Swirl Wine Bar: User Reviews

Absolutely horrible service. We had two different waiters who were extremely rude to us. And only became more hostile when we told them it was unacceptable to speak to customers that way. The worse part is that the manager is the owner and she is oblivious to what professional service means. When we spoke to her she didn't appear to think it was that big a deal. She said, "well, there are two sides to everything." So much for the customer is always right. Stay clear of this place!

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I went to Swirl last night with 4 women at precisely 11:30 PM. I happened to go in first, and the doorman let me slip right through. I was texting as I was walking in and so wasn't paying attention. I turn around to see my 4 female companions stuck at the hostess stand paying a cover. When they caught up to me, they said they had to pay a $20 per person cover. We were fuming, especially after having realized that there was no particular entertainment at the venue. The $20 cover was simply to get into a wine bar. Within 30 seconds, we decided to leave, forgoing the $80 we had just spent (we did ask the hostess for the money back, she of course refused, even though she let other women in WITHOUT cover right before our eyes), and we walked 3 blocks to Bin 36, a wine bar with no cover, more space, better wine, better cheese, and friendlier service.

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Me and 8 of my gal pals went here last night and HATED it. For being a wine bar i expected a good selection of wine and good cheese. Instead they have about 8 selections of each red and white starting at $36 a bottle....$36 a bottle? Don't go for Weds buy a bottle get a free cheese plate - such a rip off. This place is super expensive for cheap wine and cheese and the service was absolutley terrbile. It took us almost 45 minutes to get two cheese plates and 1 hour and 20 minutes to get empanadas??? What the??? Don't waste your time or money - go to randolph tasting toom - They're sooooooo much better.

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i love to try different places. swirl was the chosen one this weekend. EXTREMELY nice waitstaff. i love, love dessert wines. but most places use tiny glasses; don't even fill up appopriately; and then charge exorbitantly. NOT Swirl. they charged a reasonable price and appropriately filled the glasses.

one of the waitresses let me try a wine and found out that they didn't have much of it; so she just poured me the remaining bottle and didn't charge me. the 2nd time around they filled my glass halfway and then ran out; so they replenished what i drank and added more.... with a smile.

this is a laid back place with reasonable to high end wine by the glass. their appetizer menu has a nice variety (not vegetarian friendly though). it's not a cheap place, but it has good wines; good appetizers; loungy environment; and FRIENDLY wait staff.

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I visited the Swirl Bar a few months ago with a colleague from work. We actually just stumbled upon it while walking along Hubbard looking for a watering hole. I was thoroughly impressed with the decor, the service and because I'm a wine enthusiast, I really enjoyed the wine. We arrived shortly after 6pm so the crowd was light. But by the time we left (almost three hours later) the entertainment had started and the crowd had grown much larger. I highly recommend the Swirl Wine Bar for a get-together after work.

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I met some of my friends for some wine and apps and

was sorely disappointed with the wine selection and

service. First off, the smell of old alcohol was

overwhelming. We ordered flights of wine which the

bartender stingily served up; she measured each and

every glass next to the sample pour. Based on how

frugal the pours were - we expected great wines.

Unfortunately, the reds were either too sweet or toobland. The whites were chilled which is the only

positive thing about them. The food was fine - the

carmelized pear pizza tasted very california

pizza-esque. With so

many fantastic wine bars that have great service,

excellent wines, and interesting food - I will never

go back to this one. Too bad because it's close to

home.

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The wine selection is nice. It is down to earth and explained in a non-intimidating manner. A good place to go in the area because it is not the average meat head valley girl hang out. The pizzas are wonderful. I think the name of the bartender was Greg, nice guy and very knowledgeable he made the experience much more relaxing, Thanks Swirl for an easy going night in a plastic and uptight part of town.

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I used to come to Swirl to listen to Erin MacDougall sing on Tuesdays. The music was very good, my downtown co-workers who joined me several times agreed. The waitress told me Erin left. I won't be making it a habit to stop in now. The place is nice looking and clean, but there isn't parking, the service is almost non-existent and the wine isn't worth mentioning. The singer they are now showcasing, although attractive, was not up to snuff. The lack of energy and new style of music is a snore and not worth returning for. Maybe weekends are better but I haven't heard good things so far. FYI, just down the street, Shaw's has live music, valet and much better wine.

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This place is ok, not awesome, but not awful. In truth, I used to go somewhat regularly to see Erin McDougald sing. She isn't there anymore so I don't feel the need to go back and don't think the wine is deserving of the hype I see here. Better wines can be found at The Tasting Room and Cru.

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This review is kind of late, went there wayy back. Horrible choice of wine, cheap and def. not worthy of having at a WINE bar. Food was not good at all and the owner was very pushy. Check out Randolph wine bar, esp Monday for half off glasses. another good place is David Burke. Actually probably the best somellier I've met. Very willing to find an affordable wine that was more complex than your normal fare.

Steer clear of SWIRL!!!!

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