Offhand Wine Bar — Restaurant in Santa Monica

My partner ordered two drinks and two sandwiches at the bar for us. She was handed the drinks and told the food would be brought out shortly. She paid.

We took our drinks to an outside table. Sometime later, I went back inside and ordered a second drink. When I paid, the bartender asked if everything was okay with the service. I said yes, and asked why he asked. He said, "Because your partner didn't leave a tip."

I said, "It's probably because she paid before we experienced the service. I'll make up for it now."

I thought his behavior was unprofessional and rude. Not to mention--it's entirely disingenuous to ask me if the reason my partner didn't tip is because something's amiss with the service when he knows damn well she signed the check before any service was provided. Give my sweet butt a break.

Don't ask people to pay and sign a check and expect a tip if no service has been provided yet. If I tip 20%, and then the service sucks, can I go back and ask for 5% back? Nope.

I think tipping is absolutely necessary but this system of tipping prior to services rendered is a faulty system.

Trust your patrons to tip after they can fairly evaluate the service provided.

We both got the grilled cheese, and it was tasty. Keep in mind,...

This place was recommended by our friends who know the owner who apparently have a few other bar locations in DTLA. Super friendly and chill vibe. We came around 5pm so there is still daylight which makes the entire place open, airy and bright.

Unlike traditional wine bars, this feels very modern. Our friends pretty much ordered the entire menu of Spanish tapas, including ham, bread spread, yellowtail and shrimp. Everything is super fresh and delicious, and you can tell they use top notch ingredients. In the end, we ordered a Basque cheesecake which is one of the softest and creamiest cheesecakes I have ever had!

I ordered a glass of Rose and it is very tasty. I’m not a wine connoisseur but I can tell the quality of it stands out among other drinks I had in...

Offhand Wine Bar is a hip hangout with inviting space and a trendy vibe. It's hard to miss that they have more merch options than wine options. The wine list is made up of almost entirely CA "natty" wine, with the exception of two OR offerings. I was surprised when I asked a bartender about some wine options, and he didn't seem to know much about them - I appreciate his honesty, but maybe don't expect sommelier-type guidance while ordering. It's a fun spot but it lacks the breadth and depth I seek from a wine...