Gino's Vino Wine Emporium is a tiny wine bar nestled just off McKinney Avenue in Dallas's Uptown area. While it lies within one of the major bar/restaurant drags in the city, Gino's somehow manages to exude an off-the-beaten-path atmosphere. With the Hard Rock Cafe directly across the street, I suppose the masses have their sights set elsewhere. All the better for the rest of us. Gino Catenacci, a restaurant veteran of more than 30 years and the former wine buyer for Lawry's the Prime Rib in Dallas, opened Gino's about 5 years ago.
Did I mention that Gino's is tiny? Fewer than 10 tables occupy a room scantly larger than some living rooms. The setting is dark and cozy. Red tablecloths are draped over round, bar-height tables that seat up to four patrons each. A few tasteful pieces of art adorn the red-brick walls, and there are also a few pieces of art for sale on display. A couple of wooden wine racks filled to the brim combine to give you the feeling as if you're in a basement cellar.
There's no wine list at Gino's. The selections change frequently, so your server will start by asking you which varietals you like best and make suggestions from there. There's also a small menu with antipasti, cheese, and salads to accompany the 20 or so wines offered by the glass. The staff are very knowledgeable and friendly, and have a way of making you feel as if you're chatting with a friend rather than dealing with a stuffy sommelier. On our most recent visit, we enjoyed a nice sauvignon blanc from Napa Valley ($7/glass). We also ordered a cheese antipasto appetizer, which included three cheeses, three types of olives, artichoke hearts, and hot peppers, served with flat garlic bread ($11). It was the perfect accompaniment to the wine, and enough to tide us over until a late dinner.
As small as Gino's is, it still offers live music. A small space just inside the front door serves as a stage, where local musicians perform on acoustic (or minimally amplified) insturments. The music only adds to the vibe, and the close quarters make you feel like you're sitting around the house with a couple of your musician friends.
Gino's is great for spending a relaxed evening out, and fits the bill equally well if you're looking for a warm-up spot before the main event of the evening. It's a great place to take a date or your significant other. It is small and intimate, neither subdued nor loud, and allows for easy conversation. Two thumbs up!
Atmosphere: wine bar, live music (acoustic)
Hours: Mon-Fri 12pm-12am; Sat 12pm-1am; Sun 5pm-10pm
Phone: 214.303.1616
Website: n/a