Vanguard Wine Bar (Upper West Side)

Delightful wines, wonderful vibes. Didn't try the food so can't speak on that but it looked tasty on other people's tables.

Atmosphere: 5

Service: 5

10/10 vibes, will return. Fantastic wine bar
playing 70s rock classics w/ 2001 a space odyssey in the background on mute. Need I say more?

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Good wine selections. Pleasant ambiance for conversation.

Super welcoming place and the bar tender is really cool! Highly recommend

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

This place was fantastic. great environment. Good vibes great music choices amazing the best spot for a date, the bartender she was amazing. She recommended me a few wines and took the time to explain the flavors and where is coming from.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Small, friendly, good wine. Home away from home.

Atmosphere: 5

Service: 5

Sexy upscale, yet relaxed wine bar with neighborhood-local clientele and prices. The bar is usually packed with couples out on a casual date night and small groups meeting for an after-work drink. They don't have a full kitchen, but their food menu would have you fooled. I'm partial to their flatbreads and charcuterie board. The staff is knowledgeable and warm, and are always willing to help you find a glass of wine that speaks to you. Really top-notch service. They have a habit of maintaining an excellent music playlist, and always making sure the vibe is *just right*.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Marinated Olives, Daily Selection of French & American Cheese, Daily Selection of French & American Meats

Such a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. My friend and I came here on Saturday night and ended up spending hours here because it was so lovely. Both of the bartenders were kind, accommodating, and had great recommendations. They were very attentive, checked on us throughout the night, and always made sure we had enough wine. They were personable and easy to talk to. It never felt like we had to go out of our way to get their attention, like it often does at bars in the city.

We sat at the bar and were greeted by two of their regular customers. The four of us had great conversation and it felt like a home away from home. This place has all the charm of a small neighborhood bar, where everyone greets you with a smile, only steps away from Lincoln Center. This place seems truly perfect for any occasion. Casual enough you can come in for a drink at the end of the work day, while also elegant enough to impress your friends after the symphony, ballet, or opera.
Locals - this should be your go-to wine bar in the city. Tourists - vanguard is a “can’t-miss” stop on your itinerary. I can’t speak highly enough about my experience here! Stop reading this review and go see for yourself!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Malbec, Daily Selection of French & American Cheese, Pimento Cheese, Charcuterie, Macarons, Daily Selection of French & American Meats, Chardonnay

This is a cozy, dimly lit restaurant. The wine list is varied. There are some small plates, salads, tart ones , and flatbreads. We had white bean hummus and it was delicious. Behind the bar excellent movies were showing. I don’t know if the sound was on - a plus. Friendly, helpful staff. Most importantly, it was quiet. No loud music. The acoustics were not designed to amplify the “crowd having fun”. We could have a conversation and not hear our neighbors. This is a delightful spot to sit and talk. Love it!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

What a fabulous wine bar! Excellent service. I came on a Saturday and the two bartenders made the vibes so fun! All my friends absolutely love it, too! We come often because it’s by far not only the best wine bar but the best bar on the Upper West Side. It’s a staple in the neighborhood and a must see!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Wine Glass, Mushroom Ricotta & Truffle, Malbec, Kale & Apple Salad, Truffles, Marinated Olives, Daily Selection of French & American Cheese, Pimento Cheese, Mushroom Shallots Truffles, Ham Cheese & Arugula, Charcuterie, Macarons, Kale Salad

Worst place ever.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

The atmosphere is great but the workers weren't that friendly. We weren't welcomed with a warming welcome, we were kind of pushed aside and not being acknowledged. Other things took place that I choose not to mention. I don't care too much for the workers, but the drinks are actually good.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 3

Service: 1

I want to warn everyone who plans to visit this place!!! Our recent visit to this establishment turned into an absolute nightmare, and I am beyond furious. This day was especially important to me as I was celebrating my birthday.

My friends and I went there to have a good time and enjoy some quality wine. Our bill amounted to $420, which is no small amount. However, the entire experience was completely ruined by the despicable behavior of one of the bartenders, a tall guy whose name we unfortunately don’t know. This bartender started acting aggressively just because he believed we left an insufficient tip.

The situation escalated to an unbearable level where this individual began forcefully kicking us out of the bar in an incredibly rude and hostile manner. The height of his unacceptable behavior was when he intentionally poured wine on my friend. This was a shocking, offensive, and utterly disgraceful act that completely ruined our evening.

I am absolutely livid and deeply disappointed by the disgusting service and sheer unprofessionalism displayed. This is not just bad service; it is a blatant lack of respect and decency. We spent a significant amount of money and were treated with the utmost contempt.

I strongly advise everyone to avoid this bar at all costs if you don’t want your evening to be ruined by such revolting and abusive behavior. This place does not deserve your patronage.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

We had an amazing experience at the winery spot tasting 6 different types. Informative and a lovely presentation and very sumptuous wines. Striking interior glamour

Very friendly staff great food! Love this place they have a wonderful wine selection. Definitely one of my favorite bars.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5