The restaurant was nearly empty when I arrived with my companion. We sat for at least 15 minutes before our waiter came to take our order, or even provide a glass of water. Once we ordered it took nearly an hour before our salads arrived. Naturally our waiter then presented our entrees which we asked to send back so we could enjoy our salads. The salads were without taste and drenched in oil. My $16 very small chicken breast accompanied by nothing was also drowning in oil. I feel badly for our poor waiter, who is void of any level of customer service skills. It is the responsibility of the owner to be properly attired and to coach your staff to understand the needs of the consumer, and exceed their expectations. If you are a drinker and come to be intoxicated, with no need for good food or professional service, then this is your place. In summary, im a Monrovia local who has never patronized this establishment, and I never will again. The owner was aware of the significant short comings of our experience, but never once offered an apology, coffee or desert, which is unknown as it was not offered to us. Focus on service and food if you want to own a restaurant. EPIC FAILURE
The Thing
We just discovered this locally owned place and I think we love it. Good wine, good food, and good people.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Bruschetta
Anahid A.
My friend and I met for dinner last Wednesday. We were told several of the things we considered ordering were not available. Maybe we were too early at 5pm. Order dinner salads and wine. The food, service and price were great. The atmosphere is not romantic per se but ...
Ashley M.
I came here for a date Saturday night and had an amazing time. It was a slow night so it was nice and quiet, very intimate ambiance. We had a few glasses of wine just to try different ones, which Julie was kind enough to share the history of each wine. Julie helped us find a bottle of white wine that was similar to our favorite one (since they had run out unfortunately). Julie was kind and patient with us, she even kept the place open for us a bit longer since we were the only ones left, which we very much apricated. We will definitely be back to try more wine!
Assunta L.
This restaurant has a nice ambiance at first glance. Pretty cozy interior. It was Friday night around 6:45. Plenty of tables available then we found out they have an event/party on going. Guests from that party spilled over to the main area of the restaurant where we are sitting. I am sure their guests were all enjoying themselves but for the few customers at the restaurant that were not part of the party, it was noisy and I can't even hear the background music. As for the food, our server indicated that they have had events in the past week. So some items we want to try were not available including the pate， chicken meatball and lobsber bisque. That was disappointing. I do recommend the goat cheese bruschetta. The crostini was toasted to perfection and proportion of goat cheese, strawberry, honey and walnuts were just right. The other two dishes we tried were average. The dishes do take a long time to come out. Wine recommendation by the owner was excellent. We love it.
Reagan D.
Best experience! Super intimate wine tasting experience - but also lots of wines to choose from if you already know what you like. It makes a great girls night and will say the FOOD was amazing and decent price. Our waiter was a joy! Thanks for the amazing time.
Berlin Maximoff
Oh my gosh what an absolute gem this place is. The service was quick, knowledgeable and friendly, the vibes are welcoming and cozy with a slightly elevated feel. I swear you feel like you're at home when you're here. Julie, the owner takes time to talk with her guests make them feel special. This restaurant has an excellent wine menu, with many things that are not listed so I recommend telling the staff what you like and letting them pick a flight for you. The FOOD is out of this world splendid. Everything is made from scratch and made to order and absolutely DELICIOUS. I swear I was raving about the food all night. Do yourself a favor and check this place out. Perfect for a cozy date night, or getting wine with the girls. My wife and I got 2 plates, 2 flights, 2 full glasses of wine, and 2 glasses of vermouth and spent $150.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Beef Bourguignon
Valerie Maximoff
Had a lovely time enjoying the wine and the small plates. Some wine is not on the menu so be sure to ask. The food she makes is absolutely delicious. I highly recommend coming here.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Joshua Cain
She really has the best food in Monrovia. A fabulous spot with a friendly, neighborhood vibe and delicious wines. Julie knows her stuff. Highly
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Leonard Hinzo
Small intimate wine bar and restaurant. Great vibes and an amazing wine list.
The service is really bad. The owner Julie yells and speaks with unnessesary attitude. She is very rude. It ruined our night. DO NOT go here.
Lydia K.
If you've had a long day and wanted to unwind, enjoy a nice glass of wine with some appetizers, this is NOT the place to go!Her name is Julie Ann Kalicki and is unable to handle herself in a professional manner.It was a busy Farmer's Market Friday and there were plenty of options to choose from. Our mistake was walking into this place with no ac on a hot sumner night.We ordered food & wine and requested to sit outside where it was cooler. 20 mins later, our wine came. 10 mins after that, the table outside became available. Upon getting up to go outside, our children ages 3-13 years old came looking for us. They saw us and the empty table that we were moving towards and naturally sat down with their street food. We went out to tell them they needed to get up as it was our table and they can't eat outside food here. Before they had a chance to get up, Julie rushes out angry repeating what we just said. Relax Julie. They're kids and had no idea. We told them already and they were moving before you came to scold them. They all ended up moving along and we sat with our initial wine still waiting for our food. A good 10 mins went by and we noticed the table that cane in 15 mins after us were eating. Confused, I waved Julie down to simply ask when our food order would arrive pointing out the table behind us received what looked to be our order. It's ok. Mistakes happen. We get it. However what came next was unexpected.She proceeded to loose her composure and with an irritable tone tell us the server made a mistake but to have some patience since they're so busy. By then, the place was practically empty. When 1 item finally arrived, I told her that she didn't need to be so rude to patrons who have waited over 40 mins for food. She started yelling that they only have 1 stove and that as a customer we should be more understanding and she was still mad at our kids and stormed back in while giving us the evil eye. Wtf? Did I enter the twilight zone? Since when do you need a stove for a small charcuterie board? Granted there was a small loaf of bread that required at most 20 mins to heat up. The caesar salad and Brussel sprouts never came which only 1 required cooking. I waved her back down and said, "Can we please get our check?" Absolutely she says and within minutes it's on our table. As I look at our bill, the items that never arrived were on there. I tell her and she grabbed it walking back iand said, "I'll comp everything and don't ever come back!" Then turns to add, "If you're so unhappy, just leave now!" Why would we leave? We were hungry and waited over 40 mins to eat the measly charcuterie and bread that she so generously said she was now "comping". Within minutes, she sends a server with our revised bill and sets it on our table. Confused, we continued eating our appetizer as she sent another staff member to watch us in case we skipped out on our "comped" bill.We asked the server to have Julie come back and he advised against it. We insisted. She storms back out saying she was only comping the items that never came.Is she trying to pull some Jedi mind trick? How do you comp something that never came?! She points out that she has everything on camera which we thought was great. Please let's play it back! After arguing with us some more, she ends up saying since we're so unhappy she'll take care it the bill....again.Un-believable that she handled a simple mistake on her end with such disgrace and anger. Be accountable for your actions Julie. Learn from all your poor reviews as it should tell you something. Do better.
Neil E.
Service sucks. Restaurant is understaffed, Owner is VERY rude and long wait times for food. Owner yelled at me and my kids. Do NOT go here.
Ben Tickner
Great wine, great wine accompaniments, great atmosphere, great company, and at a price point much lower than any similar businesses in the entire San Gabriel Valley. As a wine enthusiast- especially European wines- it's pretty difficult to find anywhere with a selection that's better than big brand wine stores. The Saltner is refreshing in this manner, having a massive list with options for all over the globe and very few options over $50. Additionally, the service has always been great. We love have a glass with Julie on Sunday afternoons and she's a wonderful source of information about wine options.It's pretty simple, if you enjoy good wine, you should be able to really enjoy The Saltner. See you on Sunday!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pinot Noir, Wine Class
Ben T.
Great wine, great wine accompaniments, great atmosphere, great company, and at a price point much lower than any similar businesses in the entire San Gabriel Valley. As a wine enthusiast- especially European wines- it's pretty difficult to find anywhere with a selection that's better than big brand wine stores. The Saltner is refreshing in this manner, having a massive list with options for all over the globe and very few options over $50. Additionally, the service has always been great. We love have a glass with Julie on Sunday afternoons and she's a wonderful source of information about wine options. It's pretty simple, if you enjoy good wine, you should be able to really enjoy The Saltner. See you on Sunday!
The restaurant was nearly empty when I arrived with my companion. We sat for at least 15 minutes before our waiter came to take our order, or even provide a glass of water. Once we ordered it took nearly an hour before our salads arrived. Naturally our waiter then presented our entrees which we asked to send back so we could enjoy our salads. The salads were without taste and drenched in oil. My $16 very small chicken breast accompanied by nothing was also drowning in oil. I feel badly for our poor waiter, who is void of any level of customer service skills. It is the responsibility of the owner to be properly attired and to coach your staff to understand the needs of the consumer, and exceed their expectations. If you are a drinker and come to be intoxicated, with no need for good food or professional service, then this is your place. In summary, im a Monrovia local who has never patronized this establishment, and I never will again. The owner was aware of the significant short comings of our experience, but never once offered an apology, coffee or desert, which is unknown as it was not offered to us. Focus on service and food if you want to own a restaurant. EPIC FAILURE
We just discovered this locally owned place and I think we love it. Good wine, good food, and good people.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Bruschetta
My friend and I met for dinner last Wednesday. We were told several of the things we considered ordering were not available. Maybe we were too early at 5pm. Order dinner salads and wine. The food, service and price were great. The atmosphere is not romantic per se but ...
I came here for a date Saturday night and had an amazing time. It was a slow night so it was nice and quiet, very intimate ambiance. We had a few glasses of wine just to try different ones, which Julie was kind enough to share the history of each wine. Julie helped us find a bottle of white wine that was similar to our favorite one (since they had run out unfortunately). Julie was kind and patient with us, she even kept the place open for us a bit longer since we were the only ones left, which we very much apricated. We will definitely be back to try more wine!
This restaurant has a nice ambiance at first glance. Pretty cozy interior. It was Friday night around 6:45. Plenty of tables available then we found out they have an event/party on going. Guests from that party spilled over to the main area of the restaurant where we are sitting. I am sure their guests were all enjoying themselves but for the few customers at the restaurant that were not part of the party, it was noisy and I can't even hear the background music. As for the food, our server indicated that they have had events in the past week. So some items we want to try were not available including the pate， chicken meatball and lobsber bisque. That was disappointing. I do recommend the goat cheese bruschetta. The crostini was toasted to perfection and proportion of goat cheese, strawberry, honey and walnuts were just right. The other two dishes we tried were average. The dishes do take a long time to come out. Wine recommendation by the owner was excellent. We love it.
Best experience! Super intimate wine tasting experience - but also lots of wines to choose from if you already know what you like. It makes a great girls night and will say the FOOD was amazing and decent price. Our waiter was a joy! Thanks for the amazing time.
Oh my gosh what an absolute gem this place is. The service was quick, knowledgeable and friendly, the vibes are welcoming and cozy with a slightly elevated feel. I swear you feel like you're at home when you're here. Julie, the owner takes time to talk with her guests make them feel special. This restaurant has an excellent wine menu, with many things that are not listed so I recommend telling the staff what you like and letting them pick a flight for you. The FOOD is out of this world splendid. Everything is made from scratch and made to order and absolutely DELICIOUS. I swear I was raving about the food all night. Do yourself a favor and check this place out. Perfect for a cozy date night, or getting wine with the girls. My wife and I got 2 plates, 2 flights, 2 full glasses of wine, and 2 glasses of vermouth and spent $150.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Beef Bourguignon
Had a lovely time enjoying the wine and the small plates. Some wine is not on the menu so be sure to ask. The food she makes is absolutely delicious. I highly recommend coming here.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
She really has the best food in Monrovia. A fabulous spot with a friendly, neighborhood vibe and delicious wines. Julie knows her stuff. Highly
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Small intimate wine bar and restaurant. Great vibes and an amazing wine list.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
The service is really bad. The owner Julie yells and speaks with unnessesary attitude. She is very rude. It ruined our night. DO NOT go here.
If you've had a long day and wanted to unwind, enjoy a nice glass of wine with some appetizers, this is NOT the place to go!Her name is Julie Ann Kalicki and is unable to handle herself in a professional manner.It was a busy Farmer's Market Friday and there were plenty of options to choose from. Our mistake was walking into this place with no ac on a hot sumner night.We ordered food & wine and requested to sit outside where it was cooler. 20 mins later, our wine came. 10 mins after that, the table outside became available. Upon getting up to go outside, our children ages 3-13 years old came looking for us. They saw us and the empty table that we were moving towards and naturally sat down with their street food. We went out to tell them they needed to get up as it was our table and they can't eat outside food here. Before they had a chance to get up, Julie rushes out angry repeating what we just said. Relax Julie. They're kids and had no idea. We told them already and they were moving before you came to scold them. They all ended up moving along and we sat with our initial wine still waiting for our food. A good 10 mins went by and we noticed the table that cane in 15 mins after us were eating. Confused, I waved Julie down to simply ask when our food order would arrive pointing out the table behind us received what looked to be our order. It's ok. Mistakes happen. We get it. However what came next was unexpected.She proceeded to loose her composure and with an irritable tone tell us the server made a mistake but to have some patience since they're so busy. By then, the place was practically empty. When 1 item finally arrived, I told her that she didn't need to be so rude to patrons who have waited over 40 mins for food. She started yelling that they only have 1 stove and that as a customer we should be more understanding and she was still mad at our kids and stormed back in while giving us the evil eye. Wtf? Did I enter the twilight zone? Since when do you need a stove for a small charcuterie board? Granted there was a small loaf of bread that required at most 20 mins to heat up. The caesar salad and Brussel sprouts never came which only 1 required cooking. I waved her back down and said, "Can we please get our check?" Absolutely she says and within minutes it's on our table. As I look at our bill, the items that never arrived were on there. I tell her and she grabbed it walking back iand said, "I'll comp everything and don't ever come back!" Then turns to add, "If you're so unhappy, just leave now!" Why would we leave? We were hungry and waited over 40 mins to eat the measly charcuterie and bread that she so generously said she was now "comping". Within minutes, she sends a server with our revised bill and sets it on our table. Confused, we continued eating our appetizer as she sent another staff member to watch us in case we skipped out on our "comped" bill.We asked the server to have Julie come back and he advised against it. We insisted. She storms back out saying she was only comping the items that never came.Is she trying to pull some Jedi mind trick? How do you comp something that never came?! She points out that she has everything on camera which we thought was great. Please let's play it back! After arguing with us some more, she ends up saying since we're so unhappy she'll take care it the bill....again.Un-believable that she handled a simple mistake on her end with such disgrace and anger. Be accountable for your actions Julie. Learn from all your poor reviews as it should tell you something. Do better.
Service sucks. Restaurant is understaffed, Owner is VERY rude and long wait times for food. Owner yelled at me and my kids. Do NOT go here.
Great wine, great wine accompaniments, great atmosphere, great company, and at a price point much lower than any similar businesses in the entire San Gabriel Valley. As a wine enthusiast- especially European wines- it's pretty difficult to find anywhere with a selection that's better than big brand wine stores. The Saltner is refreshing in this manner, having a massive list with options for all over the globe and very few options over $50. Additionally, the service has always been great. We love have a glass with Julie on Sunday afternoons and she's a wonderful source of information about wine options.It's pretty simple, if you enjoy good wine, you should be able to really enjoy The Saltner. See you on Sunday!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pinot Noir, Wine Class
Great wine, great wine accompaniments, great atmosphere, great company, and at a price point much lower than any similar businesses in the entire San Gabriel Valley. As a wine enthusiast- especially European wines- it's pretty difficult to find anywhere with a selection that's better than big brand wine stores. The Saltner is refreshing in this manner, having a massive list with options for all over the globe and very few options over $50. Additionally, the service has always been great. We love have a glass with Julie on Sunday afternoons and she's a wonderful source of information about wine options. It's pretty simple, if you enjoy good wine, you should be able to really enjoy The Saltner. See you on Sunday!