Favorite Wine Shops
I've been known to enjoy a crushed grape or two. Here are a few of my favorite wine shops and wine bars, organized by neighborhood.
BOYSTOWN:
· Kafka Wine Co.
The best thing about Kafka, although there are many, is that it offers over 250 wines the majority of which (90%!) are priced under $15. The owners recognize that great wine doesn't have to cost a lot. And they have the stock to prove it. The store front is simple, and the inventory vast. They have fun descriptions of the wines: one of my favorites boasts, "If Peter could be stranded on a desert island with one thing, it would be this wine." Needless to say I tried it (a 2005 Côtes du Rhône), and I'm happy to report that despite the hype, the wine did not disappoint. kafkawine.com
HUMBOLDT PARK:
· Rootstock Wine & Beer Bar
Rootstock was founded by three former Webster Wine Bar employees (Webster also made the list-- see below) and offers a full selection of wine, beer, liquor and some eats, to boot! What's more, the kitchen is open late-night if your attempt at a classy wine & cheese affair goes south. Rootstock prides itself on serving small production beers and wines, but stocks a few better-known brands as well. rootstockbar.com
LAKEVIEW:
· Que Syrah
This tiny storefront right on Southport Corridor packs a punch. I always walk in and say "I want a red, within $20-25, that'll go well with spicy food," and I always get something different and delicious. If you join the store's email list, you'll be invited to frequent, themed wine tastings. quesyrahwine.com
LINCOLN PARK:
· Webster's Wine Bar
This wine cafe offers a casual, comfortable atmosphere, tucked away on Webster Avenue just east of the river. Perfect for grabbing a quick beverage and small plate before a movie (Regal Webster Place Cinema is across the street), or spending an entire evening sampling flights and fare, Webster's has it all. websterwinebar.com
LOGAN SQUARE:
· Telegraph
Telegraph is Logan Square's newest wine bar. The casual ambiance and friendly service make it the perfect place to sit and sample wines and small plates. Do not leave without trying the snake river sturgeon with roasted beets, fennel and bacon. It's to-die-for. telegraphwinebar.com
LOOP:
· Pastoral
With three convenient Chicago locations, this one-stop shop offers a variety of amazing cheeses, wines and café options to pique your interest at any point in the day. The staff is extremely helpful and will offer friendly advice and samples of most of their offerings. If you’re into goat cheese, don’t leave without sampling (or buying mass quantities of) the Leonora or Covadonga. pastoralartisan.com
WEST LOOP:
· Just grapes
Just Grapes recently shut its doors, but they have a serious website that is sure to last indefinitely. justgrapes.net
WEST TOWN:
· Lush Wine & Spirits
Lush has three different locations around Chicago, but so far I've only been to the West Town location on Chicago Ave. This shop is large and the personnel are enthusiastic about sharing their knowledge and experience. Also, Lush offers free tastings, paid tastings, and private events. The space is hip and upscale. Check it out next time you're heading to Butterfly sushi (across the street) for the perfect BYO. lushwineandspirits.com
· The Noble Grape
Located just west of Lush, this adorable shop offers a comfortable, friendly atmosphere for perusing and tasting. The Noble Grape also offers free tastings every Wednesday and Friday at 6 pm! noblegrape.net
I've been known to enjoy a crushed grape or two. Here are a few of my favorite wine shops and wine bars, organized by neighborhood.
BOYSTOWN:
· Kafka Wine Co.
The best thing about Kafka, although there are many, is that it offers over 250 wines the majority of which (90%!) are priced under $15. The owners recognize that great wine doesn't have to cost a lot. And they have the stock to prove it. The store front is simple, and the inventory vast. They have fun descriptions of the wines: one of my favorites boasts, "If Peter could be stranded on a desert island with one thing, it would be this wine." Needless to say I tried it (a 2005 Côtes du Rhône), and I'm happy to report that despite the hype, the wine did not disappoint. kafkawine.com
HUMBOLDT PARK:
· Rootstock Wine & Beer Bar
Rootstock was founded by three former Webster Wine Bar employees (Webster also made the list-- see below) and offers a full selection of wine, beer, liquor and some eats, to boot! What's more, the kitchen is open late-night if your attempt at a classy wine & cheese affair goes south. Rootstock prides itself on serving small production beers and wines, but stocks a few better-known brands as well. rootstockbar.com
LAKEVIEW:
· Que Syrah
This tiny storefront right on Southport Corridor packs a punch. I always walk in and say "I want a red, within $20-25, that'll go well with spicy food," and I always get something different and delicious. If you join the store's email list, you'll be invited to frequent, themed wine tastings. quesyrahwine.com
LINCOLN PARK:
· Webster's Wine Bar
This wine cafe offers a casual, comfortable atmosphere, tucked away on Webster Avenue just east of the river. Perfect for grabbing a quick beverage and small plate before a movie (Regal Webster Place Cinema is across the street), or spending an entire evening sampling flights and fare, Webster's has it all. websterwinebar.com
LOGAN SQUARE:
· Telegraph
Telegraph is Logan Square's newest wine bar. The casual ambiance and friendly service make it the perfect place to sit and sample wines and small plates. Do not leave without trying the snake river sturgeon with roasted beets, fennel and bacon. It's to-die-for. telegraphwinebar.com
LOOP:
· Pastoral
With three convenient Chicago locations, this one-stop shop offers a variety of amazing cheeses, wines and café options to pique your interest at any point in the day. The staff is extremely helpful and will offer friendly advice and samples of most of their offerings. If you’re into goat cheese, don’t leave without sampling (or buying mass quantities of) the Leonora or Covadonga. pastoralartisan.com
WEST LOOP:
· Just grapes
Just Grapes recently shut its doors, but they have a serious website that is sure to last indefinitely. justgrapes.net
WEST TOWN:
· Lush Wine & Spirits
Lush has three different locations around Chicago, but so far I've only been to the West Town location on Chicago Ave. This shop is large and the personnel are enthusiastic about sharing their knowledge and experience. Also, Lush offers free tastings, paid tastings, and private events. The space is hip and upscale. Check it out next time you're heading to Butterfly sushi (across the street) for the perfect BYO. lushwineandspirits.com
· The Noble Grape
Located just west of Lush, this adorable shop offers a comfortable, friendly atmosphere for perusing and tasting. The Noble Grape also offers free tastings every Wednesday and Friday at 6 pm! noblegrape.net