Armitage

Well I'm not sure I'm the best judge on this one because we only came for drinks, but I wasn't all that impressed. All of the servers there seemed very "stuck up", if you will. I guess maybe I should have expected that since it's a wine bar and since it's in the Foothills, but it didn't provide the most welcoming feeling. The two bartenders that night thought they were hotshots too. I wasn't really amused.

My husband is more of a beer drinker than a wine drinker, and that particular day wanted a beer. We were surprised to find out that they didn't have ANY beers on tap. I figured any type of bar would have at least a few on tap. I was wrong. They did have a variety of bottle beers, but kind of looked at him funny for ordering one. Not everyone digs wine, sorry. I got a glass of cabernet and I was pleased, but the atmosphere was so stuffy that I wasn't enticed to stay for another. Their prices were more than I expected as well, with not a lot of variety unless you were willing to pay a reasonable amount more.

The biggest thing that intrigued me while I was there were all of the couches that you could gather around, especially if you have a larger group. I assume that would make for a more relaxed and laid back experience. Unfortunately all of them were taken when we got there, so we just sat at the bar. Maybe one of these days I'll give this place another try and maybe order food too, but I can tell you that I won't go out of my way to do so!

I've been here 6 or 7 times over the past year. The food is mostly "C" grade. The waitresses vary, with some being very good while others are snippy. I commented about their really lousy Pinot Grigio and got a "so what" response. After being in the wine business for many years, I know wines. I expect any establishment that calls itself a wine bar to not only know wines but to carry an informed selection. They appear  to have neither. Some of their wines are good however but I get the feeling that the good ones are there due to serendipity rather than the buyer knowing what they are doing. I would volunteer my help regarding their wines should they ask.

I've never eaten here, but since this place is a quick drive from my house, I usually attend one or two happy hours when I am back in Tucson for the holidays. They have a great wine selection and have a great happy hour. I know my parents frequently attend their jazz nights, too.