Vessel & Vine

A trip home for the holidays helped introduce my (local) sister and (visiting) me to Vessel & Vine and its excellent backroom bar, Caballeras. We were looking for a drink and snack, but arrived before the 4p opening, so we first sampled some excellent cheese and crackers in V&V's well curated market and wine shop. After the bar opened, we sat in a cozy booth, excitedly assessed the four Hot Toddy specials, asked the server for appetizer advice, and drew comfort from a sign over the bar saying that right-wing extremist Proud Boys were not welcome here. The tropical flavored Hot Toddys, with pineapple rum, were served in nifty glass holders. They were terrific, not too sweet, evocative of warmer climes, and the perfect drink on a wintry Maine day. The appetizers also hit the spot. The dolmas/stuffed grape leaves were yummy, but perhaps would be even tastier if served warm. The Muhammara spread, a spicy Middle Eastern walnut and roasted pepper dip, was fantastic, with just the right spicy kick, and served with toasted bread. We loved it, loved the hidden vibe of the bar, and felt well taken care by the staff. It's always nice coming home and, once there, finding a great new spot. We ended up buying cheese and crackers and that great Muhammara dip to share at Christmas dinner. I will definitely be back!

If only I lived closer… I’d be at Vessel & Vine ALL. THE. TIME. I’ve been a huge fan of this wine store for years. It’s got so much character, and the people running it are some of the nicest humans ever. I don’t think I’ve ever left without a smile on my face, or without a bottle (or two) of something new and interesting. Their selection is incredible; not just wine, but also vermouths, Campari, and even pasta and bread?! Like, what don’t they do? And the vibes??! Perfection. In the winter, it gives a mix of Scandinavia and Spain, and I’m so here for it. Oh, and they have a full wine bar with pours and bites. Just go… you’ll thank me later.

Wonderful array of foods, wines, unique food related items, and a full bar as well. Friendly staff and customers. If you love food and food culture, you should visit. Just off Maine Street in a former church.

This place is fantastic. It's very new, has such a cool and cozy vibe and is the only nice place to get a drink late in the area. Had an amazing salad, delicious wine and whiskey cocktail. Can't recommend enough.

Fantastic market and even better bar! We had a great night sampling sherry, amaros, and cocktails. Our bartender was so fun and knowledgeable. We will most definitely be back to try out more of their delicious libations & snacks. Thank you Charley! We had a wonderful time with you.

Snarky person running the show. Ended up leaving because the store was open but nothing as advertised. Dark little store. I am sure he will come back with some unbusinesslike response. Kind of like how he was when we were there. Would not go back anyway. Do yourself a favor and go elsewhere. I do reviews for a lot of vineyards and wineries... This was a first for me.

Found some awesome wines in this little store. Skews toward medium priced wines. You won’t find any cheaper table wine here. Great variety of styles but you will only find a couple (or 1) of wines from each style/region.

Friends of mine have long said how much they enjoy this spot, and how they admire the owner for her perseverance during the difficult years of the pandemic. If you are looking for interesting wines that the supermarkets do not carry, check this place out. They also have specialty foods like prosciutto that is well worth the visit. You might have to look for it since the entry is rather non-descript but go for it!

A trip home for the holidays helped introduce my (local) sister and (visiting) me to Vessel & Vine and its excellent backroom bar, Caballeras. We were looking for a drink and snack, but arrived before the 4p opening, so we first sampled some excellent cheese and crackers in V&V's well curated market and wine shop. After the bar opened, we sat in a cozy booth, excitedly assessed the four Hot Toddy specials, asked the server for appetizer advice, and drew comfort from a sign over the bar saying that right-wing extremist Proud Boys were not welcome here. The tropical flavored Hot Toddys, with pineapple rum, were served in nifty glass holders. They were terrific, not too sweet, evocative of warmer climes, and the perfect drink on a wintry Maine day. The appetizers also hit the spot. The dolmas/stuffed grape leaves were yummy, but perhaps would be even tastier if served warm. The Muhammara spread, a spicy Middle Eastern walnut and roasted pepper dip, was fantastic, with just the right spicy kick, and served with toasted bread. We loved it, loved the hidden vibe of the bar, and felt well taken care by the staff. It's always nice coming home and, once there, finding a great new spot. We ended up buying cheese and crackers and that great Muhammara dip to share at Christmas dinner. I will definitely be back!

V&V has a little bit of everything nice. You enter into the wine and gourmet food area. Wines are very well selected and there are some unique options. They also carry a big selection of vermouths and sherry and other liquors that I don't know much about but am excited to learn more. They often have free wine tastings if you get on their email list. Then there is a nice bar with very unique mixed drinks, fine wine, and amazing snacks. And finally you can go outside on the deck for those drinks and snacks as well as wine dinners occasionally. The staff are talented, knowledgeable, and very helpful. The establishment is clean and welcoming.

I visited V&V for a porch dinner, pay by plate. Icelandic themed I did expect some things that were outside of my normal go to, and they delivered on that. 4 courses served over the span of about two hours spaced the meals well, accompanied by drinks paired with the meal. It was snowing out and it was a bit cold (it was outside, under and awning albeit) so I felt sort of rushed to eat, but it's the last one of the year and that's part of the territory. As an overture, the food was very good and the service matched. My only feeling that takes that fifth star is that the price was hard to accept for what I left feeling like. 100 hundred dollars could fill a plate a little better, but that's my take and I'm not so much in to fine dining. The food, great. The cook, impassioned. Service, attentive yet concise. I do recommend, so long as you know what it's about. The flavor.

Visited V&V at the end of July because I had heard amazing things about their cocktails to go. They were out of 1 (clearly popular) but still had 3 other varieties to choose from. Since you have to buy food with a to-go cocktail, I got a block of local cheddar cheese and a bag of black truffle chips. To-go cocktails are not cheap anywhere, but then again is a delicious cocktail ever cheap? No, you pay for what you get and what I got had unique additions such as bee pollen. I don't recall the name but it had coconut, pineapple and rum. Highly recommend and 3 months later I wish I'd purchased more that day in July.

Vessel and Vine is a FABULOUS addition to Brunswick! Everything is curated perfectly and so unique. We sat outside on their recently opened patio, which had 4 or 5 tables and a section of chairs. Perfect for a summer night! We each ordered a glass of rosé and the charcuterie board, we could pick 3 out of 6 options. Well, we couldn't pick and had the waitress surprise us. We got two cheeses and a meat, which a large serving of bread. You usually never get enough "vessels" for dipping if you will but they served enough to just snack on as well. Although the tables next to us ended up all leaving, we were never made to feel rushed to leave. They dont have dedicated parking but you can almost always find something on Pleasant St. I had been in here before to order a case of wine. They offer some really wonderful and unique wines that they sell in the front. I will most definitely be back!

My favorite drinks, atmosphere, and owner that I know. I am not one to go to a bar by myself, my anxiety goes through the roof thinking about it. But here, here I feel super comfortable sitting on a vintage stools at the bar with my fancy drink in its fancy little glass. You can tell this place was built with blood, sweat, and tears. There is nothing from IKEA, Target, or any box store. Most items are from flea markets, antique shops near and far. The big and small details add so much and I can imagine each item has a good story either from her or has its own private history no one knows. Once things came together I can bet it was like watching her dream come to life. The drink menu changes every month but more than likely if you have a drink you liked from the past they can whip it up for you. I love trying new ones each time, they never disappoint! And the fancy vintage glasses, yay! (See most of the photos for the amazing different glasses). Food. They have many homemade apps, breads, spreads, soups, cheeses, meats, and more. They also have cocktail classes, wine tastings, and slow cook meal night. They have vintage clothes, bottles of wine, glasses, and more to buy. Lastly, the owner. She is a kind, local, down to earth. She has made this place a reality, while raising kids, and keeping her sanity. Rock on! Please check this unique, cozy place out. Whatever you have to do, make it a destination.

Vessel & Vine is a great eclectic place with a unique selection of wines and a variety of cheeses and meals from local sources. I enjoy going here in the afternoon, especially on the weekends, for a relaxing time and great atmosphere. Looking for a quiet intimate place to hang out and talk...this is the place in Brunswick.

Wonderful new addition to the Brunswick downtown! Comfy vibe and eclectic decor as you walk in and are warmly greeted by the owner and bartender. Rotating drink menu - come here to try something new and made with artsanal ingredients and small batch liquors, not get an old favorite. Small but wonderful wine list; we loved the Carignan, Merlot, Cab blend from Tommy Town Vineyard in CA. Appetizers, including a local cheese and salami plate, complement the beverage choices. They also have a compact but superb selection of mostly European wines along with local beer and cider for sale. Open Thursday to Monday, filling a niche in Brunswick's evening scene.

My favorite place to go in Brunswick! The owner (Nikaline?) used to be the bartender for Enoteca Athena's and she's just so lovely and has such great taste. This place has a really unique and chill vibe. It's nice because you don't feel like you're gonna be overrun by people like the other bars in Brunswick. They also play great folk/indie music. There usually aren't too many people even on a Friday night, so it's very cozy. That doesn't mean it isn't great though because the drinks and snacks are amazing! I think it's just the secret spot that people don't really know about. I saw someone else post about Greg the bartender being "too good" to pour wine? No way! He's great. He's just usually the only one working the kitchen AND the bar. Sooo yeah if he's sucking a dozen oysters... he's a little busy. Just sayin.

Great place! Delicious wine, delicious, interesting food. Really interesting combinations, would absolutely return!

Great vintage vibe in this cozy little restaurant/bar. We had a tasty cheese and meat plate with local blue cheese and a nice spicy chorizo. Cocktails are not my thing but they look inventive and creative, I settled into a nice Austin Street IPA. We enjoyed relaxing in the couch area. Owner was serving us, super warm and friendly. Comfortable and cool place to hang... did I mention it's located in an old church right off Maine Street. Five stars!!!!!

Chicken foot soup with seaweed in a wonderful broth. Incredible! Energizing! Fancy toast with avocado, hard-boiled egg and a knock-your-socks-off chimichurri. Some hot lapsang souchong tea. A perfect light supper on a 25 degree night. Also, how wonderful and kind the people here are!

Best spot in Brunswick for a drink by far. Such a cool space. Owner is great too! Keep coming late at night after my shifts at a restaurant down the road and look forward to it every weekend.

Wanted to go here for my birthday. Called to see if appropriate for kids. Person said yes. Asked about dinner-told variety of small plates. Arrived, no one greeted us at the door. I walked through, found someone to ask. Looked at menu. Atmosphere didn't seem kid friendly, so we left. Still wanted to try it, came in with a few girlfriends. It's an interesting atmosphere. Service was good, wine list was interesting. We shared 3 meat and cheese platters and a dip. Quality meats and cheeses, good bread. Satisfying. The vintage, eclectic cloth napkins were a nice touch. I don't know though, something about the vibe just seemed flat. No complaints, just didn't generate a warm, fuzzy, cozy welcoming feel. I love the story behind it, just wish I could "feel" that story in the atmosphere.

I can't overstate how much I love this place! With a regularly changing cocktail menu there's always something fun and exciting to try. Also excellent beer and wine selection on the retail side of things.

Love this place! Do not let the unique look of this place confuse you. It's a special combination of high quality products + creativity in a low budget space. We knew of it, but read an write up in Decor Maine and went for first time. Cocktails are lovely. Quality beer on tap. Unique wines to drink or buy by the bottle. And the food! The food is a great reminder that simple ingredients prepared well create wonderful results. We had a dozen local oysters, served with mignonette and what looked like home made cocktail sauce - they were fresh and delicious. We also had the cheese/meat plate (you chose what you want - we had 2 cheeses and smoked trout) - and it came with high quality olives; pickled radishes and beets; and 2 types of home made delicious crispy bread crisps. We will be back! It is an awesome combination of creativity + quality. They do need a more visible sign screaming "cocktail & wine bar", because we have passed it for over a year but never thought of it.

I seriously can't say how much I love this place. The decor is amazing. Everything from the graphic mural to the mid mod chairs to the mattress coil christmas light feature works together is a super eclectic, funky, and hip way. The drinks menu is unique and adventurous. I really enjoyed the Princess and the Pea and will definitely be back to try some of the beers offered which I haven't seen sold in any of the other local establishments. There is also a small shop and they offer cooking and cocktail courses as well. There's a really chill vibe here that I enjoyed. I'm super excited to finally have a place to head after dinner out that offers this upscale yet relaxing atmosphere.

Could be great! Very nice selection of wine, and lovely venue. Unfortunate that the bartender (Greg?) felt he was too talented to actually pour a glass of wine for either me or my friend. We waited forever when there were a total of 5 people in the bar. He seems to think he should be off being appreciated as a great actor/rock star/ poet, and that service is beneath him. I hope he goes where he will receive the praise he thinks he deserves, and leave bartending to those who enjoy it and actually want the clientele to feel good.

The ambiance here is wonderful. Along with an excellent wine selection, they make many delicious cocktails. The food is high quality and always pairs well with the wines. This is absolutely one of my favorite places to go for an evening drink.

Another wonderful night with great food and drink. Shout out to Greg for a remarkable Vesper!

Vessel & Vine is an absolute gem. My friend spotted it as we were on our way into Estilo, and I'm SO glad she did--it is entirely unique. We immediately nicknamed it "V&V," and we've been back three more times in six months. Can't wait to try one of their prix-fixe dinners. The atmosphere is pure eclectic charm. Eat and drink whatever they are serving--you'll be glad you did.

Great cocktails and ambience. Brunswick was in need of a place to get a good drink after 930, and Vessel and Vine delivers.