Best of 2003: Best Wine Bar Without The Attitude

The Grape
823 Fifth Avenue, Gaslamp
619-238-8010

You could walk right past this uniquely shaped bar on a busy Saturday night if you weren't looking for it. The Grape, with its long narrow bar, sits between Fio's Italian Bistro and Max on Fifth. It has a selection of over 75 different wines from all over the world, imported and domestic beers, and an exotic martini selection. Imported cheeses and house specialties, such as baked brie topped with artichoke hearts and grilled peppers, complement the libations. Maria Viscuso, an entrepreneur originally from Dallas, opened The Grape -- San Diego's first wine bar -- over six years ago. The environment she has created encourages wine novices and connoisseurs to return for more.