02/20/08

Great Variety

by kqh

This is a great place to go on a date or a with a group of friends. They have something for everyone! They get crowded quick, so go early to grab a patio spot.

• Pros: great variety
• Cons: crowded

03/09/09

Great wine! Food... eh

by katilusa

I tried this place for the first time last night with a friend of mine. The atmosphere was lovely - trendy, but inviting. We thoroughly enjoyed the wine flights, which were groupings of three complementary wines. The flights came with corresponding cards that told you about the different wines you were drinking - great conversation starter, which we thought would make it ideal for a first date.

The food had its ups and downs. The crabcake was wonderful, but our entrees (duck breast and kobe beef) were subpar. Our entrees arrived very late after we finished our appetizers (about 45 minutes), but the wait staff was very apologetic and brought us a complimentary appetizer (fried brie - very good!). My kobe beef was flavored well, and seemed to be cooked beautifully (med. rare), but oddly enough was quite chewy... very disappointing. My friend's duck was cold, and in my opinion underseasoned. However, the desserts were wonderful again (NY cheesecake and warm cookie cake).

Overall, and great place for wine/appetizers, but next time I go, I'll probably forego the entrees.

• Pros: Wine, atmosphere
• Cons: Food not up to par with other fine restaraunts

10/10/08

Good wine flights, move on for dinner

by mercystreet

I've been here twice. Both times I was impressed by the wine and underwhelmed by the food. If you are just looking for happy hour or after-dinner drinks (the flights are very enjoyable, as is the cheese platter) this is a great spot. But the entrees are overpriced and you will leave still feeling hungry.

• Pros: Wine
• Cons: Food

09/21/08

Cru-el Joke!

by Juma63

The Domain location is to be avoided like a drooling leper. Terrible service, lame selection, and worst of all, they sneak in 20% service charges to even small parties, even though it isn't posted anywhere. What a joke.

• Pros: NONE
• Cons: Automatic (but hidden) 20% gratuity for small parties of 4+

07/23/08

Excellent customer service - so far

by churchin

I am planning a party in the private room for 12 people, and Amee (catering and events manager) is absolutely awesome. She has worked with me to build a custom menu of appetizers and has been flexible enough to make our package to suit our needs.

If the food, dinner service, and wine are as good as the service so far, we will definitely be going back.

I will update after our dinner!

11/13/06

great place to start your night, or hang out all night!

by texumas

Cru offers a good selection of flights and wines by the glass, but they have some real gems on their bottle only list. They have a quality selection of the "currently trendy" Pinot Noirs. Prices are moderate too. They offer artisan cheeses, shared plates and full entrees that were tasty, but not memorable.

The staff was friendly and knowledgable, and the upscale atmosphere was inducive to romantic, as well as philosophical conversations. No reservations are accepted, but they do offer "call ahead" seating.

• Pros: A mecca for girl's night out. Great location.

With a big city feel, this hip, urban wine bar is at home in the trendy Second Street District.

by Contributor

In Short
Modern decor, flickering candles and mixed seating including cushy banquettes and stuffed chairs create a warm atmosphere. Young professionals, couples and small groups fill this boisterous yet intimate wine bar and restaurant. Cru's wine selection spans the globe, emphasizing California labels by the bottle, glass or flight (a trio of 2-ounce servings of different red, white or sparkling wines). A variety of shared plates, entrees and desserts offer sustenance and flavors to complement drinks.