Bin Wine Cafe

Wicker Park
1559 N. Milwaukee
Chicago, IL 60622
773-486-cafe (2233)
www.binwinecafe.com

Many consider wine bars to be for wine connoisseurs only. I have often heard friends comment that, though they enjoy wine, they would fear feeling out of place in a wine bar due to their lack of wine knowledge. Bin WIne Cafe will set anyone's mind at ease about the wine bar phenomenon. Whether you're a "win-o" or someone's whose never tasted a glass, you'll find a place at Bin.
The menu gives extensive, clear descriptions of all wines available by the glass. These wines are also placed in categories which allow you to order a "flight" of 4 half glasses of wine. They're also happy to bring you a taste, half or full glass of any wine-by-the-glass. Each is served with a piece of paper stating the name, origin and price of a bottle for reference when purchasing now or later. For the wine expert, Bin offered a good quality and varied selection of wines by the bottle, especially considering the small size of the restaurant and store. Even if you don't like wine, a full bar is available.
The food menu was rather limited, you're definitely there for the wine. However, the appetizer menu was lengthy, great for ordering several and sharing as a group tapas style. I actually had the entree special, an excellent grilled grouper. The restaurant is small and was therefore rather loud on the busy night I dined. I wouldn't recommend it for an intimate dinner for two, but it's a great place for a group of friends any night of the week.

Food: 4 - Very Good
Service: 5 - Excellent

Price: $30-$50 per person (depends how much wine you drink!)
Parking/Transportation: No parking available, though you may find a street space in the surrounding neighborhood. The Damen, blue line stop is just 1 1/2 blocks away and the North Ave. bus stops just a block away at the intersection of North, Damen and Milwaukee.