Love this place. The Jalapeno-tini is the best drink in Kirkland, possibly the world! Chips and Salsa goes great with it.

My fiance, mom, stepdad and I arrived at nearly 6pm on Friday. There was a table in back open, which was nice, and we were immediately greeted and given water. I ordered a very light Lover's Quarrel (strawberry lemonade, champagne, vodka) which was delicious, but I don't drink - my mother had the smokey manhattan which she loved, though, and she knows her liquor. The dessert drinks were all wonderful as well. The star of the night was the pork tacos. Oh my god. Delicious. The fried chevre and chips and salsa were also great. The hummus was meh. The music was AWESOME - something for everyone. Cash, Disturbed, Judas Priest, Rihanna, Gaga, Patsy Cline... we all heard at least 2 songs we liked and my family and I have very different musical tastes. I plan on making this a Friday night deal. Also, the Cherry Bomb was cloying, over-sweet, boring. Even for me. (PS - ask for the Smith and Wesson. It's Goldschlager, bourbon, cream, and... something else, but if you like cinnamon and bourbon you'll like this.) read more

I have been here several times. Service is always....always, always slow. Managements fault. I always have to kiss the server's back side to keep them from being rude....or indifferent at best. Tonight was the last straw. Sat down at the bar and was quickly engaged by The server...but she was making sure i wasn't taking someone's seat....once that was resolved I was fully ignored by both servers ( will not call either a bartender, because they are both overly lacking in the customer service department.) Thus, I left, because I'm not going to spend my money in Kirkland if i get bad service. Btw, I live in Kirkland. read more

Excellent exotic martini's wide variety and dangerously sneaky. Only negative which I personally thinks a positive is small space.

Best bar in marina bay! Great cocktails even for rainy days.

Good food and location right in downtown but off the back of the main street with a view to the parking lot makes it a little less than ideal outdoor setting. Were out of some ingredients for the flatbread but they identified the substitution which was acceptable. Wine list appeared on par with wine bars in the area. read more

The great: their jalapeño martini and the strawberry fields cocktails are what keeps me coming back. The not so great, but not bad enough to not come back: their service is spotty. Also, I hold the dairy when I order, and I've received the same comment twice about how it must be horrible to not eat dairy. Sure my friends say those trite comments often, but it is impolite coming from a server to a customer. read more

Bartender said we could stand at the door all day or there were open seats farther in, without even asking about our reservation. After seating ourselves, we waited for twenty minutes without having anyone approach our table. Instead, the waiter went to the table next to us to the woman that arrived ten minutes after we did and took her drink order and brought her wine and waters for the rest of her party that hadn't even arrived. We decided to leave the restaurant shortly after that and still were not acknowledged by any of the staff on our way out. Terrible service. We will not be returning. read more

I had lunch here with some friends and really enjoyed it. The burger and the meatloaf sliders were very good. The wine list was varied, I would definitely come back. read more

It's OK ... the tacos were surprisingly wimpy for the cost... the Albondigas meatballs were really good but the sauce was too spicy (and yes I like it spicy) ... was just out of balance and overpowering the tasty meatballs read more

It was a special evening out with friends and it was ruined by the customer service at Vovina with Derrick. We all got there on Saturday in the early evening and there were maybe 2 other tables with other customers and 2-3 people at the bar at most. We ordered drinks and appetizers at happy hour. The food came out quickly as well as drinks! Food and drinks were amazing! No complaints there at all. Even Derrick who was helping us was great. It was not until we were ready to pay the bill when the turn of event occurred with the service. He showed up at the table with the bill, we asked him to split it between us six. He took the receipt waddling the receipt into a ball as he walked away with attitude. He came back and got the drinks sorted with everyone, but then said that he would not be able to split the appetizers between us all as it is 'tedious.' He said we needed to figure it out amongst ourselves and walked back behind the bar. We were not far from the bar and my friend who was facing the bar could hear and see him talking shit about us. We all get up and head to the bar to pay the rest of the bill. He gave grief to each one of us. My friend spoke up and asked him if he was okay. He said he was sorry, but from the way he said it, it was not sincere. She told him that he made her feel uncomfortable and she did not want to pay her part of the bill. He said he would take care of her part and would void the transaction. He took the copy of her receipt and ripped it right in front of her. He was such a jerk and turned a wonderful evening into an uncomfortable, unpleasant evening that I would not wish upon anyone. If you want to have someone ruin the night out, go see Derrick at Vovina. He was terrible and after that service, none of my friends or myself will be coming back despite how wonderful the food was. read more

Stopped in here on Friday for pre-dinner drinks with the husband. Now, we are very very picky when it comes to cocktails (years living in Manhattan will do that to you) - and the cocktails here were excellent, and very affordable. The place was quite busy, and appeared to be understaffed (one bartender, and one server working the room) - which means sometimes a bit of a wait for a cocktail, but you can't really blame the staff for that. The service was as good as it could be for being overworked/understaffed. The crowd was a real mixed bag, and there were some clearly intoxicated/loud people. I'd come back again and try it out for pre-dinner drinks again, but not sure if I'd spend my whole evening there - I prefer the more laid back wine-bar atmosphere. read more

Came to see Super Dave the Boozy Wizard mixologist. This guy rocks hard. Come see the man and be brave. Just ask for something amazing....... read more

I would give a TEN star if possible! Great ambiance, great food, up class, down to earth... AND wonderful music! Oh, the bartender is a skilfulll mixologist! read more

came here for a drink on Sunday night at about 8pm.... was told that kitchen is closed already and it's a time for a last call. I specifically checked for business hours before coming over and it was until 9 pm. personally I believe it's a bit too early for a last call... having said all this, the drinks were good and desert was yummy! read more

Mainly... the issue is where it's located... not the place itself. Service: Good. The bartenders are nice, and know their wines. They aren't snooty about it if you ask a dumb question. Prices: Decent. Or at least on par for a wine / cocktail bar. Atmosphere: Warm and inviting. Though it is definitely meant for small parties of four or less. The two biggest detractors which have led to this getting only 3 stars: The clientele are odd. Friendly, but in a 'looking for company to engage in misery' sort of way. The other is that unless it's a weekend night, downtown Kirkland is effectively a dead zone after the sun sets, or if its cloudy, after 6pm. It's eerie and depressing being anywhere is dead quiet and devoid of people. Except for the hum of police cruisers setting speed/dui traps, of course. Like the few remaining businesses in Kirkland... It's just getting a little too creepy and repressive to enjoy. read more

Went in for pre dinner Scotch and Soda. Nice little bar in downtown Kirkland. The owner who was bartending was extremely personable and engaging. I didn't order food, but others at the bar area did and it looked really good. Next time I'm up I may have to try something off the menu. read more

Wouldn't have discovered or considered this place but bought a Groupon for a bottle of wine and a cheese flight. Glad we went! Absinthe is big here and seems to be quite an experience worth coming back to check out. The chips and tequila salsa is quite good with a unique flavor - don't pass on them. read more

LOVE, LOVE,LOVE this place...the staff, the menu, the location..everything....EXCEPT their new billing system...can you say SLOW...once our order was in and the little pad thingie was handed to us to run our card...it was pretty cool...but felt bad for the staff trying to use it up front...ridiculously slow...Note to self...take cash! read more

Sit out on the patio on a warm summer night. It's in a great location to people watch. Order a drink with absinthe in it, they are expensive but totally worth it. Love the atmosphere of this location. I didnt try any of the food, so this review is just on the drinks.I want to try the wine next time! read more

Visited VoVina for the first time last night, and I will definitely be back for more of those dirty martinis! Seriously, the best I have ever had! We also had the Fried Cherve, and tried the Truffle Tots. Both were amazing! I wasn't a huge fan of the tempura veggie platter, as it was a bit greasy for my taste, but everything else was fantastic! Thanks for hosting the Corks and Canvas event last night and entertaining all of us. read more

Cool atmosphere! Loved the tables at the sitting couches near the bar. Mixed drink options looked great. Had the Naughty Girl ($11) and it tasted like a grapefruit! yum! Would return again!! read more

Great cocktails especially the jalepeno-tini. And their truffle tots are to die for! Service has always been spot on. It's a great late night stop. read more

Food is amazing. Corned beef sliders one time. Last time a Cuban sandwich. Dave the bartender is great. I am picky about drinks and told him 3 ingredients I like and he came up with perfection. Our new fave! read more

This is my favorite place for cocktails on the eastside. Most of the food is darned good too, I really like the tacos.

Great food and great martinis. The jalapeñotini is really good. Outside seating with a great view

I have never been so mistreated by servers in my life. I myself work in the service industry and understand when things are busy. I went to this place to enjoy the atmosphere food and had menus thrown in my face. I am so appalled at how I was treated and disappointed because I love the place but I will never return due to the bartender and waitress on staff. So disappointed hoping they get new management and staff. Feeling so disgusted. Also I am never the person to complain this was horrible service nothing I could ever comprehend. Will not return here. read more

This is a great and cozy loungy vibe bar with great choice in cocktail with spirits of all sorts

The fireplace is fabulous to sit around with friends and enjoy all the great cocktails, food and fabulous service. This is a local spot for me where I can truly get out of the Kirkland poser crowd and be comfortable with a group of friends. During our last snow storm, it was a haven for the cooped up locals. The servers always offer a sip of wine before you order. They are personable, attentive and provide just the "at home with friends" atmosphere. Really great place! read more

The main thing this place has going for itself is the live music on Thursday night and decent drinks. The food is horrible (how can you screw up hummus or pizza?), and probably the worst service in downtown Kirkland. read more

When they are good, they are excellent. When they are not, they are intolerable. One time the regular chef was gone and they were unable to make half the items on the menu. Another time the regular bartender wasn't there and the gal behind the bar didn't make decent drinks. I want to give these guys another chance, but I just can't support such inconsistency at Kirkland price$! read more

I took my staff here in December for our holiday party and then reserved an area again for a business meeting just last night. The drinks are always amazing! Any suggestion of a martini or wine is always spot on. Then there is the food. We had hummus, edamame, chicken tacos, chop salad etc. Everything was fantastic and very quick. I just love every visit to VoVina and cannot wait to enjoy the outdoor seating this summer. read more

Tried to stop in for a glass of wine and appetizers on a Thursday and there wasn't anywhere to sit, so my friends and I went to a nearby place called Grape Choice. We were able to call and order food from Vovina, which was pretty cool that they delivered it to us. Trying to place my order on the phone, the bartender couldn't hear anything I was saying because of the noise there.. I had to repeat myself 3x's. We order tots which were delicious, but our wedge salads weren't that great. The guy who delivered our food and ran our cards never came back to get our signed receipts, so we ended up having to return them ourselves. Not sure I'd go back. read more

Wow, great little wine & Martini bar in Kirkland - cozy little place with a fireplace and incredible food! Small plates, intimate, good pour on the wine and their pomegranite lemon drops are OVER THE TOP! I'm a fan, built in regular!!! read more

This place is great! My girlfriends and I meet once a month for our "vodka" club. Every time we go the bartender always remembers our food orders. We also forgot a book there and he kept it for us behind the bar because he knew we would be back! We always enjoy coming here. Food is great and so is the service. read more

I hate to give a bad review but I always appreciate reading them so here I am. Maybe it was an off night but our experience was terrible. I had been here once before on a weekday and service was fine, the establishment seemed clean and the experience wasn't stellar but enjoyable. I returned with my husband on a gorgeous Friday evening and I was sorely disappointed. To start, the inside of Vovina was dirty and smelled like stale cigars. We initially sat at the bar and while the bartender greeted us, no mention was made that he would be with us shortly, no menus presented, etc. While we waited, an outside seat became available and we moved to that area. My husband had to stay inside to get menus for us. Once that was done, it was a good 10 minutes before we were approached by the server who was clearly overwhelmed. She then said she would be right back with us and it was a good 5 minutes before she returned. It quite honestly felt like since we were the furthest from the door, we didn't matter in the least. The server was outside multiple times before even looking in our direction. It was a good 20 minutes before we even placed an order. After 30 minutes of being at this location without even a glass of water, we left. I have actually never walked out of a restaurant before but our experience was ridiculous. It is a shame because the location is great and has good reviews. I'm shocked by the 4 star rating. I just hope we were a one off experience and we were there on a bad, short staffed night. read more

Vovina is one of my favorite Kirkland bars! I've been here numerous times over the last few years usually for dinner or late evening drinks on the weekend. They have a great happy hour with $6 glasses of wine and several dollars off many of their small plates. I've visited several times with friends who are very indecisive with their wine selections, and the staff has been extremely patient with them often offering to provide tastings before they make their final selection. It has felt so welcoming! Their truffle tator tots are to die for, and their brussel sprouts are also delicious! I thought of this place as a bar and didn't expect much from the food options, but they have consistently been better than expected. The place has a very cozy feeling to it with low lighting and leather chairs and booths. It's one of the closest restaurants in Kirkland to Marina Park and a water view. They have a small but very nice outdoor seating area from which you can see the water - granted you are looking past the parking lot sitting between you and the water but it's better than no water view at all! This is basically my go to place in Kirkland for a relaxing, wine-focused evening with friends :) read more

Plates are delicious but very small portions. And pricey but the taste is almost worth it all. In the area a lot so will swing by again soon. read more

Bought a deal for specialty drinks and appetizers. Small place but cute. Lots of specialty drink options. I had the "Dead French Girlfriend" which was an absinthe and champagne cocktail, this was okay but I tried it more for the experience rather than the flavor, because black licorice isn't my favorite. Then I had the "Strawberry Fields" a basil strawberry cocktail which was my fave! Others ordered a Caribbean cocktail and something blueberry which were also yummy. We ordered a few lite bites, the truffle tater tots and crostini plate were my favorites, so yummy. We also had the pizza which was basic and I tried to order the herb fried chevre off the happy hour menu but the server informed me that this was no longer on happy hour and they needed to change the signage (SO HONOR THE SIGNAGE UNTIL YOU CHANGE IT= CUSTOMER SERVICE). Other than that we had a lovely time. Fun cocktails, tasty bites, cute area. read more

Ordered a vodka tonic that was super weak. I like vodka in my vodka tonic. Crazy I know right?