The Cellar: A Wine Library

We had a terrific time at this bar. It's a bit hard to find. Go to the back of a not great office building. Then down to the basement. Then to a door that seems to have no handle. And then, surprise, a large homey lounge with books and bottles everywhere. Piano music is playing just enough to be nice but low enough for conversation. You feel like hanging out with your friends and a glass of wine. The choices are extensive so long as you want wine. Lots of choices you won't see on other menus. A lot of people ordered food. It looked good but we only had a creme brulee. It was like you'd expect at a nice but not elite restaurant. I've left the service until last. It stood out. Attentive but not intrusive. Knowledgeable but not intimidating. Friendly but also professional. I wish this bar wasn't 100 miles away from my home.

My friend and I went here for a glass of wine and a snack. The waitress was not very friendly. We ordered and she brought it and never came back to our table. She never checked on us at all for over an hour. We ended up telling the hostess so we could pay. The wine wasn’t great. It was kitschy and cute but felt gimmicky like you’re in Disneyland. Probably wouldn’t go back.

Absolutely one of the top 3 must experience bars in socal.

Step Into the Secret World of Wine at The Cellar – Pasadena’s Hidden Gem

Tucked away beneath the charming streets of Old Pasadena lies The Cellar: A Wine Library — a place where wine meets wonder, and every visit feels like unlocking a secret. Behind an unmarked door and down a quiet staircase, you’ll find yourself transported to a cozy, speakeasy-style sanctuary lined with bottles that tell stories from every corner of the globe.

This isn’t just a wine shop. It’s a curated library of vintages, varietals, and rare finds waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re a seasoned sommelier or just wine-curious, The Cellar offers something special for every palate — with passionate staff ready to guide you through your next favorite bottle.

The ambiance? Think warm wood, low lighting, and the hush of a well-kept secret. Perfect for date nights, wine tastings, or a solo sip surrounded by quiet charm.

Looking for an experience that’s off the beaten path? Follow the whispers, find the door, and step into The Cellar. Because the best places aren’t always in plain sight.

This has been all over social media for a while but I have only just made it there. It was well worth the wait! Cellar is a very cool location underneath some of the stores and bars on Colorado. To get in, you have to wander through a few corridors, go down in an art deco lift (very cool) and scramble through a door which looks hidden behind barrels. The staff on the way through are all super helpful and make you feel like a VIP. The room itself is beautifully laid out and designed, with velvet chairs, Chesterfield sofas and wine lining the walls. I felt like I had been transported to another era and another country entirely. The wine menu is exemplary. They have a really wide range of wines to fit any budget or occasion, but not so wide as to seem as if they've not made careful decisions. I feel like you could come for a quiet read with your partner to sit port, or for a group celebration to share bottles of fizz, and it would manage to cater to you perfectly. I tried their tawny port and it was delicious- I will be coming back there for that alone. My friend wanted something non-alcoholic and the staff were so obliging. They muddled some fruit for her and added lemonade and soda water at the table to make the ratio perfect for her. It was a real step above the rest in terms of service. I will be back!

Definitely a hidden gem, ambiance was just amazing, I didn’t feel rushed, food was made to perfection and did not disappoint in taste. Service was extremely hospitable-

Beautiful but expensive

Went on Valentine’s Day and had the most incredible experience, largely due to our waiter, Brian! He was so kind, attentive, and extremely knowledgeable when it came to the wine. The atmosphere of the restaurant is great and the prices aren’t terrible all things considered. But, truly, Brian made our night and he deserves absolutely everything.

Great place
Love it

Had a great experience there with my friends our waiter Razmik recommended us good wines which were amazing thanks to him.

It's a cool place. I like their decor

Our Doctor had our Xmas Dinner here. The door guy would not let us in until all 4 of us were there. We were 3 and it was freezing outside, and he refused to let us in. We heard other people coming up and saying their party was already in there, but he still refused to let us in. Then he said, get a couch and buy 2 bottles and I'll let you in. We ended up agreeing to get out of the cold. The Doctor was furious to be treated this way, he had been going there with his colleagues quite often. But probably no more.

I initially didn't see myself as a wine-tasting enthusiast, but I recently joined a friend at a jazz bar he had chosen. The venue featured a pleasant outdoor wine area on Mercantile Pl Street and a wine library located downstairs. After exploring the outdoor bar and finding it unsatisfactory, we decided to wait for a table inside.It's worth noting that the prices at this establishment were relatively high; our order comprised two bottles of wine, a charcuterie board, and a pizza slicer, totaling nearly $400. One highlight of the evening was the sommelier, Rishi, whose excellent recommendations and engaging stories about the wines significantly enhanced our experience.

The ambiance was wonderful the location charming … everything else was disappointing.
The ceviche lacked salt & acid & was served with rye toast which completely over powered the flavor of the ceviche.
The short rib sliders were dry & lacked flavor.
The cheeseboard was overflowing with fruits & nuts & olives … it contained almost no cheese.
The oysters were good.
The Burrata flatbread looked like it came out of the microwave & I didn’t eat any. My friends were not impressed.
The Somms food recommendations were completely pork focused & he seemed disappointed when we said we weren’t eating pork.
The wine list was large but the Somms first recommendation was a bottle of wine you can buy at the grocery store. The wine we did purchase was fine but didn’t match up to his rave reviews.

destination for wine enthusiasts. It offers an extensive collection of wines from around the world, curated to provide a unique tasting experience. The ambiance is warm and inviting, making it an ideal spot for both casual wine lovers and connoisseurs.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: French Toast, Braised Short Rib Sliders, Strawberry Brie Toast, Charcuterie Board