Ambiance: 5 stars Food: 2 stars Service: 2 stars Wine selection: 3 stars The outdoor patio and live music are truly the highlights here. The setting is charming and relaxed, and the live music creates a calm, enjoyable atmosphere that makes it easy to unwind and focus on the company you're with. From a purely ambiance standpoint, it's a beautiful spot. Beyond a fairly simple cheese plate, the dishes felt underwhelming and not particularly well prepared. Like many other reviews, staff are slow and not particularly attentive or warm. The wine list was fair and the bottle we enjoyed was pleasant. This feels like the kind of place you go for the atmosphere only. Where you go to sit outside, enjoy live music, and spend one-on-one time with someone you care about. If you come primarily for that and keep expectations low around food and service, you'll likely have a lovely time. read more

Vino Locale - Wine Bars Near Me - Palo Alto, California

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Such a fun and charming spot in Palo Alto -- it's a house turned into a wine bar, which makes it feel extra special. There's adorable seating out front, beautiful indoor seating by the piano along with bar seating, and they even open up the back patio at 5:30 (with heaters). They offer happy hour from 4:30-5:30 (even on Saturdays) which is great. The whole place has a cozy, homey feel with a strong wine list and food that pairs really well. I tried the chipotle samosa, which was a fun twist on the classic Indian appetizer -- the chipotle sauce was surprisingly delicious with it. The cheese plate was also excellent with a red wine; there's nothing better than a sip of wine right after a bite of cheese. Their Gewürztraminer white wine also really stood out to me. It was a crowd favorite. Great staff and incredible ambiance -- I'd definitely come back for a group get-together or a date night. read more

Vino Locale - Wine Bars Near Me - Palo Alto, California

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Vino Locale is truly one of Palo Alto's hidden gems! Tucked inside a beautiful old Victorian home, it feels like you've stepped into a cozy European wine garden right in the middle of Silicon Valley. I started with a wine flight and loved getting to try different varietals before settling on a gorgeous glass of red. The food was excellent -- the baked sour cherry brie was heavenly, the gluten-free kale and mushroom ravioli was surprisingly rich, and the molten chocolate cake a la mode was the perfect ending. The backyard patio is magical at night with twinkle lights, firepits, and live music. It's such a romantic spot but also great for a relaxed evening with friends. The service was warm and friendly, and the prices felt really reasonable for the quality and atmosphere. Definitely recommend making a reservation since seating is limited. Can't wait to come back! read more

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Impressive selection of tapas, main courses and wines, often featuring local musicians in the evenings. Indoor seating in a charming Victorian setting, or in the spacious outdoor wine garden with heat lamps and fireplaces. Staff is friendly and knowledgeable. Great spot for date night or groups of all sizes. Drop ins are usually fine, but reservations advised, especially on weekends and definitely for groups. read more

Wonderfully tender grilled chicken, straight from the bbq. Had it over a light salad with grilled peppers - everything was done exquisitely - it's a rare affordable spot in Palo Alto. read more

Vino Locale - Grilled chicken over salad with peppers Hefeweizen pint - Wine Bars Near Me - Palo Alto, California

Instant Love in a Hidden Gem: Vino Locale is likely one of Palo Alto's most charming and underrated gems. Nestled in what looks like an early 1900s Queen Anne-style Victorian home, it offers a warm, relaxed setting that feels worlds away from the hustle of Silicon Valley. It's located just off University Avenue and a short drive from Stanford University and the Stanford Shopping Center, making it a perfect end-of-the-day relaxing experience. I was invited by a girlfriend who's a regular, and we stopped by during happy hour (3:00-5:30 PM)--and what a delightful experience it was. I'm not usually a happy hour-focused patron, since I tend to order whatever piques my interest--but the savings were a nice bonus. My friend recommended the Sweet Grilled Cheese (a baguette with brie and pear--absolutely divine), which is only available on the happy hour menu, so I was glad to have caught it. The inside bar area is small, quaint, and inviting with seating for about six people at the bar and two cozy tables nearby. I was instantly greeted and served by Nima, the managing director/owner, who was gracious, charming, and incredibly hospitable. You can feel that the staff and management treat each other--and their guests--like family. I had a delicious Brut Rosé and sampled a crisp white Bordeaux, and I can't wait to come back to try their wine flights, stay for dinner, and enjoy the free live music in the garden. The back patio is a real highlight--spacious, calm, and outfitted with greenery, fire pits, and heaters for year-round comfort. The space is unassuming from the front, but the back patio can host private events for up to 100 guests. All the details seem to be clearly outlined on their website, which I really appreciate--no surprises or confusion, just thoughtful planning. Vino Locale is closed on Sundays and Mondays, so plan ahead. If you look through my other reviews, you'll see I've been fortunate to experience many high-quality restaurants--and I can honestly say Vino Locale was an instant love the moment I stepped into its time-capsule space. I must admit I was shocked that no one had ever mentioned Vino Locale to me--especially as a Bay Area foodie local. All the other wonderful reviewers are absolutely on point. I wish I lived closer--but it's absolutely worth the drive. I can't wait to return and post an updated review after my next visit. This is the kind of place you treasure--and keep coming back to. read more

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Lovely spot a little off the beaten path but such a gem!! The staff and service were excellent -- live music too.

Such a great gem in downtown Palo Alto. It is a converted house on a quiet side street. Lots of parking with a lot across the street!!!! Happy hour is wonderful. Lots of options and great prices. We sat in the front patio which is lush and gorgeous. Back patio has a stage for live music and private event space. Will plan to come for the music next time. Service was great. Even though they were really busy, everyone was pleasant and service was fast. Will definitely be back soon! read more

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This place is so cute! The front patio seating is super relaxing; perfect for a slow afternoon or early evening. In the back, they have a great space for live music, which adds such a nice vibe to the whole experience. On our last visit, my husband and I shared the bacon-wrapped dates and a charcuterie board. Both were delicious and paired really well with the wine. I'm not super knowledgeable about wine, but I still had a great time sipping and just enjoying the space. It's the kind of spot where you can unwind and lose track of time. read more

I'm not sure how this was the first time going to Vino - on a recommendation by a colleague, enjoyed a recent sunny afternoon here. The spot is tucked away on a side street in Palo Alto and parking is fairly easy on the street or nearby lot. Love the vibe of a converted home with plenty of seating options either indoor or on outdoor patio spaces. Also appreciate the many umbrellas available to shade you from the sun. The HH menu is great - many options for a variety of palates. While I didn't take part in the tasting flight which allows you to choose any 4 wines - the generous pour and presentation was awesome as a few at my table ordered this. I really enjoyed the brut rose and the noshies including hummus plate, cheese plate, spinach artichoke dip and finally the eggplant dip. read more

Vino Locale - A lovely day to enjoy the patio - Wine Bars Near Me - Palo Alto, California

We enjoyed a happy hour/dinner experience here and will definitely be back! John made us feel welcome and kindly helped us with our questions about their different wines and tapas. The patio was pretty and shaded with umbrellas. The menu selections were varied from a nut and olive flight to slightly heavier options like the chicken and pesto ravioli, as well as the chipotle samosas. We thoroughly enjoyed our leisurely evening here! read more

Vino Locale - Wine flight and tapas - Wine Bars Near Me - Palo Alto, California

3.5 stars overall. I would say the best place about this place is the size of their wine pours. They are GENEROUS! I only had a glass but it felt closer to two glasses to me. The couple next to us each got a flight, which seem like an amazing deal since each glass in the flight seemed like a full serving. I was really curious how they were going to make it home... It's situated in an old house, with indoor seating, front and back patio seating. With back patio seating they often have live music. Decor is very basic. A couple things that dissapointed us: We came for my birthday and my husband made a note on the reservation AND told the waiter secretly when he went to the "bathroom". The waiter responded that he'd do something, and never did... Also, for being a wine bar, after sampling a wine, I was about to tell him how I felt about it to hopefully find a wine that I liked more, but he interrupted me and told me that was one of his favorite and to just go with it. Again, luckily because the pour was so huge, I was relatively happy when I left anyway. Lastly, we felt like the tapas were kind of low quality for the overall price. The Vegan Meatballs were delicious but came with very stale bread. The Eggplant Dip was also tasty, but came with dollar store quality chips. I think both of those dishes could've been really elevated with some fresh or higher quality chips, or fresh bread. read more

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Stumbled on this little spot on a Friday afternoon. I was surprised at how empty it was at 4 o'clock, especially because it was happy hour! I think their location does them a bit of a disservice since it's off of the main strip. There is a sign at the corner of the main road, directing you to the building, so if you see that, then you're close. I walked up the stairs and started to read the menu, and I was greeted by one of their team members, John, who asked me if I had any questions. After looking at the menu for a few minutes, I found a glass from their happy hour that sounded interesting. John informed me that the menu had just been refreshed and that wine was no longer available. Bummer! He immediately switched out the menu with the updated one and he recommended a different wine that I elected to try. He quickly got a table, set up for us outside in the courtyard and he also provided a carafe of water and a couple of empty glasses. Because the courtyard is off of the main strip, it's pretty quiet there and you can enjoy a conversation with your friends without yelling over anyone. Making conversation with John, I learned that you can book the place for private events, and that they are typically fairly busy over the weekends. So keep that in mind. I wish I lived locally because I'd definitely spend time here with friends on the regular! As for the wine I tried (the Grenache listed on their happy hour menu), it was alright. A but too soft for me. I'd prefer something with a bit more body but I couldn't commit to a full bottle of the Super Tuscan they had on their menu... but I was sure tempted. read more

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Vino Locale is one of our favorite places for Friday date nights. The place is very lovely, and we always try to order different wines. Sometimes I feel like having white wine, and other times red wine. We also enjoy ordering appetizers. If you like wine and enjoy beautiful places where you can have a great time, visit Vino Locale. You won't regret it. read more

Loved their food, wine and appetizers. Great service too. Would definitely go back. Sat outside with heat lamps, and music was playing. Definitely go there for a special celebration. read more

A few weeks back, I went out with 2 lovely ladies to have a delicious dinner. Neither of us ate here before, so on a whim we thought, let's give it a go & eat like adults but vent like chismosas. We nearly closed the place down after enjoying beautifully plated dishes of roasted salmon, veggies+hummus, swordfish skewers, & chicken w/rice. We topped it off w/a molten chocolate cake à la mode & just savored every moment of yummy food & even juicier gossip. It was a cool set up. A house with an expanded backyard & at times, a live band. Give it a try. read more

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We love Vino Locale! Nice ambiance, great wine list, and solid snacks to enjoy. Of of the best things about Vino Locale is that the wine list isn't just the same 5 wines that you see at many other places, they offer a great variety of domestic & international wines, and treat each one well. I love the Sancerre on the menu, and appreciate that they offer 6oz or 9oz pours, half bottles, and full bottles. The Black Cabra Cabernet Sauvignon and Miraval Rose are also among my favorites. In terms of food items, I usually gravitate toward the chicken skewers are a good option and come with a few flavor/sauce options. The beet salad is good, and I often get their Brussels sprouts (know what to expect, though: they're not fried/crispy, but are tasty - served with parmesan, cranberries, almonds, and optional bacon). The cheese plates and hummus platter are also good, reliable options. Service is so friendly! They have a nice dog-friendly patio (and often have a few treats for pups), and live music most Thursday evenings. read more

Vino Locale - Wine Bars Near Me - Palo Alto, California

This cute little house that turned into a wine bar + restaurant, yes?! Was only in town for a work trip but roaming the streets of downtown Palo Alto I stumbled into this gem. Live music Customer Service BB was amazing! She offered some really good suggestions on where to sit, what to order and even let us know about a nice ice cream spot in the area. I love when the service is warm and friendly. Ordered the Graduate flight for I believe $40. I'm so use to tasting in Napa with small pours I almost fell out and the size of these glasses. Totally worth every penny. Salmon Ravioli Bone Marrow was just ok but overall I love this spot and will be back! read more

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A hidden gem off the main drag in Palo Alto. I had to drive by twice... This restaurant is a beautiful craftsman/Victorian type house with 2 cozy bar rooms, a very alluring front room and an out door patio that made me feel like I was in a magical garden. Our server Alex was very helpful with my wine selection and brought me tastings of 2 of their Chardonnay's. Ofc, I went with the more expensive one, I can blame my taste buds For food we shared: *Beet salad *Hummus *Dolma *Dates wrapped with bacon The dolma was vegetarian style with a strawberry vinaigrette drizzle. Delicious! The dates had goat cheese inside - yum! We were very happy with our food. They had live acoustic music playing outside which is always a plus for me! Plenty of FREE parking in the lot across the street. You can sit inside or outside. Your choice. Our bill was around $120 with tip for 4. read more

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There is lots of vino, and it is quite locale indeed. The cab sav was rather tasteless, unfortunately. The atmosphere is excellent indoors, situated inside an old house, and feels rather like one is attending a dinner party at a dear friend's house. Service is great. read more

I came across this place while in downtown palo alto. This was such a cute wine bar and they also had live music as well. Service was great and they had great wine. read more

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Finally got to vino locale , had a flight, nic owner, good regulars, had a good time, highly recommended

Great food and drinks I love the vibe here , I like to come here for happy hour. When it hot it's nice to sit outside and enjoy a nice drink here. It's also a great place to take a date. What an amazing place it's definitely a gem, it's a place once you check it out you'll wanna keep coming back. read more

Meandering my way into Palo Alto for a Yelp Elite event I parked at the little parking lot across from Vino Locale. I had no intention of stopping at this little restaurant because, frankly, I had no idea it was there. Out of my car and across the street I went, but I was about 15 early to the YES party and stumbled upon this adorable sign. It beckoned me with the word wine and in I went to scope out the building. Built into a 1005 Victorian home, the atmosphere exudes charm. Upon entering, there's a small room to the left with couches, a high-top table and big window looking out over the front patio. Continue on inside the building and you run smack dab into the bar. Being wine only, it was my dream come true. The back of the bar boasts a nice collection of bottles smothering the wall TV. The TV is the main sound system playing tunes from before I was born (yeah, that's a while ago) which were absolutely fun. The bar had about eight stools and two mini tables hugging the walls. The kitchen was just beyond the bar and people were hustling in there to satisfy the hungry customers. The back patio is lovely with heaters and fire pits, both covered and non-covered seating. The menu isn't enormous, but it has many offerings to please the palette. I tried the Italian olive mix which was perfectly seasoned, a large portion and a lovely presentation. I'd order it again in a heartbeat. I also had the Fromage Surprise made up of crackers, bread, spicy cherries, and three types of cheese. Mine were cheddar and something else. Alex, the nice waiter, wasn't enthusiastic when it came to revealing the cheeses. No worries, he was attentive. The platter was filling, the bread fresh, but the cheeses were unremarkable. They all tasted the same to me which was a little disappointing since I'm a bit of a cheese expert. Those spicy though were to die for!! Numi is the owner and he does a terrific job of making each person feel welcome. Go say hello to him. Enjoy the food and wine while you're at it. read more

Vino Locale - Fromage Surprise! - Wine Bars Near Me - Palo Alto, California

What a great place. Yes, the food is great. The ambience is warm and inviting. Yes, they have great reasonably priced wines but the reason to come is the people. Just inviting, warm and engaging read more

Ordered. Waited 25 minutes. Waiter came back to take our order again. Probably wouldn't recommend.

Love this beautiful cozy wine bar with wonderful food! Always my favorite go to for wine.

Quaint house converted to a restaurant. Vino Locale is different than any other wine room you'll encounter in the area. It's intimate and comfortable with couches, tables, bar space and outdoor patios. They offer a long list of regional wines and delicious food. The happy hour is highly recommended. Vino locale often offers live music. Perfect first date spot for light food and good wine. Go-to orders: * Sweet grilled cheese (happy hour) * Chipotle samosa (happy hour) * Charcuterie (create your own with a variety of meats and cheeses) * California brussels sprouts Insider tips: Sitting on couches in the front room with the piano is very fun and intimate, however you can overhear everyone else's conversations-tight quarters * Happy hour is the best time to visit * Great wine flight options * Dog friendly patio with pup-menu read more

Vino Locale - Wine Bars Near Me - Palo Alto, California

My experience at Vino Locale was very good. My friend has been a local here and really wanted to bring me when I came back to town. I'm very glad we went. I loved the red wines presented to us. We just said "red and surprise us." The chips & guac were skippable. The spanakopita was delicious. For your non-wino friends, Vino Locale has two beers on tap. One is the wonderful Chimay, not typically found on tap. I would love to absorb the temperate bay area air on the back patio. The decor is done right and the ambiance is spot on for enjoying good company. They have a band on the back patio sometimes, too. There's a small 6 seat bar where my friend and I sat. A fella there was playing dj through his phone to the TV above the bar. Music was heard just within the bar, not throughout. There's also a front patio with multiple tables (casual feel, less intimate great for a 2-4 person business meeting), and two communal rooms that each offer different ambiance. You could meet here with anyone - a lover, a friend, or a colleague. BTW, for the owner, it was the scent of waffle cones at Salt & Straw that I picked up on while we were there! read more

Vino Locale - Chianti Classic 2018 Poggio Bonelli LOVE IT. Clean. Delicious. - Wine Bars Near Me - Palo Alto, California

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This is definitely my new favorite spot in Palo Alto. My friend and I came here on a Wednesday afternoon for happy hour, which goes until 5:30pm. The inside is pretty small, but there was plenty of outdoor seating. The backyard was closed at the time, but I'm pretty sure it's open and packed during the summer. But in the winter, they also have heat lamps outside for those chilly evenings. Their menu is constantly changing so stop in to check out their seasonal offerings. Happy hour wines are $8, and some bites are $8 as well. I got the happy hour pinot noir (Carmel Valley), and my friend got a tasting flight-choose 4 for $18. We both really enjoyed our wines. We also ordered a Hummus plate and some brussel sprouts. Always nice to have something to nibble on while sipping on wine. The hummus plate included some, naan, cucumbers, tomatoes, and fried onions with the hummus. They also had a gluten-free option (crackers or corn chips) for those who have gluten-sensitivities! The vibe at Vino Locale was just what I was looking for-something low-key, casual, cute and quaint. In mentioning that I was celebrating my 30th birthday, Celinda, one of the owners, really took the time and care to make it a memorable experience. All the staff were attentive and kind. They have a customer for life! read more

Vino Locale - Hummus plate - Wine Bars Near Me - Palo Alto, California

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We tried this place on a saturday afternoon and it didn't disappoint. Saturday seating is the front patio and it was very pleasant with the weather warming up this time of year. The waiter was very friendly and gave us tastes of a number of things he thought we might like after we ordered. Really great guy. I ended up with a beer (They have scrimshaw!) We also had a nice gewurtztraminer but after tasting the sauv blanc we probably should have ordered that one. For food we were interested in small plates so we ordered a cheese platter and got to pick what we wanted. The soft goat cheese with honey was probably the best. I enjoyed that the cheese plate comes with some spicy fig jam that went great with brie. Overall a really nice spread and a great day eating outside. read more

Vino Locale - cheese platter with soft goat cheese w/honey, brie, manchego and gruyere. + charcuterie rose - Wine Bars Near Me - Palo Alto, California

I booked this venue for a work event and from the beginning to end, they were excellent. I first came to check out the venue when they opened and I spoke to Nima, the owner. He answered all my questions and I discussed with him the budget I had for the event and suggestions he had on the food. He sent me photos of the space and he made a reservation for me via Open Table. On the day of the event, I got there early to just make sure everything would go smoothly. I was able to reserve the inside lounge for our party and arranged to have the appetizers brought out early, before everyone arrived so that they would be there for them to munch on. Our waitress was amazing. She was patient, friendly and efficient. She didn't mind when I looked for her because I needed something. They also didn't rush us. We had the whole lounge area for about 3 hours and in that time everyone was enjoying themselves, on to their second glasses of wine and more rounds of appetizers. After the event, I heard from some of the attendees, commenting that they enjoyed their time. I would definitely book here again. It's a cute place with live music in the evenings. Also it is located in what used to be a home! Very home grown. Also, the food recommendations were good. Everyone loved the bacon wrapped dates and the cheese platter was popular as well as the baked brie and samosas. Their selection of wine is impressive and most of our attendees know their wines! I was happy to hear they liked the wine also. There were plenty of non alcoholic options as well. Thank you for being a great venue to have a successful event! read more

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One of my fave wine bars, with live music, amazing appetizers and great wine selection, and great ambience. I love sitting on the couches next to the fires and cozying up with some wine and melted Brie read more

Make a reservation and wear insect repellent! Seriously, this is one of the only places in the Bay Area where I get attacked by bugs. It's worth it. Great vibe, love the love music and casual ambiance. I almost feel like I'm just in a friend's backyard instead of a restaurant. So get some Off, and enjoy some lovely appetizers and a flight. read more

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Really enjoyed thee ambiance, service and food of this unique cozy and homely dining experience. This is an old remodeled victorian home. Was cozy, intimate and a great wine bar experience. Service was outstanding! I went for happy hour and had the flights and appetizers. Great selection of wines. The empanadas were tasty and the veggies with hummus were so fresh and crisp. I'm looking forward to returning for an outdoor dining experience. Definitely recommend this place indoors for a cozy chat or a wonderful outdoor experience. read more

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Great little wine spot in downtown Palo alto. The super homey service and refreshing outdoor patio paired very nicely with our wine tasting. Can't go wrong with $18 happy hour flights!! They are so nice here too; we pulled up at 5:15 for some flights and small plates, stayed til 8pm, but they still gave us the happy hour deal (which is listed from 3-5:30pm)!! Nice diverse set of wines from across the world, combined with their selection of Napa tastings. Small plates were good too (would definitely recommend the bacon wrapped dates!) read more

Vino Locale - Outside - Wine Bars Near Me - Palo Alto, California

One of my all time favorite wine bars in downtown Palo Alto. Every time I introduce someone to this place we take home lovely memories Thank you for the hospitality and delicious food to pair with any glass of wine. read more

Cute and potentially intimate. Food portion relative to price is ok. Our waiter acted with veiled frustration if you asked too many questions. Would not recommend on a hot day as there isn't enough seating to be comfortable unless you're a party of 3 or less. Overall, feels mostly like a hit or miss place, and it missed with us. Will have to give it another try someday. read more

I've been going to Vino Locale for more than a decade, back when the original owner created a bit of a stir by opening a wine bar with upscale food. I've always preferred hanging out in the backyard -- although the backyard has had a few incarnations itself. As you would expect, there's a wide range of reasonably priced wines. Well, this is Palo Alto so don't expect bargains but fairly priced given the location. On my last visit, I got the impression that there were more "value wines" on the menu and less premium reserves. As for food, it's common to do share plates or heavy apps. You can't go wrong with the Cheese Plate or the Charcuterie Plate. The bread is top notch and have gluten free version as an option. Oh I have a soft spot for the bacon-wrapped dates -- yum. If you want a full dinner, there are a small number of options. I've had the short ribs several times and it's appropriately flavorful; the beef broth and creamy polenta is a bit on the decadent side. On a recent visit, the roasted salmon and mash potatoes was a very pleasant surprise; well seasoned and generous portion. COVID note: they are open for outdoor dining both in the frontyard and backyard. They took appropriate precautions and still maintained a nice atmosphere. read more

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Loved this place! My BF was working in Palo Alto, so we decided to have dinner there. We met at a rooftop bar, but we passed this place and thought it looked like a cute spot for dinner. After having a drink and going through the menu, we decided to come here for dinner, and I am so glad we did! The ambiance is nice but also casual, with plenty of outdoor seating and a very cute bar, which the owner was actually tending. The locals were friendly and engaging, and the food was amazing and fresh! Needless to say, the wines were also great. I highly recommend this place over any of the trendy bars in the area if you love good good and wine. read more