Wellingtons Wine Bar
- Hours:
Mon, Sun 3:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
Tue-Thu 3:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.
Fri-Sat 3:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m. - Price Range: $$
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Good for Groups: Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
- Outdoor Seating: Yes
- Alcohol: Beer & Wine Only
22 reviews
San Francisco, CA
"This place is arguably the best wine/spirits store in the city. I'm a fan of American whiskey/scotch and napa valley cabernets and this…" read more »
15 Reviews for Wellingtons Wine Bar
OMG...this place is amazing. I'm pretty much over going to bars at this point, so any place that serves such an amazing collection of wine is high on my list. Nice ambiance.
They offer several options: : a taste in the form of a flight of 3, a half glass or a full glass, or a bottle to drink or to go.
They have a table full of games like backgammon, cribbage, scrabble or cards, so you can sit and sip your wine looking out at a nice view of the bay, or get a quick game in. Big tables, or nice couches ...like the oversize living room I wish I had, complete with very a helpful, knowledgeable and handsome staff. Somehow I've managed to go on nights that weren't busy so we received a lot of welcome attention from the bartender. This place is catching on and the weekends are crazy busy.
Bumped into this place recently on a recent trip between London and San Fran, when I stay in Marin.
I have to say this gaff has the perfect blend of London lounge bar chic and a relaxing local wine bar with the added bonus of a great view of Belvedere Island out back. I'm told Wellington's is getting an outdoor permit/licence thing (English spelling, sorry) to use the deck out back overlooking the water and to expect greater things on the food front.
The Governor of Wellington's is a bit of a wag and he told me that some aged Brit rock star is coming to visit the bar next Thursday (Morrissey perhaps). I wasn't sure if he was joking but that's the kind of welcoming and good natured fun you can expect there.
They know a thing or two about wine too with an accessible selection including some elegant clarets including a Ch. Latour 1982 amongst others.
I've given Wellington's 5 stars on the premise that with an outside space and more variation on food the whole package should be a big hit this Summer.
Wellington's a such a welcome addition to the Sausalito neighbourhood! You know those nights when you've escaped the city for a dinner at Larkspur, Sushiran or Pradise Bay, but find yourself in a pickle for an upscale (i.e. not Slimy Sam's) spot to sit back, chill and sip on some interesting varietals, while enjoying the beautiful bay? Well, no more. I see Wellington's becoming the yuppy's Sam's. They're working on their outdoor permit and I predict that tiny deck out front will become quite popular.
The decor is simple. Windows all round, beautiful wooden floors, it's an oversized room, airy and light, with simple, warming touches - a long bar, one discreet flatscreen with the game on in the corner, floating curtains separate and provide intimacy, and games for lazy afternoon. Last night was fairly busy, but not in an uncomfortable way. I was pleased to see a full range of people: an older couple, a younger group of women, men in suits and one or two frat-type boys.
The best part of my night: one can pick just about any wine off their list fin a make-your-own flight. Perfect!
The BF and I had anniversary dinner reservations in Ross so we were heading up north after work. I wanted to stop for a drink somewhere along the way so I goggle mapped the area and found Wellingtons Wine Bar. I checked out their website and decided it was just the ticket. It looked comfortable, welcoming and totally unpretentious. We got there around 5:30 and we were warmly greeted when we walked in by the bartenders and even got some smiles from the patrons at the bar. There were a couple of groups of ladies on both sets of comfy couches but there was lots of room at the bar and at the barrel tables. We choose a table that looked out on the water and was in a patch of sunshine. They have a great selection of wines by the taste, glass, 1/2 bottle and whole bottle. You can even create your own tasting flight of 3 wines for $12. I ordered a glass of pink bubbles (Allimant Laugner) since it was a special occasion and the BF had a Spaten.
We leisurely sipped out drinks and took in the view, the customers and the space. The noise level was pretty perfect- not so loud that you can't hear the other but not so quite that you feel the need to whisper. I think the bar has only been open a couple of months and you do get that not quite finished feel in the decor. It seems a little sparse. It has a wall with mounted Wellies (rubber rain boots and the bars namesake), and some other English mementos around the remainder of the room but it doesn't feel kitschy or pub like. There is tons of natural light through the many windows and it really helps to cozy up the room. They have a selection of board games you can play which was super appealing but we didn't have time to dive in.
We will definetly be back in the summer once the weather is nicer and the patio is open!! Well done Wellingtons!
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it's kind of ok but not a warm place at all...when inside you feel like: "Where should I seat myself in this mobile home?"
It is a pretty cold place and needs warmer tones to make people feel comfortable...wines are pretty decent!
Will go back with friends anyhow...
I have read that people are missing Cork?
That place was a dump!!!!
Owner was unfriendly and their wine list sucked!
They are closed for a reason,I sure am NOT missing it...
Great wine bar. Owners are very cool and the place is mellow enough for a beer drinker, like me, to feel at home. Some nights are busy and packed but when the crowds mellow the place is really comfortable. Plus, I hear that outdoor seating is on the way...
What a great find in Sausalito! Sausalito is a nice little trip from the city, until you get there and realize that, well, what is there to do here anyway? If you aren't in the mood for ice cream or a Crazy Shirt shopping spree, what does that leave you with? Thank goodness for this great new wine bar. My husband and I stumbled on it and had a great time - wonderful wines, great atmosphere and friendly service. And Mad Libs and other games to keep us entertained! This is such an unpretentious, chill place to hang out. I can't wait until spring when there will be seating outside with the most phenomenal view - I heard there might be BBQs!
I agree with the previous reviewer that, while Cork can never be replaced, Wellingtons seems to provide just as enjoyable of an experience.
The wine list is extensive and the ability to create your own flight is a fun idea. However, the small plate of food that they offer leaves a lot to be desired. According to Julie, they will be installing outdoor seating in the future, which will make this location that much more wonderful.
All in all, a very nice, local wine bar with a perfect location, excellent wine and friendly and knowledgeable staff.
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Don't look at it as LOSING "Cork", look at it as GAINING "Wellingtons"!
The wine list is extensive and approachable. There are enough wines on the list that any local wine-drinker will find something they know and like ... and the adventurous oenophiles can find something new and different too. [I found Cork's list more interesting but riskier.]
Lots of beers on the list, too. [I almost wondered if this place wanted to be a British pub, but someone told them a wine bar would be more lucrative.] Very limited food menu, but they're happy to accommodate take-out or delivery from outside restaurants.
The space is large and beautiful. Open & airy feeling inside, with spectacular views over the Bay! Rustic heavy wooden beams and wood floors, a long modern metal bar, a couple of lounge-y sofa-and-chairs seating areas (one under a wall of Wellington-style boots), and several high-stool bar tables. Check out the before-and-after photo album behind the bar to see the renovation process. One month after opening it still smells of fresh paint, and it appears that there still might be some more decorating/lighting work to do, but the place has a good feel.
Clientele seems to be local, mid-40s, casual, and decidely more men than women when we were there.
Service was efficient and friendly but somehow impersonal. I went in with an open and curious mind -- I hoped (and asked) the bartenders to tell us more about how Wellingtons came to be, to give us tips on the wine, or to sell us on the story -- but I felt a reluctance to connect with patrons.
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We just stumbled into WELLINGTON'S WINE BAR tonight!
It was a fluke!
The place we had planned to have a glass of wine at before dinner was packed . . . there was no chance of having a leasurely glass of chardonney, or anything else, before we headed to our dinner reservations.
So, on a recommendation, we headed to a NEW PLACE down the street.
"IT HAS ONLY BEEN OPEN A FEW DAYS."
Actually they just opened on Tuesday - 10/30/07 - 4 days ago.
The wine bar definitely smells new . . . very new. It has that new paint, new furniture, new floor sealing smell to it. If I was going to take any stars away, it would be for that "new car " smell.
Also, it was a little loud. They need some more soft furniture and a few area rugs to lower the noise level . . . but, they are new, they will figure it out!
Everything else was so good that, if I could, I'd give them an extra star or two . . .so what the heck, it all balances out.
And this is definitely a FIVE STAR PLACE.
The service was a little slow at first, but when our waiter finally showed up, he more than made up for the delay in service. Besides the fact that he was cute and smiled a lot, he was able to answer the wine questions we asked - - I'd give him 5 stars too!
The selection of wine was extensive. So many good ones that it was hard to decide. We only had 45 minutes . . . decisions, decisions . . . . before our dinner reservation . . . . there were several wines in their selection that we were anxious to try.
We finally settled on just two - a chardonney and a "V." They were chilled just right. We also wanted to try the tidbits on the menu, but we had a FIVE-STAR RESTAURANT waiting for us. NEXT TIME.
Three sides of the wine bar are glass - - it overlooks Sausalito's sailboat mooring and an incredible view of Belvedere Island. At night the lights were wondeful!
We were sorry to have to leave this new "find" after such a short time. WE DEFINITELY WILL BE BACK! Wellington's was full of happy folks and I am sure there will be more next time.
WELLINGTON'S WINE BAR will not be a secret for long!
Jeremy & Julie you have a hit!
Wellingtons has warm and friendly service, plenty of space, and an excellent selection of wines.
Now that I'm getting on a little in years, I just cant hang in those dark loud crowded obnoxious bars. I want to sit my butt in a comfortable chair (or couch which they have), RELAX, enjoy myself, and actually have a conversation with my friends like a big girl. And have a view.
It's a great place to start or end an evening or just hang out for a while.
Great view of the bay and great wines at reasonable prices! This place is going to attract the beautiful people of Sausalito and MILF's of Mill Valley. (Music needs to improve, no more Beatles please.)
What a great place for group events or a romantic outing. My hubby and I recently visited Wellington's on a date night. We were joyfully greeted by a charming limey, served wine exactly to our request. The vibe is good here, friendly and helpful (not pushy) staff. Patrons also very friendly, great place to meet a new peeps. The decor is modern yet also warm. Large space yet also several cozy nooks that resemble modern living rooms. The view is to die for, go during the day to grab some daylight view. Wine list expanse. Something for every palate and wallet.
So, I had a first date with a girl I had bonded with on the phone before our date. We were going to meet at a wine bar, of which I had been to once before whose name i did not know. . I was going to meet my date there but not knowing the name we decided to meet at baccus and venus. However, baccus and venus was closed on a rainy night. So,we drove in my car looking for this wine bar, I could not locate. We did find the closed small wine bar which from reading yelp was cork. I was joking around that the wine bar could be closed since it was small. Small places need to be busy since they are small. My date noticed a wine bar across the street from the one that had closed, so we went in at her suggestion. One would think with a lot of wealthy people in sausalito they could afford to eat out. i think those that live in marin go out to the city for their fine dining and do not eat locally unless it's last resort. So, while my date was freshening up, I took the liberty of ordering wines for us. They had a paul hobbs Argentian Malbec and a Dr L Riesling. Both were great choices, and we really liked the Dr. Looson a famous Riesling producer. I expplained to her i I would not order dinner for a date, but ordering wine my expertise is perfectlly acceptable. So, the complaint with wellington is they do not have food. My date we will call her C was ready to eat so we had to go to a new place. An awesome place for a first date, if you can get past the many police officers ready to pull you over. I say send these police into the city of sf. You dont need 4 police cars, at all hours to cover a tiny business district. Wellington does not have a kitchen yet, but they are working on getting one.
A cool place to hang out in Sausalito that's cleaner than the NoName and more comfortable than Cork was. Just what Sausalito needed.
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