The buzz: This one stop destination marries two of our greatest vices: coffee and booze.
The décor: This understated yet chic spot with wooden flooring and furniture transitions easily from daytime coffee bar (8am-5pm), using beans from local roasters including Papa Palheta, to wine lounge by night (from 5pm).
The food: Enjoy bar bites like the char-grilled bratwurst ($9 per piece) that come in three varieties--veal, chicken and cheese, and spicy pork. For more substantial eats, try the breaded chicken breast with ham, parmesan, arugula and white wine cream sauce ($28) and duck rillette with crostini ($18).
The drinks: There’s no ignoring the firm spotlight on vinos. Two Enomatic machines featuring 16 different wines allow you to choose from three different sizes (30ml, 75ml or 150ml). You’re furnished with a charge card that you insert into the machine; just grab a glass and press a button. Look forward to a list dominated by Old World wines, many of which are from France. There’s also a retail store with a 400-strong collection of wines to keep the connoisseurs entertained; enjoy them there or take some home with you.
The music: Easy listening, loungey tracks.
The crowd: A well-heeled, polished lot.
Why you’ll be back: For a top-notch vino selection (variety is key) and fab nibbles to go with, Caveau’s hard to beat.
Caveau Wines & Bar is in I-S Best Bars Guide 2014. Download your copy to see where else you should be partying.
