Winestein's

I was invited by an associate to visit this amazing place to see if it was the kind of place that I would like to spend some time performing in while preparing for a spring/summer events schedule.\r \r I did just that, I visited the location, I met the owner, and I was back the following weekend with my guitar in hand.\r On the night that I was there to play, I walked in, and before I even found a seat I was greeted, addressed by name, and was treated as if I had been to this place a million times.\r From the outside there is not a hint of what awaits the newbie, and immediately upon entering, I felt a sense of comfort, and surprised by customers who were already well into their evenings good time, and with no clue or concern as to who I was,seemed to have no issue in engaging me in conversation as if they knew me from somewhere. I have never experienced this level of friendliness outside of many a restaurant down south in Texas, (My home state), or, possibly the old BB Quick in the falls.\r \r I now have a new home for live music, food, and some great new friends.\r When I was noticed by the owner Nicole, she dropped whatever glass she was filling, or, counter she was working, to take that exact moment to greet me like some big spender, I of course am not, but outside of Vegas, who does that?\r This woman seems driven to share her passion for her dream restaurant/bar effort with everyone who ventures to spend time into this venue.\r I realize that the economy is not what it was a few years ago, but, it is now just beggining to rebound and some of us can begin to again celebrate the moments that count and to go out and about tofind great places again, and I will shout it from the roof-tops that this is a wonderful place to relax, enjoy and just remember how short life actually is, and how long a Wisconsin winter actually is!\r If Nicole's loving care was not enough, there was also the attention of staff member/bartender/waitress/one woman floor show Brandee, who one must use a thesaurus to even begin to describe.\r I am a middle-aged man with grown as well as minor children, I cannot remember the last time I laughed so much that my sides ached, and I felt like I was home with my sisters having a reunion and a wonderful time.\r Brandee seems destined to be a friend to all she serves and those who engage her in any form of conversation, and I know that this is one woman whom I shall not soon forget. What a beautiful person!\r I was treated by Nicole to an educational tour, featuring the artwork on display, and I it found fascinating that on a Saturday night the owner would spend time with a new customer in this way, but you could just tell that she loved the artists, and the art.\r As for the level of open mic talent that preceded me, I was in awe of the keyboardist, Mark Anthony Chaney, who played beautifully. \r (Even the open mic presentation was complete class).\r For the record, I was not payed to come and jam at Winestein's, I was invited to do so, and I now know that I made the proper decision.\r I would perform for these women, and the customers of this venue anytime that I was invited.\r I can envision a year or two down the road when this venue will be forced to add additional footage to accomodate an even bigger music presentation to compliment the current offerings.\r As a former hospitality business owner myself, I am envious of what these women have been able to accomplish with this upscale/down home wine bar and restaurant.\r I can only hope that I am invited back to perform again, but it wouldn't matter, I am now a ""Winestein's regular""\r for life! (Or as long as these folks are there to offer their kind service)\r \r Terence Bukka Pros: Like being at a family gathering at home Cons: Should be open 24/7 more

If you're looking for that elegant yet casual dining experience without all the pretention, Winestein's will be your soup du jour. I've traveled near and far in search of the right combination of class, service and atmosphere. When you're able to take these essential ingredients and mix them up accordingly you have youself that elusive perfect coctail. Previously to Winestein's I thought I had found the holy grail at Emilio's in Chicago(a must stop for any serious foodie). I port in Wisconsin and as much as I love this state of ours, when it comes to the palate of the mouth and mind we are seriously lacking. I could go on for ages about Winestein's tapas, cheese flights, award-winning sandwiches, deli, extensive original martini and drink menu, unrivaled wine selection that numbers in the thousands and gift baskets but you're going to have to literally taste them for yourself. I would however wish to paint a stellar portrait of the atmosphere and service as naturally beautiful as they are in real life. In the past, Winestein's was as dry as the desert heat. Nicole and Amanda (the sisters that own the joint) have quite literally stirred things up a bit. Nowadays, it is the type of place where you can be the guy who comes in with mud on his boots after a hard days work and sit next to Mr. Brooks Brothers and the staff won't bat an eyelash. You can order a sandwich and Miller and the service will the same when you order a steak and a bottle of Dom. The song from Cheers goes ""you wanna be where you can see the troubles are all the same, you wanna go where everybody knows your name."" That's this place. From the very first time I was in they remembered me upon my return. Regulars are all on a first name basis. This is a family -run business that goes the extra to make their customers feel a kin. I would be beside myself if I didn't mention the non-smoking enviornment and the free live music. I would also be beside myself if I failed to mention that every employee is a stunningly beautiful woman. Women make the world go round it's only fitting these women are what makes this joint jump. Their service and style is on the upper echelon for the tasteful. As for the tasteless (""rruth"") : Sweetie you just don't get it. In fact, you sound very small, very bitter, very jealous and very young. Listen up small stuff and you might learn something. The word you meant to use is spelled R-E-C-E-I-V-E. Remember little one... I before E, except after C. Winestein's is the place to be. Pros: Service, menu selection, atomosphere, drinks and live music! more

After hearing that Winestein's had gone through a string of new owners, I was reluctant to re-visit. I am happy to say that my return far surpassed my expectations. I brought a few girlfriends for an evening out and from the moment we walked in the door we thoroughly impressed by the staff- very friendly, warm, polished, and they knew their wine too! Our server informed us that the menu had been revamped and we were all relieved to find that none of our favorites had been cut! The new dinner menu included some delicious looking entrees, new salads and sandwiches. I must speak very highly of the new Portobello sandwich and my girlfriend claimed the salmon BLT is not to be missed! We commented to our server that we felt there was a great new energy at Winestein's and she enthusiastically left and returned to introduce us to Nicole, one of the new owners who was gracious enough to spend a little time talking to us about wine. Overall a terrific evening- keep up the great work! Pros: Service, food, atmosphere, wine more

I have never had a bad experience at Winesteins. The staff has always treated us as their customers with utmost respect and professionalism with a touch of down to earth class. I was there just last Saturday night and they were very busy that tells us how wonderful they are and the customers all seemed to be taken care of and happy. There was excitement in the air. We certainly were having a great night. The staff at Winestein?s are one of the important reasons we go there, be sides of course the great menu and wine selection they have. When we go out we plan it for the night so we aren?t putting pressure on ourselves or the wonderful people who work so hard at servicing us when we do go out to dinner. We feel at home when we go to Winesteins they always remember our faces and we get treated like family. Thank you Winesteins. We would recommend you to everyone we know. Pros: great fun menu choices, friendly fun staff Cons: location more

Every time I've been to Winesteins, the food is good, but the service is poor! The server named Brandy can't seem to get over herself and actually provide some service. Instead the servers are standing in a cluster, gossiping. In the three hours I was there the other night, Brandy only came up to me once to ask if I needed anything. I had to pull another waitress aside for reflills. My friend sat there all night with an empty water glass! If we ever ask for an espresso they always say the espresso machine is off. How long does it really take to turn it on? Normally, it takes forever to recieve a bill, so I just go up to the waitress and ask for one. The other night I just sat there though, to see how long it would take before we were paid any attention to so we could ask for our bill and it took over an hour! Maybe if the servers were not allowed to wear WHATEVER THEY WANT and actually wear at least an apron, they'd be humbled enough to SERVE people properly. Maybe. Pros: The taste of food and wine selection Cons: service more

This is a fantastic place for great wine and food in Lake Country. It has speacials every day of the week, including Thursday night wine flights and tapas that are paired. They sponsor great educational wine events and the bartender/sommelier Peter is a fantastic resource there. My wife and I love it. Pros: ambiance, music, wine education, wine more