City Winery is a wine bar and live music venue combined into one space

City Winery is a restaurant and bar that serves wine alongside food, and also hosts live concerts and events. Unlike a traditional wine bar where you sit and drink, City Winery operates more like a nightclub or concert hall that happens to have its own wine program. You can arrive for dinner and drinks, or you can come specifically for a ticketed show. Many locations also have a working winery on-site, meaning they produce wine in the same building where you drink it.

The chain operates in multiple cities across the United States, with each location independently owned or operated. The format is consistent: a ground-floor bar and dining area, an upstairs or back performance space for concerts, and often a production facility visible to guests. You do not need a ticket to sit at the bar or eat dinner; tickets are only required if you want a reserved seat for a specific show.

Key Takeaways

  • City Winery combines a full-service wine bar and restaurant with a live music venue in the same location.
  • You can order wine, beer, cocktails, and food without a ticket, or purchase a ticket for a reserved seat at a ticketed concert or event.
  • Many City Winery locations produce their own wine on-site, and you can purchase bottles to take home or drink there.
  • Pricing varies by location and event; dinner and drinks are standard restaurant prices, while concert tickets depend on the performer.
  • Seating is first-come, first-served in the bar area, but ticketed shows have assigned or reserved seating.

How the bar and dining area works

The bar section operates like any wine bar or restaurant. You walk in, sit at the bar or a table, and order from a menu. The wine list typically features the house wines produced on-site (if there is a winery component) plus wines from other producers. You pay for each drink and meal as you order, or you can run a tab and pay at the end of your visit.

Food is usually small plates, charcuterie, cheese, and entrees designed to pair with wine. Prices are comparable to upscale wine bars in the same city — not fast-casual, but not fine dining either. You can stay for 30 minutes or several hours. There is no cover charge or minimum to sit in the bar area, though some locations may have a minimum during peak hours or on nights with a ticketed show.

How ticketed shows and events work

City Winery hosts live music most nights, ranging from local bands to touring artists. Shows are ticketed events, and you purchase tickets in advance through the venue's website or a ticket vendor like Ticketmaster. Ticket prices vary widely depending on the artist — a local performer might be $15 to $25, while a well-known touring act could be $50 to $150 or more.

When you buy a ticket, you receive a reserved or assigned seat in the performance space. You can arrive early to eat dinner and drink at the bar before the show starts, or you can come just for the concert. Food and drinks are available during the show, though service may be limited once the performance begins. Some venues offer a food and drink package bundled with the ticket, while others let you order separately.

What to expect from City Winery's wine program

If the location has an on-site winery, you will see the production equipment — barrels, tanks, bottling lines — visible from the bar or dining area. The house wines are made there, and staff can tell you about the production process. You can order wine by the glass or bottle, and you can also purchase bottles to take home at retail prices, which are typically lower than the by-the-glass markup.

The wine list also includes selections from other wineries, so you are not limited to house wines. Staff are usually trained to make recommendations based on what you are eating or your taste preferences. If you are interested in wine education, some locations offer tastings or classes, though these are separate ticketed events and not part of regular bar service.

Pricing and what it costs to visit

There is no single price for City Winery because it depends entirely on what you order and whether you attend a show. A glass of wine ranges from $8 to $18 depending on the selection. A bottle of house wine might be $30 to $60 retail, or $60 to $120 on the wine list. Food is typically $12 to $35 per item for small plates and entrees.

Concert tickets are separate from food and drink costs. A show ticket might be $20 to $100 or more, depending on the artist. If you attend a ticketed show, you will also spend money on food and drinks during the event, so budget accordingly. Some venues offer discounts for advance purchase or for email subscribers, so check the website before buying.

How to find showtimes and make reservations

Each City Winery location has its own website listing upcoming shows, ticket prices, and event details. You can also check Ticketmaster, Eventbrite, or other ticket vendors for the same information. Most venues update their calendar monthly or more frequently as new artists are booked.

For dinner without a show, you do not need a reservation at most locations — you can walk in and sit at the bar or a table. However, during busy hours or on nights with a large ticketed show, the bar area may be crowded or reserved for ticket holders. Calling ahead or checking the website to see if a show is happening that night can help you plan. Some locations take dinner reservations through their website or by phone, which is useful if you want a may provide table.

The difference between City Winery and other wine bars

A traditional wine bar focuses on wine, cheese, and small plates in a quiet or low-key setting. City Winery is louder, more event-focused, and built around live music. The wine program is important, but it is not the main draw — the venue experience is. If you want to sit quietly and taste wine, a traditional wine bar is a better fit. If you want wine and food alongside live entertainment, City Winery is designed for that.

City Winery also differs from a concert venue that serves alcohol. Because City Winery produces wine on-site and emphasizes the wine program, the experience is more restaurant-like even during shows. You are not just buying a ticket and standing in a crowd; you are sitting at a table with food and wine service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a ticket to sit at the bar and have a drink?

No. The bar and dining area are open to walk-ins without a ticket. Tickets are only required if you want a reserved seat in the performance space for a ticketed show. You can eat and drink at the bar on any night, whether or not there is a show happening.

Can I bring my own wine to City Winery?

Most venues do not allow outside alcohol. City Winery makes its own wine and has a full wine and spirits program, so they do not permit BYOB. Check the specific location's policy, as rules may vary slightly by venue.

What if I buy a concert ticket but want to leave early?

Once you have purchased a ticket, you own a seat for that show. If you leave early, the seat remains yours — you do not get a refund. Some venues allow you to transfer or resell your ticket through their website or a ticket exchange, depending on the artist and venue policy.

Are there age restrictions at City Winery?

The bar and dining area are 21+ after a certain hour (usually 9 p.m. or 10 p.m.), depending on the location and local law. Some daytime or early evening shows may allow younger guests if accompanied by an adult. Check the specific event listing or call the venue to confirm age policy for the show you want to attend.

Can I purchase wine to take home?

Yes. Most locations sell bottles of their house wine and other wines at retail prices. You can buy a bottle at the bar and take it with you, or order online for pickup. Pricing is typically lower than the by-the-glass or by-the-bottle markup for on-premise consumption.