Where to Drink Wine in NYC
The other day– VinePair asked me a few questions for this new series they are producing called Hidden Gems.
They are asking wine pros around the city where they drink wine! So it got me thinking–where do I drink wine nowadays?
Penny/Claud don’t need anymore PR; but the team there has put together an incredible list –whether its back-vintage burgundy or that new hip producer that no1s ever heard of. The best part–both cellars are available no matter where you’re sitting. Vibes are always top-notch and they nail wine service from timing to temperature & everything in between.
Chambers–you can’t talk about wine in NYC and not talk about Pascaline. She’s the real deal and New York is lucky to have her. You can find all your favorite culty producers; but the magic is letting her pick a wine for you–most likely picking something you never had.
Eleven Madison Park is one of those places that we keep going back to. The list has gotten a bit picked over throughout the years; but there’s still so much great wine to be had. Skip the tasting menu and sit in the bar area and drink something with some age.
The Grill–yes, another fancy spot; but there’s no better spot if you’re feeling flush. Most of the deals happen at the top end of the list; but there’s plenty of fun stuff to drink and don’t worry about the money–you’ll make more tomorrow!
Lucali doesn’t serve wine, but it's my top BYO spot in the city.
King–we always seem to stop here on Sunday afternoons. A bottle of champagne or white burgundy while we watch the world pass.
Kru–perhaps it's cheating considering I help with the list; but I don’t care. You need to eat (and drink) at Kru–it's so delicious and we’ve put together a fun list of wine to enjoy with chef Ohm’s incredible food.
Four Horseman–I don’t think there’s been a wine roundup in years that doesn’t include 4H. I do yearn for the days when it wasn’t so popular; but they are killing it and deserve all the love. The food, the vibe, the staff–they got it all.
Harry’s– an afterwork go-to for a bottle and sometimes even a steak. The prices went up and the selections declined post-covid; but there’s still some great wine: check out the Bordeaux section for sure.
Blue Ribbon is normally trouble; but on occasion we can have a civilized hang–eatting some shellfish and drinking a bottle of Raveneau with a few years of age.
Red Hook Tavern has a great cocktail program and pours a proper pint; but I’ve had some of my best wine nights upstairs in the private dining room.
Eli’s Table might have the most epic cellar in all of New York. The prices have gone up a bit post-covid; but there’s so much fun stuff to drink and if you ask Thibault to pick: it's a sure shot epic wine night.
Overstory is known for their World’s Best cocktail program; but after a cocktail or two–why not grab a bottle and take in the view. I’m not sure if its the Saga or Crown Shy wine list; but there’s plenty to drink. I’m likely drinking champagne.
Marea--hard to beat a lunch here with a great bottle of wine, a beautiful lady, and some delicious seafood.
Lords is one of the restaurants that has a sneaky good list.
Terroir needs no introduction and has been a go-to spot since I’ve moved to the city. Here they take wine seriously; but not too serious. Paul is a masterclass in hospitality and making wine fun and approachable. Drink everything–especially riesling!
Parcelle –whether east or west is always a sure shot for good drinking.
Smithereens is a buzzy new spot in the East Village serving up some great New England inspired cuisine. Plenty to drink here–especially if you like riesling!
Sushi Nakazawa has an epic sake program; but their wine list is legit–especially if on an expense account.
Runner Up has tightened up the list; but still a bunch of hidden gems.
Noreetuh is one of the places you go and there’s always a wine person there sharing wine. Its kind of a clubhouse for wine lovers–a really special place.
Manhatta is one of my locals where you can pop in for a drink with a view. They had a bunch of crazy wine deals post covid; which are all gone; but still plenty to drink.
Frankie’s former wine director JBP might be down in Nashville; but the Brooklyn cellar still holds plenty of gems.
Della’s –a wine bar in Tribeca that will take you off-grid to a small village in Italy or South Africa. And if you want something specific–you could likely just grab it from the wine shop next door.
Compagnie--downtown is closer; but I've been liking the flatiron vibes
adding to my rotation // best newcomers: Bar Kabawa, Zimmi's, Cactus Wren,& Field Guide
Excited to check out: Chef Fifi, Sunn's, Tolo
BYOB: Chinatown or K-Town
Wine Shops: Crush, Frankly Wines, Flatiron Wines, Chambers, Leon & Sons, & BK Wine Exchange, Slope Cellars