- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 11:30 am - 11 pm
Fri 11:30 am - 12 am
Sat 9 am - 12 am
Sun 9 am - 11 pm
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Music:
- Live
- Best Nights:
- Wed, Thu, Sat
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Smoking:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Hipster
- Has TV:
- No
About This Business:
Lattes on Location is a professional espresso/cappuccino bar caterer. Our coffee bar offers quality coffees and quality service. Our goal is to make a… read more »
168 reviews for Venice Beach Wines
Review Highlights
"GREAT selection of vino and bottled beers."
(in 13 reviews)
"I especially loved the Lambwich."
(in 17 reviews)
"The cheese plate was amazing."
(in 7 reviews)
Loading...
168 reviews in English
-
Review from Emily G.
Brooklyn, NY
12/14/2011
So glad I stumbled across this place!
Delicious wine selection, great and attentive service, and food is yum! Good desserts.
It's small and seating is a bit cramped, so get there early and stay late to snag a good table.
Pricey, but it's a great night out. -
Review from Ryan F.
Santa Monica, CA
2/2/2012
Very cute, good date place My wife and I enjoyed a nice light (early) dinner at Venice Beach Wines.
A bit out of the way but we ventured over there because of the great online reviews. The dining area is all covered patio so I'm not sure how it is when it's raining or cold. But on a nice day, it was charming.
The wine selection is great. I've had better bacon wrapped dates, but the Lambwich was a real hit with us. -
Review from Diana h.
Santa Monica, CA
After my initial review of VBW where I gave my visit 3 stars, the waiter that waited on me during that visit reached out to me on Yelp. He apologized for the experience I had and invited me back for a redemption visit.
The redemption visit was a good one. More similar in service to what I'm use to getting at VBW. It's not perfect service but it's really good service. Micah and I got the drunken goat cheese with red wine cherries to start, the tonno salad with salted white fish (sub since they didn't have the cured tuna avail) and the bison burger. We ordered the bison burger with no bacon but it came out with bacon anyway. Funny, but I can definitely live with that small mistake. Our waiter was really nice and extremely accommodating. He even brought out dessert for us. It was the chocolate brownies with fresh strawberries. Really, that dessert was to DIE for.
All in all, it was really great of VBWs to reach out and make it known that they do care about their service and the loyal customers. The food and wine is always good, the atmosphere is perfect and they definitely get an A for effort for this last visit! I do recommend that they don't wait to give poor service before they give great service.
Thanks VBW, I'll be visiting often.
~d1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
12/30/2011
I have to preface this review with the fact that I've loved Venice Beach wines for at least 3 years… Read more »
-
-
Review from Elizabeth J.
Santa Monica, CA
1/14/2012
Oh man, has this place gotten popular. It used to be you could go on weeknights and sit down right away or after a few minutes. But now there's wait lists! It's a pretty intimate (read: "small") place, so there's not much room once 30 people crowd into the outdoor patio--there's hardly any room inside.
But if you like a crowded scene, go for it! The beers are excellent and the food is sooo tasty--just let me say one word: Lambwich!
And if you don't like a crowded scene, get there very early or go for brunch on the weekend! The sangria is fantastic and sitting on that patio on a sunny morning is heavenly. -
Review from Seamus P.
Santa Monica, CA
2/7/2012
Great intimate neighborhood wine bar. Had their amazing lamb panini & cheese plate. Great wine selection by the glass and bottles to go as well. Love this place.
-
Review from Dru G.
Los Angeles, CA
2/1/2012 5 Check-ins Here
The food is good, my favorite is the buffalo burger without the candied bacon.
The selection of cheese and prosciutto is great.
Good selection of beer and large selection of wines.
Service can be painfully slow provided the size of the place, which is quite small. Can also be pretty pretentious, though that's a large part of the crowd that comes here. I thought this was supposed to be Venice???
I keep going back because the wine and beers are good and the owner is a nice fellow but mainly because of the food and drinks.
I would recommend, at least try it out. It might just be your thing. -
Review from Christina Y.
Santa Monica, CA
12/14/2011
Ever since I moved to the area everyone kept telling I just had to check this place out. I finally found the opportunity last night and I was completely charmed. Located on a quiet part of Rose Ave, it's a teeny little space with just a few benches and small tables to share, and no indoor seating. You can see the kitchen through the window, and it's also absolutely miniscule...it reminded us a lot of New York in its compactness.
The service was stellar and I very much enjoyed my wine which was a couple bucks off for happy hour, which goes till 7. My only gripe was that I didn't love the food... we had the Toscano pizette which was actually fairly tasty but also the tonno salad, which I found to be pretty flavorless. Next time I'll definitely be having their bacon wrapped dates or selection of cheeses, which I think will better complement my wine!
So the experience was very very close to a five star for me, reduced mostly because I think I should have chosen differently on the food menu. But I'm looking forward to coming back seeing what else they have to offer in this cute little spot!Listed in: Venice Favorites
-
Review from Joe N.
Venice, CA
12/7/2011 30 Check-ins Here
This is easily my favorite place in Venice - maybe in all of L.A. It is a very local, very small space that invites you to say hello to your neighbors. Really just a great vibe. The menu is mostly small plates and even the entree sandwiches are cut for sharing. Charcuterie, cheeses, and pizzas that all go great with wine. Almost everything is delicious and the 'lambwich' is worth the trip alone. In fact, I often walk over for just that sandwich...
The wine list is actually not huge, but the selections are always interesting and rotate occasionally. Everything (I think) is available by glass or bottle. They also have a respectable beer selection that also compliments the food selection.
If you want to feel like a local when you walk in, just do not try and steal open seats. Politely wait by one of the standing tables near the entrance or inside and your party will be seated when it is your turn. No official wait list but they always get it right!
My single gripe and the reason my favorite place only gets 4 stars is the tight pours. From the owner's perspective, I can see how draconian measures at a wine bar can make a huge difference to the bottom line. But I think the pours are pretty small to begin with and even 4 or 5 glasses in, the staff is still filling to the line exactly. My opinion is that places that serve high-markup booze should give their employees the flexibility to take care of good customers (like the 'buy back' of yore...) once in a while.Listed in: Best Spots on Rose Ave, a.k.a.…
-
Review from Becky P.
West Hollywood, CA
12/1/2011
Thank god for this place. This is my go-to when my best friend and I have to find a place within stumbling distance. Every server we've had has been friendly and knowledgeable. The last time I was there we ordered the combo, which consisted of a sandwich, side, fruit and non-alcoholic beverage. I ordered the lamb sandwich with a pasta salad. It was DELICIOUS and ridiculously affordable. I also ordered an additional side of potatoes that I wuold highly recommend.
The place is tiny but I rarely have to wait very long. It's really a local's hangout and we love talking to the really nice people who usually show up.
They have a great wine selection. We usually just order a bottle and re-cork and take home whatever we can't finish.
Highly recommended! It's also a great little date place if you don't mind the cozy quarters. -
Review from Rita L.
Venice, CA
1/30/2012
I go here every weekend for the food and get a random wine every time. The food is very rich and tasty, they use healthy ingredients so its not greasy... unless you get the bacon wrapped dates (with blue cheese inside) they are UNreal! I get the buffalo burger or lamb sandwich every time.
-
Review from Zee Z.
Newport Beach, CA
11/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
Holy disappointment. First of all, there's room for about 15 people ... maximum! You are sitting outside on a patio (no inside seating), which on a rainy or cold day isn't pleasant.
Second, our waitress seemed to have a stick up her ass. It's like, sorry you have to serve us and that we are your only customers!?! Maybe we just weren't hipster enough for her.
I had asked for a "buttery chardonnay", and received the contrary. Everyone agreed that their wine was just "OK".
Because of the good ratings I thought I had found a hidden gem. NAY! -
Review from The Illustrious Aydin D.
Santa Monica, CA
11/28/2011
If you're a charcuterie fan - go here. They have the most amazing jamon iberico that just melts in your mouth...
I wish it was bigger but it's worth the wait and cool, mellow vibe. -
Review from Aileen P.
Updated - 10/4/2011
They finally expanded! Same great vibe, bigger tables, same great selection of brews and wines, friendly staff and more space makes Oscar's place a 10 in my book!!!
Not to mention the ever-changing seasonal menu that has the new mouth-watering pulled-pork tacos tah-die for ;).Listed in: Venice Adventures!, Worth the Splurge!, Best Happy Hour
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
11/22/2010
I've worked a jump away from this place for 3 years and I have enjoyed watching it grow and succeed… Read more »
-
-
Review from Mary I.
Santa Monica, CA
10/9/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Why do I keep coming back here?
The food is good. That's not the issue. And it's not just the flies that are ALWAYS swarming around either. That's not their fault. And I could (sort of) get past that. Although that is a big problem in and of itself.
The place is small. All outdoor seating, and tight. The seating is just benches which curve around the walls, and that's where the comfort problem starts, but it gets worse. The tables are slightly higher than your coffee table at home is. And I know, most of us are renters, and we like to eat at our coffee tables in front of our TVs. But that's out of necessity. Nobody likes to eat that way. It's totally uncomfortable, and that's only emphasized by the wait.
The wait is long. And gets longer. It doesn't matter how many tables they have. Last time they had 5. This time it was two. Two tables. of two. The other table didn't get their silverware until well after their meals arrived, and my boyfriend got his eggs a good 10 minutes before my plate arrived. I made a comment to him (quietly) about how maybe they were waiting for the chicken to lay the eggs, and they must have heard me, because they started scrambling to get mine out. It was good. Just not nearly good enough to justify the wait, the flies, and the completely uncomfortable seating. -
Review from Erin M.
9/15/2011
What everyone's said is true:
-Teeny, tiny, everything (space, serving size, tables)-- oh, except your bill. That will be anything but tiny.
-Nice ambiance, perfect date spot if you can find a seat to snuggle up together
-Could be a good place to make friends, because you're so intimate
-Kinda in the middle of nowhere/residential, but convenient enough -
Review from Joanna H.
Los Angeles, CA
10/12/2011
We love Venice Beach Wines. Super awesome wine (and beer) selections that you cant find by the glass in most places.
Their food is delish. Just the right choices for a snack or a full meal. They are always changing stuff up and offering specials so you won't get bored with the food.
Some complain about the lack of space on the patio, but we love it. It's super comfy and nice and chill. You'll always meet new people too which is fun since you sit so closely.
No pretention here at all, either. Makes a perfect wine bar. -
Review from Dave F.
8/16/2011 1 Check-in Here
This was my second trip to VBW and when it's busy, it's a little claustrophobic. However, the Lambwich and service are excellent!
The ambiance is really lame. The last time I went, there was no one else here......but, when it's crowded, it's just not a comfortable environment. -
Review from Lizzie b.
Los Angeles, CA
8/27/2011
Lambwich (sliced lamb, mint pesto, onion jam, dipping sauce)
+
White sangria with lots of diced apples
=
Totally delicious and effective hangover cure -
Review from kim w.
Santa Monica, CA
6/1/2011
I am a long time Venice resident and am thrilled to have a nice place that I can walk to in North Venice. It has taken me a while to finally to try this Venice wine bar and at the urging at many friends who spend their evenings there, I brought my friend from SF to check it out. We squeezed into a corner spot, having to reposition the table for leg room. We were having a fine time, ordered a few glasses of wine, a tiny pizza, some delicious cheese and a super-bland salad to share.
All was fine except that when the 2 people seated next to us left, the waitress decided to cram 3 people into their place. I appreciate that the space is tiny but moving our table without asking, and then informing us that we needed to move (again without asking) was just rude. Our waitress was obviously slammed, as I am sure she is every night, but maybe crack a smile and try being polite? I loved the atmosphere and was really hopeful that I would have a great place so close to me for dinner!
I would have given a 3-star review but after the service, it was not warranted. The food wasn't that great...I know it's supposed to be about the wine, so it's not really an issue. Maybe the people writing the other reviews have never really had good food or service? Maybe it was the alcohol and the ambience that made them glow in a 5-star haze?
Whatever the case, I'd really love to give it another chance and would be glad to amend this review.
Incidentally, I also tried their sister Cerveteca, two doors down. I was not thrilled with the menu but LOVED the space. I loved the home-made salsas, it made my veggie burger so delicious! I also loved that Mama is in the kitchen whipping up food! I was hoping for a little more vegan-freindly menu...some green salad would be great. I will try it again since they just opened and are working out the kinks. Oh, and what's with all the people that bring babies and strollers into wine and beer bars? Keep the kids at home and OFF the counter PLEASE! -
Review from ya y.
Santa Monica, CA
1/6/2012
LOVE this place! as well as Oscar's next door. Un-pretentious, friendly service, great beer / wine and delicious varied small plates. Quite small indeed, so best to avoid peak hours. Oscar's next door is also not to be missed for a larger selection and more space.
-
Review from Jan B.
Los Angeles, CA
11/15/2011
Coziest Wine Bar I know outside of Europe. Great to get to know people
-
Review from Gintare B.
Los Angeles, CA
6/28/2011
I have been wanting to come here for a little while and the reviews were great but first of all I was a little dissapointed with the location, theres nothing around this place. I like places where you can at least have a nice view of the streets and people watch but this place was kind of in the middle of nowhere, which I dont know maybe some people like. Oh and maybe the drink list is european but the feel of the place is not so.
I was also a little unhappy that when I got there that the waiter said we could only order 1 round of drinks because they close in half an hour. So she made me feel uncomfortable to order more drinks, but when I looked around, other people were still receiving food and drinks so I was a little upset about that.
Other than that the wine was good but the place is nothing special and I probably wont come here again. -
Review from Rick L.
Los Angeles, CA
8/17/2011
I like this place, though its sister restaurant, Oscar's, is clearly a step up.
Great neighborhood feel, a very Venice vibe.
I'll come here for a veggie burger, which is excellent, or a morning scramble. The coffee is great, the food is good. The best thing it has is an unpretentiously local and intimate atmosphere.
Venice prices are in effect, but what'd you expect when you came to this side of town? -
Review from Jessica A.
El Monte, CA
7/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
We stopped in on Memorial Day.. I started off with the Dark Ale English Hobgoblin. It was great! I proceeded to order the Buffalo Burger with bacon, grilled red onions and blue cheese. It did not disappoint. It was juicy and savory.
I would give this place 5 stars however these are cramped quarters! Not much elbow room or comfort when there is a full house. -
Review from Val B.
Waipahu, HI
10/12/2011
Small, busy, good service, great selection on food and drink, delicious, great vibe, intimate, in the middle of a residential neighborhood (convenient though), and overall nice. Overall great experience the two times I've been there. However, one star was knocked off because of the longest waits ever to be seated.
-
Review from Jeanie C.
2/12/2011 1 Check-in Here
This is where all the cool kids hang out.
I'm not as cool as the cool kids, but I still like to come here and pretend I am, ha ha.. The nice part is that even though this place is super popular with the Ocean Park/Venice yuppie set, the staff is still really friendly, and the food is great. Wine selection is on the smaller side but good. I've always really enjoyed the snacks I've eaten here - they usually have delicious deserts, btw!
I would give this place 5 stars except for the fact that it's often impossible to get a seat.. and it's also usually more $$$ than I'd like to spend. Regardless, I will be back!Listed in: Ocean Park - Santa…
-
Review from Newsha T.
9/17/2011
Definitely the new cool spot in town. I met a friend here and it was the perfect spot for a casual night out at place where you can have a good time but still hold a conversation at a normal volume level. The wines are nice and the atmosphere is really cozy; it's the hip/cool/artsy/yuppie quintessential Venice vibe. Glasses of wine run about $10-$15 each.
-
Review from JENNIFER N.
Huntington Beach, CA
5/9/2011 1 photo
great wine selection. I loved the Albarinho, Sauvignon Blanc, & Cabernet on the list. The charcuterie is good. As for cheeses, I highly recommend the Manchego. they have quite extensive beer selection also.
seating is very tight. your best bet for a seat is middle of the afternoon on a saturday. -
Review from Katie B.
7/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
What a Westside winner! It's enchanting during the day and seductive in the evening.
Venice Beach Wines is a petite little thing that can't possibly seat more than 15 people, but I was lucky enough to hit it up at the end of the lunch rush and post up at a table for the afternoon between their lunch and early dinner seating. The seating is extremely intimate...it was hard not to insert yourself in the 4 other conversations going on around you, but no one seems to mind.
They have a very easy menu for lunch and a great deal where you pick a sandwich, side, piece of fruit, chips, and a drink for $15. I was torn between many of the sandwiches but the waitress told me the Pulled Pork was the one that makes everyone cry tears of joy, so I went with that one. It came out relatively fast and the potato salad was the most colorful side dish I've ever feasted my eyes on. Some of the potatoes looked like kalamata olives they were so vibrant! And on top of that it was tasty...a little on the small side for some but the perfect amount when paired with the rest of the items. The chips were crispy and a nice finger snack before I plunged into the sandwich. The sandwich was incredible. The pulled pork was dripping in a succulent sauce and the other dressings provided the perfect textural element to get my taste buds all giddy! They have homemade agua frescas (hibiscus on this very day) that are refreshingly westside and you can include in your lunch combo.
The place is unassuming but really lovely and one of the reasons I think I'm liking Venice more and more with every visit! -
Review from stayce c.
San Francisco, CA
5/6/2011
Having lived in Berlin for many years, I'm excited to find Pinkus beer in a restaurant. And they have Humboldt Fog...yum, i'm in heaven.
The service is friendly, the food is delicious, the selection of wine is excellent and they have a few good beers and ciders too. Very European in all the best ways.
It's crowded. -
Review from BridgetLoves L.
Marina del Rey, CA
10/5/2011
Amazing- I am finally getting around to writing a review on this place and the new one next door Oscar's Cerveteca. Both are a MUST. Both get crowded and both carry the cool ambiance you can only find at the beach and on the new hip strip known as Rose. Ride your bike or park on the street- but make sure to indulge. Venice Beach Wines has great wines and food. They also have some good beers if you are into something more adventurous than the standard Miller Lite. Definitely stop by and wait for a table. It is quite small, but the whole point is to have a cool community vibe. So gather round- make friends with your neighbors and when you are done stop next door for a different feel at Oscar's Cerveteca (or come another night)- but def. stop in!
-
Review from Lisa B.
11/14/2010 3 Check-ins Here
This is a common meeting spot for our Italian Bike Night group on Wednesdays. GREAT selection of vino and bottled beers. As I've only been there once, I can only comment on the cheese and charcuterie selection which is generous and tasty.
We asked the cute little waitress for recommendations and were happy with her selections. It's a cute space and the clientele aren't too terribly West Side.
Will become a regular spot I think.Listed in: Abbot Kinney I LOVE you
-
Review from Matt O.
8/21/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I love this place so much. It's been fun to watch it's growth and popularity from a simply wine shop to a hip wine bar and restaurant. I miss the days where I could walk right in and sit but the place is tiny and it's deserved popularity was inevitable. I try to get there early and not make VBW my "meal" of the night. I secure a seat (so so so limited and only outdoor), order a micro-brew or wine and some cheese with friends. You will HANDS DOWN talk to the people sitting next to you....because they are basically sitting WITH you which is part of the charm of this spot. You will enjoy this place. It's one of my all time favorites.
-
Review from Jacqueline S.
5/3/2011
Tried this spot for the first time last night and it was okay. Small, compact space. There were 3 different parties on the patio, totaling about 9 people in total and that was plenty. I can't imagine choosing to go here if it were any busier.
Having said that, the wine selection was okay with some wines i'd never seen before and a few organic selections. My friend and I split some very delicious olives and we each had the Lambwich was delicious.
Food was the best thing. -
Review from amie a.
Santa Monica, CA
11/30/2011
Bring back the vegetable sandwich!!! I love VBW. It's my goto spot for lunch with friends, boozy afternoons, or late night dinners with the bf. Wine and beer and staff and cheese pots and salads and EVERYTHING about this spot is grande! And I love to sit around the stump like I am home.
-
Review from pierre b.
Venice, CA
12/21/2010
This is a great spot for a date or for small groups (3-4 people, tops). The seating area is TINY, only the size of an average living room, and it is packed pretty much every night, especially on weekends. If you come on a weekend, expect to stand for a little bit until seating opens up.
The wine selection is usually superb and they always have good beers on tap. The food ranges from standard cheese and fruit plates to the imaginative (blue cheese stuffed bacon wrapped dates were on the menu for a while and were quite delicious). Everything I have had has been delicious.
I have not had a bad experience there, yet. Well... once but that was because of the company, not the establishment. -
Review from Kristin E.
Santa Monica, CA
3/1/2011
Diamond in the rough!
You would never know from the outside just how amazing this spot is. Simple eats, great wine and beer selections, cozy and quaint. Even the owner Oscar is such a nice guy.
This place is great for ANY time...day or night. Shine or Rain. Amazing! -
Review from Vanessa H.
Aliso Viejo, CA
8/27/2010
Came here this week with a couple of girlfriends, and I loved the atmosphere! It's a tight fit, like people have said before, but the wine & food are easily worth it.
We had one of the cheese plates - some french cheese, but I can't find it on the online menu. We also had one each of the three bruschetta choices...all were excellent, but our favorite was the burratta & prosciutto.
With more space this place could host a killer happy hour. As it is, you're just happy to get the room you have. -
Review from Christine Y.
Los Angeles, CA
6/18/2010
I was warned that this place was small...but really...its small. Haha. But hey it works if you have a small group of people, can get here early, and come here on a weekday. I wouldn't even try coming here on a weekend probably, lucky for my my coworkers had snagged a spot when I got here.
Walking up to it, I wasn't sure if I was at the right place as I couldn't find any signage. There was a sign with a menu on it, but other than that I had to get closer to find out where I was.
The front porch area is the only seating area they have and they've definitely done their best with it. If only this place was a bit bigger but oh wells. A bench lines 2 walls of the porch, with some thin moveable metal tables placed throughout. They do have some small stools on wheels that you can use, but they are pretty short so you end pretty low compared to people sitting on the benches. Other than that its standing room only, which plenty of people had to do even on a Monday night. Pretty busy. Still, pretty nice place for some good conversation. I don't recall music blasting away, but I was chatting with others so I just don't remember. Didn't have to yell at people to be heard though.
If you actually go inside you can see their selection of wine which is kept on shelving along the walls. They have a rotating selection weekly which is kinda interesting. Hehe, I didn't go inside so that's all I saw. My time was spent chatting and eating. No drinks for me that night so I can't say much about their drink selection. That's saved for another night and an update.
Being a piggy and hungry after work, I had to try something off their pretty extensive food menu. The buffalo sandwich and lambwich were recommended to me and I chose the latter. If I had known it was real buffalo, I was thinking buffalo sauce, I would've gone for that instead. Lambwich turned out to be pretty good anyways.
The lambwich was nicely pressed on an actual panini grill...yea for that! I hate places that serve up "paninis" that are only toasted. Good portion of sliced lamb meat, but didn't really taste much of the curry rub. Bit greasy. It came with some dipping sauce that went nicely, something that reminded me of garlic aioli but was different. Super oily kettle chips that were super crunchy...and so not goood for my health. I still ate them as they tasty anyhow, but wish weren't so oily. The arugula salad it came with slightly offset that right?
Price for the lambwich was $10, which for the portion size and all was a good deal! Bars with good food are always the place to be as I like to eat and then drink.
I would come here just for the food. Having alcohol is just a plus hehe.Listed in: Places to Bring my Sis to
-
Review from J D.
Manhattan Beach, CA
8/30/2011
Great salads with fava beans and pesto dressing, cheese place with petit basque and white sangrias! yesh!
