3 Charming New York City Wine Bars to Enjoy by Summer's End
Summer, you glorious thing
Is it Friday already? Where does the time go!
It’s been a busy week (admittedly not particularly productive, just busy for sake of being busy, you know?)
So we’ll keep this newsletter short and sweet. Hope you don’t mind.
Anyway, summer’s end is fast approaching and I know some folks are eager to leave this muggy chapter behind.
But me? I’m soaking up the last few glorious days of summer before officially beginning my transition into fall (the best season of all!).
In my book, there’s no better way to spend warm summer evenings than by parking myself at a wine bar and allowing the lingering afternoon hours to melt into an evening that feels like it can last a lifetime.
In honor of my favorite pastime (sorry mom if you’re reading this), I’d like to share my three favorite wine bars in NYC.
3 Charming Wine Bars in NYC
& Sons Ham Bar (Greenpoint)
I stumbled upon & Sons Ham Bar innocently enough. A girlfriend was visiting town and wanted to catch up over rosé during the intense summer heat.
When I was done laughing at the suggestion, her serious tone made it clear we were going to do just that. The only question — as far as she was considered — was when and where.
We settled on & Sons Ham Bar in Greenpoint, having heard great things.
Owned by Andre Mack, a whirlwind of magic in the wine world, we knew we’d be in good hands.
In 2003, Mack was deemed the Best Young Sommelier in America (prestigious title no doubt) that led to him being hired as a sommelier for Thomas Keller’s world-renowned restaurant French Laundry (in California).
From there, Keller brought Mack on as Head Sommelier at Per Se (with three Michelin Stars, Per Se is often considered the best restaurant in NYC).
All this to say, Mack knows his wine and (thankfully, thankfully) has graced the regular people of NYC with his knowledge by opening an intimate yet casual wine bar.
Expect to find exceptional bottles (most offered by the glass as well) that range from affordable to eye-watering.
Mack is a classy guy, an indisputable fact reflected in the tone of this beloved wine bar. You’ll find yourself impressed (and coming back for more) in no time.
Buvette (West Village)
In theory, someone could argue that Buvette is a full-fledged French restaurant, but I think that misses the point.
I mean sure, it’s billed as a restaurant, but French restaurants are notorious for small bites, top-notch wine and delicious fare.
As such, I personally consider Buvette the unequivocal darling of charming NYC wine bars.
Aesthetically, stepping into Buvette feels like stepping foot into an authentic Parisian cafe. You’ll get ample people-watching opportunities while splitting a bottle of good wine with an even better friend. What more could you ask for?
Word to the wise: Don’t sleep on the escargot.
Four Horsemen (Williamsburg)
For the final round, let’s talk about Four Horsemen.
Most New York City wine bars offer small bites alongside delectable wine. But sometimes, you just want to go all out and find a wine bar that doubles as a proper restaurant, too.
Enter Four Horsemen.
No trail mix in sight, instead expect to find a menu featuring braised leek toast with whipped ricotta, yellowfin tuna and grilled sun shrimp. Heck, Four Horsemen is the only NYC wine bar on this list that boasts a Michelin Star.
With that said, this is one of the hardest wine bars in NYC to get into. Since reservations open 30 days in advance (at 7AM) I suggest setting an alarm for 6:45 and trying to score a table. Otherwise you can always join the waiting list.
The wine list is just as impressive as the food. As you'd expect from a Michelin rated restaurant the prices are steep, but the selection is incredible. This is definitely a place to go if you’re keen to impress.
If helpful, here’s a complete list of the best wine bars in NYC.
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Hope you get a chance to visit one of these wonderful wine bars by summer’s end. Don’t hesitate to reach out with questions/suggestions below.
We LOVE to hear from you. Cheers!
I love the little one person table at the window in Buvette. When I visited the city solo it was the perfect spot to enjoy a glass, hear the buzz from the bar and people watch!