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Sonoma Retail Wine Bar & Restaurant

MY REVIEW: Thanks to Sonoma for such a wonderful experience this Wednesday with a much need night out.

The 3 of us really enjoyed everything from the tasty pizza, cheese plate, champagne/wine and service. The atmosphere was delightfully warm and cozy. There was a mixed crowd, but not too busy, seemed to be pretty steady for the time we were there. The service was a treat and enjoyed everything (great value).

NAME: Trish
SUBMITTED: 3/31/2011   LAST VISIT WAS: march 30
FREQUENCY: Visited 4-6 times

MY REVIEW: This used to be a cozy, quaint wine bar, but last Friday evening it was a zoo. It became so crowded and loud you cound hardly carry on a conversation. We were mostly ignored and they twice served people who came in after until they finally came around. We asked for a particular, but well known, Chilean vintage and it was obvious the waiter had no clue. We settled for a Malbec and after that the service got even worse. We ordered a pizza and half an hour later they admitted they gave it to another table. They did replace it free of charge, but that took another 20 minutes. Would recommend 'if' you like noise, crowds, and bad service - otherwise we are unlikely to come back.

NAME: lad
SUBMITTED: 3/26/2011   LAST VISIT WAS: 3/2011
FREQUENCY: Visited 2-3 times

MY REVIEW: A few friends and I visited Sonoma wine bar for the first time on a Friday night. Unfortunately, it will also be our last time as well.

The restaurant is extremely dark, so bad that you can barely read the menu. Service was awful. We had a waiter who disappeared halfway through our visit. Once he was gone, no one came to check on us. We had to flag someone down just to get our bill.

The food was bland and boring. Specifically, we tried the Caprese salad and roasted asparagus. Both were overpriced for the amount of serving. The caprese salad did not have enough olive oil/vinegar. The asparagus had a strange raspberry dressing. The cheese and meat plates are very small - again, overpriced.

NAME: Houstonian
SUBMITTED: 8/10/2010   LAST VISIT WAS: August 2010
FREQUENCY: Visited once

MY REVIEW: Good wine selection. It was pretty slow on a Friday night, which explains the high prices. I like to have a little snack to accompany my wine - I had to pay $5 for about 1/2 cup of almonds. Nice place, beautiful inside, comfortable outisde patio for smokers.

NAME: R Taylor
SUBMITTED: 8/8/2009   LAST VISIT WAS: 08/09
FREQUENCY: Visited once

MY REVIEW: A classy but comfortable place, with plenty of parking....

The lovely Farrah helped me choose a couple of gift bottles of wine. She is very knowledgeable, and her recommendations were perfect. They even gift-wrapped the wines for me, without my asking them to. Very accommodating staff.

Welcome to the neighborhood!

NAME: Wine Lover
SUBMITTED: 4/18/2008   LAST VISIT WAS: April 2008
FREQUENCY: Visited 4-6 times

MY REVIEW: I have been going to Sonoma for months now and it's amazing to see a Wine Bar these days that can actually keep there staff! They always know what new wines to show us, and what pizza will go best! They are always bringing new wines AND new beers in, and I don't know about anyone else, but I love that! My girlfriend and I especially love to go on Fridays for the DJ and Sangria... nice to be able to listen to such a great variety of music, and still be able to talk at the same time without having to yell. I would just like to say Thank You Sonoma for being open, and standing out from the rest who are simply money machines. You guys actually care about us! One problem that I will have to say... need more locations!

NAME: winerules
SUBMITTED: 4/18/2008   LAST VISIT WAS: 04/08
FREQUENCY: Everybody here knows my name...

MY REVIEW: I liked the place alright... good wine selection, good cheese and meat plate, pizza is lacking some taste, but otherwise, the ambience made up for it some. Try not to go during an 'event' night, it's hard to find parking and service. And because they don't have enough waitstaff, if they attend the big party, you're sitting and waiting, when you can be drinking or eating.

I'd give it another go a few months later.

NAME: WannabeFoodie
SUBMITTED: 4/17/2008   LAST VISIT WAS: 04/08
FREQUENCY: Visited once

MY REVIEW: I met a friend at the bar for a glass of wine before we were off to a nearby art gallery. The location was great and easy to get to. Their parking is limited, but I think you can park at the place next door, too. The place is really elegant and was the perfect place to meet on a very rainy night. The bartender was very friendly, even remembering my friend who had been there for the first time the night before. They served a little dish of mixed nuts and they were warm! Nice touch! My only comment is that their wines by the glass are a bit pricey, so just be prepared. We will definitely go back.

NAME: llitl025
SUBMITTED: 1/19/2008   LAST VISIT WAS: 1/2008
FREQUENCY: Visited once

MY REVIEW: This place is wonderful! The wine selection is extensive and varied. Though wine is obviously the focus, they do offer beer and hard cider, too. The foods are high quality and fresh and compliment the wines well (as with other reviewers I highly recommend the honeyed brie).

The decor and ambiance is well done, and even with the live DJ we could still carry on a conversation. Take advantage of both the indoor and outdoor seating and the beautiful private back room for any special event or even just a larger get-together. The staff is attentive and knowledgeable, and we have always recieved excellent wine recommendations.

Great place for anything from a casual after-work drink, to a nice date, to a special engagement. It's a fun place and we will definately be back!

NAME: Porto
SUBMITTED: 3/18/2007   LAST VISIT WAS: 3/07
FREQUENCY: Everybody here knows my name...

MY REVIEW: A wine bar to end all wine bars. The tapas complements the wines with such delectables such as warm brie cheese plates and pannis with fresh herbs and spices. The wines are displayed beautifully in an airy room and the décor is elegant. We enjoyed the atmosphere and the live music. I am trilled about the location!!!! We will come back…

NAME: Wino
SUBMITTED: 3/9/2007   LAST VISIT WAS: March 2, 2007
FREQUENCY: Visited once

MY REVIEW: What a gem! Great selection of wine for the wife, and a good list of beers for me, Ch*may mmmmmmmmm. The menu is fresh and goes well with the drink. Try the warmed brie with drizzled honey, it is to die for. The last night I was there they were featuring live entertainment with a three piece band that was playing classical spanish style music, very cool. I hear their DJ in on point with the atmosphere, will check him out soon. This is what our neighborhood needed!

NAME: Ken
SUBMITTED: 3/8/2007   LAST VISIT WAS: 3/3/07
FREQUENCY: Visited 2-3 times

MY REVIEW: My boyfriend and I stumbled upon this place the other night. I had no idea that this place was even open.

What a great addition to the boutique wine bar scene. Friendly staff and nicely decorated. They even have a patio to sit outside when the weather is nice. Great wine selection and the staff was very helpful in recommending a great wine. I have only been there once and they also had a menu that consisted of panini's and pizzas. I was not too hungry so I opted for this warm brie cheese plate. I do not remember the exact name but it was drizzled with honey and fresh apple slices. The combo seemed kinda wierd but let me tell you that it was a GREAT COMBO.

Will definitely return to try the other menu items.

NAME: houstonwino
SUBMITTED: 3/2/2007   LAST VISIT WAS: 2/28/07
FREQUENCY: Visited once

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