The Lark Street Wine Bar: an already good thing is getting better
Four years ago Albany's Lark Street became home to Antica Enotica. You know, "The Wine Bar" (yeah, no one else used its real name either). It was a cool little basement hangout with fireplaces, reliable tapas and good wine. Well, the place has been sold. And in this case, that's not necessarily a bad thing.
New Owner Kevin Everleath is a CIA grad and a former flavor developer for Ben and Jerry's. He's calling it the Lark Street Bistro and Wine Bar. We suspect people will still just call it The Wine Bar but whatever...he's managed to make a good thing better.
Things we like:
*The new menu
-It will change a few times a week, but so far it's looking good. Lite bistro fare like leek tart with salad, crab cake & steak frite.
*Dessert
-Something missing from the menu before. And from a former FLAVOR DEVELOPER FOR BEN AND JERRY'S.
*The Wine
-It's there when you order it. Supplies were getting low for a while.
Concerns:
*Space
-Now that the food is more substantial, the tables are a wee bit too small.
-"It's too crowded, nobody goes there" - We suspect this neighborhood joint will soon need a waiting list.
The Bottom Line
The food is delicious, the wine selection is excellent and the atmosphere is cozy, but if you come on a weekend, expect to get chummy with the other patrons.
Find It
The Wine Bar and Bistro
200 Lark Street
Albany, NY 12210
Open Mon-Sat, 5p to Midnight
phone: 463-2881
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Comments
I love the wine bar! I enjoyed some really tasty salmon there the other day.
Kathleen Lisson
... said Kathleen Lisson on Feb 3, 2008 at 4:49 PM | link
Kathleen, I think the real question is: which wine were you drinking with that tasty salmon?
... said Greg on Feb 4, 2008 at 11:36 AM | link
Greg,
I tried a California Chardonnay, and my dining partner and wine class student Liz enjoyed a slice with a sip of her Pinot Noir.
There is a winderful creamy condiment on the side, which brought the dish up to the bold Chardonnay.
Next time I might try something even lighter - maybe a Sauvignon Blanc, because that fish is so fresh and tasty all on its own!
Kathleen Lisson
... said Wine and Food Pairing on Feb 4, 2008 at 2:10 PM | link
I too love this cozy wine bar. The food is amazing as well as the wine. The wait staff is very knowlegable and courteous. Great place!
... said Melissa on Jun 11, 2008 at 6:23 PM | link
I went to the wine bar last night with a bf from school...we had a GREAT time and like 2/3 bottles of wine out on the patio =D endearing atmospheeeeere and a fabulous night =)
... said Lauren on Jun 12, 2008 at 2:26 PM | link
The Wine Bar is the best experience to share with friends from the area or from afar. The wine list is an international adventure and the food is fantastic. We only wish we could live there every night! Thank you for being there for us!
... said Christine Miles on Mar 1, 2009 at 9:02 PM | link
Yeah, the place is pretty freaking great, and the staff is very knowledgeable. Just the other night I learned that Motepulciano was not only a region in Tuscany, but also a type grape grown in the Abruzzo region. Who knew?!
... said Summer on Mar 2, 2009 at 12:47 PM | link
I actually liked it better when it was Antica Enotica, aside from the uncomfortable benches. They have really ratcheted up the prices on their wine since changing hands. It was nice to grab a meal somewhere on Lark St and then go to Antica Enotica for a glass of wine afterward. Now people stay longer, so it's harder to get a seat. It's gone from being a wine bar to being a restaurant with a big wine list.
... said Spencer on Mar 2, 2009 at 2:20 PM | link