Pinot Wine Bar & Bistro

What has happened to Pinot? I was really looking forward and enthusiastic about dining here based on my last experience, but I was very, very disappointed as the evening progressed. The menu reads entirely different from my last visit. Gone and missing from the menu is all the local flavor that made this place unique from all the other restaurants in Tower. Our server informed our table that the produce no longer is local and organic. The interesting charcuterie was nowhere to be found as well on this last visit. The cheese list has been drastically cut and offers no variety or contrast in flavors. Where did the manchego go? The gorgeous, green Castelvetrano olives have been replaced by what appears to be an unappealing, canned variety. The beautiful bistro burger that I came to know so well has been reduced down to average at best and mediocre. The quality of ingredients have gone down, while prices have gone up. $15 for a burger that comes with American cheese? No thanks. What a quick turn around for a menu that was full of high quality ingredients and creativity.

There are more pasta options available than previous, but these dishes lack originality and are easily found at Olive Garden or Cheesecake Factory. The "craft" beer list has changed substantially also and not for the better. In are Shocktop and Newcastle, (not exactly craft beers) and out are Chimay and Triple Voodoo amongst others. What a shame. I thought Tower had a gem here.

Pinot Wine Bar is my favorite place to relax in Tower.  They have a great selection of wines, but they also sell craft beers and coctails.  They have a small menu that often changes because they use only fresh local produce.  They usually have a few salads, a pasta dish, their Bistro Burger (I love it!) and right now they have two steamed mussel dishes.  They also have fresh meat and cheese boards, as well as other appetizers.  They usually have three or four desserts including flourless torte and creme brulee.

The atmosphere is great.  They regularly have wine tasting classes, live bands, and when the weather is nice, they have movie nights on the back patio.  The owners are really nice and they really put a lot of themselves into the business.  

They can get really busy on the weekends, so service can be slower, so go on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday night and you will get top notch service!

Stopped in on a Tuesday evening - really glad we did!  Although they were out of a lot of items on the menu (remember, it was a Tuesday evening), the experience was lovely.   The burger was exceptional!  Emily was a great server, willing to bring us samples of the wines we were considering until we chose the one we liked.  Cool space, great music, casual atmosphere.  Try it out!