My wife and I were really impressed by our post Mayor's Marathon dinner tonight at Crush Wine Bistro. We walked in on a Saturday night just after 7:00pm and while all the tables were full, bar seating was available and we availed ourselves of is option. The bar is really attractive, the wooden counter is made for planks of wine barrels and attractive chandeliers hang overhead made from wine bottles. The rest of the dining room is nicely appointed as well with one of the tables consisting of a wine barrel. Perhaps the only negative is Crush can be on the loud side, though certainly not overbearingly.
Crush features wine flights (as well as a nice selection of wines by the glass and craft beers) but IMHO the flights are the way to go; very reasonably priced at $12 for three pours (decent sized and no food or beverage tax in Alaska) Â - I imbibed in two flights and greatly enjoyed four of the six vinos I sampled.
The food is served tapas style and also was quite enjoyable. I highly recommend the composed cheese plates ($19 for three or $25 for five; also came with assorted nuts, blueberries, toast points and a fig compote - charcuterie also available for additional cost). The Crab gratin was likewise outstanding as was the pork empanada. Plating was attractive and portions sizes more than adequate. The food is not as good a bargain a the wine, but certainly not unreasonable for the quality.
Our server was one of the bartenders and she was warm, friendly and attentive despite a full house. As an interesting side note when I asked how long Crush had been around she I formed me they had just had their fifth anniversary the previous night; coincidentally my wife and I had celebrated our fifth that same evening! We had a really fun evening at Crush and might very well make it back for a repeat dinner before the midnight sun sets on our Alaskan vacation.
I've been wanting to try this place for quite a while and all I can say is... Why did I wait so long??
Excellent food, excellent service. The day was beautiful so I sat out on their patio, sometimes patio service can be lacking... but not here!
Wine & beer selection was extensive, I was able to order an organic apple cider, what a treat! They make a simple house salad seem fit for a king, they dressed up my 'ham & cheese' sandwich with brie and apples, just delish.
The prices were even reasonable, My new favorite spot!
Met a friend with my wife for dinner before a show. Â Great atmosphere, a really good place to chat over wine.
Both gals had the beef tips, I had the tomato bisque and lasagna. Â All the food was excellent, but the portions were really small. Â Definitely need an appetizer with your entree if you want to get anywhere near full. Â
Wine selection is great, something for everyone.
Have been there before, and the wife loves it, so we'll definitely be going back. Â Just not for dinner.
This is more of a review of Crush Wine Bistro & Cellar wine club. I have experienced several wine clubs around Anchorage and Crush is the best, hands down.
They do a great job of bringing in delicious affordable wine from around the world. The staff is very knowledgeable about the wines that they include and do a good job of explaining them. Plus, for every dollar that you spend on non-club purchases, you get 10% back to use in the restaurant!
I have a not-so secret, secret. Â I am totally crushing on Crush's selection of wine ... and the mac and cheese. Â Service is good even when the place is packed. What a fun place to hang out with friends ... and the wine!! Â So good. Â Great location and the food and wine are fabulous.
Review Source:Closer to 2.5-3. Â Went here on a Thursday night with a friend. Â Place was packed but we snagged a table. Â I found the service a bit abrupt and a little snotty. Â We ordered 3 items from the menu plus wine. Â They were out of the entree. Â The "goat cheese" salad came with about a tablespoon of goat cheese. I ordered dessert which took well over 30 minutes to arrive and it was just bread pudding. Â Atmosphere is nothing special. Â They are another restaurant following the trend to bring water to the table with no ice. Â I came back on Saturday night at about 8:30pm to find plenty of seating. Â Again, when my friend ordered an appetizer-they were out. Â We each got flights of red. Â Waiter didn't pour the middle glass, said he'd be back. Â After about 20 minutes I flagged him down and asked if he'd forgotten, to which he responded "forgotten what?" in an irritated tone until he realized he still needed to pour the French wine. Â On the second visit there was an overwhelming meat smell. Â I felt like I was marinating in it. Â I like the idea of trying new and interesting wines and the food that was available was good. The value and service are turnoffs for me. Â Not in a hurry to go back.
Review Source:Went here after dinner to relax and drink some wine. Â The wine flights are pretty good, I would say they are pretty generous with their 3, 2-oz pours. Â We ordered the mac & Cheese bite and the sheep cheese prosciutto dates --- AMAZING delicious, super tasty. Â Both of them. Â The wine was decent, I wish we were able to pick which 3 wines we wanted in our flight, because the last wine in my Pink Wine flight was super sour and difficult to swallow. Â The place itself is pretty nice, laidback, a good place to have a conversation, drink some wine, and eat some food. Â I would recommend this place, as the other places around it are probably more beer-oriented establishments.
Review Source:My opinion of Crush has deflated considerably. The accumulated experiences over the years has left me missing the friendlier, more welcoming atmosphere of the early days of the bistro, which have now been replaced by a colder and indifferent attitude that more aligns with the conceit of a big-city, metropolitan wine bar. Big disappointment for what used to be an inviting and fun place to meet strangers or have a flight and dinner with some close girlfriends.
The service can be good, if you get a friendly server that isn't flippant or cheeky. The wine selections are always delicious, but sometimes with a short pour. The food is roulette, as you'll sometimes get your money's worth or other times you'll get a surprisingly minuscule or underwhelming portion (as other reviewers have noted).
This used to be a favorite place, but not anymore. My last two visits left me disappointed.
The earlier visit was to meet another couple; friends of mine I've known awhile, and who always smartly-dressed and sophisticated. I rode my bike there and tried to look somewhat presentable, albeit with helmet-hair. The waitress was atrociously sassy toward me. I don't know if it was because I looked younger and frumpier (I just rode in on what had been an abnormally sunny day) but she was completely dismissive toward me, gave me a very short-handed pour of wine (noticeably less than my female friend's glass), and was cold to me the entire time, no matter how many "pleases" and "thank yous" I gave. I worked in the food industry for ten years. I know how to be polite to waitstaff; I also know how to quickly detect undeserving catty attitudes toward customers.
My most recent visit has left an even more sour taste in my mouth -- not from the wine (which was great), but from the attitude of one of the owners. I went one crowded night to meet my work friend, and found him sitting with another friend of his and her two companions, who he had just happened to run into. The place was packed to the gills and I thought how coincidental that he met an old friend and could say hello to her. They invited me to squeeze in and join them, and spent a great 45 minutes talking and laughing and sharing. That's what I always thought was great about this place -- perfect (or near) strangers could meet and end up having a nice time.
But apparently, before I had arrived there, one of the owners was sitting at the table, apparently knowing one of the same women my friend knew. He had gotten up from the table and my buddy, assuming the owner was off doing owner-things and working, sat down to talk with his friend. No one said anything, the owner had never come by again, and nothing seemed to be wrong, until right as we were getting ready to pay and leave, the owner approaches my friend and takes him aside. He got really mad at my friend, telling him that he took "his" seat at "his" table and chewed him out before saying he was not allowed back.
Maybe I missed something prior to my arrival that night. I don't know. But that to me was really strange and really rude. My family has owned businesses before and I have worked for plenty of mom-and-pop joints. So I understand anyone as an owner has "your" stuff and "your" things you do in your establishment, but I've never accosted a customer or got mad at them in front of other people because of something as trivial as a seat. Maybe it was his night off from work, but it looked like he was working hard with his staff, and besides.. customers are customers, and I would gladly jump up from my spot to give a seat to a customer in an otherwise packed bar or cafe I was working in. I felt so terrible for my friend, because he didn't know why the owner was so mad at him, and my friend used to go to Crush all the time. It was a very confusing and bizarre experience. I don't know if there was already some underlying issue between the owner and my friend (small town, right? Who knows?), but the way it was handled was immature and embarrassing, and it could have been solved in a better manner. I will not be going to Crush again after these last two experiences.
I really like this place for the nice varied wine list (though small), decor, and ambience. But the main reason I don't frequent this joint, except a couple times a year, is the smell. This place lacks ventilation out of the area, and the small kitchen that opens up to the bar area wafts all the cooking smells in the dining area so I end up smelling like a fry cook when I leave.
My friend ordered a goat cheese salad which came with a laughable quarter-sized piece. Don't call it a goat cheese salad ($9) and make it the most minimal ingredient. I ordered the sherried crimini and spinach over polenta salad and I think my goat cheese garnish had a bigger portion ($9). We also ordered the bread pudding for desert, which was divine. For wine I really enjoyed the Alexander Valley CabFran ($12), and the Redwood Zin ($10) was a good second glass. My friend ordered a flight, which one was out so they subsituted with this mouthy refreshing white that my friend loved so much we walked up to the cellar (giggle) and she bought herself a bottle for $24. Great people own and work here, and I like the food and ambience, but again the overbearing cook smells make me less inclined to come here depending on how I'm dressed.
FYI, they will do a half pour if you don't want the full glass.
I love this place.
Every time I have ever been here has been wonderful.
The service is great, they are always so friendly and helpful with paring wine with food... they love to tell you about their wines. They are always so enthused and passionate about a new or delicious wine; they do a wonderful job with it. The owners have always gone way above anything that is ever expected, and we love coming here every chance we can.
The location itself if great, being in downtown makes it very convenient. Its technically a part of the mall, but you cannot access from in the mall, only from their own entrance so I don't really consider it mall-esque. Inside is very warm, and subdued colors, with chill music, and comfortable seating. They don't take reservations, so if its a busy night you might have to wait in the foyer for a bit, but they serve you wine there on the couches so it's never been a problem.
The food is always interesting and unique compared to everywhere else in Anchorage. I feel inspired by their creativity and unpretentious approach to their preparation and presentation. I have eaten here many many times now, and they have never had anything less than delicious. I really love getting the evening special along with a recommended glass of wine; and a great dessert followed up with another perfectly paired drink.
The wine is easily my favorite part of Crush. They always give solid recommendations for pairings or if you're just there to a glass or two, they take the time to find out what exactly you would like the most, and if they don't have it on the menu they don't hesitate to run upstairs and pull it off the shelf just for you.
They really care and it shows in every aspect of the restaurant, from the friendly knowledgeable servers, to the inspired dishes, to the tasty wines... they're doing it right. And I couldn't be happier about having a place of this caliber so close at hand.
Certainly a concept that Anchorage doesn't really offer, but the execution leaves a bit to be desired. Â Beautiful interior, even if the quasi-mall location is a bit weird.
We had some wine flights which were great for $12. Â Our server was happy to answer questions and explained the flight as she was serving it. Food was less exciting; Mediterranean platter (chicken skewers on the menu) was a bit straight forward and unimaginative, mac and cheese was meh, and stuffed dates were better sounding than they tasted. Â I never complain about portion size (quality is more important than quantity), but small plates here are indeed small.
Ultimately the experience wasn't bad by any means, but I can't say that it was great either. Â Maybe I need another shot at it to be won over.
It is a nice place for Anchorage. Looks like a wine bar you would find in any major US city. The atmosphere is nice, but it was REALLY loud the evening we came in. It was not the noise level I expected. My friend had to sit right next to me instead of across the table from me to hear each other.
The wine flights were a nice way to try something new. The appetizers were interesting, but way too small for the prize. The looked fancy, but the ingredients were nothing special...a smear of hummus with white bread, half an avocado with a sprinkle of cayenne pepper or a bowl of nuts. All things I could make at home for half the price. But the experience is nice and the wine is good. Not a place I would come again for food, just a nice glass of wine with a friend while in downtown Anchorage. Something fun!
Bacon mixed into ground elk? Butter poured over halibut and then buried in a lentil soup? The food has all the hallmarks of lazy, uninspired cooks who think salty or fatty are the only choices. If I eat lean game meat the last thing I want is some cheap industrial pig fat crushing the flavor. And if I eat a fresh fish the last thing I want is to drench it in salty gruel crushed by milk fats. Yuck. Then I couldn't help but notice there were many disheveled lesbian couples coming into the restaurant to slowly sip beer from the bottle. Odd. It was about the same time I noticed that the wine list on the menu is tiny, tiny, tiny. I felt like we barely ate or drank and left unsatisfied, despite having spent into the 100s over just three visits. Â
But I wasn't done yet. Curious about how this place could be such a shallow uninspired version of what it thinks of itself I finally went upstairs to their store. Based on their menu selection I expected to see a couple bottles on an empty shelf. Instead they were well stocked. I started to read the little paper lables they print for every wine. They made no sense and often looked incorrect to me. For example a label would suggest a wine be paired with elk and then say "call up your friends that hunt". This is Alaska, so you might as well say call up your friends that wear shoes. I'm no sommelier but I smelled something rotten in the writing. I asked the woman at the counter for clarification to help me make a selection but she just wanted to talk about dropping out of college. So I asked her if I could talk instead with the person who wrote the labels. She then said 1) it was her and a few other staff who search the Internet for the wine names and then write whatever they find interesting 2) she is only 22 and hasn't had a chance to drink any wine yet. WTF?
My reaction must have been obvious because she then called the owner and he came and asked me to leave the store. He literally said to me "you've spent a lot of time here and haven't bought anything so can you leave now?" I felt awful for them. Here I was trying to actually find something to buy and instead I had uncovered their dirty secret -- they don't really know anything about what they are selling or cooking. It's all just a cruel joke on people in Anchorage who haven't traveled much or don't know better. But I wasn't about to give up so easily. I asked the owner if he could just point me to something local/unique to buy and then I would leave. He waved me towards the spirits section and said "about a third of that is only carried by us". Uh, ok, that's not what I meant. I don't want the only bottle in Anchorage of something from Washington state. I want something from Anchorage. Long story short this guy can't actually point to anything local, tasty or unique but he can tell me that his finest tequila (from Mexico) is good in mixed drinks (fail) and a $225 bottle of single-malt should be bought because he had a sip once and it stayed in his mouth for 15 minutes. He walked away from me furiously tapping on his iPhone saying over and over "15 minutes, 15 minutes! 15 minutes!" Asking him how it compared to two other whiskeys from the same part of Scotland resulted in him saying again "15 minutes, it lasts in your mouth". Yeah, so does bad breath.
Basically this place lacks integrity to an extreme level of deficiency. It is attempting to recreate the snobbery and exclusivity of a big city restaurant so they play up their imports. They constantly say they have some special friend or a lucky connection but in reality we were unable to find a single reason for anyone to bother coming here. You can find a much bigger wine selection a few blocks away from nicer people and much better food for less money within two blocks. Their service is pathetic and the owner is rude and obnoxious. So you can come here to be treated poorly and try to become one of his "insiders" but I don't see why anyone would bother unless they are so lonely and inexperienced in the world that they just want to join for joining sake.
In Anchorage for business travel, and this place really hit the spot for a casual lunch. Warm, inviting atmosphere, wonderful wine selection, and helpful, knowledgable server who answered questions about wines (which was much appreciated as I'm not much of a connoisseur). Â
I had the curry cauliflower soup (a daily special) and the baked mac and cheese. Perfect amount of food for a lunch, and both dishes were phenomenal. Highly recommend this to anyone looking for an exceptional meal in a casual, non "fine-dining" atmosphere.
A nice stop for a nightcap after the opera. Â Had a glass of wine and some snacks: assorted nuts & Sheep's Feta Stuffed Medjool Dates, drizzled in balsamic; very tasty, but only two pieces for literally $2.50 a pop, oh well: Â 2.5 stars. Â
Wines were nice and staff pleasant (more attentive during our first visit). Â We returned several days later for a light dinner and had a very tasty bisque (can't remember; 3.5 stars) and their Beef & Hominy Empanada (3 stars). Â Word of caution: Â Portion sizes are ridiculously tiny.
A decent place to pop in before an event or afterward. Â But I wouldn't come here for the star attraction.
Tally:
Medjool Dates: Â 2.5 stars
Bisque: Â 3.5 stars
Beef & Hominy Empanada: Â 3 stars
2.5+3.5+3= 9/3= 3 stars.
Come here for the carefully selected wine (also --the store upstairs), the warm and inviting atmosphere, the lovely loose leaf teas and hand crafted espresso, and the unique selection of bottled beers you may not find elsewhere. The food was nice in concept, but left something to be desired in portion size. Salad pieces were huge and had to be cut; pizza crust was almost burnt and could not be cut with a knife and fork, but was too messy to pick up with hands. I ate it all though, but left still hungry. Beautiful decorated, and beautiful selection of art.
Review Source:I showed up solo and sat at the wine bar - I first notice how cozy and relaxed it was - the atmosphere was great. The wait staff (the girl at the bar) was superb - she was genuinely friendly, and was very informative on the wine selection and food selection. Their special that day was hare and salmon. Now I've never had hare, so I went with that. Let me tell you something - that was the best tasting dish I've had in a VERY long time. It was cooked so perfectly and seasoned so well - it had a great sauce with it that was to die for. She also had recommended a Spanish Red wine flight to accompany, which I did and was loving it, too. They also had a home-made coconut ice cream which was the creamiest, most tasty real coconut ice cream - very gourmet. My bill was around $35 - for all the enjoyment - it was worth it.
Review Source:Love the atmosphere. It is small, but that's more my style.
Honestly, I wouldn't go there for the meals. The food is, ok. They jazz it up to go with the ambiance of the place, but nothing spectacular. Like I said I love the quaint like atmosphere, so that's the reason why I enjoy it. It can get loud and crowded during the weekend/evening times and that doesn't mix well with the size of the place. I guess it goes to show the likeness of the place.
My ideal visit there is to get a spot in the corner drink a glass of wine and just kick back with a good friend. If you're feeling really adventurous they have an in house sommelier that you can chalk up with if you're not too familiar with wine and try out some new varieties.
I give it 3 stars because honestly, Anchorage is very limited on these types of things, but if I were to rate it to some of the few I've been to in Seattle & New York it would probably get a 2 since their food menu is kinda... Meh.
Crush is a great little foodie nook catering to yuppies with an appreciation for good wines. You'll enjoy a diverse array of varietals and unique food options. The white bean pate is a tasty amuse-bouche; especially paired with the Chateau de la Roche Sauvignon Blanc. The bartender and wait staff were extremely friendly (as seems to be the case with everyone in Alaska), but still a nice surprise from the lower 48-east coast attitudes most visitors might be accustomed to. Would definitely return.
Review Source:First time i had ever been here. Cute little place with really cool heavy wood tables. The art work is wonderful and all for sale. The menu is lunch and dinner. Â They have wonderful wines and since i am not a beer drinker , but, i am told great beer as well. Food was wonderful and they had the best Manhattan clam chowder that i have ever tasted. Â I would certainly go back. Wish i could buy one the paintings as well. Â It was a little loud at times, with the kitchen all open. It sounded as if they were breaking dishes quite a few times. But, that was the only thing.
Review Source:I have been a frequent Crush customer for a couple of years now and I think it is the best restaurant in the Anchorage area. Â I have been decidedly lazy in not writing a glowing review until now... but here goes: Â Â
First and foremost, they make fantastic food that is reasonably priced. Â Sure, you might end up with a large bill at the end of the night, but you don't have to. Â I went there the other day and had a few of my favorites: the empanadas ($8) and the nicoise ($15) all washed down with a tasty Stella ($4!) and that's a delicious, filling meal for 27 dollars. Â Try getting dinner at one of the other best restaurant in the Anchorage area contenders for that price (Sacks, Double Musky). Â Ain't gonna happen. Â Â Â
Further, Crush is constantly pushing the envelope by frequently changing their specials - offering new dishes that are almost always both adventurous and delicious. Â I appreciate having one restaurant in town that makes food that even I (someone who cooks frequently and enjoys it) find new and exciting.
Finally, the service is always spot on. Â The servers know what they are talking about - instead of regurgitating lines about bouquets and aromas. Â No, they are into the food too, and that shows and is appreciated. Â Â
Well done. Â Keep it up, guys.
Tried it for the first time as my birthday dinner. I was xtremely impressed. The downsides first, though: As other reviewers have shared I didn't like the noise - don't expect to get in any indepth or romantic conversations with your hunny. The prices - just a bit steep for what you get, but then again, if that's what you have to charge for long-term success making good food, I'm willing to pay for it, from time to time.
The Good: the Food . We started with a toasted goat cheese salad and the ciabatta with plugra and tapenade. The salad alone is something to behold in Anchorage and AK. Having spent a lot of time on a very successful organic farm in Ca, I happen to have some knowledge here. The lettuce was as good as I've had anywhere, fresh, succulent, tender, nicely mixed (not too much bitters or sharps). It would have been nice to have a bit more goat cheese.
Next the mac & cheese, and empanada. The mac and cheese was great as many have said, rich, creamy deep cheese flavor. The empanda the best I've had. The dough was light and buttery but still had some body, the filling was rich, stewed shredded beef, real hominy, nicely spiced. We also had the Med. chicken skewers, and here for me is the sign of a truly consciencious chef. If a simple chicken skewer can make your taste buds marvel. We had no idea what the spices were, the meat tender and moist.
The wine was good, and in the claret flight had one in particular, Valley of the Moon cuvee de la luna,  that had me going up stairs to the wine shop for more. Their wines to tend to be heavy on the foreign, which is great really for me, because I don't get too many Portugese,  or South American  (S. African even) wines while touring Napa,  Paso Robles, or Santa Ynez.
The Service. Awesome. Right there when she needed to be, willing to anwers questions, and when I asked for another glass, there was no hesitation (like you'll get your glass after I finish busing this table dude). And every table occupied. Our server was the gold standard of servers upon I wish all could learn from.
I had a great experience at Crush. My friend and I shared several of the small plates. The Mac and Cheese and crab cake sliders are great! I was prepared to share a few things rather than get one large entree based on other reviews. It is a bit loud so you have to be in the mood for that kind of atmosphere. However, it is still very easy to have clear conversations.
Review Source:Trendy. Overpriced. Too loud. Crowded.
Been there twice and the last time I ordered a meat dish with wild mushrooms. The entrée was tiny but expensive. The wild mushrooms were burnt to a crisp. Some of them were actually burnt to nothing but bitter charcoal! I was surprised a chef would let that out of his or her kitchen!
It seems to be popular with the 20-somethings, but I won't bother to spend my money on nothing but style and noise again. I'm old enough to know better.
Crush has been around for a few years now and I have finally managed to eat a meal there. Â And I am excited enough about it to write a review.
Located in a little two-story building that abuts the 5th Avenue Mall (if you know a little of Anchorage history, then you might remember it being a hair salon and Reeve Aviation in the past), the bottom is the small but nicely appointed bar and dining area and if you follow the stairs to the second floor, you'll walk into a magical land of wine and liquor that most of the other alchohol retailers don't carry.
My husband suggested Crush (he had eaten here before) one evening last week when I dragged him out of the house to complete some much needed holiday shopping. Â Sure, why not? Â We've tried to go for dinner before, but Crush was always packed with an hour and a half long waiting list, so I would strongly suggest reservations. Â But that night we were lucky. Â We were seated right away near the window where we could see people hustling and bustling with their last minute shopping.
I didn't have any wine as I was driving that evening, but my husband is pretty well-versed in beer and wine (it's his profession) and so I'm going to take his word that their selection is quite respectable. Â Now for the food!
We ordered the white bean pate for an appetizer and it was a small, simple dish of pate and something between toast points and bruschetta. Â The pate was a little thicker than I expected, but spread on the bread, it was a delicious, not overpowering starter.
For dinner I first ordered the Pear & Stilton Salad. Â It was a light salad with thin pear slices, toasted and lightly candied pecans, a sprinkling of stilton cheese tossed with tender, baby spinach. Â Drizzled on top was a delicate vinaigrette. Â I think this was the best salad I've ever had in my life. Â I am normally ambivalent about spinach, but this was heavenly. Â My husband, a lover of caprese, eagerly ordered Crush's Caprese. Â He believes it was the best caprese he has eaten, as well.
My next course was the Baked Mac & Cheese. Â Wow! Â They take this comfort food classic to a new level. Â Creamy, cheesy and wonderful, there is also a little kick of spice to let you know this ain't your momma's mac and cheese. Â My husband graciously allowed me to taste his Lasagna Bolognese and to tell the truth, it didn't look like much. Â This was a perfect lesson in 'don't judge a book by its cover". Â The Lasagna Bolognese was also delicious.
The service was a touch slow, but always friendly. Â We did not mind a bit as we having good conversation. Â
Our bill was a bargain for the good service and excellent food. Â In all seriousness, their prices are very good for a restaurant of their caliber.
After our meal, we hauled ourselves upstairs to take a look around at their retail store. Â I will just say that if I hadn't already spent most of money on Christmas presents, that a few of those bottles would have been going home with me. Â
I would recommend Crush to anyone and everyone. Â I am eagerly looking forward to my next visit!
Finally had the opportunity to take the entire family here to try this out. Â I had heard so much about the baked mac and cheese and the Ruben sandwich.
Well the Mac and cheese was alright but was VERY disappointed in the portion size. Â Very small. Â I guess it was supposed to be an appetizer not an entree. Â My son really enjoyed the Ruben sandwich. Â My other son had the quesadilla and thought it was of the best he had had but also small portion.
The wine selection was OK but if you really want to have the good stuff go upstairs to the cellar. Â I know it's backwards but the stock they have is not bad. Â If you are a Cab fan and have $45.00 to drop on a bottle of really good wine then try the Chateau Montelena. Â You won't be disappointed.
Also check out their German wine section probably the best in Anchorage.
If you are the type to take note of "check-ins" you might have thought to yourself, "A wine bar for lunch, Tasha? Â You lush!" Â But I will have you know that although I did go to a wine bar for lunch, I did not partake in the wine, however tempting it may have been. Â I heard the food was good, and that's what I was there for. Â I was not disappointed. Â It is a cozy little spot, and there were quite a few tables, even at lunch time. Â As I was dining alone and all of the 2 tops were taken, I sat at the bar. Â I was alone, but not for long as an older gentleman who was apparently a regular came in and started talking to the staff about some amazing oxtail he had there the other night. Â It wasn't on the menu, but the chef came out and said he had some leftover and would make it for him for dinner that night. Â Wow, that is really cool! Â I almost asked if he would make some for me, too!
For lunch they have a few delicious sounding salads and quite a few entrees that come with a side of potato salad, house salad, or soup. Â Although the salads looked really good, being from Texas, the 30 degree weather had me wanting something warm. Â I chose the Sherried Portabella with Spinach over Polenta with a cup of clam chowder. Â Both were wonderfully warming and tasty. Â I'd like to go back to try their other dishes, and of course the wine, but I don't think I'll have time during my stay. Â Too bad, because Crush is an adorable place with a very friendly vibe.
Note: Another reviewer mentioned lack of ventilation and smelling like food afterwards. Â I have to say I noticed this, too but overall didn't bother me too much.
Maybe its just that I've been spoiled with wine bars in Napa, Seattle and New York, but I just don't think Crush cuts it.
If memory serves me correctly, there were only about 12 wines on the menu available by the glass and a handful of flights. We had one flight and a couple single glasses and nothing was really impressive.
The food is also just "ok." The menu is a somewhat limited, a small, somewhat disconnected offering of small plates, a few salads and a couple nightly specials.
I would go back only for the Mac and Cheese or the special artichoke. The rest I can live without.
Decent beer selection as well.
It's also pretty expensive ($180) for a group of four, with tip. Â I'd rather have more food, drink and options somewhere else.
I have been to Crush now three times, and each visit has been wonderful. Â The top three factors in that statement are as follows:
[01] The wine selection. In a word, awesome. The wines are updated about every week or so, so chances are you will never have the same thing more than once.
[02] The service. Â I cannot say enough how great the service has been every single time I have been in there. Â That goes a long way in my book.
[03] The atmosphere. Â The owners did a really great job of turning the former cafe into a hip, urban room with eclectic music, an amazing bar, and very comfortable seating no matter where you are in the room.
I don't have a lot to say about the food at this point because we have primarily gone there to sample the wines. Â The few items I have tried, however, have been delicious. Â I recommend the mac and cheese.
I am not a winee. Â I tend to drink wine with cute labels or what is on sale. Â My night at Crush changed my whole perspective!
I love that they have samplers there with a theme. Â It introduced me to my new favorite wine. Â The appetizers were AMAZING. Â The atmosphere is totally laid back, but upscale (an oxymoron perhaps but somehow they were able to accomplish it). Â You will see you me there again.
The only draw back was our waiter did not do the turn of the bottle at the end of the pour like in the movies. Â I think I can forgive him.
I've been curious about this place since my arrival back to town and walked by the restaurant a bunch of times that I finally had to come here for lunch!
I did the right thing it smelled pretty good in there. Nice decor and feels like you're in a winery some where. I'm not so sure about the music, middle eastern? Indian? Didn't go with the restaurant. I can hear jazz, cafe del mar, or buddha bar mixes here. Â
The waitress was bleh, I would have liked a more sociable, friendly waiter/tress.
I didn't see any riesling on the menu, maybe I over looked it. But I ordered a pretty tasty pinot gris wine by elk grove. I had the smoked turkey sandwich with gouda cheese and it comes with soup, bottled water without cork, and the price $10, reasonable.
I have to come back and try the mac n cheese with a glass of chardonnay. =)
Great wine selection with an excellent pour. Â Besides the general wine by the glass, the range of prices for bottles in wide, so make sure you ask. Â Also, you can get the wine tasting, of which there are three different ones for the same price you would get a glass and you get variety. Â The food is interesting. Â Baked mac and cheese (with 5 different cheeses) and croutons (cut up garlic bread) and others are very well put together. If you do not specify you get the smaller portions which are 7.00 compared to a full plate for 14.00. Â They are also open for lunch with sandwiches and what not and coffee and pastry in the morning. Â If you like the late crowd, you can go in for a glass at 4:30 but the food cannot be ordered until 5 except specific appetizers, and you may want to do this just to get a seat depending on the night.
Overall, I really suggest this place. Â It reminds me of when I'm in a larger city than our lovely Anchorage.
There is a reason Crush is going up as my first review - I can't believe no one has yelped it yet! Â The food was absolutely phenomenal. Â I went for the wine, I went back for the food (and more wine, of course).
The place is only about a month or two old, but it's weekend evenings are already a full house. Â I was in Anchorage for work and sad that I couldn't take this place back to SF with me.
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