Bar Veloce

Great Atmosphere !!

Sad to report Veloce and Carrera have gone down hill... – Couldn't help but notice the dates on all these previous reviews are 2009 and older... know that there is a big reason for this. Bar Veloce and Bar Carrera use to be one of my top neighborhood spots for over 5 years until everything at each location went awry almost overnight. Last year I noticed quality went down big time in the food and service department. It got to the point where just getting a glass of wine took forever and I even had to specifically explain to a newer bartender what Amaro was and where to find mine behind the bar. Saw on Eater recently that the owners are being sued by the staff over illegally taking wages and tips from them. I already stopped heading to these spots on account of the fact that they've dropped off a cliff with respect to quality. Because of them stealing from their employees i know to never return... shame on you guys for ruining what were cool spots.

YUM! – great cheese plates, best I've had in a long while- and nice vibe, scene, prices, --- a sure thing for the couple or maybe 3 or 4 size group.

Good (Italian) Selection, Helpful Staff – I'm a big fan of Italian wine bar, especially ones that are close to my apartment. Classy atmosphere without being too pretentious, Veloce strikes a nice balance between traditional and modern. Great wine selection by the bottle or glass from all regions of Italy; appropriate selections of olives and meats also available. The long, narrow space is best enjoyed during the week when it isn't too crowded.

Great for an early drink or even a Nightcap – Frequently make a stop at Veloce - either early or late in the night. The staff is always attentive. Good selections of wine and the food is on par with the pricing. I love the desserts. Bartender always remembers who you are and usually remembers what you drank last time.

An East Village wine bar for the cultivated palate. – In Short
One of three Veloce outposts, this sophisticated Italian wine bar is surrounded by a sea of frat-friendly, cheap beer-serving locales. A late-20s crowd listens to instrumental jazz while sipping sake, grappa, sexo (a red wine with tannic cherry highlights), and classics like sherry, bourbon, cognac and port, all while nibbling a menu of delectable pressed sandwiches. Servers clad in suits and ties, an endless stream of muted black-and-white movies on a big-screen TV, and candles that flicker before an impressive display of wine racks add to the classy vibe.

Hits: A romantic spot to take a date you want to get cozy with.

Misses: Despite strategically placed mirrors along the walls designed to make the place seem bigger than it is, Bar Veloce is so small that claustrophobes would be advised to stay away.

Great Chill Atmosphere – Great Italian wine, good cheese platter and awesome hazelnut dessert. Decor was modern simple and cool. The only service is the bartender, (he was great) and the place is like a train car w/ limited seating. However, even if every seat is taken, it is not a loud rowdy place...very chill. It' perfect for a few snacks and drinks w/ one or two friends.

This place ROCKS!!! – The service was amazing! We don't like to be babysat, our bartender knew when to step in and when to leave our group alone. The atmosphere is well-respected, we appreciated the volume control because I personally, didn't want to hear loud nonsense throughout the evening. Especially after a long days work and the bar food and wine were the ingredients much needed to unwind and savor the flavors.

Loved it!!!! – Read about Bar Veloces' in NY Magazine. We visited both locations last night and fell in love with it. Our overall experience at East Village location was beyond what we expected - Cool service (the bartender didn't need to babysit us, Bar Veloce menu was self-explanatory, the description was helpful), straightforward bar snacks (just melted in our mouths, zesty and flavorful) and the wines were incredible and different in an exceptionally positive way. We've never had wine that tasted this good at other "wine bars", it's like, this place reminded us of Italy.. the space is warm and inviting. We ventured to Bar Carrera next door, and it was just a great way to end the evening, it was fun and we didn't think we'd have enough room for dessert, but we managed, happily so!

Real cool wine bar – We travel a lot. And we just keep finding ourselves back at this real cool wine bar. Thanks to the owner. We are grateful to come back to nyc and spend time at this 'pearl in an oyster' wine bar. Next stop, Bar Veloce Chelsea!

Simply THE BEST! – This is the place I want to LIVE!! The wine selection is amazing, the bartenders are friendly and always willing to teach you (in a non-condescending way) about the great Italian wines on the list. Yes, it is always crowded which means that you won't get as much of the bartender's time as you would like, but the atmosphere is congenial and it is alllllllllllll FUN! Also, PLEASE ORDER THE PROSCIUTTO & FIG BRUSCHETTA as it will CHANGE YOUR LIFE!! Seriously, this bar is one of a kind and a really amazing place. Even if you are on a romantic evening it might be fun to stop here even though it is busy--you'll be forced to get close and put your lips to each other's ears so that you can have your conversation! And the energy around you will be hopping and delicious and fun. What more could you ask for?

Cozy and Secluded – We love this place! The bartender was terrific, and the wine list is fantastic! Bar Veloce is small, yes, but it's also cozy, quiet, and romantic. We ordered a cheese plate which was delicious, a couple of glasses of Sicilian wine, and found that this is probably the only bar we've ever been to where we could have a conversation without shouting. Definitely bring a date here for a glass of wine before dinner, it's a very low-key, relaxing atmosphere.

best in the village – i've been coming here for years on dates and when my parents visit. when you can get seat (it gets busy on weekends and the space is on the small side) you just can't have a better ny bar experience. the prosciuto panini with mushroom and truffles is to die for. the wine is always fabulous and the staff - decked out in suits and ties - is courteous and professional. there aren't a lot of places women can go for a quiet drink and conversation and not feel weird or have guys bothering you, but thank god this is one of them. bar veloce rocks.

Not worth it – This is a cramped East Village bar with an identity complex. I think the people serving here need to realize that it's not The Plaza, and they don't have any reason to be so snobbish. Though the wine I had was good, it definitely wasn't worth the attitude that I got from the bartender or the incredibly cramped surroundings. With so much more to choose from in the area, I won't be wasting my time here again.

Best bar in NY! – Stylish yet unpretentious, great attention to detail and top quality!

cant get enough – what can i say about this place...no matter what somehow i always end up at bar veloce...this place is perfect... my husband and I always like to come here either after work, or befor dinner on the weekends, relax and sip on some amazing wine. the place has a very professional feel, without any of the attitude, its a great place to unwind. the ambience is romantic and mature. i never have to worry about the place being bombarded by obnoxious little kids. its a great place to have good conversation... the lighting and the music really make the place complete....i love this place and insist on anyone who loves wine to check it out........

Fierce – Hadn't been back to this location in ages. Met up with friends to catch a movie next door and having just visited their Chelsea location, this place was just as refreshing. We started the evening with an Italian version of "champagne cocktail." Then moved on to bruschettas (toasted bread with toppings), might I add THE BEST BREAD ever. Tantalizing paninis, melted in your mouth! Excellent meat and cheese plates w/ warm bread. Then finished the meal with insalata (in Italy, you end the meal with salad). We had a fuzzy buzzzzz when we left, to prepare us for the chilly weather outside.

Punch and Zest – I've been going to this place since it opened in 2000. It's nice to know that it hasn't lost its punch and zest. Still delivering excellent products and service, still the same great crowd. Love the small space, a "mom and pop" shop sort of feel.

nutella to die for – Bar Veloce is one of those places where you can go back to again and again and not get bored of the menu or ambiance. It has a wonderful selection of wines, great paninis and knowledgable and friendly staff.

I highly recommend the nutella dessert with the vanilla gelado! belissima!

A hot spot next to the movie theater, a pleasant mid-evening event. My girlfriend and I enjoyed sharing the piatto veloce- (italian selections of cheese and meat- and two paninis w/ a couple of glasses of distinct wines, and espresso. Service was pleasant, the whole experience overall.

Citysearch? – We've never been to Bar Veloces and stopped in last night. Highly recommended to even the "claustrophobics." We read Citysearch's editorial review and we didn't gain a sense that this wine bar was trying to fool patrons into thinking the place was bigger than it was? We actually quite enjoyed glancing at the patrons in the room, which reminded us of traveling throughout Europe. We don't like to be doted on and the service we received last night was accomodating and professional. Nor did we think the atmosphere was "frat-friendly." In fact, we avoid those types of bars at all costs. The food was perfect with our wines and sipping a cordial after our meal was much appreciated. The crowd was engaging and most of all, we could relax and have fun!

Excellent Wine Bar – Go to Bar Veloce if you are on a date, hanging with 2-3 friends, or just killing time. It's a great anytime place. I went on a Mon. night and the ambience was just right; not too crowded yet possessed the energy of a Thurs. night. The wines are Italian but I opted for the apertifs, such as Calvados and Madeira. Nutella Panini a la mode is to die for and only cost $5.

Best of NYC – With all the wine bars popping up everywhere, I'm always returning to the Bar Veloces. What I find incredible is the quality and consistency I find at both Bar Veloces. I'm never disappointed in the food, wine and service there. It is what it is, so no surprises. No one experimenting with my food or talking my ear off. The crowd is pleasing and low-key, which I find refreshing. And I'm always intrigued by the overall experience at the Bar Veloces. I love both locations, delivering the same quality. I just haven't found that at the other wine bars in NYC.

"Forget About It" – Nope, not this wine bar. Two amazing locations that I look forward to making pit stops at. Crispy-tasty-melted cheese paninis, fresh cold cuts, soft tea sandwiches, flavorful-crispy bruschettas, and if you're still hungry- move onto the nutella panino or strawberry gelato or Italian sorbet. And at the end of my meal and savoring the wines, I look forward to the best cup of double espresso made in Manhattan. Unbelievable. Thank you for serving various wines at a reasonable price. I venture to wine stores and still nothing jumps out at me. Service is efficient and genuine- even past midnight. Your hours of operation is much appreciated for a work-a-holic like myself. In other words, Bar Veloce stands out in my mind amongst other places I've checked out. Thank you Bar Veloce!

Inside Track – The Vespa parked at the door and the earthy minimalist design of this Italian wine bar may imply a need for speed but this crowded or pleasantly calm wine bar is all about stopping to smell the grapes. Offering interesting wines by the glass and traditional Italian snacks like bruschetta and pannini, Bar Veloce has the inside track on nouveau wine bars.

A League of Its Own – If you haven't been to Bar Veloce in Soho, they have another one in East Village. I have never seen a wine bar like this, where you can actually smell the food cooking admist the social breeze and classy service by the bartender. Both stores have their own individual style yet you can miss it if you don't have the eye. Bar Veloces stores are discreet in front, look up and you will see BAR VELOCE in metallic font, identical modern doors, a simple menu that is displayed in the window, and rustic material surrounding it, lending to the history of the building itself.

Veloce YES! – Excellent bar-man and knowlegable with wines. Cheese platters and panini heaven. Decor was very nice and cozy, but a bit small for my taste. Another downfall is that their air conditioning was on but didn't feel it at all. Even though.. this is still a great place to meet up with one or two friends. Large wine selection and at an honest price. Definatly going back!

The New York Buzz – Bar Veloces will definitely be on our particular list of favorites: the ultimate neighborhood spot to be! Excellent service. The food wasn't trying too hard and food was fresh and clean. The Italian wine, incredibly painless. We didn't feel like we had to know anything about wines but read descriptions that interest us. The crowd was diverse and the buzz was in the air that this was where the restaurant community indulges. We couldn't agree more. We'll be back.

Loyal Fans,

Julie Moore and friends

Quality – Summer people go away to the Hamptons. I look

forward to this time, exploring the city. I've found my haven to beat the heat, Bar Veloces. Tired of short, thick wine glasses that can bounce back without breaking? I was pleasantly surprised when the bartender served our wines in proper glassware. We're used of wine poured to the top to give the illusion that we are getting more for the buck, I might as well order a beer if I want to guzzle it down. The Italian wines smelled delicious, we were anxious to experience the delicacy of each wine. The pairing of Bar Veloce's food was mouth watering to the palette. Italian herbs, specific meats and cheeses, desserts complimented the wines. We enjoyed watching people from all walks of life hanging out at the long, narrow bar counter. The ambiance couldn't be more pleasant in such a hectic city.

Nolita/Soho – I stepped in Bar Veloce last night. A lovely atmosphere and welcoming staff. I normally

do not write reviews, although this wine bar

is an exception in this community. I happen

to live in Nolita. It's nice to see this wine bar

has established itself here. Anything but pretentious and a much needed business for Soho. Excellent products that doesn't need decoration

or a parsley on the side. I'll be sure to spread

the word. Welcome to the neighborhood!

********** – New Yorkers call the Bar Veloces, "The place to go." Why didn't I know about this Italian wine bar? I stay current with PR magazines that I know misleads me one way or the other. Don't worry, I've been punished many times over. I was informed about Bar Veloce Soho. Yes, the place to go for affordable, comfort food-selected, interesting Italian wines! We arrived 1 A.M.: bruschettas (toasted bread with fresh toppings), paninis (pressed the original way, thin flavorful), meat/cheese plates,("melts in your mouth, not in your hands"), salads accompanied with the BEST bread we've ever had. We ended our evening with strawberries Veloce and nutello Veloce panino. HEAVEN or should I say, SINFUL? We didn't worry about our calories. Why should we? Ingredients are listed on the menu, the food made to order. A shot of espressos, we were good for the night.

What a Find! – We stopped in here Sunday afternoon for a pre-dinner cocktail and were pleasantly surprised! The wine selection was smaller than I anticipated but those wines that were offered were delicious and of a wide variety. We ordered a cheese tasting for 2 and it was delicious - fine Italian wine with fine Italian cheese - heaven! The service was great; we were seated and served right away. Our glasses were never empty!

Delicious – Usually Italian food makes me feel weighed down.

I could keep on eating and drinking at this delicious wine bar! And I walked out feeling good! I didn't know that Italian food could consist of bars snacks.

My husband and I made a meal out of the menu! Enjoyable and interesting wines, the bartender was delightful. We will be back over and over again....

very impressed – What a great place! I went here on a date. The place is well decorated and the atmosphere chill. The bartender was nice and knowledgable. And the prices were very reasonable. Recommended!

Great place! – These guys know their wine. The service is good. It's quiet. Very sophisticated. I took my fiancee there on our very first date. We went back recently to celebrate our first anniversary together. Veloce was perfect both times for us. We will go back again. Veloce rates a 9 to me.

No R.S.V.P. – First come, first serve. This wine bar is a free flowing traffic jam. Stop and Go. Strangers

with etiquette or simply passing by to get to their

destination. I admit, I am exhausted feeling as

if my wallet has been taken for a ride. I have repeatedly walked out of bars and restaurants,

not hearing a simple, THANK YOU, for my patronage. I'm a simple guy and I understand if the establishment is busy, however, this wine bar left a lasting impression on me when I had left with my date. A sincere hello when we walked in and a thank you when we left. We were glad to be there.

BAR VELOCE – I can't find Hark's $4 jugs at the "wine stores" that he states is found at Bar Veloce! The "low-quality Italian vintages" that Hark is familiar with must be found in liquor stores. "Wine stores" will not carry such thing. I've been

watching the Bar Veloce's grow with success. The community and abroad support this gem of a wine bar . In a time of political incorrectness, people gather here to talk about what really matters. Intriguing food, interesting wines, enlightening talks, and most of all, being in the company of your loved ones and maybe just down to business.

Italia! – I agree with Marjorie Papson's review and Pannetone's. Someone needs to set the

record straight. Bar Veloce of all places is to be

seen or not be seen; a place to chill, relax, and enjoy. Great wines by the glass and when the guys and gals want to get together, the bottle

routes are the best. The food list will satisfy your

munchies and hunger pains.

What a great bar!!! – I met some friends at Bar Veloce last Friday night and had a great time. The wine selections were very good and priced just right. It was a little crowded but when you consider the space it wasn't uncomfortable. The customers seemed just a little bit more sophisticated than your average friday night bar crowd which was a relief for someone who hates to go out on the weekends. My friends told me that they serve great food, next time I'll have to try it.

Buy your jug of wine & stay home! – Bar Veloce is one of the best bars to open in NYC. Most of us come here to be with our friends and enjoy the great atmosphere, excellent service and delicious, yes delicious wine and food selection. I find the wine list to be very well thought out and accomodating. There's no other place that has as many selections by the glass, making Bar Veloce the only true wine bar in the city. For anyone who thinks that the prices aren't fair, do us all a favor save your money and buy your jug of wine and stay home. We'll be at Bar Veloce having fun.

Viva Italia! – Bar Veloce is a bright spot on 2nd Ave! The selection of wines is incredible and the food right-on. The bartenders are knowledgable and great guides to the wine list. I just wish it were a bigger space!

great vino – I went to the location in Nolita, which was really great. The wines are a wonderful selection with some really interesting ones. Not your usual $4.99 bottles for $8 glasses. You get real wines here. The food menu is selective, it is meant to be paired with glasses. So get a bruschetta with pesto some cheese and a great Shiraz, then a tomato & cheese salad with a crisp Pinot Gris. The atmosphere is sexy, not really romantic, but overall very cool.

Loyal Fan – SexyCool. The word, trendy, does not match this wine bar's delightful atmosphere when you first walk in. I support the Bar Veloce's.... I made this plural because my friends told me about the second location in Soho/Nolita!! Now I have two places to go when I am in dire need of Bar Veloce's delicious food and wine list. Thank you for the excellent service!

Superb! – Nothing but class, atmosphere is as smooth as the wine!

Little Bit of Italy – Great place to grab a snack and a nice glass of wine. The long corridor-style bar, black and white art movies and bartenders dressing in charming traditional costume will have you thinking Vespas and Fellini in no time....