The bar can carry its own part of the night. Mezcal, tequila, margaritas and zero-proof drinks make the meal feel planned around drinks as much as food.

The drinks are not incidental here. XII's Old Fashioned, the martini framing, Classy Hour and whiskey-led food touches make the lounge side of the restaurant part of the visit rather than a waiting area before dinner.

Cocktails are part of the restaurant's identity rather than a small add-on. The drinks program has two happy-hour windows and includes zero-proof options, giving the bar real weight beside the burgers.

The cocktail list gives the bar side real shape, with recognizable classics and house-style signatures sitting beside the wine program. It helps Cucci work for pre-dinner drinks as well as full meals.

The drinks side is broad enough to matter: signature cocktails, mocktails, wine, draft imports, craft taps and bottle service sit alongside the food. That makes the restaurant easier to use for a full social evening, where the drink order is part of the plan rather than an afterthought.