barVino in North Creek

Following suggestions from several readers, we were back to North Creek again, this time to visit barVino.  We got into North Creek shortly before 4pm.  barVino wasn't open yet, so we decided to check out Laura's while we waited.  Laura's is on our "recommended" list, but we will save that for another day. 

barVino was a pleasant surprise for several reasons.  First, I was surprised to see that their beer assortment was so extensive.  I can't say it was as vast as their wine selections, but they could consider calling their establishment beerVino.  I believe I was the only patron drinking wine while we were there.  The bartender was helpful in suggesting a white wine from the specials board after I shared my preferences regarding sweetness and dryness with her.  I was under the impression that it was strictly a wine bar, and I stand corrected. 

The second surprise was the craftsmanship of the decor.   I would say it was both a modern and a classic decor, with a concrete bar counter and classic barstools (all matching, of course) of wood and padded fabric seats.  The lighting was just right to show off the overall sleekness.  The artwork throughout added a further classiness to the place.  My eyes were drawn upwards to the high ceilings and classic tin ceiling cornices, all painted green.  The tin crown molding was the only hint that the building wasn't new.  There were several ceiling fans that were large but not gaudy.  One in particular drew my eye as I tried to establish what type of wood the paddles were made from.  They had a thick, rounded, jungle wood look. 

A review isn't complete without a trip to the restroom.  Very nicely done and obviously well-maintained.  The artwork wasn't screwed down to prevent theft, as is sometimes the case in some establishments.  I wasn't surprised to learn that one of the owners is a building contractor (and if someone told me another owner was a professional cleaner, I wouldn't be surprised either).  Overall, exceptional ambience, pleasant and knowledgable staff, and plenty of drinking variety.