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33 Wine Shop & Tasting Bar
- Nearest Transit:
-
Park Ave @ Vail Pl (80)
Park Ave @ Mississippi Ave (80)
Park Ave @ Benton Pl (80)
- Hours:
Tue-Sat 3:30 pm - 1 am
- Parking:
- Street
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Music:
- Background
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Hipster, Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
Chrissie C. said: "I have been here before for work meetings, but never for a nice evening and dinner! Man, what a great place for a wine lover! Their wine selection was big enough for me to find just want I was looking for, but not too large to the…" read more »
40 reviews for 33 Wine Shop & Tasting Bar
Review Highlights
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"The wine and beer list is extensive." In 4 reviews -
"...it's right next door to Bailey's chocolate bar, which has a..." In 4 reviews -
"I need to try one of their cheese plates." In 4 reviews
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40 reviews in English
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Review from Scott J.
Oswego, IL
3/27/2012
Awesome ambiance! Awesome selection. Had a coffee stout that blew my mind.
Almost walked past the place, signage is lacking but this just adds to the mystique.
Don't pass a chance to visit this joint. -
Review from Kate W.
Clayton, Saint Louis, MO
3/1/2012
I went to this place a couple of weeks ago after instating a new plan to try a new bar every Thursday night. While this was the third bar and everyone we had been to up to this point had been superlative, this one blew them all out of the water!
First, the decor. The door outside is unmarked, but once you get inside the front bar portion is clean and lovely, and there are glass balls hovering over your head, making us all feel as if we were underwater or inside a champagne glass before we had even begun drinking.
The man who helped us with everything, who I believe was Jeff based on his hat, was totally able to deal with a group of six only just barely grown up college students out to try something new. He led us all to just the right beer or wine for what we wanted, despite quite vague assistance on our part. Everyone ended up being ecstatic with what they got, whether it was wine, beer, or bourbon.
We also managed to convince ourselves that cheese was absolutely necessary for our enjoyment of the evening, and the menu's causally funny but still deeply helpful commentary on the large variety of cheese helped us narrow it down to two choices that were the proverbial frosting on our cake of an evening. Seriously, it was delicious.
So, in closing, this place is amazing, I would recommend it for anyone and everyone, and I will definitely be back here soon to try yet more of their extensive beer and wine list. Oh. And more cheese.Listed in: Moderate Drinking Thursdays
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Review from Douglas S.
MO
11/29/2011
This is a great place for beer, with 150 available. The staff comes by your table and chats with you. Within a few sentences they can figure out what you will like.
They started us with some draft Pauwel Kwak from Buggenhout, Belgium. Then we got to drink a bottle of Firestone Walker XV, a beer so in demand that we were limited to one bottle...
A fine experience for a fan of beer. -
Review from Jessie G.
New York, NY
5/21/2012
Really nice wine spot with a great selection, nice space and friendly staff. Great selection of beers as well too, not much really else to say. They are great at suggesting wines based on your tastes and also feels nice and quiet for a date or meeting with friends.
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Review from Chrissie C.
Saint Louis, MO
11/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
I have been to this location many times - and I have always enjoyed myself!
They have a great selection of wines, more by the bottle then anything if you ask me. And I personally enjoy trying numerous wines throughout the evening - so I make sure to bring a friend with me so we can share bottles through the night :)
The space can sometimes get a little packed, but the side room helps a lot with that issue.
Now they do serve a fair amount of Imported Beers - which is always nice for us since a lot of the men always want beer over wine.
I think this quaint wine bar is the perfect location for a small group of friends to get together, catch up and enjoy some vino! -
Review from Stephen H.
Overland Park, KS
Updated - 8/12/2011 2 photos
Hosted my going-away party here last night. I managed to pick a horrible night, as many of my friends had previous commitments, but the few and proud who were able to make it were treated to excellent service, as usual, and great wine.
I'm hoping that Jeff, the owner, makes good on his aspirations to maybe open a sister shop in Kansas City. New chapters and new stories to be written there.
PS Aristotle once said that the more he learned, the more he realized how little he knew. If you're sitting by the bar, look up and see if you can solve any of the quotation or trivia that's posted. It's humbling...even for a smarty pants like me :-)Listed in: 80 Places to Enjoy in St Louis…, Lafayette Square, StL Small Plates and Drinks
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/15/2011
Had a chance to meet Jeff, the owner, when I made it for my long-overdue visit to 33.
I absolutely… Read more »
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Review from Timothy G.
Saint Louis, MO
6/11/2011
After the beautiful wife and I made a token appearance at the Elite event at Brio (I wilted like a flower, what can I say?), we hit 33 with Steven and Brad.
The interior is really, really dark. They have some blackboard with beer specials on it, and even be at the table closest to it, there's no way I'd be able to read it. Perhaps they should use Crayola Glow Chalk?
On a more important note was the actual menu they give you -- any place that gives you a alcohol menu that has the thickness of a small book, you're doing something right.
I deferred to others on what to get, but all the selections we had were fantastic. Not only that, but the fellow serving us provided some additional tasting notes as he poured. Very nice touch.
As the evening became slightly less hot, we sat outdoors -- they have a mammoth patio out back. I don't know how many people they can legally have out there, but it has to be a ton. Smoking is allowed, so just be warned.
The only negative thing I can say is that there's no signage. You just have to know the address and what door to enter. That's a little odd, but I guess that's part of its "vibe."
Without a doubt, this is a return-worthy place. -
Review from Pamela R.
1/3/2012 1 Check-in Here
Any place with the word "wine" in its name means I am intrigued. 33 Wine Bar does not disappoint with its selection of wines and the knowledge of its staff regarding all things grape. The interior space is intimate a.k.a. small but doesn't feel crowded or uncomfortable. I don't go to here as often as I would like but if you are in the Lafayette Square neighborhood, do yourself a favor and stop in for a spot of vino and some nice Kakoa chocolate or cheese plate. You can thank me later.
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Review from Mallory W.
O'Fallon, MO
8/12/2011 1 Check-in Here
My evening began walking like a lost tourist... up and down Park Avenue. Unknowingly, I parked right in front of 33 Wine Shop & Tasting Bar. I was aware of the lack of signage, and that the bar was next door to one of my favorite romantic spots (Bailey's Chocolate Bar), but still, I walked around. If I'm being honest, I knew that Bailey's located at #1915, but I was still walking around looking for #33. This was not one of my brightest moments.
Finally I stopped outside of Park Avenue Coffee and inquired with two women about the whereabouts of the wine shop. After a bit of back-and-forth, they told me that I needed to head back toward the white and blue trimmed storefront, and if I looked in the window, it was clearly a bar. They were right.
I walked in to the small, but homey bar, and took a seat at one of the high-top tables to wait for my indulging companion. The wooden floors added to the ambiance, and through the backdoor, I could see the adorably picturesque patio. I have heard that smoking is allowed on the patio, which turned me off to sitting out there. My only complaint is that the stools were a bit uncomfortable for a "shorty" like me to sit with my feet on the foot bars. I realize that this is my problem, and for all folks of normal height and proportion, this is a non-issue. It is my curse to be a little one.
I took a look at the extensive list of wine and beer offerings while I waited, and noticed the ornamental glass balls that were daintily suspended from the ceiling with clear stings. I felt like I might have been hanging out in a romantic glass of champagne full of bubbles.
The owner, Jeff, who is apparently (according to the literature included at the front of the menu) always adorned by a "special" cap, checked-in with me several times, and seemed eager to assist with my wine selection.
My friend arrived, and like a gentleman, he asked me whether I preferred white or red wines. After I said white, he of course followed up by asking if I liked sweet or dry. Being the typical female, I said sweet, but that I enjoy whites that aren't overly sweet as well. He chose a Gewurztraminer, though I am now unsure about whether we had the Adler Fels, Cartagena "Lo Abarca" or the Lumos "Tempreance Hill". Either way, Jeff recommended the one we chose, and it was perfect for the beginning of our night. I hadn't eaten, so we ordered the Fromager d'Affinois and the water crackers. What a spectacularly delicious choice. The cheese was creamy and a perfect match to our wine.
Later, after other friends joined us and added to our evening, I suggested that we order the Saracco, Moscato d'Asti, since I'd read a glowing review of it. It was a great choice if I do say so myself. It was sweet, but not sickeningly so. It was a nice end to an even better evening than I have had in a long time.
I met some really interesting and friendly people, and got to check-out a wonderful little wine bar in one of my favorite St. Louis neighborhoods. We had some intriguing conversations, a few laughs, a bit of flirtation, and some wonderful wines.
... and then he kissed me.
Happy DiningListed in: Why So Winey
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Review from Becca L.
4/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
I always walk past 33 when I walk the dog and had only been there one time so I decided one evening to go back in so I can give it a good, honest review but also because:
1) It was a REALLY long day at work that only wine can cure
2) It's within walking distance of the apartment.
I am so glad I went in. It was the first really nice weather day in spring and they had just opened the patio. Since it was a Wednesday evening it was not crowded and my boyfriend and I were the only ones on the patio which made it a nice, relaxing experience. Everything we tasted that evening was delicious ( I had a shiraz that blew me away) and it was nice that the bartenders were so knowledgable when it came to the wine and beer that was available.I highly recommend getting one of their cheese plates with your wine, they do not dissapoint! -
Review from Michael C.
Chicago, IL
8/1/2011
This place is incredible.
Far and away the most unique selection of craft brews in or around StL. You'll find beers on the menu that even total hop heads aren't familiar with... and they all arrive to your table perfectly. The lines are impeccably maintained for the draft beer, and the bottled beer is kept in a cool cellar. (Take note, Scottish Arms, if a beer doesn't have a label that turns blue, it shouldn't be kept below 40 degrees.)
The wine list is impressive, but I go for the beer for sure. The guys that work there are impressively knowledgeable, but more importantly very polite and patient with customers. After all, the menu can be overwhelming!
Top notch, can't miss for wine and world class beer. -
Review from Abby S.
Updated - 11/8/2010 5 Check-ins Here
Just wanted to set the record straight on a few things:
1) This bar, including the staff, is anything but pretentious. Jeff has had some pretty nasty comments thrown his way due to a Yelp "quick tip" made over a month ago. And a subsequent newspaper article that misrepresents him and his bar. He takes his work seriously, but still manages to be a real and humble person.
2) If you haven't been to 33, go here and see for yourself. No, they don't serve Budweiser. Get over it (myself included). Try some wine or one of their many craft beers available. They even offer Schlafly products if you don't want to venture too far outside the box.
3) Since the "33 Incident", I've been back to 33 and have been treated no different than any other customer. And that's a good thing since everyone here, even the drunk people who vomit on the sidewalk outside the bar or are too drunk to drive themselves home, is treated like family. And I will continue to go back when the mood strikes.
4) Jeff and I have had several conversations about the "33 Incident" and we thought the whole situation was kind of funny. After the awkwardness subsided, of course. Again, he takes his work seriously and will gladly talk to anyone about their misgivings regarding 33 or the staff within. He'll also give it to you straight up, so if you can't take it, get out of the bar.
5) Sadly, no one paid me/bribed me to update this review. My poor little liver couldn't handle such compensation in wine or other boozy products :)
6) Social media blunders can help build relationships just as quickly it can break them. How you handle yourself in these situations is key.
7) Those Post-Dispatch comments are like, woah! And they think yelpers are crazy? Really?
'Nuff said. Anyone who wants to continue a dialogue about this is welcome to meet me and Jeff up at 33 for an open and honest discussion over some delicious wine (not a Budweiser).Listed in: Pure Perfection, Where I'd like to go on a…, Return Visits, Late Night Hangouts, 5-star Service
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/10/2010
33 is the sleeper candidate of Lafayette Square - people go to the area with the intention of… Read more »
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Review from Megan A.
12/26/2010
Let me preface this by stating that I am not a drinker. At all. Let me also state that I grew up in St. Louis where people indulge in Schlafly and Budweiser. There's nothing wrong with that in my opinion. I'm not a beer snob. But honestly, I've never had a beer that didn't make me wince.
So when I walked into this place, around midnight or so, I knew that I wanted a glass of Moscato. If you want to get me drunk, this is the only way to go, because I can't knock back more than a few sips of anything else. Or so I thought.
Two of the owners were around (otherwise it was a ghost town so late on a Wednesday night), and after a lengthy and fancy conversation of beers, started by my wordy friend, I ended up with a half bottle of Saracco Moscato D'Asti, and after a sample, he ended up with a type of Belgian beer...a sour red ale. He wanted me to try it, and I was beyond skeptical, considering I have NEVER liked a beer IN MY ENTIRE LIFE. But I was feeling adventurous, so I half held my breath, half held my nose, and took it down.
Decemeber 22, 2010 marks a momentous occasion in my life, The first time I have EVER liked a beer! I was thrilled...beyond thrilled. And I made sure that the entire bar knew it too...all 5 people. Ha. The owners were good sports, super down to earth, recommended more beers that I may possibly like, talked to us for a long period of time about restaurants and alcohol and everything else, and kept the bar open for us.
I wouldn't want to go when it is busy, and I wish that they sold moscato by the glass (I'm little after all), but besides that, this place gets 5 stars from me for the atmosphere, the delish wine, and the service. And who knows...maybe next time, I can add delish beer to that list too! -
Review from Aimee K.
12/20/2010 3 Check-ins Here
2G. It stands for 2 Glasses. Thanks to 33, this is the nickname a friend of mine has given me for life. I don't know what it is, because typically I can handle 2 nice sized glasses of wine with no problem, but every time I go to 33 Wine Bar I turn into a total lightweight. It's so embarrassing.
I have NEVER had a glass/half bottle/full bottle/whatever of wine here that I didn't love. Last week I enjoyed a spicy, rich cab blend, and it definitely warmed me up in this frigid weather. The wine list is a nice size and the staff is beyond knowledgeable. I need to try one of their cheese plates... I always look but haven't gone for it.
33 is the perfect spot to cozy up with a friend and a glass of wine. -
Review from Jeff S.
St Louis, MO
8/3/2011
I've been going to 33 for years. This is a wine-drinker's wine bar (not a watered down experience like Robust, the latter of which which is actually closer to my home); however, novices will also feel quite welcome.
The wine list is expansive and thoughtfully selected by owner Jeff Stettner, who brings character to the space and the experience; he has continued the tradition of excellent service started by original owner, Jake Hafner.
You'll get a slightly different vibe at 33 depending on when you visit. I generally like to go after work, or mid-afternoon on a Saturday (they open at 3:30pm) to catch up with friends over a bottle of wine (and perhaps a beer or two from the fantastic beer list). At those times, it's most often a pretty chill atmosphere, where we can talk without having to yell. As the evening wears on, the crowd (and energy) definitely ramp up, and there's always a nice selection of music on in the background (blues, alt-rock, etc.). Service is always friendly and informative and there's a nice selection of cheese, crackers, and light snack fare for those who'd like a bite.
The ambiance at 33 is low key, with several seating options: the main bar room, with local original artwork on the walls and glass "bubbles" decoratively hanging from the ceiling; the quieter back room, with (different) original artwork and a leather couch/chairs; and a great outdoor patio with lots of exposed brick (think Soulard townhouse patio).
Having moved to STL over 8 years ago, this place was a life-saver for me. It replicates an urban/local neighborhood joint that is hard to describe, let alone duplicate, but that I've always enjoyed in larger cities such as Chicago, NY, or San Fran.
One of my favorites! -
Review from Natalie W.
Gainesville, FL
11/17/2010 1 Check-in Here
Awesome wine ... awesome cheese (St Andre -- seriously the best cheese ever -- i took some home ... who does that .. buys cheese at a wine shop to take home) .... and awesome atmosphere !!
Had an amazing time with a group of friends and drank some kick arse wine !! Have never had a bad bottle !!!
Go to drink ... go to buy wine for your home consumption ... or buy some cheese to take home after snarfing down a giant vat of it !!
oh and ps .... their crackers are seriously the BEST crackers I have ever had ... totally worth the $4 !! I might have to upgrade my stars next time cuz of the crackers ... and I almost forgot to include them. -
Review from Amy D.
12/28/2010
I've been here twice. The first time was for a private party, and I had an amazing experience. I'm not a wine drinker at all, but I am a beer snob. I went to the bar, told the bar tender that I like wheat beers (Hefeweizen or Weissbier, Belgian Whites, whatever) and asked for a recommendation on a beer. I can't remember what he gave me, but it was good. He was totally helpful and knowledgeable. I thought that in a wine bar, people might turn their noses up at a beer girl. But I could see this guy liked his beer, too. I tried maybe 4 or 5 different beers that night and liked them all. We also had platters of meats and cheese, which were good. And it was smoke free in the city, which I loved. I really loved this place the first time I went--totally a 5-star experience.
The second time was a little different. My group sat in the side room, and a waiter came at first and took our orders on the first few rounds, but then he stopped coming. We had to go to the bar to order and get our checks. I am totally fine with having to go to the bar. I don't need to be waited on in a bar, but we were all a little confused about what to do because we had been getting drinks from the waiter and we didn't know if it would be rude to then start ordering at the bar. And the bartender just seemed less friendly that night. That was a 3-star experience because I still love the environment and beer selection but the service was not the best. But I'll be going back sometime, because I'm hoping that it was just a bad night. -
Review from Kelly B.
Saint Louis, MO
7/2/2008
33 is a charming little wine bar located in a boutique style row of shops and eateries in the beautifully historic Lafayette Square. I've been there a few times for the wine. The owner and staff are very knowledgeable, and the atmosphere is warm and friendly.
The last time I was there I wasn't in the mood for wine and on the waiters recommendation I had one of the Belgian import beers instead. I had forgotten how strong Belgian beer can be and practically had that sweet waiter on my lap before I finished bottle number 2. Bad Kelly!
If you're looking for a nice place to enjoy good wine and conversation, a nice selection of import beers and perhaps a cute waiter on your lap, I highly recommend 33. -
Review from Jason S.
6/2/2010
Wine, check. Beer, check. Little bites of food, check. Sign, uncheck. If you can find 33 Wine Bar, you'll love it. (hint, it's right next door to Bailey's chocolate bar, which has a sign!) From what was once a tiny little shop with a great patio out back, they've expanded and added more seating and more space. The guys do an awesome job bringing in beers that no one else in town gets, and even seasoned beer geeks will find something to enjoy.
Yays:
- Stellar beer list of bottles and draft that always includes some rare and great beers.
- The wine list is unparalleled, and sold both in house and to go (lower prices to go)
- Lots of sausages, cheese, and other little tidbits to tide you over while getting drinks.
- The guys will be glad to explain anything to you and be exceptionally friendly.
- The patio out back is huge. Sneak down the left side of the restaurant and emerge into a great place to have a drink and see the neighborhood from the rear.
- You will see EricSTL6 from twitter if you go. I think he's permanently attached to a seat at the bar. Plus he's cool.
- Great whiskey selection.
Nays:
- It's loud. Brick walls and no soundproofing stuff, so if it's busy, be prepared to yell.
- Not open on Mondays. I know, it's a local business and these guys deserve lives, but it always seems like I want to go there and realize it's Monday. -
Review from Lindsay W.
Saint Louis, MO
1/22/2009
As everyone else has noted this well hidden hide out is a great place to grab a bottle of wine with a friend or two. People were not exaggerating this itsy-bitsy place seats less than 50, including the bar. Which can make seating more than 4 a challenge.
The wine and beer list is extensive. The wait staff was outstanding. All in all it was a great little place. I will for sure go back.
Why four stars and not five? They only serve bottles, you cannot buy single glasses of wine. And their cheese plates are over priced. You have to pay $4 for crackers. I have never heard of such a thing. I wonder since I have to buy crackers in addition to my cheese, can I just bring my own?
My advice, go to 33 after you have had dinner, share a bottle of wine and at about 12:30 am go next door to the Chocolate Bar and get an enormous $9 cheese plate, crackers included or a tasty dessert! -
Review from Scott S.
Madison, WI
3/12/2008
From Wine to Beer Jake knows his stuff! I love this place great to hang out talk with friends. The Staff is always helpful. It's a wine bar that removes the pretentiousness.
"Belgian Beers taste so good when they touch the lips!"
I wish I could keep this a secret, but it's too good, I have to share. -
Review from Tor B.
Saint Louis, MO
6/13/2008
33 felt more like 66. It was twice as good as I expected.
My friend told me about this place last week, so I tried it for the first time tonight. I liked it - Holl-la!
I am a big wine fan, so finding a good wine bar in St. Louis (I moved here in 3/2008) is a great thing.
The wine list is extensive, with a great representation of the world wine varietals. If you're hungry, the snacks are just right - Salami and Cheese, need anything else?
Enjoy 33. -
Review from Kyle K.
4/12/2010
I can't believe it took me so long to write up a review for 33 but here goes...
If you are looking to get a drink in a layed back atmosphere, this is the place to go-period. The storefront doesn't even have a sign and seems quite unassuming in its location next to the Chocolate Bar. The inside is somewhat plain as well with a smallish bar and not too many tables/couches but that's ok.
33 has an extensive wine (glass and bottle) and beer (draft and bottle) list with many wonderful selections. There are several wines not on the list as well if you talk to the right person. While most restaurants/bars charge major markup on wine, 33 is pretty modest with most being $10-20 over retail. 33 is also a wine store and you can get a bottle to go at regular retail price. Several liquors are also featured. In addition to drinks, there is a limited menu of snacks, sausage etc which go well with late night drinks.
Servicewise, 33 is pretty good. The owner is usually around and very knowledgeable if you need advice. The bartender and servers are also very helpful. At times, service can be a bit slowish due to the small staff/occasional large crowd but I don't really mind that much as its the only negative thing I can think of.
So the next time you want to have some drinks but don't wanna go to the standard places (Irish, Sports, hipster, dive bars, clubs, etc) then check out 33. -
Review from Courtney S.
St Louis, MO
11/12/2010
I like to pretend I know a lot more about wine than I do, but 33 takes most of the guesswork out of it.
They have a great selection of wine and beer (the menu is a book!) and an (actually) knowledgeable staff that will not only help you find your favorite wine but obviously love doing so. -
Review from Andrea S.
Seattle, WA
2/7/2010
After grabbing dinner, some friends and I headed over to 33 Wine Bar to check it out (I'd never been there before). We grabbed the couches in the back room and were immediately given menus. The waiter took our order and brought our drinks and that's where the service ended for us. The waiter didn't come back to check on us (or bring us the check) during the remaining 90 minutes that we were there. We had to go up to the bar to order any other drinks and to even get our check.
I like the fact that there are nice wines by the glass and a good, interesting beer selection but that didn't make up for the poor service we had.
I am definitely going to give 33 Wine Bar another shot but next time I think I'm going to sit at the bar and perhaps try one of their charcuterie plates. I really want to like this place. -
Review from Jennifer B.
Grover, MO
5/31/2008 1 photo
Whether you know your wines or are a newbie, you are going to love 33 Wine! This is a great place to go to relax with some friends and try some wine. The staff is nearly brimming with excitement to tell you all about their selections, and seem to get true satisfaction from making recommendations that patrons enjoy.
I like to get a little dressy with my girlfriends and go for cat sessions! I always just eat the bread, but they really like the cheese. It's a fun place to go, get a little tipsy and laugh hysterically. No one seems to mind anyone else, and I've always felt welcome. -
Review from crystal r.
Saint Louis, MO
4/16/2008
We love coming here to chill and try out some new wines.
We are wine newbies and need a lot of help so the staff here fills that need nicely...esp if it's slow.
The menu is also great....very funny and educational.
They do have nice cheeses and such, but we mostly come for the wine and a chance to unwind.
So nice to have found this place! -
Review from Courtney P.
St Louis, MO
4/15/2011
I love wine, I love cheese, and I really, really love atmosphere. What can I say? I am a sucker for a cool place to sit and have a bottle of wine...or four...with friends and eat some cheese along the way, while fun music plays and the doors stay open, and happy people come and go.
However, a good wine and cheese selection typically speaks for itself and raises the question: does good taste make for a five start experience? Perhaps. Unless you're a mid-range wine drinker who looks for, oh, fifty dollars a bottle and isn't quite sure what she's the in the mood for--all the qualities that would make a quotidian bartender very uninterested.
Not at 33. Every experience I have ever had here has literally made my day as far as service expectations go. Every time I think I may be neglected--slightly tipsy and indecisive; alone with a computer and a cheese plate I literally ate by myself with my laptop out like a dork -- nothing keeps these gentleman from providing a genuine service experience. They are consistently, openly suggestive, asking insightful questions about your preferences and assisting you to decide on exactly what you are looking for. Always patient and always helpful, always genuine and always striking in their presence, this is service as I wish I could have at any given restaurant. To boot, their sense of self-awareness, their humor, and their sincere goofiness (see: crossword puzzle, map quiz, etc. on the chalkboard above the bar) make you feel as if you are back to see old friends any time you stop in, and don't dare feel intimidated. These are not snobbish wino's!
Please visit 33 not only for the atmosphere, the vast selection, and the experience of drinking wine and eating cheese at a place deliberately intended for such activity--but also to support a group of people who care about what they do as an establishment and to support a business representative of the best of Saint Louis. I will be returning again and again and I hope you will be with me. -
Review from Dan T.
Pebble Beach, CA
What a great hangout! Super friendly owners and staff, great beer and wine list! You won't see a cheesy, trying to be cool sign outside. Because this place is so hip word of mouth is all they need. No TVs. My kind of place!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/22/2011
Just had their "Dorm Room Dinner". Great time and delicious dinner. The Gruner Veltliner was awesome… Read more »
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Review from Jaffa A.
Saint Louis, MO
8/27/2008
33 is a great little wine bar. The inside is cozy and there's a nice patio in the back. Unfortunately, if it's busy, it can get crowded quickly and the neighboring bar is Bailey's Chocolate Bar (keep that in mind for when you're trying to find this little barely marked bar), and their clientele can get a little loud, when there's say, multiple bachelorette parties going on at once.
33 is unpretentious, which is good for me considering that, even though I love wine, I'm not so schooled on the subject. They also have a fantastic beer selection. The prices are decent on both. You can also grab some beer or wine to go. -
Review from Adam R.
Saint Louis, MO
8/8/2010
Great wine and beer selection, but I took issue with the cheese plate. I had the cheese of the day plate. Two of the cheeses were basically the same (and somewhat bland). The third (a blue), was pretty good. I feel like a great cheese plate has a diversity of textures and flavors (mild to stinky), along with appropriate accompaniments like a few olives, chutneys, nuts, or honey, that bring out the flavors of the cheese.
Nice patio but the inside is kept freezing in the summer months. ~ 5 degrees warmer would be perfect. -
Review from Jenn W.
Saint Louis, MO
1/31/2010
A wonderful wine bar in Lafayette Square - it's an added bonus that I can walk there from home!
It's small, I'm guesing there's seating for less than 50 people, so I don't know that I'd recommend going there in a large group. The staff is wonderful and exteremly knowledgable, without being pretentious. In addition to a fabulous wine list, you'll be impressed by the wide range of beers offered.
The one downside to 33 is that I feel like their cheese plates are over priced. I'd recommend heading there after dinner, or even for a pre-dinner drink. -
Review from Brent J.
Saint Louis, MO
3/1/2009 1 Check-in Here
Great bar to hang out and have some quality drinks. The people that run the place know their stuff. It can get crowded some weekends, making it difficult or impossible to find a seat. If you're lucky you can get a seat at the bar on a quiet evening and pick the bartender's brains about the products they pour there. It's always educational.
If you need to take some wine to go for a meal or event, just ask for recommendations from the staff. They've never steered us wrong. -
Review from Shane W.
Groveland, IL
1/17/2011 1 Check-in Here
Great wine bar with a well thought out list. As a restaurant owner myself, it was refreshing to see a list void of the usual suspects. This was my third stop of the day/night where I drank wine, and the ONLY place where the wine was served at proper temperature! Kudos to the owner to know to go the extra mile and do it right. If you appreciate wine, this is the wine bar to visit.
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Review from Michael L.
Creve Coeur, MO
3/29/2010
My favorite place to get a drink in St. Louis. The wine list here is awesome and does a good job hitting all major regions and price points.
I really like that one can shop here as if it is a normal wine store and have the option to open something for a nominal corkage fee ($9). This is one of the few places that properly stores wine and having wine at the right temperature aids in the enjoyment.
The staff is very helpful in answering questions and helping one find the right bottle of wine for any situation. They are very passionate about what they do and it shows.
While I've always stuck with wine, 33 also has a great beer list and they're just as knowledgeable about beer as they are wine.
Decor and atmosphere is fairly bare-boned, but it is a nice relaxing place to cap off a night after dinner or to make it a night of itself. -
Review from Stephanie P.
Portland, OR
8/6/2007
Um, one word: AMAZING! St. Louis should count its blessings for having such a comfortable, sophisticated, and lovely wine bar. The owner--Jake--knows his stuff. Whether you are looking for an inexpensive white to drink on a hot summer day or a cult cab to get you through a long winter night this is the place to pick up your bottle
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Review from Rob C.
11/6/2007
Nice place to chill with friends inside or outside and share a bottle of wine. Staff makes helpful recommendations. Right near chocolate bar.
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Review from Ben D.
St Louis, MO
10/13/2010
Don't let the name fool you, as they have an excellent beer selection as well. Thanks Dylan. See you again soon fellas!!!
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Review from Nowell G.
8/30/2008
Sometimes waiting for a table is a bummer, but inevitable on Friday night outings in Lafayette Square. That's where 33 Wine Shop saves the day.
I walked past a nondescript-looking storefront that was home to several tables and a beautiful-looking bar. However, I didn't catch any sign outside this establishment, but I did walk in hoping that it was an actual business and not a private party venue. It wasn't.
33 is small, but cozy. I wouldn't suggest taking a large group there, since my last visit brought me there for a group outing. That made my experience a little cramped, but they still accommodated about ten people.
Everything else is great about this place. There's a host of wines and obscure (for St. Louis) microbrews to choose from. The bartender was really helpful and offered me a taste of different beverages before I ordered them, along with a detailed description of each drink. That kind of service is rare in the city.
Drinks might have been a little pricey for my tastes, but I had a wonderful time catching up with friends and people-watching through their view of the line going into Bailey's Chocolate Bar next door. -
Review from Dan P.
Seattle, WA
5/11/2005
Good selection, nice place. A bit loud, though.
