Just what the D.O.C. ordered
I'll get this out of the way right now: I've never been to a wine bar. Because of that, I wasn't quite sure what to expect with D.O.C. My guess was it would be along the lines of an upscale, classy bar -- which is pretty spot on. Motif: Entering through the revolving door, you are greeted by warm lights, wood floors and a friendly staff. Though D.O.C.'s layout is smaller than what you'd expect after surveying the building from outside, the space is well used. The main floor features wooden booths aligned opposite the bar and draped floor-to-ceiling windows. The wooden bar has a few chairs and prominently displays many wine bottles behind glass windows. Behind the stretch of booths sit more wooden tables and chairs with some comfortable, couchlike seating arrangements. A small candle perches on each table, adding to D.O.C.'s warm, comfortable atmosphere. A mirror and artwork adorn the brown and burgundy walls.
Crowd: The just-off-work office crowd dominated, and on the evening of my visit, most of the seats were filled by women.
Service: The friendly wait staff answered questions and skillfully referred wines to their guests, while not laughing when I ordered a beer.
Liquid consumption: D.O.C.'s extensive wine list will suit most visitors, who can select a bottle or choose flights of selected wines. Bottled beer and mixed drinks also are available.
Food: Choose from an extensive list of appetizers priced from $5 to $10 and small plates with selections of bruschetta, cheeses and cured meats for $8, as well as a full menu of soups, salads, pasta, meat and fish, sandwiches, side dishes and desserts. Entrees are $14 for cabernet braised short rib with mashed potatoes and horseradish gremolota to $21 for Maryland crab cakes with dipping sauce and fries; most sandwiches are $9 with a salad or fries.
Parking: Lots of spots, but you're dealing with mall parking, so you might face a bit of a hike.
Bottom line: D.O.C. Wine Bar is an extremely welcoming, calm and downright relaxing place. And with such a huge drink list, wine and cocktail lovers have great reason to keep visiting.
D.O.C. Wine Bar
326 Yorktown Center, Lombard
Phone: (630) 627-6666
Web: docwinebarchicago.com
Hours: 11a.m. to 1 a.m. Sunday, Monday-Thursday; 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday