NEW YORK CITY - If you're planning a visit to New York City, it's a good idea to learn about some of the best wine bars in the city. There are many excellent options for the wine-loving palate, with places like One19, Cherry On Top, and Gem Wine located in the Lower East Side and Winona's in Bedford-Stuyvesant.
Where Are The Best Wine Bars In NYC?
Place des Fetes - Clinton Hill
If you're looking for the best wine bar in Brooklyn, look no further than Place des Fetes. This new restaurant, owned by the team behind Oxalis, opened in March. It has a chic, rustic-chic vibe and serves small plates that pair well with French and Spanish wines. You'll find a large selection of Spanish and French wines at Place des Fetes, with some Spanish varieties at the lower end of the price range. Drinks can range from $15 to $20. You'll also find a selection of cured meats and snack-sized items. For a full meal, the menu includes three main courses. You can finish at the end of the meal with a dessert, which might include banana-like pawpaw ice cream or a dense financier with dates.
Gem Wine -Lower East Side
The Gem Wine on the Lower East Side is a walk-in-only wine bar that offers an impressive selection of 150 wines. It's an excellent place to stop for a drink or a quick bite. A wine expert at the bar can recommend what to order based on your tastes. One of the best things about Gem is its small, communal tables. There's never a feeling of a crowded space. This makes it the ideal spot to meet for the first time or to take a date. Flynn McGarry owns and operates the wine bar and is a former chef at Eleven Madison Park and Noma. His food emphasizes seasonality and local ingredients. He also serves a $40, primarily vegetarian prix fixe lunch on Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 2:00 p.m.
One19 Wine Bar -Lower East Side
One19 Wine Bar+Food is a little bit pricier than your typical neighborhood bar. However, the restaurant is a fun and affordable way to experience the best LES. For example, a bottle of wine in the $40 to 50 range is not out of the question. Also, there are several wines on tap and a handful of cocktails to choose from. The restaurant also happens to have the most interesting happy hours. Moreover, the restaurant has a small but well-curated wine list. The bar is located inside a speakeasy-Esque storefront and is one of the best places to refuel after a long day on the town.
Winona's - Bedford-Stuyvesant
This natural wine bar Winona's is owned by husband and wife duo Cressida Greening and Emir Dupeyron; Winona's is a restaurant that also serves cocktails and small plates. Their menu is based on seasonal ingredients and natural wines. It is located near the Bushwick/Bed-Stuy border. The restaurant serves breakfast and lunch. You'll find simple dishes on the menu, like scrambled eggs, smoked salmon tartines, and brioche toast. For a little more elaborate dining, Winona's offers a classic caviar plate with optional truffles. Besides the restaurant and cafe, Winona's is also a wine bar. The bottle list includes hundreds of options from around the world. This list is six pages long and covers a wide variety of wines.
Cherry On Top - Bushwick
In the heart of Bushwick, a neighborhood between Ridgewood and Bed-Stuy lies a nifty new wine bar. The place is called Cherry On Top and is located on the first floor of a glass factory. It's the perfect destination for a spirited evening out. There's a funky wine selection and a friendly staff. Also, the food is excellent. Aside from the standard entrees and cocktails, the menu features a few unique takes on comfort food favorites, from crispy pork belly sliders to booze-infused pastries.
