Beware the fees. And overcharging.A table of three couples is considered a large group at Vino Local. This, in their opinion, warrants a mandatory gratuity.And they didn't give themselves a mere 15% or 18% tip. 20%? Keep going. They took 22%. Their service must have been spectacular!Since Vino Locale was in charge of the gratuity, and it was not voluntarily given by the customer, you will be taxed on top of it. Add another ~9%.You should also be aware that if you add the $14 skewers add-on to your pasta order, you might be charged for the standalone skewer dish price of $29 instead. They did for us. That's an extra $15 for them (plus 22%). That's one way to to support a local business I guess.Surely, this was an oversight, easily fixed with an email or phone call. Surely at other restaurants. But Vino Locale has no email or text number, and calling just drops into voicemail. We left a message and haven't heard back.Bottom line: Caveat emptor. Check your bill carefully.And maybe just avoid restaurants that tack on an automatic 22%.[3/20/2024 Update: The owner said they'd refund the incorrectly charged item. I'll update the review once I see the refund on my credit card statement. Or, they can provide an email address and we can communicate it that way.]
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 2
Jill T
Wonderful service, atmosphere, and happy hour. Great live music at times. They welcome you here like you are family. Great neighborhood place.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
P H.
Beware the fees. And overcharging. A table of three couples is considered a large group at Vino Local. This, in their opinion, warrants a mandatory gratuity. And they didn't give themselves a mere 15% or 18% tip. Or even 22%. They took 22%. Their service must have been spectacular! Since Vino Locale was in charge of the gratuity, and it was not voluntarily given by the customer, you will be taxed on top of it. Add another ~9%. You should also be aware that if you add the $14 skewers add-on to your pasta order, you might be charged for the standalone skewer dish price of $29 instead. They did for us. That's an extra $15 for them (plus 22%). That's one way to to support a local business I guess. Surely, this was an oversight, easily fixed with an email or phone call. Surely at other restaurants. But Vino Locale has no email or text number, and calling just drops into voicemail. We left a message and haven't heard back. Bottom line: Caveat emptor. Check your bill carefully. And maybe just avoid restaurants that tack on an automatic 22%.
Sameera K.
We love Vino Locale! Nice ambiance, great wine list, and solid snacks to enjoy. Of of the best things about Vino Locale is that the wine list isn't just the same 5 wines that you see at many other places, they offer a great variety of domestic & international wines, and treat each one well. I love the Sancerre on the menu, and appreciate that they offer 6oz or 9oz pours, half bottles, and full bottles. The Black Cabra Cabernet Sauvignon and Miraval Rose are also among my favorites. In terms of food items, I usually gravitate toward the chicken skewers are a good option and come with a few flavor/sauce options. The beet salad is good, and I often get their Brussels sprouts (know what to expect, though: they're not fried/crispy, but are tasty - served with parmesan, cranberries, almonds, and optional bacon). The cheese plates and hummus platter are also good, reliable options. Service is so friendly! They have a nice dog-friendly patio (and often have a few treats for pups), and live music most Thursday evenings.
Sutona S.
This cute little house that turned into a wine bar + restaurant, yes?! Was only in town for a work trip but roaming the streets of downtown Palo Alto I stumbled into this gem. Live music Customer Service BB was amazing! She offered some really good suggestions on where to sit, what to order and even let us know about a nice ice cream spot in the area. I love when the service is warm and friendly. Ordered the Graduate flight for I believe $40. I'm so use to tasting in Napa with small pours I almost fell out and the size of these glasses. Totally worth every penny. Salmon Ravioli Bone Marrow was just ok but overall I love this spot and will be back!
Michael Nader
An absolute gem in the heart of Palo AltoPlace is well cared for and always has great ambience, food, wine and live music on the weekends. I highly recommend it to everyone.
Cool place. It being a converted house reminded me of Rainey Street bars (Austin) but is just a wine bar. If you’re not looking down the driveway when you walk up, you wouldn’t know they had such a backyard. Nice vibes, quiet live music.
Kim Brackin
Eclectic little spot! Beautiful hidden garden out back with live music. Great wine selection and yummy snacks. Lots of heaters for cooler weather. The staff were great. Closes early, so go early!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Flights, Charcuterie Plate
Isabell Schulze Lohoff
Great wine, great food, and especially great service thanks to Nigel! Best server ever.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
David Barry
Was hoping for much more.Cheese could be purchased at Safeway.Meat was old and flavorless. Looked like they grabbed it from the back of the fridge. Bread was ok.Good wine. Nice people.
Cozy place, great wine. Perfect for dates, anniversaries, not so good place if you want a loud raucous night.
Taruna A.
It has a unique setting. A wine bar/quick bite place created within an old home. Options for wine by the glass or flight for tasting available. They have seating outside in front and backyard. Good selection of wines.
Camille Davis
Lovely venue, the outdoor backyard seating is really cozy and beautiful. Food was delicious. And the folks working at the restaurant were so friendly. 10/10!
B Hudson
What a great place to chill and enjoy a glass of wine! The atmosphere was very nice!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Beth Dunphy
Great wine selection with tasty food. Ideal for group dinner. We sat on the patio and enjoyed the live music
Beware the fees. And overcharging.A table of three couples is considered a large group at Vino Local. This, in their opinion, warrants a mandatory gratuity.And they didn't give themselves a mere 15% or 18% tip. 20%? Keep going. They took 22%. Their service must have been spectacular!Since Vino Locale was in charge of the gratuity, and it was not voluntarily given by the customer, you will be taxed on top of it. Add another ~9%.You should also be aware that if you add the $14 skewers add-on to your pasta order, you might be charged for the standalone skewer dish price of $29 instead. They did for us. That's an extra $15 for them (plus 22%). That's one way to to support a local business I guess.Surely, this was an oversight, easily fixed with an email or phone call. Surely at other restaurants. But Vino Locale has no email or text number, and calling just drops into voicemail. We left a message and haven't heard back.Bottom line: Caveat emptor. Check your bill carefully.And maybe just avoid restaurants that tack on an automatic 22%.[3/20/2024 Update: The owner said they'd refund the incorrectly charged item. I'll update the review once I see the refund on my credit card statement. Or, they can provide an email address and we can communicate it that way.]
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 2
Wonderful service, atmosphere, and happy hour. Great live music at times. They welcome you here like you are family. Great neighborhood place.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Beware the fees. And overcharging. A table of three couples is considered a large group at Vino Local. This, in their opinion, warrants a mandatory gratuity. And they didn't give themselves a mere 15% or 18% tip. Or even 22%. They took 22%. Their service must have been spectacular! Since Vino Locale was in charge of the gratuity, and it was not voluntarily given by the customer, you will be taxed on top of it. Add another ~9%. You should also be aware that if you add the $14 skewers add-on to your pasta order, you might be charged for the standalone skewer dish price of $29 instead. They did for us. That's an extra $15 for them (plus 22%). That's one way to to support a local business I guess. Surely, this was an oversight, easily fixed with an email or phone call. Surely at other restaurants. But Vino Locale has no email or text number, and calling just drops into voicemail. We left a message and haven't heard back. Bottom line: Caveat emptor. Check your bill carefully. And maybe just avoid restaurants that tack on an automatic 22%.
We love Vino Locale! Nice ambiance, great wine list, and solid snacks to enjoy. Of of the best things about Vino Locale is that the wine list isn't just the same 5 wines that you see at many other places, they offer a great variety of domestic & international wines, and treat each one well. I love the Sancerre on the menu, and appreciate that they offer 6oz or 9oz pours, half bottles, and full bottles. The Black Cabra Cabernet Sauvignon and Miraval Rose are also among my favorites. In terms of food items, I usually gravitate toward the chicken skewers are a good option and come with a few flavor/sauce options. The beet salad is good, and I often get their Brussels sprouts (know what to expect, though: they're not fried/crispy, but are tasty - served with parmesan, cranberries, almonds, and optional bacon). The cheese plates and hummus platter are also good, reliable options. Service is so friendly! They have a nice dog-friendly patio (and often have a few treats for pups), and live music most Thursday evenings.
This cute little house that turned into a wine bar + restaurant, yes?! Was only in town for a work trip but roaming the streets of downtown Palo Alto I stumbled into this gem. Live music Customer Service BB was amazing! She offered some really good suggestions on where to sit, what to order and even let us know about a nice ice cream spot in the area. I love when the service is warm and friendly. Ordered the Graduate flight for I believe $40. I'm so use to tasting in Napa with small pours I almost fell out and the size of these glasses. Totally worth every penny. Salmon Ravioli Bone Marrow was just ok but overall I love this spot and will be back!
An absolute gem in the heart of Palo AltoPlace is well cared for and always has great ambience, food, wine and live music on the weekends. I highly recommend it to everyone.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Bacon Wrapped Dates, California Brussels Sprouts, Wine Flight, Vino Locale
Cool place. It being a converted house reminded me of Rainey Street bars (Austin) but is just a wine bar. If you’re not looking down the driveway when you walk up, you wouldn’t know they had such a backyard. Nice vibes, quiet live music.
Eclectic little spot! Beautiful hidden garden out back with live music. Great wine selection and yummy snacks. Lots of heaters for cooler weather. The staff were great. Closes early, so go early!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Flights, Charcuterie Plate
Great wine, great food, and especially great service thanks to Nigel! Best server ever.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Was hoping for much more.Cheese could be purchased at Safeway.Meat was old and flavorless. Looked like they grabbed it from the back of the fridge. Bread was ok.Good wine. Nice people.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 4
Restaurantji Recommends
Cozy place, great wine. Perfect for dates, anniversaries, not so good place if you want a loud raucous night.
It has a unique setting. A wine bar/quick bite place created within an old home. Options for wine by the glass or flight for tasting available. They have seating outside in front and backyard. Good selection of wines.
Lovely venue, the outdoor backyard seating is really cozy and beautiful. Food was delicious. And the folks working at the restaurant were so friendly. 10/10!
What a great place to chill and enjoy a glass of wine! The atmosphere was very nice!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great wine selection with tasty food. Ideal for group dinner. We sat on the patio and enjoyed the live music
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Bacon Wrapped Dates, Wine Flight