Swirl Wine Bar: User Reviews

This review is kind of...
By Amy from Chicago, IL, July 20, 2007

Overall rating:

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!!!!

Was in River North catching...
By Regina from wicker park, July 20, 2007

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Was in River North catching up with some old friends a few days ago and ended up walking by Swirl Wine Bar. Took a peek inside and noticed there was a live act performing and we figure lets stop in for a drink. I'm really glad we did. This place is a well kept secret. We tasted a nice selection of wines, very affordably priced and nice pours, and our server was insightful on helping us pair our menu. It felt as if we were in a lving room at some ones place. I like the fact that they offered live Jazz as the background music. Chicago needs more places like this. Wicker park used to be this way but the restauants and lounges opening in the area are a little over the top. This place oozes a mature vibe. I will be back as well as spread the word.

My friends and I bought...
By Brett from Gold Coast, July 19, 2007

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My friends and I bought tickets to their monthly Champagne Tasting which took place this past Tuesday. This was my first visit and I was really impressed the interior is very slick, sort of a european feel the way the exposed brick and open cielings display and choice of soothing colors make for a inviting setting. I'm a bit into interior design and found the simplicity makes for a nice statement. Th 18 champagnes were really intersting especially the Bellefon Rose and the food pairings were excellent choices. A bit towsrds the end there was a jazz performance, which I thought rounded out the experience. The ticket price was only $25...I will for sure be coming back here and one last note, Guys, this place was loaded with some very nice looking women...

Stopped by Swirl with a...
By Charles from Chicago, il, July 19, 2007

Overall rating:

Stopped by Swirl with a group of 5 this past Saturday to check out their new flamenco entertainment. Very nice show. I have been here before on Fridays (the brazilian jazz band is awesome), but it can be hard to get seated. Wine list is expansive and my favorite part is there are over 30 wines by the glass the servers encourage having a taste of a few before you select, this helped us pick out some nice glass pours. We had the antipasto plate, which is freshly carved and a cheese platter. The portions were large enough for us to all share except we did have to ask more bread. The crowd was a mature mix of different ages. I will be back to visit..Live entertainment with no cover is a key point for a weekend. Try for your self, you will enjoy.

This place was really boring,...
By Sam from Chicago, IL, July 10, 2007

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This place was really boring, no one there on a Friday night. Wine list is not impressive, food was cold and staff had no clue. This place will be closed in 6 months, tops. Don't waste your time.

I like the food, but...
By Sen from Oak Park, July 8, 2007

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I like the food, but I really like the singer Tuesday nights. Erin... hot! Not that into jazz usually, but it's very good stuff she does, I gotta admit. Her guitar player is good too and the music and cool vibe makes me stay for more glasses of wine that's only so-so.

Cute little place, very crowded...
By Stephen from Highland Park, IL, July 4, 2007

Overall rating:

Cute little place, very crowded last Friday night, limited seating, they should re-arrange the sitting chart. Couldn't understand a word of what this guy was singing about but it was really cool.

The weekends are hit or...
By Natasha from Chicago, Il, July 3, 2007

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The weekends are hit or miss here, the dj is pretty lame. The food quality is slipping and the service is too slow, there's no excuse for it. Tues nights the singer is really good. There's a diverse group of people there to hear her music, and I like that. Heard good things about the wine parties, too.

The wine list is pretty...
By Lena from Chicago, IL, June 27, 2007

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The wine list is pretty mediocre, for sure. The food is good, though-- as a light fare rather than a 'dining experience'.

I am accustomed to going on Tuesday nights to enjoy jazz singer Erin McDougald. It has had it's slow nights, but, she brings in a pretty sizeable, attentive crowd; her singing is the draw, it definitely makes for a good time. She is quite engaging.

If you are looking for a wild pick up joint, this isn't the place. If you're into a cozy spot with good artwork, talented musicians and a laid back approach, you should be happy here. The crowd seems to be in the early 30-somethings most times I've been.

One last note, the service needs improvement PRONTO. However friendly, our waitress was incompotent last night. Way too slow, way too inefficient. Way too 'forgetful'. I've had better luck at the bar.

This place was DEAD and...
By Shelly from Chicago, IL, June 22, 2007

Overall rating:

This place was DEAD and I was there on a Saturday evening. My husband and I were sharing the entire place with one other group at the bar that had one drink and left. I prefer to go to a bar on a Saturday night with a little more action. Once I read their wine list, I realized why it was so quiet. Their wine list is one step up from the offerings they have at a TGI Fridays. And they call themselves a wine bar? I have a better selection at home then they had on their menu. It was very disappointing overall. The owner approached us with an arrogant attitude like we should feel privileged we were dinning in his totally empty establishment. I don't recommend this place. Bin 36 is a far better option. Bin always has a great wine selection and great service!