Vine's Wine Bar

Man, I really wanted to like this place.  We went there a few weeks ago after hearing good things and thought we'd give it a try.  

It was hot and we sat outside - so it seemed appropriate to order Chardonnay.  The wine was served a little warm - not "not cold" but actually warm.  Like it had been heated or something - very strange.  

We ordered some food - started with the fondue which sounded awesome.  It was quite possibly the worst fondue I've ever experienced.  It's like they took a can of crappy beer cheese soup and dumped it in a jar.  It was awful, we returned it - and we never return anything.  Both of us also ordered salads - the lettuce was wilted and pretty old. Salad was edible - but certainly not good.  

We might come back sometime and try again - or at least try the wine again.  They're getting 2 stars because the waitress was very nice and my wife's red wine was pretty good.

There aren't many wine bars in the south suburbs, but Vines is my favorite of the ones we have. They have an extensive wine list (I expect a book to peruse when going to a wine bar!), and decent food. Also, I love the atmosphere - the decor is cool, and is great for date night or meeting up with friends. I also feel like there are a lot of good food options, although it's not always as high-quality as the prices might indicate. I would most recommend any of the wine flights - they're a good deal and you're able to try a few wines. I'd also recommend keeping an eye out for coupons - there usually are some in mailers, or Entertainment books. Bottom line is that this is a nice hangout, great for wine, unique for Parker, but the food could be better. It's good, but definitely not great.

This review is for one thing and one thing only on Vines' menu:  The Three 2oz flight of any wine-by-the-glass on their menu for $18.  

I got to taste and be wrapped up in three of my favorite wines (maybe not the right year but whatever);
1)  '08 Silver Oak Cab
2)  '08 Franciscan Cab
3)  '08 Infinite Monkey Cab Franc (100%)

Holy dear Jesus was I a happy camper.  Makes me want to crack open my personal stash of '04 Silver Oak...  Well, maybe.

The wine menu is extensive for big red lovers like me.  Crazy overpriced as any other classy wine bar though.

I was surprised at the upscale-ness of the place, I had always passed by and thought it was a normal wine bar.  But all the patrons were dressed up, the wait staff was much more professional than a normal joint and the fireplace and couches are still calling my name.