Vine Alley — Restaurant in Gaithersburg

I really, really want to love this place, but I'm not quite there yet. Visited with my husband and another friend on their grand reopening (with a liquor license so they can serve cocktails) that happened to be a gorgeous Friday evening. We sat at their outdoor window bar, and while the gentlemen working inside the bar were friendly and very attentive, the waitresses working out on the patio repeatedly took over our seating area by expanding their bar service space. The bar has 6 (!!!!!) stools at this outdoor bar for people to sit at, but no way -- we were getting pushed out of the way and there were only three of us. I was constantly having dirty glasses and water pitchers placed directly in front of me, and one waitress tried to grab my full glass of wine thinking it was one to take to a table.

A plea for management: please demarcate a clear service area at your bar outside to avoid having your guests feel like they are in the way. Outside of the bizarre outdoor bar situation, our experience was great -- delicious cheese and charcuterie, and so glad that they've expanded their wines by the glass and now offer cocktails. I can't wait to come back, but may avoid the outdoor bar next time unless the service area...

My partner and I ate here for the first time on 10/26/24. The place was busy as it was a Saturday, made more so by the trick-or-treat going on at Kentlands. None the less, while the kitchen did get a bit backed up, our food was carefully prepared and very tasty. While I have seen some other complain about the red wines, we tried four different ones (two glasses each with tastes of each other's) and all were very nice and accurately described in the menu. Sabrina was our server and Dana was also working and both were fully committed to their patron's needs, working both inside and on the patio tirelessly. They even brought us a pumpkin to paint though this was mainly for the kids. We had the pot stickers, wedge salad, tuna appetizer, and charcuterie plate. I would go back for all of those.

I would say the only downsides were that there were several college football fans at the bar (though they did keep all comments polite, it was still a bit loud) and because of the trick-or-treat, all the doors were open so it was chilly inside, even near the back.

Thank you for a great first visit - looking forward...

We are days away from the much-anticipated debut opening of Vine Alley! Poised to be the social hub of the Kentlands neighborhood, this Casual Bistro features an eclectic retail wine selection, contemporary plates, local beer, and well-priced glass pours in an inviting environment.

In terms of selection, this is not your everyday Wine Shop! From undisputed retail staples to exclusive boutique varietals, the wine at Vine Alley has been procured to meet the demands of every consumer. I especially love the “Hidden Gems” section! Make a bee line for this shelf if you are heading to a dinner party and want to bring “something different” to wow your friends with!

The outdoor patio is beautiful! Not to mention accessible to the bar! Customers won’t have to move from their seat to order “another round.” :) The perfect spot for a summer’s evening in town!

Owners Sean and Sam are Members of the community and very involved with this operation! As for service, Lead Bartender Becca is another “hidden gem” and point of reference for any questions or requests you may have regarding the venue.

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