I would expect even the cheapest wine on the menu at a place like this to be top notch. And it was. Talk about a good pour, the guy filled my glass to the top. I even Tweeted it. And I had a great time for $15, including tip.

If you would like to have an event here, I believe the place can take around 500 people. They have good relationships with a lot of the food trucks around town, so they do charge a small amount for bringing them in, it's probably worth it. They have a lot in the back for parking so even when something big is going on downtown, they aren't affected by it.

And to top it off, it's a wine store!

57 Degrees moved to bigger, better location early 2010. Now has larger bar, more seatting, much bigger retail shop. At 1735 Hancock (locals may recall old Pier One store), just south of Washington St, West of Hwy 5. Lots of free parking in back. We hope to add a restaurant soon. In addition to the wine bar and wine shop, 57 Degrees is a temperature controlled wine storage facility, ideal for those with valuable wines but no space for a cellar. 57 Degrees can accomodate parties and special events of up to 500 people. See the website for more information including wine specials, upcoming events, classes: www.FiftySevenDegrees.com.

Local wine bar located in East Village. Had the opportunity to stop be a few weeks ago. I'm not a real wine person, but the atmosphere inside made me curious. After walking in I was greeted by a friendly bartender. I opted for a local brewery beer, but was talked into trying some of the favorites by the locals. The atmosphere was quite different then the typical downtown scene. It was quite trendy, but I didn't have to flag the bartender down each time I was looking for a refill. The people were extremely friendly and was even greeted by the owner who also gave me some of his recommendations. Has a few different rooms within the faciltiy and was actually able to have a conversation with people I can hear. The owner told me about the Sunday barbecues with the ability to watch several different games. I ended up coming back on Sunday and much to my suprise I was able to watch the game that I wanted without any trouble. I definately rate this faciltiy as a must try. I think you'll find it a recurring place to visit.

The atmosphere is inviting with Christmas lights, expensive candleholders, and plenty of empty, soft barstools - seemingly odd for nine-ish on a Friday night. The tender - friendly, and rightfully so with only about a handful of patrons within his vicinity. I asked him for something red to soak up the sadness of leaving two years in Hawai'i behind me to start over new in San Diego, and he gave me a ($10 a glass, mind you) Zin that slapped the mouth with cocoa as he kept repeating that the vines were 100 years old. The night would have been fine, if it had ended there. But one half of a couple of self-proclaimed regulars invited me over to their table, which I accepted since I know nobody in this town. He says that his friend had been admiring me, yadda yadda ya, and bearing the residue of a recently broken relationship, I felt that I had little to lose over just simple conversation. Little did I know that I was playing a part in a joke at my own expense. The drunken liar across from me began berating me with insulting questions as the tender hovered within earshot. It didn't take me too long to realize that the rather cold-shouldered, smug guy next to me did not, in fact, wish for me to join them and to erradicate any doubt, I simply asked him - "You didn't send your friend over to invite me to your table, did you?" He slammed his drink, and responded, "No..." Pause. "Would it have been better if I lied?" "No," I responded, embarassed beyond belief. I then awkwardly awaited for the tender to return from some duties in the cellar to pay for my $10 glass of wine that I traveled half an hour each way to painfully slurp down as I was humiliated before my very own eyes. Meanwhile, the dudes continued to make fun of an older lady at the end of the bar as I searched for my wallet and keys. So went my evening of first contact with the locals. Thank you so much, San Diegans, for making me feel so welcome, when I already felt so alone, in this new town.

Did not even know this place stored wine until I read it in your review? What I found was a great Wine experience in the East Village area of downtown San Diego. I arrived and found easy parking in Fifty Seven Degrees free that's right free parking lot. I was immediately warmed by 57's not so trendy but more cutting edge appearance. There wine list was filled with geek wines some I knew some I did not. The did not's are always of more interest to me. I first chose a Spanish White recommended by the insightful winetender and it was delightful. While sipping this glass a Blues Band began to set up on 57's stage. Being from Austin, Texas Live Music was a must in any great Bar experience. The band did not disappoint. I followed my Shanish with a Oakey Chard a great Red Blend from South Africa then a solid Cal Cab. The respectful 30ish crowd did everything from dance to sing along with the Live Music. An unexpected experience at a wonderful Wine Bar in San Diego!