25 Best Wine Bars near San Pablo

“Brosco Binticket the head dude over at the Clabberhasery where he fabricates little figures of Coit Tower, the Leaning Tower of Piza and of course the one he calls "the girls best friend..it takes batteries" he said with a wink... He told me the best Italian food in the bay area is La Strada. So, I was paying him and his little stab of a wife Skinny a visit I thought I'd bring then some pasta from La Strada, so I called ahead and it was ready when I got there. And, it was Spectacular!5 stars ☆☆☆☆☆“

“Wow, this restaurant really does live up to the hype! It’s such a relief when that happens. lol.We’ve been wanting to check out Belotti for a while and finally came in for dinner. Outside seating was pleasant in the spring and the ambiance had a gentle, upbeat buzz. Wine list was nice and I was grateful for the thoughtful, well-balanced mocktail on the drink menu (I’d love to see them expand their NA program because the one I had was excellent).Food was authentically North Italian. Pasta was delicate, sauces were flavorful, courses were indulgent without being overly heavy. There were also some interesting dishes that I haven’t seen on Bay Area menus before, so that was pretty cool.Overall, it was a good time. Definitely keeping this restaurant in our rotation.Vegetarian options: Overall menu is meat oriented, but plenty of clearly-labeled vegetarian options that are fairly vibrant. They could probably stand to add a little more veggies to their dishes, but definitely have options for vegetarians.“

“This was a celebration of International Women's Day for a group of close neighbors, some of whom had not experienced Corso before. The hostess greeting was perfection, as was Vito, our server, Michael our expeditor, and the food was superb❣️ The perfect evening for gratitude to our Women!“

“Yes!! Tarocco is the restaurant that we all needed but didn’t know! So fresh and healthy and delicious. Upscale enough for a nice work lunch but you can also show up as you are. Bravo!Dietary restrictions: Gluten-free and dairy-free friendly.“

“My family and I visited the Bump Bar this week for a private experience. What we had was incredible. Deborah, John, and Ellen were amazing hosts. They gave us an education, and presented us with some incredible memories that I won't forget. Thank you so much for a beautiful Tuesday afternoon.“

“Finally tried this little gem on San Pablo Avenue after passing it for years saying, ‘I gotta try that little gem’.A couple friends and I managed to get a same day reservation at the corner of the bar, which worked out perfectly.We ordered exclusively from the tapas menu, and I’m glad we did although I’m sure their paella and mains are equally exquisite.Everything from their BIMI to cheese platter, to croquettes and churros for desert were a delight. Each plate had its own distinct and satisfying flavor, and nothing we ordered disappointed.I suggested the octopus which sounded splendid, but my friends protested that octopuses (octopi?) were too smart to eat, so we compromised on their dumb cousins, squid. Dumb maybe, delicious certainly!Being a dedicated carnivore, I had little hope for the mushroom croquettes , but they were also scrumptious. Better yet were the chicken and crab croquettes, with each of us expressing a preference for one or the other. If you have to chose, I say go for the crab and my friends would say go for the chicken. The best solution is to order them both!The atmosphere of La Marcha is ‘classy casual’, and very lovely. Every table seemed to be celebrating something, much like you’d expect on a warm summer evening in Barcelona.As the saying goes, “You can judge a person by the company they keep” and I think this can be applied to La Marcha’s ownership. He/She/They must be remarkable people to attract the kind of talented chefs and servers who made our evening complete.I was too shy to ask our server her name, but I think one of the other (regulars?) called her Seejay (which isn’t a real name… I Googled it), or Cindy (a name I haven’t heard since the Brady Brunch). I’ll go with Seejay because it is as uncommon and unexpected as this young lady. Anyway, you’ll know who I am talking about when you go there. Seejay fills the room with her beauty and charisma, and she seemed to be one-person army. I don’t know if they were understaffed that day, or if Seejay just takes on the responsibility for the entire restaurant, but she seemed to be everywhere at once, and yet the level of service she provided my party made us all feel like we were sitting in the VIP section of some swanky club. I hope and trust that the ownership recognizes what a blessing they have with Seejay (or Cindy… whatever).Well, that’s about it. If you are still hesitant to give La Marcha a try, then all I can say is thatyou are more squid than octopus.“

“I love this restaurant. The pan con tomate is one of the best things I've ever eaten. A lot of people complain about the price, but you're getting extremely high-end food that would cost even more at a stuffy restaurant. Everything is high quality and meticulously put together. Also, it's a wine bar. If you want large portions and want to be a glutton then go to Applebees...“

“This wonderful place is my other office. It's cute and cozy, has strong wifi, the staff is super friendly, and the food is delicious. It's not cheap, but they use lots of fresh, healthy ingredients and it's beautifully presented. I've recently had the winter lentil salad, the French grilled cheese, and the tomato bisque. Yum.“

“Amidst the bustling traffic in El Cerrito, there's a hidden gem and a recent addition to the area. Blink and you'll miss it. Even during a brief pause at a stop light when there's a chance to look around, it's highly probable that you'll still miss it. There's no signage on the building itself, so look for the wine barrels sitting on the sidewalk as your clue, or perhaps you'll spot their small sandwich board just outside their front door. Find parking somewhere near 10368 San Pablo Avenue, the address to Banter, a wine bar with a warm atmosphere, welcoming decor, and communal tables. Offering a curated selection of old and new world wines, Banter focuses on small producers who prioritize minimal intervention from vineyard to bottle. On location, you can purchase a bottle from the shelves to enjoy at home or savor a glass (or bottle) in-house. If you need something to eat while you're there, choose from various delicious snacks including cheese, charcuterie, and other tasty treats. During the pandemic, while drinking wine and eating cheese in their backyard, owners Claire and Devin were inspired to open a wine bar, but they wanted their wine bar to feel like "home," - comfy, casual, no frills, just...chill. A collection of cozy couches in the back creates an ambiance reminiscent of enjoying a drink in the living room of your most stylish friend. Classic VHS tapes and 80's knick-knacks are precariously stacked high next to small vintage TVs playing films that will take you back in time. When I was last there the original Flash Gordon was playing. You probably won't get to hear any of the movie dialogue because the bar is spinning LPs from an ever-expanding vinyl collection, fueled by contributions from patrons. A pinball machine in the back room adds to the decor's nostalgic charm and provides an entertaining distraction between pours. With a partial kitchen, Banter partners with local talent and the community to create new opportunities by featuring "pop-ups" - temporary restaurants that allow chefs and restaurateurs to try out a new neighborhood, experiment with their menu, generate a following, or just get some great experience for their staff. During my most recent visit, I got a front-row seat at the bar to witness Chef Emmanual from the restaurant Bolita work his magic with fresh masa, a must-have ingredient at the center of all his signature dishes. Most notable was the Tamal de Calabaza which featured squash masa, mole negro tamal, roasted kabocha, and cashew crema. A nice compliment was the Papas Rositazadas, simple roasted potatoes with black garlic aioli. Both were deliciously elevated and beautifully plated for such a casual environment. Unfortunately by the time you read this Bolita would have moved on to their next location but you can track them down on their website at www.bolitamasa.com. Banter will continue to feature pop-ups and to find out what's in store next visit their location or follow their Instagram @banter_winebar. As temporary as the pop-up food concept is, Banter is hopefully here for good as they focus on what's most important, which is most fittingly stated by the intentionally sloppy, hand-painted sign in front, "Bad Signs, Good Wigns!"“

“My girlfriends and I dined at Ditas Marin and were thoroughly impressed by the stunning view and exceptional cuisine. The attentive staff warmly welcomed us and guided us through the impressive menu, offering a variety of tantalizing dishes to suit every taste. From the perfectly presented appetizers to the impeccable service throughout the evening, our dining experience was nothing short of delightful.The meal commenced with a selection of appetizers that were culinary masterpieces in their own right, showcasing fresh ingredients and meticulous attention to detail. Each dish left us eager for more, setting the stage for a memorable culinary journey. Throughout the evening, the attentive service ensured our glasses were never empty and our needs met with grace, allowing us to savor each moment without interruption.As we indulged in the sweet finale of delectable desserts, we reflected on the wonderful evening we had shared. Ditas Marin truly exceeded our expectations with its breathtaking view, delicious cuisine, and impeccable service. Without a doubt, it has earned its reputation as a culinary gem, and we eagerly anticipate our next visit to create more unforgettable memories.“

“(March 2024) First time trying the Caprice. Food was good, views of Golden Gate Bridge were fantastic! I wouldn't go there just for the food. Pretty pricey. You're not paying for the quality of the meal, your paying for the ambience and the views.“

“Okay I'm obsessed with the concept of Daytrip! Every dish has something fermented in it. The platings were beautiful and everyone was unique and delicious. The menu changes every so often so check their Instagram for an update! If they have the Miso Pasta when you go you have to get it it's exceptional. Server was really nice although she could have filled up water more. Ambiance was really cute and hippie vibes. The only reason this place doesn't get 5 stars is because the bathroom was DISGUSTING. Like truly one of the most disgusting restaurant bathrooms I have ever seen. I will spare you the details... Do not go to bathroom if you come here lol. I would guess it hasn't been cleaned in over a week. We were also some of the first people there for the day which is even more concerning!!!“

“We had the Doro Tibs, Beg Alicha, Azifa, and Vegetarian sampler. The injera fermented bread was amazing!! The food was excellent, service was great, and the servers were very friendly and fast. Multiple spice levels are available (the normal options are not very spicy for those with lower tolerance). Indoor and outdoor seating is available. Highly recommend to anyone!“

“Hal's Office Coffee is an absolute gem nestled in Albany, California. From the moment you step in, you're enveloped in the warm, inviting vibes that make it the perfect spot to unwind or catch up on work. The cappuccino here is a true work of art, crafted with precision and care, boasting a rich, velvety texture and a bold espresso kick that's simply divine. But what truly sets this place apart is the exceptional service provided by the friendly and knowledgeable baristas who always go above and beyond to ensure a memorable experience. Whether you're a coffee aficionado or just looking for a cozy spot to relax, this is your place to come visit!“

“Wine So Cru has been on our list to check out for quite some time, and we were finally able to go a few weeks ago. Overall, it was a good experience, not without its cons (see below), but generally, Wine So Cru offers an elegant and intimate environment to enjoy wine. The staff in particular are extremely knowledgeable about wine and very attentive.What I really liked about Wine So Cru is that they offer not only some very high end wines (to drink or take away - more about this later), they also have very affordable options, including some geekier (for wine nerds) options like lesser known varietals or wines from lesser known regions. All this is to say that whether you know what you like and you like what you know or if you're a bit more adventurous and open to learning, Wine So Cru has options for you. Bottle prices ranged from as low as $20-30 to well beyond $200-300+. They seem to be reasonably well stocked up on champagne if that's your jam! They also have some interesting flight options if you're in the mood for sampling a few different wines.While browsing the selection, the staff was extremely helpful and knowledgeable and I truly get the sense that they want to help you find something you're going to really enjoy, rather than being hyper-focused on upselling you on more expensive offerings. Don't be shy and tell them your price range.The bottle prices are retail prices, i.e. for you to take the wine home. If you want to enjoy the wine on premise, there's a $20 corkage fee, which I feel is quite reasonable since they'll be providing the stemware, ambiance, service, etc.There are so many positives about Wine So Cru, but it comes with some negatives as well. First and foremost, of the few wines I was familiar with, their retail price is quite a bit higher than you can find elsewhere. For example, the 2019 Louis Latour "En Chevret" Volnay 1er Cru sells for under $150 retail, even from places like wine.com, which is not necessarily known for offering the best prices. In the shop, the retail price was over $200. Let's say you were in the mood for a Napa cab and chose the 2018 Groth Reserve CS - it'll set you back $180 (retail) vs. $120-140 from other retailers. So although there's "only" a $20 corkage fee to drink in the shop, chances are you're going to be paying 20-30% more for the wine to begin with.Lastly, the location leaves something to be desired. It's on University very close to the 80 overpass, under which there are frequently unhoused members of our community. The juxtaposition of sitting in the wine bar enjoying $200 bottles of wine while meters away, people aren't even able to meet their basic needs - it's not lost on me. Now of course, none of this is the fault of Wine So Cru and I only mention it because you may feel unsafe walking around the area at night. After all, there's a reason the front door remains locked during business hours and you have to be let in by a member of the staff.“

“Literally my FAVORITE place in the world! I have been dining here for over a decade and today was the first time I ever experienced brunch! It. was. DELICIOUS. Everyone is so friendly, there was even live music. Such a special place with so much intention in everything.“

“Just came back from a trip to Europe where a cappuccino runs you about $3 usd! That’s for a nice one. But this place is really good! Makes it worth the $8 b/c it takes you half way around the world, such good coffee. Espresso was exactly as it should be.“

“My family and I visited the Bump Bar this week for a private experience. What we had was incredible. Deborah, John, and Ellen were amazing hosts. They gave us an education, and presented us with some incredible memories that I won't forget. Thank you so much for a beautiful Tuesday afternoon.“

“great place. friendly staff, great and quality drinks, and great and quality food. only downsides, not the biggest place and easy to miss if you're driving by. also, small place so you may leave smelling of fried food. guac and chips, nice. avocados super fresh queso and chips, fire. haven't had queso this good in I dunno how long shrimp with asparagus with rice, bold flavors. very savory dish, recommended if you want garlic, saucy, and shrimp. overall, highly recommended and would frequent often if I'm in the area.“

“Squalo Vino is more than a wine bar. It's a place to enjoy wine of course but it's the ambience and attention, particularly from Kelly that really sets it apart. Not to say that everyone who works there isn't great! If Cheers could be reincarnated as an upscale wine bar, it would be called Squalo Vino...Love them!“

“Best hidden Thai restaurant that I just found out about this year! I celebrated my birthday here earlier in the spring and I was able to reserve a table for 6 with no problem. I was specifically looking for a restaurant that had a lot of vegetarian options for my vegetarian friends and was amazed to find they had so many on their menu. Overall, my experience at this restaurant is superb. The customer service was excellent, friendly servers, and dishes passed out in a timely fashion. Food was excellent. My party ordered a variety of dishes from soups, to salads, to noodle and meat dishes. The portion of the food were huge, quality was definitely delicious! All my friends enjoyed their dishes and had leftovers. I also like the intimacy of this restaurant. It's on the smaller side, though they still had plenty of tables. Though there were a good number of people also having dinner, the noise level of the restaurant was not too loud. It was perfect for my group because we could have conversations and hear each other very well without competing with loud noises or other people's conversations. After my excellent dine in experience, I ordered pickup from the restaurant twice and had a good experience as well.“

“I am a local wine tour guide and very familiar with the caliber of wines AND the off-the-charts expertise wine knowledge of the staff at Bacchus and Venus. (If you're extra lucky Eva will be serving you :) Was recently reminded of the gem that this place is when I popped by. Minutes from San Francisco, but carrying those legendary and desirable wines from the famous wine regions several hours drive from here. Sonoma, Napa, Paso Robles, Santa Barbara- all in here in this gorgeous wine room. (If you don't have the time to go there, go HERE.) I have also seen how well they take care of those who may not consider themselves major connoisseurs, but simply have the requisite curiosity. Those folks seem to leave with a smile- likely not just because the wines taste so good- I suspect also due to feeling a bit further enlightened in the finer things...“

“I really dig Prima Materia wines -- particularly the cab and Grenache. I also like buying the variety pack cases, which brings the cost per bottle down to about $22. And it's fun to learn about varietals with which I'm unfamiliar, like agalianico.“

“The Study is in an odd place, but it was a cool vibe. We showed up for a temari pop up. Sat outside with friends and our puppy. The music was flowing and so was the natural wine. Most of my group enjoyed the red wine, but I was a fan of the strawberry sparkling white wine. Once the temari sampler came out, we were all happy. It came with 9 pieces per person. I didn't think I would get full, but it was very tasty. Every bite was well thought out with fresh ingredients. All in all I would come back to check out future pop ups.“

“The coffee is good but $6 for a 12oz? (Regular latte with whole milk no syrups). I have been twice and the first time there was a long line out the door and the second time a much shorter line. The coffee is super good and I think it's a great place to go on the weekend and sit outside if it's nice! I don't think it'll be my go to coffee place though because of the price. The scones were also $6 just a little high.“