Cherylynn N.
Yelp
Are you looking to impress someone with great drinks and bougie bar bites in a cozy, chic vibe?
Three words: RTB Wine Lounge.
Tho, I would probably reserve this spot for date #3+++++ unless you want to risk your first date ordering bottles from the cellar and caviar chips by the dozen.
Remember the lady that went viral for ordering 48 oysters (and crab cakes + potatoes) on a first date?! If I was dude, I would have dipped too! Just sayin'!
Last fall, Michelin-star Avery closed in the city (moving to Scotland) but they live on with RTB Wine Lounge. They're a modern wine and sake lounge from the Avery team. It's the perfect spot to come pre or post-show/movie...or if you're waiting for a table at State Bird Provisions (across the street).
Def recommend making rezzies on Resy on the weekends.
M E N U
Beer, wine, sake, and tea. They also have off the menu cocktails and mocktails.
For food, they curated a bar bite menu with some of Avery's signature dishes (i.e. tortellini en brodo) and newer creations to complement their wine list.
No SF surcharges/mandates.
D R I N K S
* Vesper Martini w/ gin, sake, lillet ($15 x2): http://tinyurl.com/2mcaftbp
Smooth and easy to drink. If you like your martinis on the sweeter side, this will be your jam.
* Junmai Tokubetsu - Chichibu Nishki "Wolf" ($17)
As someone that can't drink wine or bubbly, I appreciate that more wine bars are starting to serve saké. Served slightly chilled, the junmai was crisp, semi-dry.
* Junmai Gingo Genshu Dewasansan - Benten Gokujo Daigingo ($22): http://tinyurl.com/5fz3xfcz
Dry with melony notes, slightly sweeter but well-balanced with a touch of acidity.
F O O D
* Cured Fish: River Trout w/ horseradish crème fraîche, caviar (3 oz -$18 x3) // 5 stars: http://tinyurl.com/3ad3uxsz
Firm, meaty, and buttery morsels of trout crowned with a deliciously creamy horseradish crème fraîche and umami rich caviar. We loved this so much, we ordered three rounds. Def get this!
* Æbleskiver: Grilled Prawn w/ roasted garlic, pickled peppers (2 pc - $10) // 4.5 stars: http://tinyurl.com/yky3h5k4
The savory Danish pancake balls lowkey reminded me of takoyaki...it's lightly crisp on the outside, soft and creamy with a piece of firm prawn in the middle. Very tasty.
* Tortellini w/ toasted grain broth, shitake mushroom cultured butter ($24) // 4.5 stars: http://tinyurl.com/2p9hhmv2
A signature dish from Avery, the tortellini en brodo hits in this cold wintery weather. Al-dente tortellini in a soulful, buttery broth. So warm and comforting. Since we were sharing, I appreciated that they split it into two portions.
* Wing: Whole Fried Wings w/ scallion rice, hot sauce (2 pc - $18) // 4 stars: http://tinyurl.com/374bvfp9
The crispy deboned fried wings were stuffed with a rich sticky rice studded with beef tendons. Served with a side of fresno chili hot sauce for dipping.
* Katsu Sandwich: Fried Pork Chop w/ spicy apple mustard, sauerkraut ($30) // 3 stars: http://tinyurl.com/398vnjzf
Our least fav item, the fried pork chop was on the drier side and I found the spicy apple mustard to be overpowering. But, it may be because I'm use to the traditional Japanese katsu sandwich with pillowy milk bread and Worcestershire-style sauce.
* Pop Tart w/ port cherry puree, harbison cheese, ice cider glaze (2 pc - $13) // 4.5 stars: http://tinyurl.com/37pxxnsz
An elevated and decadent take on a childhood fav, the pop tart was warm out of the oven with plenty of crisp flaky pastry layers. The sweet cherry puree wonderfully paired with the gooey buttery harbison cheese (brie-like) making it the perfect ending to our meal.
S E R V I C E
Awesome hospitality with refined yet approachable service. Not stuffy or pretentious.
Sean, the GM/Somm/Captain basically runs the FOH by himself and Chef Janik (I hope I spelled that right) helping to deliver some of our dishes. Super kind guys.
We came for an early meal so prompt food service.
A M B I A N C E
Two-level space that's chic and cozy with comfy velvet lounge chairs and sofas. There's throw blankets and dyson heaters to keep you warm. Relaxing playlist and easy to hold a convo.
We had early rezzies and was able to enjoy the lower lounge area to ourselves with TT.
P A R K I N G
Difficult street parking but there's a garage on the block (Fillmore Heritage) and another garage a block away in J-town.
Overall, RTB Wine Lounge is a great date night or GNO spot if you're looking for solid drinks and delicious, elevated bar bites. You can go light or have a full-on meal...prolly the former if you're planning for something *ahem* extra afterwards. ;)
