Kelnero edges out Vinbero by one vote in Edmonds cocktail showdown

Kelnero won the October round of Battle of the Bars by a single vote over its sibling establishment, Vinbero. The two venues, located less than a mile apart in Edmonds, are owned by the same couple, Kali and Kris Kelnero. They organized the monthly contest to let their bartenders interpret a specific classic cocktail with creative freedom.

The October challenge focused on the Zombie, a rum-based drink originating in the 1930s at Don the Beachcomber. According to the review platform Distiller, the beverage is a staple of the tiki bar genre. Kris Kelnero noted that tiki drinks rely heavily on juice and flavored rums, creating a base of spice and fruit that allows for subtle variations. Each bar submitted a unique version of the recipe.

Patrons voted for their preferred rendition, with each ballot entering the voter into a raffle for a prize. A third local venue, Calypso Edmonds, also competed in the round. Despite that additional entry, Kelnero secured first place with only one more vote than Vinbero. The competition serves as a regular feature for the establishments, with a new classic cocktail selected for each month.

Kali Kelnero opened the original Kelnero location in 2019. The bar focuses on cocktails, offering a menu of approximately 60 signature drinks. She stated that a primary motivation for the business was a lack of serious cocktail offerings in the area north of the city. The goal is to create high-quality drinks that remain accessible to casual patrons, avoiding an atmosphere that makes customers feel judged for their choices.

The couple opened Vinbero two years later in the former space of The Cheesemonger’s Table. Vinbero operates as an all-ages eatery with a European style and a focus on natural wines. In contrast to the warmer, Pacific Northwest aesthetic of Kelnero, Vinbero emphasizes a different culinary and beverage profile. Kali Kelnero described the business philosophy as acting like a good citizen, which includes sourcing products from providers that prioritize environmental and employee standards.

The competition began about two years ago partly to promote Vinbero’s cocktail menu. Kali Kelnero explained that Vinbero opened without a liquor license, so many customers were unaware the bar served spirits until the license was obtained later. Initially, Kelnero held a winning streak, but Vinbero has since found its footing. Now, each location finishes first in approximately half of the monthly rounds.

Billy Farrow, the bar manager at Vinbero, stated that the goal is to create a unique riff on the assigned drink that also tastes good. He noted that regular participants typically order one drink from each venue during the competition. He added in an email that the highest praise is when customers order a second or third drink because they enjoy the flavor. Farrow’s daily role focuses more on the natural wine program than cocktail creation, managing a rotating glass-pour menu and happy hour offerings.

The competition occasionally serves as a fundraiser for local organizations. Thea Barrett, a regular customer since the bars opened, said she enjoys trying the new variations. She recalled the lemon drop round from several years ago as a personal favorite. The next round begins on Nov. 19 with an Old Fashioned. Vinbero is also hosting its Supper Club pop-up dining event on Nov. 13 and 14.

Kelnero is located at 545 Main St in Edmonds and operates until 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and midnight Friday and Saturday. Vinbero is at 203 5th Ave S #1 in Edmonds, open until 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 6 p.m. Sunday, and 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.