South Stage Cellars — Restaurant in Jacksonville

Great wine, great vibes -- unless, of course, you get the older male bartender like I did today while stopping in for a couple of bottles to go. To his credit, I did get the wine I wanted, and the rosé was even nicely chilled. However, I have rarely felt so much like a nuisance at any business, especially one where I'm a member and spend a few hundred dollars annually.

The guy seemed put off by my entrace, which interrupted some story he was regaling the only other couple at the bar with, and made me feel mildly unwelcome for the five-or-so minutes that our transaction took. Our interaction began with him nitpicking my use of the word "like" like an irritating uncle (I'm in my late thirties), segued into a several-minute struggle between him, my credit card, the card reader, and the POS system (which he seemed irritated with me about), and ended while I was heads-down tipping him for his trouble with all the ceremony of a pilot ejecting from a burning fighter jet moments before it explodes. Re-engaged with his captive audience, he pointedly ignored me as I thanked him on my way out.

I guess it was at least seasonally appropriate for the holidays, as it had the vibe of a once-a-year chat with an older relative -- about "people these days," avocado toast, property taxes, or boot straps, perhaps -- whom I would otherwise avoid. For his sake and that of the business, I sure hope the 50+ crowd is both active and...

Had high hopes since it is centrally located in Jacksonville, surprised at the service (in a poor way). When we walked in we felt like we were intruding, weak greeting, awkward silence, even was asked, “Are you from here?” In an off putting tone. Actually being a group of locals and being greeted this way made me really think how off putting it would be for visitors or even tourists. Did not seem welcoming. Our group ordered three glasses of the same wine, which was poured into glasses, which were then poured BACK into the “house bottle”, after distinguishing buying a bottle would be cheaper. Odd because I have never seen anyone pour wine to serve, then pour it back into a “house bottle”. Inside the venue was a cramped small space, so we went to the patio, hoping it was better. It wasn’t much, mostly pea gravel dumped in an alley way between buildings (not for anyone looking for views) , some string lights, shade from trees, and lots of road noise. Wine was forgettable, didn’t tickle my fancy. Most unique part of experience was the cat that seemed to be residing there, not planning on returning, think they could improve...

I walked in as a single person and a very aggressive lady met me at the front asking what I needed. I replied that I would like a glass of wine and to watch the music and she claimed I could only sit inside so I left. As I left and walked away, I noticed that there were two tables outside, one with four chairs, and one with only one chair so I went back inside and told her this where she told me that I could sit outside but that I’d have to pay a cover for the band. I said I would love to pay. She then abruptly left as of angry and then I waited at the bar for a glass before proceeding to my seat which never happened because I got ignored. I finally just left. I have been a resident since 1984 and this was a pretentious and disappointing event. Bummer since my long time friends are in the band...