Clemson Wine Bar

Unless you're in the cool kids club, I'd skip this place! I was SO excited to find this place. I love a good wine bar, especially one that serves food! The menu looked amazing, so I chose this as my dinner spot. I arrived at 5:15, early because my day started early and I'm alone (traveling for business) so it's awkward to start with so I'd rather get in and get out before the dinner rush. The server tells me he will have to see if he has room for me (and he's not being sarcastic). Really?! There is 1 table seated and a couple at the bar. He offered the bar which is fine by me. I'm handed a stack of 3 menus and he walks away. During this time, what I can only assume is the owner and the server are falling all over the couple at the bar talking about vacations and he's pouring them free samples. I had seen they have a taco special on Tuesday and maybe even a Happy Hour, but there's no mention of it or any signs. I asked and it looked like I hassled the server. I should've left then. Instead I chose the seared tuna salad and asked the server (as he was still in conversation with the couple and taking my order - really?) to recommend a great pairing. This place has a great by the glass program so why not ask an expert right?! He recommends, I order it. All good. My food comes out quickly it's quite tasty and the wine pairs nicely. However I just feel awkward the entire time. This is a bar first and foremost, but no one has been very welcoming. A female server finally senses the awkwardness and checks in on me. By this time another local had come in and is updating everyone on her dog stories for the day, photos and all. Everyone is all ears.... joining in... Just adding more of a locals only vibe. I noticed another table is having a 3 glass wine tasting. Why wasn't I told about/offered the tasting? I paid out as soon as I was done and left. I would've loved a second glass of something but I just didn't feel welcome at this spot. It should be a private club or something because if you aren't local or in their cool kids club, don't bother.

We had the BEST time here with our Tiger daughter yesterday! We got there around 4:15 and were the only customers for a bit. Service, food, and drinks were all outstanding…we even got the opportunity to chat with the owner who was great. Definitely a step up from the bar scene downtown. Give it a try!

Clemson wine bar is a cool nice place. It has some great food options, a great charcuterie board and is great with most cocktails. The staff is very friendly and the atmosphere is reasonably relaxed. It doesn't require any dress code or anything, but business casual is a good way to go, nothing fancy. You're also fine in a t-shirt. It is smaller but has pretty decent seating considering ~30ppl max including outdoor seating. A decent selection for wine, beer, and cocktails. I would definitely recommend for the Clemson area.

The Clemson Wine Bar is one of our new favorite places to go. Extremely knowledgeable staff (certified Sommelier) who really know their wine. Great customer service, even when they're hoppin' busy. Amazing food that just keeps getting better every time we visit. The owners are extremely kind and welcoming as well.