The Wise Owl
6206 Muhlhauser Rd, West Chester, OH, 45069
The Wise Owl Menu
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Visit below restaurant in West Chester for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in West Chester for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in West Chester for healthy meals suggestion.
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Address :
6206 Muhlhauser Rd
West Chester, OH, 45069 - Phone (513) 860-9463
- Website https://www.wiseowlwinebar.com/
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :4:00 pm - 1:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : No
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Late Night
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Music : Live, Background
Good For Dancing : No
Alcohol : Full Bar
Happy Hour : Yes
Best Nights : Thu, Fri, Sat
Coat Check : No
Smoking : Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
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Damian C.
My work team just happened to need a glass of wine, and this place just happened to be within the vicinity of our hotel, so we just happened to think about stopping in after work one Tuesday. I even scoured the website noting EXACTLY what I would indulge in. I mean, long hours = lots of indulging, right? I hate to bring down the curve for the whole establishment, but I am kind just, meh on this one. The place itself is cute. Homey. Kind of like Grandpa's library, except if Grandpa's library were actually a library full of booze. Or maybe Grandpa's library was books with the pages cut out to secretly hold booze? PROHIBITION TIMES. Sturdy wood tables, comfy cozy looking couches, dim lighting; overall, a relaxed atmosphere. Honestly, if I were to own a bar, this is pretty much exactly what I would want. Writing this review makes me miss my grandparents. Side note. Must create this type of room in my future home to keep their memory alive! We were lured in by their advertised $5 wines by the glass, their baby broccoli on the menu (well, at least me, but I got my co-workers on board), and the Amish chicken large plate, but upon arrival, we learned that 1) the menu is completely different than the website and 2) "specials had just ended", presumably because it's only a happy hour special. I love broccoli and I love cheap (moderately priced normally) wine and, well, this kind of stunk. It looks like they have live music most nights. Looks like we missed that, too. Dang. To make the best of it, we each ordered a glass of wine, shared two small plates - the patatas bravas and the mozzarella and bread dish - and turned wonderful conversation among us into our own music. No work talk, thankfully. Regarding the food, the potatoes were more upscale roasted potato wedges and weren't too bad, while the cheese and bread were a complete hit. I am sure with bigger plates we would have stuck around for dinner, but we were starving, and had to go elsewhere. Worth a stop? Sure. Just make sure you eat and drink early. Grandpa time discount, I guess.
(3)Tricia M.
My husband and I were on our way to dinner when we saw this place, we decided to check out the wine selection. The waitress was very helpful in helping us select a couple of glasses from the rather large list. The atmosphere was small and intimate. We had the the Meat and cheese conversation plate to snack on both the wines and plate were delicious. As we were leaving a guitar player was setting up in the corner for live entertainment. I really enjoyed it and we will be making it a regular stop when we come into town!
(5)George D.
Outstanding wine selection, romantic environment with a live duo. And salmon sliders cooked to perfection. Liked those and the prosciutto wrapped asparagus so much, we ordered a second round of each. They have outdoor seating.
(5)Rachit S.
A great selection of wine complimented by some very tasty tapas menu. Great atmospere on the weekend too with live music. Sam plays on friday's and saturday's, very very good singer.JT the chef is real friendly and cutomizes the menu upon ur request and very generous guy.Staff is very knowledgeable and have great recommendations if u r first time wine drinker. Absolute gem of a place in the suburbs.l!!!
(5)Damian C.
My work team just happened to need a glass of wine, and this place just happened to be within the vicinity of our hotel, so we just happened to think about stopping in after work one Tuesday. I even scoured the website noting EXACTLY what I would indulge in. I mean, long hours = lots of indulging, right? I hate to bring down the curve for the whole establishment, but I am kind just, meh on this one. The place itself is cute. Homey. Kind of like Grandpa's library, except if Grandpa's library were actually a library full of booze. Or maybe Grandpa's library was books with the pages cut out to secretly hold booze? PROHIBITION TIMES. Sturdy wood tables, comfy cozy looking couches, dim lighting; overall, a relaxed atmosphere. Honestly, if I were to own a bar, this is pretty much exactly what I would want. Writing this review makes me miss my grandparents. Side note. Must create this type of room in my future home to keep their memory alive! We were lured in by their advertised $5 wines by the glass, their baby broccoli on the menu (well, at least me, but I got my co-workers on board), and the Amish chicken large plate, but upon arrival, we learned that 1) the menu is completely different than the website and 2) "specials had just ended", presumably because it's only a happy hour special. I love broccoli and I love cheap (moderately priced normally) wine and, well, this kind of stunk. It looks like they have live music most nights. Looks like we missed that, too. Dang. To make the best of it, we each ordered a glass of wine, shared two small plates - the patatas bravas and the mozzarella and bread dish - and turned wonderful conversation among us into our own music. No work talk, thankfully. Regarding the food, the potatoes were more upscale roasted potato wedges and weren't too bad, while the cheese and bread were a complete hit. I am sure with bigger plates we would have stuck around for dinner, but we were starving, and had to go elsewhere. Worth a stop? Sure. Just make sure you eat and drink early. Grandpa time discount, I guess.
(3)Tricia M.
My husband and I were on our way to dinner when we saw this place, we decided to check out the wine selection. The waitress was very helpful in helping us select a couple of glasses from the rather large list. The atmosphere was small and intimate. We had the the Meat and cheese conversation plate to snack on both the wines and plate were delicious. As we were leaving a guitar player was setting up in the corner for live entertainment. I really enjoyed it and we will be making it a regular stop when we come into town!
(5)Rachel M.
West Chester isn't the best place to go for an evening out, but the Wise Owl has made this boring town a little more exciting. It's a great place to go for a relaxing evening with friends and the wine selection is great. The staff is super friendly and always have great suggestions, and on the weekends there is live music played by a man and woman who perform a wide variety of songs. I highly recommend it!
(5)Lia V.
Fan-freaking-tastic. I'm mad at myself for not going sooner. I have a feeling I will end up being a regular like my friend's mom who walked in and just said "oh hey so and so" to the staff like they were old friends... and that's exactly how it feels in there. The servers are friendly and helpful and very laid back. We went on 10 dollar off Spanish bottles night which was good - we ordered a tempranillo and a white (which I wasn't drinking so the name escapes me). Great wine. Great prices. Now I did not expect this place to have out of the world food, but that's exactly what it has. I will say they excel at their sauces - every sauce on every plate was delicious Mussels - get them. Herb sherry cream sauce to DIE for and baguette to soak up all the goodies - the mussels themselves were cooked perfectly and tasted great. Lobster Bruschetta - blown away. Deconstructed with the "bruchetta" on the side in a plate of delicious sauce and again lots of baguette to soak up the goodies. Calamari - not your normal ring calamari - center steak cut slices cooked perfectly tender lightly breaded and fried - spicy mayo to dip. Delicious. Finally Short Rib - big fat piece of deliciously tender short rib in a plate of ... you guessed it... delicious sauce and some mashed potatoes. The outside patio is great - some tables, some couches. I guess the only complaint is that the ventilation in the restaurant must be lacking because when you walk in it smells like all the delicious food.... but you don't want that lingering on your clothes (which is what I've heard happens if you eat inside) Anyway.... I'll be back. You should go. Phenomenal.
(5)Dawn J.
Waitresses seemed more interested in their phones than us as customers. The menu is VERY limited on food, but the wine selection is out of this world. We just got the mozzarella and crostini and it was delicious. A so-so experiment.
(3)Bea D.
The only reason for the 3 stars is the service. I sat at the bar. I was in plain view. I had to listen to incessant talking amongst the staff. They were more interested in talking than serving clients. The food was great, and they did a great job helping me pick out a wine. It's a bit pricey, so this is not an every day place. They do have live music, but I cannot speak to it. This is definitely a place West Chester needed. I just wish the service was a bit more professional.
(3)Chuck W.
A first class bar for enjoying great wines and interesting appetizers. The atmosphere is high end and relaxing, and the attention/service from the staff is very good. I regularly visit the Wise Owl after work with co-workers and have always been very impressed.
(5)Alex S.
I was traveling through and having a night out in West Chester, which has been known, from time to time, to lack in the non-chain-restaurant things to do. It was a Friday night and we were searching for somewhere to sit and get a glass of wine. Why, didn't a wine bar open up not too long ago? I believe it did. The Wise Owl is tucked away in a strip bar, but you'll know you're at the right spot if you see a giant glowing sign on the side of the building that says "Wine Bar." Yep, this is the place. Wise Owl is a long, rectangular room. As you walk through the door, there are couches to your left and right, followed by tables followed by more couches followed by the bar. It's mood-lit to the extreme (meaning it's very dark in that cool chic kind of way) and anywhere you decide to sit is comfortable. It was getting packed as we came in but luckily we snagged a table. The waitress came right over to us with menus. She was friendly and knowledgeable and able to answer any questions we might have. The manager also made his way around the room, stopping to talk with everyone. The atmosphere was light and fun for sure. This is a place for bottles. They do have a few options for individuation glasses but they are few and far between (basically one choice for riesling, one choice for pinot, etc.) Instead, come with friends, buy a bottle and settle in for a few glasses. The food at this spot is amazing. Everything is done up in gourmet light bites to share. We tried the humus which was put onto homemade tortilla chips with an array of cut up vegetables. It was delicious. Loved it. They also have music every Wednesday and Friday night. It was a fantastic duo doing classic rock covers on our night, and they were great. Not too loud, and really pretty. I love when a band adds to the room, not becomes the sole focus of it. I had a great time at this wine bar. West Chester's still a semi-trip, but if anything was going to get me out there, this would be it.
(4)Ray Y.
My wife and I truly enjoyed are evening. Good atmosphere and good service. Alexis was our server and she was extremely helpful with wine selections and obviously enjoyed her job. The only criticism is the food quality as the beef tenderloin sliders still had the silver skin attached to the meat. Overall, it is a good place to enjoy a glass of wine....I just wish the food was a little better.
(4)Robert L.
A very nice wine bar with ambiance. The wine was about $8 a glass which is a bit high but similar to other places. The great thing is they have live music. When I was there it was an acoustic guitarist playing a lot of the 90s. The music made for a pleasant atmosphere not a super loud bar.
(5)Luan N.
In the land surrounded by chain restaurants, the Wise Owl perches above the rest. My first experience dining in the greater Cincinnati area and this wine bar was a pleasant surprise. Great wine flight. Step up from the usual suspects: 1. Duck rolls with PLUM SAUCE 2. Pork tenderloin with CURRY BUTTER SAUCE 3. Short rib with CELERY ROOT PUREE & PURPLE KIMCHEE
(4)Tom D.
It's not as they say! Let's be totally honest about The Wise Owl Wine Bar. Sure, it's upscale. But is it really? The ambiance is pleasant. Even with live music, it was easy to converse. The lighting is interesting with accent lights throughout. For a comfortable, relaxing experience, The Wise Owl Wine Bar works. I went on Friday night about 8:30 pm. There were more empty tables than occupied tables. Uh oh!! I learned long ago to be cautious of food served at a place with not many patrons. Our waitress was presentable and friendly. She was able to answer any questions we had about the menu. The appetizer menu is lovely, featuring things you won't find at many other places in the area. So far so good. If you're on a budget, be forewarned that the appetizer prices are similar to entree prices from surrounding restaurants. Our party ordered several apps including the Duck Roll, and wine, of course. After taking our order, our waitress promptly returned with drinks and dinnerware. The California red wine was particularly nice. But for $11 (glass), the mere 5 oz. was stingy. Understand that I am not a stickler about proportion to price ratios. But really, for a California Red, the ratio is off. Then there were the plates (for the apps). The plates were dirty. There was a gooey mess on each of the plates. It was a dark color (green or gray), thick, and quite gross. Next thing you know, the slimy stuff is now on our table. Told the waitress...she collected the filthy plates and returned with clean plates. Then came the apps. The apps presentation was an A+...a work of art! But there was an odd initial taste with the Duck Roll. What is that initial taste? It was odd...not right. Something is wrong. But what? Just how fresh are the ingredients? Were they frozen? Freezer burned, old, from a can? I don't know, but it had an unfriendly initial taste to it. Would I go back? Maybe it was an off night for them. I'm fair, so yes, I will go back at least once more.
(2)Wayne W.
This place is the schiznit!! The food is absolutely delicious. If you want bobs big boy portions of packaged food stay away! But if you're a foodie who enjoys exquisite taste and an eclectic selection of wines to pair it with, this place is for you!!
(5)Caroline C.
The Wise Owl is an intriguing spot for oenophiles. It features an extensive wine list focusing on boutique, small production wines. For a non-oenophile (like myself) I would recommend the customized flight option. For $15 you get three glasses 3 oz pours of any wine they have by the glass. Most wines by the glass will run you $9-$15. We went on a Friday night and they had opened a bottle of Patricia Green Cellars Pinot Noir. The server said that it was incredibly limited production and each state gets around 3 cases. They also offer craft cocktails - all for around $8 made with homemade simple syrups, fresh fruit, etc. The menu consists mainly of tapas-style dishes. We got the flight of bocadillos - almost all of them were good, especially the pork. The tomato/anchovy was beyond terrible. Also had the pistachio meatballs and bruschetta. The meatballs were very satisfying. However, I would still say that this is primarily a bar - a wine bar. The food is just ok, nice to have, but not worth the trip alone. As this is a relatively new establishment, the atmosphere is still coming along. There's an array of high-top tables, some lounge-style areas with sofas, a bar, and a gathering table which can seat 8. It can be a little awkward figuring out where to sit, who your server is and so on. Hopefully they'll work these little kinks out soon.
(3)Stephen B.
After moving to the middle of nowhere (even out past West Chester), I was upset at the lack of cool/unique places to hang out. My one solace was The Wise Owl; a beacon of light on the otherwise desolate suburban landscape (Okay, Dingle House is actually pretty cool too, and I guess there's also the Fox and Hound, or Brazenhead, but I'm going for dramatic effect here). Anyway, The Wise Owl is a fantastic place to go if you want to have a glass, or bottle, or several bottles of wine and chillax* with some friends. The atmosphere is relaxed, with soft lighting, and a modern decor featuring dark wood. I love any place with couches and chairs set around coffee tables so you can just sit and chat with friends. There is a little patio out front that is also nice to sit on. I believe most nights they have live music, usually a guy/girl duo with a guitar and maybe bongos. The music has always been excellent, and tends to fit the mood just right. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable. You can ask their opinion on a particular wine, or just tell them the sort of thing you like and have them pick a bottle out. The wine selection itself is pretty comprehensive, and housed in a beautiful wine rack that takes up almost the entire right-hand wall of the bar. If you're out for dinner in West-Chester, or maybe just looking for a place to go after work, you should give The Wise Owl a try. *I was looking for a good word to use here. Unwind sounded weird coming immediately after wine, and I use the word relax at the beginning of the next sentence. I ultimately settled on the use of "chillax" to perfectly express both the concepts of "chilling" and "relaxing" at the same time.
(5)Matt H.
This is a gem of a place. Visiting from out of town i used yelp to find something unique, and was pleasantly suprised. The four stars from yelp users are well deserved. I hac the duck roll appetizer -- wow!! Okay, but wait, .... the beef short rib was out of this world. The wine suggestions superb. I was there on a Tuesday. The atmosphere was relaxed and JT and Rebecca the most gracious, and helpful hosts. Highly recommended!
(4)Marisa D.
I give this major points for such friendly staff. So friendly and chatty. And it's an indie bar, always a bonus! We went at happy hour, got some great wine for $5 each. The food really needs some work though, and their menu had a bunch of typos, something I find annoying.
(4)Mark M.
We stop be here once every other month or so. New chef since we were here last who has re-energized the menu and made it even better. What's good about this place is that the people that work here actually know what they are pouring and can recommend a bottle based on their experience. (Not so at nearby places like Bella Vina). New fresh menu and a good wine list, what's not to like? A good place to have a drink and people watch in WC.
(5)Caroline W.
I know a lot of people have a negative view of the restaurant scene out in Cincinnati's suburbs, but I'm here to tell you that it's okay - there's lots of great places to check out, you just have to know about them! Wise Owl is one of those places - it's small and tucked away off the highway in a strip mall. The interior is very modern which works very well with the relaxed atmosphere. Once inside, you're told to sit wherever you like. Since it was just me and my husband when we went, we sat at a smaller table, rather than the couches or the bar. We ordered a bottle of wine and, since the food is tapas style, several plates. Our server was actually the manager and sommelier so we got to talk with him quite a bit about the dishes and the restaurant, which was super cool. We ordered the Conversation Plate (meats, cheeses and accompaniments) and the tomato bisque first - both of which were delicious and fun to eat. However, the real magic came with the main dish which we were convinced we must order - the Roast Pork Loin with hericot vert and sweet potato puree. This dish was fantastic and, as just as the manager said, is "sex on a plate." Our dessert was also picked by his suggestion - he told us we absolutely had to get it and if we did he'd give us a wine that paired with it and promised it would be amazing. The dessert - a yellow beet cake with sweetened goat cheese icing - paired with the Italian sparkling rose wine were dazzling! A sweet bubbly dance of happiness in my mouth. If you're looking for a great place to relax, enjoy a bottle of wine and a few bites to eat, this is the place to go.
(4)Kim N.
JT John Alicia and the staff are fabulous. Great attention food private parties and wine.
(5)Glen G.
Great knowledgeable staff and very friendly. Menu is tapas-like and very well done from prep to presentation. Everything we had was unique and excellent - not cheap but you wouldn't expect it to be either. Not very crowded but contains small groups very well in a couple of different areas. Small but nice outdoor area as well. Overall very very good.
(5)Scarlett G.
Great food, ambiance, wine and music..suggested pairing were right on..made us feel like regulars.
(5)Alli L.
Favorite new wine and tapas place! Reminds me of Jerome Arizona !
(5)John D.
Excellent wine selection and the food was fantastic! Great atmosphere and service as well! Very relaxing!
(5)Arik M.
Getting the word out that we will be opening for lunch starting on September 26th 11:30 to 2:30. Come join us for a unique experience.
(5)Lloyd J.
Awesome place. Talk to Doug the owner. Fun place will recommend. Amazing selection of wines, chill music. Must hangout place. Talk to Doug the owner. Very chill and helpful guy.
(5)Allison J.
Mom and I saw Bridesmaids at the West Chester Rave and needed a drink afterwards. West Chester, at least as I know it, is not a hotbed of great bars. I was afraid we'd end up at Red Robin, drinking over-sweet tiki drinks as the staff of annoyed teenagers shot us angry looks for staying so late. We consulted the Yelp and found Wise Owl. I had concerns. Would it be filled with cougars? The West Chester elite decked out in their finest Lilly Pulitzer? I fear West Chester bars the way most people in West Chester think they're going to get jumped if they go to Neons. Anyway the bar was maybe half full. We stepped in and the host greeted us, let us know we could sit anywhere we wanted. Mom and I stepped back outside onto the small enclosed patio. The layout is a bit awkward, but I guess they had to make do with the limited space that they had. Even though Mom was basically wedged into a corner by a neighboring table, we were comfortable outside. Our server was quick and really polite. We ordered a glass each and a plate of spinach artichoke dip. I'm usually not a fan of said dip - too bland too often. This dip was not bland. There was a sharp hint of actual cheese. And - this may not seem important but it is - there was a perfect dip-to-chip ratio. First world problem, right? Ending up with TOO much artichoke dip and not enough chips? Okay it may be a little thing but I appreciated that Wise Owl gave us enough chip for our dip. Prices looked reasonable to me, the atmosphere was really pleasant and we were well taken care of. If you find yourself in West Chester you could do a lot worse than Wise Owl.
(4)Adam W.
We went on a Tuesday night to celebrate my wife's birthday and essentially had the place to ourselves. They told us to sit wherever we wanted, so we chose a high table in the corner by the bar. A few more people (obviously regulars since they knew everyone by name) filtered in while we were there and sat at the bar, but overall the atmosphere, small handful of customers and exceptionally friendly staff made it feel like we were hanging out at a really cool friend's place. The food was amazing. It's tapas style so if you're absolutely starved don't expect a feast, but it's well worth the price. While everything was awesome, the two highlights in my opinion were the roast pork loin and the yellow beet cake. Our server/sommelier, who we later found out to also be the manager, not only suggested a perfect malbec to pair with the meal but also gave us two small flutes of a sparkling rosé on the house to pair with the cake. I have never had a wine and a food pair up so magically as the cake and that rosé did. Their wine list itself is exhaustive and has something for every taste ranging from around $20 a bottle to around $200. I've heard they get really crowded, and they did have a sign on the door saying they had a ton of private parties coming up soon, but it was practically empty for us. I've also heard they do live music some nights. We will be back, and often.
(5)Trisha K.
I recently returned to The Wise Owl Wine Bar for a GNO and am happy to report the service has GREATLY improved. The menu items have changed since my last visit, but we did not eat, so I can't report on the food. However, my Riesling was very tasty and I really enjoyed the live music. THANK YOU!
(4)Kerry H.
I have lived in West Chester almost my entire life and never have I been able to find a drinking establishment that satisfies my picky demeanor - that is, until The Wise Owl came along. The staff is professional, yet fun, and have the utmost knowledge about each wine they serve. Since most of my friends don't live up in suburbia, I take them to The Wise Owl and have yet to hear a complaint from any one of them. The clientele ranges in age from mid-twenties all the way up to mid-seventies, which makes for always an interesting night. They also have great live music, typically Thursday - Saturday (but not too loud where you can't carry on a conversation). If you haven't checked this place out yet, you have got to give it a try. The food is also amazing, so bring your appetite!
(5)Steve H.
Headed to this gem of a spot in W. Chester of all places after a fantastic Sushi Dinner @ the newly opened Sushi Monk. Service @ Wise Owl is fantastic. Wine selection by the staff very good. Enjoyed several flights of wine with my wife outdoors on a couch on the patio. Very pleasant atmosphere. A decent 2 pc acoustic band was playing in the background for most of the time. Food-wise, we'd eaten here before and were also very happy with the uniqueness / craftsmanship & quality of the good. This time we ordered a small plate of scallops off of their newly-revised menu. Very good & unique. I don't think you'll be disappointed w/ the menu. Some friends in W. Chester noted each time we go there "There's a wine bar in West Chester?". Yes. Yes there is. And a very good one at that. Enjoy!
(5)Younglan L.
This is a good spot of after work drinks with coworkers. The food is overpriced in regards to variety, taste, and portions. I can see they would like to be an upscale and intimate place, but the execution is poor. If you are unable to venture further out from West Chester, this would be a great place for an intimate dinner or cocktails with friends, however, there are better options.The wine selection is good, and the staff is friendly. The place is adequate for small groups, but larger groups should look elsewhere. Pasta is actually spaghetti squash, which should be clear on the menu. I was a little disappointed that actual pasta was not on the plate.
(2)Jon S.
Looking for a different spot for dinner for me and 3 of my business associates and saw this spot on Yelp close by to our hotel so we figured we would give it a shot - what a great decision. If I lived close by to the Wise Owl, I would probably be there with my wife every weekend. When we entered we got a warm greeting and there was a solo guitarist playing in the front of the restaurant. We ordered some wine and several different menu items to share. JT came out of the kitchen early in the meal and discussed what we wanted to do from a pacing standpoint - what a great touch! JT came out two more times during the meal to explain the food items and ask how things were - you don't get that kind of personal touch in most restaurants. John did a nice job explaining the different wine pairings. I was not expecting the food to be great, but I was pleasantly surprised. The shrimp pasta was good, but average. The sliders were tender and served on delicious bread rather than a role. The salmon, although my tablemate requested it well done, was deliciously moist and served on a bed of crispy kale. However, the entree that stole the show was the andouille sausage. The sausage was a blend of filet and pork with S. African curry, Hawaiian peppercorns and cardamom. There is a jam on top that is a reduction of stewed tomatoes, wine, vinegar, jelly, and more curry. The sausage patty is then served on a piece of crostini with a kale oil for color on the plate. No matter how it was prepared - it is delicious. The only bad mark on our experience was that the greet was a little slow and the check and change was very slow. However, the personal interaction we had with JT and John made up for it because the reason it was slow was because they were doing the same thing for other guests.
(5)Sara M.
A very cozy place, so if you know you want to go, call ahead to make a reservation, rarely throughout the night did we see spots open, even at the bar. The wine menu is excellent. Their food is tapas style and we ordered the salmon sliders, crab puff, chicken stuffed shells with Alfredo sauce, mozzarella cheese and crostini, and the lump crab stuffed portabella mushroom. Everything was delicious! There was also live music, just a man and a guitar....anything more would have been too much. The music wasn't too loud either, you could still hold a conversation without shouting, a definite positive. The staff was great and very attentive, especially since it was so crowded. We will definitely go back!
(4)Barb D.
I've had great meals at this establishment. Unfortunately, this night was not one of them. But I'll try again!
(3)Sean C.
I took my co-workers here last week for happy hour and we loved it. Great deals on both beer& wine, the servers are awesome and chef Emily makes some of the best food around. The short rib sliders are to die for!
(5)Kristin S.
Cute and quaint, missing a little ambiance. But, the Wise Owl dies have a nice patio and attentive staff ready to help you every step of the way. As others have said, date night or girls night, or if you just want a place to have a great conversation catching up with a friend, while not having to shout over people, the Wise Owl is your place. We went mid week, just missing happy hour specials. This was a little disappointing, but completely our fault. At first we went in, it's quiet and dimly lit, you can sit wherever you'd like and there's a bar in the back. Don't worry if you like beer, you can get that too! It wasn't very busy inside and honestly a little intimidating as my friend and I didn't know much about wine. I thought you may be able to get a wine flight and try several, but I didn't see any on the menu. We chose to sit outside, it was little less formal, the weather was great and the parking lot the patio faces wasn't too busy. The server came out asked us our preferences; sweet or dry, red or white, bubbly, really anything and everything to help me most enjoy my experience. I had a hard time choosing which wine, so she brought out two to sample and thought nothing of it. It was great, because occasionally with wine you get really persnickety people and she was the complete opposite, wanting to make sure we enjoyed the experience. Also, there's plenty of small plates to choose from. We shared the conversation meat and cheese plate. It came with a healthy amount of meat, bread, mustard, savory and sweet cheeses, grapes and olives. We weren't quite done, but the server took our platter, I really could've gone in for more cheese! But she was probably saving me from making that leap from perfectly full to overly, needing a nap ASAP full! Overall a nice experience, I wish it had a little more character. But the service was most helpful and attentive. Don't be intimidated, go and enjoy a wine night at the Wise Owl!
(4)Darcy L.
I had high expectations for The Wise Owl, based on reviews I'd read. So I was thrilled to stop by for a few drinks on my birthday with some friends. However, we only stayed for about an hour and a half before heading elsewhere, as we were pretty let down... Upon arriving, the bartender was immediately attentive and friendly, letting us know what the specials were. We sat at the bar, since there was a band set up near the door, and we weren't sure how loud things would get. There were several specials in both red and white varieties, as well as a nice little happy hour listing of tapas. Except that they were out of several of the wines and had 86'd several apps I wanted to try. With the list halved, I went with a Riesling option that was not my top choice and changed my appetizer order. Fortunately, they comped one of the tapas, since we couldn't order the ones we really wanted. When I go to a wine bar, I expect to have some level of knowledge of wines by the staff. I'm hardly a wine snob, but I like to know a little bit about what I'll be ordering so I can make an informed choice. After listening to the bartender speak with other customers and taking our order, I realized he had four ways to describe wine: "sweet," "dry," "pretty good," and "okay." Hardly informative. The atmosphere itself is a bit of a mixed bag. The seating is comfortable, and the set up is great for small groups, with a nice bar area. However, there are also random wall hangings and owl figurines that leave it feeling a little like someone lost control for a minute at a garage sale or primitives shop. I wasn't that impressed with the prices, based on the quality or variety. It just felt like The Wise Own wasn't quite sure what it is...a classy wine bar or a kitschy, quirky bar. We left before the entertainment even started, so I have no idea how loud it ends up getting. It was, all in all, a rather disappointing experience. In the West Chester area, there's just too much competition that is more appealing by way of variety, quality, price, and milieu.
(3)Gloria Z.
Sad to have to do it, but I don't want to mislead people. Wise Owl has changed a lot and not for the better. The decline began with the departure of the original chef/manager and they've really never recovered. The menu options are very very limited. The standout items are gone, and the quality and quantity of the rest have declined. As others point out, for a wine bar, there are very few by-the-glass choices, and no flights. And the staff is not at all knowledgeable on the subject of wine. Example: when I asked someone to tell me about a particular wine, the best she could come up with was that it was a Spanish red. I could have told you that, too, from reading the list! I've been to a few wine bars and this one no longer makes the cut. Yes, the atmosphere is swanky (unless you happen to walk in when an awkwardly-placed "private party" is going on) but atmosphere alone doesn't do it. You're a stone's throw from Bella Vino, where you will have a genuine wine bar experience and a smaller tab.
(2)Bianca D.
This review might be a little presumptuous, considering the fact that I only came here to have 1 glass of wine before dinner. I love the ambiance in this place. The wall of wine is impressive, and the the dim lighting as well. Today we sat on the patio and enjoyed the warm weather! They had plenty of selections of wine, separated by country (exotic). Many of them were offered by the glass. The servers and manager (owner?) are really sweet. He informed us that there was live music on mondays, wednesdays, and other times throughout the week. A great place to escape on a monday. I did not try the food, but the table next to us had 2 dishes that looked absolutely delectable. Can't wait to go back, try the food, and revise my review accordingly.
(5)Katie B.
Nothing brings me greater disappointment than writing this measly 2-star review. I wanted this place to be amazing, but the fact of the matter is -- Yelp has never steered me wrong until Wise Owl. I'll start with the atmosphere. Maybe it's just my high expectations when it comes to wine bars, but this place lacked some serious character and just screamed West Chester suburbia to me. There were no cozy nooks, no fireplaces, no stone walls, no nothing. But, what it did have was crappy lighting non-conducive to photos. I guess I should've expected no different considering it's in a strip mall. Next, the service. Call me old fashioned, but when I order a bottle of wine I expect for it to be served to me -- not placed on my table unopened as if I just grabbed it off the shelf. Our server checked in on us a grand total of 3 times within a span of 3 hours, and never once refilled our water glasses. The only thing Wise Owl has going for them is the live music. We loved singing along to the cover songs of the soothing Matt Schneider, and quite honestly, that was Wise Owl's saving grace. As much as I wanted to love it, I learned my lesson and will be sticking to Hyde Park's Unwind to satisfy my wine bar cravings.
(2)Kimberly J.
This is a cute date spot, or girls night out option. It has got great ambience and it is very intimate. Ths lights are down low and the seating area is very small, offering tables, a bar, as well as couches. The food and the wine is a bit overpriced but it was a fun little splurge. The folks around us seemed to be enjoying their selections and the live music was a nice touch.
(3)John A.
We've been regulars at the Wise Owl for 4-5 years now, but the new chef, Emily is about to take the Owl over the top! she has improved on the menu to the point that the Wise Owl will be known for their food first, wine second! Her garlic shrimp and scallops are to die for and she's about to create new dishes for the menu. Don't just go to the Owl for the drink, although the selection is great - go for dinner!
(5)Kathleen K.
Pretty good tapas and wine, and definitely a pleasant surprise that it was so close to my hotel in the suburbs. The food itself didn't blow me away but it was pretty solid tapas and I left full and happy. They were out of a few things, but nothing heartbreaking Also, the girl behind the bar was super friendly and interesting. I was traveling and came here alone while on business but I think this would be a great place to catch up with a friend, have some snacks and a bottle of wine (or two!)
(4)Landon W.
From the perspective of a business traveler who stays in the immediate area, this is a great option to have in lieu of the chain places that pepper the area. That said, I feel like there is some untapped potential at the Wise Owl. The decor is really nice with the low lighting and the dark wood, the lounge areas, high top tables, and a wall dedicated to shelving bottles of wine. The atmosphere is on point. There is a pretty good happy hour special that includes a selection of wines and tapas. There is also a full bar so if wine isn't your thing you can still get your drink on. Be advised, the beer selection is poor. Where this place falls short in my mind is with the food. The focus is on tapas, but there are very few options. The options that they did have were pretty unoriginal. What makes a tapas place good for me is having the opportunity to order up a wide variety of creative things and have a little of this and a little of that. What they had was pretty good, but pretty basic and pretty limited. If they can expand the menu to give some more diverse and interesting options, I think this place will resonate more with folks like me who are traveling in and looking for a culinary adventure.
(3)Tania B.
Their wine variety is pretty expansive but I did not get a feeling that the staff was very well trained to offer recommendations. Their menu was quite limited and the food was solid but nothing special. We were one of 4 tables at the time and I constantly had to signal our waitress to order or have water replenished. The concept is right but the execution is lacking. They would benefit from better trained staff and at least one sommelier on duty... Particularly during happy hour. Also a more interesting menu that they can suggest to pair with select wines.
(3)Meghan Q.
Great wine selection. Live music, tonight Matt Schneider is playing and he is fantastic! They have a few snack food choices. Perfect for girls night out.
(4)Patrick G.
Great spot in nice area of West Chester. Plenty of seating indoor and outdoors. The menu is light but the items are tasty. I had the Balsamic Salmon Spinach salad and the Bruschetta. (I was hungry, bro!) Good stuff. People were drinking, laughing, having a great time. Hostesses were very nice. Not down with the desert menu though. Nothing even worth mentioning.
(4)Daniel W.
I used my iphone map to find this place. It directed me to the intersection of Muhlhauser and union centre. I'm sure it wasnt there. It wasnt inside the BW3. I couldnt find it at the closed down Max and Ermas. Okay so maybe it was north of that intersection. yes. yes it was. Okay friday night a band was playing. Kind of loud for talking. Ordered the Mediterranean spicy beef dish and it was very tasty. The wine was good. The service was great. suggestions which would make this place better. An actual Owl in the bar. Or a few photos of that creepy owl from that bad movie, The Fourth Kind. Tell the band not to play so loud. dont make the meat look like poo.
(3)Matthew C.
Ok... fabulous evening. JT was the perfect host and we had a wonderfully relaxed time while lounging on one of the leather couches enjoying our wine amid the tastefully selected, live, acoustic guitar and vocals.
(4)Cindy G.
We have been trying to come here forever and finally got the chance a few weekends back and had a wonderful time. The manager J.T. is super passionate and honestly I couldn't believe he himself was taking care of us on a Saturday night. As soon as we walked in he greeted us with a smile ear to ear and welcomed us. Without any hesitation my friend (who's a regular) said, "JT pick us out something awesome, you know what we like!" This is that kind of place. So we followed suit and did the same. What we got was a delicious blend of merlot and tempranillo at a reasonable price that was pleasing to both the bf and I's palate. The acoustic music was great while it lasted. The only reason for leaving off the last star, if I am going to be totally honest, I just felt like something was missing decor/ambiance wise. The space feels kind of generic. Don't get me wrong the service was absolutely fantastic, I just don't know if I could see myself driving all the way up here as a destination spot. If I were in the area however, this would be at the top of my list! Check it out, and keep an eye on their website, because they have themed wine nights and nice specials.
(4)Danae B.
Such a cool spot! This was my first time there and I will DEFINITELY be going back. I want to stay longer and check out more of their bites & wines. I only had one glass of wine. BUT I was very impressed with their selection. I had just attended a wine sampling of some of the best wines available and they had three of them on their menu. We went on a Friday and they had an acoustic singer there who was EXCELLENT! I didn't catch his whole name but his first name was Zane. I can't wait to hear some of the live music that they have scheduled.
(5)Corinne L.
Yelp is awesome, because of you I ended up here instead of a familiar chain restaurant. I was in West Chester for a lacrosse tournament with my daughter. The menu selection was small but it all sounded good. She got the spare ribs, I got the shrimp and scalps. Both excellent! Our waiter helped me select a wine to go with the meal, and a second glass to go with our brownie with berry sauce and whipped cream. Atmosphere was elegant and comfortable with live music to add to the ambiance.
(5)Alex M.
Pasta was still crunchy, crab cake tasted like a bucket of mayonnaise. Salad was boring and tasteless. They got 3 stars because they handled it very well and "slimmed the fat" off the bill. I'd rather go next door to Dingle House next time (even fried pub food would beat this). Side note: Great atmosphere! Good place to drink! Could have been an "off night"!?
(3)Reid F.
Good food and an excellent (although not top-end) wine selection, served by a very involved wait staff.
(4)Cheryl W.
Wow little gem in our neighborhood. Food was luscious. Wine wonderful. Stacy and JT and Eric great. The food was amazing. Try everything will be back to finish the rest of the menu!!!
(5)Pete P.
Good wine, great music, tapas were really good, maybe a hair on the skimpy side for some of them for the price. Open room to the roof so it tends to get noisy. Three comfy chair (couch and love seat) areas with coffee tables, one was piled high with the cushions from outside because it was raining. A home made bench with storage would solve this little issue. Service wise, not great. Two people were handed one menu and one wine list, then the server returned quickly to see what we wanted. We weren't ready. When we were, they both were busy chatting at the bar with the musician of the night (who was rather excellent), and left us waiting. The place was empty at this point. After the first tapas came, I eventually sipped though my wine, and we sat for a good 10 minutes before a server looked our way so I could flag her down for a second choice. They were now pretty busy but no excuse to leave us hanging. More on the wine later. We had the conversation piece which was mostly store bought charcuterie, with one cup of sorta melted cheese with some roasted garlic. $15, 4 thin wedges of 'mozzarella', 4 small slices meat, a small cup of olives, 4 small warm and toasty bread sticks, on the small side, needed two more to compliment the amount of food, a pile of dry cranberries, a few pieces of raw bell pepper, and the aforementioned gloop in a cup. Either the cheese wasn't hot enough for it wasn't queso style cheese, the melting turned it into a stringy, gooey, greasy mess. Hard to separate for a bite as it cooled. Pricy. Also ordered garlic shrimp and I asked for and received some more toasty bread. The shrimp was just past perfect, very garlicky, with large chunks of fresh garlic. It was also spicy which wasn't mentioned on the menu but probably should have been. 5 med shrimp served with 4 large grape tomatoes that were warmed by the heat of the dish, good, but not a $15 dish. They said they have a new chef and will have a new menu soon. For a wine bar, when I asked for a second glass of something different in reds, I was told I had already had the best. I was a bit confused by this, I have been to wine bars where all the wines in a flight were excellent. This place did not have flights in their menu, and I couldn't see the chalkboard from where we were and the servers didn't offer them so I guess they don't sell them. A shame, as I like to try different wines when I am in the mood. No option for that here. Server brought out a second red for me to try, it was awful so I went with the first selection. If this was a tactic intended to sell me another glass of high priced wine, it worked. It didn't impress me with the apparent small selection of reds by the glass in your wine bar. All in all not too bad, a decent place to spend an hour or two with a loved one or friends. Two had three glasses wine, two $15 tapas and it was $60 or so before tip. A pair of regulars came in and were greeted warmly, they should treat all their guests this way. For me, the slow, indifferent service, lack of wine selections by the glass, no flights, food value and selection, I probably won't be back.
(2)Steve H.
We went to the Wise Owl Wine Bar last night. It's in the same location as the old Wine Cart. We didn't know it has been open and we were pleasantly surprised to find Wise Owl open! Great atmosphere, great selection of wine to choose from too. JT, Joe and Melissa were a great team and made us feel right at home. The tapas menu looks great and we tried the crabcake. It was awesome! You have to visit the Wise Owl when you get a chance. We will back.
(5)Kara C.
I do not go to West Chester very often but when I do I make sure to visit The Wise Owl. It is perfect for a relaxing night with a significant other or group of friends. The few times I have been there the live music was fantastic. It was a woman and man performing a wide variety of music in a very chill way (if that makes sense). The music creates a beautiful ambiance and is not too loud as to interfere with conversations. I have never had their food beyond a cheese plate so my review is based solely on visits to drink delicious wine. If you're not quite sure what you're in the mood for, the staff is always full of helpful suggestions. I have never been disappointed in my wine or experience!
(5)Mark E.
We stop by weekly. I can't really add to the comments, except to say that I hesitate to leave a review because then everybody will want to come!
(5)Benberly U.
Stopped by our favorite suburban wine bar last night for an early dinner and perfectly paired wine. The decor and wait staff at the Wise Owl bring a quaint urban sheik feel to West Chester. While we have dined at the bar on previous visits when speed was a premium, I would highly recommend a table for a more romantic, relaxed experience. While the low-lighting and neatly attired staff create a sultry and inviting atmosphere at the Owl, the food here is a true hidden treasure. We would highly recommend the mussels and you will definitely want extra bread to capture the incredible broth. Also, the perfectly cooked lamb chops accompanied by some tender brussel sprouts each feature a delightfully different herb and cranberry dredging sauce. As we have become accustomed, our waitress paired a couple of perfect italian wines for each dish. The food is tapas style at the Owl and once you try it, you will have the room and desire to explore deeper into the menu. Based upon our experiences, you will not be disappointed. Enjoy!
(4)Dave D.
Definitely a wine bar. They have beer there too. As a beer person, it was not what I would call a lot of fun. If I were into this type of relative quiet, I would give it a 3. If I were a wine person I would give it a 4.
(4)Jen R.
Best wine selection in West Chester. Knowledgable staff will cater a recommendation to your liking.
(5)Matt M.
This place was great when it was called the Wine Cart, but has since gone down hill. Try 20 Brix wine bar instead it has a better wine selection and food pairings.
(2)Mark W.
I'm not sure how anyone can leave a negative comment about this place. The whole staff has extensive knowledge of all the wines in the place. JT has this place run very well and the food is excellent. I frequent this place every time I have to come to town for work, and it's often. If you're every in West Chester for work or pleasure this place is a must.
(5)Page T.
What a great surprise - I was in town for a one day meeting, staying at the Courtyard which has no in house restaurant. I saw the sign for the Wine Bar across the parking lot when I pulled into the hotel lot and made sure to visit on Tuesday night. Great wine list with lots of choices by the glass - and many I have never heard of (I live in WA state). Very balanced tapas (small plates) menu that complements the wines. Chef Arik is a master with the garlic shrimp in both presentation and composition. The spicy, savory, sweet sauce needs a spoon after you finish the shrimp. Most guests were female on this Tuesday night, which made for a relaxed ambience. I hope I get to come back to work with my new client so I can visit this place again.
(4)Stephanie h.
Saw their nice wine bar sign from my hotel window and decided to stop after work. Its a little hidden on the side of a shopping center but you have to make a trip!!! Wine was very good and the food was amazing! Met a friendly couple at the bar and we shared a few great dishes...pistachio stuffed meatballs...mushroom bruschetta and these delicious mini sandwiches. They change their menu regularly and have a nice selection of smaller plate options. Not too busy on Tuesday's but they recommended dropping in Wednesdays for their live music and wine tastings. However if you're looking to meet the great chef and sommelier, think I spelled that correctly, drop in on a Tuesday. Very friendly guys and they know what they're doing. Enjoy!!!!
(5)Kevin C.
Been there twice on business trips, JT is great, great wine, tapas are excellent, really friendly staff.
(5)Joan S.
Awesome little place! Tammy was amazing. Get in here.
(5)James G.
Stopped in for a night cap with my wife. We loved the laid back atmosphere and felt very comfortable in a cozy corner love seat. We love wine and each tried a few different selections by the glass. We enjoyed them all, but wish the 'by the glass' list was a little longer. We did not try any food because of the late hour, but hope to return soon.
(4)