Vanguard Wine Bar (Midtown West)

I ordered a salad that was 99% arugula, astringent vinegar, and 3 lonely grapes. It tasted terrible! I ordered that salad on previous trips to nyc and the quality was not the same as years ago. Service was just as bad- the server/bartender never took my wine order and went outside for a long smoke break in front of the window.

We stopped in here for a pre-show drink and appetizer before seeing Wicked. This worked out great because this restaurant is right next to the Gershwin theater. They don't take reservations but we were able to walk in and get a table without any issue. It did start to fill up after some time passed but not too overly crowded. You do have to go up to the bar to order your food/drink but that didn't seem to cause any issue once we got the hang of it. The wine list is extensive and great -- the food was amazing. Especially the mushroom and truffle bread. Would definitely come again and highly recommend.

Fine wine bar. Parties in the back.

This place is just what we wanted for the evening. It put us in mind of our many trips to Europe. The atmosphere is excellent - cozy and eclectic. The wine selection was good, but they were out of our first choice. The second choice did not disappoint! The food was simple but exactly what we wanted. We had the almonds, the pimento cheese, and the goat cheese, fig, and prosciutto open face sandwiches, the last of which was exceptional. Go to the bar for service. We loved the friendly and jocular staff!

Cynthia was so wonderful!!! Really kind, on top of it, and engaged me with my convo haha. Really good wine too! I never go to this area but she made me wanna go back :) For what I got the check didn’t surprise me/was actually really good esp considering it’s in Midtown.

They were out of most wines so we went for what the bartender recommended and it tasted very watered down. Not much of service either; we had to get the drinks and water ourselves. The interior was nice though, so if you don’t mind compromising the taste, it does give a good atmosphere.

Stunning secret escape from the bustle of the city and so close to the Gershwin Theatre for those pre show drinks. Gorgeous wines, lovely service and great atmosphere; loud enough music to create a vibe but low enough to be able to talk.
Didn't try the food this time.

Great cozy spot for drinks. Romantic and not too crowded. Nice music and good selection of wine.

Bar tender was about to check us out and pour our wine, then slammed down the credit card reader and almost hit my girlfriend with it, then ran over to yell at another employee. We walked out

My absolute favorite wine bar in the city!! The decor and furnishings make this place super cozy and delightful to be in. I come here in the evenings multiple times a week just to relax and unwind with a glass of wine. The staff is incredible!! Super friendly and accommodating. Especially Cynthia, Pedro and Alejandro!! The food is also really good. I’ve tried a bunch of the appetizers, sandwiches and desserts and they never disappoint. Also, the wine selection is extensive and very diverse. Definitely recommend this place any day of the week!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Cheese Plate, Marinated Olives, Truffles, Fig Goat Cheese and Jambon on Toast, Fig and Goat Cheese on Toast, Pinot, Chardonnay, Combination of French & American Cheeses, Combination of French & American Meats, Macarons, Charcuterie

We went to celebrate a friend’s birthday. Nice and intimate. We had a good time.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Cheese Plate, Arugula Walnut & Grape Salad, Pinot, Summer Water 'Bubbly Sparkling Rosé NV

Love coming here, they're great with large groups, small groups or just to meet a couple friends. Cindy is always working the bar and she is wonderful, so attentive and accommodating. The food is all apps and picky food but it is good here, my favorite is the mushroom flatbread. Great wine selection and even if you don't know what you want, Cindy and help you find it. Love the cozy vibes too.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Cheese Plate, Baked Camembert & Apricot Preserve, Fig and Goat Cheese on Toast, Mushroom Ricotta & Truffle

Just don’t go

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

Place stay away

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

amazing, bartender was 12/10 amazing, love him
would definitely return for him alone
great wine selection

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5