Y’all know Muddy Cup, right? I know you upstaters do. Well, a new wine bar opened up in Beacon and it turns out the owner is the Muddy Cup guy, Jim Svetz (and probably partner Brian Woodward too, but, oops, didn’t get that info).
Photo: Angelika Rinnhofer for Maykr
So here’s my review:
The name is “Chill”. No. Just no.
The decor is comfy and relaxing. Dimly lit. Maybe it’s a bit “80’s lounge” but what would I know? I stopped going to bars after the 80’s so I have no idea what they look like now. Anyway, thumbs up.
The Drink. Well, they are new so I don’t want to rip them a new one just yet. But they call themselves a “wine bar”. They have a choice of maybe 5 reds and 5 whites to choose from by the glass and one sparkling wine. No bottles. No good wines. Not that I’m a connoisseur or anything, but if I’m going to a wine bar, it would be nice to try decent wines. Plus, why not have bottles of wine and champagne for groups celebrating events and such?
They have beer too. Bottles of Heineken, Corona, Coors and Bud. They have a small selection of microbrews including a blueberry beer. Again, they are new. Perhaps they’ll develop a better selection than Joe’s Irish Pub.
The Food. “Chill” offers panini and cheese plates. My friend ordered a panini from owner Jim and never got it. When she asked the bartender, he didn’t know what she was talking about. Granted, it was a busy Second Saturday and Jim isn’t part of the wait staff. He’s the owner and he was just schmoozing and helping out. So, it was funny. Well, it wasn’t my panini or my stomach, so I thought it was funny.
Can’t complain about the prices. I had a small bottle of sparkling wine that cost $7. I got 2 large glasses out of it. It was good enough to finish the whole bottle.
Artisan Wine Shop is located right across the street. I’m hoping there will be some kind of deal worked out here where they can get some decent wine. Owners Mai and Tim are my BFFs (I guess because I’m in there all the time). I’m gonna have to have a chat with them.
I’m going to be an NYC snob and say the place is like The Muddy Cup….for the masses. Hey, Muddy Cup is successful, so what do I know? My prediction is that you may see “Chill” popping up in Your Town, USA real soon.
PS: I have to say this….Both Muddy Cup and “Chill” have sponsored Obama events here in Beacon and they are on Team Blue. So, I really want to like them!
4 Comments
The gloss chocolate brown-painted OSB (aka waferboard) benches with what look like Walmart-quality outdoor chair cushions are slightly naff, but there are some black leather armchairs and a sofa in the back that will take you back to the 80s apotheosis of wine bar culture, such as it was. But, sorry, no yuppies in Beacon. Honestly, this is more straight ahead bar (sans liquor) than wine bar. How do you distinguish? Well, there’s the puny wine list for one thing; but mainly I wouldn’t want to see it in daylight, that’s how.
Hey, I’m just glad there’s else something open past 10:00 in Beacon! Yeah, it’s not perfect, but I’m happy to have a decent place to go for a nightcap with friends. And if they can make improvements along the way, all the better.
Ok, so let’s just call it what it is. A bar. Not a wine bar.
I was there Saturday and the place was mobbed. I had a glass of Malbec for $7.00 (which was very good by the way). The way I look at is with the condition our economy, I applaude anyone brave enough to open a new business. I look forward to going back!