Need suggestions of your favorite wine bars in the downtown area or within a short cab ride.

Paging otis, grossie and Een.

I have the same question as I'll be making a roadie up there soon.

I tend not to go to wine bars. I prefer to go someplace like Avec. The food is superb and in mostly a small plate, sharing format and the wine list is interesting and diverse. It focuses on the wines of France, Spain, Italy and Portugal. You can buy wine by the bottle or by 250ml servings. It's on Randolph, in the west Loop area. If you don't want to eat a full meal, go in order some wine and something from their lovely cheese selection.

I have never been to the following but these are in the downtown area:

Swirl Wine Bar

The Tasting Room

Eno

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Een,

I absolutely love Avec. I also strongly recommend Blackbird right next door.

A popular wine bar in the past with the CWM was the Randolph Tasting Room (this is a link to their website). They have a very good wine store attached with excellent prices and specials.

Another wine bar/restaurant which has hosted some CWM events is Bin 36. This will probably be the most convenient location to the Loop.

A little bit farther North is Websters Wine Bar which is featuring some wines from Priorat this month.

VM

In addition to the above recommendations, I've also been to Cru several times.

quote:

I absolutely love Avec. I also strongly recommend Blackbird right next door.

We eat at Blackbird way too often. Lunch alone there is a favorite treat.

quote:

Originally posted by Een:

quote:

I absolutely love Avec. I also strongly recommend Blackbird right next door.

We eat at Blackbird way too often. Lunch alone there is a favorite treat.

Well just rub my nose in it!

I know this is beyond cruel but Matt and I are now headed off to Kiki's for some lunch.

quote:

Originally posted by Een:
I know this is beyond cruel but Matt and I are now headed off to Kiki's for some lunch.

LUCKY!

quote:

Originally posted by Een:
I know this is beyond cruel but Matt and I are now headed off to Kiki's for some lunch.

, wicked, sadistic, ruthless and inhumane.

May my past wine friend Een R.I.P.

cru

The Smite God didn't like my behavior and for my brattiness I was rewarded with a closed Kiki's. Metromix.com LIED and I told Matt it was because I was being evil

quote:

Originally posted by Een:
The Smite God didn't like my behavior and for my brattiness I was rewarded with a closed Kiki's. Metromix.com LIED and I told Matt it was because I was being evil

LOL! Justice is served, and Een is again alive.

Vin Me pretty much covered the wine bars that I have frequented most. But I'll put a special mention out there for Del Rio, an Italian steakhouse with decor stuck in the '70s located in Highwood.

The food is okay (especially the veal), but the wine list is a veritable treasure trove of bottles from the '60's, '70s and '80s, with many at very attractive prices. Just ask for "the Book". It is a binder about 6 inches thick. Allow yourself at least 30 minutes to peruse it. All bottles were purchased on release and stored in their cellar. The last two times I've been there, I've had a '74 Phelps Insignia ($275) and a '74 Ch. Ste. Michelle Cab Sauv ($100). Ask the sommelier (Dennis) to pick out a 1/2 bottle of late-harvest riesling from California from the '80s or an old Maculan Torcolato for you. He'll bring out one for under $30 and it will rock.

Cheers,

Otis

You should also try Juicy Wine bar. Recently opened, a mix of lounge and wine bar. Pretty cool.
Also, as mentioned Cru is nice too.

French16, how's the food at Juicy?

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Originally posted by Een:
French16, how's the food at Juicy?

Een,

It's mainly cheese ( I don't remember if you can have something else). You can chose cheese flights or just different cheeses you like.