An array of non-alcoholic drinks at All The Bitter in Chico. (Image: Kathryn Reed)

It might seem like a leap for two former French Laundry sommeliers to open the country’s first zero proof tasting lounge. And then in Chico of all places.

But that’s exactly what Ian and Carly Blessing did.

Their website says: “After having kids we decided that alcohol wasn’t in our plan anymore, but great-tasting drinks still were. So we ventured into the exciting new world of non-alcoholic beverages.”

Ian is a wealth of information. Carly probably is, too, but it was Ian who helped us last week on our (me, mom, Sue, Veronica) first visit to All The Bitter.

Veronica, Cleo, Kae and Sue enjoying an array of drinks at All The Bitter. (Image: Ian Blessing)

He talked about the mouth feel of alcohol, stressing that is the difficult part of non-alcoholic beverages—to have that same feel. Of course it’s about taste, too. He admitted NA red wines still need some work.

“It came as a surprise when we found limited alcohol-free bitters on the market—and nothing that truly felt classic—so we decided to make our own,” the website says. “Hundreds of test recipes, experiments, and tastings later we’ve nailed what we believe are some of the best tasting⁠—and most beneficial⁠—bitters in the world, alcohol-free or otherwise.”

This isn’t just a bar serving non-alcoholic drinks. For starters, it’s more of a lounge. You may order NA cocktails, wine and beer here, and zero alcohol.

This concept was so refreshing. For those who don’t want alcohol they have the opportunity to order anything on the menu. It’s like me walking into a vegetarian or vegan restaurant—I don’t have to think twice about some hidden ingredient that might not fit with my dietary choices.

While a drink menu is provided, All The Bitter is essentially a full bar, so any NA drink could be mixed. Full size glasses of what’s offered in the flights are also available. We opted to taste the whole menu, with glasses circulating around the table.

All The Bitter has a wide selection of NA offerings in the store and online. (Image: Kathryn Reed)

The Zero Proof Cocktail Flight ($15) include half-sized pours of Agave Margarita, Yuzu Meyer Lemon Drop and Classic Negroni. The Non-Alcoholic Wine Flight ($10) had Noughty Sparkling Chardonnay, Seaglass Sauvignon Blanc 2023, Tomorrow Cellars Petit Syrah 2023, and Ian threw in a Pinot as well. Also on the table were the Spiced Old Fashioned ($12) and Island Mule ($12), and a full glass of the bubbly.

All The Bitter is part bar, part retail. The retail continues to grow. Wine, beer, pre-mixed cocktails, ingredients to make drinks at home, a slew of bitters—all on their shelves. The website has a host of recipes.

A couple years ago I participated in Dry January. This made me a believer in NA beer. What thrilled me is my favorite, Deschutes Black Butte NA, is available in six packs at All The Bitter. Until last week I had not found it locally.

A window allows one to peak into where the bitters and other drink ingredients are made. It would be fun to be around to see them at work in the kitchen.

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Deets:

• Open: Monday-Friday, 3-7pm
• Address: 144 Meyers St., Suite 140, Chico
• Email: info@allthebitter.com
• Website