Upstairs Wine Bar

It pains me to write this review, as the Upstairs Wine Bar has been our regular spot for years - after we stumbled upon it like some best-kept secret. Discovering new wines, great breads and charcuterie - with an atmosphere that gave the impression of Italian getaway, the Upstairs Wine Bar was, in a word, "special." Sitting by the warm fire, with classical music or Spanish Guitar filling the air, it was easy to see the owner's vision and it was well-executed.But that was before. This is now (our last three visits over the past 2 months):Loud club music banging. The hearth has gone cold. Missing art work draws attention to empty wall space. But these regressions are downright innocent compared to the service. I have only experienced a single individual working as a server during the past few visits, with another individual working behind the counter. Neither possesses any knowledge of the menu and (our server in particular) had clearly never been trained in wine service or service in general. No pours, just slaps the bottle down with two glasses and asks if we want anything else. But I need to backtrack, we first ask him about the wines, he can't answer a single question, to the point that we aren't even certain he's looked at the menu or even tasted the offerings. His manner is loose and unprofessional, brazen. He is dressed like The Crow, with his belly exposed, ready for a rave. This was consistent during all our visits. However, let me be clear, I don't care how anyone dresses in public, period. I don't care what gender you are or what gender you are attracted to. I don't judge unless I'm paying and wine service commands some degree of formality or at least basic etiquette, education of the menu notwithstanding. These qualities weren't discernable at the most basic level and did not improve with subsequent visits. However, there is one piece of knowledge our server was able to render: the lack of availability for many menu items, which would be the theme over our most recent visits. When we finally receive the meat and cheese plate, the prosciutto has been butchered and carved off in thick strips. We made it clear we DID NOT want one particular meat, which - of course - was one of the three on the plate, as the server either had no idea which one was which or simply forgot in the few seconds it took walk from our table to the kitchen. Finally, only ONE cheese was available of the 3 options, and this supply issue was given no explanation, but remained a problem during for our last three visits. Just to be transparent, it's about $100 for the two of us to enjoy a bottle of wine and small plate, so it's not exactly cheap - but this was a small price to pay for the atmosphere that has long since evaporated. What's replaced it has no business calling itself a wine bar. Sadly, we won't be returning - at least for some time - with the hopes that it can regain its standards. We eagerly await that reunion!

Absolutely love Upstairs Wine Bar - the ambiance is so warm and cozy, with a great view of Colorado Ave. it's accessed by stairs to the left of La Baguette. We started with a glass of Prosecco and then did wine flights. They have a ton of great combinations and themes for their flights - and they also have a whiskey flight if you're not a wine drinker. They sell beer as well. You get complimentary bread and oil - the bread was so so good. We also ordered the meat and cheese plate which was great. There were lots of dessert options - we went with the opera cake, which was really good. The service was great. Really enjoyed this place and would love to go back.

Wonderful lil space hidden above a bakery in Old Colorado city. We thoroughly enjoyed this evening. Wine tasting flights with a yummy meat and cheese board. We were pigs and also ordered fondue with more bread... The waitstaff was accommodating and pleasant. I'm thinking I'll be back here again sometime....

C'est magnifique!The entrance is certainly inconspicuous. The door is located on the east side of La Baguette. Once found it will never be forgotten.It is a very nice atmosphere. Not that I have ever been, but I would like to think it has the same feel as a lounge of a French bed and breakfast in wine country. It was small, warm and inviting. The perfect spot to have a casual, yet intimate night out.The selection of wine is vast. It includes a large selection of wine by the glass and more so to choose from if you order by the bottle. If you can't decide what to order, another unique form to order is by flights (wine). You can pick from about six different variations of flights. I chose the Gutsy GSM. Although I didn't really care for any of the ones brought to me, I rather enjoyed judging each one and comparing them. It was fun.What surprised me was they also had a handful of cocktails, if that is your poison. As it is mine, i started with the French Quarter and was delighted with my choice. The wine was tasted along with our appetizers. It was small, but good selection. We ordered the chicken pâté and escargot. Both were gratifying and went well with our wine. I rather liked the pâté, but my boyfriend thought it was okay as he rather have duck. The one thing I would suggest is that some areas of the place could be dimmed down a touch to maintain the warm, cozy feeling throughout the room. I think the lighting in the small hallway just past the bar is a bit bright. It diverted from the rest of the lighting that is low and soft.

One thing I really love about this place is its inconspicuous entrance. The door is right next to La Baguette's entrance, but you wouldn't know by looking at it. My first time here I walked into the bakery looking for the door (only slightly embarrassing).When you open the door it will lead you straight up a flight of stairs. The bar sits up on the 2nd story with windows along the back side. I love sitting back by the windows. Beautiful view at night, enjoying a glass of wine and looking at the street lights. The French music ties it all together in a neat little bow.They have flights of wine and large selection of by the glass. I had the bold red flight and it was very good, I ordered full glasses of one. This is a great place for friends to come together, or a romantic night out.Breads, fondue, cheese plate, need I say more?

This cozy wine bar so aptly named sits right above La Baguette bakery. You could easily pass by without knowing it's there, a slight cracked door left of the bakery's main one your only clue. The subtle entrance adds to the allure. When you walk upstairs, the decor will make you feel as if you had magically traveled to the coast of Italy. The tapestry, stone wall facade, and soft, strung lighting will place your mind in a soothing state. The only grounding sense that you haven't left Colorado will be the overlooking view of Bancroft Park. The seating inside is intimate, a mixture of tables, chairs and sofas. On the night we stumbled in, nearly everyone of them was full attesting to the place's popularity. The patrons were friendly and welcoming. I received the impression many had been frequenting this place for years. Parties crossed table lines, and when somebody dropped a glass the whole place erupted with cries of 'Opah!'Their wine selection is fairly extensive. We had an Italian Basilicata and a Pinot from Napa. Of the two, I would recommend the Basilicata. It was smooth to the taste yet full of character. If you're in a munchy mood, their charcuterie plate looked appealing (we had just ate so stuck strictly to our wine). In all, it's a great place to take out-of-towners for something fun and local.Cheers!

The upstairs wine bar makes you feel at home. Grab a glass or a wine flight and sit In front of the beautiful fireplace. Leather couches and intimate space is a perfect location to catch up with friends or relax after a long day. They serve small plates if you're needing a bit to eat.

I really enjoyed the atmosphere of this place! Staff does seem to be new. When I called to confirm hours the girl said I think last call is at 11:00 or 11:30 but seemed unsure. When we arrived they were kind and took our order promptly. I got the Chardonnay wine flight however the waitress couldn't remember definitely which was which they all tasted great though. My boyfriend got an old fashioned and they assured him that they made it with whiskey but upon further inspection it was made with scotch! Yuck! Meat and cheese plate was nice but they skimp on the meat a bit. Didn't check back in on us after the initial service. Would have gotten a second drink but instead had to walk up the bar to ask for the check. Overall would give the place another chance, but I definitely see room for improvement.

I adore this place. The male manager is incredibly knowledgeable about wine and takes his time to help you find the right wine for your taste. Their cheese board is incredible with a large variety of cheeses. I love grabbing a table by the window and watching the snow come down or cozying up to the fireplace. The inconspicuous entrance also makes you feel like you've found a hidden gem. This place is definitely not cheap but is worth it.

Several wine requests on the menus were not available. We settled on a Chardonnay, and the bottle and glasses were simply set before us. No taste test, just pour yourself and hope for the best. No food available because additional help wasn't there yet. Seems like the staff has no idea about the product they sell, and don't care enough to learn.