When asking yourself about something to do near me in Chicago with a group of friends or family, consider
Augusta Food and Wine
Why Augusta Food and Wine is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Augusta Food and Wine stands out as a beloved local gem located in Chicago’s Lincoln Square neighborhood, where it has earned a reputation for making wine approachable and enjoyable for all. This specialty retail store is much more than just a place to buy wine—it is a vibrant community hub where friends and families gather to explore hand-cut cheeses, artisanal charcuterie, local snacks, and expertly curated wines. The store prides itself on supporting sustainable farming practices by partnering with winemakers who prioritize environmental care as well as quality craftsmanship, ensuring that every bottle tells a meaningful story. The knowledgeable and friendly staff inspire visitors with personalized recommendations, making every shopping experience educational and refreshing rather than intimidating. Whether you are looking for a remarkable bottle to share at a gathering, a thoughtful gift, or ingredients to create your own charcuterie board, Augusta Food and Wine offers an inviting atmosphere where you can discover memorable tastes and savor exquisite flavors together. Its focus on community, sustainability, and exceptional product quality makes it an ideal meeting place that encourages both novices and connoisseurs to drink better and enjoy better moments together.
Here's what people think of Augusta Food and Wine
As of recent, Augusta Food and Wine holds a 4.9-star rating based on 158 reviews.
Customer reviews for Augusta Food and Wine consistently highlight the store’s excellence and friendly service. Many patrons praise it as a wonderful shop with a terrific selection of charcuterie fixings and a smart, well-curated array of wines. Reviewers frequently mention the knowledgeable staff who are eager to offer helpful recommendations and inspire visitors, contributing to a fun and informative shopping experience. The welcoming ambiance and quality products make it a favored spot for those seeking to enhance their culinary and wine experiences in a casual and accessible setting. On the other hand, there is little negative feedback specifically about Augusta Food and Wine, indicating a high level of customer satisfaction overall. The few critiques found in online sources tend to pertain to other similarly named establishments or describe very specific tastes, rather than issues with product range or service at Augusta Food and Wine itself. The consistent positive remarks and minimal criticisms suggest that the business has successfully created a strong reputation as an upscale yet approachable wine and food retail destination. Overall, customer sentiment strongly supports Augusta Food and Wine as a prime choice for wine lovers and food enthusiasts to meet up, shop, and share delightful flavors in Chicago’s Lincoln Square area.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Lainie Petersen
Augusta is the crown jewel in Lincoln Square's amazing collection of restaurants and specialty food & beverage shops. The shop is tiny, requiring careful curation of its goods. As a result, just about all of their products are outstanding. The cheese case is one of the best in the city and the wine-pairing skills of the staff is without peer. Don't miss the free Thursday night wine tastings!
Jan Stone
We ordered a gift basket for a family member who lives in Chicago. The gift basket was beautiful (family member sent me pics). They allowed me to upgrade to include a brute champagne. They handwrote our message. A class act!
Victor Ribadeneyra
Small wine stores like this are a treasure. At places like Augusta Food and Wine, customers always walk out the door with a fantastic wine because the shop is curated so well. Shad was awesome and very helpful, guiding me towards some really interesting wine choices within my price point! Will definitely visit again.
Sanjay Chanda
We live in California. Ordered a gift basket online for Thanksgiving for someone who lives in Chicago through Augusta Food and Wine. Basket sent was excellent quality and it was hand delivered. Great communication. When I called the number to confirm the order, owner himself picked up. Almost unheard of these days. Small shops like these are gems. Will definitely visit them next time we are in Chicago.
Yesibel Falcon
I wanted to send something special to friends in Chicago. The process to order was easy and I was contacted to inform me of unavailability of the dates and offered a refund. My dares were flexible but still I was very impressed. My friends received a basket exactly as described and they loved it! Will definitely order again!!
How to reach Augusta Food and Wine
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Website: None
Why Augusta Food and Wine may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Augusta Food and Wine with your friends? This hidden gem nestled in Chicago’s Lincoln Square is more than just a wine shop—it’s a warm, inviting destination designed for sharing moments, savoring exquisite flavors, and making memories with friends and family. With an outstanding 4.9-star rating from over 150 reviews, Augusta Food and Wine has earned its reputation as a premier spot for those who appreciate unique wines from heritage vineyards, artisan cheeses, fresh breads, and curated charcuterie boards. Whether it's a casual Tuesday evening or a celebratory occasion, this place offers the perfect ambiance and selection that encourage guests to slow down, relax, and enjoy each other’s company. The carefully chosen wines and gourmet pairings make it easy to find something everyone in your group will love, transforming a simple meetup into a refined tasting adventure. The sense of community, knowledgeable staff ready to assist with personalized recommendations, and their signature weekly wine tastings add layers of enjoyment that go beyond just drinking wine. Simply put, Augusta Food and Wine is a place where friends come together not just to eat and drink, but to celebrate good taste and great company in an accessible but sophisticated environment.
What activities can you enjoy at Augusta Food and Wine that make it ideal for a group meetup? The shop hosts regular weekly wine tastings every Thursday at 7 PM, which are open to all without the need for reservations. This event is a fantastic way for your group to explore a variety of exclusive and seasonal wines, guided by expert insights, making it both educational and fun. Beyond wine tastings, Augusta Food and Wine offers beautifully crafted gift baskets filled with assortments of wine, cheese, charcuterie, and other gourmet treats that are perfect for group sharing or as thoughtful gifts to bring along or take home. The customizable nature of their baskets means you can tailor your experience to your group’s particular tastes and preferences. Furthermore, the shop stocks a rotating selection of sparkling and non-alcoholic beverages, ensuring there is something for everyone, including those who may not drink alcohol. Adding to the experience, they also carry fresh baguettes delivered daily and artisan cheeses expertly cut to order—these components make for an effortless and impressive spread to enjoy together. The atmosphere at the shop is cozy and inviting, providing a perfect small-group setting for intimate conversations, celebrations, or simply relaxing with friends and family over good food and great drinks.
How does Augusta Food and Wine cater to groups looking for a perfect venue? Augusta’s space is designed as a sophisticated yet approachable wine and gourmet food shop that feels like a home away from home for wine lovers and food enthusiasts alike. Its location in Lincoln Square makes it a convenient and charming neighborhood spot that is easily accessible, setting an ideal scene for get-togethers. The staff’s deep knowledge of wine and food pairings means your group can receive personalized recommendations tailored to your event’s mood, palate, and budget, ensuring a seamless and stress-free experience. The regular wine tastings serve as social gatherings where groups can mingle, learn, and taste new discoveries in a relaxed environment. Since Augusta Food and Wine frequently updates its wine selection and artisanal offerings, every visit can bring fresh options to explore, keeping each meetup exciting and unique. The convenience of local delivery and curated gift baskets allows groups to extend their experience beyond the store, making it possible to enjoy Augusta’s exceptional offerings at home, in a park, or any preferred meetup location.
Why is Augusta Food and Wine an excellent choice for celebrations or special occasions with friends or family? The shop’s atmosphere is both elegant and inviting, striking a perfect balance between casual comfort and refined taste—ideal for marking occasions, whether large or small. The thoughtfully curated gift baskets, which feature combinations like The Flagship Basket, The Italian Basket, or The Spanish Basket, add a luxurious touch to any celebration. These baskets are packed with handpicked wines, artisan cheeses, charcuterie, and gourmet treats, making them ready-made conversation starters and delicious shared experiences. The inclusion of sparkling beverages and seasonal selections means your group can toast with style, no matter the time of year or reason for gathering. Additionally, the expertise and enthusiasm of the Augusta team elevate the entire experience, helping you select the perfect wines and pairings that complement your event’s theme or your group’s preferences. Whether it’s a casual weekend meetup, a birthday, an anniversary, or a festive holiday gathering, Augusta Food and Wine offers the ideal combination of quality, presentation, and service to make the celebration memorable.
What makes Augusta Food and Wine stand out in terms of wine and food quality? Unlike many retail wine shops, Augusta Food and Wine emphasizes a selection of exclusive wines sourced from sustainable and heritage vineyards around the world. This commitment to quality and sustainability means every bottle tells a story and delivers a unique tasting experience. The cheeses provided are artisanal and freshly cut to order, ensuring the freshest flavors and textures to pair with your wine selections. Fresh baguettes, delivered daily, complete the sensory pleasure by adding perfect crust and crumb to your cheese and charcuterie. The charcuterie offerings themselves are described as show-stoppers, reflecting the shop’s dedication to sourcing and curating only the best quality cured meats that can stand out on any platter. This attention to detail and careful curation means that every bite and sip at Augusta Food and Wine is designed to impress, enhancing the overall gathering experience.
How accessible and convenient is Augusta Food and Wine for visitors planning a meetup? Located at 2312 West Leland Avenue in Chicago’s Lincoln Square, the shop benefits from a vibrant neighborhood setting that is easy to reach by public transit, including the nearby Western stop on the Brown Line. Their hours, from Tuesday through Saturday, 11 AM to 8 PM, and Sundays until 7 PM, offer plenty of flexibility for planning daytime or evening meetups. While the shop is closed on Mondays, the rest of the week accommodates both after-work gatherings and weekend festivities. The option for local delivery and shipping of their gift baskets throughout Chicago and select suburbs adds remarkable convenience, especially for groups wanting to organize a hassle-free meetup either at home or a local park. Although individual bottles are not available for delivery due to inventory changes, the baskets provide a well-rounded, all-in-one experience that makes hosting effortless. The friendly and knowledgeable staff can also be contacted easily to assist with planning and specific inquiries, ensuring that each event runs smoothly from start to finish.
In summary, Augusta Food and Wine is a remarkable venue that combines quality, variety, and community spirit, making it perfect for hosting meetups with friends and family. Its elegant yet accessible atmosphere, exclusive and sustainable wine selections, artisanal cheese and charcuterie options, plus the unique monthly wine tastings, all contribute to an outstanding experience. Whether you’re looking for a casual hangout spot, a place to celebrate, or a setting to discover new wines together, Augusta Food and Wine offers the perfect canvas for memorable social gatherings.