Dracula's Legacy Wine Bar & Bistro — Restaurant in Saint Petersburg

Once, upon a midnight dreary, as I traversed the streets of yore, a wine bar of ominous charm caught my weary eye. Its name, Dracula's, whispered upon the lips of shadows, beckoning me forth with its macabre allure. In the depths of my soul, a peculiar delight stirred, for what better union could exist than that of Wine and Dracula, entwined in a sinister embrace? The very thought compelled me to delve deeper into this enchanting realm.

Nestled within St. Petersburg's hallowed town square, Dracula's stood as a cryptic sentinel, sharing its realm with neighboring establishments. An open expanse embraced the night, its theatrical stage alive with performances, enthralling dances, and the echoes of musicians who reveled in the encased ambience. It was fate that led me to this forbidden enclave, a haven of mirth and libations, where the weary souls sought refuge. Dracula's, with its haunting theme, draped in Gothic grandeur, beguiled all who dared cross its threshold.

Come the weekend's descent, a tempestuous symphony of "oonsa-oonsa" melodies echoed through the air, evoking visions of the Lost Boys' spectral troupe. Crimson hues enveloped the domain, bathed in eerie radiance, while Dracula's regal throne and Transylvanian artworks adorned its walls, weaving a tapestry of darkness. Blood-red wines flowed like liquid obsidian, casting an intoxicating spell upon all who imbibed. Yet, dear reader, I must confess my ignorance in matters of wine connoisseurship, for I am but a slave to the inebriating spirits that haunt my spirit. My taste buds, numbed by the embrace of potent elixirs, seek the fiery caress of ethereal flames. Nevertheless, even in my state of befuddlement, Dracula's wines emerged as a testament to their refined nature, captivating both the discerning and the intrepid imbiber alike.

The service, as if spun from an otherworldly web, enraptured me further. The bartenders, like sorcerers of old, possessed an arcane knowledge of their craft. Engaging in discourse, they effortlessly unveiled the nuances of flavors that danced upon the palate, accompanying the carefully curated wine flights. For a fleeting moment, I, too, donned the mantle of an erudite, my words flowing like ink from the quill of a poetic scribe. Yet, as the glasses were emptied, the veil of eloquence faded, exposing my true nature—a mere mortal consumed by libations.

Yet, amidst the mesmerizing tapestry of aesthetics and wines, it was the denizens of Dracula's that held me captive. A Monday eve brought a tranquil lull, with patrons drifting in and out, their presence a symphony of whispers. And there, amidst the shadows, I encountered Fouad—a solitary figure, donning many masks. Cook, caretaker, sommelier, and host, he wove a spell of hospitality and grace, a beacon of light in this ethereal realm. His warm smile bespoke a love for life itself, an embodiment of dedication that surpassed mortal boundaries. The discerning eye that graced Dracula's hiring must be praised, for they procured not only exceptional wines but also extraordinary souls to personify this haven of the macabre.

In the presence of such ethereal beings, my dear reader, one finds solace, knowing that quality stands unwavering in this domain of darkness. Fouad, though not the proprietor, radiated a passion that surpassed mortal comprehension—a soul devoted to his craft with unwavering ardor. Such is the essence of Dracula's—a symphony of opulent wines, entrancing vistas, pulsating melodies, and enigmatic souls. As you venture forth, dear reader, and partake in the bounties that await, you too shall succumb to the allure that earned this establishment its celestial five-star accolade. Raise your glass, for in the recesses of my heart, I yearn for the day when I shall return to this den of nocturnal enchantments, embracing once more the intoxicating elixir that flows through...

I have been to this wine bar many times with friends. On Sunday Aug 3rd (2025) I went there again, with five of my friends. As usual, the wine and food was very good. However, the service from the woman who was working this day was awful. I first ordered two House Chardonnay's and Hummus with Pita bread, both were excellent and there was no issue with them. I then ordered a House Pinot Noir, this was excellent too. But the issues started when I received the check. I noticed that everything was good in the check except the Pinot Noir. House Wine is $6 for 6oz and $9 for 9oz. The check had the Chardonnay at $9 which was correct for my 9oz pour. But the Pinot Noir was $20 on the check.

I was certain that there was Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Cab Sav in the list of House wines.

I queried this $20 charge to the woman bar tender and she told me, 'No sir, there is no House Pinot Noir on the menu. We have only one Pinot Noir on the menu and it is not House' I said I was sure it was there but ok maybe I was wrong. I trusted her words at that point and assumed I made a mistake. I paid the check as usual and left with my friends.

I was then talking to one of my friends while walking back to the car and I told him about what she said. He told me that he saw Pinot Noir on the House list too and was thinking of getting it himself but changed his mind for something else.

I drove away still doubting myself a little. I got to my destination and checked on Yelp, they had photos of the menu there and I saw the House wine list, $6/$9 for Chardonnay, Pinot Noir or Cab Sav. hmmmm..... this woman either was mistaken herself, or lied to me. Possibly to get more tip with the higher check price.

I then decided to drive back to the bar and went up to her. I said to her 'Do you remember me from earlier' She said 'yes' I explained to her that I was overcharged for the House Pinot Noir I had earlier. She then went straight on to defense and said 'No sir, you did not order the House Pinot Noir, you only ordered Pinot Noir'. I said 'what? no I did not. I said specifically 'House Pinot Noir' during my order. She said 'No you did not' I said 'Yes I did, I remember this exactly. There is nothing wrong with my memory. You are wrong yourself.' She seemed to change her story from when I was there earlier from ‘There is no House Pinot Noir’ to ‘You did not say House Pinot Noir’ - another bad sign that she is making things up. She then went further on defense and told me to leave. Back and forth a few time trying to get somewhere with her and eventually seeing I will get nowhere. I told her I will put a review about this and her online and may talk with the manager about her. It seemed to me that her motto is 'The customer is always wrong' I am not even worried about money. It is the service that I thought was so terrible that I would not go back there knowing she is working there. I believe she needs to be in an industry that is not service/customer focused. When other places make a mistake, they deal with it properly and professionally. She did not at all.

So, now I will not go back there while she works there. My friends will not either and I would recommend to anyone considering going here that they should look out for this woman, she is black/brown with brown frizzy curly hair down to her shoulders. If you still decide to stay there (it is nice after all). Watch your check at the end. Make sure she has not boosted the prices on you. Re-Iterate 'House Wine' if you are ordering House wine. Though I doubt that will matter to her.

For the Manager, I doubt training will help this girl. This seems to be her personality and wont change.

This one star is only for service, for her specifically. If I find this is dealt with correctly, I will adjust and update...

Dracula’s Wine Bar is a vibe. The dim lighting, the heavy wine list, and the faint possibility that a vampire might be lurking in the corner make this place the most delightfully dramatic spot in downtown St. Pete.

First off, the wine list is INSANE. Romanian wines? Check. French wines? Check. Wines so fancy they probably require a top hat to drink? Double check. I tried the Anima Feteasca Neagra because, honestly, if Dracula drinks anything, it’s probably a bold, moody red from Romania. It was so good, I considered renouncing sunlight just to stay here and keep sipping.

Now let’s talk food because I was NOT ready for the level of deliciousness. The Supreme Flatbread should be crowned king of flatbreads. It’s piled high with mozzarella, prosciutto, pork loin, and just enough balsamic glaze to make you feel fancy without being pretentious. And the Stuffed Dates? Sweet, savory, and so good I almost cried into my wine glass.

The Cheese Fondue is another must-try. Melted cheese with mini toast and apples? Yes, please. I may or may not have fought my dining companion for the last piece of bread, but that’s between me and my conscience.

The vibe is somewhere between a Gothic castle and a cozy European café, with just enough mysterious allure to keep you wondering if the staff might sprout fangs at any moment. (Spoiler: they didn’t, but they’re super friendly and knowledgeable about the menu.)

If you’re looking for a night filled with amazing wine, decadent food, and just a touch of spooky elegance, Dracula’s Wine Bar is your place. I’ll definitely be back—assuming I can resist the temptation to buy a cape and move in...