Rioja! A Wine Bar — Restaurant in Greensboro

Came here a few nights back while visiting a friend in Greensboro. I have been meaning to come back here for quite sometime for actual service, as I had only been in previously to pick up a few bottles of wine. This is a place worth making the drive from Winston for. It was a relatively quiet night but all the other guests clearly seemed to be having a great time, just as we were. The staff got our food, (well my friends food that I kept stealing-get the Italian panini!) out to us quickly. They were incredibly knowledgeable about wine and lead us to try a few things we wouldn’t normally have ordered that we ended up loving. I am excited to bring my husband here to try it out for a date night. It gives moody vibes while also seemingly feeling like a neighborhood spot. I wish our city had a...

Fantastic place, great relaxing vibe. Informative but not at all pretentious. We will absolutely be back.

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I first posted the above review 3 years ago, but wanted to update. Spoiler: we went back. Many times. We’ve gotten to know Jake and Lauren over the years and they are just really fantastic people (so fantastic, in fact, that my wife and I asked Jake to officiate our wedding - which he did, to perfection). They are very knowledgeable about wines and really good at pointing you towards a wine you’ll enjoy. We’ve loved participating in regional tastings, blind tastings/trivia, and other various events they put on at Rioja and Lewis & Elm. Overall, this is just a really excellent place with really excellent folks, and it’s one of our all time...

Mother’s Day outing with my honey, ruined. Waited a ridiculously long time for service/server, only to be told Rioja was closing for a party in less than 10 minutes.At that time, no sign was posted disclosing this information. As we walked out the sever, hastily placed one in the window. We were looking forward to ordering two flights of wine ($30). Turned away, we went down the road to their competitors, Gate City Growlers. Wasn’t even offered a glass of house wine as compensation for or troubles. Won’t be coming back. I wasn’t really impressed with the outdated, dingy decor.

*Husband called the day before for reservations, was told NO need for reservations. There‘ll be room for a party of two. Never mentioned being closed to the...