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Back Wine Bar & Bistro
Categories: Restaurants American (New) Restaurants Seafood Restaurants Tapas/Small Plates American (New), Seafood, Tapas/Small Plates
25075 Blue Ravine RdSte 150
Folsom, CA 95630
(916) 986-9100
Announcement
Live Music on Thursday evenings 6-9pm
Announced one week ago- Hours:
Tue-Sat 3 pm - 10 pm
Sun 5 pm - 9 pm
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Classy
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
- Dogs Allowed:
- Yes
60 reviews for Back Wine Bar & Bistro
Review Highlights
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"...plate was fantastic as was the steak sandwich and ahi poke." In 6 reviews -
"Owner Jeff Back is super knowledgeable about wines." In 11 reviews -
"We had the flat iron steak and the linguine in romesco..." In 3 reviews
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60 reviews in English
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Review from Gerry K.
Sacramento, CA
Updated - 3/21/2012
Unfortunately, I haven't been able to patronize Back Wine for awhile now. Luckily, I recently had occasion to recommend a venue for wining and dining.
This was my first visit since the Bistro section was opened and true to form, they exceeded all expectations. The service was impeccable and accommodating. The food was absolutely divine -- all entrees in our party were flavorful and cooked to perfection. For example, their chicken was an amazingly flavorful dish with a crispy exterior but with an ever so succulent and tender interior. This is a dish for which other restaurants should aspire to.
Having various wine flights available to complement the dining experience is wonderful. Their ever changing wine list (none of my previous favorites were present but they were replaced with a new exciting list to sample and try) remains well received. My only wish is for them to bring back a dessert flight -- that was one of my favorite experiences here.
All told, I'm upgrading Back to my 5-star level -- they have certainly earned it by consistently offering superb wining and dining experiences. It's still a great wine bar but Bistro, in my mind, is where they now truly excel.Listed in: Restaurants - 4+ Star club
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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10/23/2009
I've been back a couple of times since my original review. Perhaps Jeff is so customer oriented that… Read more »
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Review from Nobbi L.
So I was in the mood for a nice evening meal with some nice wine. I've seen this place so many times when going to Mexquite. It was time to check it out.
Here it goes:
The ambiance is pleasant though the lighting contrast with the brightness from outside, the darkness inside, and the floodlights above the tables do create some clashing.
The lone waiter was very nice. He explained the menu well. When I ordered a full glass he had me try the wine first. Excellent service! I believe his name is Sean! Great asset to the business.
Now to the food. I enjoy tapas so I chose 2 small plates. The ahi poke with "sticky rice" was ahi on top of gummy rice. Not sticky rice. It was gummy and saturated with marinade. The ahi was good quality. I asked for chopsticks but the waiter informed me that despite his urging, the owner never bothered to get any. (My paraphrasing, not his.) Then I got beef tenderloin skewers with chimichurri. The skewers were room temperature which is ok with me. But the chimichurri had no acidity whatsoever. Oily and flavorless. The meat was tender.
The wine prices were high for the 3.5 oz half glass and 7 oz full glass as compared to most upper tier local places. The red blend flight, 9 oz total is $19. Getting half glass each (total 10.5 oz) is $19. 50-- better deal. (The amounts are according to the menu and the waiter.)
So all in all, no. With tip, two tapas, 3 full glasses of wine and a very reasonable bottle of sparkling water ($3.75) = $98 -
Review from Jesse P.
Folsom, CA
1/19/2012
Five stars is only half what this place deserves! The quality of food is that if a much more expensive place downtown.
We were a party of four and shared crab cakes, almond shrimp and ahi for appetizers. Simply amazing. The crab cakes are actually light since they are not fried. And the ahi...just breath-taking.
For our entree I had the flat iron steak and seared ahi. Both were delicious! I will definitely be back soon! -
Review from Greg F.
Elk Grove, CA
5/24/2012
Ate here a few months ago. Very cool little place that I wish was closer to my house. Delicious small plates. We had several very tasty treats. Very good wines. All in all, a nice find in Folsom.
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Review from Dan S.
Sacramento, CA
3/25/2012
The entire family really enjoyed this place. We arrived during happy hour and stayed for dinner.
Happy hour was really the star. They serve a few small plates and salads. We started with the cheese board, which was tasty and kindly explained by the server, and a delicious "pizza" (seemed a bit more like an oven-cooked flatbread than an authentic pizza, but was delicious).
I am a really big fan of the wine, as it is obvious that they go out of their way to select an eclectic variety. I prefer the "wine bar" model, where you can buy glasses of various sizes and choose to share. The server had excellent suggestions and listened to what we liked and disliked about the different selections we chose.
Dinner was good, but I wish they had a larger menu. I suppose that it is good to do a few things well than to have a menu that is too large and things like meat and fish are not fresh. My dad was not very happy about his steak as it was a skinny flat iron steak, so a little tough and dry for his taste. Everyone else was satisfied.
To top it all off, this place is incredibly affordable. I hesitate to use the word "cheap" as I don't want the connotation to be negative, but DAMN this place is cheap. Surprisingly so.
Will definitely be back next time we are looking for a place to eat in Folsom. -
Review from Monika C.
12/30/2011
What a great find! A cute, trendy wine bar in a stripmall with good wine, good food, and good service? Score!
I came here with my cousin for drinks and appetizers and this place was perfect! Its really cute inside, had great service, a nice selection of wine, and the assortment of appetizers were perfect for sharing or having alone.
It wasn't cheap (although it didn't break the bank) but it was worth it. Good food and service usually is. -
Review from Kathie M.
Rocklin, CA
2/11/2012
Just came from dinner and couldn't wait to write this. I love this restaurant!!! Went with good friends and we all were blown away by everything we tried. We shared the bruschetta - (delicious!), each had salads and entrees and then shared dessert. Our waiter called our dessert choice (pots de creme) a little "pot of heaven". He was so right.
Try the gnocchi with short ribs, you won't be sorry. I can't wait to go back to try more of the menu, I have a feeling that everything is amazing. -
Review from Glory M.
San Francisco, CA
12/22/2011 4 photos
1 - great service
2- great selection of wines
3 - very reasonable prices considering the quality of the food, ambiance and wine list.
4 - delicious food
I have nothing bad to say about Back Wine Bar & Bistro. The prices are very reasonable for the type, quality and amount of food. The restaurant inside is lovely and the outdoor seating is great too. The meal tonight between my guests and I consisted of an artichoke mini pizza, the salmon and the flat iron steak with risotto. The food was perfect and my glass of house wine was great, too. The house wine tonight was a chardonnay.
Anyway, 5 stars for Back Bistro because they're less than 3 minutes from my house, have amazing food, great wine, and great service. They're so not pretentious here and deserve all their success. I highly recommend you go to Back Wine Bar & Bistro - you won't be sorry! -
Review from Lex G.
Granite Bay, CA
10/26/2011
Flat out 100% no ifs ands or buts the BEST wine bar in Sacramento Metro area. Jeff Back has a wonderful palate and we are the better for it. His wine selection is robust, interesting and best of all affordable. Something very cool is that they have half glasses at 1/2 the price of a full glass. You don't see that too many places. Most wine bars, if they even have a half pour, charge you about 60% of the price of full glass. Also, on the wine menu they show you not only the restaurant price for the bottle but the retail price in the store. Not sure if that flies with everyone out there, but I like it. I understand they've got to make a profit and there is something refreshingly honest about price transparency these days.
Food is very good. I've only had a few items but all were fresh, well constructed and matched perfectly with the wine they recommended.
Now go getsum! -
Review from Mindy Y.
10/5/2011 2 photos
OCCASION: I took my date to this place.
LOCATION: coming from Davis, I would have to say ... yes, it was a long drive... felt like it was never going to end. But, at the end it was all worth it! Back Wine Bar and Bistro is located in a center, you'll will definitely find it, especially with the huge red sign. Lots or parking space!
SERVICE: my server, was amazing! (5 stars)
WINE: we had the local red flight that came with four tastings. From memory, two out the four was good. But, I wasn't satisfy, so my server came back with more tastings until I was extremely satisfied! At the end, I had two more glasses... and called it a night. (4 stars for wine and service)
FOOD: (4 stars)
1) The server recommended the house special, a locally farm chicken soaked in duck fat, spinach, and roasted potatoes. OMG to the chicken! It's the BEST chicken ever! Juicy, tender, and flavourful. I will definitely come back and specifically for this dish. (5 star for the chicken!)
2) My date had some tuna steak with a mango, corn salad on the side. I wasn't too impressed by it. The tuna was WAY to over cooked. It should have been light seared instead of being "cooked." - a 1 star for the tuna because I had better. However, the mango, corn salad - I have say DELICIOUS! and rather different... a good change.
* Note: portions are "small," but it's enough and perfect for its portion!
**OVERALL: sip and dine in a romantic darkness with candles flickering... definitely, a great place for a date. -
Review from Jennifer W.
Rocklin, CA
WOW (wine on Wednesday), a weekly tradition I have with my girls, was at Back wine bar this week.... and there was definitely a lot of wine involved!
The bar/restaurant has a good flow. One side of the restaurant has a casual vibe; an open bar area, cozy couches and an outdoor patio. The other side of the restaurant is more sit down dinner style; there is even a small area in the back that can be closed off for private parties.
The service was fantastic. Everyone was so friendly. The owner took the time to come over and chat. After helping me choose a glass of wine he brought the bottle over to show me exactly what it was.
The food was amazing! We ordered a few appetizers to split. Wednesdays are 25% off appetizers (and $5 off wine flights). The apple blue cheese salad is so yummy. I have never had blue cheese that was so soft. We also ordered two of the mini pizzas and LOVED them both.
The wine list is unique. I love finding a place where I can try new wines and they definitely have a good variety. Only complaint: Their wine in a bit on the pricey side.
Overall, a great experience! -
Review from Tony G.
8/17/2011 2 Check-ins Here
This "off in a corner, yet very cool" place has really grabbed me. I first went there for a Folsom Tweetup some time ago. I loved it then, but it faded from my "mind space." I was recently invited back by a colleague and rediscovered the magic. It's for GOOD this time! I've been back twice in the last few days an love it, Great, staff, great food, cool bartender, and amazing people all around. I never fail to meet someone interesting and make a new friend.
If you're looking for place to hang out with a great clientele, nice patio, and intimate setting, this set is for you...
Get here!! -
Review from Victor S.
Sacramento, CA
7/27/2011
Fantastic dining experience. Food was superb, atmosphere classy, wine terrific, service top notch. DO NOT assume the portion sizes are too small, because if you order appetizer and entree you will definitely be satisfied. This was also special about this restaurant, the portions allow you to enjoy the food because it looks and tastes amazing. Also, you won't feel guilty or overstuffed after eating here, it's just right.
For entree I had the Flat Iron Steak, definitely that "wow" factor there, the risotto was delicious.
Highly recommended. -
Review from Melisa E.
Orangevale, CA
7/11/2011
Went here for the first time on a Saturday night, it wasn't crowded, which I'm afraid to say - I don't think its going to stay like that.
Service: Attentive but not intrusive, friendly and knowledgable, Jeff the owner was present, which I always find as a major + when going to a restaurant.
Food; Had the ahi and bf had the filet. The ahi was O M G kind of good and the filet was good too. It was a little small for his taste - we left feeling full but not stuffed which I think is a good thing, he on the other had would have preferred a choice of a bigger filet.
Dessert: another O M G, we had the pot ala creme or something.. yum! Rich, so sharing was good.
Wine: I had the champagne flight, and bf had the cab flight. First two champangnes were great, last one, not so good. BF said all of his cabs were good.
I will note that I read on here some reviews about inconsistent wine pours. I have to say I noticed that too. I don't think they have a "measuring" system for the half glass/full glass/flight size. If it works out in your favor I think "Great!" which it did in ours, but if it doesn't, I could see how a patron would be a little peev'd. But I also think this is the kind of place where you could say something and it would be addressed.
Loved it! Will be back! -
Review from Sean F.
Elk Grove, CA
1/25/2012
Kind of in a weird location but a GREAT find. Great wine selection and food. 5 Stars!
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Review from Brett N.
Rancho Cordova, CA
6/28/2011
Well, I'd give them more than 3 stars but for a "wine bar" the wines were excessively pricey, and they were stingy on the flights and drinks overall. And the wines weren't all that great either. They said 3 ounces, and if they are, they aren't a drop over. And to sell a half-glass, well the glass should come up about half full. Sorry, but when you're stingy with it, it kinda ruins the dinner and mood.
The food on the other hand is REALLY delicious. We went there to try their wine flights, do some random tasting, and enjoy a lingering meal to try their appetizers. WOW, the shrimp were delicious, the ahi poke was fabulous, the skewers even better! And all the sauces appeared homemade, man I forget what they called the red/orange sauce that came with the shrimp, but when the shrimp were gone, we kept the sauce for dipping!
The cheese plate is great, the chocolate plate was rather generous, service was top notch.
The Wednesday night discounts are the way to go. I still managed to drop well over $100 for the 2 of us even with the discount on all the appetizers. Not exactly cheap, and as I said, the wines being presented and served weren't all that great. For a light dinner it was pricey, but again service IS top notch and the food was delicious.
I'll go back there to try their full meals, but I don't think I'll be doing any wine tasting. Probably better off bringing my own stash and paying a corkage. -
Review from Saki W.
Folsom, CA
2/7/2012 1 Check-in Here
First time there and I'll give it another shot as it seems like they have a good thing going. Sommelier didn't really listen to what I wanted, but the wine was good, none the less.
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Review from Darcy R.
6/24/2011
Our first visit and it was delightful!
One taste of the Cantina del Taburno Greco, one glass of Black Goose Chardonnay and one glass of Jules Melange. Pours were great! All the wines we tried were tasty!
One small appetizer - goat cheese and artichoke pizza so scrumptious!
The staff were all so friendly. I especially enjoyed the ambiance very casual and warm. I felt comfortable right away and was really able to relax after a long week!
I can't wait to go back!
Cheers! -
Review from Jennae H.
I had my first-time experience today around 5pm. The food was delicious and the atmosphere was very comfortable. The staff seem pretty knowledgeable when it comes to the variety of wine served there.
I had asked for a wine recommendation and ended up with the Black Goose Chardonnay $5 Half glass; it was delightful. I tried the Mini Pizza $7 (artichoke hearts, roasted tomato sauce, mushrooms, and herb goat cheese) with a side salad, which was pleasant and very flavorful. A family member ordered the Turkey Panini $8 (turkey breast, mozzarella, roasted tomatoes and basil walnut pesto served on grilled sourdoug) with a side salad. She said it was great. For dessert we shared the Triple Pot de Crème $7 (vanilla custard layered with caramel, chocolate ganache and sea salt). Can you say, "Mmm!?" However, next time I'll order it without the sea salt. My taste buds were confused between the overwhelming sweetness and saltiness.
I was a little bummed to login to Yelp and see that Back Wine Bar has Thursday-Saturday (3pm-6pm) specials: Gourmet Mini Pizzas $5, All beer $2 off, All glasses of wine $2 off. I paid FULL price for all my items. Next time I'll check my receipt. =\
Aside from that hiccup, I'll definitely return. -
Review from M A.
El Dorado Hills, CA
Updated - 11/11/2011
Pretty much the best in Folsom and surrounding areas! Great service and we love the staff. Food is amazing!!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/3/2011
Pretty much the best in Folsom and surrounding areas! Great service and we love the staff. Food is… Read more »
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Review from Adam F.
Fair Oaks, CA
7/5/2011
I had an all-around excellent experience with the food here. I went there a couple months back and need to find time to make it back to try their new menu.
The only reason I'm not giving them 5 stars is because they were out of nearly ever wine in the flight I ordered on the night of my visit. If I return and everything goes smoothly on all ends, including wine availability, I will upgrade the star rating on this review.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
I have since revisited the Back Wine Bar and must upgrade their rating on this review from 4 to 5 stars. After a very enjoyable experience with the staff and the owner Jeff, it has certainly proved itself to me. I even decided to return again just to purchase one of their beautiful exhibited paintings as a birthday gift for my girl.
I'm also adding them to my Yelp list of favorite wine-ing locales. -
Review from Sami B.
Calabasas, CA
5/30/2011
I love this place! The people working here are not only really friendly, but they also know what they are talking about when it comes to wine. They have great reccomendations so if you're stuck and can't decide on what to pick, just ask! The food is delicious- my favorite appetizer is the ahi poke, but their bruschetta is delicious too.
They recently did rennovations and expanded and It looks so nice and open now! A little pricey, but nothing too bad and definitly worth it for a nice relaxing night out. -
Review from Kelle C.
Sacramento, CA
11/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
Absolutely AMAZING!! I work in catering now, have worked in restaurants most of my life and dine out frequently... This is hands down one of the best in the area!! I shared the bruschetta (4 types on one plate), the apple blue cheese salad, the salmon, the flat iron steak (MR) and the bananas foster. Every bite was outstanding. All of the flavor components in each dish were well executed and each complimented the next. Overall each dish was well balanced, where you could taste all of the ingredients used. Excellent and moderately priced. Extensive wine list, with the option to purchase wine at a below retail price point. I would recommend to anyone that this is a must try restaurant. Don't be skeptical about the strip mall location. This restaurant deserves to be in downtown Sac next to any of the other high end, over priced, trendy restaurants. If you are a foodie, you have to try it.
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Review from D. B.
Sacramento, CA
11/9/2011
Pricey but good. Solid execution for an upscale wine bar. Good destination for a special occasion.
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Review from k p.
Folsom, CA
12/3/2011
A nice spot but quite a bit spendier than expected. Ordered two glasses of wine and cheese platter and bill came to 60 dollars before the tip! I will confess it was
my fault for not asking the price of the wine the waitress brought us to taste but still .....seems like it was overpriced. i have been here a couple times before its very popular but for me it's a place i would only come to as a splurge. -
Review from Tonja F.
Rocklin, CA
9/1/2010 1 photo
What's a girl to do when she just got her hair done that day, a practice make-up session for her sister's soon-to-be wedding and then has nowhere to go?
Well, apparently to try out this place she keeps hearing about in a sleepy little shopping center at 9pm on a Tuesday night - why not?
I walked in and was surprised to see 2 or 3 other groups there. Maybe I'm getting old before my age, but I seriously didn't expect anyone else to be thinking wine at that time on a weeknight.
After deciding to sit outside (could the weather be more perfect?), we were greeted by Mike who was very friendly and proved to be very attentive throughout the night.
Although the menu wasn't huge, it was still difficult to choose. I hadn't eaten much that evening except for a pretzel to hold me over while I got the make-up application, so I needed a little somethin'-somethin'. We were told that everything was made fresh on the premises and how can you go wrong with that? The place looks so tiny you wouldn't expect it to have food - but it does AND it's not just frozen crap they throw in the oven? Sweet!
After choosing a Pinot Noir tasting flight, I decided to pair it with the green apple, blue cheese and candied walnut salad over mixed greens.
Well, the salad did not disappoint! Had it been any earlier I would have definitely tried their bruschetta and maybe washed it all down with another glass of wine and some creme brulee - but I'll save that for next time.
Oh, and I will note that pretty much all of their wines you can get in the tasting size (3 oz), full size (6 oz) or order a whole bottle. AND, did you love that wine so much you want to take it with you? Well, a lot of their wines aren't sold retail, BUT you can have the retail price if you're taking it home with you (about half the cost of enjoying it at the bar!). How cool is that?
I'll definitely be back... the bruschetta is screaming my name. -
Review from Taylor H.
Elk Grove, CA
11/19/2011
Wonderful food and amazing wine! Can't wait to go back!
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Review from chris b.
Shingle Springs, CA
9/21/2011
Good food and great wine list. Nice atmosphere and good service. We will be going back!
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Review from Tiffany P.
El Dorado Hills, CA
10/16/2010
Great little place in such an unsuspecting strip mall! There is nice patio seating, 2 comfy sofas up front, and adequate bar space. Beautifully decorated; classy but comfortable for a casual night out. And the best part...the wines! Nice selection at a reasonable cost.
The servers were nice and genuinely helpful. I hear all of their food is handmade, so on my next visit I must try a dish! -
Review from Tiffany K.
Sacramento, CA
11/12/2009
Came here on a Wednesday night to try them out. Thanks Gerry K. for the recommendation!
My first thought in driving here was, "Okay, so how good can a place be that is in a Raley's shopping center?". Well, turns out it is pretty darn good.
My friend Charlotte took me here for my belated birthday. We started out with the wine flight that was featured tonight. Wednesdays are tasting nights and for $5 you get to sample a region's wines. Today was Spain and the grape was tempranillo, one that I am not familiar with.
Since this was our first time here and we were relatively peckish, Charlotte ordered tons of dishes. We started out with the cheese platter ($14) that featured four different cheese, assorted nuts & dried fruits. Then we had the bruschetta platter ($9) eight slices of toasted baguette which had an assortment of different toppings. We both chose the specials of the day: Charlotte had the pork with fruit compote and I had the marinated salmon with quinoa. She finished with the cinnamon creme brulee ($6) which tasted faintly like pumpkin pie. See what I mean by tons of food?
As for the wines, after the Spanish flight, I had to try the Pinot Gris that came so recommended. Lovely! Very fruity for a pinot gris and I could see this going well with Thai. For the salmon, I had the Demetria Pinot Noir 2006. Tastes of cherry filled my mouth, it went down well.
They do have a "mystery" red or white taste for $3. It is completely the whim of whoever is pouring that night. The white that evening happened to be yet another pinot gris, but completely different style, very dry.
Charlotte suggested that I should get a dessert wine as I was not ordering dessert. Don't mind if I do! I was mumbling something about a Botrytis semillon, a dessert wine that I love from Australia, and I was told that I should try the Sauternes. It was not on the menu, but it also was done in the botrytis style (fungus grown purposefully on some grapes), but from France! First time for everything, right? Much more subtle than what I have had in the past (not as much of the 'acetone' notes), I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Back Wine Bar is a small spot with a comfy outdoor area complete with fire pit. They've done well with the space and after a while you forget that you're in a suburban shopping mall parking lot. It is a bit of a drive for me to come here as this area of Folsom is more towards El Dorado Hills. But should I be in the area, I would probably stop in again! -
Review from Jim P.
Folsom, CA
1/28/2010 3 Check-ins Here
Absolutely Delightful - solid 5 stars for sure...great wine, very value priced. Food that will have you saying out loud - wow, WOW that's good. I have been to Back Wine Bar about a dozen times in the last year or so.
Jeff and Gail Back have a gift for sharing what they love: great food and great wine. Service is very personal, learning quickly what you like and how you like it; wine suggestions from Jeff are DEAD-on each time. Wednesday night tastings are always fun and stretch my wine horizons.
Most who think "Wine Bar" rarely expect gourmet foodie treats, but that's the best part of BWB - no question, the food is FANTASTIC. Number one for me, Ahi Poke ... you know it's is good, when you reflect back days later, saying, "hmm I'm gonna head over there and grab me some more Poke." Jeff, takes great care with the menu - a few selections perfectly pared with wine= taste perfection. Never over done or too much - but "just right."
Don't let the Raley's Shopping Center location fool you, this is a comfortably-intimate-casual-wine-bar as you will ever fall in love with. Waves of laughter drifting off the patio, friends connecting in the lounge area or small table groupings.
Jeff and Gail are amazing hosts, personally checking on guests and making sure everyone is comfortable. Need a blanket, while you sit by the outdoor fire pit - one appears. Magic! If you're really lucky Brian will be your server, he's part comic, part Jr. Wine Genius like his boss Jeff.
BWB is true (hidden) gem in Folsom, but once you find it - you'll be back. Ha..ha...get it you'll be back - Back Wine BarListed in: Folsom Favorites
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Review from Joanne L.
11/5/2008 1 photo
YAY I am super happy to be the first one to review this place.
The Back Wine Bar is an intimate laid-back setting to try new wines and awesome food.
Inside the lounge, there is bar area and a few bar tables. Also, there is a comfortable couch and love seat where you can enjoy the awesome food here.
We tried the new menu item: Ahi Tartar... Super delicious, seasoned with sesame oil and anjou pear.
Also, the king crab small plate was even more delicious. Served with quinoa, siracha, and avocado. Goes perfect with the wines.
The pumpkin spice creme brulee was perfect.
Really nice, quiet and cozy ambiance. Awesome Food. It doesn't get any better than this.
I was so pleased with the wine selection that I ended up taking 2 bottles home.
Owner Jeff Back is super knowledgeable about wines. And his passion shows in the establishment itself but don't take my yelp review for it, hurry in today and try the wines for yourself. You won't be disappointed. :) I am still a little buzzed from the wine tasting tonight.Listed in: Top Restaurants
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Review from Catherine N.
Folsom, CA
1/24/2012
If you like wine and good food, you must try this place!
I had the Prix Fixe menu for tonight, which was three courses. The first was hot and sour prawn soup with a spicy lemongrass broth, lime, ginger, tomatoes, and scallions. It was paired with a lovely sparkling wine from France that offset the spiciness of the soup perfectly.
The second course was a deftly cooked, seared Ling cod which was served with steamed rice, roasted red pepper relish, hearts of palm, and a green curry sauce. It was paired with a fragrant German Riesling that was a delightful foil to the richness of the curry.
The third course was a coconut Creme Brulee with grilled pineapple served with a French Sauternes. My only complaint might be that the pineapple was difficult to manage. I received a spoon with the dessert and I wasn't comfortable picking up the pineapple with my fingers, so I left it. I could have asked for a fork and a knife, if I really wanted to eat it, so it is a minor complaint.
I sat at the bar and the service from Shawn was great. The decor is warm and the ambiance friendly. This was my first visit, but I might just have to become a regular! -
Review from Kalynn L.
El Dorado Hills, CA
9/18/2011
Second time here. Jeff helped us with our wine selection. Very nice choice. Food is excellent. Love the bruchetta. We had the flat iron steak and the linguine in romesco sauce. Very good. Cooked and presented perfectly. Awesome desserts. Our dinner with appetizer, salad, two entrees and 2 desserts (not counting the wine) was $60. Very reasonable!
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Review from Cecil R.
Orangevale, CA
Updated - 4/14/2011
On Wednesday evening (4/13/11), we joined other wine club members for a preview dinner at Back Wine Bar's new Back Bistro. Located adjacent to the original wine bar, the new Bistro is an expression of Jeff & Gail Back's dedication to choosing the best wine you've never heard of and pairing it with some of the best food you'll ever have. They strive to introduce their customers to new wines that taste great, whether the wines are produced in Sacramento (yes, ask Jeff who it is!), or in appellations in Sierra Foothills, El Dorado, Napa/Sonoma, Santa Barbara, Europe, South America, & Australia. Take a look at their currrent wine list online (http://www.backwinebar...) and you'll see what I mean.
Entering through the new Bistro door, we were greeted by their friendly receptionist, Crystal, who seated us promptly. (We had already met the new staff, so our interactions were more familial than formal and we like that about Back Wine Bar & Bistro.) The restaurant decor is warm, inviting, cozy, very tastefully done and mirrors the original wine bar. The horseshoe-shaped bar is the center of the restaurant and provides seating on the wine bar and Bistro side. They gave much attention to every detail about the new bar, right down to the hooks underneath the bar for ladies to hang their purses. The restaurant was about 75% full when we arrived for our 6:45pm reservation; it filled up shortly afterward.
While waiting for our dinner guests to arrive, my wife and I shared their popular "bruchette plate" (white bean & roasted pepper puree, mushroom duxelles with mascarpone, basil/walnut pesto with roasted tomatoes & mozzarella, and fresh herbed Laura Chenel goat cheese with a drizzle of balsamic). We were also given thin breadsticks artfully arranged in a small wine carafe, along with a small serving tray of regular and garlic butter. Even with a full house, we could easily have a conversation and hear our servers. Jeff brought out a second appetizer for us, the delicious Hawaiian Ahi Poke from their original wine bar menu (fresh Ahi yellowfin tuna with chili-soy, sweet onions, crushed macadamia nuts & wakame [an edible brown seaweed], served with cucumber sunomono [marinated in rice vinegar] & sticky rice). My wife, who claims to not like ahi, loved the flavor and texture of the fresh tuna.
Our dinner guests ended up arriving late, yet we were eager to try the new bistro entrees on their menu, so we ordered. My wife had the filet, which was perfectly cooked medium, set on top of a cauliflower puree with balsamic port reduction, roasted red, orange, yellow & purple heirloom carrots & balsamic marinated cippolini onions. The presentation was beautiful and the flavors were robust and harmonious. I had the ahi yellowfin tuna entree (one can never have too much ahi) crusted w sesame, lightly seared, served on a ginger scallion rice cake topped with mango salsa, all with a soy reduction & a spicy sweet honey sriracha reduction. As with the appetizer, the ahi was fantastic; the real surprise for me was the honey sriracha. That balance of sweet & spice was an incredible new flavor experience for me and I loved it. My entree paired well with the recommended 2009 Bichof Pratsch Riesling (Austria).
While in the middle of our entrees, our friends finally arrived. After getting caught up on things, we decided to share some dessert. Our guests shared the chocolate tasting plate, which had Callebaut - a fine Belgian milk chocolate, El Rey Mijao - a 61% Venezuelan dark chocolate, and El Rey Gran Saman - a 70% Venezuelan dark chocolate, all served with house-made caramel, vanilla cream, fresh fruit coulis and roasted nuts. The chocolate plate paired well with the 2004 Quinta de Roriz 2004 Vintage Port. We shared the Triple Pot de Crème (vanilla custard layered with caramel, chocolate ganache and sea salt) paired with the Bella Late Harvest Zinfandel (Sonoma). Both desserts were sumptuous.
During the meal, we were well attended to by the owners Jeff & Gail, Mike, Shawn, Kevin, Karen, Crystal, and Chef Eric. They definitely gave us the rock star treatment; while I felt a bit guilty for receiving so much of their attention and great conversation, that's what the folks at Back Wine Bar & Bistro are all about. In talking with them, you can sense their passion for serving fine wine and great food prepared with the best high-quality ingredients. They are all ready and willing to share their knowledge of the wines on their list in a friendly and helpful way.
We'll definitely be back to Back Bistro to try the rest of the entrees.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/17/2008
Definitely come and visit Back Wine Bar in Folsom. It's great.
A friend and I visited Back Wine Bar… Read more »
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Review from Sheri N.
Folsom, CA
6/28/2011
I love Back Wine Bar! My girlfriends and I go here all the time. Great atmosphere and great wine. It's especially nice since they expanded. And the best thing is that it's close to home!
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Review from Robert G.
Folsom, CA
9/9/2011
Portions were very small. Dinner was so-so but very pricey.
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Review from Shannon E.
San Francisco, CA
4/12/2011 1 Check-in Here
Based on the reviews, I suggested Back Wine Bar for a first date. I have to say -- despite the rather bizarre location (in the middle of a shopping centre) -- it was a great experience! The selection was great and the service was on point. The staff was exceedingly friendly and the outside seating was perfect in the evening. Definitely a win!
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Review from VERONICA M.
Folsom, CA
7/25/2011
I work right next door at Maribou Spa Salon so this is an easy place to go to after work. Great Atmosphere Awesome wine selection! The staff is wonderful!! If you haven't been there it is worth a try for sure!
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Review from Stacey H.
Sacramento, CA
9/23/2009
I am a huge fan of Back Wine Bar.
I've been here probably half a dozen times and it never disappoints. It's an intimate little place tucked into a corner strip mall with outdoor dining. They serve incredible small plates and always offer a wine suggestion which so far, has been a hit every time.
I like to try new and different wines and their selection is varied and covers a lot of different wine regions from all over the world. Being so close to Napa and Amador counties, some restaurants get caught in focusing on those regions so it's nice to be offered a Chardonnay from Spain once in a while.
The food is light but filling. Guys, you may wanta grab a burger before you eat here since nothing is super filling. For me, I like the bruschetta, a salad of greens with blue cheese, apples and candied walnuts and maybe dessert. Tonight's dessert was grilled peaches with vanilla ice cream with a honey drizzle. Perfect!
Each night offers a different food special. On Wednesdays, food is 25% off and Tuesdays are Blind Tasting Tuesdays.
My husband noted that it 'was all chicks' this particular night. Don't know why. It's not always like that, but he was right. It's a great place to meet for a glass of wine and something to nibble on although they do also offer a selection of beers.
Can't help it but I'm addicted and going back there for lunch later this week!
