57 Degrees

10/07/2007 Posted by downtown_local

Local wine bar located in East Village. Had the opportunity to stop be a few weeks ago. I'm not a real wine person, but the atmosphere inside made me curious. After walking in I was greeted by a friendly bartender. I opted for a local brewery beer, but was talked into trying some of the favorites by the locals. The atmosphere was quite different then the typical downtown scene. It was quite trendy, but I didn't have to flag the bartender down each time I was looking for a refill. The people were extremely friendly and was even greeted by the owner who also gave me some of his recommendations. Has a few different rooms within the faciltiy and was actually able to have a conversation with people I can hear. The owner told me about the Sunday barbecues with the ability to watch several different games. I ended up coming back on Sunday and much to my suprise I was able to watch the game that I wanted without any trouble. I definately rate this faciltiy as a must try. I think you'll find it a recurring place to visit.

Pros: Trendy wine bar with local beers. Excellent crowd.

02/10/2007 Posted by bluezin

The atmosphere is inviting with Christmas lights, expensive candleholders, and plenty of empty, soft barstools - seemingly odd for nine-ish on a Friday night. The tender - friendly, and rightfully so with only about a handful of patrons within his vicinity. I asked him for something red to soak up the sadness of leaving two years in Hawai'i behind me to start over new in San Diego, and he gave me a ($10 a glass, mind you) Zin that slapped the mouth with cocoa as he kept repeating that the vines were 100 years old. The night would have been fine, if it had ended there. But one half of a couple of self-proclaimed regulars invited me over to their table, which I accepted since I know nobody in this town. He says that his friend had been admiring me, yadda yadda ya, and bearing the residue of a recently broken relationship, I felt that I had little to lose over just simple conversation. Little did I know that I was playing a part in a joke at my own expense. The drunken liar across from me began berating me with insulting questions as the tender hovered within earshot. It didn't take me too long to realize that the rather cold-shouldered, smug guy next to me did not, in fact, wish for me to join them and to erradicate any doubt, I simply asked him - "You didn't send your friend over to invite me to your table, did you?" He slammed his drink, and responded, "No..." Pause. "Would it have been better if I lied?" "No," I responded, embarassed beyond belief. I then awkwardly awaited for the tender to return from some duties in the cellar to pay for my $10 glass of wine that I traveled half an hour each way to painfully slurp down as I was humiliated before my very own eyes. Meanwhile, the dudes continued to make fun of an older lady at the end of the bar as I searched for my wallet and keys. So went my evening of first contact with the locals. Thank you so much, San Diegans, for making me feel so welcome, when I already felt so alone, in this new town.

Pros: Parking

Cons: Clientele, Location

12/27/2006 Posted by redallthetime

Did not even know this place stored wine until I read it in your review? What I found was a great Wine experience in the East Village area of downtown San Diego. I arrived and found easy parking in Fifty Seven Degrees free that's right free parking lot. I was immediately warmed by 57's not so trendy but more cutting edge appearance. There wine list was filled with geek wines some I knew some I did not. The did not's are always of more interest to me. I first chose a Spanish White recommended by the insightful winetender and it was delightful. While sipping this glass a Blues Band began to set up on 57's stage. Being from Austin, Texas Live Music was a must in any great Bar experience. The band did not disappoint. I followed my Shanish with a Oakey Chard a great Red Blend from South Africa then a solid Cal Cab. The respectful 30ish crowd did everything from dance to sing along with the Live Music. An unexpected experience at a wonderful Wine Bar in San Diego!

Pros: Great wine list

Cons: None

11/16/2006 Posted by budgetjeff

I stopped by 57 Degrees because my friends were talking about how the atmosphere is really layed back but the winos there know their stuff. They certainly did! Above just wine, I enjoyed watching music videos on the big screen, getting a tour of the wine storage facility and had a nice Cuban on the patio. The owner was telling me about the Sunday BBQ in the parking lot- definetly not your average stuffy wine cellar!

Pros: Micro Brew on Tap, Cigars, and Good Music

Cons: A bit small for how many people where there