Vero Wine Bar Uptown – Cute Neighborhood Spot The Brain January 24, 2015 Drink Spots, Featured, Restaurants, Reviews, Upper East Side, Wine The Special Lured us In Immediately upon walking into Vero Wine Bar Uptown, my friend and I exchanged the “are we the only single people in here glances?” We decided to give it a try anyway due to one of the best specials around: free Panini with any drink. Vero Wine Bar Uptown is a cozy little spot located on the Upper East Side. Dark, intimate and the perfect spot for a romantic rendezvous. My dateless friend and I, however, were seated at a tall table with bar stools that was next to the front window. I immediately started daydreaming of coming back in the warmer weather when the window would open up to the patio on 2nd Avenue. I snapped out of it when our waitress came over with the wine and cocktail book that was as thick and heavy as Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. The prices were on the steeper side (anywhere from $10 to $14 a glass) but after perusing the impressive list, I settled on a Malbec while my friend chose a Chianti. After confirming the Monday night special, we also put in an order of two Prosciutto Panini with Buffalo Mozzarella and Basil Aioli. More about the location: This is not a place to come to with a large group of friends. The bar, at Vero Wine Bar Uptown, is pretty modest and can seat about 10 people. There was one additional table next to ours in the front but there was additional seating in the back for small groups. Dark wood and accents filled the bar and set the cozy atmosphere. A relaxed vibe made us feel quite comfortable and there was no need to shout over the music, which was really enjoyable. The waitress came back with our drinks which were very generously filled and we didn’t have to wait very long for the panini to come out. As delicious as they were, I must mention that these were the smallest panini I have ever seen. I could have eaten my friends’ and the one belonging to the stranger next to me. But as small as they were, these bite sized sandwiches were perfectly grilled and the cheese and aioli proportions were spot on. Smooth, creamy and crunchy all at the same time. Along with the panini came a little, again I stress little, side of chopped cucumber, red pepper and chickpeas with a balsamic dressing. It was the perfect addition to the plate and left me wanting more. Will We return to Vero Wine Bar Uptown Overall, the service was great, the wine, and itty bitty panini were delicious and the ambiance was perfect for the night. As disappointed as we were with the size of the panini (and we do realize it was probably because of the deal) this special is hard to pass on. I would definitely return to Vero Wine Bar Uptown for another special (there’s $5 sangria on Tuesday-Friday nights) and explore the rest of the menu – particularly the broccoli rabe and sausage flatbread pizza. In the meantime, I’ll go back to daydreaming of trying the watermelon sangria on their open patio. Vero Wine Bar Uptown 1483 2nd Ave New York, NY 10021 b/t 77th St & 78th St in Yorkville, Upper East To make a reservation: OpenTable
