Bomberos Cafe & Wine Bar is my new neighborhood hangout. It's perfect. The patio is lovely, the inside decor is charming and in addition to an artfully created wine list, they have a delightful menu for social munching. They aren't just a wine bar.... With their morning coffee and pastries, their dog friendly patio, and their free wifi, Bomberos is earning a place in the neighborhood in the morning as well.\n\nWhen owners Oscar and Kristi Mastrantuono chose their location, he had some ready made advantages as well as some interesting challenges. The building is an old firehouse, thus the name Bombero which means fireman in Spanish. The space is small, but they retained the firehouse doors. On days when the weather cooperates, I suspect that they will be able to open those doors and expand seating to the ample walkway in front of the station. Any area big enough to hold a few fire trucks is certainly big enough for a few patio tables. The Mastrantuonos have used the area in back of the building to good advantage. He has created a delightful seating area. The landscape is soothing and enchantingly lit with candles, strategically placed electric lights and a central fire pit. There are couches and chairs toward the back which appear to be a stage area for the nights when they have live music. The interior is just spare enough to be dramatic while still maintaining warmth and intimacy. The night I was there, they had arranged vases of tulips on the tables and community seating areas. The contrasting textures, of lots of steel, mirrors, brick and glass did not overwhelm those beautiful tulips. So it is with their clientele... the environment enhances, never overwhelms.\n\nBomberos opens at 7am each morning with coffee and pastries. I expect that they will do well during the mornings. In addition to good coffee and pastries, they provide free wifi. That will make it very easy for people working nearby to stop in for their break, or arrange morning meetings on their patio.\n\nThe wine list is exclusively South American. They have some inspired choices. I was only able to try 2, and managed to taste a sip of 2 others. I loved the La Yunta 2005 Torronts. I had the Cousino Macul Antiguas Reservas Cabernet which was good, but didn't capture my taste buds the way the La Yunta did. The 2 Brothers Big Tattoo was more to my liking. Not only was that delicious, $.50 of every bottle sold goes to \"charities benefiting breast cancer research. I can drink with a social conscience.\n\nIt is easy to find things on the menu to enhance your wine choices. They have 5 different Bruchetta. For $10 you select 3 varieties for your plate. Of the three chosen by the friend who accompanied me that evening, i loved one, and thought the other 2 were good, but nothing exceptional. They serve panini for $10 with the same toppings, and an additional 2 that sounded good. A cheese plate is custom made for $16. They have a list of 5 cheeses from which the customer can select 3. The cheeses are served with dried fruit, nuts and fresh bread. They have a meat plate for $14 too.\n\nI really enjoyed the atmosphere and wine list at Bomberos. Next time, I will try more of their food. I did have the chance to talk to Oscar before leaving. He is a charming host. I didn't get a chance to meet Kristi. Perhaps I will meet her on my next visit.
places reviews