About
Located in the heart of Manhattan, the Vanguard Wine Bar on the Upper East Side is a hidden gem that beckons wine aficionados and casual sippers alike. Nestled at 1372 1st Ave, this charming establishment offers a haven away from the city's hustle and bustle, allowing guests to unwind in a cozy atmosphere that's perfect for both intimate conversations and relaxing solos over a glass of wine.
The ambiance of Vanguard Wine Bar is a blend of warmth and sophistication. With its low-key decor and soft lighting, it creates a space where patrons can easily lose track of time. Whether you’re looking to catch up with friends or enjoy a quiet evening with a book, this wine bar has an inviting vibe that caters to every mood.
The wine selection is nothing short of impressive. Offering a diverse array of local and international wines, Vanguard provides a curated experience that appeals to all palates. Friendly and knowledgeable staff members are more than happy to guide you in selecting the perfect glass, ensuring that whether you're an expert or a casual drinker, there's something delightful for you. Guests have noted the staff’s talents, with Dmitri and Ryan receiving high praises for their attentive service and engaging conversation, making each visit memorable.
Vanguard doesn’t stop at just wine. The snack menu is equally enticing, featuring a delightful range of bites that compliment the wine perfectly. From Marinated Olives infused with rosemary, garlic, and thyme for $11, to the rich Pimento Cheese paired with baguette chips for $13, each option enhances the tasting experience. Cheese enthusiasts can indulge in a Daily Selection of French & American Cheeses for $26, and the charcuterie boards are a must-try, providing a satisfying mix of flavors that seamlessly complement the bar’s extensive wine offerings.
Every visit to Vanguard Wine Bar promises more than just good drinks; it’s an experience. Customers have described it as a communal hub where the ambiance, quality wines, and delectable snacks converge to form lasting memories. As Diana C aptly pointed out, it's a locale that champions conversation, making it the ideal setting for a cozy night out. Meanwhile, Kimberly Lim Legaspi emphasizes its suitability for date nights, further underscoring the establishment's charm.
Next time you find yourself on the Upper East Side, make it a point to stop by Vanguard Wine Bar—a sanctuary for wine lovers, a culinary delight for snack enthusiasts, and a place where connections thrive in a comfortable, welcoming setting. Don't miss out on trying a glass of the Fess Parker Syrah or sampling the delectable charcuterie while you’re at it. You won't regret it!
“ Excellent place to grab a glass of wine alone or with friends! Quiet and relaxed atmosphere. Ryan was a great server and gave us fun background on the wine we ordered. He let us sample a couple different choices to make sure we liked it before choosing our wine. I got the Fess Parker Syrah which was very tasty! It’s definitely worth stopping in here sometime! ”
“ An easy vibe for any mood. Whether I needed to hang with coworkers or be alone with a book, the ambiance plus service delivers. Dmitry brings congenial and classy conversation to any and all types. Whether it’s slow or slammed, he made it a great night for me and my guests. Not many places can claim a creative space, excellent selections, and a polished staff. Vanguard can. ”
“ If you're looking for the perfect spot for a date night, I have to recommend Vanguard Wine Bar on the Upper West Side. It's such a cozy little place with an intimate vibe that’s just right for conversation and making memories. As soon as I walked in, I loved the warm lighting and laid-back decor. It really feels like the perfect place to escape the city's hustle and bustle. The wine list is seriously amazing! They have a great selection of local and international wines, so whether you're a wine expert or a casual sipper, you'll find something you love. The staff there is super friendly and knowledgeable, so they can help you pick the perfect wine to match your taste. And don’t skip the snack menu! They’ve got a bunch of delicious bites that go great with the wine. Sharing a few snacks while sipping wine makes it that much more fun. If you want a cozy atmosphere, great wine, and tasty snacks, this is definitely the place to be! ”
“ A hidden gem! This wine bar has a low-key, unassuming atmosphere that makes it the perfect spot to share a glass of wine and actually have a conversation. They have a solid wine selection and good variety without it being overwhelming. The bartender, Dmitrii, was incredibly attentive and friendly, adding to the overall relaxed and welcoming vibe. Highly recommend for a cozy night out! ”
“ Great local wine bar. Charcuterie board is amazing and plenty of great wines to enjoy! They also have a bunch of outlets of you need to charge a device. ”
“ Great for a date night! We love to go for a glass of wine after dinner nearby. FYI you have to order at the bar, but the staff is very friendly and attentive. Can definitely get crowded but usually you can squeeze in somewhere! I’ve never had a problem trying to get a spot. ”
“ good wine and v nice chill vibes. service was great. cool posters/decorations on the walls making in feel homey. we got a bottle of white and it was perfect and reasonable. we went on a friday and it was pretty busy but offered a bit of calm. always playing some film in the background which gives it a unique touch. only qualm is that the cheese board was okay. not standout. ”
“ One of my favorite wine bars in the city! So cozy and warm inside with friendly, attentive service a varied, delicious menu. I love the descriptions of each wine - they've never steered me wrong. The food menu also looks so yummy although I haven't tried it yet. Such a great date spot (went here on an early date with my boyfriend, fond memories!) and I also love to come by myself to read at the bar with a nice glass. Lovely spot to catch up with friends as well, I often see groups here. Highly recommend! ”