Finally! A decent wine bar in Reading.....This place is a must go. They have a very nice selection of wines from around the world at reasonable prices. The staff is supper friendly and seem very happy to work there. I love the decor. It modern and warm at the same time. It is quiet enough for a conversations but it can get loud on weekends depending on the crowd. The food was excellent, especially complimented by some drinks. I say drinks because even though its a wine bar, they offer beer and mixed drinks too. My girlfriend and I love the white sangria. You will not be disappointed. Parking can be a pain on the weekends and I wish they would so a cheese or meats blocks at the bar. Overall, I nice place to have a nice glass of wine and relax.
(4)
Liz W.
This place is great and a great addition to the West Reading restaurant scene. My husband and I went here after dinner. I had a nice red and he had a beer on tap. The service was great. The vibe was cool and relaxed without feeling pretentious. I also had a piece of cake, and I can't remember what it was for the life of me, but it was fabulous. I noticed some people getting sandwiches and salads also and I had food envy. I'll be back.
(4)
Kimba Z.
I remember the buzz around town when this place first opened. I once went in twice in one day with different friends -- everyone wanted to get a look and a drink here. Still going strong, it is the only wine bar in town, a relaxing stylish understated atmosphere crafted from a row home and an important part of the renaissance that is West Reading. I thought surely when one wine bar became successful, others would crop up, but Winedown pretty much has the entire market. Winedown is now open on Sundays, which is a good thing, because Sunday pickings in this county are slim. In the last year, they have added an outdoor patio. The menu has recently been upgraded, and I was pleased to see that some (plant-based) things I had suggested showed up on it. Thank you Ben, for listening to your customers and being open to vegan food. Small plate snacks are artfully presented, and they will customize dishes without making you feel like a pain. Service in here has always been very sweet and personable, whether you are at the bar or a table. The wines are listed by style, which is always helpful, because you can choose by your mood. Their daily drink specials are good too. I recently got in on the Beaujolais Nouveau (which the French rush around for at this time of year) at $5 a glass, and it is quite good this year. Glassware is roomy to allow appropriate space inside, and they know how to make cocktails too. I'd love to see them add more vintage recipes to the menu. That trend is passing in major cities but still has not hit our county. You will never be stuck with an oxidized glass here, and they pay attention to wine news and are up on what is going on in the wine world in order to bring it to you. They have classes and special events too. I was hoping they would buy the empty space next door and expand, but it's ok; a very cool little bookshop grabbed it.
(4)
Karen H.
Nice wine selection in a friendly, relaxed and comfortable environment. Always a thoroughly enjoyable experience. One of my favorites in Berks Co.
(5)
Review Y.
Winedown is a great place to go in the evening. Great wine great staff. The only place of its kind in Berks county it's always worth a visit to wine down after a day in the office ! Nice place to stop before going to dinner and a good place have a drink after dinner at the nearby restaurants. Nice outdoor seating during the summer months.
(5)
C R.
I love hanging out here with Ben and his staff when I'm in my hometown. Great selection of wine and light fare in a nice intimate space. For those complaining that the space doesn't accommodate groups, hello, it's a West Reading row house. You want big space, I'm sure we'd all be happy for you to take your entourage down the avenue to Viva.
(4)
Brian G.
Cool Spot with a nice wine selection
(5)
Shannon P.
Lovely, sophisticated and charming. Great for couples and friends. Such a nice place to enjoy a small bite and a glass of refreshing wine.
(5)
Allison G.
The wine bar Winedown has a large selection of curated wine. From my conversation with one of the founders(or manager) from a networking event, he has a great understanding for wines and how to deliver them with tastes. There is a basic tapas style menu covered by appetizer. They have a good amount of cheese to choose from goat or cow cheese. The flavors are discussed in detail on the menu. The ambience is dark and hushed with low light levels. It is a good place for happy hour relaxation and quite, eclectic tastes. The parking is on street so you will need to find a place if it is busy. West Reading is a nice place to check out after you're down. Winedown has a big-city urban feel that is free flowing. Step inside and get a taste of what the restuarant has to offer you. I know the wine and cheese has my votes.
(5)
Heather M.
Just came from this quaint little place. Staff was knowledgeable and very helpful with the selections. We had already eaten so we got the "Tiger cake".... We all decided it should be called Zebra cake....but it was delicious and went perfectly with our wine selections. Will visit again when in town.
(5)
Laura U.
Winedown is truly another great spot to visit in West Reading! I visited on a Wednesday night to meet up with a friend on a casual date. My first visit was quick, so this time I was able to actually look over the drink selection. I'm a sucker for Sangria, so I tried their White Wine version. I enjoyed it so much, I didn't try anything else. My friend, a red wine drinker, seemed to enjoy all of his selections. I will admit i'm not the biggest cheese connoisseur and my friend had the bartender select the cheese for us, so I can't even say what I ate. I tried all three, and favored one over the other two. I enjoyed the opportunity to try different kinds! The wait staff was very attentive and enjoyable and I already recommend the place to a co-worker who is a big wine drinker. Will definitely be back!
(5)
Krystle B.
The only time I ever went in, I was greeted with an attitude until I showed my ID - I guess I look young? Giving it two stars BC they had a good salmon sandwich. Prob won't go back though.
(2)
Clark S.
Vast selection of wines and beer. Prices are reasonable. Very calm, sophisticated atmosphere. A great change of pace if you don't feel like braving the crowds at bars and pubs. Great for a relaxing drink and conversation. Ideal for a date.
(5)
James B.
Atmosphere is great for a date. Prices are normal for wine bars. What else can I say? Nothing, the end.
(5)
Chris W.
Excellent food
(4)
Stephanie D.
I'll tell ya what - Winedown has great food, great wine and a great location. However, the service almost NEVER comes with a smile. It's as though the bartenders really don't want to be working, and they are doing it just because they have to. I would definitely frequent Winedown more if the bartenders acted like they enjoyed their job.
(3)
Amy H.
"I love everything that's old: old friends, old times, old manners, old books, old wine." ~ Oliver Goldsmith My absolute favorite thing about Winedown is the kind people who work here and the clean swanky mellow decor. I admit that I'm always hoping they'll one day beef up the art collection, experiment with more vibrant colors and [shrinkingly stepping back] toss out the idea of a possible (less predictable and not so hokey) name change. I say this lightly because at the end of the day, how much do these things matter when Winedown is one of few pleasant places to escape this mad city. The atmosphere is calm and you will almost always run into a friend here. The locals have grown to appreciate the warm sense of inclusion and good vibes. Good wine/drinks selection, and I also appreciate the cheese variety from which you can pick & choose. You can't go wrong with the balsamic fig and goat cheese platter for $5.95 which seems to go nicely with everything.
(5)
Dominique C.
A true gem! Intimate wine bar with a great selection of wines from all over the world. Knowledgeable and service orientated staff. Nice small plates style menu. A wonderfull place to start or end your evening!!
(5)
Jim C.
Excellent wine bar with full service liquor. Ben is attentive and always has time for the customers that walk through the door. I have never had a bad experience here. It is a perfect place for after dinner cocktails and wine. The food menu is light, as meant to be. They feature some great appetizers, many made from the great content of DiBruno Bros in Philadelphia. Parking will be limited as will all businesses on Penn St., so be prepared to park around the block a bit.
(4)
Jeff G.
Wines were ok, kind of pricey. Good idea but fairly executed. If you love wine it's fun but the price to value ratio is moderate at best.
(3)
Kate S.
For a date night we decided to try something new while visiting family in Reading for the day and I must say, this place did not disappoint. We were seated on the small cozy patio along the side of the building and immediately our server took our drink orders. She was very attentive and, given the number of tables she had that night, it amazes me she could keep orders straight - in her head! Our wine selections were just what each of us were looking for but the food was even more spectacular. We got a cheese plate (I would arguably say the best goat cheese I've had the pleasure of tasting), the duck skewers, and the goat cheese/prosciutto/spinach flat bread. My only complaint regarding the food was I thought there could be a better balance of goat cheese and prosciutto - the prosciutto seemed to over power every other flavour. Overall our date night was amazing. The atmosphere, wine and tapas selection, and all around service makes this tiny establishment a must do if you're in or passing through the Reading area.
(5)
Scott B.
Thanks to the positive Yelp scores, I wandered into Winedown while on business in Reading... and I'm certainly glad that I did. This place seems like its the anomaly for this area. At the surface, a snazzy wine bar in Reading (West Reading actually) is a head scratcher. That's not a slight against against this fine establishment; its a slight against the city. Apparently Reading is the poorest city per capita in the country, so as an entrepreneur, one would think that the natural thing would be to open a wine bar. Well I'm not sure if my sarcasm is conveyed here, but the risk that the owner Ben made by opening the first wine bar in the area is definitely paying off! The ambiance here is on point; a long narrow bar with high top tables and an overall loungy feel. It was a welcome treat that I was not expecting! I unfort ate an early dinner at my hotel and wasn't overly hungry, so I certainly didnt plan on eating. Well, after looking over the menu, I was reeled into getting something. They had a perfect wine bar menu of small plates, cheeses, crostinis & pizzas. I opted for the hummus & I'm happy that I did. The hummus tasted like it was made to order; ripe w/ flavor & freshness, and the crostini's to dip in the hummus were perfectly toasted! I'm mad at myself for eating prior to coming here! The wine selection was solid. Surprisingly, there was only one bottle that I've heard of; which could be good or bad. In this case, its was good. It seems to me that the owner goes through great lengths to procure a variety of wines to deliver to his customers at an affordable price! If you're in the area and are looking for a great place to relax, eat & enjoy some wine, this is definitely the place for you! If I'm ever back in Reading, this place is on my must stop list.
(5)
Ange P.
If you're looking for a really quiet place with ambience than this is the place! The only problem is the menu is doesn't have a lot of options. Wish they had more wine options to choose from. Love the setting and feel of the place though!
(4)
Zach H.
Came to winedown with some friends based on the yelp reviews for a couple glasses of wine. The bartenders recommended different wines for each of us. Unfortunately, one of the glasses ended up being quite gritty, but no one said anything. I'm confident the bar would've replaced it with a fresh glass from a new bottle. None of us were quite impressed with the wine, though none of it was corked or oxidized. They were kind enough to move us outside when a table opened up. Some of the crew tried the goat cheese bruschetta which was decidedly not that great either. Because its convenient and moderately priced, but we'll probably be a bit more wary of the wine and maybe move more towards cocktails.
(3)
Michelle C.
Casual wine bar experience in West Reading. The by-the-glass selections are a bit limited for a place that claims to be a wine bar. Sure California produces great wines, but so do NY and certain areas of PA; it would be nice to see some more regional wineries and varietals represented. The food is light and fresh and reasonably priced. My boyfriend would recommend the crispy duck salad, while I always have the artichoke and mushroom flatbread. We skip the cheese course because local cheese producers aren't featured. The staff is always friendly and are pretty knowledgeable about the menus, which is great because the printed descriptions of wines and entrees are fairly brief. The interior lacks personality - it has a certain calculated hipness, but there is no soul. I recommend asking for a table in the narrow, brick-walled courtyard. On a warm evening, with kids coming up and down the fire-escape, it reminds me of my favorite outdoor dining spot on the UES.
(4)
Ashton G.
I have mixed feelings about this place. The atmosphere is very classy, and the drinks are reasonably priced for how strong they were! We had cosmos and Manhattans and I was not disappointed. The food was tasty but please be advised now, the portions are TINY. We ordered veggie spring rolls, there were five rolls about an inch long smaller than my thumb, but the flavor was good and the dipping sauce was awesome. We also ordered a mushroom truffle and artichoke pizza, again the flavor was superb but it was smaller than a personal pizza. Now for the negatives: We went here on a Saturday night and got a table with no problem, but there were only two of us. THIS PLACE IS BAD FOR GROUPS. Several groups of 4 or more people arrived and were unable to be seated because the place was full and there were only about 2 places they would all be able to sit together anyways. Also, being a Saturday night and almost every table taken, there was only 1 server on staff. We waited over 10 minutes before she even saw our table and then saw her only one time again when she brought out our food and drinks, we did not even get a chance to put in another drink order and became extremely annoyed at the lack of attention and poor service. At one point the single bartender became so overwhelmed that the young hostess started mixing drinks. I'm sorry, but if I am paying close to $10 a drink, I would prefer an experienced bartender make it, not the girl who seats people! So to reiterate, this place has good atmosphere, but is bad for groups. The food is tasty, but the portions are tiny. Also, management needs to better prepare for the weekend crowd by staffing more waiters!
(2)
Katie R.
I don't know what's taken me so long to yelp about Winedown. I am there almost every week and always have a great experience. I usually try a different wine when I am there and they are all good. I have also had a few of their small plates and liked them all, though usually I order the cheese plate. I mean, what's better than wine and cheese? What really makes Winedown my favorite spot is the service. The owner, bartenders, and waitresses are all welcoming, friendly, and efficient. They rock! Winedown also has beer and cocktails. It's a great place to go for a drink before or after dinner on the Avenue, on a date, or to catch up with your girlfriends.
(5)
Kristen G.
We stopped in here twice on a recent, weekend trip to Reading, PA. Loved it. Extremely friendly and helpful service, especially important as visitors. Great wine selection, of course, and a thoughtful menu with tasty little treats. The decor and atmosphere is warm and inviting, yet modern. Great place to begin your night with a glass before dinner or truly winedown at the end. Pun intended.
(4)
Erika W.
Winedown is a staple every other Friday! There isn't anywhere else in West Reading or surrounding area like it. I'm not from this area and the first time I walked in I actually felt like a little bit of civilization had been restored to my life. The atmosphere is inviting & comfortable, Kate is half the reason why we come here...well actually more than half. She greets us by name and makes the best Sangria I've ever had. We look forward to our nights at Winedown!
(5)
Tiff D.
I consider Winedown "my happy place". My husband and I have been enjoying this place for several years. Ben and his staff are wonderful. They are all very friendly and approachable. You couldn't ask for a nicer and more knowledgable owner and staff. The atmosphere is warm and inviting. Yes, you may have to wait a few minutes for seating if you are there with a large group, but it is well worth the wait. They have a very nice wine selection. There is something for everyone. They also offer mixed drinks and beer if you are not in the mood for wine. If you are unsure what to drink, ask one of the bartenders or staff and they will give you some suggestions. The food is of smaller portions, but that is because it is served tapa style. My husband and I have tried many items on the menu and we were NEVER disappointed!!! They also serve delicious desserts that pair well with the wines. Whether you are searching for a place to go on date night with your honey, girls night out, happy hour with friends/coworkers or after dinner drinks, then I would highly recommend Winedown!!! As previously stated, Ben and his entire staff are approachable, very friendly, super nice and knowledgable. Plus, you are guaranteed an enjoyable experience at this classy place which will in turn have you coming back again and again.
(5)
Sabrina F.
This is a great cozy spot to begin or end your evening. I love the selection of wines by the glass, there is always something new on the menu. Last time I was there I tried a BEAUJOLAIS. It was a deliciously smooth French red! The menu has little bites to accompany the wine. This is a wine bar so for dinner you may want to hit another spot afterwards. I always stay for a while as it is a great place to chat and catch up with friends. Oh- and be sure to share a piece of their Tiger cake. It is divine!
(4)
Xtine H.
This was a relaxing place to go w a girl friend. They have scoured the area for the best cheeses and every time we have been there that is what we order. I am more of a sangria drinker, and my compatriot is a white wine drinker-the drier the better! This would appeal to any wine enthusiast and the menu accompanies nicely.
(3)
Steven S.
As advertised, this is a classy wine bar/lounge. Great for a romantic night out. If your in the mood for wine and want some ambiance, this is the place. The wine selection was ok. I enjoyed a cheese plate and olives. Service was very friendly and knowledgeable. The lounge music made it a perfect setting to warm up from the cold.
(4)
Nicole M.
This is by far the nicest winebar I have been to! Tonight I am enjoying a nice glass of red wine and some sharp cheese. I recommend the chocolate lava cake and a glass of port wine. So delicious! There is even a nice outdoor seating area perfect for a summer night. So if you ever have a chance to stop by West Reading be sure to stop in Winedown Cafe!!!!!
(5)
Tim H.
Awesome wine selection and also great food and desert. Great place to lounge.
(5)
Rebecca O.
Just went on Friday. I loved it from the start. I had a awesome sandwich and a cool drink named after Penn Ave. Really good but I am a light weight so I am still feeling the affects from it. (Yes, this was just one drink).
(4)
Tracy D.
I have been to Winedown on several occasions. I highly recommend it if you are looking for a great place to get cheese, tapas, and wine. They have a great wine selection and offer them all by the glass and bottle, which is a plus to me. I would not go to Winedown if you are starving because you may end up spending a lot of money to get full. They do not have entrees. My favorite appetizers are: philly cheese steak spring rolls, cheese sampler, and the pizza. The servers are very attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable. It is pretty small in there so be prepared to wait on a weekend night. They have four couches with little coffee tables to eat off and a nice bar.
(5)
Sarah B.
This small and intimate venue is ideal for a date, a small gathering, or a place to lounge after dinner. They specialize in wine and cheeses/snacks to go with that wine - the selection is big but not too big, and while the food is somewhat pricey, you do get what you pay for. The ambiance is warm and inviting, they have a full bar, some two-tops, and lounge chairs in the back. The staff is extremely nice and welcoming. While I wouldn't suggest this place for dinner, I would definitely suggest this for a place to go after dinner, for dessert, or if you're just looking for a classy place to have a drink (or two!). The jazz music they have playing in the background, the dim lighting, the great selection of wine...it all melds together in this beautiful little diamond-in-the-rough in the city of Reading. It's such a delight to find a place like this, and furthermore, it's such a delight to go there whether you are a wine enthusiast or not - the quality of the wine/food and the ambiance is sure to win you over. There aren't many places like this - if you're in the mood for something fresh and unique, come to Winedown.
(4)
Greg P.
Winedown is a great wine bar and restaurant on Penn Avenue in West Reading. They offer a nice selection of wines by the glass. Most are from small wineries that you'll never see on a Berks County wine list. The wine list is nicely arranged. The staff is very knowledgeable and friendly so even if you're not a wine expert they will help you make a great selection. With a decidedly intimate atmosphere, winedown is a great place to take a date. Couch seating in the back is a great place to sit with that special person in your life.
Takes Reservations : No Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : No Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Intimate Noise Level : Average Music : Background Good For Dancing : No Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : Yes Best Nights : Thu, Fri, Sat Coat Check : No Smoking : No Outdoor Seating : Yes Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
David S.
Finally! A decent wine bar in Reading.....This place is a must go. They have a very nice selection of wines from around the world at reasonable prices. The staff is supper friendly and seem very happy to work there. I love the decor. It modern and warm at the same time. It is quiet enough for a conversations but it can get loud on weekends depending on the crowd. The food was excellent, especially complimented by some drinks. I say drinks because even though its a wine bar, they offer beer and mixed drinks too. My girlfriend and I love the white sangria. You will not be disappointed. Parking can be a pain on the weekends and I wish they would so a cheese or meats blocks at the bar. Overall, I nice place to have a nice glass of wine and relax.
(4)Liz W.
This place is great and a great addition to the West Reading restaurant scene. My husband and I went here after dinner. I had a nice red and he had a beer on tap. The service was great. The vibe was cool and relaxed without feeling pretentious. I also had a piece of cake, and I can't remember what it was for the life of me, but it was fabulous. I noticed some people getting sandwiches and salads also and I had food envy. I'll be back.
(4)Kimba Z.
I remember the buzz around town when this place first opened. I once went in twice in one day with different friends -- everyone wanted to get a look and a drink here. Still going strong, it is the only wine bar in town, a relaxing stylish understated atmosphere crafted from a row home and an important part of the renaissance that is West Reading. I thought surely when one wine bar became successful, others would crop up, but Winedown pretty much has the entire market. Winedown is now open on Sundays, which is a good thing, because Sunday pickings in this county are slim. In the last year, they have added an outdoor patio. The menu has recently been upgraded, and I was pleased to see that some (plant-based) things I had suggested showed up on it. Thank you Ben, for listening to your customers and being open to vegan food. Small plate snacks are artfully presented, and they will customize dishes without making you feel like a pain. Service in here has always been very sweet and personable, whether you are at the bar or a table. The wines are listed by style, which is always helpful, because you can choose by your mood. Their daily drink specials are good too. I recently got in on the Beaujolais Nouveau (which the French rush around for at this time of year) at $5 a glass, and it is quite good this year. Glassware is roomy to allow appropriate space inside, and they know how to make cocktails too. I'd love to see them add more vintage recipes to the menu. That trend is passing in major cities but still has not hit our county. You will never be stuck with an oxidized glass here, and they pay attention to wine news and are up on what is going on in the wine world in order to bring it to you. They have classes and special events too. I was hoping they would buy the empty space next door and expand, but it's ok; a very cool little bookshop grabbed it.
(4)Karen H.
Nice wine selection in a friendly, relaxed and comfortable environment. Always a thoroughly enjoyable experience. One of my favorites in Berks Co.
(5)Review Y.
Winedown is a great place to go in the evening. Great wine great staff. The only place of its kind in Berks county it's always worth a visit to wine down after a day in the office ! Nice place to stop before going to dinner and a good place have a drink after dinner at the nearby restaurants. Nice outdoor seating during the summer months.
(5)C R.
I love hanging out here with Ben and his staff when I'm in my hometown. Great selection of wine and light fare in a nice intimate space. For those complaining that the space doesn't accommodate groups, hello, it's a West Reading row house. You want big space, I'm sure we'd all be happy for you to take your entourage down the avenue to Viva.
(4)Brian G.
Cool Spot with a nice wine selection
(5)Shannon P.
Lovely, sophisticated and charming. Great for couples and friends. Such a nice place to enjoy a small bite and a glass of refreshing wine.
(5)Allison G.
The wine bar Winedown has a large selection of curated wine. From my conversation with one of the founders(or manager) from a networking event, he has a great understanding for wines and how to deliver them with tastes. There is a basic tapas style menu covered by appetizer. They have a good amount of cheese to choose from goat or cow cheese. The flavors are discussed in detail on the menu. The ambience is dark and hushed with low light levels. It is a good place for happy hour relaxation and quite, eclectic tastes. The parking is on street so you will need to find a place if it is busy. West Reading is a nice place to check out after you're down. Winedown has a big-city urban feel that is free flowing. Step inside and get a taste of what the restuarant has to offer you. I know the wine and cheese has my votes.
(5)Heather M.
Just came from this quaint little place. Staff was knowledgeable and very helpful with the selections. We had already eaten so we got the "Tiger cake".... We all decided it should be called Zebra cake....but it was delicious and went perfectly with our wine selections. Will visit again when in town.
(5)Laura U.
Winedown is truly another great spot to visit in West Reading! I visited on a Wednesday night to meet up with a friend on a casual date. My first visit was quick, so this time I was able to actually look over the drink selection. I'm a sucker for Sangria, so I tried their White Wine version. I enjoyed it so much, I didn't try anything else. My friend, a red wine drinker, seemed to enjoy all of his selections. I will admit i'm not the biggest cheese connoisseur and my friend had the bartender select the cheese for us, so I can't even say what I ate. I tried all three, and favored one over the other two. I enjoyed the opportunity to try different kinds! The wait staff was very attentive and enjoyable and I already recommend the place to a co-worker who is a big wine drinker. Will definitely be back!
(5)Krystle B.
The only time I ever went in, I was greeted with an attitude until I showed my ID - I guess I look young? Giving it two stars BC they had a good salmon sandwich. Prob won't go back though.
(2)Clark S.
Vast selection of wines and beer. Prices are reasonable. Very calm, sophisticated atmosphere. A great change of pace if you don't feel like braving the crowds at bars and pubs. Great for a relaxing drink and conversation. Ideal for a date.
(5)James B.
Atmosphere is great for a date. Prices are normal for wine bars. What else can I say? Nothing, the end.
(5)Chris W.
Excellent food
(4)Stephanie D.
I'll tell ya what - Winedown has great food, great wine and a great location. However, the service almost NEVER comes with a smile. It's as though the bartenders really don't want to be working, and they are doing it just because they have to. I would definitely frequent Winedown more if the bartenders acted like they enjoyed their job.
(3)Amy H.
"I love everything that's old: old friends, old times, old manners, old books, old wine." ~ Oliver Goldsmith My absolute favorite thing about Winedown is the kind people who work here and the clean swanky mellow decor. I admit that I'm always hoping they'll one day beef up the art collection, experiment with more vibrant colors and [shrinkingly stepping back] toss out the idea of a possible (less predictable and not so hokey) name change. I say this lightly because at the end of the day, how much do these things matter when Winedown is one of few pleasant places to escape this mad city. The atmosphere is calm and you will almost always run into a friend here. The locals have grown to appreciate the warm sense of inclusion and good vibes. Good wine/drinks selection, and I also appreciate the cheese variety from which you can pick & choose. You can't go wrong with the balsamic fig and goat cheese platter for $5.95 which seems to go nicely with everything.
(5)Dominique C.
A true gem! Intimate wine bar with a great selection of wines from all over the world. Knowledgeable and service orientated staff. Nice small plates style menu. A wonderfull place to start or end your evening!!
(5)Jim C.
Excellent wine bar with full service liquor. Ben is attentive and always has time for the customers that walk through the door. I have never had a bad experience here. It is a perfect place for after dinner cocktails and wine. The food menu is light, as meant to be. They feature some great appetizers, many made from the great content of DiBruno Bros in Philadelphia. Parking will be limited as will all businesses on Penn St., so be prepared to park around the block a bit.
(4)Jeff G.
Wines were ok, kind of pricey. Good idea but fairly executed. If you love wine it's fun but the price to value ratio is moderate at best.
(3)Kate S.
For a date night we decided to try something new while visiting family in Reading for the day and I must say, this place did not disappoint. We were seated on the small cozy patio along the side of the building and immediately our server took our drink orders. She was very attentive and, given the number of tables she had that night, it amazes me she could keep orders straight - in her head! Our wine selections were just what each of us were looking for but the food was even more spectacular. We got a cheese plate (I would arguably say the best goat cheese I've had the pleasure of tasting), the duck skewers, and the goat cheese/prosciutto/spinach flat bread. My only complaint regarding the food was I thought there could be a better balance of goat cheese and prosciutto - the prosciutto seemed to over power every other flavour. Overall our date night was amazing. The atmosphere, wine and tapas selection, and all around service makes this tiny establishment a must do if you're in or passing through the Reading area.
(5)Scott B.
Thanks to the positive Yelp scores, I wandered into Winedown while on business in Reading... and I'm certainly glad that I did. This place seems like its the anomaly for this area. At the surface, a snazzy wine bar in Reading (West Reading actually) is a head scratcher. That's not a slight against against this fine establishment; its a slight against the city. Apparently Reading is the poorest city per capita in the country, so as an entrepreneur, one would think that the natural thing would be to open a wine bar. Well I'm not sure if my sarcasm is conveyed here, but the risk that the owner Ben made by opening the first wine bar in the area is definitely paying off! The ambiance here is on point; a long narrow bar with high top tables and an overall loungy feel. It was a welcome treat that I was not expecting! I unfort ate an early dinner at my hotel and wasn't overly hungry, so I certainly didnt plan on eating. Well, after looking over the menu, I was reeled into getting something. They had a perfect wine bar menu of small plates, cheeses, crostinis & pizzas. I opted for the hummus & I'm happy that I did. The hummus tasted like it was made to order; ripe w/ flavor & freshness, and the crostini's to dip in the hummus were perfectly toasted! I'm mad at myself for eating prior to coming here! The wine selection was solid. Surprisingly, there was only one bottle that I've heard of; which could be good or bad. In this case, its was good. It seems to me that the owner goes through great lengths to procure a variety of wines to deliver to his customers at an affordable price! If you're in the area and are looking for a great place to relax, eat & enjoy some wine, this is definitely the place for you! If I'm ever back in Reading, this place is on my must stop list.
(5)Ange P.
If you're looking for a really quiet place with ambience than this is the place! The only problem is the menu is doesn't have a lot of options. Wish they had more wine options to choose from. Love the setting and feel of the place though!
(4)Zach H.
Came to winedown with some friends based on the yelp reviews for a couple glasses of wine. The bartenders recommended different wines for each of us. Unfortunately, one of the glasses ended up being quite gritty, but no one said anything. I'm confident the bar would've replaced it with a fresh glass from a new bottle. None of us were quite impressed with the wine, though none of it was corked or oxidized. They were kind enough to move us outside when a table opened up. Some of the crew tried the goat cheese bruschetta which was decidedly not that great either. Because its convenient and moderately priced, but we'll probably be a bit more wary of the wine and maybe move more towards cocktails.
(3)Michelle C.
Casual wine bar experience in West Reading. The by-the-glass selections are a bit limited for a place that claims to be a wine bar. Sure California produces great wines, but so do NY and certain areas of PA; it would be nice to see some more regional wineries and varietals represented. The food is light and fresh and reasonably priced. My boyfriend would recommend the crispy duck salad, while I always have the artichoke and mushroom flatbread. We skip the cheese course because local cheese producers aren't featured. The staff is always friendly and are pretty knowledgeable about the menus, which is great because the printed descriptions of wines and entrees are fairly brief. The interior lacks personality - it has a certain calculated hipness, but there is no soul. I recommend asking for a table in the narrow, brick-walled courtyard. On a warm evening, with kids coming up and down the fire-escape, it reminds me of my favorite outdoor dining spot on the UES.
(4)Ashton G.
I have mixed feelings about this place. The atmosphere is very classy, and the drinks are reasonably priced for how strong they were! We had cosmos and Manhattans and I was not disappointed. The food was tasty but please be advised now, the portions are TINY. We ordered veggie spring rolls, there were five rolls about an inch long smaller than my thumb, but the flavor was good and the dipping sauce was awesome. We also ordered a mushroom truffle and artichoke pizza, again the flavor was superb but it was smaller than a personal pizza. Now for the negatives: We went here on a Saturday night and got a table with no problem, but there were only two of us. THIS PLACE IS BAD FOR GROUPS. Several groups of 4 or more people arrived and were unable to be seated because the place was full and there were only about 2 places they would all be able to sit together anyways. Also, being a Saturday night and almost every table taken, there was only 1 server on staff. We waited over 10 minutes before she even saw our table and then saw her only one time again when she brought out our food and drinks, we did not even get a chance to put in another drink order and became extremely annoyed at the lack of attention and poor service. At one point the single bartender became so overwhelmed that the young hostess started mixing drinks. I'm sorry, but if I am paying close to $10 a drink, I would prefer an experienced bartender make it, not the girl who seats people! So to reiterate, this place has good atmosphere, but is bad for groups. The food is tasty, but the portions are tiny. Also, management needs to better prepare for the weekend crowd by staffing more waiters!
(2)Katie R.
I don't know what's taken me so long to yelp about Winedown. I am there almost every week and always have a great experience. I usually try a different wine when I am there and they are all good. I have also had a few of their small plates and liked them all, though usually I order the cheese plate. I mean, what's better than wine and cheese? What really makes Winedown my favorite spot is the service. The owner, bartenders, and waitresses are all welcoming, friendly, and efficient. They rock! Winedown also has beer and cocktails. It's a great place to go for a drink before or after dinner on the Avenue, on a date, or to catch up with your girlfriends.
(5)Kristen G.
We stopped in here twice on a recent, weekend trip to Reading, PA. Loved it. Extremely friendly and helpful service, especially important as visitors. Great wine selection, of course, and a thoughtful menu with tasty little treats. The decor and atmosphere is warm and inviting, yet modern. Great place to begin your night with a glass before dinner or truly winedown at the end. Pun intended.
(4)Erika W.
Winedown is a staple every other Friday! There isn't anywhere else in West Reading or surrounding area like it. I'm not from this area and the first time I walked in I actually felt like a little bit of civilization had been restored to my life. The atmosphere is inviting & comfortable, Kate is half the reason why we come here...well actually more than half. She greets us by name and makes the best Sangria I've ever had. We look forward to our nights at Winedown!
(5)Tiff D.
I consider Winedown "my happy place". My husband and I have been enjoying this place for several years. Ben and his staff are wonderful. They are all very friendly and approachable. You couldn't ask for a nicer and more knowledgable owner and staff. The atmosphere is warm and inviting. Yes, you may have to wait a few minutes for seating if you are there with a large group, but it is well worth the wait. They have a very nice wine selection. There is something for everyone. They also offer mixed drinks and beer if you are not in the mood for wine. If you are unsure what to drink, ask one of the bartenders or staff and they will give you some suggestions. The food is of smaller portions, but that is because it is served tapa style. My husband and I have tried many items on the menu and we were NEVER disappointed!!! They also serve delicious desserts that pair well with the wines. Whether you are searching for a place to go on date night with your honey, girls night out, happy hour with friends/coworkers or after dinner drinks, then I would highly recommend Winedown!!! As previously stated, Ben and his entire staff are approachable, very friendly, super nice and knowledgable. Plus, you are guaranteed an enjoyable experience at this classy place which will in turn have you coming back again and again.
(5)Sabrina F.
This is a great cozy spot to begin or end your evening. I love the selection of wines by the glass, there is always something new on the menu. Last time I was there I tried a BEAUJOLAIS. It was a deliciously smooth French red! The menu has little bites to accompany the wine. This is a wine bar so for dinner you may want to hit another spot afterwards. I always stay for a while as it is a great place to chat and catch up with friends. Oh- and be sure to share a piece of their Tiger cake. It is divine!
(4)Xtine H.
This was a relaxing place to go w a girl friend. They have scoured the area for the best cheeses and every time we have been there that is what we order. I am more of a sangria drinker, and my compatriot is a white wine drinker-the drier the better! This would appeal to any wine enthusiast and the menu accompanies nicely.
(3)Steven S.
As advertised, this is a classy wine bar/lounge. Great for a romantic night out. If your in the mood for wine and want some ambiance, this is the place. The wine selection was ok. I enjoyed a cheese plate and olives. Service was very friendly and knowledgeable. The lounge music made it a perfect setting to warm up from the cold.
(4)Nicole M.
This is by far the nicest winebar I have been to! Tonight I am enjoying a nice glass of red wine and some sharp cheese. I recommend the chocolate lava cake and a glass of port wine. So delicious! There is even a nice outdoor seating area perfect for a summer night. So if you ever have a chance to stop by West Reading be sure to stop in Winedown Cafe!!!!!
(5)Tim H.
Awesome wine selection and also great food and desert. Great place to lounge.
(5)Rebecca O.
Just went on Friday. I loved it from the start. I had a awesome sandwich and a cool drink named after Penn Ave. Really good but I am a light weight so I am still feeling the affects from it. (Yes, this was just one drink).
(4)Tracy D.
I have been to Winedown on several occasions. I highly recommend it if you are looking for a great place to get cheese, tapas, and wine. They have a great wine selection and offer them all by the glass and bottle, which is a plus to me. I would not go to Winedown if you are starving because you may end up spending a lot of money to get full. They do not have entrees. My favorite appetizers are: philly cheese steak spring rolls, cheese sampler, and the pizza. The servers are very attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable. It is pretty small in there so be prepared to wait on a weekend night. They have four couches with little coffee tables to eat off and a nice bar.
(5)Sarah B.
This small and intimate venue is ideal for a date, a small gathering, or a place to lounge after dinner. They specialize in wine and cheeses/snacks to go with that wine - the selection is big but not too big, and while the food is somewhat pricey, you do get what you pay for. The ambiance is warm and inviting, they have a full bar, some two-tops, and lounge chairs in the back. The staff is extremely nice and welcoming. While I wouldn't suggest this place for dinner, I would definitely suggest this for a place to go after dinner, for dessert, or if you're just looking for a classy place to have a drink (or two!). The jazz music they have playing in the background, the dim lighting, the great selection of wine...it all melds together in this beautiful little diamond-in-the-rough in the city of Reading. It's such a delight to find a place like this, and furthermore, it's such a delight to go there whether you are a wine enthusiast or not - the quality of the wine/food and the ambiance is sure to win you over. There aren't many places like this - if you're in the mood for something fresh and unique, come to Winedown.
(4)Greg P.
Winedown is a great wine bar and restaurant on Penn Avenue in West Reading. They offer a nice selection of wines by the glass. Most are from small wineries that you'll never see on a Berks County wine list. The wine list is nicely arranged. The staff is very knowledgeable and friendly so even if you're not a wine expert they will help you make a great selection. With a decidedly intimate atmosphere, winedown is a great place to take a date. Couch seating in the back is a great place to sit with that special person in your life.
(5)