I guess I expected more. Being the highest rated wine bar in the Kansas City area I was hoping to walk into an interesting space with an impeccable wine list and essentially be wowed to pieces. That didn't turn out to be the case.
Perhaps my expectations were too high hailing from Oregon, a state that exports volumes of wine second only to California. Perhaps my expectations of the tastes of the patrons were too high or too varied. Granted, Boozefish could have the most adventurous yet balanced wine list in the country but if no one local is going to take a chance drinking certain varietals then it's all for not. Because of this I can't give less than a 3 star rating even though this would rank as a 2 compared to most of my experiences. The wines are mainstream - Cabs, Merlots, Chardonnays, Syrahs, etc. I like to call them gateway wines to more obscure grapes. Unfortunately someone starting out with wines at Boozefish will eventually need to branch out on their own to continue exploring. This process could take a few years, but it's ultimately inevitable based on the mostly mainstream selections.
Ambiance wise it's pretty quiet. Seemingly a place where middle aged and older folks gather to imbibe in a space with dark woods, reminiscent more of an Irish pub than a wine bar. There's ample, varied seating around the space and the staff is attentive. One thing holding them down I their food. I took one look at the menu and knew I was not in the mood to spend nearly $15 for a hummus plate. A glance over the other food offerings lead me to believe they either don't want you to eat here, or they are extremely confident in their dishes. Confident enough to take you to the limit of price gouging. We enjoyed the last bits of our wines then paid and took off to find dinner elsewhere.
I was unable to try any other wine specific or wine focused bars in KCMO so comparisons aren't possible. Though I have to say if Boozefish is the highest rated space in town I question how much more limited other places around town could be.
The best wine bar that no one knows about.
The owner is passionate about all things wine- and food-related, there's something for everyone on the eclectic wine list, the menu is varied and delicious (try the Quiche du Jour), and the regulars are always entertaining.
If you've never been, just go. Now.
Boozefish: go.
What, I have to write more?
Boozefish is locally owned by someone as passionate about making sure you are comfortable as she is about the wine and food she serves. Boozefish has the flexibility of buying the wine and food they want and what their guests like - instead of what the vendor is pedaling. At least that's my impression, I don't know anything about how they actual buy the things they offer guests.
What's clear though is that neither the kitchen or the bar is a production type environment. That is, each serving seems like it was made for you. It's that personal touch that sets Boozefish apart from winebars that are even as good - and probably why Boozefish continues to survive while others have to reorganize.
The Westport Road location naturally lends itself to this artisan vibe. While the glasses, plates and serving ware are polished, the restaurant and bar themselves are not. Both have a distinctly warm, homey feel that you couldn't get with booths and "restauranty" furniture. Â
There are specials throughout the week. Happy hour is Tuesday through Friday, 4:30-6:30 and 10:00 to Midnight those same days except Friday. Theres a Wednesday wine tasting where you can sample 4 wines and get a glass of your favorite for $17. And a Saturday brunch special as well. Â
Oh, yeah, AND if you ever need help for an event of your own, they're happy to talk to you about it.
So again. Boozefish: go.
This place is so awesome. BF & I stopped by after a show for a snack (we'd be there once before about a year ago). Â It was a late night, 11ish, and almost dead quiet.
While not cheap, (Sausage & cheese plate for about $20) it is worth it!  The owner knows her wines, which became pretty clear after eavesdropping on  a conversation she was having with another patron about how she chooses her wine menu...not only did I have a fantastic glass of wine (val de l'ours, '09), but we were able to purchase the bottle at a very, very reasonable price (glass was $10, bottle for take home was $17).
Boozefish is a Westport gem. Will definitely be back, and more frequently.
After searching everywhere for a coffeeshop to dork out at that was open past ten I came across this place. I had heard about this wine bar and wanted to take my dog to the dog friendly patio sometime when its not so hot out. Â It has wifi and was a chill spot to sit in the corner,work on my laptop and have a yummy pinot noir. Â I had the quiche du jour and it was heavenly rich and cheesy. Â I'm used to eating pretty healthy so this was kind of unxpected; I thought a quiche would be lighter, like a fritatta. I guess I was wrong. Ill get soup or salad next time. Â And there will be a next time. Thanks!
Review Source:I stopped in here Friday night to have a drink before and after my dinner at another establishment. Â
Great wine list, this is not your typical Glazers/Standard Bev mass produced bottles. Â Also, awesome beer list too! Â There were a few that I'm going to go back and try.
Nice atmosphere, friendly staff and an original menu. Â Great little spot on on the edge of Westport.
Thursday afternoons are usually met with the same thought around 4:00 or so:
"I need a drink, and I need it NOW!"
I spend over 6 hours every Thursday catering to every JoCo-ite who walks in my work's door's bullshit soup and salad, free-lunch-stamp-card, iced tea CHUGGING whim. (Get that?) Last week was particularly heinous.
I texted the roommate demanding libations and we decided on wine and snacks at Boozefish. We walked in to only three other tables being occupied, but soon had the place to ourselves. We both decided on their "lighter reds" wine flight. The three glasses come in a super cool wrought iron holder which I'm sure is a godsend for servers in wine bars. (The Cotes du Rhone was by far our favorite and we each had a full-sized glass of it as well.)
As for the food...I felt we deserved a hell of a lot more in terms of portions and presentation for the amount of money spent. The cheese plate presentation was almost straight up laughable. Small wedges of 5 cheese (but no explanation of what was what...brie was obviously brie, I believe one was a tasty sharp white cheddar, there was a parmsean-ish somethingorother, a melty one...but really I have no idea) with about 12 wheat crackers scattered on a plate. Come on now.
The spinach tortilla wraps were really delicious but it was just a large spinach wrap cut into three wedges. I expect at least double that amount for the price. The filling (portobellos, guyere, I believe a sun dried tomato situation as well) was absolutely delicious and spicy. Just an FYI, the menu states there's Sambal with it but I specifically saw the guy in the kitchen squirt Sriraha onto the plate, not the chili paste I was expecting.
Our server was nice enough and perhaps I'll try Boozefish again for brunch since I've heard rave reviews about it. For now, I'd just stick to a glass or 3 of wine after a hard day's work.
Met here for brunch prior to a shop crawl on a chilly Saturday -- I'm not usually a fan of alcoholic coffees, but the Chocovino was a perfect warm-me-up to fortify me for some serious combat browsing. Â The bacon-and-Gruyere crepe was savory and delicious. Â But! Â What really raises Boozefish well above the bar is the truly fabulous staff... knowledgeable, friendly, and so welcoming. Â The space is warm and beautifully decorated. Â Looking forward to visiting again soon!
Review Source:AMAZING brunch - I tried the daily special which ended up being french onion soup and sun-dried tomato mozzarello grilled cheese. Â WOW! Â The perfect start to a day filled with cold weather and shopping. Â What a fabulous comfort food. Â And the ChocoVino coffee put me into a state of caffeine + wine nirvana. Â Gotta love a local business that supports the same. Â Please give this place a try, I hear the puff pastry BLT is to die for.
Review Source:The atmosphere of Boozefish is a solid 4 stars, so I can't understand why it has been so very quiet there both times I've been in. This is actually why Boozefish only gets 3 stars from me - I like it - a lot - but I just am not entirely comfortable in a place that is so utterly quiet!
Both times I've been in, it has been for Saturday brunch. The first time was for my very first Yelp meet up, which was great, though for a large part of the time we were the only customers. But, not a problem - service was great, the food was excellent, the sangria was tasty, and the espresso - fantastic.
The most recent time I was in Boozefish was this past Saturday, when my husband and I decided to pop in for lunch. We were the only ones in there the entire time, which was awkward. Again, the food was good (veggie wrap for me, and a ham, cheese, and egg crepe for my husband), my glass of wine was excellent, and the espresso was again fantastic. BUT it was so quiet!! Quiet to the point where, when we were talking to each other, our server (who was actually the owner and the only staff person there, I think) occasionally thought we were talking to her, which was again, awkward. She was very nice, and attentive without being over the top, but I felt really bad that we were the only ones there. Maybe it's just not a brunch type of place and it really picks up later, I don't know.
I love the ambiance - Boozefish has an old time, European cafe feeling to it - and the stained glass around the bar is gorgeous. I also love that there is art for sale on the walls, and that they have the Brunch and Browse event to support local  jewelry artists. Local business supporting local business = awesome.
I think that Boozefish does a lot right, and is a little taste of Europe in KC, so next time I'm going to try dinner there to see if it livens up a bit.
Never been a fan of Tuesday nights.
I've often refer to them as "The Hollow Night", so when The Dame asked me to Boozefish for a late evening of food and wine to fill The Hollow, I was more than happy to follow her down the street to satisfaction...
It was still warm out, but dark, even "Dead" (as the saying goes) on the streets of Volker, and walking into the welcoming glow of Boozefish was comforting; a place of life, good smells and sounds yet on this night, sparse enough so that we could have a booth to ourselves with little distraction but for a bottle of wine...
"I'll have the Salmon Sandwich," and I did. Â It was amazing, actually; soft in all the right places with just enough firmness to let my mouth and toungue do the good work it enjoys. Â I ate my entire plate, ferociously, yet with measure, and savored every last bite of it. Â Even had dessert; a delicious cookie and ice cream delight that even had The Dame dipping in.
When we left the joint, tipsy and full and fending off The Hollow so well, we languidly walked up the quiet neighborhood streets feeling just a twinge of Fall caressing the air. Â For now, this late-summer evening was still ours to walk in without coats, and with plenty of warmth and hospitality from a great neighborhood establishment...
Some may say I drink like a fish (Mom, get outta mah head!) and I can't argue with that (the fish I'm thinking of would be a flashy tropical number, of course). I do love my drink (especially my wine) and Boozefish has plenty of it, along with thoroughly delectable edibles.
There is something truly sultry and welcoming about this place. I'd describe the vibe as...
dare I say Parisian?
Why not? I loved my time spent in Paris and I won't lie, as cliche as it sounds, a big part of my love had to do with spending afternoons and evenings in French cafes with a notebook and mes amis!
So many places in the US try to pull of the Parisian theme and don't quite achieve it, so what is it about Boozefish? Is it the giant glasses of dark red wine, the platters of rich cheeses and crisp fruits, the light and fresh fruity crepes with just a touch of whipped cream, the decor (wood, amber walls, back doors that are opened to a patio, high ceilings, gorgeous bar with sparkling brass embellishments...)? Sure, any place can *do* all of this and yet, it doesn't feel right. You know, it doesn't really matter. It just all works at Boozefish.
Definitely a sweet Saturday brunch spot, but after coming here last night, I have to say I'm partial to the idea of late- in-the-evening small plates and glasses of vino (or sangria--theirs is *amazing*) shared with a paramour. Speaking of, the K had the salmon sandwich which he ate every last bite of, and I had the veggie sandwich which was *die*vine: cucumbers, vine tomatoes, sprouts, provolone, guac, lime cilantro cream cheese, between two slices of deliciously crunchy whole grain toast. The combination of textures: crunchy with just the right amount of smooth/creamy/rich condiments was a delight. It came with thick cut fries that were lightly seasoned and they definitely put me in that mode of "can't stop eating them, though I know I should."
Thoroughly stuffed, I could only manage a spoon or two of the K's giant ice cream/cookie dessert which was incredible. A scoop of ice cream between two homemade warm choc chunk cookies with cinnamon. Truly perfect and a bite was all I needed to know.
Check out their regular specials (Tuesday nights are half price 30 dollar bottles of wine, which is nice!)
I would be remiss if I didn't mention that Boozefish delivers the most perfect cup of espresso I've had in a place that didn't roast their own in this city.
The best part of all of this? It's in my neighborhood and I'm happy to call Boozefish my new (very classy) haunt in the Paris of the Plains!
This somehow became my accidental standard early date place. Â Boozefish is low-key with decent food and quality wine. Everything I've had here has been at the very least good, though your bill can add up quickly if you're not careful (which I'm not). Â Their flights are always good, and it's the perfect place to spend hours or to just grab a quick bite before moving on to something else.
I don't know why anyone would say "dress to impress here," Â or that it reminds them of SATC. LOL. Â Don't get me wrong, it's NICE. Â Just not especially urban or sophisticated. The servers are super nice and knowledgeable, and they make good recommendations without coming across as pretentious wine people.
I love Boozefish. Â I spent many summer nights here, and it brings back pleasant memories of closing down the bar. Â I had to stop coming here because every time I did I was with a different boy (most were just friends, ya'll!), and I started to worry they'd think I was a prostitute of some sort.
Boozefish is a quiet, unassuming joint located on the outskirts of Westport road. Â Keep your eye for the sign, I drove past it quite easily. Â Tip: Â if you park in the back you can walk through the back patio door despite the outward appearance of being locked.
Providing a perfect place to meet friends, or enjoy a nice glass of vino alone Boozefish definitely warrants a repeat visit. Â The music selection was great-old school jams that created a nice vibe. Â Food wise:
*Salmon Crepes: Â perfect consistency of the crepe and packed with ingredients. Â Delicious
*Vegetable Quiche: Â Poblano peppers, onions, corn and several other veggies packed into a large round non traditional quiche. Â Very filling.
*Hummus trio: Â Perfect texture and flavor for all three of the options (artichoke, olive, traditional)
*House salad: Â pecans were a nice touch and the tomato vinn was light but flavorful
Going above and beyond a great atmosphere, fantastic food and recognizably fitting music I was most impressed by the service.  Over the course of the three hours we spent slowly chatting, eating and drinking the bartender/server (who may also be the owner by looking at the website)  was amazing.  Conversational at all the right times, courteous and on top of refills and extras and never made us feel hurried.  An  ideal dining experience---boozefish I'll be back!
Boozefish is quiet, with a very pretty bar and extremely attentive help. The sangria was excellent, mostly in that it was potent without being totally deadly. The overall atmosphere was quiet and classy, and it's definitely a place to meet friends for a glass of wine, but not necessarily where I'd go to meet anyone noon.
I didn't try the food, but the options looked appealing, and I would be more than willing to try it out sometime!
Ok, I went back to Boozefish on a Saturday evening, at about 8. I wasn't expecting it to be completely overwhelmed with people or anything, but I was a little concerned when there was only one other group there upon my arrival. During the course of our couple hour stay, only a couple more groups trickled in, so I was a little concerned. But it was still a very enjoyable time. This time we tried the food, sampling the artichoke basil hummus, which was excellent, and their homemade ice cream sandwich. Though neither of those was unexpectedly remarkable, they were both pretty tasty, and I'd happily eat them again.
We also got a little more adventures and tried the heavy white wine flight. I have to say that this demonstrated Boozefish's strongest suit. Each wine was a slightly unexpectedly different taste, and I could have had a full glass of each of them. The selections were spot-on, and it wasn't one of those flights where the quality actually improves with each step, just the heaviness of flavor. I'm pretty excited to go back and try other flights.
So I will amend my review of earlier by saying that though still very quiet and perhaps not the spot to go to search out new people, Boozefish could easily become my standby wine & comfort spot.
This wine bar, advertised as "European," has a good selection of fine wines. Â The prices are reasonable but not a bargain. Â All wines by the glass are at $1 off during the happy hours, which are 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm on Tues - Fri, and 10 pm - midnight on Tues - Thurs. Â They also have food, but the menu does not fit their image as a European wine bar. Â All of the entrees are sandwiches or wraps. Â They also have side salads and appetizers. Â The sandwiches, appetizers, and salads are very good, but I don't know where they got the idea that a menu featuring only sandwiches or wraps as entrees is "European." Â What country in Europe did they have in mind? Â I can't think of a European country that would view sandwiches to be the sole entree choices in a wine bar, other than perhaps a croque-monsieur in a low end wine bar. Â Sandwiches in a wine bar would be the case in Buenos Aires, Argentina, but Argentinian wine bars feature tiny sandwiches, not intended as meals --- and of course Argentina is in South America
I'd say that Boozefish is an American wine bar.
Parking is somewhat difficult in that area of Westport Rd., but Boozefish has its own small parking lot behind the building. Â That is a distinct plus. Â But nearby Rudy's Tenampa Tacqueria on that street has a more convenient parking lot next door on Westport Rd, and Rudy's offers more than sandwiches. Â Of course they are very different.
I went to Boozefish on a Tuesday night when the price of wine was right - They offer their $30 wine bottles for half price.
My server was classy and knowledgeable, with plenty of good suggestions and the atmosphere was relaxed and classy.
I don't know all of the details, but I think they are only open for dinner Tues - Fri and offer brunch on Sat. I will definitely check that out!!
As for my rating, I would have given Boozefish Wine Bar 5 stars, but I was still a tad hungry after my roasted red pepper chicken sandwich and salad...I should have gotten their fries.
I'll let you know if they deserve that final star after I taste their Sat brunch. ;)
Ah, Italian shoes, sunglasses, boddingtons, boozefish
An eclectic wine bar with a stylish feel. Â It maintains class and has a pretty decent international beer selection. Â
Recommendation: Get wasted on Appletinis and Cosmos and vicariously feel like sex and the city characters (I have not tried this, yet )
or for a late afternoon date. Â dress to impress.
Boozefish drew me in with it's name. It has a pretty good location...not quite in what most people consider to be Westport, but more along the outskirts on Westport road. Boozefish was designed by the owner Maija to be a "European" wine bar and I think it really tries to maintain that level of class. They have a good happy hour on weeknights and you should definitely try the international beer night on Thursdays, which offers bottles of beer from other countries. If you're a beer fan, this is a great excuse to order beer in a wine bar. :)
The food is pretty pricey, but again, when you are going to a wine bar, what would you expect? I've tried some appetizers, Â like the hummus and the grilled chicken nachos. Both really good, and something pretty simple for a self-proclaimed picky eater like me. As for the wine, I'm not a huge wine drinker because I always get a hungover (even if I only drink one glass), but I usually like red wines when I drink a glass. I got the Windy (something) Merlot, and it was pretty good, but I will be the first to admit that I'm not a wine connoisseur and probably aren't the best judge!
Besides the international beer night, Boozefish also has a lot of fun events during the month and the website does a good job of keeping these updated. There is a girls night with cosmos and manicures that my coworkers and I are going to try-- it's the first Wednesday of every month and it's only $20. They play sex and the city episodes during the event too, so fun!
If you are looking for a fun place to try something new, I'd recommend Boozefish.
I was super excited to try this place out after seeing a few advertised specials and events. Â From the website I assumed I was going to love it...
However, this place was dripping with mediocrity. Â I really wanted to order the cheese plate but it seemed overly expensive so I ordered a veggie sandwich of some sort instead. Â I know I could have made a much better sandwich at home. Â It was on store brought bread and only contained very unimaginative dry ingredients. Â The appetizer was equally as bland, not to mention overpriced.
The place was also bland. Â None of the advertised specials were applicable and no one bothered to inform us of events, specials, wine tastings etc. that were going on at a later date even though I was obviously interested. Â They weren't even pushing the wine... I mean for god's sake, it's a wine bar! Â I tried a flight but was unimpressed with the selection and price. Â The wines were good but I've had more wine at free tastings. Â If I'm paying 10 bucks I'd at least expect the equivalent of one glass.
The waiter was friendly but he spent more time talking to his friends at the bar than attending to us. Â We were the only ones dining so I think it should have been easy to get good service.
I expected a lot more from this place all around. Â The concept for a great wine bar is there but the follow thru is non-existent. Â I will stick to JP Wine Bar or try a few new ones.
Boozefish is a nice place in the Westport area to get a glass of wine. Â They have numerous wines by the glass to try. Â Or you can get a bottle if you're so inclined.
The menu is interesting but I've only had the hummus which was mediocre, but hummus is typically mediocre to me. Â The wines are organized by price point and by style.
Service is usually pretty good and the waitresses are ready to give you a good recommendation.
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