Driving home, this little bistro caught my eye and immediately reminded me of a place I used to frequent years ago in St. Louis -- the kind of understated neighborhood gem you almost want to keep to yourself. So I turned around and stopped in. What I found was a quaint, tucked-away, almost inconspicuous spot delivering food and hospitality at a level that honestly borders on absurd for how unassuming it appears from the outside. The service was warm, polished, and intuitive without ever feeling pretentious. Hats off to both chefs, Christi and Mark for making me feel welcome. The wine pairings? Thoughtful, balanced, and exactly what you hope for from a restaurant that actually respects food. And then there's the burger. This thing reads like poetry: Ribeye and NY strip trim blend, cooked like a proper steak (medium rare, the only correct answer here), melted gouda, a soft house potato roll, all resting in a luxurious bordelaise sauce that would make a French chef nod in approval. Seriously. This is not a "burger joint burger." This is a chef-driven, butcher-minded expression of beef. Every bite tastes intentional. The bordelaise underneath ties the entire thing together with this deep, glossy richness that elevates it from comfort food into something bordering on fine dining. Places like this are why I still love discovering restaurants organically. No hype machine. No gimmicks. Just confidence, technique, restraint, and execution. This very unassuming little spot has Michelin written all over it. read more

Juan Jasper kitchen & Wine - Mark was such a pleasure to meet - Cafes Near Me - San Diego, California

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Alright. Enough with the nonsense Juan Jaspar. The staff is not friendly, unless you're a regular. The staff enjoys chatting with customers more than doing their actual JOB. The staff is entitled, upright and annoying. They don't have a proper waiting list system. You can't pay with your cc, only zelle and or venmo. Juan Jaspar is VERY dog friendly, like over the top. There's literally more dogs than people. They have sketchy chairs outside for you to wait until their heart desires. One tip for this desperate little place: time your tables to 90 mins max. You don't have the square footage nor the grit to keep it up. I do not recommend this place to myself nor anyone else. I am banning myself indefinitely from Juan Jaspar. Trust your gut people. I said I wouldn't go back and I did. That was mi mal. read more

Five star spot all the way! Ambiance, service, food... I cannot wait to come back to this place. My friend and I shared a hamburger, fries, and the arugula-beet salad. Everything tasted so fresh and flavorful. Menu looks simple, yet the server assured us they can make other items that aren't on the menu (like steak frites) because of the butchery next door. I will have to make another visit to try the steak frites and their desserts next time. Although there aren't many seats, the atmosphere is cozy and the service is friendly. read more

Just so good... What can I say. Never had a bite I didn't love here. Main chef was out of town but the kids still knocked it out of the park. Service was warm and friendly, had a very local vibe. Ambiance is casual but the food is so much more than meets the eye. Loved the steak we ordered from the butcher next door with a splash of fancy mushrooms (chanterelles) :). read more

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Great the soul. Love these hidden little locations. Will be back again. Hospitality is a plus. read more

Juan Jasper kitchen & Wine - Cafes Near Me - San Diego, California

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Loved our girls Sunday lunch on the patio! It's a small space, and by the end of lunch service most of the restaurant had filled up completely. I am obsessed with the chicken sandwich and the French fries! Honestly need to come back just for an order of the fries and a couple glasses of wine. Don't sleep on this gem of a wine bar in golden hill! read more

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Very nice little restaurant. We went to Juan Jasper on a Sat afternoon. The place was still empty when we arrived and we got to sit at the bar. The place is very tiny, maybe 2 or 3 two-top tables, and the rest is just bar space. It reminds me off tiny wine bars in Europe and I liked it. I'm one of those Asian who doesn't have the enzyme to breakdown alcohol, and I stopped trying to drink a long time ago. So obviously, I was there for the kitchen part, not the wine part. =) The service was casual and lovely. I got the blue cheese and pear salad with chicken and my bf got the patty melt. Both my bf and other friends who ordered the patty melt as well loved their food. They said it's the best patty melt they ever had. Good quality beef, cooked to perfection. Nicely paired with Gouda cheese and the aioli. My salad was good. The chicken was a tad dry but it was still well seasoned and perfectly fine. We also got some fries for the table. Freshly cut and fried...yum. I don't eat out much these days since I have been trying to eat healthier. So eating out is really more for the experience these days, not so much for the food (I can cook most Western dishes myself if want to). And honestly, I had been disappointed at the quality of restaurant food too often lately. So I'm glad that we decided to come to Juan Jasper. It's like a getaway to a little cafe in Europe for a few hours. Totally enjoyable and highly recommended. read more

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I've been so excited to try this hidden gem in the Golden Hill neighborhood on a friend's review. You gotta know what you are getting into when you go. It's tiny. So unless you get there at 4:00 when they open, you will have a wait. But that's okay. The nice server will bring you a wine and beer menu and serve you on the sidewalk. They have a solid but small beer selection and a robust wine list. Then we were seated along the bar. Each couple gets about a 10x20 spot. If you know this before you go, maybe you won't be as shocked. Order shareable things for sure. We ordered the shrimp, the burger and fries. The quality of the meat and seafood was great. The preparation wasn't amazing. It's cash, Venmo and Zelle only. I'll be back though because I want to try the spicy Cesar, Mac & cheese and scotch egg! Their menu changes often. read more

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Listen... I'm not a food influencer and I'm not out here trying to take nominated photos... i tried my very best to take photos given my intense need to eat. What a gatekept place lol. I rarely see it mentioned here but caught wind from a Reddit comment that it might be worth checking out. This Golden Hill treasure needs more recognition. Holy cow was everything amazing. I had my heart set on their prime rib burger with bordelaise... but nearly died when I saw the steaks being put out. Connected to a butcher, you can literally buy your selected cut and they'll get down in the kitchen with it. Lowkey mad i only ordered one plate of shrimp cause they were like crack. I could've eaten at least 6 more. The salad and Mac and cheese were pretty darned good. I love me a spicy caesar salad and mac and cheese that has an amazing cheese-pull to it with notable flavor. The burger was insane. Between the flavor and the crust on the patty... lawd. I'll be back. End of story. I wish more burgers had bordelaise cause goodness it was game changing. So... here's me NOT gatekeeping. This place is amazing. It's so cute and intimate. The seating available is small, so you might have to wait. We were able to sit within 5 minutes, so I couldn't complain. Also.. +1 for decent parking unlike the rest of the area. read more

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What an amazing South Park gem! Popular too! I have driven by and never stopped because it's always crowded. I would never go on a Friday or Saturday evening...and when you see the line, you'll know why. But if you are willing to wait, you're in for a treat! The staff is really friendly! Josh took care of us, but everyone checks in and sees how their guests are doing. The menu is small and they have a specials board. But you can also go next door and pick something from the butchery and they will cook it for you. That's really unique about JJs. I had to have the burger...and it was delicious and that sauce......swoooooonnn! Instead of fries, I shared the ceasar salad which was very good! Love the dressing! They have a great wine list, and I believe you can look over their collection and choose a bottle from there too. We sat out on the patio, and if I had any complaint, it would be the narrow counter...however, it also provides intimate dining. There's also two small round tables too. Oh, and they are dog friendly which is nice. Cako would love it here! They do not take reservations, so it's first come, honor system which is why it's crowded. But I do suggest coming right when they open. We were there at 4, but there were at least seven people there too, with more coming in...on a Tuesday! If you want to experience them, go early in the week. They also only take cash or Venmo. I know some may complain about that, so go somewhere else please. Looking forward to my next visit! read more

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Juan Jasper is insanely good!! A little hole in the wall attached to a butchers that has an amazing menu, cozy ambiance, and great service. Great bottles of wine as well. Highly highly recommend the burger and fries, mac and cheese, and ceasar salad. Will definitely be back to try more and highly recommend to try if you're in the neighborhood, you will not be disappointed! read more

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After years of referrals (thanks Shay) finally made my way into Juan Jasper for a late weekend lunch. Have passed by in the Golden Hill neighborhood several times but I can say it was worth the wait. The space is small but loved the coziness of the wine shop cooking up big restaurant plates. Truly a local hang out, saw tons of assumed regulars stopping in for drinks, bites, and hello's. The lunch menu is curated daily with drink specials to match. We shared the Harrissa-Porkbelly Hummus, chicken salad Sando, and the JJ patty melt. The hummus was FANTASTIC. Pita bread paired perfectly and the pork belly was a nice savory addition. Chicken salad sando was a great lunch option with the bacon adding some nice flavor. The JJ Melt was delicious as well. Between the Gouda, onions, true medium beef and the JJ sauce, I could have had eaten a second. Fries came out crispy and piping hot too. All in all, fantastic bites, great drinks and amazing servers. Really a great atmosphere with a truly hidden gem in San Diego. Awesome for a date night or mid day pick me up for a bite/glass of wine. Run don't walk to Juan Jasper, it's one of my fav stops this year. read more

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I had read Troy Johnson's glowing review of Juan Jasper Kitchen & Wine Restaurant in San Diego Magazine, so I was very excited to try it out. I also like the funky South Park San Diego neighborhood, with its eclectic mix of retail and residential spaces. It all feels very homey and down-to-earth. I was aware that Juan Jasper opened at 4:00 p.m. for dinner. I aprked around the corner. As I approached the glass front doors of the restaurant, it was about 3:50 p.m. I could see staff inside prepping for the dinner service. I actually expected to be told to wait the ten minutes until the restaurant officially opened for dinner. However, Savannah greeted me with a smile. She advised me that the restaurant was not quite open, but I was welcome to sit down and enjoy a glass of wine. That welcome by Savannah was enough to make me a customer for life at Juan Jasper! read more

Juan Jasper kitchen & Wine - Tuesday dinner - Cafes Near Me - San Diego, California

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Definition of a local hole in the wall joint! Jaspers is delicious - the place is small so pack your patience and buffer time. You can tell the staff genuinely likes the community they are in! I highly recommend this joint! read more

Juan Jasper kitchen & Wine - Cafes Near Me - San Diego, California

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Juan Jasper Kitchen + Wine in Golden Hill completely blew me away. I had driven past it countless times, always seeing people spilling out of the intimate little space with that unmistakable good energy -- and now I know why. I finally stopped in and wow oh wow... it was amazing. The service was warm, attentive, and genuinely welcoming. The wine list is impressive - a thoughtful, global selection that pairs beautifully with their constantly rotating menu. Every dish we ordered was fresh, creative, and bursting with flavor. We shared two appetizers and two entrées, each one unique and perfectly balanced: the mushroom salad, Caesar salad, mushroom pasta and burger. We finished with their dessert special for the day; a fresh apple tart with vanilla ice cream that really wrapped up such a perfect meal. They don't take reservations but honestly, the wait is part of the charm; Golden Hill has plenty to explore nearby while you wait for a table. Our total came to about $120 after tip for two glasses of wine, appetizers, entrées, and dessert...I have definitely paid way more for far less in San Diego. Worth every penny. read more

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This place is never not busy & that's for all the right reasons!! They are a local neighbors favorite. The wine is delicious & beautifully picked, their food is selective/freshly made/paired well. The owners & workers are so sweet, plus sitting next to a local cat is an amazing way to enjoy a glass read more

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What didn't we order?? We were so locked in on the food that wine didn't even cross our minds (next time for sure). Highlights include fries, spicy Caesar salad, mac & cheese, burger, spicy garlic shrimp, and cheesecake. The spicy Caesar and the burger were total standouts. The space is small and intimate, which makes it feel like a neighborhood gem. Next round, I'm diving into the wine list and whatever new apps pop up on the menu. read more

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Something about this restaurant reminds me of a restaurant in NYC. The limited space, tight seating, and staff with character and charisma are all part of the charm that truly makes this a unique place to eat. Situated right next to a butcher shop, it's a not so big secret to know that you can order more than what's on the menu and pick out something next door for them to cook up. Be warned, there's likely going to be a wait if you don't have any sort of reservation. Shoutout to my boy Shay for the req! read more

I get the hype, I get the neighborhood vibes and the food was delicious! We came on a Tues at 4:45 and had to wait till about 5:30 to get seated for a group of 4. As others have mentioned the place is really small. I think their seating outside is more than inside. While you're waiting they do have some chairs you can sit at and you can order wine. Firstly, their wine prices are SUPER reasonable and really appreciated compared to what you'd normally get at a restaurant. Also liked that all the wine options can be served by the glass. We were able to try a couple chilled reds before we committed to a bottle. For food we got the crab hushpuppies and the Korean pancakes. I will be dreaming about those hushpuppies. So light but still flavorful and a good amount of crab that you could actually taste. Almost like a crab cake but with cornmeal in the batter. The Korean pancakes had these amazing large shrimp and sauce. The texture of the actual pancake could have been a little crispier but not bad. Note that they do have specials but they're written on a board inside so check it out if you're interested. The other people in my group got the clam pasta from there. read more

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We stopped by for lunch because I have heard so many good things. This place stands out because it is cozy and feels like part of the neighborhood. It's very welcoming. I didn't realize it was also part of the butcher shop. We sat outside with our dog and baby on a Saturday. It wasn't too busy. We shared a pear, blue cheese salad (my favorite), a chicken salad sandwich and fries. We also had a spritz. I would like to come back again for dinner. Street parking was easy. read more

Juan Jasper kitchen & Wine - Cafes Near Me - San Diego, California

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This place is a local gem in Golden Hill. It's a tiny restaurant with an open kitchen. This place is solo dinner date friendly! I can imagine this place has a line, staff were friendly. Seems like a spot with a lot of regulars. I had the Spicy Caesar salad as well as the special of the day, carne asada tacos. Everything was amazing, flavorful, and had a great spice. I would love to come again and have wine (when I'm not driving!) total was about $32 (including tip) Not on the menu: you can purchase from the butcher next door and they will make it for you. Unsure of the cost. Steak is a popular choice. Tips: At the time it was only Venmo, cash, or Zelle so be mindful of that. Follow them on Instagram to know the specials day of. I don't think they take reservations. Parking was easy. read more

Juan Jasper kitchen & Wine - Spicy Caesar salad. - Cafes Near Me - San Diego, California

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The staff are all super friendly and the quality of the food truly speaks for itself. Everything is so fresh and flavorful! The burger, gouda mac, spicy Caesar (not pictured) and spicy garlic shrimp are on the rotation regularly but the rest of the menu changes every few days. I'd recommend trying anything that's not a staple because they rarely repeat! You can pick any cut of meat from the deli and they'll cook it for you, however you like. The prices are unbeatable and the flavors are chef's kiss. A hidden (not so hidden) gem! read more

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I've been looking for a great solo date spot and Juan Jasper checked all the boxes. Inside, there's a bar with about 8 seats overlooking the kitchen. Outside, there's a couple tables for small groups on the patio. I came early right when they opened and was able to sit at the bar immediately. The service was so welcoming and attentive. The chicken and dumplings special was the perfect cozy comfort meal. The dumplings were more so noodles than dumplings, but the broth was so creamy and savory that I didn't even mind. They can also cook you a steak from the neighboring butcher shop, so I can't wait to come back with some friends and try that next time! read more

Juan Jasper kitchen & Wine - Flourless Chocolate Cake - Cafes Near Me - San Diego, California

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Character. Ambiance. Excellent wine. OMG. Treat yourself. Dinner menu is more expansive. Lunch is a smaller menu. Still delicious. Staff knows their food and wine. Chef's kiss. read more

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Good food, would stop by more if we lived closer. Definitely has that feel of close locals stopping by for a beer or some wine on their way somewhere else. Very welcoming atmosphere. Food was good. A little weird they only accept cash, Venmo and Zelle since they have the payment machines and read your total to you off them. read more

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Juan Jasper's is one of those hidden gems you almost don't want to tell people about--small, cozy, and absolutely delivering on all fronts. The food is fantastic and made even better knowing it's sourced straight from the butcher shop next door. You can taste the quality in every bite. The patty melt? A must. Perfectly grilled, rich, and indulgent in all the right ways. Pair it with one of their thoughtful wine selections (they've got a surprisingly great list for such a small spot), and you're set. What really seals it is the warm, attentive service and the fact that a place this good exists right in the neighborhood. It feels special--because it is. read more

Juan Jasper kitchen & Wine - Fries, Patty Melt, and Chicken Sandwich - Cafes Near Me - San Diego, California

Only cash zelle or venmo. I really liked this experience. Small space. Small menu caesar salad - good but u can skip, nothing crazy fries - underwhelming, overhyped by the worker jj burger- amazing. top 5 burgers of my life mac and cheese - really good mac and cheese new york steak - great cook on the meat, but the meat wasnt as marbled and tender as i hoped for. wouldnt get itz spumoni was great read more

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Juan Jasper is definitely a hidden gem! I feel like all the locals come here. There's limited seating so be prepared to bring a jacket to for outdoor seating. I like how their menu is small and recommends wine pairings for each dish. Our server was great and let us try different wines because we were so indecisive. Heads up that they only take Venmo or zelle! read more

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Came here on a Saturday night with my friends and yes, the rumors are true: no reservations, so we put our names down and waited roughly fifteen minutes before a table opened up. For dinner we ordered a few dishes. Spicy Caesar Salad - Little gem and frisée were crisp and pretty, parmesan shavings generous, crushed croutons added perfect crunch. Called "spicy" on the menu, but the dressing played it safe; we wanted that promised kick. Mac and Cheese (cheddar + gruyère) - Pure comfort. Silky, stretchy, borderline obscene. We added the spicy garlic shrimp because who says no to that? Shrimp delivered big, punchy garlic heat... but peeling them was a bit of a chore. Hamburger - 10/10 no notes. 6 oz of Brandt prime ribeye + NY blended into a puck so juicy it should come with a bib. Gouda melted like a dream, bordelaise gave it that "I just licked the steak pan" richness, and the house potato roll held everything together without turning to mush. Vibe & space - Teeny-tiny inside (maybe 8 bar seats), so most folks end up on the sidewalk tables or the high-top communal rail. Bring a light jacket; the patio's breezy read more

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Funny that yelp asks for a review "what went well". To say all is an understatement. The food was delicious. Steak from the butcher next door was perfect. Service was great and so accommodating. Great wine selections. Yes, a small venue, yes possibly a wait, but all to be expected. Not every great establishment can accommodate 150+. The intimacy just adds to the je ne sais quoi of it all. read more

This place is always pretty packed so I'm assuming it must be good. This place is very much a hidden gem located deep in the neighborhood. First time coming here on what I believe was a Sunday and I was surprised to have been seated so quickly but then quickly realized I came in at the right time. The place could either be a good hangout spot or even a date spot. Wine is amazing and this is definitely a place to try it. I do wish they had tasters though. Lastly, I was not able to get anything but, "Truffle Fries" and now looking at the menu should've ordered more. I will be definitely be coming back. Thanks Brandon for the amazing hospitality! read more

Juan Jasper kitchen & Wine - Cafes Near Me - San Diego, California

This is one of my new favorite hidden gems in golden hill!!!! From the moment you walk in, the cozy, welcoming vibe makes you feel like family. They even serve you wine while you wait (which you will be doing--so come prepared), but trust me, it's so worth it. Their small rotating menu keeps things fresh, and we tried: Spicy Caesar - 10/10 Brussels sprouts - 9/10 Fries - 10/10 (simple, crispy perfection) JJ's Burger over bordelaise sauce - 1000/10 (!!) I now follow them on Insta and drool daily looking at their daily specials. Can't wait to come back. read more

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Best place in San Diego, get the burger and say hey to chefs. Great owner as well. Always check the specials because it'll be something amazing read more

I can see why this place is a favorite of everyone within walking distance and even with a little bit of a drive I'd love to put this into our regular rotation. We arrived a little after 4pm on a Friday and were lucky to score a cute 2-top on the patio. Immediately greeted by one of the chefs chatting with some regulars he pointed to the seats and said "they're yours". Our server quickly appeared and got us settled with menus and wine. To eat I had the spicy Cesar and my husband the garlic shrimp. Of course we had some fries to share as well. Food was fantastic, service was equally so. Everyone was approachable and helpful...a true neighborhood feel. The place quickly filled and for those waiting, seats on the sidewalk were available and each guest was able to order some wine to pass the time. What I also noticed and loved was the diners were conscious of others waiting so while nobody rushed through their meal, there wasn't unnecessary lingering. Seats were vacated so the next guests could sit and enjoy. I can't wait to go back. read more

Juan Jasper kitchen & Wine - Spicy Cesar, fries, Sancerre rose - Cafes Near Me - San Diego, California

This is quite the hidden gem. Well, maybe not hidden! It is very small and it was packed at 4:20 PM on a Friday afternoon. You have to show up and put your name in and get a glass of wine and wait. Golden Hills is a lovely neighborhood and you sit on the sidewalk and chat with your friends... And wait. Is it worth it... 100%, absolutely! This is going to sound weird because it doesn't look like it at all... But it felt like when I was in Madrid, sitting on a sidewalk café and then having tapas. It's just a feeling. The food was exceptional. There's an excellent selection of wines... And if you come with good friends, it's a perfect experience. We got to sit inside and watch the kitchen. We shared the deviled eggs... Which included chorizo and they were excellent. We shared the shrimp and I wish we had gotten several more plates of the shrimp and we had the mac & cheese and then some beignets. Excellent. It was a delight. I really can't say enough about this. It's a very much a foodie experience. Go and enjoy. read more

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I think we just found San Diego's best kept secret. I consider myself somewhat of a foodie - as much as I can be with two littles in tow. I jump at the opportunity to try out a new spot while the kiddos are at school but rarely are the ones I want to try open. I had read about Juan Jasper on some list a while back and bookmarked it. I noticed they were open for lunch on a Friday so my husband and I decided to check it out. It was bustling on a Friday at 2 pm. There are only about 10 seats indoors and limited outdoor sitting so we were lucky to snag a spot inside. The bar is situated overlooking the kitchen and the service were genuinely having a blast at work, everyone was sampling wine and tasing bites of fresh cut meat from the chef. The chef changes the menu every few days so they are always trying new things. Everyone that came in was a regular, everyone was so happy, the room was vibrating with amazing energy, I could have hung out there all day and night! My husband and I split a bottle of wine - I was pleasantly surprised at the variety and prices of wine. $38 for a Napa cab. We split the French fries which were hands down the best I've ever had. We split the mortadella sandwich on focaccia and the fried chicken sandwich on a biscuit. Holy smokes - both were to die for. Honestly we can't wait to go back. The food, service, and ambiance were a 10/10. They don't take reservations but the staff told us come early for dinner and enjoy wine while you wait. I cannot wait to go back!!! read more

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Great place to get affordable wine in a niche family owned business. This place has the friendliest staff and their small plates are really good. You can also come during the daytime to shop their wine selection and butcher shop next door! Cute spot for girls night :) read more

This venue was disappointing. After waiting in the cold for an hour we were seated outdoors, served the worst deviled eggs (they were ice cold, hard and flavorless) I've ever eaten in my life while a drunk customer at the next table yelled inappropriately about bodily functions and illness. The waitress engaged with him while he ranted and seemed unaware how uncomfortable he made the experience of sitting there trying to eat. The best thing we ate was the scotch egg. The fries were okay but the waitress never did bring the ketchup she offered. Ultimately we settled up and left after 15 minutes. What a waste of time and energy. read more

The steak quality rivals most major steakhouses. Small restaurant provides a cozy community ambiance. Knowledgeable servers and cooking staff give great service. Great wines on the menu. The value for the quality of food you get is exceptional. Only downside is they only take cash app payments and don't accept card payments. read more

Neighborhood local gem, the food is unique and tasty. Love the atmosphere which makes you feel at home, this place has charm and character and makes you feel like you're having a meal in our neighbors yard. Delicious wine selection and food pairs so well! read more

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