Bacchus House Wine Bar & Bistro

Now that we’ve been there, I’m embarrassed to admit this was our first time going to Bacchus House. We had no idea this place, which is within walking distance from our home, is such a hidden little gem. Not that we actually walked there, but we did ride the scooters. And it’s not really hidden. I’ve driven past it at least twice a day, 4-5 times a week for the past 10 years (3 ½ for Brian). Upon our arrival, a lady sitting at the bar greeted us with, “Shake and Date is here!” (Yes, it made me all giddy). And then the bartender Kayla, told us she was honored to have us be there. We were the ones who were honestly honored that she felt honored. The restaurant is not very big, and the bar only seats 10 people. Since there were 10 people already seated on the barstools, we sat at a little table next to the bar. The lady who had greeted us upon our arrival graciously offered to switch places with us so we could sit there instead, but we thanked her and said we were fine. After a few minutes though, 2 stools opened up so we ended up relocating after all. We found ourselves submerged into the very friendly patrons sitting around us. Most (if not all) of them were regulars, and I can absolutely see why.

Their Happy Hour menu is not on the website, and I forgot to take a picture of it to share. There were about 8 or so appetizers on it and their specialty cocktails are $3 off. After we asked what their “flavor of the week” was, Brian chose The Vulcan: “God of Fire” drink and I went with The Vixen. They were both really good drinks. So good in fact, for the first time since starting Shake and Date, I indulged in a second one. The appetizers we chose was their bruschetta and deviled eggs (this was the first time I had ever seen deviled eggs on a menu). I found it super interesting that they cut the eggs in half the opposite way from the usual. I mentioned that to Kayla, and she replied with, “Yeah, we’re weird here”. And just like that, another great reason to love this place! Both appetizers were really good, but the bruschetta was amazing. This bruschetta was also on soft bread (second time I’ve experienced that now) that they make themselves. Oh, and they also provide you with delicious, fresh bread and butter upon your arrival. Even at the bar.

Bacchus House is a very quant, fancy little place with lots of different décor for your viewing pleasure. There’s stained glass art hanging in all the windows, what I can only think to describe as “glass balls” hanging over the bar, and various art and statues situated throughout. We learned that the glass balls were put up for the Wizard of Oz theme they had done a couple years ago that they decided afterwards to leave hanging. So another thing we learned about this little place within a stone’s throw of our home, is they do themes. We were informed they’ve also done a Star Wars theme. Not only that, but they go all out for Halloween and Christmas. How have we not known this!?? We’re like kindred spirits with these people. First of all, there’s the weird thing. And it just so happens we also love to go all out for Halloween and Christmas!

Everything about this place was an enjoyable experience. The patrons and the bartender Kayla were all very friendly, we were well taken care of, and conversations centered on things we were actually interested in to talk and hear about. No working out talk or what types of foods they were currently depriving their body. Just living life talk and reminiscing of things from the past and how much has changed over the years. We were instantly made to feel like we were part of the regulars. So if you haven’t been there, I highly recommend you go. However, from all the comments I’ve seen about this place on Facebook, I have a feeling we are the only ones who hadn’t been there. Overall, Bacchus House has that comforting, intimate atmosphere like it is the type of place you could regularly go to where everybody knows your name. Cheers!