Substrate
Wine bar · Belmont ·
Natural wine bar with vermouth specials, tinned fish
Natural wine bar with vermouth specials, tinned fish
"New-kid-on-the-block Substrate is a neighborhood enoteca that adds stunning vermouths, amari, and natural wine to Optimist Park. While there’s no food menu, there is a whole shelf dedicated specifically to notorious hot girl foods — tinned fish and cured meats — to be perched atop saltines on the house. By day, the inside is lovely, with the sun casting flirty shadows on the oodles of natural wine bottles, but visitors will want to sip their amber and pink-hued drinks outside on the balcony or patio. Because it’s a small house with a front yard (and a parking lot), it really feels like someone’s yard party. By night, it’s moody with generous specials and a backdrop of something funky on aux, vinyl, or even live. The thrifty art on the walls and a sign that pokes a little fun at “natty wine” culture show this place's lighthearted, self-aware personality." - Kayleigh Ruller
"A natural wine bar offering a selection of wines but without a full food menu." - Kayleigh Ruller
"Substrate doesn’t ooze fancy-schmancy romance, but it does emanate all the refreshingly relaxed and unpretentious vibes you need to keep the evening rolling. This wine and vermouth bar is known for the Spaghett, a bottle of beer topped with Aperol and lemon juice. Beyond cocktails, Substrate offers a selection of ruby and orange-hued natural wines to choose from. For a bar snack, order the tinned fish, which comes with free saltines. There’s minimal seating inside, but the outside patio has plenty of tables and you can typically find live music here. Keep an eye out for nightly specials, like Monday’s industry night or Sunday’s $7 spritz." - Kayleigh Ruller
Peggy C.
Matt M.
John C.
HJC
Alice B.
Debra A.
Neil T.
Jennifer G.