Best Wine Bars in NYC - Top Picks 2015
The West Side of Manhattan has become home to some of the Best, trendiest and most buzzed about wine bars in New York City, especially the Hell's Kitchen neighborhood.
For decades, Hell's Kitchen was famous (or should we say infamous) for its heavy traffic, loud noise, tenements, strip clubs and smoke-filled bars. These bars had plenty of beer and whisky available, but a glass of wine was as foreign as France to the typical Hell's Kitchen bartender. But let's also give a shout out to the generations of hardy, resilient local residents who epitomized the definition of a true New Yorker.
Redevelopment and gentrification have brought rapid change to the neighborhood, with a new breed of restaurants and bars quickly taking over. But nothing, no matter how modern or state-of-the-art it could be, will ever replace the grit and tenacity of the immigrant families who were proud to call Hell's Kitchen home. Now, many of the old-school residents' grandchildren and great grandkids are the ones who have helped transform the neighborhood. You'll find them with their families, enjoying a meal at the new generation of Hell's Kitchen restaurants and wine bars.
Xai Xai Wine Bar - New York, NY
When we think of great wine, places like California, the Hudson Valley, Spain, France and Italy are the first things that come to mind. However, you might be surprised to know that some of the best reds and whites that will ever grace your glass, come from the rich, fertile soil of South Africa. South Africa's wine making history dates all the way back to 1655, when the Dutch first brought grapes to the African terrain. You can now sample the best wines that South Africa's vineyards have to offer, right here at Xai Xai Wine Bar in New York.
Topography, climate, geology and soil are the key factors when it comes to producing premium wine. South Africa has all that and more. At Xai Xai, wines are available by the glass or the bottle. From South Africa's own Pinotage to Merlot, Pinot Noir and Bordeaux style blends, the reds rule the wine cellar. But if white is your preferred wine don't fret: Xai Xai has got your back with an extensive and diverse list of whites.
Opened in May, 2007 Xai Xai was, believe it or not, a laundromat named Ding Dong Cleaners. With a great deal of vision and hard work, the owners transformed a rather weather-beaten laundry center into a chic, artistic and very romantic wine bar. The owners christened their new wine bar Xai Xai, in sentimental tribute to a small beach town in Mozambique.
At Xai Xai, the African beach comes to life in the heart of Hell's Kitchen. Rhythmic music in the background, white driftwood, ancient cypress logs, earthy brick walls and soft candlelight, all combine to set a scene that your date will just love. You will both rave about the food here. Even in a city like New York, which is world-renowned for its diverse ethnic mix of restaurants, there is nothing like Xai Xai.
Do as the South Africans do and don't bother with a basket of bread on the side with your meal. Instead, order up a mini Bunny Chow. These highly addicting curried stews are served in a bread bowl. The gravy absorbs right into the bread. Choose your chow and come hungry. These stews are filling and you'll want to try them all: chicken, beef, seafood or vegetarian. Light plates are the South African version of tapas. Boerewors in a blanket are house-made spiced beef sausages wrapped in pastry dough. Think pigs in a blanket but so much more tasty. Another I don't want to share, S.A. Tapas are goat cheese stuffed pepperdews wrapped in thick-cut bacon. Another sure to be fave is the Cape Malay coconut chicken curry.
South African cuisine is a delicious mix of African food together with European influences. Throughout the centuries, the Dutch, Germans, French and British all settled in South Africa. There is also a large Indian community in the country's urban centers. Exotic spices play a large role in South African cuisine. Some of the more basic meat and potato dishes that you will enjoy, are influenced by the Zulu tribes and their traditions. Sosaties (skewers), go great with a salad and a glass of red or white. You may choose from lemon chicken, peri peri prawn, beef, mutton or Cape Malay spiced Indian cheese. Definitely not your run of the mill corner food cart skewers.
When you dine at Xai Xai be prepared to just let yourself go and live in the moment. African food, drink and culture is all around you. The experience is so real that at any moment you might glance out the window and see a lion or two lounging under a tree on the African Plains.
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Location and Hours
35 West 51st Street, New York, NY 10018
(212) 541-9241
www.xaixaiwinebar.com
Sun-Thu: 12 PM-1 AM
Fri-Sat: 12 PM-2 AM
Ardesia Wine Bar Restaurant - New York, NY
Ardesia is the wine bar of the future. It's not just the sleek, modern decor that will impress you. Ardesia's philosophy on wine and overall vision is what is guaranteed to grab your attention and keep you coming back for more. The emphasis is on mineral-driven wines that in taste and content express their origins. The wine list is divided up into new world (United States, Chile, Argentina) and old world (Italy, France, Spain, Portugal) wines. The staff encourages you, the casual or serious wine drinker, to compare and contrast the wine, its point of origin and flavor to other regions and countries. Ardesia is all about the joy of discovery. Relax and take a journey through the world's best vineyards at Ardesia's cool, spacious bar or in their casually comfy lounge.
The lounge's soft cushiony and elegant sofas, are the only invitation you'll need to kick back with a glass of wine and see where the evening takes you. You can also grab a stool at the bar and order from the huge menu chalk board that takes up an entire wall. With summer just over the horizon, you can enjoy all that Ardesia has to offer, outdoors, amidst the green plants and hedges in their 30-seat patio. Unlike some wine bars, Ardesia has a full menu of champagnes and sparkling wines. The Prosecco and Lambrusco are premium in every sense of the word. Champagne runs from the more moderately priced Moncuit, Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Brut (375 ml) to the-high end Taittinger, Comtes de Champagne.
As far as wines go, highly recommended is a semi-dry Riesling from Lakewood vineyards in the beautiful finger Lakes region. Ardesia offers one of the better glasses of rose that will ever caress your lips, courtesy of Channing Daughters Winery based out of the Hamptons. Their Refosco is simply off the charts. Austria has some interesting reds direct from the Burgenland Vineyards. Down under, they know how to make magic happen with grapes. A New Zealand red that you'll definitely want to try is the Pinot Noir.
Snacks and small plates offer everything you crave, from artisanal cheeses and charcuterie to seasonal salads and fresh made-to-order sandwiches. You won't be able to stop eating the deviled eggs with pickled jalapeno and pork rind. Same goes for the homemade New York-style pretzels accompanied by Dijon mustard and cheese sauce. The menu also features select, hard to find options for the meat-lover in you. The wild boar salami and Columbus Sopressata are not to be missed. At the end of your meal, order a dessert wine or beer, such as Belgium's Fruli Strawberry Ale or the Churchill LBV Port 2005 imported from Portugal. They will go great with the S'mores (house-made cinnamon graham crackers, toasted marshmallow and chocolate sauce) or Ardesia's fresh baked cookies. You know that these cookies are truly hot out-of-the-oven, because the menu requests that you allow 12-15 minutes for your cookies to be served.
Wine bars can sometimes come off as being a little intimidating. That's not the case here. Just leave your cares at the door (along with the wine encyclopedia) and allow Ardesia to make you feel special.
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Location and Hours
510 West 52nd Street, New York, NY (between 10th and 11th Ave.)
(212) 247-9191
www.ardesia-ny.com
Mon-Wed: 4 PM-12 AM
Thu: 4 PM-2 AM
Fri-Sat:2 PM-2 AM
Sun: 2-11 PM
Sofia Wone Bar - New York, NY
Sofia Wine Bar is what casual elegance is all about. Located on the first floor of a beautiful brownstone, Sofia is cozy, romantic and worth getting to know. If you want a side of personality along with your glass of wine, then Sofia's will definitely entertain you with its quirky, theatrical setting, vintage chandeliers and a small balcony that overlooks the street.
Toast the evening with a glass of Napa Valley Merlot or a Morellino di Scansano Riserva from Tuscany. Sofia's wine list changes weekly, so along with old favorites that are always on hand, there's something new to savor whenever you stop by.
The food at Sofia Wine Bar is meant to complement the sounds of clinking glasses, friendly conversation and a hearty laugh here and there. The kitchen's menu is concise but it is far from limited in any way. Many of Sofia's signature dishes (the mac and cheese, personal artisan pizza and gourmet paninis) feature San Daniele Prosciutto. Aged for eighteen months, San Daniele is the brand of prosciutto that Italians, from Milan to Naples, turn to when they want to impress family and friends.
For the table, order several small plates, sample and enjoy. We suggest the bruschetta trio (tomato, olive blend and ricotta), the stuffed mushrooms and artichokes or the mozzarella crostini, made right on the premises.
Italian sweet endings include cannoli, tortoni and tartufo, available in original and hazelnut. Ah yes! Raise that glass of Soave Classico to celebrate the change of seasons and the many reasons why we love New York. Having a place like Sofia's, where we can unwind and just be ourselves, is so very New York. After all, it's not just about hard work in the Big Apple.
Location and Hours
242 East 50th Street, New York, NY 10022
Phone: (212) 888-8660, Fax: (212) 888-8661
WWW.sofiawinebar.com
Sun-Wed: 4 PM-12 AM
Thu-Fri: 4 PM-1 AM
Sat: 5 PM-1 AM
Galo Nero Wine Bar and Grill - New York, NY
Just steps from New York's theater district is a hidden gem of a wine bar, Gallo Nero. The artistic-hand painted words above the glass doors say it all, Griglia, Vino, Formaggi. It sounds more romantic in Italian, but translated into English, these three magic words are grill, wine and cheese. What these words don't tell you is that they have a full bar with 100 wines by the bottle and 45 selections by the glass!
Gallo Nero is also home to executive chef Roberto Lopez. Chef Roberto established his reputation in the industry at Cipriani Dolce. At Cipriani, the chef transformed the most basic and generic Italian dishes like spaghetti and meatballs, into something very special by his signature blends of sophisticated, inventive seasoning and herbs.
At Gallo Nero, one of Chef's Roberto's most requested dishes is the expertly grilled chicken with roasted peppers, pesto and Asiago cheese. Before or after seeing your favorite Broadway musical, enjoy a meal along with a glass of Piemontese Cortese Gavi or a Prosecco Rose from the Veneto. When it comes to food and wine, Gallo Nero will certainly add an exclaimation point to your day in Manhattan.
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Location and Hours
402 West 44th Street, New York, NY 10014
Phone: (212) 265-6660
Email:
Mon-Sun: 12 PM-12 AM
Medi Wine Bar - New York, NY
Owners Dorian Gashi and Andrea Giacomoni have brought over 35 years of experience in the restaurant industry to Medi Wine Bar. But more importantly, Dorian and Andrea's passion for food, wine and hospitality is evident every time a customer walks into their establishment. The Medi experience celebrates a fusion of food and delectable wines from the entire Mediterranean region, not just one or two countries.
There are three fantastic, welcoming spaces for you to eat, drink and be merry. The main floor is nicely-sized, yet intimate. Tables are comfortably spaced to allow for truly private conversation and the room paints a pretty picture on a sun-lit afternoon. Downstairs, the wine cellar could easily serve as the backdrop to a scene from a romantic drama. There is a large, polished wood communal table for family affairs. Smaller tables with candles are neatly arranged around this warm and vibrant space.
The Medi garden is an attraction that you will not want to miss featuring the largest outdoor dining space in the Hell's Kitchen area. The garden will serenade you with the soothing sounds of their beautiful water fountain. The flower beds add to the feeling of tranquility. Just have a glass or two of wine and you will achieve a zen-like state, for sure.
Wines by the glass encompass the diverse soils and climate of Mediterranean nations like Slovenia, France, Italy, Greece, Turkey and Lebanon. At Medi, they know how to mix a cocktail and the proof is in every sip you take of The Medi a smooth, decadent cocktail comprised of Absolut Citron Vodka, fresh sweet and sour, Chambord and raspberries. When it comes to taste, few drinks can match their Tiramisu martini. This potent brew has just the right amount of espresso, tiramisu liquor, Kahlua and Disaronno. Small bites at Medi are a geographical tour of one of the most beautiful regions on earth, the Mediterranean. It's no wonder that the ancient Romans called these deep, blue waters Mare Nostrum (our sea).
There is so much to tempt your plate at Medi. Let's start with the fresh Albanian Sheppards' Ricotta with cherry tomatoes and basil. The risotto croquettes incorporate piedmontese and Spanish ingredients (saffron, fontina cheese and servant jamon). Roasted garlic hummus and pita bread is always a winning combination. Cured meats include Sujuk, a Bosnian smoked dry beef sausage, pastrima, cured lean beef from Turkey and Spanish chorizo.
The wines at Medi are surprisingly affordable, considering the quality. Every bottle of wine sold has been carefully hand-picked by the owners. All wines have been tasted by Dorian and Andrea, including the Binyamina Reserve Chardonnay, imported from Israel.
At brunch, cocktails are only $6 and select bottles of sparkling wine will cost you a mere $20. During Happy Hour, Monday through Thursday, select bottles of whites, reds and rose are available for $25, between 4-7 PM. No matter where you choose to sit at Medi, the main room, the wine cellar or the green garden, you can custom-design a great night out. From ambiance to food and beverage, at Medi it's your choice.
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Location and Hours
811 Ninth Ave. New York, NY 10019
(212) 586-1201
www.mediwinebar.com
Mon-Thu: 11:30 AM-2 PM
Fri-Sat: 11:30 AM-3 PM
Sun: 11 AM-12 PM
CASELLULA Cheese and Wine Cafe - New York, NY
At Casellula, they want to share their passion for cheese and wine with as many people as possible. Their beautifully appointed, old-school glass display cases hold over 40 cheeses from around the world. Each cheese is paired up with a specific accompaniment like honey, pickles, pesto, various compotes and purees, cookies or cakes and, of course, the appropriate glass of wine. Brian Keyser, owner and wine director, along with Fromager Emily Lindh will discreetly guide you to the exact cheese and wine pairing that suits your taste.
Casellula's cheese menu is divided up into various categories such as Fresh, which refers to cheese with almost no aging, usually eaten within a few days of production, bloomy and soft-ripened cheeses that have a creamy consistency with white rings. Camembert is a delicious example. More intense flavored cheeses, whose rinds have been washed in brine, wine or spirits, include Winnemere, which is a raw cow cheese, washed in beer, from Jasper Hill Farms in Vermont and Fiacco di Capra, a goat cheese imported from Lombardia, Italy.
The pressed and cooked cheeses are semi-firm to hard and include Keens' Cheddar (Somerset, England) Jeff's Select Gouda (Fairbault Dairy, Minnesota) and Maggie's Round Raw Cow (Cricket Creek Farm, Williamstown, Massachusetts). Blue cheese has mold spores that are introduced internally during the cheese-making process, which may not be pretty to look at but it tastes so good. Casellula has the best brands available such as Royal Blue from King's Kreamery in Lancaster PA. A very popular cheese that vanishes from the display case faster than Emily can order it is the Salvatore Smokey ricotta. Made in Brooklyn, this pasteurized cow cheese has a buttery, sweet flavor.
Emily has trained her staff well. If you are not sure what to order, simply tell your server the kind of cheese that you usually eat at home and they'll make the appropriate suggestions from the menu. Some of the cheese selections go great with a glass of Madeira, Port or Sherry. Other cheeses favor a sweet wine like the Barboursville Vineyards Passito Malvasxia or the Oremus Late Harvest Furmint Tokaji from Hungary.
The perfect wine with chocolate is the Bellum El Remate Monastrell, imported from Yecla Spain. The vineyards of Piedmont, nestled at the foot of the Italian Alps are always well-represented in New York wine bars and restaurants. Casellula is no exception. 2010 was a great year for the San Giuseppe Barolo/Nebbiolo. The perfect warm weather meal is always a wedge of cheese, a crust of fresh-baked artisan bread and a refreshing glass of wine. Join the fellowship of Fromagers at Casellula.
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Location and Hours
401 West 52nd Street, New York, NY 10019
(212) 247-8137
www.casellula.com
Mon-Sun: 5 PM-2 AM
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