The Ruby Tap was cute, cool and fun. (be sure to read the food pairings with each wine, it can get kinda funny :)
The first thing we did was try the tap wines - a Pinot, Syrah and Cab. The only one remotely palatable was the Cab, but still not that good. I am no Sommelier, but they were pretty dreadful and the reason for 4 stars instead of 5.
Off to the cases we went! The tastes ranged "mostly" from about $2.50 up to $6.00 - with only 1 or 2 crazy expensive, we calculated the costs for short pour were approximately 10% of the bottle price. Then, there are 2 more longer pours with the third being a full glass. The one I liked best of my 4 or so tastes was my only full glass (and I was lucky enough to get a few more drops because the bottle was empty and the bartender emptied the bottom of the bottle in my glass as I stood waiting :) Â We hypothesized that they dumped all the leftovers in those tapper wines, LOL. (bartender assured me they didn't).
All in all, a great time and I'd def go back and maybe get some cheese or something from their menu which I didn't study but appeared to be simple and more for appetizers.
And in case you were wondering, my full glass was the Avanthia, from Spain - Mencia. I've never heard of this wine. The smell reminded me of coffee, the taste was the smoothest and felt like a high quality (shit, it was $45 - better be high quality). The little card mentioned hints of dark chocolate and that's where the coffee fragrance came from. REALLY good - I'd recommend it!
My trip (no food) about a 2 hour visit was $35 range. Not too crazy!
I love this place so much that after visiting for the first time, I went back the next night! The atmosphere is romantic, yet casual. Yummy bar snacks- even for vegans!!! And you can't go wrong with the wine, as they have so many different varieties to try.
Although this place is a little expensive for me to visit on the regular, it is quickly becoming my go-to for special occasions!
Love the concept of this. A wine lover my self this is a great way to explore different wines without having to break the budget/ or having to buy a full glass of wine.
I echo the other reviewers comments
- don't expect service. You have to write what you want to order and give it to the counter
- there is pretty much nothing to eat here that is filling.
- cheese comes with few crackers. (But for $2-3 you cant expect a lot either)
- the wines are 100% markup though than listed price. So although you don't pay alot for each pour (1.5, 4, 6 oz) i felt kinda robbed after the scanned price for the wine bar codes cMe out 50-100% less than listed prices
One tip if you want different cheese order then at different times. My friend ordered 3 types of chess than came with the same amount (maybe 4-5 crackers) Â that i got when ordering one cheese
Olives were really good. But its not worth$5
It's a local business so i would promote supporting the business. Love the whole experience and the concept of it so although there was nothing much to eat i enjoyed my visit. Will come again
Since this is really close to my house, I was so excited when I heard a wine bar would be opening in Tosa. As we were going on a double date in Bayview, we stopped here for a glass or two of wine. It's pretty pricey, but if you go for just one drink, it's not too bad. Definitely do NOT plan on going here for an "all nighter".
Review Source:The Ruby Tap is a great place to meet up with friends for a nice glass of wine. It's located in Tosa Village- it's easy to miss, but directly across the street is a public parking lot, so it's easy to pop in. Â There are probably a good twenty wines you can sample. The interior is simple, but the focus here is on the wine and all the enjoyment that comes with trying several different types.
Review Source:Ruby Tap is pretty awesome, but 5 starts, I think not. It is a very unique wine bar and it is hip and trendy, but they could do better.
Here is the concept: you can taste around 50 different wines, and all at your own pace. You open a tab and they give you a card and a glass. You insert the card into these machines full of various wines and choose how much you want, 1.5, 3 or 6 ounces, priced accordingly. A very neat idea, especially for those who don't know what kind of wine they like yet.
You can also order very small portions of specialty cheeses and meats by filling out a little slip of paper at your table and bringing it up to the bar. When I say small portions, I mean it. They were literally only a slice of cheese and several crackers.
Do not expect table service here. They will clear your plates eventually, Â but if you need something go to the bar.
It is a relatively small place, with not a ton of seating. The seating they have is very jammed in there so it was hard to navigate. If I owned the place I would have more high tables without chairs so people could at least have a place to set their drink if the must stand.
I don't even like wine, but this place is really cool. As some of the other reviews have mentioned, you go in, get a wine glass (and a card that tracks your consumption) and then you're set free! They have a great selection in both flavor (more varieties than I knew existed) and price (I think they had a few $70 bottles, but I didn't bother with those). Best thing is, when you finish your first glass, you don't have to wait on anyone to come refill, you just go back up to the dispensing area, pick a new flavor and you're good to go!
It's a great place to spend $10 sampling wines and unwind. Great atmosphere and great location in the 'Tosa village. They have some cheeses and appetizers and stuff, but I'd really focus on the wines if I were you.
Ruby Tap was designed for people like me - WINOS!. I have been here a couple times and look forward to going back.
Upon entry you go right up to the bar and start a tab. You get a sort of hotel-key card sort of thing. There is a wall of different wines with descriptions and you can decide how big of a pour you want. All the pours are tallied up on your key card, and when you're done it's all put on your credit card.
There are options for snacks such as charcuterie and cheeses. The portions are very small, but the selection is good. I wish the descriptions were a little more...descriptive for the cheeses. The olives were wonderful, I could have eaten a bowl of them, however it was almost $5 for just a few of them.
My main complaint is the size, it is tiny. I would suggest going around 3:00 in the afternoon, but if you are going in the evening, expect to stand with your wine.
Very fun, check it out!
I waited months in high anticipation to visit Ruby Tap after my pregnancy an it was definitely worth the wait. Â From the selection, small plates, pleasant and knowledgable staff, and of course the warm inviting atmosphere , The Ruby Tap is a great addition to the growing Village of Wauwatosa. Â The cheese and meat plate selections were very reasonable and tasty. Â They also can special order wines too!Also, the owner was knowledgable, and you can tell her passion for wine. Â I can't wait to bring my husband down so he can fall I love with this place as well! Â We will definitely become regulars whenever we get a chance to get away.
Review Source:My new favorite hangout spot! It should be yours, too.
If you are into wine
If you dig rustic and contemporary mix of design esthetic
If you live/work/play in Tosa Village
If you like hanging out by the fire
Friendly environment. Nonchalant approach to wine. You will not get the attitude from the owners/staff here. They are learning wine as they go themselves, which makes it that much more fun.
I love the self-serve idea. You can try every wine displayed for around $3 a pour, or get a full glass for $5-7. Reasonably priced, hey. Then if you like the wine, buy a bottle!
Try it. It's crazy fun!
I had a wonderful dream recently...
In this dream I walked in a beautifully decorated room. On the wall was a huge machine where I could press a button and wine, all types of wine, would pour freely into my glass. In this room was also a bar area where the wine flowed from taps. And there was a cooler as well. Full of local beers and more wine. Mini bottles of wine. In this dream a friend and I sat on a couch next to a fire place and savored our wine. Games lay on the table in front of us. Cheese, truffle oil popcorn, and cheesecake were brought out. Greek gods fanned us and fed us olives. And then I woke up...
And it was real. Well everything except the last part. But I was sitting in the Ruby Tap with one of my best friends saying "This place is amazing." Seriously, this is without a doubt one of my new favorite places in the Milwaukee area. The concept is so straight forward. I love that you can go up to the wine machine and choose between tasting, half glass, or full glass sizes. The staff was really friendly and helpful and were spot on in recommending two great  white wines for me. I love that there are mini bites of food (cheese, charceturie, dessert) you can get here. They have cheesecake from Simma's and their truffle oil popcorn was awesome. There is really wine available for everyone- white, red, sweet, dry, those for connoisseurs and those for novices. The ambiance here is incredible. This place is decorated so cute, stylish, and comfy. With lights hanging from the ceiling, a fireplace in the back, and variety of places to sit, you will want to just relax and drink here for a few hours. At least I know I did...Loved it. Fabulous and unique, Ruby Tap is a much welcomed addition to the Mke and Tosa area!
The interior is simple, warm, and reasonably cozy. Â Seating will make a big difference in your overall experience. The seating near the back is mostly sofas complete with a fireplace, and will offer you seclusion from the general public and will keep you out of the path of people walking in from outside or people heading to the restrooms. Unfortunately when I was there a private party rented out the entire back area but decided it would be appropriate to yell at scream at the Packer game while surrounding our table. It was unpleasant.
I did not get the opportunity to taste or even see any of the food, so I'll will just block off this little section here for the future.
The most important thing was 3/4 of the wines I tasted were top notch (the Malbec was a little too light for my taste). But they had a very pleasant Vignoles (Semi-sweet, slightly acidic, smelled of honeysuckle and something else..I can't quite decide) and a couple very nice Cab Savs with deep blackberry undertones, light acidity, and smooth buttery finishes.
The service was great. I believe the two female bartenders that were there at the time were sisters and they were both very personable and sweet. They are a big part of what will keep you coming back . The environment is very comfortable (minus the loud private party), and I love the self-service pick your own pour size set up. I will be going back as soon as possible.
What an awesome place.. have been there several times and love the place. This is an excellent place to take people if they want to try wine and are not sure what they like. With so many choices .. and you choose the amount ... it is a sample paradise.
(They also have a cooler with lots of local and interesting craft beers)
They have some great snacks that pair well with the wine. Good variety and really focus on using other local products.
The two sisters who run Ruby Tap and very nice and go out of their way to make you feel at home.
It has quickly become on of my go to places...
Tips is a great place to meet friends and unwind for a happy hour, or kick off a night on the town. Â The laid back atmosphere and rustic decor make you lose track of time and all your worries (I am sure the wine helps a little with that too). Â This is my wife's favorite spot in Tosa.
Review Source:What a fantastic addition to the Tosa Village! Living in Toaa, I've been here multiple times and always have a great experience. The atmosphere is a comfortable rustic chic with bar, table and lounge seating (most of the lighting and furniture seems to be from West Elm or similar if you ever shop there). Perfect for both groups and if you are looking for something more intimate.
There is a whole wall of wines to choose from, each with a description of it's flavor and the prices clearly marked. I love the self serve concept and the fact that I can try out as much as I'd like. They also have a large cooler or craft beers for those who prefer that. The menu consists of snacks with cheese, meat, crackers, truffle popcorn, olives etc. that are good for light noshing. They also have daily specials and wines you may purchase by the glass or mini bottles.
Highly recommend for a lovely, unique experience. Everyone that I go here with always wants to return!
I must echo the lovely Stephanie L. The Ruby Tap is a "liquid candy buffet."
This place would be welcome for both wine novices and connoisseurs alike. You trade your boring plastic credit card for one of their sleek, stylish eno-cards that unlocks the key to fermented grape paradise. For $2-4, you can sample a wide range of wines. I found a lovely white that tasted like granny smith apples, a chocolate lovers wine that looked all grown-up and red, but tasted like chocolate milk...and, as Stephanie put it "Smells like a chocolate scratch and sniff!"
Since I always have to be eating things, we also dove into the menu. Just like you can design your own wine flight, you can also design your own charcuterie platter. We sampled sheep's milk cheese (surprisingly dry), a mild, creamy aged cheddar, and a soft white cheese with cocoa powder. We threw in an assortment of olives, cured meats, and a smear of honey and enjoyed. The apple tart and the toffee were delicious sweet bites, and not to be missed.
This place is classy, yet comfortable, and has definitely made in on to my list of places to bring out of towners to impress them with the finest that Milwaukee (or rather, Tosa) has to offer.
If they had a top 100 list of things to do in Wisconsin.. the first 20 would have to do with things involving lake Michigan. Calatrava, Bradford Beach etc.. But after that... don't SKIP RUBY TAP.
Besides the fact that its located in the beautiful village of wauwatosa, and next to the best yogurt place we have in the city(YO MAMA).. this is a unique wine bar ran by two sweet girls.
A self serve wine bar, usually something most people have never seen. I can not talk more highly of this, and you definitely will be happy you made it here.
The Ruby Tap is a place for true blue wine fans. You go to the bar and open a tab by exchanging a credit card for a card they give you. You proceed to a sort of wine automat system against the wall, where you can choose from many fine wines. You plunk in the card and select a wine to try, and amount and voila...you can enjoy tasting whatever you like, and your little card keeps tally of your purchases. This is a great way to enjoy tastes of very expensive wines! OR simply go up to the bar and get a glass of wine that they have on tap. I had the best Pinot Noir of my life this way. You can also order appetizer plates with meat, cheese, crackers, fruit and nuts from a neat a la carte menu - all good nibbly stuff to go with your wine.
You can sit at a table in the main area which is well lighted with big solid wooden tables (great for my knitting group) or grab a couch area in the dimly lit back corner.
My only regret about this place is that its VERY noisy - small place crammed with very happy patrons who are all parked there for the entire evening (seems), all clucking away noisily over their wine - my party had to shout at each other to be understood. But I'll be back.
Yes! I love this place! I love the concept___the ability to try a bunch of different wines without having to buy a whole glass! awesome! I went here with a girlfriend on a Sat. afternoon and it was awesome and very intimate, think of a cozy log cabin up north somewhere, although they did report they get pretty packed, ie standing house after 5pm on most days. They report changing out their wines on tap quite frequently which is doubly exciting! more wines to try! While they don't have meals there, they do have snacks_such as your standard cheese and meat boards, popcorn, nuts, olives and some lil desserts to munch on while you drink (very much recommend the popcorn! yummmm!) I will definitely be going back here! Hopefully they'll have changed up the wines too!
Review Source:Never been to a self serve wine bar before. Â Walking up to the wine dispensing machines is cool. Â You can walk back and forth and decide which one you want and you get to pick how much you want too, just a taste or a full glass. Â This place is fun and interesting. Â A GREAT place to hang out and relax with some friends. Â
If I could study and get work done while drinking, I would be here doing just that...
Check this place out. Â Its different. Â It works. I will be back and will recommend it to anyone.
Great addition to downtown Tosa. Went here for the 1st time about a month ago to see what it was all about. I like the concept of being able to choose how much wine you want in your glass (S,M,L) and paying accordingly. The setting is nice with larger tables, couches, comfy chairs and a fireplace. All beers they serve are from WI and the staff is helpful to newcomers or people who push the button of the wine they want and fail to put the glass underneath the tap, I actually watched it happen to someone. They have a TV over the bar in case there's a game on too, but it doesn't take away from the ambiance of the place.
Review Source:This is a real cool place! Â It's for exploring; you can buy as little as an 1.5 oz. pour from the machine (I usually choose 3 oz.). There is a total of 36 wines available by 3 different sizes; all major wine-producing countries are represented. The sausage, cheese, and desserts are finely selected. Oh, yeah: You can buy a bottle to go, too (at regular retail prices).
Review Source:The best way that I can describe Ruby Tap is that it's the exact opposite of Leff's Lucky Town. Instead of rivers of beer, there are two dozen wines in high tech vending machines. Instead of greasy wings, there are delicate bites of cheese or charcuterie. Instead of TV's blasting the big game, there are cozy seating areas and board games. Instead of being a sausage party, it's an estrogen fest. You get my drift - this is the place to go with your best girlfriends to bitch about work or significant others while sipping on a glass (or ten) of wine.
Like Yo Mama next door, Ruby Tap is self serve. You get a swipe card which activates the machines and choose what you like from a few dozen offerings. There are pour size options - 1.5 oz is a "taste", 3 oz is "I'm driving" and 6oz is "JT size". Prices vary by wine but seem in line. When your glass is empty, you don't have to wait for a server - you refill when and as much as you want.
As Mike P. correctly notes - they have done a top notch job on the interior here. It's cozy, clean and welcoming with lots of comfortable spots to sit and chat. It's high- quality down to the smallest details. Instead of some watered down Softsoap in the bathroom they have Mrs.Meyer's. I notice things like that.
Gents - this is a great place for a date. You can get beer and you'll score points for picking a classy spot.
After reading rave reviews on Yelp, decided to check it out. Brought my boyfriend in for his birthday, which was a change of pace from the usual bars we go to downtown. We brought take out in from Noodles around the corner, got our card to pour wines, and sat down to watch the Packer game - easily visible from the eclectic wooden tables and chairs :)
Very much enjoyed the atmosphere - looking forward to coming back and grabbing a couch by the fireplace.
Loved the novelty of taking my time to read about the wines, try them out, then pour a small or large glass if I wanted to.
For the amount and choice of wines we drank, was a very reasonably priced birthday celebration.
The dessert menu did leave something to be desired. I wasn't a huge fan of the Tiramisu - was a little on the bitter side for my taste and the layers separated as you cut into the piece with your fork. The truffle was also very small for the price and difficult to bit in to due to its cooler temperature.
Recommendations include having a salt and pepper shaker available if you allow people to bring in food - I just like putting pepper on basically everything and forgot to ask for packets when we grabbed our food.
Also would recommend a better dessert selection, especially if this is somewhere that people will come for a drink and/or dessert after dinner in the village.
Wonderful decor, atmosphere, good wine selection, very nice place. Will definitely come back.
I did some research yesterday afternoon, searching for a wine stop that would provide me some respite from a week of engagements. Â I found my refuge in the patio area belonging to the Ruby Tap. Â I was greeted by one of the owners, and her sister Brooke showed me the ropes that make the Ruby Tap unlike any of its wine shop colleagues. Â This bar and shop cannot even be compared to others like Thief, Thirst & Vine, or Vino 100. Â It was more like a liquid candy buffet. Â Heavenly. Â
Go to the counter. Leave your credit or debit card. Grab a glass and an eno-card, and head to the wine spouts. Â You will see a board overhead that lays out the rules, making the process painless. Â If there is any pain, it will soon subside upon drinking one of the wines in the case. Â Ranging from sparkling to driest red, there is a pour for all. Â The pours come in different amounts too. Â Basically, you can have a taste or a full glass. Â Have fun though, because you make your own flight. On that note, take flight to the Ruby Tap as soon as you leave the confines of your cubicle. Â You will forget all about the other wine bars or Happy Hours, because the Ruby Tap is so much more than a place to have a drink. Â It is interactive. Â It is unique. Â You will be excited for your next visit, because I guarantee that it will be an entirely different experience from the last time; there is going to be a new lineup of wines. Â The lineup is reasonably priced, even for the finer vintners. Â You will be amazed by the deals you get in your glass. Â I call that "wine economy."
This is definitely my new favorite hangout in Tosa. I concur with all of the raving reviews so far: the place is hip, but not snobbish; the wines are delicious (seriously, I didn't know I could like white, but Ruby Tap whites are making me think twice!), but not outrageously priced; and the staff is attentive, knowledgeable, and approachable -- not at all pretentious. Â Brooke and Sarah are never too busy to help you, despite the larger-than-anticipated crowds they've had in their opening weeks.
I really recommend this place for meeting up with friends. The area with the tables makes you feel like you're just sitting around someone's kitchen table in their home --- very cozy and comfortable. Â The couch/armchair area is also great for board games and conversation. Being able to serve yourself is such a high point: you get what you want, when you want, with no waiting. Â And if you're like me and have trouble choosing a wine, their sample system is great for deciding what your palate is in the mood for that night.
At my most recent visit, Sarah suggested some great cheeses to go with the wines my friend and I had selected. Â I definitely recommend the Heidi cheese. If you're in the mood for something more substantial, Brooke and Sarah have allowed their guests to bring in take-out from area restaurants since they don't have a full kitchen. How sweet!
My only hope for Ruby Tap is that they seek out some nice, live music in the future. That would just be the icing on the cake! Even without it, I know I will be back here again and again. Â
Welcome to Tosa, Ruby Tap! Â We're so glad you're here.
Only one non five star review at this point...and it came from a guy who does not want to pour his own wine??? Â That is the whole purpose of the place!
The decor is very hip - a NYC vibe in a comfortable, cozy, and relaxing location in Tosa Village. Â As soon as you sit down, you will find it hard to leave as the staff is absolutely wonderful! Â Sarah, one of the owners, was so helpful explaining how everything works, suggesting wines to try, and even pairing meat and cheeses with our selections. Â With the ability to choose from 1.5, 3, or 6 oz pours, you can try many different wines in a sitting and then even buy your favorite bottle to take home!
As a city boy, living in Washington DC for the past 10 years, I must say The Ruby Tap has absolutely done a fantastic job with their business - I expect great success as they continue to serve the lucky patrons who go.
Don't miss this place as it is unique, fun, and will leave you wondering why you did not come up with the same idea!
YES! I'm not much of a wine guy - it's aged grape juice and too much of it gives me a splitting headache. THE RUBY TAP MAY CHANGE THAT. Located South of the sugar buzzed Yo Mama! on Wauwatosa Avenue is a space you'd never really expect from the outside. The owners have done a FANTASTIC job with the interior design - it's divided into four spaces; outside deck/patio, bar, dining area and carpeted couch lounge space. When you enter they hand you an order clip board and explain the process. The service is laid back and unpretentious.
The wife and I ordered Marcona almonds (from Spain and really cheap at $3 a serving, toasted with rosemary and sea salt) and three cheeses. We started a tab with a card you can then choose from over 32 bottles of wines - three different sizes. The most expensive bottle was $75 so it was cool to try a 1.5 ounce serving for under ten dollars. We had a great time pairing wines we'd never splurge on by the bottle with our almonds and cheese. Fun cheap date night.
Welcome to the neighborhood The Ruby Tap.
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I love the Ruby Tap! Â This new feature to the Wauwatosa village is definitely something to talk about!
There are 30 some wines on tap, which are self serve.  An excellent concept so you don't have to rely on a server to get a fresh glass of wines. The taps are  great because you can sample many wines before you buy a bottle.
There is also a great assortment of local Wisconsin beers for the beer geek. Â Not too mention cheese platters (also local) and tasty olives and nuts to snack on.
The atmosphere is very welcoming with a lounge to hang out in, tables and a bar and last but not least out door seating, another plus! Â The Ruby is very hip, trendy modern but also casual.
The staff is very friendly, out going and more than happy to help new comers and wine enthusiasts. Â
I would recommend this establishment to anyone and cannot wait to revisit!
Super cute new night spot in Tosa. Some unusual wines, innovative serving style and gorgeous setting. Funny that its next to Yo Mama, as its a similar concept where you self serve.
There are also two whites and two reds on tap, lots of beer choices and very friendly staff. Great decor (a fireplace!) and yummy olives, cheese and meat selections that pair well with the booze. A classy, cute and welcome addition to downtown Tosa!
We stumbled upon this place on opening night and I'm so glad we did! The concept is fun and different: sort of a do-it-yourself wine tasting. Its unintimidating, and I think a great way for those who have varying degrees of knowledge about wine to sample a wide range over the course of an evening.
When you arrive, if you're interested in wine, you get a swipe card at the bar. From there you put your card in a slot, order up one of about 25-30 types of wine in various ounce increments, and enjoy. When you're finished for the night, you pay up your tab at the front. They also offer about 30 different types of local bottled beers and platters of cheese and meats.
The design of the restaurant is very modern rustic. The room is divided between the wine station, the bar area, larger tables, and then a section with dividers that has couches and lounge chairs with coffee tables. There are small outdoor patio tables and chairs, too, for warm days.
We had a nice long chat with who we assume is one of the co-owners and we could quickly tell that this place is a labor of love. We'll be back to help support the village's best new bar!
I've been anticipating the opening of this place for months and tonight was finally the night.
It's a cool place. Stylish, yet rustic. The village of Wauwatosa needed it. I love the local cheeses and charcuterie. And all the beers, from Wisconsin. The wines, I'll presume from friends' and family reviews, were good. I stuck with my Summer favorites from the likes of Ale Asylum, New Glarus and Milwaukee Brewing Co.
We tasted five menu items: a couple of cheeses and a couple of cured meats. Also some roasted almonds with olive oil and rosemary. I love this kind of stuff. It reminds me of European snacking--particularly Spain! (I love Spain and have been there twice.)
I like to eat like this: light and high quality meats and cheeses paired with craft beers and wines. Perfect.
So far, so solid, right?
The only problem, as I see it, is the buy-yourself-a-plastic-card-and-stick-it-in-a-Âslot-to-get-a-glass-of-wine method of refreshment procurement.
Crud. All week I've swiped cards, self checked-out, pumped my own gas and bagged my own groceries. And now I'm out and I have to get my own drink?
This defeats the purpose of going out and relaxing a bit, doesn't it?
I'm hoping for great success for The Ruby Tap and I'll visit regularly, but secretly I'm looking forward to the day when I can walk in, sit down, and be asked, "Hello, Mr. Collins. What bottles of wine or beer and plates of meat and cheese can we bring you tonight?"
Now THAT's how to relax on evening out! :)