Grapperia

Delicious, authentic, cozy spot for affordable amaros and cocktails. Incredible selection of grappas and amaros, if you’re not sure what to get ask the bartender for recs! Ours was incredibly accommodating and helpful. Recommend hitting Piccolo Forno and then swinging through for post-dinner digestifs

Grapperia is my go to spot in Lawrenceville. The cocktails are always excellent, and Rich is a great bartender . It’s the best local hangout for a good drink. No food, but Piccolo Forno is next door and usually food trucks at 11th hour.

Drinks were awesome, super well crafted. Service was amazing. Best drinks we had on our time in Pittsburgh. Favorite was the lavanda cocktail.

Hidden on 38th is a grappa lovers' dream And a Sicilian girls Slinger Jay is a sweet mixologist

Great wine bar with huge selections on grappa and digestifs. Also have a decent selection on bottled beers and a full bar if wine isn't your thing. Couple food items such as cheese plate, cured meats, etc. The food is more of a pairing with your drinks rather to get you full so travel elsewhere for more substance. Bartenders were all knowledgeable and very upbeat and fun. This is our perfect place to just unwind, hanging out with a small group, or a date night stop. Interior of the place is cozy and relaxing. The volume of the restaurant wasn't too loud. Can easily hold a conversation without yelling.

A new experience for our group. Took the plunge and got 3 grappa's, but couldn't tell you anything about one over another, except they definitely are 10/10 on the hard core scale. Regardless, cozy spot with our the door wine for sister restaurant around the corner.

I don’t know if the bar staff realized they were giving off a unwelcoming energy, but they were. They were cordial enough to not outright make us feel unwelcome, but it did not go unnoticed. They didn’t ask if everything was going OK once, like in most places, nor did they ask if we wanted another drink when we finished ours. so we paid and could not get out of there fast enough. The vibe was a buzz kill. And they weren’t super busy so that wasn’t an excuse. They seemed to be too busy focusing on their regulars. Too bad, you never know who it was that walked into your bar and could have spread the word. Sad to say, I wouldn’t recommend this place.

Extremely wonderful, intimate setting, unique drink options.

This is a great place to pre order post dinner at Piccolo Forno or other nearby restaurants. Their bartenders are super friendly and make a good cocktail. I really liked the Vespa which was sort of a riff on a Sidecar. They also have a tremendous assortment of Amaros. The two we tried were really satisfying and we loved the special glass they served them in. Beer drinkers will find a few to choose from including Peroni. You can buy a bottle of wine here for your dinner at BYOB Piccolo Forno. The other thing we liked was the outside area in front where lots of fellow patrons gathered to enjoy a drink on a beautiful early fall night.

Grapperia is a cozy bar in lawrenceville. I never have trouble finding seating and usually order wine from here when I'm dining at Piccolo Forno next door. Service is always great too. I decided to get Acid raindrops and Ferrari which are both very strong and bitter drinks. I am more of a sweet fruity drink person so these were not my style but that's on me. If you don't like strong drinks, I'd maybe recommend the wine or beers. But otherwise, no complaints about this place and will be going back!

Grapperia is a super cozy spot serving creative cocktails, imported brews, rare wines as well as a small food menu.  Known for their Grappa which is an Italian brandy distilled from the pomace of grapes used in wine making and Amari which is a bitter-sweet Italian herbal liqueur that is commonly drank as an after-dinner digestif.  They also serve tons of Italian wines by glass or by bottle, tons of creative cocktails and local and imported microbrews.  This Italian bar is located in the neighborhood of Lawrenceville, a small quaint indoor area with a few outdoor tables.

We'd walked past this little spot just off of Butler St. quite a few times before finally stopping in. I'm so glad we did. It's a cozy low-key spot with kind of sexy vibes. Great for a little date or cocktails before or after grabbing dinner somewhere in Lawrenceville. The cocktails are unique, upscale & delicious. Plus this is a sister bar to Piccolo Forno byob so you can grab a bottle here to avoid corkage there. Or you can enjoy apps from there with your drinks here (you may have to walk over to get them if it's busy there).

Love Grapperia SO much! It's a great for a before or after dinner spot or while waiting for your table at piccolo forno located around front on butler street! Love the low key chill vibe, cocktail selection, and how everyone that works there is so great! Thanks for bringing this to Pittsburgh!

We stopped in for an after dinner drink after dining upstairs at Piccolo Forno. I ordered an espresso martini. It wasn't the best I have ever had, there was a bit of a bitter aftertaste. I still enjoyed it, and it's a nice spot to relax, talk to friends and enjoy a cocktail.

Wow, check you out Grapperia! No seriously you aren't much to look at. Completely walked right by you without noticing you there. But then you must have winked at me and I found myself agreeing to walk on in. It's small a few round tables and a small bar with probably 8-10 stools. We were lucky both times we stopped in and found a spot at the bar. The bartenders here are no joke, quite the mixologists. Our first time here we ordered off their drink menu but we were in route to a local brewery. This last time it was all Grapperia. I ordered the Ryes and Shine. The bartender did an amazing job as I told him what I liked and what I didn't in recommending the drink. Perfectly balanced, no sugary sweetness here. As I was enjoying my cocktail I say him make an espresso and then mix it into a shaker. I said hey what's that?! Yanno minding my business. An espresso martini. Ok I have had espresso martinis but I think this ranked up there to oh the best ever! It was just that fresh espresso woke me up, I liked it so much I ordered two. Great stop.

Fantastic tiny bar specializing in all things amaro. Seating is tight, and once inside (or outside, weather permitting), it's a great spot for drinks and if you are hungry, you can also order from Picolo Forno next door. I started with a Toronto cocktail - rye, fernet, turbinado, and bitters. It was solid and drank like an old fashioned with a shot of fernet - delicious. Afterwards, I tried a number of Amaros and really enjoyed a version of fernet from a distillery in Brooklyn. The staff here is awesome and knowledgeable, and the place has a full range of liquor, wine and beers (also to go). Definitely we had a spot like this in Seattle!

This place was fun and it makes you feel hip just being there. It's the perfect spot for a cocktail bar and it's fun tasting a few options when you go with friends. Definitely a good part of a Lawrenceville date night.

Came before dinner at Piccolo Forno next door, and so glad we did! Awesome cocktails and super cool vibe inside. Staff were friendly and service was quick. If you want a great aperol spritz, this is your place!

Real chill place for cocktails. Average priced drinks with some fun house specials. Staff is knowledgeable and good to talk to-- enjoyed my multiple visits over the years.

I absolutely love this place. It's walkable so if I happen to overdo it I can safely get home. Lol. Some of the finest Italian wines and cocktails I've ever had. The bartenders are just fabulous. They have all the answers to any question you could possibly think of. My latest favorite drink is the Fallen Angel. Grapperia is the sort of wine bar that I would visit if I were on vacation somewhere. I've taken friends from out of town and it was a hit!

Great little bar in lower Lawrenceville. The seating is tight and limited, but the variety of cocktails and wines are great. Service is great too. If you get hungry you can order to go from Picolo Forno next door!

This is such a fun spot! Amazing wine selections & great cocktails. It has a great vibe for a girls night, date night, etc. & they have indoor/outdoor seating! They don't have their own kitchen but you can order Piccolo Forno to go & eat at Grapperia - amazing!! Definitely a great find & will be back!

How have I never reviewed Grapperia?! This is one of my favorite wine bars! Great service and great Italian wines. My friends really enjoy their cocktails too, but I am always excited to taste different Italian reds. Grapperia is located right behind Piccolo Forno (one of my fave restaurants). They have a few tables outside, and open the door so it feels airy even inside the bar. They started selling bottles to go too! If you buy a bottle there and take it to Piccolo, there is no corkage fee. I have never had a wine here that I didn't like. I love that it's very chill and just behind the main strip of Butler Street. Stop here before or after dinner for a glass of vino!

The vibes, the drink options, the service is perfect. i absolutely love this place. We went there for my birthday and had the best time!

A hidden gem in Lawrenceville, this cocktail bar is perfect for an intimate evening. I would recommend going with a group no larger than four since it's a smaller space, but it's a cozy space. The staff is quick with drink orders, but you do have to grab them from the bar yourself (which, isn't a hassle because no matter where you're sitting, you're no less than 7 feet away). I loved my Aperitivo cocktail that was refreshing and strong! Can't wait to go again.

From out of town and come to Pgh often for pleasure. Never been in Grapperia though. Dinner was at Piccolo Forno. So I thought I was coming in for a bottle of wine and expected more of a bottle shop. What I found was a very cool bar with a library of grappa and...amari! Now I'd been curious about different amari but where does one begin? Here. A few questions and we were hooked up with a range of samples, quickly dialing in to what we liked best. So we had our cocktails here, and water for dinner because yeah, it was boozy. Now if I could only figure out where to buy that Italian amaro I loved. Can't wait to come back.

I don't know if the bar staff realized they were giving off a unwelcoming energy, but they were. They were cordial enough to not outright make us feel unwelcome, but it did not go unnoticed. They didn't ask if everything was going OK once, like in most places, nor did they ask if we wanted another drink when we finished ours. so we paid and could not get out of there fast enough. The vibe was a buzz kill. And they weren't super busy so that wasn't an excuse. They seemed to be too busy focusing on their regulars. Too bad, you never know who it was that walked into your bar and could have spread the word. Sad to say, I wouldn't recommend this place.

My favorite wine bar in pittsburgh! Love the vibes in here since it's intimate so you can still hear and talk with people but it's definitely a lively spot. It was a little hard to find if you don't know that it's to the right of Piccolo Forno. They have really good drinks here too. I love their aperol spritz since they are heavier on the aperol, which is what I like. They have a powerful spicy margarita and their take on an old fashioned is good too! A little too sugary for me but it is definitely well done. This place is great while waiting for your table to be ready at dinner too! There's not a ton of seating since this place is on the smaller side but they do have a table that seats up to 6. It's better for smaller groups for sure.

My phone died as soon as I tried to take a photo of my VERY delicious Negroni when I visited a few weeks back, sadly! Grapperia is situated behind Piccolo Forno in Lawrenceville and is a fun secret bar to visit - except, it's not so secret on a Saturday night when there are lots of in-the-know young people who are seeking unique Italian cocktails and spirits. I'd heard of it for years and it's a really cool vibe, very dark and cozy and European. It's very small, so don't necessarily expect to be able to seat a large group, but the drinks are strong and expertly crafted and the ambiance is friendly and gregarious. I really want to return and sample some grappa, their signature Italian grape brandy, as I've never tried it before. It's a fun place to check out, and I imagine that in the summer it's lovely to sit outside! Can't wait to return!

Excellent bartenders. Chris, Pat, Rich... whoever you get is great. They know their cocktails and experts on wine choices to take to Piccolo Forno. One of the best neighborhood bars in Lawrenceville. It is a "can't miss" if you're on Butler Street!

Great place for a pre dinner drink! We were looking for a spot to grab a cocktail before heading down butler street to Pusadees garden and came upon this gem. Welcoming staff, lots of different cocktail options. I went with the Italian 75 which had balsamic vinegar and rosemary. I was a little nervous at first but it was delicious! Will definitely be back!

This tiny cocktail bar had an interesting atmosphere and interesting drinks. The bartenders were all very nice, and I will definitely be returning soon.

I've been here for drinks many a times. Always a favorite due to the delicious Fallen Angel bourbon cocktail. Nice chill vibe and lighting. Also has a little wine market bookcase for unique wines to try. One of my go to's. Highly recommend for a drink before or after dinner.

Nice cozy space with on-point barkeeps. Fallen Angel an excellent cocktail. While our party did not partake, they were churning out espresso martinis.

We were looking for a place to get a few cocktails or a glass of wine. Also we were looking for a new place we had never been to before. We found this place on Yelp and saw it got good reviews so we decided to check it out. We found street parking close by and actually almost walked right passed it. So we found it and walked right in. It was like the reviews said it was a cozy place but not too small. It was crowded but not too crowded. We could have sat at a table but we found two bar seats. We were greeted and looked over the menu. We were thinking cocktails tonight more than wine so we ordered some cocktails. I got the Fallen Angel which is similar to an Old Fashioned. I couldn't tell the difference but it was good. Looking over the menu there were other good things to try but this is what I really wanted. People watching I could see a lot of people stopped by for a drink or two here before dinner at the place next door. I think you can order food from there and eat it here as well. If you buy a bottle of wine here they wouldn't charge you a corkage fee if you go to dinner next door. Sounds really good and this is a great spot in my opinion. We didn't eat here or at the restaurant next door but it was exactly what we were looking for. A good place for a couple of drinks that weren't overly expensive and a good place to talk and hangout. Also the bartenders were nice and made us feel welcomed.

It's a cute place right down the street from me. Nice outdoor seating and atmosphere inside. The bartender was really nice and recommended a drink. Affordable drinks.

Cool vibes, helpful staff. Feeling overwhelmed the menu, they're more than willing to share a recommendation.

Great menu, drink came promptly at 5 pm when I went for drinks with a friend on a Tuesday. Tables outside if you feel like enjoying some of this beautiful Pittsburgh summer weather with one of the many delightful drinks available here. Turns out happy hour is only late-night after 9 so it's full price at 5. A little pricey but upscale. Got the chicken liver crostini and cheese plate-highly recommend. Chicken liver was super! Great hearty liver flavor and really liked the sweet jellied upper layer that came with it. Cheese plate allowed me to sample three cheeses including an incredible truffled pecorino and came with some honey and tasty pickled goods. My lemony grappa cocktail was 10/10 delicious, and my friend really liked her wine. Cute spot, good for a date-style drink or light dinner. Love the grappa theme. Into the spot.

Great service, interesting offerings, and one of my favorite bars in Pittsburgh. The cocktails are great and they obviously have the city best offering of Italian apertifs.

Visited around 9pm on Thursday, because I heard that they had Happy Hour Tu-Th after 9. However, the day we visited was a Wine Night ($5/glass of wine) so there were no cocktail discounts. Not completely sure if that's every Thursday or not, but just a FYI (reading some of the other reviews, they also mention Thursday being Wine Night). I decided to still go for the cocktails, because I wanted to try some grappa for my first visit to Grapperia! As you enter Grapperia, you'll see that there's a bar, some benches, and tables. It's not a large space, but you can bring a couple friends. Might be hard to get a seat if it's busy, but it was only around 75% full when I visited. I found the place charming and casual, and I felt very comfortable. The menu has an extensive Grappa list (as you might have gathered), and the whole place has a sort of Italian theme going on. For drinks, we ordered the LaVanda and another grappa cocktail that used walnut bitters (perhaps Granite and Sand). We also ordered the chicken pate and cheese plate. I'll note that the drinks came out super quickly (yay!). Both of the cocktails were a new experience! Each had its own personality, so I would definitely recommend reading what's in each of the cocktails so that you can choose a drink you would like. I personally liked the Granite and Sand a lot. The chicken pate had a layer of jelly on top, and together it was more on the sweet and light side in relation to other pates. My friend really liked it. The cheese plate came with three types of cheeses and condiments, and we really liked 2 out of the 3 cheeses (the third was good too). Overall nothing to complain about in terms of the finger food! If I come back, I'll try to catch Happy Hour on a different weekday. Definitely recommend if you're looking to try out some cocktails you wouldn't usually find!

Great spot to grab drinks! It's a small, cozy atmosphere, dark on the inside, but the outdoor tables were perfect. Definitely a hole in the wall place-- you might not notice it if you walked by but definitely worth checking out. The service was great and the grappa cocktails were amazing, especially the LaVanda!

The cocktails here are literally the best I have had in Pittsburgh. The first time I came here, I was blown away by the intimate space, kind and knowledgeable bartenders, and delicious grappa. The LaVanda was incredibly delicious, but some of the others were a bit too strong for me. The space is small, so prepare to wait and I wouldn't recommend going with big groups. However, if you're prepared for a small, cozy space, and potentially waiting, it's absolutely worth it.

If you enjoy Italian Grappa wine, then this is the place for you! Came here the other week with a couple of colleagues and really enjoyed the ambiance, delicious drinks, and friendly staff. They typically offer small plates but for now are providing toasted bread with a particularly delicious humus. If you are looking for a more filling food option, you can order from piccolo forno which is directly in front is this place, and order take out for dining in at Grapperia. Overall really happy with my experience here and would recommend checking it out!

The grappa flight was a 10/10, babyyy!!! We also had an amaro flight which was fantastic. I love that they put thought into selecting a strong collection for you to try, though you can also assemble a flight on your own. The staff was really knoweldgable and *super* attentive. It was small and cozy inside- about 5 tables, ~10 seats at the bar, and a few outdoor tables. It was pretty dim inside which I enjoyed, but it also brings in a lot of light from the outdoors- great for an after-dinner drink, I think! The olives were good, and the cheese was sooooo goooood!! Will definitely be a frequent flyer here.

Love their wine selection. The bartenders are so nice and very engaging! Small selection of small plates/paninis but there are a few option around the corner. Is almost always our last spot before we call it a night if we're hanging out in Lawrenceville! A delightful place with nice ambience!

We stopped in here prior to going to dinner at Piccolo Forno, and thanks to some unseasonal November weather they had the doors and windows open and a decent crowd. I've never had Grappa before and wasn't really sure what to order... the bartender seemed to be in a hurry and didn't really give many recommendations, so we all ordered somewhat blind. I tried the Dom Collins and was disappointed, which is partially my fault but what can you do. If you're into Grappa, this seems like an amazing spot to stop and have a few drinks and some charcuterie. Next time I go back I'll probably stick to a beer, wine or standard cocktail.

WOW WOW WOW! Back in the day I played in pool leagues that often includes halls in Lawrenceville. To say the area was sketchy is putting it mildly, especially after midnight. What an amazing transformation is happening in Lawrenceville! And this place - is a true gem. Located around the corner from Piccolo Forno the owners and staff have put together some truly original and beyond interesting cocktail combinations including the "digestive" liquor grappa. Bartenders were attentive, engaging and informative - the trifecta! We visited on a Tuesday evening - $6 cocktail night! Give it a try - you will not be disappointed.

I've been to Grapperia numerous times and finally decided to give it the glowing review it deserves! Very chill, dark, cozy spot, good for small groups or dates. In the warm weather months they have outdoor seating and keep the doors open - always a plus! The bartenders are incredibly helpful and unpretentious. The cocktails are creative and refreshing. You should definitely try the build your own spritz option (don't worry, the knowledgeable staff are there to answer any questions). Another important thing to note - the Thursday special is $5/glass of wine! Easily one of my favorite cocktail spots in the burgh.

When Grapperia first rose from the ashes of those who couldn't survive Piccolo Forno's familiar 2-hour wait, we breathed a massive sigh of relief...and then? Well, then we sipped wonderful cocktails! No longer were people stuck standing on the corner waiting for their table, staring at the dilemma of where to pass the time: Round Corner or Franktuary? The answer, for us at least, became Grapperia. Perhaps we went too often when Grapperia first opened, but appreciation from the staff was obvious from the outset and continues to this day. Bartenders took the time to get to know those of us who pulled up a seat at the bar, and kindly answered questions about the menu, grappa, and everything in between. Granted, these were the days before the hype reached its current level, but upon our recent visit 5 months after moving away from Pittsburgh, I was happy to see that nothing has changed...except for the larger crowds. The bartenders remembered us ("heyyyy, how's Boston?!?"), the service was good, and the drinks were still wonderful. If, like me, you can't handle grappa neat, there are plenty of options for you. From a limited, but nicely-curated list of beers on tap (and bottles) and a solid, ever-changing cocktail program, there's likely something for everyone's palette. I'd recommend exploring the cocktails, though. That's really where Grapperia shines. Obviously, they take pride in their grappa selection, too, so if you like grappa, this is definitely your spot. They offer small bites, but it's clear that, by design, Grapperia isn't there to compete with Piccolo (or any other eatery nearby). It's the ideal place to stop before dinner, after dinner, or just for a few drinks, but don't go there expecting to fill your stomach on charcuterie and cheese. Enjoy your grappa on an empty stomach at your own risk! If there's one down side, it's that the space is small and it can fill up quickly. With that, comes a loud atmosphere. That said, the seat turnover is quicker than you'd think, and I've never had to wait very long to grab a seat or find a spot to hang. The service is surprisingly quick during peak times, despite a smaller team behind the bar, so that also helps. Overall, it's hard to have many, if any, real gripes about Grapperia. It's the perfect place to grab a unique cocktail, while enjoying the cozy atmosphere and friendly staff while you wait for a table next door. So far, Grapperia is one of those places that's maintained its level despite the increasing hype, and that's a difficult thing to do. Hopefully it continues! Cheers!

I wish I could give this place more stars! While waiting for a table at Piccolo Forno, we walked in to Grapperia and found it full. Luckily, 3 people were about to leave and gave us their seats so only 1 of us had to stand. We were seated at the bar, which is the best place to be (in my opinion) when visiting a unique bar such as this. It was small, but had a lot of character. My mom and I tried two of the handcrafted cocktails, while my brother and friend each had a beer. The staff was unbelievably professional and knowledgeable about their drinks, so I was able to try a variety of them and was never disappointed! Due to unforeseen circumstances on Saturday night, we ended up being stuck in the bar for a couple hours longer than expected. Therefore, we ordered the Spiced Walnuts, Fegato con Crostini, Formaggi and Salamini . It was all delicious. Our bartenders were Lou, Chris and Solomon and they were absolutely awesome to work with and get to know. In addition to the seasonal special written on the chalkboard (of course I can't remember the name), we also enjoyed the following drinks and recommend them all! Aperitivo Aperol - Prosecco - Blood Orange Soda Shrub Runner Maggies Farm Spiced Rum - Yellow Chartreuse - Strawberry Basil Shrub - Lime - Fresh OJ Asino Vodka - Limoncello - Ginger Beer - Lemon Juice Italian 75 Grappa - Prosecco - Balsamic Vinegar - Rosemary Seriously, go check it out. You won't be disappointed.

This was a go-to spot for us for a while. Extensive grappa list, mostly good cocktails (tho with a couple of really big misses), and loved the late night happy hour. Last couple visits have been less than stellar, though. They began a new Thursday night wine night, which is great in theory except it seems in doing so they replaced what was a respectable wine list with a bunch of swill. There's not a drinkable red on the menu anymore, and even the prosecco took a step down. Add that to the regular bartender's condescension and I think most of our reasons for enjoying this place are gone.

A decent hole-in-the-wall cocktail bar. Not an exceptionally comfortable or well decorated place. But good drinks, good service, and typically not too crowded.

Asino Vodka - Limoncello - Ginger Beer - Lemon Juice This drink is amazing. It is poured over ice and in a moscow mule mug. YUM. The ginger beer mixed with the limoncello is really not something that I would have thought about, but boy does it pack a punch. It was a nice fresh lemony mixture that really is a nice end of the evening drink. If you are wanting to drive home I would suggest to NOT pick this drink. I was able to walk home but after one I was skipping! I have had it a few times and the punch to the drink has always varied. BUT this last time it was strong! The ambiance of the place is just so welcoming. In Lawrenceville new and cool places sometimes have a sense of upity-ness that makes me avoid them like the plague, not this place. The service is always on point. They are friendly, they are caring, and they don't ignore you if you only order one drink like a lightweight. Aperitivo Aperol - Prosecco - Blood Orange Soda I also highly recommend this drink. It is not a large drink but it is really good. The blood orange soda mixed with the bubbles in the prosecco is so refreshing. It was a better fuzzy, light drink than the Asino but if you are looking for more of a punch this is not the drink for you. Refreshing but no punch to it.

I think I found my new favorite place in Pgh! One day after work we decided to stop by and check this new place out, and since then we have been back a handful of times and each visit just seems to improve upon the previous one. Staff is friendly and professional, drinks are awesome, and the little meat, cheese and pate plates are pretty yummy. You cannot go wrong here. Whether you want to grab a quick after work drink and a quick snack, or are waiting for a table at Piccolo Forno and want to get a drink and enjoy a cool vibe, Grapperia is the place for you.

Super cute cocktail bar! This place is actually owned by Piccolo Forno so you can get pre dinner drinks here and walk next door. You can also bring a bottle of wine with you from Grapperia to Piccolo Forno. The atmosphere is cozy and the service is friendly. They have a nice wine and cocktail selection and of course lots of grappa to chose from.

Great drinks. Great space. We always go here when waiting to eat at Piccolo Forno, the Italian restaurant in the front of the building. We ordered a few drinks including the Fallen Angel, which was spiced and fantastic, and the cheese plate which was delicious. I only wish that it had been 4 times the size because we couldn't get enough of it and ate it very quickly! The prices are reasonable and the drinks are made with lots of care. Shown in the photo is the Above the Clouds from the grappa cocktail menu.

Putting a pin in this one for a return review. They were busy when I got here. The bar is long and narrow. A few tables line the wall, but I found all of them full. The bar too was full. There was a five foot section of wall that had a shelf of sorts on it. I stood by the shelf. It was...awkward. A couple girls who also wanted seating also stood by the shelf. We pretended not to notice that we were all standing at a shelf while we sipped our cocktails. I started with an Italian 75. I love the French 75, so I figured...why not? It's grappa, Prosecco, balsamic vinegar, and rosemary. It was a good cocktail. I started a tab and for my next round got a Nardini Reserva from the grappa menu at the bartender's suggestion. I don't drink a ton of grappa. It was good. Stiff in the way that grappa can be, but good. I ended up getting a seat at the end of the bar and found myself constantly sucking in my breath to make way for the bartenders serving the tables. I seemed like I was..."in the way". I had dinner scheduled next door at Piccolo Forno, and got a bottle of wine to take with me before paying my tab. If you buy the bottle there, they don't charge you the corking fee at PF. That's a nice benefit. Busy night, full house, weird seating, good drinks. I'll try it again if only because it's an ultra convenient waiting area for Piccolo Forno, but also because I have a feeling my next experience will be better.