06/29/09

CLOSED! Which is too bad because it was a GREAT PLACE

by evolife77

CLOSED

• Cons: CLOSED

10/05/06

A low-key den boasting an affordable list of mainstream vintages.

by Contributor

The Scene
Beffiting its place in history as the first wine bar in the country, this historic establishment maintains a dusty, pre-gourmand air. The old-school atmosphere evokes a British pub, with high-backed booths, out-of-fashion wallpaper and dark wood througout. The mostly after-work crowd, comfy in jeans and T-shirts, hang by the bar or luxuriates in plush leather booths. Friendly bartenders can give knowledgeable recommendations on request.

The Draw
The limited wine list offers a mostly California selection of well-known producers. Even amateur wine lovers will recognize producers like Beaulieu Vineyards and Ravenswood from supermarket shelves. An occassional Bordeaux or Chilean red can be found on the list, but it's unlikely for one to discover any unknown vintages from the rather limited selection. Nevertheless, the casual pub-like atmosphere and affordable prices bridge the gap between unpretentious dive and intimidating wine bar.

07/02/05

Low-key is accurate

by skaplansears

Very nice place to get a couple bottles of wine at below restaurant prices while enjoying mediocre food and excellent conversation.

• Pros: Wine List, Olives, Quiet
• Cons: Mediocre Food, Cheese Cubes?

11/09/04

Great Wine List

by pheinecke

The write-up on this does not do justice to the wine list. In addition to a wine by the glass list of 20 or so wines (often from small producers) there is a list of several hundred bottle including many older vintages from well-respected vitners. BTW, the atmosphere is more pub like than a swank wine bar.

• Pros: location, wine list

10/29/02

Kooky and Fun

by MarkeBieschke_Citysearch

Great little treasure in the downtown area. I took my ma here and we had a blast! Would highly recommend for some midweek unwind.