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- Nearest Transit:
-
Carroll St (F, G)
Bergen St (F, G)
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 4 pm - 12 am
Fri 4 pm - 1 am
Sat 3 pm - 1 am
Sun 3 pm - 12 am
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Wed, Thu
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
Jeremy W. said: "Great looking space, tasty food, and great selection of beer, whiskey, and tequila (though not cheap). Good specials great relaxed vibe during the week. Have heard the weekends are packed; would have thought the prices might have…" read more »
73 reviews for Black Mountain Wine House
Review Highlights
"The Mac n' Cheese was rich and hearty."
(in 14 reviews)
"The small plates were delicious - just simple ingredients..."
(in 7 reviews)
"...dream of the greyer cheese and the truffle oil combination."
(in 5 reviews)
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73 reviews in English
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Review from Christina M.
New York, NY
1/27/2012 1 Check-in Here
It was winter break and I'm furiously yelping and googling while in the car (passenger seat, don't worry), trying to guide my boyfriend (driving) to the coziest, most romantic, ambient, yet casual, bar I can find. I was really willing to traverse Brooklyn to any neighborhood for a bar with atmosphere and, most importantly....a fire place.
The internet search was to no avail but, a text tip led us to Black Mountain Wine House. Surprisingly, it was in the Carroll Gardens neighbrohood that I've walked many a time and which I am familiar with, but this place is definitely off the beaten path since it's a block away from the main action and it literally looks like a mountain cabin or, being that this is Brooklyn, an abandoned house from back in the day that could - potentially - be a home for squatters. Not that it's unkempt or anything... I'm just saying that if you didn't know, you'd walk right by it and not think twice.
Anyway, when we walked in, I realized that we found EXACTLY what one would be looking for when designing the perfect winter date destination. First of all, we got there when it opened so there was literally no one else around. Secondly, there was a blazing FIRE in the corner of the lodge and thirdly, there were wine and oyster on the menu. Perfect blend of aphrodisiacs to create a perfect feeling of relaxation and romance. The server was attentive and I wish I lived closer so I could walk here any night of the week.
Some day I might be able to review the food (and I heard the crostinis and macaroni and cheese are great) but right now, I can recommend this as one of the best winter date spots I can think of in the surrounding neighborhoods. -
Review from Rob K.
1/26/2012
Gentlemen -
Let's talk about your Valentine's Day plans. First, take a look at the reviews. Notice a trend? Most of them are written by women. Next, take a look at the rating...
The secret is out. The ladies love it here. They love it as a date place, not a ladies night place.
Once you arrive, you're transported to that cozy main street spot in your favorite mountain town.
It's dark, it's cozy, it's intimate, it even has a fireplace. Now that you've taken it in, it's time to order that bottle of wine. If you don't drink wine, tonight's the night to start because it's the right thing to do. Take your time tonight, you won't feel rushed at any point. The menu is tiny, but unique enough to pull you in, keep you intrigued, and make you hungry for more. In one sitting, you might end up ordering just about the entire menu + a cheese plate (guilty). It's just fun.
When I was younger, I thought the romantic move was to spoil my date with an over the top Italian dinner at that neighborhood joint with the kitschy decor. Adults, it's time to try something different. Getting stuffed on massive italian dishes on V- Day is so 1997.
Small plates, bottles of wine, cheese plates, tea lights, and love glances has Valentines Day 2012 written all over it.
**Disclaimer**
Black Mountain is creepily off the beaten path. If your date's palm starts to sweat, it's because she thinks you're going to murder her and throw her in the canal. First dates should take a cab or walk from Smith Street. I usually walk from the Union R train (the creepy way). -
Review from Meg S.
Brooklyn, NY
1/11/2012 2 Check-ins Here
At the moment, this is my favorite bar in the neighborhood. I like the the charcuterie plate, and the mac n cheese is to die for. There is a really good Cote de Rhone by the glass that I would recommend, and if you are not with a group, try sitting at the bar. The usual bartender is very entertaining.
I grew up visiting Black Mt., after which this bar is themed, and they nailed the vibe to a T. Love it. -
Review from Tanya S.
1/6/2012
Perfect date spot, but that's not exactly why we came.
My experience:
The fiance and I were looking for a nice relaxing place to bring both sets of our visiting parents to get a drink before dinner. Seeing how it was only 6pm on a Saturday, we first went to our usual place, Union Hall. It was so loud and crowded (really? at 6pm on a Saturday?) that we had to make a change of plans. By 7ish we ended up at Black Mountain, and all 7 of us were able to find a table. Soon after, all of the tables were filled.
The service was really nice and fit the comfortable vibe of the place really well. Both sets of parents really liked the place.
Excellent wine selection (the malbec is exceptionally tasty).
I'd like to return for a date night, park in front of the fireplace, and try their ever-changing food menu. I enjoy the fact that all of the food has the same price, as it takes out the annoying math involved. -
Review from Renee M.
Brooklyn, NY
1/10/2012
This place had all the makings of a great little spot. But ...
(a) I hate when owners of nice places sit out with a laptop and their bills and act like it's their office. It's not. If I wanted to be around people doing accounting I'd stay at work. (Theoretically, if I had an office job.)
(b) There was a problem with the electricity. Apparently a big enough, but not visible enough, problem to call in an electrician. And have him loudly move around stuff behind the bar, set his electrician's toolkit next to me, remove the cover from the fuse box (located next to a table where people were sitting), turn off the music, turn on the music, yell across the bar to the bar owners, etc, on, and on. With no acknowledgement from the owners/people working there that this might be a little fucking annoying. It was.
(c) Crazy vegan warning: Not a single item on their menu is vegan. To call on my inner Gob Bluth here, C'MON! (To call on my inner decent human being: vegetarians, ask if there's meat stock in everything because if couscous isn't vegan than it's probably not vegetarian.)
Basically, two glasses of decent wine could have made me overlook (a) and (b) but when I can't get any food and have to leave rather than dropping, say, another at least $60 at your establishment, I can't overlook it. -
Review from Hilary H.
11/30/2011 1 Check-in Here
I want a Black Mountain Wine House in my neighborhood.
This place is so snuggly, cool, eclectic and unique that I could probably come here every day during the cooler months and be quite content. With a decent beer list, wine menu and interesting selection of food, this was the perfect spot to perch ourselves on a brisk November afternoon.
I had the delicious white bean and tomato crostini for $10 that paired excellently with my $10 glass of Malbec. The Hus had a decent glass of Cava and we snuggled in one of the corner booths by the window. The service was friendly and efficient, and everyone who was there seemed to really be enjoying themselves. The rustic feeling of the place transported me from Brooklyn to a cabin in the woods, and the crackling fire helped, too.
It's a really fun place to go with a group, too - like I said, I wish this place was in my neighborhood so I could go everyday! -
Review from Paige W.
Brooklyn, NY
1/27/2012
A great Brooklyn find just off the beaten path. Coziest of fireplaces, great wines, good cheese selections.
Overall great quality, atmosphere and service. And awesome mac & cheese (I'm always on the hunt for the best mac & cheese!) -
Review from Mary L.
Belle Harbor, NY
11/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
This place is downright lovable!
It has a most charming decor both inside and out. In fact, it's the rustic exterior amidst the never-ending bricks that had drawn me in. Although Black Mountain Wine House is located just off Smith Street, you can find yourself in what feels more like a house in the country, to which the name alludes.
The wine selection is very nice, the food is yummy, and both make you feel warm and welcome. The truffle mac & cheese was delicious, and would be my recommendation if you're hungry. Cheese plates looked delicious, too.
The staff is wonderful. Our server was attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable while handling the whole restaurant and the bar (where I was seated.)
I hope to be back soon. I've never really been to a wine bar as cozy as this one! -
Review from Leila W.
Brooklyn, NY
1/10/2012
Vegetarians, vegans, and folks who care about food: beware.
This place started out fine. The space is really nice, the fireplace is pretty, the wine is fine (if absurdly overpriced for the quality). But "fine" doesn't quite excuse the crappy service or the we're-too-good-for-our-customers attitude.
I arrived here about 15 minutes before my date, sat at the bar, and ordered a glass of wine. The bartender poured without speaking and walked away. I think there were two other people in the entire bar, and she didn't even make eye contact. That's just weird. I've never sat at a bar before and been so completely ignored.
But that's fine. Whatever. I wasn't there to make small talk with a 21-year-old anyway.
I had two glasses of wine with my date while workers tromped in and out of the bar fixing something. Again, no acknowledgment of us or of how that might interfere with our night.
Again -- whatever. I really, really wanted this to be a nice bar, and I was having a good date. So we decided to get a third round and some snacks -- the couscous with golden "raisens" and the banh-mi salad (described as rice noodles, mint, and other veggies) both looked promising. Fortunately, my date asked first if they had any vegan food, and the bartender said no. No apology, no let-me-make-you-something-on-the-fly. I've never before been in a place that tries so hard to make itself look ~~fancy~~ but doesn't have a chef competent enough to see vegan cooking as an interesting challenge, even if it's not on the menu. (Take, for comparison, The Farm on Adderley, which has very few vegan options, but will always special make something if you ask -- and it'll always be delicious.)
And if they don't have vegan options, that means they don't have vegetarian options, either. What could you put in couscous or banh-mi salad to make them not vegan? Chicken stock, I guess? Fish sauce? Beef that's not mentioned on the menu? Certainly not cheese, unless you're a total moron (which I guess isn't beyond the realm of possibility). These things need to be mentioned on your menu, folks, not just for vegetarian and vegans, but also for people who have allergies or who actually care about the content of the food they put into their bodies, not just the price. (The menu describes the Nicoise salad as made with "very expensive canned tuna." Really? That's what you went for? Expensive? Right. I guess price is more important than taste.)
So we left. Despite the crappy service, we would have gladly stayed for another 2 drinks and snacks if there had been food for us. But there wasn't. So you lost $80 last night. How's that for expensive. -
Review from Jonathan G.
Verona, NJ
5/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
I have never quite fancied myself the type of man who uses the word "cozy" very often, however it would difficult not to involve the coziness when speaking about Black Mountain Wine House. A purposefully non-descript exterior gives way to a homey and inviting interior, one which you would prefer not to leave.
On my first trip I tried to get in there early for a Saturday afternoon drink. Of course I picked the day that they were having a wedding reception at 6 so it seemed the place was kind of in the process of preparing for said reception. They offered the table in a benched window, a truly perfect location, where you can crack open the windows and gaze out onto the side streets of the neighborhood.
While my initial voyage into the Black Mountain was a short one and one in which I shunned their favored wine for Gaffel Kolsch on tap, I still enjoyed every second of it. Returns are expected, no, guaranteed.Listed in: Drinking alcoholic beverages, BoCoCaGow
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Review from Erica K.
Brooklyn, NY
9/30/2011
I actually do love this wine bar. It feels like a hidden find with a somewhat lackluster exterior and a lovely cozy interior. The Cold Autumner may be one of my favorite cocktails of all time, and I generally think wine cocktails are pretty shabby. It's definitely got a bit of a romantic vibe, especially in the winter when they have the fireplace going, but it also has a bit of a upscale neighborhood spot feel to it. Unfortunately I have to take a star off for the food. The food is fine but not great and the prices are high for the quantity. Unlike Clover Club which also charges high prices for small servings, the quality of the food just doesn't merit it. Without the food though, I'd give this bar 5 stars. Best to go early or on an off night as it does get crowded and it's a small space.
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Review from Nicole M.
Brooklyn, NY
5/6/2011
Really adorable, cozy, low key wine bar. I drove by this place and freaked out when I saw the amazing cabin-y facade. There was no sign but I could see that it was clearly a bar/restaurant of some sort so I took a mental note of the address and looked it up on google. A few weeks later my man and I sidled up to the bar on a cold wintry evening. One of those nights right after we got 2 feet of snow and the atmosphere was so perfect. I'm not crazy about their menu, though what I've had off of it (usually the soup specials) has been decent enough. However, I don't think I've given the food a fair shot since I'm lactose intolerant and don't eat bread (IE a pain in the a** to go out to dinner with)...maybe there's some magic there I'm missing.
The people that work here are super friendly and wonderful. The wine selection is good. I love the Cabernet Sauvignon. The beer selection is also good and covers all the bases a beer drinker wants covered.
It's the kind of place you just want to hang out at for hours because of the atmosphere. I'm not necessarily a wine bar person, but at Black Mountain I feel comfortable and welcome. I'm looking forward to hanging out in the little yard out front during summer nights with a glass of white sangria. -
Review from David L.
1/16/2011
Black Mountain hides on an unsuspecting corner in Gowanus, and the only reason I know this is because I used to drive past it during my short-cut drive back from work. From the outside it looks like a cabin. Once inside you feel the comforts of being in a cabin. It is tight in there, but once you get settled, you adjust quickly to the enirons.
Went there on a double date after having had mentioned wanting to try Black Mountain for months. Recommendations: Start off with the flight of 4 wines (the 4th is a tall can of Miller High Life). If you can tolerate further libations, one should try the draft Gaffel Kolsch. Wines are however their specialty and the menu is user friendly enough to navigate without feeling overwhelmed. There are options of bottle or glass for nearly everything on the menu.
They do have food, at $10 a dish, but keep in mind that they are smaller and not necessarily intended for those with ravenous appetites. That being said, some dishes must be tried. We ordered the Charcuterie Plate, their namesake Mac n' Cheese, and a cheese platter off of the regular menu. Additionally, off the daily specials we ordered a banh mi salad and Coq au Vin. The Coq au Vin was suprisingly delicious. The Mac n' Cheese was rich and hearty. The Charcuterie Plate the highlight of the table with its lard bread.
The only regret I have now is that I had waited so long to visit. -
Review from JiEun R.
Brooklyn, NY
1/2/2011
cozy interior + hidden location + not pretentious = love it
Kind of like a vision of what i think my 30s should be like if i were more mature and had more money: tranquil. sophisticated. bourgie. I think the food was totally okay, but i don't remember -- this place brainwashed me with its ambiance. Bring a date or some girlfriends who read The New Yorker and spend money like you have it. -
Review from Kelly S.
8/23/2010 1 Check-in Here
I am a fan. Totally a fan. But with a big butt (and not a butt)...I feel like I'm begging you for attention, drinks, food, menus, additional rounds.
You're so cute and fun and tasty that I want to go all the way with you, but I also have needs that require tending. So, BMWH, I'm giving you an ultimatum. Either pay attention to me, and not that other girl in the back room, or I'm gonna have to limit the loving. You hear me? I will take my lovin' money elsewhere. Sadly, though, I'll probably come begging back because I want you to want me...I just have (some) standards that need exercising from time to time.
It also bites that Ican't sit outside with your bevvie, but it's not your fault it's against the law. -
Review from caitlin o.
Brooklyn, NY
10/22/2010
Pretty much the definition of cozy.
Wish they had a better/more expansive beer selection, but the wine selection is obviously king here.
Will be back multiple times to survive the winter months, I think. -
Review from Kurt E.
Brooklyn, NY
2/27/2011
Cool little place, very cozy, great service, and pretty good food and wine. the fire was nice to have on a cold rainy night as well.
I tried the Mac n' Cheese, the Goat Cheese Tart, and Oysters on the half which were a special for the evening. The oysters were oysters, which I always enjoy. The mac n' cheese was tasty with the truffle oil, the mushrooms were few but near perfection. but it just seemed to be lacking something. The tart however, was fantastic. Multiple layers of flavors and textures, even if you don't like beets, you'll like this.
For wine I tried the Grenache blend, the Cabernet Sauvignon, and the Tempranillo. The Grenache was pretty well balanced, a nice medium bodies wine, with a sweeter finish than I anticipated. The Cab was my least favorite and tasted much too rich for a Cab. It almost had a merlot taste to it which I wasn't incredibly happy about. After a little discussion with the server he suggested I try the tempranillo next, and despite being the most inexpensive glass on the menu, it was easily the best. Well, from the few that I had anyway. I did try a sip of my friend's Pinot Noir which was a pretty excellent wine too.
Although I had a couple of minor drawbacks with the Cab and the Mac n' Cheese, I'll definitely be coming back here and will probably give both of those items another shot. Great little spot. -
Review from anni b.
Brooklyn, NY
10/14/2010
I really enjoyed this place! Super cute, super home-y, super friendly, super tasty. A place to go and enjoy some delicious wine or tasty beers, and maybe a little snack too. I had the pomodoro meatballs and some pinot noir - a lovely little nosh to go with the good drinks and good company.
If I lived in the neighborhood it would probably be my local. Only deducting one star because it's not a cheap night out, the food portion was pretty teeny for the price, but again - very tasty. -
Review from Gina C.
Brooklyn, NY
2/3/2009 ROTD 2/12/2009
You know when you meet someone you think is really great? On paper they seem perfect. Then you're sitting at dinner; they look really good, he has a good heart and a good job but you find out his favorite book is Dune, he loves to talk about how exceptional his mother is and that he snorts when he laughs?
I mean, if you have to settle it wouldn't be horrible to end up with him, but in the back of your mind you know that there's something better out there. -
Review from Preeti B.
Brooklyn, NY
8/30/2009
If I had a soundtrack to my visit to Black Mountain Wine House - it would play "Hook" by Blues Traveler. Sometimes when you visit a place with someone you remember a very distinct feeling. There are people who come in and out of your life and shake you to the core. With no idea how long they will be in your life... the only thing one can hope is to take forward positive energy from these encounters. Is that up to me, them, both or fate? I'm not really sure...I've learned that I can't rely on absolutes in black and white. They don't always exist - especially when I so desperately want them.
I will always remember this place as comforting me through the beginnings of some huge transitions in my life. My heart was warmed here as we enjoyed beautiful wine, salads, cheeses and delicious macaroni&cheese all by a comforting fireplace...more than anything - I will remember the feeling I held here...
"I dont rely on luck because...
The hook brings you back
I aint tellin you no lie
The hook...
On that you can rely..." -
Review from Jessica W.
Brooklyn, NY
12/28/2010
We saw a write-up of this spot in TONY and just went for drinks- but the food looked so good we stayed for dinner and were very glad we did. The mulled wine was excellent, the inside was cozy and rustic and the bartender was friendly. Worthy of note was that the food was fantastic.
We ordered the white bean bruschetta and the macaroni & cheese with truffle oil, both very rich, small plates, and both extremely tasty. I can't wait to get back to this spot. -
Review from Sadie S.
Brooklyn, NY
3/10/2008
The other night a very dainty friend and I consumed three bottles of wine here over the course of four hours. (It was the one with "barnyard notes.") I say this not merely to illustrate our capabilities as lushes but to express how incredibly comfortable and relaxing the space was. We scored a small table near the fire and the staff was very kind about our lingering and the ebb and flow of friends who joined us throughout the evening.
Food was good, too. She had the Winter Salad, I had the Tuna Nicoise, and both were more unusually tasty. Other friends got the fondue (Tuesday is fondue night), a cheese plate and a piece of apple strudel. We'd thought the food would be an afterthought, but I'd actually go back for dinner.
Highly recommended, either for a group or a good chat.Listed in: Night Life
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Review from Akshay A.
Brooklyn, NY
1/10/2008
Nice place, but too expensive. I thought Brooklyn was supposed to be cheaper than the city? The place is small and cute and stuff, great for a nice relaxing time with a friend or two. Good wine and cheese selections, but I found the prices to be higher than I thought they should be. The bottles on the other hand were a more reasonable price, but by the glass too expensive.
If the glasses were a couple of bucks less per glass this place would be solid. -
Review from Anna A.
Brooklyn, NY
9/29/2008
The huge wooden chairs on the outside patio are comfortable and cozy. This is perfect place to relax after a long day.
The wine and beer choices are superb. -
Review from Kate G.
Brooklyn, NY
3/24/2010
This place is so amazing. There was a review in Brokelyn that said something like "Who to take: someone you want to seal the deal with. If this place doesn't put them in the mood, it's hopeless." That pretty much sums it up. This is the coziest, off the hook romantic spot I've ever been to. With that said, it would also be a great spot to go with old friends for some wine-fueled conversation. And the owners were really sweet and personable.
I'm ashamed at how little I know about wine, but I loved the red that we drank there. We had the cheese plate (the raisin relish was so good), the meat plate (damn, those olives), and the crostini which was an explosion of flavor.
Ended the night with a sit-down in the adirondack chairs outside where we struck up a conversation with some friendly locals. This place is rad, I can't wait to go back. -
Review from Ryan C.
New York, NY
3/11/2008
This is a great place to hang out during colder days because of the fireplace. Cozy enough for a rendevous with a girlfriend/significant other, but also a good place to try to establish a girlfriend/signficant other. Wine's good, but you do yearn for a nice 'spirit' or two. Also the wines are random for lack of a better term.
I also find it interesting that they try to differentiate by calling it a "Wine House" (not Wine Bar as listed here, which is wrong). It does have a woodsy home feel that you don't find often. They do a good job of conveying it. -
Review from Todd L.
Brooklyn, NY
12/8/2007
Not a wino by any stretch of the imagination, I was summoned to meet friends at Black Mountain just last night. Tucked away in a quiet residential area, it is a log cabin trapped in brownstone-ville. That is half of its charm. Farmhouse cozy with a fireplace consistently stoked by one of the guys, the place is seriously charming. Even though it is a small space, the tables are not stacked on top of each other, so you can focus on your tables' conversation instead of some other dudes. If the conversation at your table is a bore, you can always pick up one of the ancient issues of Popular Mechanics they have stacked on the shelf....interesting.
Walked in and sat at the bar where Shane, the dude that picks the wines, was hovering. He was friendly and accommodating as were the other staffers. I will not pretend to have any sort of knowledge of wine and all that goes into selecting one off of a list. This is where the staff was super helpful again.
The food is something I know about. Like Lisa J. said, the cheese plate with pear and chutney is a good enough reason to check this place out. The White Bean Crostini with Almond Ricotta was delicious and we ended up using the remaining bread from our cheese plate to get all that ricotta out of that ramekin. Then I resorted to using my finger. Also try the Tuna Nicoise Salad and probably anything else on the menu.
The only downside: no coffee beverages so I had no coffee with my pumpkin pie (which was pretty damn good even without the coffee). -
Review from Kiley T.
Brooklyn, NY
12/2/2008
Went here on a date, and the bartender kept it friendly while we got to know one another. It reminded us of a mountain ski resort in the middle of nowhere. Fantastic date place, where the wine/beer selection is good and affordable. We didn't eat, but the menu looked the same.
If you want to pretend to not be anywhere near NYC, go here. -
Review from Rebecca C.
Miami, FL
1/7/2010
Sometimes I wonder if you like a place because other people you care about in your life tell you first how wonderful the place is and your expectations are up. However, there is always room for disappointments in life. But not here.
I have to say the best part of this place is the atmosphere. While from the outside it doesn't look like much and doesn't have a big sign or anything, the inside is cozy and warmed up with a fireplace. This kind of place is great for dates or hanging with friends or family.
Now the second closest contender after the atmosphere is definitely the food. I was so impressed! For $10 each appetizer style portion, they were so worth it. I enjoyed the porcini mushroom mac n cheese, while my boyfriend enjoyed the white beans on crostini. Both were amazing. We also had some fancy cheese plates that were decadent and delicious too.
Now not being a wine drinker, I can't really comment too much on that. They had a huge assortment and I definitely enjoyed what I tried from the bottle we ordered. I'd definitely recommend this place and I'd definitely go back too.Listed in: I Heart New York
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Review from Mark H.
Brooklyn, NY
3/6/2011
sssssssshhh. Don't tell ANYONE!
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Review from Erin M.
Brooklyn, NY
3/27/2008
You really can't be the cozy atmosphere and the smell of wood burning on a chilly day. Unfortunately for me the day I visited Black Mountain it was pretty nice outside but the outside was not yet open for the warm weather and it was way too hot to sit by the fire. When they stoked the fire with a few more logs that was our cue to move to the window seats. I just hit that weird spring in-between season and won't hold it against them.
The wine selection was varied but pricey. Shane's pick (always $6.50 and both red and white selections) was a grenache which is one of my fave grapes and it was exceptional, both my friend and I were happy with the affordable option. The food was tempting (esp the mac and cheese) but we just weren't hungry enough to venture there. Not all of the cheese on the menu was available but we had a pretty good raw sheep's cheese from Spain that was served with a compote and pears.
On thing that left a bad taste in my mouth was the service. To me, when there are as many staff as there are patrons in the restaurant it should not take 10 minutes for someone to acknowledge you. Hard to imagine what it would be like when crowded. They still get 4 stars because of the interesting wine selection, all food choices are $10, specials looked delicious, and the vibe was great. I look forward to visiting again and hopefully having a 5-star experience. -
Review from Deana S.
Brooklyn, NY
1/6/2009
I am totally , 100% addicted to the macaroni and cheese here! I dream of the greyer cheese and the truffle oil combination. i agree with Kiley T., this place takes me back to evenings spent in the lodge after a long day of skiing, when I am missing home, I go here. When I am craving cheese, I go here. When I want lovely company and a great wine recommendation, I go here.
Everything I have ever tasted from the menu has been superb. And you just can't beat a $10 menu. I've tried almost everything on there and recommend you do too!
The only thing that is missing...is waiters that aren't awkward. Sometimes I feel like the boys that are working there are only there because the owner felt bad for the kids social awkwardness and hired them despite it all. They are getting better, don't get me wrong, this is not a reason to avoid going there...just a little annoyance at times. -
Review from Dana C.
Brooklyn, NY
3/2/2009
I absolutely adore this place and in the winter it's perfectly cozy. The decor is simple but warming. And they have a roaring wood burning fireplace which you've gotta love. They have a good selection of reasonably priced wines by the glass and by the bottle and snacks for $10. However their cheese plates are a little disappointing, small wedges of cheese for $4. While their Crostini ($10) with white beans, pesto, and buttered breadcumb-topped ricotta cheese is well worth the money and a tasty bite to complement your wine. Ask for extra slices of bread to dig into the ramekin of ricotta goodness.
Overall pleasant service and charming atmosphere. Especially on a wintry night. -
Review from julie s.
Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn, NY
5/11/2010
The Black Mountain Wine House is unpretentious and cozy. With a fireplace, wine bottles racked along the walls, candle light and large windows, what is not to like about the ambiance? The food is also delicious and affordable.
Their menu features a variety of varying reasonably priced small plates ($10 each), sometimes including fresh oysters, cold cucumber soup and always cheese.
My date and I shared the wild mushroom and gruyere mac n' cheese. Drizzled in truffle oil, this dish was simple and irresistible. They serve it in a small bowl, a good thing, because I will eat whatever portion they serve. It is the perfect balance of earthiness from the mushrooms and the truffle oil, and sharpness from the gruyere. It is not overly cheesy either, but remains lightly textured and not overpowering.
We also had a refreshing Asian-style pasta salad. It was crisp and tart with rice wine vinegar. However, this dish paled in comparison with the mac n' cheese. Anything would have. Black Mountain Wine House's mac n' cheese is phenomenal.
Black Mountain Wine House wine list features wines from Italy, France, Germany, Chile, The US, and Argentina. They also have a selection of bottled beers and one featured draft. The number of options may not be great, but the small menu and beverage list provide ample variety and some delightful choices. We had a well balanced bottle of Chablis.
The staff was minimal and friendly enough. They weren't, perhaps, as polished or professional as the staff at many other wine bars, but lack of polish does lend itself to a feeling of comfort and casualness. It feels like a neighborhood joint; a place where one can show up in jeans and sandals and treat themselves to a great glass of wine and a meal.
Few eateries can achieve the quality of food and wine without sacrificing comfort as well as Black Mountain Wine House. Go and enjoy! -
Review from Tony L.
1/6/2010 5 photos
Time Out New York's Cozy Party Bar of 2007 is a good idea that is poorly executed.
From the outside you would never know that a wine bar rests inside. If there was a sign stating what it is I never saw it. This seemed to me one of two things: "Ooooo...exclusive!" or "A sign of bad things to come..."
After being inside, I was assured that this place wasn't "bad" so to speak but rather underdeveloped. The wine list (which was small and uninspiring) could have used a bit more description, the service was under-attentive/negligent and merely 10 feet away from the fire was unbelievably cold. The wine buyer/server was even wearing a scarf.
The food was ok...maybe worth the $10 per plate...and a good asset to wine. If the wine had been good, the food would have tasted even better. I can't for the life of me remember what the label of my wine was...but there wasn't much to remember. It wasn't good.
I'd come back here to chill out with a glass of wine in the future...but it will take some coaxing to get me to go for a whole bottle again. I just don't trust them to deliver. -
Review from Meredith B.
Brooklyn, NY
1/17/2011
I really don't want to write about Black Mountain because it's kind of hidden and so charming and I don't want anyone else to know about it. But, fine, I'll admit to it. It's awesome. And there's a fireplace...and truffle mac and cheese. Definitely don't go here if you hate good times, good food and good ambience.
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Review from Maria F.
Brooklyn, NY
1/5/2010
The food is great! The wine is great! and the service is great! they have adorable fire place..the perfect kind of place you want to find yourself on a Friday winter night! the small plates are well priced, the cheese plates especially are really YUM!
service I though was great as well-the servers were attentive, and willing to spend some time and explain some wines to us...
I love Carrol Gardens for many reasons, and this wine bar def. helps add to it! -
Review from Inessa S.
Brooklyn, NY
6/12/2011
Absolutely love coming to this place. Its like a tucked away secret neighborhood gem. The truffle mac-n-cheese is out of this world. The cheese plates are also very good and very fresh, offering many different variates. But my favorite- the red sangria's! YUM is not the word. When i leave this place my mouth is literally watering for more. The atmosphere is very cozy, and has a very rustic feel to it. Definitely coming back, again and again!
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Review from Lana K.
11/21/2010
I agree with all the others! This place is an adorable hidden gem, like literally, it's even easy to miss, it's so dark and secretive and cozy. Loved the cheeses ($12 for 3 or $19 for 5), loved the wine anywhere from $7-$10ish a glass (even $6.50 for the house which is pretty darn tasty actually). Dark and candle-lit and omantic yet casual enough just for a group of friends to chill. We sat by the fireplace which was added cuteness. Pretty good service, I will definitely try to come back soon again!
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Review from huong n.
Brooklyn, NY
10/5/2010
there is something infectiously happy about this place - maybe it's a combination of the low lighting, the recycled wood, the excellent wine list, and the friendly and fun staff.
it's a great place to chill out with friends and enjoy a couple of tapas-styled plats of meats, olives, and bread. the two meat eaters liked the cold cuts, and i liked the olives and bread. the food was good but not exceptional. their wine list is good - austrian white wine was delicious and refreshing.
