New York City's Best Wine Bars - BEST OF
Not sure whether to pair your Cabernet with pork? Which white goes best with fish? Or prefer to drink a glass all by itself? If you're into wine: whether it's white, red, Rose or a blend, the following wine bars are sure to have something for everyone.
Vino Vino
211 West Broadway
New York, NY
212-925-8510
vinovino.net
This small Tribeca wine bar is fantastic if you're looking to unwind in a quiet, intimate candlelit setting. Sip on wine, or order the cheese pairing. And if you really like your wine selection, you can purchase it at the retail store next door. Don't miss the half-off any bottle on the menu 5pm to 7pm Monday through Friday, and all day Sunday and Monday.
The Bourgeois Pig
111 E 7th Street
New York, NY
212-475-2246
bourgeoispigny.com
A massive wine selection, amazing sweet and savory fondue, and the funky shabby-chic decor make this East Village spot a must visit in our opinion. Enjoy half-price bottles of wine Monday - Wednesday 5 p.m. - 2 a.m.
City Winery
115 Varick Street
New York, NY
212-608-0555
citywinery.com
The food on the menu at this massive, 21,000 square foot SoHo establish is created to compliment the wine, not the other way around. Wine stewards, not waiters, take your wine order first and then suggest food pairings to go with your vino. Get the picture? There are also daily performances, from bands to comics. City Winery sells their own wines so take a bottle or two home, or better yet--learn to make your own in one of their winemaking classes.
Lelabar
422 Hudson at Leroy Street
New York, NY
212-206-0594
lelabar.com
This small and inviting wine bar in the heart of the West Village appeals to both the wine enthusiast and novice. There are more than 150 wines on the wine list -- each available by the glass if you're having a hard time choosing. Daily wine specials, $1 oysters on Wednesdays and live jazz on Sundays add to Lelabar's appeal. They also offer guided wine tastings twice per month.
The Ten Bells
247 Broome Street
New York, NY
212-228-4450
thetenbells.typepad.com
Do you think wine bars are sometimes stuffy and the staff a bit full of themselves? Not the case at The Ten Bells, named after the bar in London where Jack The Ripper supposedly chose his victims...but as I always say, the best thing about London...is Paris! Yep, this Parisian hideaway offers an ample, well-curated selection of international wines, a large, mostly European-inspired food menu of cheese (including a cow's milk cheese called Barick Obama—(!!), charcuterie, and assorted salads and appetizers. Be sure to check out the oyster happy-hour special from 5 to 7 p.m.—you can eat your fill for only $1 each. Ring the Ten Bells baby!
Sweet Revenge
62 Carmine Street
New York, NY
212-242-2240
sweetrevengenyc.com
Let's see: They offer wine and cupcake pairings. Need we say more?! Enjoy a glass of Sangria, Pinot Noir or Sauvignon Blanc with your favorite cupcake for $10 during happy hour Monday through Friday 4pm-8pm.
Winebar
65 2nd Ave (between 3rd & 4th Street)
New York, NY
212-777-1608
winebarnyc.com
The narrow space and shared tables make it easy to meet new people at this romantic East Village space dedicated to all things wine. From the seemingly endless number of bottles lining the wall, to the numerous and sometimes rare offerings on the wine list, if you're into wine this is the place for you. A heavy focus is on the Mediterranean region (40 wines by the glass). Outdoor seating is very popular in the summer months.
Ayza Wine and Chocolate Bar
11 West 31st Street
New York, NY
212-714-2992
ayzanyc.com
What goes together better than wine and chocolate? Not much. You might feel like you've stepped into a restaurant in South Beach when you head to Ayza. In addition to an extensive wine and chocolate menu, this sexy, contemporary restaurant/bar offers indoor and outdoor seating--including rooftop dining. On Tuesdays, ladies receive a free Belgian chocolate covered chocolate and a free chocolate shot during for "Girls Night Out." Sunday is couples night--enjoy a romantic dinner at a Rose-petal covered table and end the evening with complimentary chocolate truffles from Jacques Torres.
