Went to Zeph's last night with my mom and sisters for a glass of wine and some appetizers before a night of Chrismas shopping. Â It was my first time there since they've expanded into the area formerly used by the gift shop. Â So much roomier! Â They've added tables and a full bar...really a much better use of their space. Â The chardonnay was lovely, but the appetizers we ordered were amazing! Â The calamari had a southwestern kick to the sauce which was awesome, and the flatbread pizza with bleu cheese, carmelized onions and pine nuts was heavenly. Â I will be back! Â Awesome!
Review Source:Been going to Zeph's (aka Portobello Deli) since I quit my consulting gig in 2007 and settled down with a less hectic job in the area.
Food was great, was served quickly, and price was right, so I would bring my staff, friends and colleagues with me, particularly out of town consultants that we bring in to work on projects, as well as friends and family who came to visit the Salinas/Monterey area.
But I speak in past tense. Â That is because, my friends/co-workers and I noticed that food has not been as good lately. Â My usual order of roast chicken is no longer juicy. Â I even tried dark meat instead of white and the meat was so dry it was difficult to pry it off the bone. Â My other usual order, the chili verde is almost always too salty, and servers behind the counter are no longer friendly to allow a taste so I can check if that day's batch is too salty for me.
The lasagna and pot pies are my son's (and occasionally, my husband's) usual order. Â But my son for about a year now refuses to eat at Zeph's since he tells me that there is nothing there that is any good for him to eat anymore.
But I continued to go. Â After all it is a locally owned establishment and we chose the area to be our permanent home, so I feel some obligation to support them.
Not anymore, not after yesterday.
I walked in with a colleague who ordered her usual and was promptly served. Â Then when my turn came, I ordered my usual --- Then I watched and heard as the server behind the counter asked the other people in line their orders. Â Then I watched as she served them ahead of me. Â My friend watch from afar and was wondering what was holding me up. Â I told her that they decided to serve the others behind me in line first. Â As my friend walked away telling me which table we were sitting, the server told me off - "you ordered a quarter chicken which gives me more work so you get to wait."
I eventually (after she did another order), got my order sans the usual sides/salad or bread that cones with it. Â Unfortunately, I was not in a complaining mood (my Dad had just passed away), and just paid, moved on and told another lady behind the counter that they probably will not see me back at Zeph's again.
Later (as I sat struggling with the dry chicken), I heard other diners remark that the servers get to decide who they want to serve first. Â I also heard that I was the only non-blond in line and blondes have to be served first.
Oh well, who cares why. Â There are other small establishments in town who welcome people like me and the people I bring with me. Â So I will no longer be going back to Zeph's.
As of July 2012, Zeph's One Stop has an expanded bar for wine and beer.
The views of the Gabilan mountains and the Salinas Valley produce fields adds to the ambiance of this facility. Â Great selection of local wines by the half glass or full glass for service.
A great selection of beer, wine and liquor for purchase and carry out.
The restaurant, Portabello's, offers great food and cheese plates.
A great place to see locals, the movers and shakers of the produce and wine industry. Â Local winemakers/owners are known to hang out there on any given day.
This review is for ZEPH'S WINE BAR.
Most of these reviews are for Portobello's Deli, which is in the same building.
But the bar is lively and fun, especially towards the end of the week.
They change the wine-by-the-glass offerings every few weeks, and emphasize local wineries.
They often do wine tastings, and they have been growing in popularity so it gets packed.
They don't do food, but they do have a cheese plate which includes seasonal fresh fruit, a variety of cheeses and crackers. Â
It's nice to sit outside in the sun, when weather permits.
Portobello's next door has free wi-fi and it's fine to use it at Zeph's.
As far as the store;
It's got a great selection, and they usually feature at least one or two brands on special. There's also a clearance rack or two with great deals.
For some easy gift ideas, they ship wine right from the store. Â Most places won't do that so this is super convenient.
They're in the process of remodeling, so the bar area is expanded. Â They will keep updating the interior, but they had to stop temporarily due to red tape from the city. Â But it looks good so far.
If you are looking for fresh, yummy food in South Salinas then Zeph's is your place. Â I have been to Zeph's a number of times over the years for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Â I live about 30 minutes away but whenever I am in the area and need a bite to eat, I stop here. Â I recently became a vegetarian and Zeph's has some great options. I love the little store next door to the restaurant too. A great place to pick up that perfect gift.
Review Source:Came here for lunch today - nice selection of sandwiches, and they advertised that their tuna melt featured line caught tuna, which makes tuna a guilt free choice when you have friends who work for the aquarium's Seafood Watch.
The tuna melt came on marble rye.
Sandwiches come with a large choice of sides - including all sorts of salads - I picked coleslaw only to find out that there were two sorts of coleslaw and they were completely different types of coleslaw. I went with the one that had peanuts in it.
Sandwich and coleslaw were both tasty - place was nice and airy with high ceilings - all good.
A quick, but not at all fast food joint. Delicious dishes of pasta salad, quiche, tortellini to name a few are prepared in advance and sandwiches are made to order. The portabello mushroom sandwich with melted cheese was perfect! Warm, and melty. There's a beautiful outside patio you can eat on with tables and umbrellas. The prices are more than typical fast food places, but cheaper than a local sit down and be waited on restaurant.
Review Source:I want to give this place 50 stars since I accidentally was referred to this place and it helped end my dreadful 2 day fast food binge. Â The sandwich makes this place a 5 for sure and the tremendous wine selection makes it a special find. Â Something like this hiding in Salinas is amazing!
The sandwiches were about $7.50 and come with a salad of your choice and they have a huge selection of premade pasta/veggie/potato salads.
When I pulled up I was very skeptical, as soon as I walked through the front door I was in awe. Â Thanks for providing me with a legitimate meal in Salinas Zeph's!!
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