regret is I didnt ask the bartender's name. He was excellent and created a perfect manhattan. I do not usually drink mixed drinks and ordering can be a bit intimidating The bartender was vey friendly and explained the differences between the spirits. This place is a must stop in Dayton. read more

Thank you Van Buren Room for adding such a unique and exceptional quality cocktail bar to the downtown landscape. The environment is warm and inviting, the bar tenders are artists and the yummy cocktails are top notch. This gem is not to be missed. It's definitely on our list of go-to after dinner spots. read more

Van Buren Room - Bars Near Me - Dayton, Ohio

I liked my drink a midori with egg whites. Pricing is standard for cocktail. Limited seating nice music

Solid as far as cocktails come... Hands down the best in town currently. If I'm searching for a solid cocktail and good conversation, this is the spot. read more

We came out there opening day on Friday Night. The bar had a great feel and vibe. What I didn't like were the prices! $12 a cocktail is pretty steep in my opinion. You can go to other places in the Oregon District and pay $9 or $10 for cocktails that I find more enjoyable (for example Salar, Corner Kitchen, Lily's or Century Bar). The pricing is the biggest drawback and is why I will not be back. I went with two other. We got two different drinks each so I got to sample a wide variety and none of them really Wow-ed me. read more

This place is worth every penny! Yes, cocktails are a little more but for such a fantastic atmosphere, delicious handcrafted cocktails, the great service & the opportunity to support a locally owned business I think it's so worth it. Van Buren Room is our go-to after dinner cocktail & treat spot! read more

Just make sure that your drink isn't spicy... otherwise, great atmosphere and wonderful drinks. It's exactly what I was hoping it would be. Again, just google an ingredient if you don't know what it is. While I would have appreciated a fire icon as a warning on the menu, I should have looked into the ingredients more. read more

Great cocktails! A little more expensive than other places but the quality is worth it. Great date spot or place for a good conversation. Small enough that it's not too loud. Do wish they had a few light food options. read more

BEST cocktail bar in Dayton! We ordered the aviation and old fashion - both drinks were extremely well made! The Van Buren Room has a speakeasy feel with fantastic drinks... it's the hottest new spot in Dayton and I will be going back for sure! read more

Great place! Very unique. Beautiful decor and the drinks are on point. Not many places can nail specialty cocktails like this place. The bartenders are pros. Friendly, accommodating and extremely knowledgeable. If you are looking for an outstanding cocktail in an amazing environment this is a no brainer. read more

The drinks were over priced and didn't taste good at all. Only went once. The century bar is way better. The drinks are around the same price, but are a better value and taste better read more

Cool little speak easy. Very nice selection. The house margarita was quite spicy. The bartenders are fun and talented, didn't spend much time there, just one drink, so I really can't give them a full review. Give it a shot, I don't think you'll be disappointed. I'll be back! read more

This place is top notch. They have fantastic cocktails, bartenders that don't mess around, and a warm and inviting atmosphere. Do yourself a favor and check this place out. read more