What a place! Went there with my two lady friends 😏 and we stayed for 4 hours. It. Was a great atmosphere, the staff was overly friendly, the selection and food are top notch. Even if you go here for one drink, you won't regret it.

A great local wine bar in the area. Plentry of options to choose from and the guys there really know their stuff. Good tapas available. Can get busy at times, but perfect place to go before/after a show.

Good wine selection. Relaxed atmosphere

Differentiated ambiance, well selected wine list with familiars and lesser knowns, a great casual stop by.

Beautiful neighborhood gem with romantic lighting, quiet big band and jazz in the background, 1920's vibe and solid wine options. I'd definitely come back here. Needs more than one bartender earlier in the evening.

Great place for wine drinking. Nice mood.

I love this place; tasty plates and pound for pound the most thoughtful, adventurous (yet quality) wine selection in the uptown area. Bar staff is very informative.

Great wine bar on the upper west side. Local crowd, not many tourists. Great bartenders who knew the regulars' names and what they liked to drink.

What a cute place for a glass of wine (or two...or three)! The staff is so friendly and the decor is eclectic French and American. Great place for a date!

Very cute and comfortable establishment. It's very easy to have a conversation here, and their wine list has a good number of American wine options.

An amazing atmosphere and selection of wines, been going there for years ! Highly recommend

A fabulous wine list, friendly bartenders and delicious snacks to go with the wine. Old school movies play on repeat on the tv behind the bar. Cute, quiet and cozy.

This place just feels like there are many untold stories and you never know who may run into. I like it!

Great cozy atmosphere. Good wine. Perfect snack.

Very friendly staff great food! Love this place they have a wonderful wine selection. Definitely one of my favorite bars.

Fun, friendly place to stop in.on the way to or from your main destination.

Delightful wines, wonderful vibes. Didn't try the food so can't speak on that but it looked tasty on other people's tables.

Amazing everything Jacob and Isabel were fab and the drinks were awesome. The selection is bougie without breaking the bank and the aesthetics are perfect

10/10 vibes, will return. Fantastic wine bar playing 70s rock classics w/ 2001 a space odyssey in the background on mute. Need I say more?

great wine, good first date spot

Great spot with lovely vibes cozy seating. Wine was delicious but I wish charcuterie was more well thought out rather than just cheese and bread (although menu is clear about what you’re getting)

Great ambient, amazing wines, and tapas. Don’t miss the Pinot Noir

Excellent wine range. The bartender was able to give some useful information about the winery, locale and winemakers when serving each glass. Nicely designed snacks menu.

Went here to meet with friends for drinks and snacks before a movie. Was nice and chill and love the decor inside!

Lovely wine bar with a good crowd and wonderful staff. Always impressed with the wines. Great for any occasion from drinks after work to date night. Definitely a neighborhood goto spot

stumbled upon this place for a quick round while we waited for dinner reservations elsewhere. perfect spot to relax. bartenders were really friendly and all the food and wine was great.

Fun French bistros slightly vintage Vibe. Nice wine selection and small cheese plate type dishes. It can get a bit crowded but patrons were courteous and nice mix of people enjoying a chill weeknight and the Upper West Side

Caught up with a friend at the bar here and it was so lovely! Great atmosphere including the lighting and the music, as well as delicious savory tartes. Will definitely come back

This is my first favorite wine bar in the city. Tbh tho I haven’t visited a lot. Joined a friend for a lunch date between work. Seems there is only one guy working and he is fastttttt. Wine was easy to get. The vibes were honestly perfect. It was fun but we still easily got a seat. I just had no friction at all the entire experience The mean and cheese board was large and perfect and every cheese just was perfect. I have no complaints and have already said I would come back if looking for an easy place to get a drink in the area.

The impressively curated, slightly short wine list pairs wonderfully with the light plates from the kitchen. Superb ambiance, perfect for a date or catching up with an old friend. Classic movies playing on the tv (Holiday Affair) was a nice touch.

Had a terrific experience here with the knowledgeable bartenders and cozy setting. Tasted some wines before finally selecting one and I really enjoyed it. The bartender stayed and talked with me about the finer points of my options before letting me choose. He was informative and nonjudgmental. I look forward to returning.

Beautiful atmosphere with a great selection of wine and charcuterie boards. Isabel is so friendly and a wonderful hostess

Super cozy wine bar, friendly bartenders, and just overall great vibes. They have some unique wines and the food is delicious and fresh.

Such a nice wine bar for a little date night!!

Ryan is an amazing bartender and the whole scene is chill and lovely. Great place to meet for a drink. Recommend the pimiento cheese appetizer.

Amazing bar made all the better by its wonderful people who create a welcoming, fun, vibrant atmosphere. Isabel and Jacob work so hard to make this bar fantastic and it’s the main reason I love coming here. Thanks so much!!

This is a cozy, dimly lit restaurant. The wine list is varied. There are some small plates, salads, tart ones , and flatbreads. We had white bean hummus and it was delicious. Behind the bar excellent movies were showing. I don’t know if the sound was on - a plus. Friendly, helpful staff. Most importantly, it was quiet. No loud music. The acoustics were not designed to amplify the “crowd having fun”. We could have a conversation and not hear our neighbors. This is a delightful spot to sit and talk. Love it!

This place was fantastic. great environment. Good vibes great music choices amazing the best spot for a date, the bartender she was amazing. She recommended me a few wines and took the time to explain the flavors and where is coming from.

Cozy place with good wine selection

Vanguard was a great place to spend our evening. Isabel and Jacob took turns sharing their favorite selections on the menu, and were both incredibly delightful to speak with. I loved the open wall-to-wall windows in the front of the bar - great for a summer evening. Manny and David served us wonderful charcuterie and were very kind and welcoming. The best place to enjoy a glass of wine and small bites in all of the UWS.

Great place to have an excellent glass of wine after a movie or musical performance at Lincoln center. The absence of a wall of TV's showing sports games makes it a good place to talk. But the hummus and pita crackers are best avoided. But we'll be back to try the other wines

Great vibe at this neighborhood wine bar. We had a good half dry NY state Riesling and a Loire cab franc, both of which had good balance and the cab franc had more complexity than I expected. Wouldn’t mind seeing a little more meat and cheese on the mixed charcuterie platter for that money. $76 for two drinks and a few morsels.

It is a true wine bar with knowledgeable bartenders, a great range of wine. It does get busy, but what great place does not get that way. Have been many times and the Manager/Owner(?) Is always friendly, and helpful. But it is the Pimento Cheese that I have to come for, cannot find it anywhere in NYC that good. Reminds me of home, and with a good glass of wine, it is sublime. I like the decor, the low lighting, the friendly staff. Oh yea they charge a tourist entrance fee,,,,,,,,,,I think it is $20, NO JUST KIDDING, great place even with/without the locals

Nick K

Tasty bites and good wine selection. Wine served a bit too cold, but nothing patience doesn’t solve.

Cecilia Magana

Vanguard is an absolute gem just steps away from the chaos of Times Square. Tucked on a quiet corner, it feels like slipping into a little dream world — warm, cozy, and instantly welcoming. The atmosphere is intimate without being stuffy, the kind of place where you can actually hear the person you’re with, relax, and just enjoy your glass of wine. The service was truly outstanding: kind, attentive, and genuinely thoughtful without ever feeling pushy. You can tell they care about what they’re pouring and about making you feel at home. It’s the perfect spot to escape the noise, sip something delicious, and slow down for a moment in the middle of NYC. I’d come back in a heartbeat — Vanguard is the kind of place you almost don’t want to share so it stays your little secret.

do bui

I've never had a bad experience eating here. The cooking quality surprises everyone. They charge sensibly, serve customers well, and prepare wonderful food. The staff offered superior service. My loved ones and I will be returning often.

Victor Malof

Vanguard is such a gem in the neighborhood! It has great vibes, music, and (most importantly) the best staff! Isabel, Jacob, Manny, and David are fantastic. We’ve discovered so many new wines, and love bringing friends & family from out of town.

Peter Brigham

What a great spot to spend a Saturday evening! Isabel greeted us warmly when we arrived and helped us discover a new favorite white wine. She is very knowledgeable about the wines on the menu and gave us great recommendations and even shared some trivia about the towns in France where the wines come from! We met her colleague Jacob later in the evening and he also made sure that we had a great experience…will definitely be back!

Gail Grandison

Love this wine bar on the UWS. Staff is friendly. Great small bite prepared by the chef. After work hang or a date night, this is the place to be. Be sure to get there early, it opens at 5pm. It can get packed quickly.

Ignace Manoury

All aspects of our visit were excellent. The dishes pleased everyone in our party. You'll see numerous dishes available. The staff delivered efficient assistance with polite and supportive attitudes. SIMPLY EXCEPTIONAL.

Shelby

I’ve been coming to this bar for years and it’s an absolute pleasure every time! The staff is super attentive and friendly. Jacob and Isabel in particular are so wonderful and excellent bartenders. Manny and David are also the best and work so hard. Pictured are some of the friends and family I’ve brought here over the years, but honestly it’s a great place to grab a seat at the bar and strike up conversation with anyone. 100/10 recommend!!!

Toby Hall

Sexy upscale, yet relaxed wine bar with neighborhood-local clientele and prices. The bar is usually packed with couples out on a casual date night and small groups meeting for an after-work drink. They don't have a full kitchen, but their food menu would have you fooled. I'm partial to their flatbreads and charcuterie board. The staff is knowledgeable and warm, and are always willing to help you find a glass of wine that speaks to you. Really top-notch service. They have a habit of maintaining an excellent music playlist, and always making sure the vibe is *just right*.

Bree Steggell

Such a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. My friend and I came here on Saturday night and ended up spending hours here because it was so lovely. Both of the bartenders were kind, accommodating, and had great recommendations. They were very attentive, checked on us throughout the night, and always made sure we had enough wine. They were personable and easy to talk to. It never felt like we had to go out of our way to get their attention, like it often does at bars in the city. We sat at the bar and were greeted by two of their regular customers. The four of us had great conversation and it felt like a home away from home. This place has all the charm of a small neighborhood bar, where everyone greets you with a smile, only steps away from Lincoln Center. This place seems truly perfect for any occasion. Casual enough you can come in for a drink at the end of the work day, while also elegant enough to impress your friends after the symphony, ballet, or opera. Locals - this should be your go-to wine bar in the city. Tourists - vanguard is a “can’t-miss” stop on your itinerary. I can’t speak highly enough about my experience here! Stop reading this review and go see for yourself!

Jessica Menton

What a fabulous wine bar! Excellent service. I came on a Saturday and the two bartenders made the vibes so fun! All my friends absolutely love it, too! We come often because it’s by far not only the best wine bar but the best bar on the Upper West Side. It’s a staple in the neighborhood and a must see!

Paulina Ryko

It is amazing atmosphere! Incredible wine!!! If you ate spending at least 2 nights in NY, you should go out and drink a glass of wine in this gooooood place.

Ashley Nicole

Fantastic experience this Friday! We came into vanguard on a whim and had the most incredible evening. Food recommendations were on point by the wine was SUPERB!!! Made our first evening in nyc unforgettable. Cheers we will we back!

Piia Õunpuu

Incredibly cosy wine bar on the west side with a great atmosphere! We arrived right after 5pm and easily got a table, about an hour later the place was packed. We only had the pimento cheese and crackers with our wine, but the rest of the menu looked tasty as well. Totally recommend!

Melissa Fergusson

This place has a great atmosphere, sophisticated vibe, friendly service, as well as solid wine selection and food at a good price point for the city and UWS. I love wine and charcuterie boards so if you are into that, this is the place to be! I also had the mission fig, ham and goat cheese tartine which was also delicious. I came here with a few friends and the atmosphere is relaxed enough that you can have a good conversation and still hear each other (which isn’t the case with every bar in the city).

Jack Lawson

Super fun place to grab a glass of wine or a beer. The small bites are good. I do wish they had a few more options but what they have is pretty good. Drink list is pretty extensive. The staff is friendly and make you feel welcomed as a local. Seating is comfortable but a little tight. Come in, grab your seat, then order from the bar. Easy relaxed layer back spot for happy hour drinks!

+1

Kipchirchir Bitok

This place has a vast selection of wines. Their cheese plates are delicious and the staff is quite attentive. I have seen people sit and do work here which means that's it provides an environment for such, despite it being a wine bar. There are tables for about 4 people, but you can also sit by the best counter. The street/avenue itself is quiet too, which is a plus.

Great wine list - many different styles, regions, price points, yet good quality. They have done their homework. Nice ambience.

Nice for drinks - regular price for drinks - good wine selection - probably not the best place if you want to have food since they only have some basic appetizers - they don’t have a kitchen - ambience is nice and most times is packed- finding a spot to seat not easy on the weekends

Great vibe, great selection, great location! I mean, what more do you need? They also serve light fare, so you don't have to worry about just drinking. It does tend to get lively later in the evening, so there may be a wait at the bar to get your next round.

Warm, inviting atmosphere, very nice people, fun vibe. Great location. Not a huge menu, but it was a perfect spot to get small plates and drinks before going to the ballet.

Good place to hang out and experiences food and wine selection. The place is busy and has great atmosphere. Only two blocks from the train station. You can't go wrong with this place. Enjoy!

Great wine bar with a deep backside so don't be put off by the crowded window. Staff were top notch.

I went here for a date. It's great for a summer night, a nice glass of wine, and an unassuming atmosphere. The bar tender is quite knowledgeable and gave me a good recommendation.

Nice cozy wine bar. Went here after the NYC Marathon. We actually drank beer most of the time. They have a good bottle beer selection along with good wines.

Nice neighborhood wine bar. Lots of seating, but after 7:30 there's usually a wait to claim a spot on a weekend night. It's that popular. The small plates are very good. The wine selection is good, though slightly limited. A low key place that's comfortable, unassuming, and a relaxing respite from the everyday.

Great wine selections. We will definitely be back before our next Lincoln Center show!

Awesome wine bar in an otherwise mundane location in the UWS. Prices are very reasonable, and the service is friendly and knowledgeable. The wine list is decent with enough different types of wine to suit different palettes. The seating is predominantly communal with the exception of some two-tops. There is no wait staff. All orders are made at the bar. Easy, unpretentious, and and laid back!

My second time here and I loved it as much as the first. The food looks great, though yet again, I was only here for drinks. Great wine list, love the ambiance, friendly and knowledgeable service. Worth a stop if you're a French wine lover.

The bar was very cozy and intimate. You have to be comfortable with the idea that your conversation will not remain between you and your guest(s). But the wine is so good that after a drink or two, none of that will matter. It's a great open floor with romantic lighting. It's soft and warm.

Tucked away little gem in the bevy of crowded wine bars on the Upper West. The decor was tasteful and clearly thought-out, and the staff attentive and knowledgeable. Although it was crowded on a Saturday night, my partner and I will definitely come back here again! Truffles were delish, too!

Charming wine bar with great small plates, good beer selection. Maybe just a tad pricey, and definitely crowded during peak hours (try before 5pm or after 9pm to beat the crowds) Update 2023 - prices have *far* outpaced inflation, removing a star for moving into ripoff territory. Go to Ardesia instead.

Cozy atmosphere, good spot for a drink while on a date. Bartenders (winepourers?) seem knowledgeable about their craft. Limited snack menu and they always have some campy old movie playing on the sole TV. Have been a number of times and will go again...

We stopped in for a drink late in the evening. They have a great selection of wines, and also beers/soft drinks for those who don't like vino. Will have to come back to try their food

Had some delicious wine choices, food was spotty but the atmosphere was fantastic! Would definitely go again.

Great ambience. After 8 pm, there were so many people. Great value and the food was really good.

+3

Okey for a wine night out, but not more. Not exactly a date take place or a place for dinner but is a good wine bar with a limited but good choice of wine

FOCKS PLAYS

Came for a drink and a snack before a show at Lincoln Center and had a nice time! Cool neighborhood spot. Prices were fair and it wasn’t crowded. Wine selection, especially chilled, could be a little better, but I found something to drink. Charcuterie board was pretty decent! Will be returning next time I go see a show nearby.

Madison Spahn

Love the atmosphere of this place when they leave it open air to the street in the summer. We sat at the bar and got really good wine recommendations. The food (we had cheese plate and pimiento cheese with toast) was perfectly fine but nothing to rave about.

Cute place to have some wine and apps. Decent amount of seating and when weather is nice, they open up the accordion door to make it open air seating. I would visit more often if the prices where a little more reasonable.

Place initially gives you good vibes when you look at it from outside. On the inside it’s nothing special. Wine is ok, food is ok…servers seem a bit overworked so they are not super friendly

The atmosphere is great but the workers weren't that friendly. We weren't welcomed with a warming welcome, we were kind of pushed aside and not being acknowledged. Other things took place that I choose not to mention. I don't care too much for the workers, but the drinks are actually good.

Great atmosphere and wine but the cheese/charcuterie board was a joke. Judging by older pictures it seems they have cut the portions in half (literally, we had 2 pitiful pickles and one tea spoon of each cheese)

If you like your wines served by a pretentious and rude waiter, then I think you're going to love this place. Otherwise, I recommend you go to any of the many great wine bars in the city where you can enjoy your wine without the attitude.

Tuesday at 8pm is the only reason why I’m thinking these bartenders have no personality. If I needed this attitude I would of gone somewhere else. I mean can you smile for a second please!! Also, try to know and sell the wine a little bit please.. ok perhaps not everyone knows wine but you are here to educate which in return will be respected and will reciprocate me coming back and most important sharing the experience. I hope this changes because it’s a great little place.

Staff is just beyond rude. We brought in a table of 6 people and we were getting ready to sit down, when the manager/bartender threw a fit about us asking a couple to move so we could have the large 6-person table. He was absolutely rude to my team, and I told him there was no reason to be rude, so he simply kicked us out. Absolutely ruined our celebration. Not worth that energy, don’t bother! UPDATE PER THEIR REPLY: That's not true :). The bartender had spoken to someone else in my group, not to me and he hadn't secured the other table by the time I very kindly asked two people to move. They had absolutely no qualms whatsoever, and even celebrated with our group. I also didn't protest with the bartender about moving the people, I understand how that could have looked, but again, no one had an issue whatsoever with moving. I protested about the absolutely rude way he spoke to my group. Instead of calming down and actually listening to my words, he proceeded to kick us out because he felt threatened by a woman standing up for herself against verbal abuse. I've been to your bar many times, but this was simply unacceptable behavior. Offering me one drink on you to make up for it... is unfortunately not enough. Hope you train your staff better to provide a minimum of customer service.

Vladyslav Tretinnikov

I want to warn everyone who plans to visit this place!!! Our recent visit to this establishment turned into an absolute nightmare, and I am beyond furious. This day was especially important to me as I was celebrating my birthday. My friends and I went there to have a good time and enjoy some quality wine. Our bill amounted to $420, which is no small amount. However, the entire experience was completely ruined by the despicable behavior of one of the bartenders, a tall guy whose name we unfortunately don’t know. This bartender started acting aggressively just because he believed we left an insufficient tip. The situation escalated to an unbearable level where this individual began forcefully kicking us out of the bar in an incredibly rude and hostile manner. The height of his unacceptable behavior was when he intentionally poured wine on my friend. This was a shocking, offensive, and utterly disgraceful act that completely ruined our evening. I am absolutely livid and deeply disappointed by the disgusting service and sheer unprofessionalism displayed. This is not just bad service; it is a blatant lack of respect and decency. We spent a significant amount of money and were treated with the utmost contempt. I strongly advise everyone to avoid this bar at all costs if you don’t want your evening to be ruined by such revolting and abusive behavior. This place does not deserve your patronage.