Has anyone tried Joie de Vine?

We drove by this place the other night, and it seemed full, with people dining outside. I think it was on West Balmoral. I can't find any reviews of it anywhere. Thanks. If we go, I'll post.

1744 W Balmoral Ave
Chicago, IL 60640
(773) 989-6846

went this week. Grrrreat cheeses/charcuterie and good wine list PLUS full bar. Dreamy. However inside is a bit sterile - go when nice and sit outside.

The Least Enjoyable Bar Experience I've Had In Recent Memory - A brief drama

Interior - JdV - 5 pm

I enter a completely empty bar just after it opens for the day. In spite of the bar's name, a wall of spirits and liqueurs spans from one end of the space to the other.

me: Hi!
bartender: Can I help you?
me: Uh, sure. Can I please see a menu? And a glass of water would be great.
bartender: grumble Here's the menu but we can make anything.

The cocktail menu is comprised mostly of vodka-based drinks. Nothing appeals to me.

me: May I have a dry old-fashioned with Wild Turkey 101?
bartender: What do you mean by dry?
me: Not sweet. Maybe half as sweet as you would normally make it.
bartender: Um, ok.

Bartender then proceeds to make a watery old-fashioned, incorporating a German-made blood orange liqueur. It's sweet and not very good.

My friend comes in. He also is uninterested in the menu offerings.

him: Can you please make me whatever whiskey drink you think is interesting? Dry please.
bartender: grumble Ok.

Several minutes pass. A few drinks are started and dumped. A drink is finally completed and served. Bartender drops it in front of my friend and walks away. A few moments later, she strolls back. Friend asks bartender what's in the drink and she tells him (I don't remember). I taste it. It's even more watery than my drink was.

him (quietly, to me): Should we go to Big Jones?
me: Yes.
us: Check, please.

Scene

=R=

Hilarious. I found the place equally unfriendly when I went 5 years ago. But I am not in the target market.