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I thought I would update my previous vague review.
I've been a few times now, a couple times with friends and once on a date. It's always been a great time.
Reasons this place will make you happy:
-It's dark, so you will probably look better than you normally do. You know low lighting is flattering, don't deny it. It's also highly romantic.
-Free shot on your birthday. I took my best friend here on her birthday and the bartender made her a beautiful complimentary shot with a sugared lime on top.
-Wine flights. Do it. You will not be disappointed. I recently partook in a wine flight and one of the offerings tasted exactly like cheese. No joke, every sip of the wine tasted like I was nibbling on cheese. That may sound bad to some of you, but I enjoyed it.
-The staff is friendly and knowledgeable. They always steer me towards great wine. Unfortunately, I never remember what that great wine was the next day.
-The cheese plates are amazing. Mmmmm, sharp cheddar.
The only things not to love are the lines that tend to form for the bathroom, the numerous reserved tables and the hole that is burned into my wallet.
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Ok, I was going to write a review until I realized EVERYTHING has already been said. Just go there… Read more »
a girl can't ever forget thee wine whenever she goes outside of her comfort zone...
after dinner @ roaring fork (http://www.yelp.com/bi...), we decided to take it another step further and get our drink on....
it took us 15 minutes to find this place, only to find that it's SO hidden! you're literally in for a real trap/tweet because the entrance is behind some alley back door, which i did kind of find it pretty neat to find this rare gem of scottsdale.
it's a great place, homey decor, friendly, folks, but what can i say? we ARE in scottsdale, and now, i know, when people say that scottsdale is equivalent to newport or malibu or any pretentious place to be ... was it just me or what? lots of kens and barbies within... i believe i was the ONLY asian person there... WACK!
prices were fairly appropriate, a place i would totally get my guilty pleasure on... from egyptian flatbreads to finger lickings and more...
caprese salad = yay! soo yummy!
wine = damn! you call yourself a wine bar but the wine i ordered definitely had a sour touch...
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Been to Kazbar a few times... I love the concept, the decor, and the amazing selection of wines. My only issue is that it's in old town, has somehow remained trendy, and therefore tends to attract that pretentious, "the world revolves around me" crowd. But I can't fault the place for that... it is a business, after all.
This month (July) Kazbar has 1/2-priced Arizona wines every Thursday with live jazz. I had to stop in and was amazed at the full page of selections they had... I mean, you can't get Caduceus' Judith just anywhere... and Callaghan's Claire's is one of my favorites!
The guy at the door was a bit slow and I was disappointed that the couches and many tables were all reserved. It's a packed winebar, don't make paying customers stand while plenty of comfy seating is available, just waiting for the "golden children."
However, after cracking a $100 bottle and a 20-minute wait, we were able to get seated. The band was quite entertaining and we were impressed with the friendly, knowledgeable service that rounded out the evening. It is refreshing to see a place like this supporting the local juice!
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Atmosphere is everything: you feel like you're in a wine cellar or one of those underground caves where wine is stored in Napa.
The choices are endless and the staff knows what they're talking about. It's a little pricey, but it's a cool, mellow spot that leans toward the high-end for those first impressions.
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This place is a shame compared to other wine bars. There was a band sining "Girl from ipanema" song and it was horrible It seemed like they had no clue how jazz song should be played or sang. They had no concept what so ever. It sounded more like punk rock to me. Lol. :). I had to leave after downing my glass of wine. the only thing I liked about this place was the wine I drank. It was smooth, velvety vintage cab. will go back on a weeknight if that band isnt going to play.
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This wine bar 'cellar' is on the okay scale.. Its a typical of 'who you know' & 'how you look' Scottsdale place, (sorry being from Cali, I just roll my eyes !).. SOOO, Ive never had issues getting in, but Ive seen it with others.. OKAY.. to the wine, ONCE you can get someone to your couch!.. they do have a great wine list.. good noshes... and Im not really understanding why the jazz artists arent there on the weekend.. BUT when they are there, they are great! I love the romanticism of the place.. but it could tap it up on the service level.. and the snobbery card? Cmon! ITs a rough economy.. get over yourself..
ID recommend going on Thursday for half off wines.. and the jazz is there too..
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Have been here many times but not for a while. In the past I have eaten here, tried several wines by the glass, tried a few wine flights, and enjoyed the weekend live music. Mellow but cool. The atmosphere is great, kind of dark and mysterious, classy, and a progressive wine and food menu. The selection of people is always interesting. It typically gets going later. Sitting at the bar is fun because you get a bird's eye view of most of the place - entry, bar, and main room. Sitting on one of the couches of tables/chairs is cool too because it is super comfortable. Whether you are with your spouse/girlfriend/boyfriend or just friends (and looking for someone else) it's a great place.
"The truth is inside" states the wooden plaque mounted above the unassuming entrance to Kaz Bar. My first time walking in here felt like going to a speakeasy, and I was to be the newly appointed member to its secret society. From Stetson one could easily pass it and not know it was there. "Like all good speakeasys, the entrance is hidden in the rear"
I have been coming here for 7 years. Many first dates, even my mother has shared a spot at the bar with me.
When passing into the realm of truth, one immediately forgets Phoenix and the sunshine. One is transported to a darker and sultrier place.
It smells of flatbreads and wine. One may feel teleported to a gothic 17th century wine cellar in Eastern Europe.
Lazy, high backed couches fill the room, large rustic tables accomodate larger groups in an adjoining partition. Wine barrels, wood, and stone line its walls. A fireplace and candle light brings the right amount of ambiance and mysticism.
Picking up their wine list is like opening a Reader's Digest. Wine by the bottle or wine by the glass, this place has over 3000 selections from all over the globe. They offer Iiventive wine flights ranging from Cherry Blossom Chinese to Sparkling Red Shiraz.. Rare wines, fine wines, even Transylvanian wines are found here (fangs included). You can sample anything here, you can make special requests.
The list of spirits is extensive as well. From Eastern European cocktails, to Grappa, to potato vodka, to Belgian beer, all is represented here to provide its visitors the ultimate bacchinalia.
The bartenders are very knowledgeable, so a seat at the bar is worth coming here if you are new to imbibing wine and spirits. Best time to show is after they open at 6p, or on Tuesday nights.
Why, you say? This little speakeasy also happens to have a lively music scene. Sundays, Mondays, and Thursdays there is live music. Be hypnotised and seduced by Flamenco on Sundays, and be wooed and wowed by local jazz legend,Margot Reed, on Mondays.
if wine and jazz are not satisfying enough, the noshes served here until 2a will make you feel complete. Cheese fondue, cheese and bread plates, antipasto, polish sausages, and mouth watering egyptian flatbreads are the perfect complement to your wine. I have a deep and burning passion for the flavor combinations on this particular kind of flatbread served here: Baja chipotle-orange rock shrimp, buffalo mozzarella, pepitas, smoked gouda, cilantro.....brilliant!
If you want to seduce your date by way of chocolate, I recommend the Bittersweet Chocolate OR Fleur De Sel Caramel Fondue, which comes with housemade marshmallows, passion fruit cream puffs, pound cake, coconut macaroons, and fruits. Pure decadence. Pure bacchinalia. I mean, I think this is the way that the god of wine would have wanted it....
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Every Thursday night there's a live jazz ensemble. The singer, after paying a cover charge to hear him sing, will try to seduce your lady. The waitress will remember you every time from the one night you spent with her friend that blew you off because of her bf. Remember that night at BS West? But it's dark so you don't recognize her. And you'll ask if they have a full bar because it's dark and you can't see, but they do... And you'll wander into the cave in the back corner but it's reserved for a private party. Maybe you're a part of it. And the same friend will ask you to buy her a drink, like she does everywhere you see her. And you'll feel used and remind yourself to avoid her.
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Love the Jazz with the wine....
Definitely a laid back place in Old Town.
Both Jazz artists are great...and love the fact you can go on an off night everywhere else and just chill there.
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Rose colored glasses: do most buy, and subsiquaintly wear, them to here?
I so highly anticipated visiting this on my "To~Do List" Um, Why??!?
After finding the 'secret doorway', {Oooooo .... Ahhhhh ... ) we entered into a darkened, and basically empty bar room. (There were 2 patrons sitting at the bar).
Apon entering, we were never once greeted, nor seated. We took it on ourselves to find a table. And waited.... and watched.... the 2 people at the bar chatting it up with the bartender. After several uncomfortable minutes, we were..... ah, uncomfortable. Never acknowleged, not once. Hmph. (I think I was worthy of being served..... or did i not know the password?? secret handshake??? was i suppose to walk in backwards? knock 3 times? ask for charlie? guess i got it all wrong, obviously).
So, it wasn't busy, we didn't have B.O., we were dressed up, patient.... what was going wrong with this picture???
I'm glad to say, we didn't drop a dime here - from the other rvws, staying meant enduring snotty servers, which I could only (& rightfully) say we would have encoutered.
We promplty left, and went to the Canal, had the most FABBY time, and a beautiful evening, which (most likey) would have been a disaster had we stayed here :-(
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Hidden is definitely the operative word when it comes to this hidden gem!
To make a long story short, it took me about 10 minutes to find this place and I think it would have taken me even longer had my friend not been waiting for me outside! I sure am glad I did find it because Kaz is my kind of place. I'm all about the dark wood, low lighting, comfy seating, wine-drinking atmosphere and this place delivers on all fronts. I even like the smell - which actually kind of smells like a cave or some room in an underground tour.
The wine list they give you initially is robust yet concise and is geared toward wine by the glass. One of my friends who was with me I would classify as a wine connoisseur. We were going to order a bottle, so she asked for "The Book." The Book is the list of every wine they carry - which is over 2,000 different bottles - and covers over 180 pages. They also have a copy on their website if you want a sneak peak. She picked out a nice pinot noir with some advice from our server who was extremely nice, helpful, and knowledgeable. We also ordered the cheese plate with all 6 cheeses for $20. What a steal! All of the cheeses were delicious and of good quality and it also came with a little bit of fruit, nuts, and baguette. It was a perfect amount and variety for three people.
It was a very relaxed environment and I could easily lounge around here eating cheese and drinking wine for the better part of a day. I will definitely be back here soon!
P.S. They don't open until 6 and there are no happy hour specials.
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This place has a great atmosphere. It kinda reminds be of being in a cavern bar in Spain. The food is great, especially the olive bowl. They also have some great entertainment, especially Sundays. But it's true that the servers don't seem too educated on what is available when it comes to describing and suggesting the wine selections. All in all, it's a fun place to visit. *Expect to wait for a table and you have to usually reserve the couches. It also does get a bit crowded at times and is kinda dark. So watch where you're going.
One star for the unbelievable wine selection. There is something on the bottle list for everyone. If you do not find what you want, the staff is more than happy to make recommendations based on your preference.
One star for the past experiences that I have had at this establishment. It is a wonderful place to take a date or a client on a slow night. I have had impeccable service in the past.
My second to latest trip was sub-standard. I decided to give it a go with a group of friends for a special event and, again, very dissatisfied. I am not sure what happened but, I will never choose to go here with others unless they absolutely have the need.
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One's experience at Kazmierz can really depend on when you go and who you go with. Moreso than most places, it seems. For example, one night I came here with some friends and it was packed to the brim with obnoxious socialites getting wasted on their husbands' Amexes. I felt like I could have had the same deal across the street with a Smirnoff Ice at Saddle Ranch. But on my last visit to Kazmierz it was quiet and mellow with middle eastern music in the air. I also sat next to a tipsy "Francesca" at the bar who claimed to be able to read my aura.
I for one, love Kazmierz for the little elitist comments peppered throughout the wine menu and the general nose-positioned-firmly-upward attitude about wine that most of the staff has. Sometimes it's just more fun when you're drinking a Slovenian white from a place you've never heard of and certainly couldn't pronounce. There are definitely some things on this menu you won't see anywhere else. You have to be adventurous. If you are looking for your usual glass of KJ, you're going to get a scoff and chuckle. (Oh, and never ask for a mint julip, either.)
As far as the food goes, it's good. Their Egyptian Flatbread pizzas are surprisingly delicious. And the fondue was enjoyable. But the wine is really where it's at. Kazmierz is impressive, unpredictable, and a little bit strange, but boasts the best wine list in Old Town by far.
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I enjoyed the wine and the food but my experiences with the servers have repeatedly left a bad taste in my mouth...
I wish that they had some help that didn't treat you like a second class citizen. I don't go anymore for this reason. If I wanted to be treated like I was nothing but an oxygen sponge I could probably do it much cheaper...
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OK...in the past I have verbally accosted this place. I used to diss the wine and that stupid overbearing wine list!
I have been to Kaz at least 10 times...and the last 5 times have been great! I used to hate the "Wine Bible" because it was too daunting...I now embrace this sweet deserving book each time I see it. I enjoyed a wonderful glass of Pinot, while Dr. Dave enjoyed a Sazerac. I had no clue what the hell a Sazerac was, however after a sip, I was on board for more! Basically has obscure booze in it and ends up tasting like a nice scotch.
We shared a couple of nosh plates and enjoyed every single bite. We shared the Cowboy Ciao - Chopped Salad. We had it "traditional" with smoked salmon. However I think my favorite part of the salad was the dehydrated corn. I know that must seem odd...but it gives the salad a "chewy" texture...which is a wonderful compliment to the smokey salmon.
Our next dish was smoked sausages and pretzel bread. If you know me, I'm CRAZY for pretzel bread. This bread was amazing and even out shined the pretzel bread from City Hall. It was served so hot you can barely handle it along with a side with spicy mustard that is nearly too hot to stand...but makes it all the more fun to share. Ha!
The bartenders were really great and put up with our banter...so THANK YOU KAZ! I will be back soon!
I love finding the Truth behind that amazing wooden, unmarked door.
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I was in this place a couple weeks back, It is an awesome spot! While I enjoy the whole try to find us theme, help a brother out, I was walking around tryin to find this place sweating like I was running a marathon. However some pretty ladies helped me find it and I enjoyed some great wine. But I don't know how the Nick Cannon imposter with a wave cap on got in, there are thugs in Scottsdale? Damn.
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There's just something about this place I don't like.
I love the wine list
I love dim lighting, caves, couches, sausage and cheese platters....
Just can't put my finger on it, but I would rather sit at the bar at Cowboy Ciao then have to hang out here. *Shrug*
The bartenders were a bit snotty last time I was there... maybe that's it. Hmph.
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I felt like I had just been given the secret handshake when we went to this place... There's no sign other than "The Truth Lies Within" We walked around for a good bit before we found it...
This place is in an alley behind Cowboy Ciaos. It's very dark inside and cozy. The wine was excellent, they have the largest wine list I have ever seen. My one complaint would be how they organize the list, it's by price, sort of... So if you want a specific type of wine, from a specific region, good luck...
We had the antipasto platter and it was great. Olives, cheeses, cured meats, various pickled veggies (caper berries!!). No food that's going to really make a full meal, so you might want to eat before coming here.
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shhhhhhh!!!!!!, this place is hummmm........ lame!!.......especially on Thursday nights with their amazing jazz band is playing, every week it seems harder to reserve a seat.( that is my only complaint) the word is out.
Perfect, a wine list for days and an in house all star jazz band!
the staff are very attentive and do very well considering the vast wine list.
great seating and long bar, designed to look like a speak easy, the lay out is great. Super cool date spot.
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It is with a heavy heart that I demote Kazimierz to three stars.
As I mentioned in my previous post, it's where I have great memories, met my husband, and, still, I think, it has a great romantic atmosphere.
But the waitstaff is turning into a bunch of serious DBs and the wine is really starting to suck.
Here's the thing: I'm willing to spend money for a good glass of wine. I don't have enough money to spend, say, $25 a glass. But I can spend $12. And I know that, for $12, I should be able to get a glass of decent wine.
Yet everything I've ordered from Kazimierz the last 4 times I've gone has tasted awful. Awful, as in, "tastes-like-the-$6-Tunisian-wine-I-bought-in-down town-Mesa-and-then-left-in-my-fridge-for-three-wee ks-to-use-as-cooking-wine-and-then-tasted-as-I-pou red-into-my-ratatouille-awful."
It's great they have unusual offerings, like wine from Montenegro and Lebanon - but why does it have to taste rubbery? And the malbec I had last time was absolutely horrendous.
Not only that, but what's with the reserved table thing? Every time they have NO space for us when we go as early as 8 p.m. Yet we can't make reservations unless we have a party of 5 or more. Even though they have talbes FOR TWO with "reserved" signs on them.. Hmm...So... that means we can't go? ok....
Long story short, atmosphere will only take you so far. If you're a wine bar, you need better wine. Try tasting it before you put it on your menu. I realize that once in a while, I might not like the wine - but this many times is just getting ridiculous.
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I know, I know... why the hell review Kazimierz? Hasn't everyone reviewed it already? Yes.. but I… Read more »
This is a really amazing place to get a glass of wine and sit and relax with a friend or with a date. If you are a guy, take your girl here.. its a really impressive place and it has a very sexy environment.
In addition to great atmosphere and an expansive wine selection, they have a great fondue appetizer.
Perfect date - Kazimierz with wine and fondue
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So I try to impress my girlfriend and tell her that I know of the cool wine bar in Old Town. I write down the addy since it's been a year or so since I've been here, and then guess what? I loose the paper, oops. We end up walking around for a while and then finally finding it.
---For the few people who haven't been here yet, there is no street front door, and there is only a small sign over the backdoor that says "The truth is inside".---
Service is great. Tried the Egyptian flat bread with morels, brie, shallots and truffle oil. Hell ya.
Now the wine, I'll be the first to admit I'm a winetard, but I'm learning. So at this stage of the game I like the wine flights. 3 3oz samples of a similar wines. That makes it a bit easier to figure out what the next glass would be.
Once you find this place it's great. I found it several years ago, I just forgot where it was.
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Why were we all pretending to be on the DL as we entered an unmarked establishment where we showed IDs but under very low lighting? Why when seated in the luscious libation lobby were we offered flights in red or white sans tickets? Why did the six of us soon discover there was also food to be had and then quickly ordered scandulous, savory, sausages, scented with selected herbs, and sliced to sizzle?
Was I trying to recover from my long journey West with a journey in time? Why was the clientel so well mannered this night and seemingly sophisticated? Why must I attempt to secretly make a guest appearance there as often as possible?
Why do I feel so good about the need to have soooo many wines available at my fingertips and under discerning scrutiny?
Finally, I do not care why. I just care that this place exists for me.
And it delivers on many levels for me.
And it is fabulously ours in Scottsdale... and I am happy to have found it.
I will be back...and not alone.
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My friend refers to this place as "Hitler's Bunker" but I choose to see the romantic side of Kazimierz. I love the dark, cool interior with the large comfy sofas and chairs.
It can be daunting to find a bottle of wine since the list is incredibly vast. I usually settle for a wine flight like the French Kiss or I open up the book to a random page and swirl my finger around until I land on a bottle in my price range. The flat bread pizzas and fruit and cheese trays have been nothing but impressive. Some of the waitstaff can be a bit surly but most of the interactions have been quite positive.
All in all I think this is a superb place to take a date after a nice dinner so you can unwind.
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Most of the time the music is good, like when Dennis Rowland is there. Occasionally it sounds like the type of jazz a 56 year old white lady who drives a Chrysler Sebring would listen to. Getting wine recommendations is a crapshoot-- the bartenders always recommend good wines but the servers are fairly inconsistent.
One thing you can always count on is some group of douchebags sitting right in front of the band and having social hour. Hey morons, STFU or sit in the back!
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After coming here three different times with three different people, I can safely confirm that Kaz is a solid 3-star place.
First visit = 2 stars
Second visit = 3 stars
Third visit = 4 stars
FIRST VISIT
Super busy Thursday night around 9 p.m. $5 entertainment charge. No where to sit. No where to stand. Went with some nasty Goats do Roam wine that gleamed like fresh blood. Swore to myself I'd never be back. Especially because the vibe was so pretentious.
SECOND VISIT
Moderately busy. Was on a date on a weekend. Sat at one of their small tables near the windows, which was close to the entertainment. So, it was loud and very hard to carry on a conversation. We ordered only wine, which was tasty, yet a bit on the expensive side. I was then told that Kaz is a great place to come right when they open their doors at 6 p.m. Scribbled that tid-bit down in my brain.
THIRD VISIT
Went shortly after 6 p.m. on a Monday. We were one of the few patrons in the place. Service started off excellent and tapered off as the place got busier (8:30). We each ordered a wine flight, after having asked our server for suggestions/help. We also went with the cheese tray (6 cheese for $20) that comes with a heap of fresh fruit and a couple different nuts on the side, with two small baguettes. It was DELICIOUS. The gouda was my absolute favorite, with its smokey finish. I HIGHLY recommend you share the cheese plate with somebody. You can order all 6 for $20 or opt for a small order at $4 a piece. It's a full meal and it tastes soooo good, especially with a nice flight of wine.
While the music detracted from the atmosphere (pop and punk to Bob Marley), it's not so noticeable that you aren't able to relax. Time slipped by. At the end of the evening, my friend and I had enjoyed our own flight and the huge cheese tray for $25 each. Not bad for Kaz!
Our service ended poorly. We had to ask the guy re-filling our water to take our check. It seems our server decided to ignore us, though she was earlier quick to point out that normally Kaz doesn't allow for a complimentary side of olive oil with the cheese tray - that only she does it for her customers. Uhm, disclose much? It's not like we asked for a kidney.
By the time we left, nearly all the tables and lounge spots were reserved. You might want to call ahead, if you plan to come later on in the evening.
MY RECOMMENDATION:
Check this place out shortly after they open on a weekday. Otherwise, you may not be able to find a comfy seat, you may be asked to fork over a cover charge or you may hate the weekend night vibe and get the entirely wrong impression of this place.
JUST A TIP:
They don't do happy hour. Not even a couple bucks off of the wine. So take that into consideration when you go. It's not really a place that would cater to people looking for a happy hour spot. You'll see what I mean when you go.
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I have been here a few times when in the area and I love the atmosphere --very mood inducive!! I will say that it was a little hard to find initially....still till this day I dont think that it was well marked by a sign.
But arent all great places known by 'word of mouth'? Kind of makes you feel a little more special and on the 'in' side of things.
I love the couches and the LIVE music - its very romantic, sexy and what's better to enjoy that with some wine in good company!!
I would suggest this as a great 'date' place - but meet in the parking lot outside first. =0)
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This is a great place to hangout. They have couches, great wine, and cheese. I saw a cooly jazzy band there once too. I don't go there more often because it is too expensive. Try taking a date there and not running up a tab of at least $100 (it's impossible I've already tried).
If you haven't been, it really is cool, strong recommendation here.
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Being a New Yorker and having visited many speak easy's in NYC, it is funny that this place is referred to as such. I guess for Scottsdale, it is.
However, it has a very cool vibe, great selections of wines and well priced. Some interesting cats in there every now and then but a good spot to chill and have some good wine.
I will preface everything I say about Kazmierz with the fact that my first and only visit was at least two years ago.
I must give kudos to an ex-coworker who took me here when he found out I liked wines and that I also loved jazz. The wine flights, and the food that followed, were amazing! It being a Thursday night meant that the Dennis Rowland Trio were playing, and anyone who has heard of DR will tell you that he and his band are truly outstanding performers.
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Freaking awesome. I'm so coming here every Sunday night. We decided to go here after dinner at Mastros last night. It's around the corner from the restaurant and we've never been before -- I've only heard the lore.
I can't attest to the entertainment on different nights, but the Flamenco show was awesome. I wanted to stay all night. I was actually surprised it wasn't busier. We had no problem getting a table. There might have been 20 other people there? Anyway, we're definitely coming back to this place.
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Seriously, slamming Kazimierz as a wine bar is like slamming Lombardis in NYC for pizza. Let's get a hold of ourselves here.
Forget about the food, if you want food, go to a restaurant.
Forget about smiling doormen. If you want smiles, buy a ticket to the next "Up With People" tour that comes into town.
Forget about light. If you want light, go hiking in Sedona and soak in the sun.
Bottom line, if you can't find a wine that pleases from this enormous list, you must not have a tongue.
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Brilliant place. I think Scottsdale, in general, is a fantastic place, so new, crisp, rich, clean, modern. Although as I walked through the dark streets last night, heels clicking against the pavement, I noticed it lacked something - character. Soul, heart, whatever you want to call it, it lacks the gravitas that cities likes Chicago, New York, Boston, have earned through decades of human history, donated by the variety of people that have called them home. No - at first glance - it's seems to be a playground for young beautiful white people with too much money to throw around, and not enough sense to give it to me.
I'm sooo gonna get in trouble.
The point is, the Kazimierz felt genuinely good. It felt like the one place in my adventures where the people were good, and music was true, and the atmosphere was...simply right. The place was very dimly lit almost to a fault, although now I couldn't imagine it being brighter and having the same feel to it. The furnishings are an interesting fusion of modern function (metal/glass tables) vs. traditional form (wooden bar), which suited the place very well.
The wine list is extraordinary - unfortunately I was already feeling a bit exhausted that night otherwise I would've been more adventurous, but their dozens of wine flights all have great themes, and all wines are served in a small carafe to preserve...um, insert something smart here.
The live jazz band was of course a great attraction - good oldies, good wine, and dark rooms always make you feel warm inside.
Can't say too much for the food because I didn't have any, but damn that fondue the couple at the table in front of me was having looked tasty.
Last, but not least, the service was efficient and friendly, even on a busy night, which I'm always impressed by.
It's an awkward place to be when you have nowhere to sit, but if you can secure yourself a seat at the bar, or even better, a table, this is a great place to chill out with old friends, sip wine, maybe a little light petting, whatever you're into, I don't like to judge.
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Likely the best wine bar in old-town. This place has a stellar reputation with locals. My one and only gripe is how busy it is - which makes finding a seat rather difficult.
Nice and dark with a wine list that will blow your socks off, and potentially your hard earned dollars too...
The crowd is well mixed, slightly older and more sophisticated. A great place to meet up with friends and chill.
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Amazingly large and diverse wine selection and ever changing "flight" menu. The dark cozy atmosphere makes it a perfect date spot or casual hang w/ friends. Sometimes on crowded nights, its standing room only. But the crowd and music is great so you won't even notice.
Tip: Jazz on Monday & Thursday nights. Flemenco dancers on Sunday. $5 cover on entertainment nights.
People thought this was:
I am a sucker for a great wine bar. That said, this is a great one. The outside of the bar is really incognito... you know, one of those bars without a sign. As you walk in, you feel like you're entering a wine vault. It's dark, ceilings are relatively low, and the space itself is very inviting. A very sexy, romantic bar, I think. So perfect for a first date (boys pay attention!). Bar is to the left, the center of the space is filled with cozy couches, and the perimeter is a mixture of low and high top tables.
Here's the skinny: the wine list itself is decent. Not a gynormous selection, and not teenytiny. Also, they have a great selection of wine flights. My girlfriend had a pretty good Malbec (a bit on the tart side), and I had a prosecco. The clientelle was probably 30's and up, people were nicely dressed. Many couples were there, on dates and double dates. Also, I saw a girl in a tiara and a light up sash- I'm guessing it was her bachelorette party. This was not a meet market-y bar, at least when I went.
My g/f came here on a first date, and said there was live music. On the night I went (Sat.) there wasn't live music. But still, fun was had by all.
People thought this was:
Went here for drinks with my bf - had the fondue and some great pinots. We really liked the variety and ability to get any type of wine we wanted. Service from the female bartenders was not ideal ~ but the male bartender was very attentive to us. We got here early on a Saturday night (about 8-9) and really enjoyed ourselves until it got crowded. There's also a shortage on bathrooms (not ideal). I'd suggest it for pre-dinner drinks and post dinner drinks, but not for the main destination due to the crowds.
People thought this was:
This has to be my favorite guilty pleasure on Thursday nights. For a while there I was addicted - even memorizing some of Dennis Rowland's jazz covers!
Luckily, I got a life, and hadn't been in a while. But I found myself here last week showing off this place to an out-of-town visitor, and was sorry I had even left.
Kazimierz is a quintessential Phoenix experience, not because it's typical Phoenix -- but because it shows how magical a great space, a great wine list (1800 bottles deep), an entertaining performer, and an interesting mix of guests can do for a bar.
Regarding the rest:
* Everyone else accurately describes the set-up.
* I've never had the food here as I'm always here post-dinner.
* The service here is always professional and above par.
* And the jazz entertainment on Thursdays ($5 cover) is always a crowd pleaser.
Speaking of the crowd it ranges the gamut in age, ethnicity and types -- from guys/girls night out (on their way to Suede), couples canoodling on a dinner date, to older couples there for the music.
My only complaint as another reviewer points out is the tacky wine menu - in a three ring binder?!? It's quite the disconnect. Why not go one step further and put the wine selection in a.... Trapper Keeper. Klassy!
If you get a chance check this bar out in July for the Christmas tree and candy canes. Ho ho ho, winos!
People thought this was:
Paradise Valley, AZ
Category: Lounges
Phoenix, AZ
Category: Wine Bars
Scottsdale, AZ
Category: Lounges
Scottsdale, AZ
Category: Local Flavor
Scottsdale, AZ
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