Clemson Wine Bar — Restaurant in Clemson

Unless you're in the cool kids club, I'd skip this place! I was SO excited to find this place. I love a good wine bar, especially one that serves food! The menu looked amazing, so I chose this as my dinner spot. I arrived at 5:15, early because my day started early and I'm alone (traveling for business) so it's awkward to start with so I'd rather get in and get out before the dinner rush. The server tells me he will have to see if he has room for me (and he's not being sarcastic). Really?! There is 1 table seated and a couple at the bar. He offered the bar which is fine by me. I'm handed a stack of 3 menus and he walks away. During this time, what I can only assume is the owner and the server are falling all over the couple at the bar talking about vacations and he's pouring them free samples. I had seen they have a taco special on Tuesday and maybe even a Happy Hour, but there's no mention of it or any signs. I asked and it looked like I hassled the server. I should've left then. Instead I chose the seared tuna salad and asked the server (as he was still in conversation with the couple and taking my order - really?) to recommend a great pairing. This place has a great by the glass program so why not ask an expert right?! He recommends, I order it. All good. My food comes out quickly it's quite tasty and the wine pairs nicely. However I just feel awkward the entire time. This is a bar first and foremost, but no one has been very welcoming. A female server finally senses the awkwardness and checks in on me. By this time another local had come in and is updating everyone on her dog stories for the day, photos and all. Everyone is all ears.... joining in... Just adding more of a locals only vibe. I noticed another table is having a 3 glass wine tasting. Why wasn't I told about/offered the tasting? I paid out as soon as I was done and left. I would've loved a second glass of something but I just didn't feel welcome at this spot. It should be a private club or something because if you aren't local or in their cool kids club,...

Was not busy at all but it still took 20 min for someone to ask us what we wanted for a drink. I ordered silver ghost wine, she said they were out but had something similar so I got that. It was good so I had a second glass- on the receipt when we were paying I noticed that the wine was twice the price as the listed silver ghost. Which is fine, good wine is worth the price, but shouldn't you notify the customer that it's double the price? $20 a glass just feels like something that should be mentioned. Ordered a charcuterie board and was definitely disappointed. I've honestly never seen ritz crackers on a charcuterie board before. It did have some other type of crackers as well but not many. The cheeses were horrible. There was some sort of delicious pepper jam but nothing to dip/mix it with like goat cheese or even a brie. Fruit was quite old. Service was just dreadfully slow and inattentive. Plenty of servers working, not many customers, yet impossible to order something. Eventually we gave up, paid and left. Had to find somewhere else to eat. This might be a "locals only" place- perhaps the regulars get better service? We're new here but we will continue to explore...

WOW!!! Phenomenal wine! Next level food! Top notch service! What more can I say. Love this place.

First, the wine selection is fantastic. With knowledgeable staff, you can’t go wrong. Lots of selections for every person.

Next, the food is ridiculously good. I have to admit for a “Wine Bar” I was not expecting this. Especially given the small kitchen. I highly recommend the “special”. I have had it twice. The bbq sandwiches and the Italian sub. Both were outstanding. The regular menu is also great and I recommend the flatbreads. Desserts like the lava cake are delicious. And finally, get the charcuterie platter. Incredible.

Finally the service is top notch. Sam and Jacey are fantastic. Professional, knowledgeable and engaging. Just what you want your team to be.

The wine bar has a sit up bar, tables inside and patio dining. All excellent options.

So whether you are looking for a great meal or a glass of wine with friends, I recommend you stop on in. You won’t be sorry you did.

(Note some of my pictures are from my first visit in December- this the...