I don’t often write about restaurants on this site, as there are far too many to mention, and I would get fat reviewing them. However, I do have an affinity for wine bars. What I love about them is that they are social, are perfect for solo travelers who love wine, and usually serve small or shareable plates.
I recently visited the Augustine Wine Bar because it’s within walking distance in my neighborhood. I’m also planning a solo trip to Europe and wanted to check out wine bar culture in preparation. I didn’t realize that Augustine was top-rated number one in several large publications until after I had left. But I can tell you, it certainly lives up to its reputation.
Augustine opens at 5 pm, and I walked in at 5:30 expecting to be among the first to arrive. There were already several customers there sitting and chatting, but I found a cozy seat at the bar. My server referred to me by my name several times and let me taste some of the wines before making a choice, which was impressive. I chose a sublime French wine and their excellent plate of Scottish Salmon, topping it off with a salted chocolate mousse that was to die for.
The atmosphere is warm, inviting, and congenial. The bar may get rowdier later in the evening, but I’m an early bird eater, so it was perfect for me.
Below is a list of popular wine bars throughout the city of Los Angeles
You may want to check out if you are hankering for a glass of vino and something to munch on.
Augustine Wine Bar 13456 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, 91423. Serves small and shareable plates. Instagram
Bar Siesta 1710 Silver Lake Blvd, Los Angeles, 90026. Serves Spanish wine and Tapas. Instagram
Little Ripper 4155 Verdugo Rd, Los Angeles 90065. Serves Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner. Instagram
Stir Crazy 6903 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles 90038. Serves vibrant farmer’s market fare and natural wines. Instagram
Justine’s Wine Bar 2029 Blake Ave, Los Angeles 90039. Serves snacks and sides. Instagram
Café Triste 980A N. Broadway, Los Angeles, 90012 in Chinatown. Serves home-cooked snacks and sides. Instagram
El Chucho 12821 Venice Blvd, Mar Vista, 90066. Natural wine, beer, pool and music.
Offhand Wine Bar 3008 Santa Monica Blvd, Suite A, Santa Monica 90404. Serves natural wines and small plates. Instagram
Melanie 8310 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90048. Serves small and large plates. Instagram
West Altadena Wine + Spirits by Everson Royce 2311 Lincoln Ave, Altadena 91001. Serves organic and classic wine and spirits, local delivery to select zip codes, and pizza in the parking lot on Thursday nights. I evacuated from Altadena during the Eaton Fire and am now living in the SFV. West Altadena Wine had just opened its doors. I have been to Everson Royce in the Arts District and loved it. I wish the Altadena location much success in a devastated area. Instagram
The 1894 695 E. Colorado Blvd, 91101. The bar is inside Vroman’s Bookstore. Its menu includes food from Bib Gourmand, Agnes Restaurant & Cheesery. Instagram
Tabula Rasa – Thai Town/East Hollywood 5125 Hollywood Blvd, 90027. Serves natural wines. Rotating events and pop-ups. Instagram
Wally’s Wine & Spirits, Santa Monica and Beverly Hills. Sells gourmet food items and offers curated dining experiences for lunch and dinner in Beverly Hills. 447 N. Canon Dr., Beverly Hills, 90210, Santa Monica offers full meals and elegant charcuterie options for lunch and dinner, 214 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, 90401. Instagram
Cardinale du Vin 8912 West Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, 90035. Supports farms and small businesses. The menu focuses on a rotating selection of mostly Thai flavors. The wine selection changes frequently. Instagram
La Pharmacie du Vin 3926 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles 90069. Serves French wines, salads, small plates, sandwiches, and dessert. Instagram
Good Clean Fun 868 Olive St, Los Angeles 90014. Serves Italian small plates, pastries, coffee, and tea. The menu is updated daily. Instagram
Bar Covell – 4628 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, 90027. wines by the glass, light nibbles, and charcuterie. Instagram
Wife and the Somm 3416 Verdugo Rd. Los Angeles 90065. Serves seasonal California cuisine and a curated wine list. Instagram
Kippered 361 S. Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013. A tinned fish and champagne bar. It is part of DTLA Cheese Superette at the Grand Central Market downtown. Instagram
Seco 3820 West Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, 90026 in Silver Lake. Serves small plates and dessert. Instagram
Melody – 751 N. Virgil Ave, Los Angeles 90029. Dinner options range from pasta to Indian-inspired fare. The bar is in a Hollywood bungalow. Instagram
Offhand Wine Bar 3008 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica 90404. Serves natural wines and small plates. Dancing. Instagram
Stanley’s Wet Goods 9620 Venice Blvd, Culver City, 90232. Serves a diverse menu of snacks and small plates. Dog friendly. Instagram
Voodoo Vin – 713 Virgil Ave, Los Angeles 90029. Natural wines and Persian food. Dog friendly. Instagram
Do you have a favorite wine bar in Los Angeles you would like to give a shout-out to? Please leave a comment and let us know.
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