Melanie Wine Bar debuted in 2022 from Andy Paxson (Simple Things) and Dave Gibbs (Sushi Note). This venue boasts an old-school feel, featuring vintage photos, books and tennis racquets on display throughout.
Chef Jorge Simental's menu draws heavily upon both French and Italian flavors, offering dishes such as croque monsieur, Whale's Cove mussels with Vadouvan curry sauce and Melanie Smash Burger featuring pepper jack cheese, onion jam, pickles and chipotle aioli.
Vintage Decor
Melanie offers an opulent old world atmosphere with its throwback Edison bulbs, black and white photos, vintage wine bottles displayed on steel-pipped shelves, and comfortable brown leather banquettes, "MWB"-engraved wooden two-top tables and exquisite white Carrera marble wine bar - making her an ideal fit in West 3rd Street restaurant corridor.
Named for co-owner Andy Paxson's wife, this cozy wine bar offers a refreshing restaurant concept to encourage curiosity among wine enthusiasts in an accessible atmosphere. Additionally, our team encourages novices to tap their adventurous side by sampling various varietals from around the globe.
This menu showcases an exquisite bottle selection with an emphasis on France and Italy as well as wonderful wines by the glass, designed specifically to encourage regular tasting of new wines. Rose and orange varietals such as Domaine Rolet Crement de Jura or Raft Wines' Jonquille Viognier stand out. Reds such as Denis Carre's "La Perriere" Pinot Noir or Manzone "Le Ciliegie" Dolcetto offer delicious options.
Revolving “By the Glass” Wine List
Melanie provides guests with an exciting dining experience through its rotating "by the glass" wine list, which specializes in whites and sparklings. Additionally, Melanie blends Parisian wine bar vibes with Japanese listening bar (kissaten) ambience by serving delicious dishes like raw Hokkaido scallop with hickory nuts and jalapenos.
Andy Paxson and Dave Gibbs of Mirabelle and Augustine fame are leading this new no-reservations wine bar on West Third Street. Working alongside Chef Consultant Dro Dergevorkian of Augustine to craft a small plate menu featuring bold flavor elements that complement wines perfectly, they have taken over Simple Things along West Third Street to launch this no-reservations wine bar.
Shane Lopez (Augustine), curator of the limited bottle list at Augustine, leans heavily towards France and Italy for their selection. Sparkling options such as Black Dog Hill Brut Cuvee NV, Ridgeview Bloomsbury Classic Cuvee NV and Cottonworth Greyfriars Rose Reserve 2014 standout; reds such as Denis Carre 'La Perriere' Pinot Noir and Manzone Le Ciliegie Dolcetto stand out.
Small Plate Menu
MELANIE's team collaborated with Chef Consultant Dro Dergevorkian (Augustine) to transform the traditional wine bar experience into one more accessible for novice and avid wine enthusiasts alike, developing a menu of small plates designed to highlight prominent flavors found across wine regions. Each dish highlights strong flavor elements that pair perfectly with particular wines.
MELANIE's dinner menu boasts an exquisite blend of French and Italian fare, such as Whale's Cove Mussels prepared with Vadouvan curry, coconut milk, heirloom tomatoes and garlic breadcrumbs; Sweet Corn Risotto served with parmigiano reggiano and chipotle aioli; Prime Hanger Steak and Frites with au poivre sauce, Melanie Smash Burger as well as Crab Fettuccine served with lobster stock, roasted tomatoes and Thai basil are just a few examples; larger plate options include Prime Hanger Steak with au poivre sauce Prime Hanger Steak and Frites; Prime Hanger Steak and Frites served with au poivre sauce while Crab Fettuccine is served up thai basil!
Melanie Wine Bar strives to elevate the local wine scene through weekly "Wine Talks", hosted by their wine director. These educational events allow guests to get an in-depth view of exotic and familiar varietals while learning more about their histories.
Wine Education
Melanie Wine Bar strives to break away from the conventional wine bar experience with weekly themed talks and tasting experiences designed to transform it. These weekly talks aim to familiarize wine novices and enthusiasts alike with different varietals from around the globe through history and production methods, so as not to overwhelm.
Owners Andy Paxson (Simple Things) and Dave Gibbs (Sushi Note) employed Shane Lopez of Augustine Wine Bar as their Wine Consultant to curate an extensive bottle list with French and Italian wines as the focus. Notable among these selections include bubbly such as Domaine Rolet Crement de Jura; whites like Maison Lispaul Sauvignon Blanc; Tenuta Tascante "Buonora" Carricante; as well as red wines like Manzone 'Le Ciliegie Dolcetto; Les Vins de Vienne Syrah.
Chef Consultant Dro Dergevorkian created an approachable small plate menu featuring strong flavors like spices and acids in order to accompany the wine selection.
