So, I was not expecting to have a beer while perusing a nee bookstore this weekend, but lo and behold! I desperately needed to charge my dying phone, and couldn’t find an outlet anywhere in the book aisles. So I stumbled across The 1894, and was immediately greeted by the friendly staff. Their happy hour is awesome- a french pilsner for only $6! And the staff went out of their way to accommodate me near an outlet where i can drink and charge my phone. Again, was not expecting this pleasant bar, but will def be back!
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Iliana Gutierrez
Amazing wine bar in a bookstore!
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Lauren C.
I love this vibe! Book store with a wine bar inside! What more is needed? Chill vibe for sure. A place you can come alone, with a date, or with friends. Drinks are great and appetizers are good. 10/10 guys!
Hannah S.
A wine bar in back of California's oldest independent bookstore?! What an idea!! Everything is literary themed of course - from the menu to the drinks!! Drinks are delicious, staff are all fantastic, and the vibe is perfect for a relaxing chat with friends! Met up with some awesome Yelp gal pals for Friendsgiving Friday and had a blast! The theme of this spot is so cute - the menu is inside a book and everything is so decorative and quaint. I loved that they even have a mocktail section! The drinks are all just beautifully presented. My friends tried The 1894 and also the Pride & Pearjudice and loved them all. I tried the Floral Spritz mocktail which is lime juice, agave, grenadine, and rose water - very light and refreshing- probably one of the nicest mocktails I've ever had! We also shared the warm Brie with baguette and honey and it was SO good!! Very comforting and complimented our drinks so well. The Brie is very soft and absolutely lovely with the honey - and they also give you some nuts to put on top if you'd like. The baguette is super soft and warmed - just excellent - highly recommend! Staff were so friendly and extremely attentive - my water never went empty and they made sure we had a lovely time. Everything was very clean. It was pretty empty when we arrived around 4pm on a Friday but had completely filled up by 5pm so it gets very busy and the space is limited. They have bar seating and tables as well. Views are of the bookstore and they have books laying around for you to read if you'd like. They offer wine flights and all sorts of unique and fun cocktails. You'll find The 1894 in back of the bookstore - can't miss it. They have a parking lot out back and also street parking in the area. Very cute place for a girl date or just to relax!
Miguel Garcia
A fantastic location to have a drink, while you’re reading a book or catching up on your writing. Furthermore, all the bartenders are incredibly hospitable and kind as well as give expertise-level recommendations of drink and food options available per the menu that spans a wide variety of wine/beer options, some cleverly named with literary-related titles.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Liz B.
A super cute wine bar inside of a bookstore! The wine options seemed a bit limited but it was still good regardless. The service was great as the staff were all super helpful and friendly. The bathrooms are located upstairs and we're well kept.
Miguel Garcia Ortega
A fantastic location to have a drink, while you’re reading a book or catching up on your writing. Furthermore, all the bartenders are incredibly hospitable and kind as well as give expertise-level recommendations of drink and food options available per the menu that spans a wide variety of wine/beer options, some cleverly named with literary-related titles.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Michelle M.
Oh, how I waited for this one! What's better than sipping wine and reading your favorite book. Better yet, you can browse the vast collection of books at Vroman's, buy something fun (you must buy the merch before sitting down to read! The public library is on Walnut.), then sit and relax with some wine and a snack while you read!The service is A+. Nice wine selection. You can do a tasting of 4 for $20. They have a small snack menu of which I've tried the Brie/bread/honey and the Meat and Cheese Box. The Brie/bread/honey was nice and filling to drink a glass of wine with, but the Meat and Cheese Box was so-so, mainly because the cheeses were so bland and the crackers tasted stale. The rest of the fruit, nuts, olives, pickles accompanying the cheese and crackers were very nice. It was enough for me to split one box with a friend which is better at the price of $25. The scene can range from quiet and easy to read to loud, happening, and very social depending on the day/time you visit. All in all, a great addition to the neighborhood! (There is also a coffee shop in Vroman's, if you want to read and have a latte after your glass of wine and before you drive home.)
Regina F.
Had an absolutely LOVELY Sunday afternoon here with my fiancé. We shared a wine flight and the warm Brie with honey and bread. The servers are kind, quick, and hospitable. The decor is adorable and getting the added bonus of walking around this wonderful bookstore afterwards was such a delight. We will definitely be back again
Jillian G.
The 1894 is the cutest bar literally inside Vroman's Bookstore. The space is not huge, but is such a fun place to grab a drink, wine flight, or beautiful mocktail. Happy hour goes from 3-6pm on Tuesdays through Fridays, and includes a $5 discount on wine flights. Our server was beyond kind and accommodated a large group of us by pushing three tables together. She also steered me away from ordering a wine flight that has a few wines that others have not liked. I ended up with the Dusk to Dawn and thought all four were excellent. I also tried a bite of a shared warm brie with baguette and homey, and it did not disappoint. My friends ordered the hummus snack plate, which I didn't try, but it looked beautiful. Parking was easy on the street around the corner from the bookstore. Definitely give this place a try, it will not disappoint! Also a great spot for a solo read at the bar or a date night.
Such a cool spot! Super hipster, chill, relaxed, and a great vibe. Nestled in the corner of the bookstore, this little bar is an absolute oasis. They have a cool happy hour, wine flights, beer, cocktails, and finger foods. The ambiance is what I truly love. It's got speakeasy vibes mixed with a coffee shop vibe. Great place to chill for a bit, read a book, hang out with a friend, or even get some work done. Service was super friendly. Innovative cocktails that taste delicious. Good wine selections. I highly recommend coming here if you're in the area. Have a glass of wine. Buy a book!
Catalina T.
I was so excited when I saw that one of my favorite bookstores was getting a wine bar inside. Books and wine are just perfect. This bar is located inside of Vromans. They not only serve wine but also serve cocktails such as The 1894 with sake and sparkling wine, martinis, a few selection of beers and ciders and even a mocktail! Their cocktails are also literary themed which is cute. They also have a charcutier board *(the Half N' Half), popcorn and mixed nuts for snacks. The charcutier board is a bit limited and not as filling for 3 people. I do love that they have red, white, sparkling, rose, and even orange wine. Their wines seem to change but their selections are great. When I went they had the Lion Tamer Cab which has become one of my favorites. They sell their wine via flights ($20) , per glass or even per bottle. Friendly staff, it can get crowded at times especially around happy hour Hours are different than the bookstore: Tuesday-Saturday 3-9pm Sunday 1-7pm CLOSED Monday Happy Hour: Tues.-Fri. 3pm - 6pm (flights are then $15!) Great spot for a catch up with some friends or even a solo date by yourself and a book. I've seen dogs around in Vroman's but no dogs allowed in 1894.
Mina H.
I absolutely love this place. I came here while waiting to a table in a restaurant. The service was immediately great. Was greeted and the menu explained. Loved the vibe and the music. Drinks were great. We had the truffle popcorn which was delicious. Will definitely be back
Andrea J.
If this isn't the cutest wine bar tucked into a book store! I love that you can buy a book then sit and read it with a glass or flight of wine! And they have snacks, what more could you ask for?? The service was great too. One person in my group was unsure of what red wine he wanted so our server offered him a small sample of 3 in his wheelhouse. He was pleased with that! We also tried 2 appetizers that were lovely. Great hummus!!
Sally T.
Wine bar meets bookstore? Winning combo. It's a very cool bar! You're seated in a corner of Vroman's, but it's like an alternate realm within the store, with moody lighting and, you know, wine. I enjoyed my wine flight, and thought 4 wines to sample for the price was fair. The kimchi popcorn was savory, and we loved each bite. Great place for a low key get together to thoughtfully catch up with friends. There were folks working and reading at the bar area, too.
So, I was not expecting to have a beer while perusing a nee bookstore this weekend, but lo and behold! I desperately needed to charge my dying phone, and couldn’t find an outlet anywhere in the book aisles. So I stumbled across The 1894, and was immediately greeted by the friendly staff. Their happy hour is awesome- a french pilsner for only $6! And the staff went out of their way to accommodate me near an outlet where i can drink and charge my phone. Again, was not expecting this pleasant bar, but will def be back!
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Amazing wine bar in a bookstore!
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
I love this vibe! Book store with a wine bar inside! What more is needed? Chill vibe for sure. A place you can come alone, with a date, or with friends. Drinks are great and appetizers are good. 10/10 guys!
A wine bar in back of California's oldest independent bookstore?! What an idea!! Everything is literary themed of course - from the menu to the drinks!! Drinks are delicious, staff are all fantastic, and the vibe is perfect for a relaxing chat with friends! Met up with some awesome Yelp gal pals for Friendsgiving Friday and had a blast! The theme of this spot is so cute - the menu is inside a book and everything is so decorative and quaint. I loved that they even have a mocktail section! The drinks are all just beautifully presented. My friends tried The 1894 and also the Pride & Pearjudice and loved them all. I tried the Floral Spritz mocktail which is lime juice, agave, grenadine, and rose water - very light and refreshing- probably one of the nicest mocktails I've ever had! We also shared the warm Brie with baguette and honey and it was SO good!! Very comforting and complimented our drinks so well. The Brie is very soft and absolutely lovely with the honey - and they also give you some nuts to put on top if you'd like. The baguette is super soft and warmed - just excellent - highly recommend! Staff were so friendly and extremely attentive - my water never went empty and they made sure we had a lovely time. Everything was very clean. It was pretty empty when we arrived around 4pm on a Friday but had completely filled up by 5pm so it gets very busy and the space is limited. They have bar seating and tables as well. Views are of the bookstore and they have books laying around for you to read if you'd like. They offer wine flights and all sorts of unique and fun cocktails. You'll find The 1894 in back of the bookstore - can't miss it. They have a parking lot out back and also street parking in the area. Very cute place for a girl date or just to relax!
A fantastic location to have a drink, while you’re reading a book or catching up on your writing. Furthermore, all the bartenders are incredibly hospitable and kind as well as give expertise-level recommendations of drink and food options available per the menu that spans a wide variety of wine/beer options, some cleverly named with literary-related titles.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
A super cute wine bar inside of a bookstore! The wine options seemed a bit limited but it was still good regardless. The service was great as the staff were all super helpful and friendly. The bathrooms are located upstairs and we're well kept.
A fantastic location to have a drink, while you’re reading a book or catching up on your writing. Furthermore, all the bartenders are incredibly hospitable and kind as well as give expertise-level recommendations of drink and food options available per the menu that spans a wide variety of wine/beer options, some cleverly named with literary-related titles.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Oh, how I waited for this one! What's better than sipping wine and reading your favorite book. Better yet, you can browse the vast collection of books at Vroman's, buy something fun (you must buy the merch before sitting down to read! The public library is on Walnut.), then sit and relax with some wine and a snack while you read!The service is A+. Nice wine selection. You can do a tasting of 4 for $20. They have a small snack menu of which I've tried the Brie/bread/honey and the Meat and Cheese Box. The Brie/bread/honey was nice and filling to drink a glass of wine with, but the Meat and Cheese Box was so-so, mainly because the cheeses were so bland and the crackers tasted stale. The rest of the fruit, nuts, olives, pickles accompanying the cheese and crackers were very nice. It was enough for me to split one box with a friend which is better at the price of $25. The scene can range from quiet and easy to read to loud, happening, and very social depending on the day/time you visit. All in all, a great addition to the neighborhood! (There is also a coffee shop in Vroman's, if you want to read and have a latte after your glass of wine and before you drive home.)
Had an absolutely LOVELY Sunday afternoon here with my fiancé. We shared a wine flight and the warm Brie with honey and bread. The servers are kind, quick, and hospitable. The decor is adorable and getting the added bonus of walking around this wonderful bookstore afterwards was such a delight. We will definitely be back again
The 1894 is the cutest bar literally inside Vroman's Bookstore. The space is not huge, but is such a fun place to grab a drink, wine flight, or beautiful mocktail. Happy hour goes from 3-6pm on Tuesdays through Fridays, and includes a $5 discount on wine flights. Our server was beyond kind and accommodated a large group of us by pushing three tables together. She also steered me away from ordering a wine flight that has a few wines that others have not liked. I ended up with the Dusk to Dawn and thought all four were excellent. I also tried a bite of a shared warm brie with baguette and homey, and it did not disappoint. My friends ordered the hummus snack plate, which I didn't try, but it looked beautiful. Parking was easy on the street around the corner from the bookstore. Definitely give this place a try, it will not disappoint! Also a great spot for a solo read at the bar or a date night.
Restaurantji Recommends
Such a cool spot! Super hipster, chill, relaxed, and a great vibe. Nestled in the corner of the bookstore, this little bar is an absolute oasis. They have a cool happy hour, wine flights, beer, cocktails, and finger foods. The ambiance is what I truly love. It's got speakeasy vibes mixed with a coffee shop vibe. Great place to chill for a bit, read a book, hang out with a friend, or even get some work done. Service was super friendly. Innovative cocktails that taste delicious. Good wine selections. I highly recommend coming here if you're in the area. Have a glass of wine. Buy a book!
I was so excited when I saw that one of my favorite bookstores was getting a wine bar inside. Books and wine are just perfect. This bar is located inside of Vromans. They not only serve wine but also serve cocktails such as The 1894 with sake and sparkling wine, martinis, a few selection of beers and ciders and even a mocktail! Their cocktails are also literary themed which is cute. They also have a charcutier board *(the Half N' Half), popcorn and mixed nuts for snacks. The charcutier board is a bit limited and not as filling for 3 people. I do love that they have red, white, sparkling, rose, and even orange wine. Their wines seem to change but their selections are great. When I went they had the Lion Tamer Cab which has become one of my favorites. They sell their wine via flights ($20) , per glass or even per bottle. Friendly staff, it can get crowded at times especially around happy hour Hours are different than the bookstore: Tuesday-Saturday 3-9pm Sunday 1-7pm CLOSED Monday Happy Hour: Tues.-Fri. 3pm - 6pm (flights are then $15!) Great spot for a catch up with some friends or even a solo date by yourself and a book. I've seen dogs around in Vroman's but no dogs allowed in 1894.
I absolutely love this place. I came here while waiting to a table in a restaurant. The service was immediately great. Was greeted and the menu explained. Loved the vibe and the music. Drinks were great. We had the truffle popcorn which was delicious. Will definitely be back
If this isn't the cutest wine bar tucked into a book store! I love that you can buy a book then sit and read it with a glass or flight of wine! And they have snacks, what more could you ask for?? The service was great too. One person in my group was unsure of what red wine he wanted so our server offered him a small sample of 3 in his wheelhouse. He was pleased with that! We also tried 2 appetizers that were lovely. Great hummus!!
Wine bar meets bookstore? Winning combo. It's a very cool bar! You're seated in a corner of Vroman's, but it's like an alternate realm within the store, with moody lighting and, you know, wine. I enjoyed my wine flight, and thought 4 wines to sample for the price was fair. The kimchi popcorn was savory, and we loved each bite. Great place for a low key get together to thoughtfully catch up with friends. There were folks working and reading at the bar area, too.