Vinocity Wine Bar

I think Vinocity is WONDERFUL!! I love all the food and the bloody mary will knock your socks off. My wonderful husband and I enjoy it so much we had them cater our wedding in May!! They went over and beyond to please us. All the guest at the wedding raved about the food - they even booked another wedding from one of my guest that enjoyed it so much!!
If your looking for good food and drinks I would highly recommend trying this place out

Posted 06/17/09

I really want to like Vinocity since they are in my neighborhood and when they first opened I had some good meals, but lately it is very hiit and miss (apparently citysearch considers the word hiit inappropriate???) and I definitely think they are overpriced for the food and type of restaurant. I have friends that won't even go anymore after some bad experiences. They also have a really poor beer selection. They need to either add more taps and get some good micro brews or lose at least half of those big name beers they carry that can be had at every other boring bar in Atlanta.

Pros: Location

Cons: Price, Quality and Beer selection

Posted 06/02/09

I'm so lucky to live near Vinocity, when we are too tired to cook, it's so nice to have this great little gem of a restaurant around the corner. We've been going over the past year and the food has been consistently very good. When our family comes in town from out of state, we take them to Vinocity and our family is so impressed we have such a great place in the neighborhood. The Vinocity Club is great for a sandy, and their burgers are excellent, although I think the stand out is the warm potato salad side. The shrimp and grits are also excellent as is the Reuban. I love their weekend brunch, the blueberry scones in the bread basket are to die for. I can also vouche for the belgian waffle with strawberry butter, the crab cakes benedict, and the proper southern breakfast - All were very good! So if you haven't been to Vinocity, come on down to Kirkwood and give it a try!

Pros: Varied menu in price and food, great wine list, great place to catch a game w/ good food!

Cons: We eat here too often, and my checkbook complains! Ha!

Posted 10/01/08

I've been in Vinocity a lot and have never had a bad experience. The food is always solid. The sandwiches are great. And I am very much in love with their pasta salad. Even the edamame is good. The drinks are always good too. Geoffrey makes some pretty mean drinks back there and pours a near perfect pint of Guinness. The manager Mitch is always attentive and really takes care of his customers - guests really. And the owner John is a nice guy. When there he goes around making sure everyone is having a good experience. If you read the rest of my reviews you will see that I tend to be pretty picky. And I am not easily made happy with most restaurants. But the truth is I like just about everything there is to like about Vinocity. I hope they do well because they are a great addition to the neighborhood. Good food. Good drinks. Even good music. So there . . . my first positive review on here.

Pros: Food and Drinks. Mitch and Geoff

Cons: They are not open at 3am - lol

Posted 07/14/08

Like many other reviewers, I do not usually sit down and write reviews, but this was especially bad. First off, I booked the "reservation" on opentable, I really don't understand why I needed to do that, there were a total of 6 people in the entire place. Without writing a novel, here is what we experienced:

1. We ordered a "cheap" priced bottle of wine for 30 bucks, they brought out the 2007 version, the menu said it said it was the 2005 series, that was slightly annoying.

2. The poor teenager that served us had absolutely no idea about how to serve a bottle of wine. I am no wine snob, I actually mostly drink beer, but at the very least train your staff (at a wine bar) about how to open, present, and pour a bottle of wine. He screwed up all three. I remember when I was 18, knowledge about presenting a bottle of wine was not at the top of my priorities list.

3. Hmmmm $15 for chicken fingers?? Well I actually can't review the food because we, never ate. We walked out. Not only did the poor soul screw up the bottle of wine, but the glass was dirty, and there were things floating in the glass. Disgusting. I never ever walk out of restaurants. I was a server for several years, so I have compassion, but this was over-the-top horrible. There are no excuses for incompetence!!

Like I said do not waste your time on this joint. My personally opinion is that they will be gone by the end of the year. There is too much competition in the restaurant biz in and around Decatur, I just dont see how this place could survive.

Pros: None that we could see.

Cons: Everything.

Posted 07/02/08

Although I don't know if the meal price of $$$ encompasses the entire breadth of the menu at Vinocity, I do feel like there are gems on the menu worthy of that particular pricing scale. Of the many times I have graced the establishment with my presence, I have been greeted with friendly, neighborhood smiles, knowledgeable service, and great food. I have readily recommended the restaurant, and they're great bloody mary's, to all of my friends. Heed my suggestion and try it out for yourself.

Posted 06/25/08

I've been trying to give Vinocity the benefit of the doubt since it opened. The service was poor when it opened but has since improved which is standard for any new restaurant. What has not changed is the quality of the food. The sandwiches and apps are very good...The Entrees are another story...When I spend 20 bucks and above on any food it better be hot and it better be good. Neither happens here. I've ordered the filet, I've ordered the salmon, I've ordered the shrimp...it is either luke warm or average tasting. I mean I can make grits better than these guys. The funny thing is that the place is pretty cool and it is always crowded meaning that customers are either dumb or they just don't know any better. I'll continue to go for wine and apps but never again for big meals or special occasions...too bad given that i live 1 min away.

Posted 04/22/08

I went out to dinner with my fiance last friday night at vinocity. It wasn't our first choice, but the restaurant we had planned on going to had an hour long wait. My fiance said she new of a place up the road from our house so we decided to go there. It was pretty busy and we were worried we wouldn't get a table, but the hostess instantly came up to us with a big smile and sat us immediatly in a cozy little booth in the corner. Since we had never been there before we asked our waitor for recommendations, and he was on the money every time. We had a pork ravioli appetizer that was amazing. My fiance had the salmon and I had the lamb and we ended up sharing them because they were both so good. The wine selection was also great. We ended up sitting there for two hours listening to music and our waitor was attentive the whole time. The only thing I regret is not knowing about this place sooner.

Pros: Staff, menu, atmosphere

Posted 04/16/08

As a longtime resident of the Decatur area, let me just say that Vinocity is exactly what Kirkwood has been missing! It's such a treat to have a beautifully designed space with FREE PARKING, great wines you can't find anywhere else, delectable food for any appetite, and friendly welcoming service. The Vinocity Club is one of the best put-together sandwiches in town (applewood bacon, turkey, avocado, tomato, chipotle aioli), and the warm potato salad on the side makes for quite a perfect lunch. The free-form ravioli appetizer with pulled pork and shiitake cream sauce is a Must Taste. And you can ask Jeff the bartender (or any server for that matter) for help choosing a wine that pairs well with your food to maximize the delight on your taste buds. Wine & dinner not on the agenda? Have a pint at the bar and catch a Braves game on the big flat-screens. I am extremely happy to call VK my neighborhood bar now.

Pros: free parking, friendly and helpful service, beautiful design

Cons: the fountain out front isn't running

Posted 04/10/08

I Love Vinocity Kirkwood. The staff is great. The food is wonderful. And the decor is awesome. The owner of the restaurant has an incredible passion for food, wine and service. His name is John and he has spent time with us on multiple visits discussing pairings and tasting us on wines. If you love wine... do not hesitate to ask for him.

My favorite dish is the pecan encrusted swordfish served with sweet potato mash and green beans. Love it with the Campanille Pinot Grigio.

Cheers to Vinocity.

Pros: Great food. Great bar. Great service.

Cons: I don't live in one of the condos adjacent to the restaurant.

Posted 04/08/08

This is my first review ever. But after the experience I had this morning at Vinocity, I have to vent...
My husband and went there to get a burger - can't fail with a burger, right? WRONG! This burger costs USD 10.00, so I expect a good burger, however.... First we waited approx 20 minutes (about the same time you expect to wait for a gourmet meal) when the burger arrives, the lettuce is obviously from a bag, OK... But not OK is the fact that much of this lettuce was actually brown and decayed, the onions were dry, the french fires limp and our order for "medium rare" came out well done. Upon requesting fresh onions and showing the waitress the sad state of the onions, she returned with a plate of equally dry onions and stated "they were all cut this morning".
The most impressive part of this USD 26.00 experience was the encounter with the owner "John"; when bringing to his attention that we had a good meal the day prior, but that todays meal was terrible and detailing the state of the meal his answer to the burger being overcooked was "it was still juicy right? He could have diffused the situation by simply apologizing or or taking the uneaten burgers off our bill, instead he actually chooses to argue - Business must be good...
Needless to say; we will not be returning and hopefully this review will save another potential customer their money. When leaving we met a guy in the parking lot asking about the place - we told him about our experience and he turned around. We intend to continue telling people about this experience.

Posted 04/05/08

My husband and I live in Kirkwood and are so thrilled to have such a wonderful addition to the neighborhood. The food is always a delight and has continued to steadily improve since the opening. We have come to know many of the staff, they make us feel welcome and take consistently good care of us.

We love that the upstairs is more formal, and perfect for a romantic dinner or dinner with the in-laws or clients, while downstairs we can relax with friends and catch the Braves or college football, and still enjoy a stellar glass of wine. Where else can you do that?

As a resident of Kirkwood I am thrilled to see VK become a destination for people. I have friends from other parts of the city that now drive to Kirkwood to have dinner at Vinocity, who would have thought it? Kirkwood as a dining destination? One parting piece of advice, do NOT miss the free form ravioli - absolutely. freaking. amazing. And if they are running a special that night, ORDER IT along with the wine suggestion, you will not be disappointed.

Posted 04/03/08

Vinocity has exceed my expectations! I am a foodie that lives in Kirkwood and although I love some of the other restaurants in my neighborhood Vinocity brings Kirkwood to a whole new level.

To start off, Free Parking!

It was raining tonight and I was by myself so instead of taking a seat at a table I opted for the bar. The young bartender gave me a wine list and told me if I wold like a recommendation he would be happy to help me. The wine list covered all of the bases but I wanted to start out with a cocktail so I ordered a Martini, up, very dry with a touch of dirt. I have to say that I am a bit of a Martini snob but this cocktail delivered, really is all I can say about it is....perfect!

By looking at the well rounded menu (they serve sandwiches at dinner) I knew Vinocity wasn't a steakhouse but I had not eaten since breakfeast so I decided to start off with a 16 or 18 oz bone in rib eye steak. Just to test the bartender I asked for a recommendation. He suggested a $10 Cab which was refreshing since there was a $15 cab on the winelist. I had never heard of the wine but it was great and a great value. The only thing better was the Rib Eye! It was cooked to a perfect medium rare and melted in my mouth. It was served with horseradish potatoes and green beans. The pototoes were good but the beans were out of this world. I love steak and have eaten in the best steakhouses in atlanta and Vinocity is every bit as good without the price or the look down your nose demeanor.

Well Done Vinocity! Keep up the good work!

Pros: Wine List, Food, Free Parking

Cons: Nothing

Posted 04/03/08

New building, new restaurant, old people, old people music. We stayed for 5 minutes before we had the uncontrollable urge to leave. This restaurant belongs in the burbs, not in the city. Also, if you have to put that a soup has chicken stock in it; then you are obviously missing the neighborhood demographic (hint:vegetarian).

Pros: none

Cons: everything

Posted 03/09/08

Vinocity is a wine bar only in the sense that it carries a bunch of wine. The most memorable part of the place is the very expensive looking bar and the great flat screen TVs. Not a fancy date type place, more of a lets go have a few drinks and enjoy the game at a nice place. Think Dantana's in Kirkwood.

Pros: TVs, Parking, Drink selection, Outside seating

Cons: Staff thinks it's cool but it's not

Posted 01/28/08

I love having this restaurant so close to my house. It's got a nice neighborhood feeling but with a higher-end atmosphere. The bar staff is really friendly and the manager went across the street to get us a newspaper himself.

In the early weeks of opening, it's been some of the best food I've had in Atlanta and hope their eager start maintains!!! We usually opt for the entrees (the ribeye is big enough for two of the hungriest appetites) but certain starters are delicious (scallops, crab cakes, tomatoe soup, tuna tartar, and mussels when they are on special...the fried green tomato stack was a little too bready). The sandwiches sound interesting and one burger I saw looked yummy. Although huge, the wine list still seemed limited.

Pros: Food

Posted 11/27/07

So I always wanted to go to Vinocity in Midtown, but never quite made it. Then they moved closer to home to the Kirkwood neighborhood. We stopped by for wine on a recent evening, after dinner elsewhere in town. The place is not at all what it purports to be. We only had wine, but in looking at the menu, the choices were very much bar food. The nicer entrees didn?t even sound interesting. The wine list was quite poor and poorly priced for a place called ?Vinocity?. It was obvious by the 30-something, trying to hard to be cool, crowd that this is not a place that I will frequent. I am 30 something and in search of a great wine bar in this city?and still looking. Vinocity is loud, audacious, and not really a quality wine bar. I do not recommend it if you are looking for a well educated staff, good wine, and pleasant atmosphere. Oh and they were actually trying to charge a cover for a less than stellar band. We turned away at the cover, but they ushered us in anyway. I appreciate the accommodation, but like I said, we were not impressed and will not return.

Pros: location

Cons: poor wine list, LOUD

Posted 11/10/07

Is moving to Kirkwood on Hosea Williams Drive. Opening sometime in June. The website is the same but if you call the phone number they let you know that they are moving.

Posted 06/06/07

I have to say that I never write reviews, much less negative ones. However, when I left this restaurant I promised myself I would tell the public about this place.
First of all, according to research, I chose this spot among many for a special dinner. As soon as we sat down the waitresses were fighting to determine who saw us first. awkward. We ordered a bottle of wine at the waitress' recommendation. Not good. we realized that they had given us a 2005 bottle that had been listed as a 2004.
The food came out to our table at the same time as our bread (10 minutes max). The $30 steak with buerre blanc came out not only cold but with a LITERAL pat of herbed butter on top. When we called the waitress to (very politely) mention that the meal was cold, she asked "so, you want me to...?" She sent the manager. The manager sat down at our table and asked (no joke) "What's up?" When we mentioned the wine mistake, he said there had been a shipping problem. No apologies. I'm sorry, but for $40 a bottle, I wouldn't have minded if the waitress had mentioned a "shipping problem" and a 2005 instead of a 2004. I'm hardly a snob. BUT when I'm prepared to spend over $150 for a meal on a special occasion and the restaurant is unapologetic for trying to pull one over on us, I'm not thrilled.

No apologies for the cold meal with butter. In fact,, he was condescending and aggressive. I didn't even tell complain about the sand-laden scallops that were white as if steamed rather than "caramelized." It was literally the worst dining experience I have had in my entire life.

Pros: bar downstairs

Cons: pay parking, poor food for price, poor service

Posted 11/10/06

Nice wine list with some out of the ordinary selections. Service is knowledgeable and helpful. Wines are a bit more pricey but if you are just going to get a taste this is a fun place to go. They also have a delicious cheese plate in the bar area which is very comfortable. Was not impressed with the food from the menu.

Pros: wine list, atmosphere

Cons: expensive, menu

Posted 09/19/06

I made a reservation online for my first visit here. My boyfriend and I arrived about five minutes after our reservation and were told that the kitchen just closed. When I mentioned that I had a reservation, they checked the system and promptly said they would serve us. Sunday nights are really slow -- we had the entire upstairs to ourselves. Granted, we were the only people there, but the service was excellent. Many servers would be a bit surly if you sat down when they were ready to close the kitchen, but ours was upbeat and very friendly. The food was surprisingly good, especially the pulled pork ravioli appetizer. After dinner, the server brought two desserts to apologize for the mixup with our reservation. I'm sure my experience was unusual since it was such a slow night, but Vinocity exceeded my expectations and I will definitely be going back.

Posted 03/04/06

In Midtown. Old converted house. Ok bar. Has upstairs and downstairs. Dont know about the food yet.

Posted 01/06/06

I went to Vinocity for New Years Eve. It was my second time in and WOW they blew me away. On a hetic night the staff was attentive and very helpful. I had the NYE special of beef and lobster napoleon and it was one of the best things I have ever put into my mouth. They had a great Champange special that my enjoyed as we rang in the new year. Incredible all the way around. Vinocity is now my new favorite restaurant in Atlanta!!!

Pros: Food, Winelist, Ambience

Posted 01/02/06

What a let down. First, the service made the meal a chore. I had to flag the server down for everything. You could easily tell there was not a manager around because the dining room was not working! Spilled water on the table wasn't even wiped up.. Oh yes, I wipe it up with my napkin which wasn't even replaced, even though the server apologized when he spilled the water. The food was good but food alone does not merit these prices. I expect more and will not be returning. You can tell I am a little upset but when you drop a couple hundred dollars you shouldn't be walking away with a bad taste in your mouth. And walking away is exactly what I have done.

Pros: atmosphere

Cons: parking, service, prices/overpriced

Posted 09/24/05

The atmosphere at Vinocity is perfect for a date, either for dinner or for a drink at the end of the evening. It has an intimate feel that is missing at many of the Midtown restaurants. The food is average and the wine list, while extensive is a bit overpriced. I've been here several times and don't have a comlaint about the service either.

Pros: atmosphere

Cons: wine prices

Posted 08/02/05

My wife and I had a wonderful experience at Vinocity. Stumbling upon this hole-in-the-wall while exploring Midtown and never having heard of it before, we decided to give it a try for a late dinner. Even without reservations, we were able to get a seat immediately. Our server was very helpful in picking out both wine and entree selections and had a great attitude.

Prices were steep, but not out of line with the quality of the food and wine. We loved the Mer Soleil Chardonnay that the server recommended and the pecan-encrusted swordfish was exquisite. We enjoyed it so much that we went back three days later for one more taste before our trip was over.

The dining room is small and probably isn't adequate for large groups. I'd recommend it only for couples or groups of three or four.

Pros: Quiet atmosphere, Great location, Outstanding food

Cons: Odd layout, Pricey

Posted 04/26/05

Vinocity is located in a great spot however the customer service was below satisfactory for a restaurant of this caliber. The response to the patrons was slow and seemed to be burdensome to those waiting on the party.
This is not an ideal location for groups of 8 or more. The party was not seated promptly and when it was seated, only half the party was accommodated even though reservations had been made well in advance. The remaining individuals in the party were seated 40 minutes later.
Overall the experience was stressful and discomforting for all individuals involved.

Pros: location

Cons: customer service

Posted 01/31/05

The place perhaps is outgrowing the resources of the staff. Calling for a reservation was nuts but The bar seem nice and calm with a relaxed air, this in contrast to the kitchen in a state of wild panic. Bar girl was no help with all the Chardonnays are rather much alike..

Once seated, it took 50 min for first course, the Duck Confit egg roll; the best dish of the night. We also got the Gnocchi that was so so. Before that was finished the sugar sweet corn chowder was served a bit cool for my liking but at least the chorizo was good. For the Main Crush I had the duck breast, at least the apple risotto within was good. We found the Free form ravioli to be over salted. If this what Atlanta is wild about, dont go out of town, youll not want to go home.

Pros: duck egg roll

Cons: , out of control staff, so so food

Posted 02/28/04

I selected Vinocity as the location for a special birthday dinner, and found that it far exceeded my expectations. The restaurant was absolutely beautiful -- with a romantic, sexy ambiance, a wonderful wine selection, intimate seating, and interesting art. Dinner was mouthwatering -- try the roasted duck! All in all, I'd give this place an 11, if the scale went above 10. Thanks, Vinocity, for making my birthday an incredible experience. Oh, and if dinner turns to more, Cosmopolitan and Lava are right across the street!

Pros: ambience, food, price

Cons: beer selection small

Posted 10/05/03

We've eaten here twice, and it's been a wonderful experience both times. The service is very friendly and helpful, and everyone has always seemed ready to help you enjoy your meal.

The wine list is wonderful, and everything we've tried has been tasty and perfectly matched to our food.

The only negative I can say is that the inside upstairs area can get a little noisy with a lot of people, as there isn't enough sound baffling to diffuse the conversations. But the patio, even if simple, manages to convey a little bit of intimacy at each table.

We've been for pre-symphony dining, where they made sure we got in and out in a timely manner but with a wonderful meal. And for just a fun dinner before hitting Crescent Ave.

Definitely worth a few visits to try a little of everything!

Pros: Food, Wine, Location

Cons: Pay Parking, Noisy Upstairs

Posted 07/04/03

This menu is incredible! Everything looked so great we had to choose by process of elimination and then each ordered apps, salads, entrees and desserts. All of our menu choices exceeded expectations and weren't skimpy at all. Great flavor blending and interesting ingredients. We enjoyed every bite and what a wine list! We'll be back many times!

Pros: Inventive menu, Fantastic wine list

Posted 06/16/03

I only stopped by for drinks before dinner and the service in the bar was dreadful!! It was the worst I've ever had in an empty bar.

Posted 03/29/03

From the servers to the owners, this place makes you feel at home but gives you enough energy to make you want to get ready to party. The steak is truly wonderful, the corn chowder with sausage is soul warming. Nough said! If you want a romatic spot, sit downstairs in the wine cellar. If you want an open space to have drinks with friends, sit at the bar or lounge. I am so excited to go back soon. Glad to finally have a honest restaurant/ wine bar.

Pros: Food, Great wine list, afforable wines, too!

Cons: Not a thing, honestly

Posted 03/20/03

We were highly impressed with our first visit to Vinocity. The atmosphere is great...very warm and cozy. The crab and portobella mushroom appetizer was amazing, definitely the highlight of the meal. I had the halibut and my husband had the lobster, both of which were outstanding...they add unique veggies and starches to their entrees, without the typical and boring mashed potatoes and green beans you find at many places. Service was VERY friendly, even the owner stood outside and chatted with us while we waited on our cab. A+!!

Pros: atmosphere, service, great food!

Posted 03/11/03

The staff is highly knowledgeable about wine, without being intimidating or snooty. They are like old friends. The food is always wonderful, including some of the best fish dishes I have ever tasted

Pros: Lovely Decor

Cons: Expensive

Posted 02/26/03

I had been referred to Vinocity by a friend and I couldn't have been more impressed. After a fine meal with the most excellent service by Berrak and the best wines, we tried to leave and just came right back we were having so much fun. We stayed at the bar until they closed the place making friends with everyone we met.

You won't regret going here!

One piece of advice: If you park in the pay lot to the left of the building (not owned or maintained by Vinocity, but a private lot company), it is an UNATTENDED lot! You pay in the slot board. There is never an attendant and don't get hustled! Ask the bartenders if you question anything.

Pros: Food, Service, Wines, People, Atmosphere, More room here please

Cons: Parking, weight gain/A+ food, time loss/2much fun

Posted 02/23/03

A superior find. Excellent food, good wines, exemplary service. The cellar is perfect for small groups, it is private and authentic. Very enjoyabe experience indeed.

Posted 02/12/03

There is a good, and affordable, wine list (I'm most impressed with the Folie a Deux wines). The service is good - the staff knowledgable and friendly, and the space is a notch above standard midtown "converted old house" fare. Worth a trip - good for dinner as well as exclusively for wine. Also check out The Grape in Vinings.

Pros: wine, location, staff

Posted 01/28/03

I just went to Vinocity for the first time for a friends birthday and I must say, I was not impressed with the entrees. Although my field green salad was delicious, I then ordered the red snapper which was luke warm at best and tough as an old tire. I said something to the waitress about it (who couldn't have been nicer) and ordered another entree (the grouper). The grouper was better but it was swimming in a pool of oil and vinegar which was all together unimpressive. I think the atmosphere and service were wonderful and the wine was delicious but I definitely will not go back there and order any kind of seafood.

Pros: service, wine

Cons: food, prices

Posted 01/27/03

We had one the best meals here lately. I love going to and findng new restaurants and this IS the new it restaurant in Atlanta. I plan on going now before it blows up. The service was great, the food was excellent. It was well worth the $$$, and you will not be disappointed.

Posted 01/22/03

This was an excellent out of the way restaurant and the staff makes you feel welcome. The food was excellent and I didn't have to wait very long to be seated. It's new so it's not too crowded yet. A MUST go !!! Great wine selection

Pros: Easy to find, Friendly staff, Hip but not stuffy

Posted 10/30/02

One of the best places for a nice meal or just to kick back for an after dinner drink in Atlanta.

Posted 10/29/02

Congratulations to Vinocity! The food is great, the service was perfect and the wine list was phenomenal. It's great to see someone else in South City Kitchen's neighborhood that offers food that is as impressive. The cheeses really impressed me! I've already started telling all of my friends. Cheers!

Pros: promtly seated, great location, food and wine

Cons: can't go every night

Posted 09/17/02