Barrel Thief Wine Shop & Café

Lots of wine to choose from makes me a happy girl!

I've only been to Barrel Thief for meetings and events (so I suppose this could win stars for that alone), but I've had pleasant visits each time. I can't really speak to the food options, although I hear they're solid, but the wine selections are right up my alley. White, red, rosé, they've got it all. And I supposed you should expect that from a wine store. But where I'm impressed is with the staff. They are all clearly well educated in the realm of wine, and each person with whom I've interacted has been able to easily recommend wines based on my tastes and questions. I love me some wine, but I don't pretend to know what I'm talking about, so any direction I can get, I quickly accept!

Prices definitely range from affordable to pricey, so I like that I can scoop a nicer bottle as a gift or score a cheaper bottle for my own home cabinet. Oh, and they have adorable wine bags for sale! You know, like the canvas tote bags you can buy from Ellwood Thompson, except in wine bottle form! They aren't cheap, but they'r super adorbs... I totally bought a white wine one during my last visit and don't regret it one bit. Barrel Thief is a great go-to for a solid wine selection.

This is a great place for a date night and an economical way to see jazz.  We stopped here after dinner on a Saturday so didn't try the food (wish we did, it smelled good).  The atmosphere is casual and relaxed. The jazz was great and free.  Because I was driving only my fiance had a glass of wine and there was no pressure from our waitress to spend more.  We will definitely be back.

More exhaustive review to come, but must say that this is my go-to spot for wine.  Hands-down.  Their staff is incredibly knowledgeable, passionate and without pretense.

Not as in-love with their cafe menu, but typically the charcuterie and cheese selection is good.

Fun place to people-watch, as well.  I'm quite sure I've been on the receiving end of that activity!