City Wine & Cigar

City Wine & Cigar is a cozy and quiet restaurant located in the Victoria Park area. The establishment is known for its delectable charcuterie boards, fabulous Bruschetta, and Lobster Bisque. Customers praise the extensive wine selection and attentive service, as well as the clean and professional atmosphere, both indoors and on the patio. The restaurant can get quite busy, with tables inside and out often fully occupied, so reservations may be recommended. Live music and private events, such as birthday parties, are also part of the City Wine & Cigar experience.

Recent visitors have enjoyed the atmosphere and the quality of the food and drinks. One customer pulled up a chair on the patio and enjoyed a glass of Vinum petite syrah on tap, recommended by the bartender, while relaxing with a cigar. Live music by Autumn was described as very entertaining, adding to the lively ambiance. However, some guests have noted that the music can be quite loud, sometimes making conversation difficult and resembling a dance bar or karaoke night, even with ear plugs. Despite this, the staff and food are highly appreciated, and many plan to return for the wine, experience, and the chance to try the food. Overall, City Wine & Cigar remains a well-run and enjoyable dining destination suitable for both casual visits and special occasions.

Consistency is the key. They do it well. It’s always a pleasure to return days and weeks in a row. Service is excellent and enjoyable. Food is delicious. Staff is attentive.

Yesterday we went to City Wine and Cigar for the first time. We had been to this space when it was The Grapevine under different ownership, and the transformation is impressive. The new owners have really taken things to the next level. The wine list has expanded and is now more thoughtful, aiming at an affordable price point rather than relying mostly on keg wine like before. They also purchased the pizza place next door, which means the food options are much better.

The inside has been remodeled with a wood accent wall, a full bar, and rows of bottles hanging neatly behind it, which look great. Wines and beers on tap are clearly posted. There’s also a large walk-in humidor. I don’t get cigars but to each his own I guess. I don’t really see cigars pairing with wine at all. This is probably why it took us this long to visit. We chose to sit outside under an umbrella table, and thankfully there wasn’t any smoke from cigars or cigarettes while we were there. The crowd skewed a bit older, and I suspect many were from the nearby Victoria Gardens development.

Service was warm and genuine. Our waitress was attentive and friendly, though there was a clear lack of wine training. She didn’t present the bottle, offer a small taste to check for faults, or even wipe the rim after pouring. Instead, she immediately filled our glasses so high that swirling was nearly impossible. These are small but important rituals that set a wine bar apart from just a neighborhood spot. If you order a bottle you will need to ask for a sample and ask to pour your own wine.

We ordered the Mediterranean plate to go with our bottle of Alanera Rosso Veronese. The wine was soft and approachable, with ripe dark fruit, a touch of spice, and smooth tannins and easy to enjoy on a warm evening. The plate came with hummus, olive tapenade, tzatziki, naan, and cucumber slices. Everything was delicious, though I’d suggest adding more cucumbers or even sliced carrots since we ran out of “vehicles” to scoop with.

There was live music outside that added a fun energy. They post a schedule, and I’d definitely recommend going when they have music and sitting outdoors if the weather allows. The place is great for non-smokers too, with excellent drinks and a relaxing atmosphere. Although they don’t serve food now, the food and wine selection have improved, making it a perfect spot for a relaxing and enjoyable evening. Overall, City Wine & Cigar offers a great experience for both casual visits and special occasions.