A favorite among many locals and visitors to the Orlando area, Vines Grille & Wine Bar continues to offer first rate service, excellent food along with popular entertainment - a feat only a handful of Orlando area restaurants can pull off.
Vines is one of the few independently (non-chain) owned restaurants that make up Sand Lake's Restaurant Row. Close to the Downtown Orlando area as well as the Orange County Convention Center, Vines has become a destination for those looking for an entire evening out, dinner, dessert and dancing.
DÉCOR:
Step outside the Orlando area for a minute and imagine entering an upscale, modern Chicago Steakhouse. Large open space, elegant woods, dimmed lights and linen tablecloths. Even the fascinating faux flame feature on the back wall tends to add a bit of warmth without the actual heat.
DINING:
Vines is a very well laid out restaurant and bar that affords private venues throughout the space without ever giving a closed off feeling. Even the wine room that is situated in the middle of the open space provides a decorative divider between the bar area and the dining room. The exterior walls of the wine room are both functional and attractive. The dining room side displays a good part of the restaurant's large wine collection, the bar side is the backdrop for the extensive liquor selection that is available.
Arnold Palmer Room
Step inside the wine room, known as the Arnold Palmer Room and the feeling of
seclusion is achieved while still being literally 'in the middle of it all.'
Wine tastings and private dinner functions can accommodate 18 to 20 guests.
Cedar Room
Complete set up for business functions, this glassed in room adjacent to the
main dining area can accommodate 40 to 50 guests. Though the restaurant is
not open for lunch, this room could be requested during the afternoon hours for
private functions. This room also provides the perfect setup for a
civilized gathering to watch the SuperBowl.
Outdoor Terrace
The large covered outdoor area provides a comfortable spot for the cigar smokers
in the group. Large screen TV's can keep sports fans in touch with the
latest plays.
MENU:
One of the many things I can count on when visiting Vines for dinner is consistently excellent service and food quality. The wait staff is knowledgeable and helpful - making suggestions and explaining the preparation of the food. You can also count on your favorite entree being available on a returning visit.
Menu choices are what you would expect at a high-end steakhouse: 28 day dry-age Prime Certified Angus Beef, American Kobe beef along with a complete selection of cuts. Chef creations include: Chilean Sea Bass, Wild Salmon, Lamb Chops and Osso Bucco. Appetizers selections include: Calamari, Oysters Rockefeller and Grilled Octopus.
Notes:
- Fresh Seafood is brought in daily - never frozen.
- Beef is a 28 day dry-age.
If there is still room for dessert, be sure to try the Key Lime Pie, a restaurant specialty
WINE AND COCKTAILS:
Continuous recognition of Best of Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator is due in part to the 5 sommeliers that are on staff at the restaurant. The large selection of wines available range in price from $28 per bottle to close to $10,000. If you prefer to bring your own wine, there is a $20 corkage fee.
Bar Specials
In addition to Thursday Ladies Night from 8-1 with $4 Absolut Cocktails and
Martinis, Vines offers a nightly happy hour special in the bar from 4 to 7:
- 50% off Bar menu appetizers
- 50% off wines by the glass
- Martinis $7
- Signature cocktails $6
- Premium Wells $5
ENTERTAINMENT:
You can expect to find live entertainment every night of the week from some of the Orlando area's top jazz performers. Though the musicians perform in the bar area, the music can be heard throughout the restaurant also. Feel free to dance, plenty of space is provided in front of the band.
The extensive bar area offers seating at the bar, high-top tables and comfortable sofas in a back nook.
Note: The volume of the music is comfortable and appropriate, not overpowering where it would prevent patrons from communicating with each other.
LOCATION:
Vine's Grille & Wine Bar
407-351-1277
7533 W. Sand Lake Road
Orlando, FL 32819
EXTRAS
Free valet parking - though parking can usually be found near the restaurant.
Fully stocked humidor – select your after-dinner cigar and enjoy it in the comfortable outdoor smoking area.
Group dining and prix fixe menus are available for larger groups.