Swill Wine Bar

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  Ok, I don't know WHAT you people are talking about with your one and two star reviews... This place is fantastic!!  
  The decor, I mean c'mon, it doesn't get cooler in a small wine bar than cork style table tops with built in rings left from glasses that never actually existed, and a chandelier delicately made from wine glasses that hangs overhead.  If it were just a smidge larger I would say a comfortable leather coch and chairs would do the place well, as the seating inst necessarily meant for the log haul of wine drinking, but it serves it's purpose and more as the waiting spot for your table at Tacuba next door and a genuine wine bar to tickle our taste buds.
  Now, I may be a bit biased, because I happened to have the MOST delicious Malbec that night, of which I had never tasted before, so naturally I was VERY excited - Diseno Malbec, from Argentina of course!
  I did not have the pleasure of tasting any of the treats offered at Swill because we were awaiting our table next door, but we did have the opportunity to watch the owner and head chef Franco whip up some delicious looking small plates that seemed as if they would pair wonderfully with the delectable wines they offer here.  
  I didn't think the bartender was all that personality wise, but hey, it's a laid back spot and he did what he should do, which was to tell us about the wines with what appeared to be some real knowledge, so that worked for us.  I do wish it was a bit more comfy in there, because I could see myself going down after work some nights and trying out some new wines, but alas, this is no Owl Shop and there are no well-worn leather couches to swaddle you up and help you drift away.  Otherwise, I love this place!!  It's a little bit of Manhatten right here on te Shoreline, and boy oh boy did we need some new life around here...
  Not to mention that the very friendly an accomodating hostess fromTacuba (which I mentioned in my review 'next door') came over to grab us when our table was ready, which wasn't something that is typically done, but was much appreciated.
  The only real downside was that I couldn't take a fresh glass, or heck a whole bottle!, of Diseno over to my table at Tacuba, but that is understandable as they are technically two separate businesses.  Would have been nice tho!
  All in all, get your lazy winter butts over to Swill and warm up with a delightful glass of red wine, you'll be glad you did.

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  Posted on 11.06.11 T R.

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  Nice decor and an interesting menu invited us in. Unfortunately that was where the welcome stopped. When we entered this small space a server stood behind the bar and stated at us, never offering a greeting or a seat. After I said "may we seat ourselves?" and received a nod we selected a table. The same rude man wandered over a few moments later with two glasses of water (there were three of us). When I asked if there were non alcoholic drinks, the man turned up his nose and said "this is a wine bar." He then walked away without taking our drink order. We walked away moments later. Skip the snotty attitude and skip this place that does not care for its customers.

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  Posted on 10.28.11 Kayla B.

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  To tell you the truth, ill give it an OK. The food is ok, wine not too much of a selection for a wine bar, but I'll recommend it for a couple's night out to start the night. Tapas menu and a good Pinot noir. The max amount of time you could be in there for is about 1 - 1.5 hrs.

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  Posted on 10.23.11 Abe M.

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  Now, I may be fairly new to the area, but there surely isn't a surplus of hip, affordable wine bars in the Branford area.  So aren't you all lucky to have Swill!
  Walking into the long, attractive space, you'll find a wall of geomentric shapes reminiscent of mid century design-the long wooden bar, aglow with red votive holders makes you want to belly right up and start swilling.  But wait, what's there in the back room? Why, it's a chandelier made of wine goblets!  Talk about details!
  As you look around, the chalkboard walls describe to you every wine in house(there are A LOT).  When presented with the menu you'll find at least eight different glass pours of red, white, rose, and sparkling-these will change monthly so noone ever gets bored!  I've become a fan of the Cordinu cava as well as the Domaine Houchart rose.  Even if you're not a wine sipper, mixologist on staff, Andrew creates some pretty amazing libations-the provencal, with Hendrick's gin and actual rose petals will have you swaying to the music...in a good way of course!
  Hungry?
  Franco is tantalizing the tastebuds as usual, with a menu of fresh, melt in your mouth paninis, bruschettas, and charcuterie.  Mushrooms in the buffalo mozzarella panini add a juicy meatiness that could charm any meat and potato eater.  A gorgeous wooden plank piled high with coppa, sopressata, some beemster aged gouda and truffled pecorino compliments your wine choice perfectly.
  Safe to say I love this place.  And while you may not know I'm your new neighbor, take my advice and drop into Swill- maybe I'll see you there!

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  Posted on 07.19.11 Megan B.

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  My husband and I stumbled upon Swill after finding Tacuba. After dinner, we walked next door to Swill to have a glass of wine. We decided that more food was in order so we had the Manchego ($) cheese plate which is served with 4 slices of toasted bagette, 3 hazelnuts, 6-7 pieces of cheese and some kind of compote mixture. There are a lot of wines, but there are only about 8-9 that you can actually get by the glass (6oz) or a taste (3oz) all the rest are by the bottle. This put a bad taste in my mouth. I decided to try a glass of the Grooner (white $8) and my husband the Malbec. The also have "specials" and one tonight was a Yuza Julep ($8). The decor was alright, nothing out of this world and the wines were all new, 2009-2011 so nothing out of this world. We will most likely be back, but it's not phenomenal.  Although you don't feel like you have to act a certain way to be in there, it was a laid back atmosphere.

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  Posted on 07.15.11 Danielle L.

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