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“The Republic of Eastport Makes Its Case for Best Restaurant in Annapolis”
Review of Vin 909 Winecafe

Vin 909 Winecafe
Ranked #2 of 341 Restaurants in Annapolis
Price range: $15 - $40
Cuisines: American
Dining options: Late Night, Reservations
Restaurant details
Dining options: Late Night, Reservations
Reviewed November 15, 2015

If I could select one restaurant from Annapolis, DC or Baltimore to move to the Eastern Shore where I live, it would be Vin 909. From the comfy Sears Roebuck House with beautiful landscaping to the arty, friendly-funky bar and wait staff to the remarkable food, Vin 909 is a destination that never disappoints.

Even a salad here is an experience. The first time I visited, the salad was a mix of greens picked from just outside the window in the restaurant's garden, goat cheese and a dressing that enhanced every bite. I had a flatbread mushroom pizza with caramelized onions and a glass of Tuscan Red Wine.

I've been there 5 times since, with 4 of them as takeout orders where I will bring home pizza, pulled mozzarella and two salads. My wife, who is not usually a fan of most restaurant food, actually craves their salads, saying I can bring them home any time.

The menu is very seasonal and offers a good mix of vegetarian, seafood and meat options. I've never had anything there that wasn't fresh and memorable, and the service is always very thoughtful.

Date of visit: November 2015
Thank EGH_7
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviews (736)
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365 - 369 of 736 reviews

Reviewed November 13, 2015

This used to be my favorite restaurant for miles around and I often make a special effort to go. I wrote glowingly about it on Tripadvisor a while back and recommended it to everyone who asks. But: something happened on the last visit that has soured me - and prevented me from recommending it or wanting to go back any time soon. The service was absolutely terrible last time - almost non-existent, if that's possible. I had taken a visitor from overseas to meet a friend there. It wasn't as busy as usual, so no excuse there. I emailed one of the owners about this issue, hoping that he would would at least promise to look into it in the hope or preventing it from occurring in future. I got an out-of-office response saying he was due back on October 31st and have waited two weeks without reply. If his attitude carries over to staff, then no wonder the servers don't appear to care. So: go for the terrific, fresh, locally-sourced food and great wine, but don't depend on receiving decent service. This past experience was a real let-down for me and my group. You really cannot rest on your laurels when you run a business that depends on repeat visits. A simple apology would have been enough. I was not asking for any compensation. The food was as good as ever.

Date of visit: October 2015
    • Value
    • Service
    • Food
1  Thank Tric B
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed November 7, 2015

Situated in a quaint cottage-type building, Vin 909 is a very popular spot for "locals", located right across the bridge into the Eastport section of Annapolis, Vin 909 is a trendy, friendly, cozy choice. Small plates, a large selection of fine wine as well as some craft beer are the mainstays. Well-trained staff can help you make a well-paired selection from their extensive wine list and creative Chef "Justine" is simply excellent! It is easy to see why this place is so popular. It is also easy to see why DC food guide rates it very highly.

They do not take reservations and the lines start to build around 5:00, but it is worth the wait. Open for lunch as well on several days, so check their website for details.

My favorite was the Wild Boar Pizza (large enough to share) and beet salad! yum! That and a glass or two of their excellent wine always makes for return visits.

Date of visit: September 2015
Thank 68PatriciaY
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed October 31, 2015 via mobile

Like the other reviews, the pizza is out of this world. All of the dishes look and taste perfect. Even the starter bread is wonderful. Now the downside....we arrived at 9:15 on a Friday night. Generally, at that time there is little to no wait in a restaurant, but not here. While 15 minutes is not a long wait, at that time at night it will tell you how busy they are. The noise inside the house portion of the seating is high so you feel like you are dining in much larger crowded restaurant. There is seating on the heated front porch or out back in the tented heated patio. It was quite out there with a wonderful atmosphere. Definitely worth going and we will go again. Their wine selection is great.

Date of visit: October 2015
Thank Hugh B
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed October 27, 2015

I am reluctant to write about this restaurant because it is so popular now that you have difficulty getting in. They do not take reservations and open at 5:30 and all tables fill up fast. In the summer time you can get a glass of wine and eat it out doors while waiting for your table which is fine. The food is more than outstanding, service friendly and efficient.

Date of visit: July 2015
    • Value
    • Service
    • Food
Thank Maria M
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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