Inspired by the whimsy aesthetic of “Alice in Wonderland,” Vin de Syrah Spirit and Wine Parlor in downtown San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter is an underground lounge worthy of its “eat me”s and “drink me”s.
Prove you’re of age to a moustached man behind a velvet rope on the corner of Fifth Avenue and E Street and you’ll be permitted to descend down a questionable subway-stop stairwell. At this point, it’s impossible to tell you’re just steps away from the entrance to SD’s trendiest watering hole. Look for an inconspicuous gold handle jutting from of an ivy-covered wall, and — once you’ve made it inside — make your way to the left. The right side’s plush, oversized booths are reserved for bottle service, which will cost you about $300.
It’s impossible not to gawk at Syrah’s décor: white, porcelain parasols are suspended from the ceiling, and warm wax candles dangle from mangled tree roots. The front door’s floor-to-ceiling ivy spreads over the inside wall as well, interrupted here and there by butterfly- and moss-adorned brick and wallpapered forest.
Most impressive is an oversized table for 12 where wine tastings are held every Friday and Saturday — suitable for vino virgins and winos alike — just sit back, close your eyes and imagine your sommelier is mad and your drink is a very strong tea.
Of course, given it was recently dubbed a “hotspot” by Yelp, Syrah becomes more crowded than Geisel on finals week by 10 p.m. Not surprising, considering the list of cocktails and wines could take you years to conquer. The bar even offers the elusive Chimay — a fruity ale brewed by Belgian monks — and a more welcoming air than the other bourgie wine joints in town.
The best time to score a phone number is post-10 p.m., when the deejays’ house beats and top-40 mashups provide an ample soundtrack for scoping eye candy, while the French Gewurztraminer provides you the liquid courage to approach.
For the best service on the other hand, arrive during Syrah’s happy hour — 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. — for $5 sangria specials. Or, show up with a group and split a bottle of wine. (Most are in the $30 range, but they can go from $22 for a domestic Pinot Grigio to $140 for a 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon.)
If you’re not a wine drinker, not to worry: Syrah doubles as a spirit parlor. Try scratch-made specialty drinks like the Caprese Martini — complete with cucumber, basil and sundried tomatoes — or the Gaslamp Lady, a sweeter, more palatable lime, grapefruit and cayenne pepper rim
