When asking yourself about something to do near me in Chicago with a group of friends or family, consider
Picnic Wine & Provisions
Why Picnic Wine & Provisions is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Picnic Wine & Provisions is a beloved gourmet wine boutique and provisions shop located in the vibrant Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago. This cozy and inviting spot offers a thoughtfully curated selection of sustainably sourced, high-quality wines from around the world, complemented by artisanal snacks and vegan cheese options. The warm atmosphere is enhanced by comfortable seating and a charming outdoor area, making it an ideal place to relax with friends over a glass of wine. Owner Liz Ahearn, motivated by a personal journey, has cultivated a welcoming space where both novices and seasoned wine lovers can explore new tastes and pairings. With knowledgeable staff who provide personalized recommendations and casual wine education, visitors enjoy learning about and savoring wines beyond just drinking. The boutique frequently hosts neighborhood events and wine tastings that foster community spirit and keep patrons engaged. Reasonably priced and focused on customer satisfaction, Picnic Wine & Provisions stands out as a perfect meeting place to unwind, connect, and discover new flavors in a friendly, unpretentious setting.
Here's what people think of Picnic Wine & Provisions
As of recent, Picnic Wine & Provisions holds a 4.9-star rating based on 60 reviews.
Customer reviews for Picnic Wine & Provisions are overwhelmingly positive, contributing to its impressive 4.9-star rating from 60 reviews. Reviewers consistently praise the friendly and knowledgeable staff, with special mention of team members like Brita and Geoff who enhance the experience with personalized service and wine education. The cozy ambiance, including inviting indoor seating and a delightful outdoor area, is often highlighted as perfect for casual gatherings and relaxed enjoyment of wine and snacks. Many appreciate the thoughtful selection of unique and sustainable wines and artisanal provision choices, including vegan options, which cater to diverse tastes and dietary needs. A variety of locals enjoy the regular community events and tastings that create a lively yet intimate atmosphere. On the less positive side, some customers note minor concerns typical of boutique stores, such as occasional limited stock on popular items or the shop’s smaller size, which can feel a bit cramped during busy events. Nonetheless, these issues do not diminish the overall warm experience. In conclusion, reviews showcase Picnic Wine & Provisions as a charming, community-focused spot where wine enthusiasts and casual visitors alike find both high quality products and an inviting social environment.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Andreas Vassilos
Liz & crew are wonderful & generous. Best hang out in our fair city of big shouldersđź‘Ť
Flora Zambakari
Opened in 2019, this spot is great. They have multiple places for you to sit both indoors and outdoors. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable about the wine and even the vendors they work with. They do have a small section of non-alcoholic beverages (NA Cocktails, Sparkling Water, etc). They have snacks and was surprised when they had began cheese and a vegan chorizo! I got a large sparkling water which was $7.5.
Po S
True to the other reviews this is a hidden gem! The Thursday wine tastings was so fun and the people who ran the spot were so friendly and warm. They even had vegan cheese and were super accommodating! Definitely planning to come back again
Ike Novak
I'm going to start off by saying I bought what was supposed to be a $24 bottle of wine and paid more than double that price for it. I will also say I was made aware of these charges, though it's hard to say no sometimes as someone adds multiple extra charges and you see the final total and are horrified. So I bring the bottle labeled "24" (dollars) to the counter. The person behind the counter, who has done and will do nothing for me other than check me out and uncork my wine (no table service, not even a check-in to see how we're doing, though they may have cleaned up the table after we left), lets me know the corkage fee is $15. I'm shocked. This is three times the largest corkage fee I've paid to bring outside alcohol *into* a restaurant (I've never paid a corkage fee at all to have alcohol I bought inside of any establishment, restaurant or otherwise), but I say OK. That's on me. I probably should've said "that's an insane and baseless charge," but I didn't; I said "that's ok...." Again, that was my choice. Next, I'm informed that, despite making my purchase individually at the counter without having been helped in any way, without any kind of table service for me or any other people in my group, the size of our party means an automatic 20% gratuity is being applied to carry my own wine to the counter and be handed two glasses. I tip minimum 20% as a rule at restaurants. I support corkage fees. I understand that boutique stores have higher prices. This experience was, at bottom, infuriating and mind-boggling. There is no cognizable reason why a bottle of wine, already being sold at a mark-up (again, understandably), more than *doubles* in price because I carried it from the shelf to the counter. As long as I live, I will never set foot in this place again, and I will tell everyone I know that I don't think the price is worth it. That said, I wish you divas well. I'm sure there are plenty of wealthy white women who are in dire need of a watering hole.
Savannah Whittington
So cozy, cute, and inviting! Brita was extremely helpful and suggested a funky (and I mean this in a wonderfully positive way) wine that was aged in clay! Prices were reasonable, there are comfy places to sit and hang out, I can’t complain. I will definitely be back and recommending this spot to clients who are living in the area!
How to reach Picnic Wine & Provisions
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Why Picnic Wine & Provisions may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Picnic Wine & Provisions with your friends? Because it offers an exceptional blend of ambiance, quality, and social experience that makes gathering there more than just a meetup—but a memorable event. With an outstanding 4.9 rating from 60 reviews, this Chicago gem has clearly struck the perfect balance between being inviting and sophisticated. Whether you’re looking to catch up over a glass of wine, share gourmet bites, or simply enjoy the cozy yet vibrant atmosphere, Picnic Wine & Provisions is designed to foster connection. The combination of its sustainably sourced gourmet food offerings, carefully curated wine selection, and relaxing yet stylish setting on Sheridan Road creates an environment where conversations flow easily and time seems to slow down. Plus, the heated patio and cozy indoor seating make it a year-round destination irrespective of the weather. If you want your next friends or family gathering to be more than routine, Picnic Wine & Provisions offers not just a place to meet, but an experience that enhances every moment spent together.
What activities can you enjoy at Picnic Wine & Provisions that make it perfect for group meetups? First and foremost, the venue caters brilliantly to wine enthusiasts and those new to wine tastings alike. They offer eight different wines by the glass and two beers on draft, all of which can be enjoyed on-site with your group, allowing everyone to explore different tastes and find their favorites. This makes it easy for a group with varied preferences to enjoy something delicious together. Beyond just drinks, their gourmet grocery section is a treasure trove of sustainably sourced cheeses, charcuterie, and rotating special offerings. Whether your group wants to graze leisurely over an array of delectable provisions or pick up something to picnic locally, the quality and variety available make it a culinary delight. Moreover, the space itself is thoughtfully designed with both heated outdoor patio seating and inviting indoor areas, providing ambiance that’s as comfortable as it is elegant. This flexibility ensures your group can relax, talk, and enjoy the moment no matter the occasion or weather.
Does Picnic Wine & Provisions host special events that enhance meetups? Absolutely. Their weekly wine tastings on Thursdays from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm offer an outstanding way for groups to learn about wines in a friendly and informal setting. These tastings encourage interaction among guests and create a shared experience beyond just enjoying a drink. Additionally, the place features happy hour specials on Thursdays and Fridays from 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm, a fantastic deal for those aiming to get together after work or before a night out. These events not only provide great value but also cultivate a lively atmosphere that energizes any gathering. The combination of scheduled events and an inviting, relaxed space means that group meetups are never dull or routine here. The location even supports private reservations, so if you want to make your event exclusive, you can plan ahead and ensure you have the space all to yourselves.
Why is the ambiance at Picnic Wine & Provisions particularly suited for social groups? The establishment boasts a charming, warm interior with abundant natural light from large windows, natural wood décor, and lots of plants that create an earthy and soothing vibe. This thoughtful design accentuates the experience of enjoying fine food and drinks, making it easy for groups to linger over conversations. Reviews consistently comment on the friendly atmosphere and attentive staff, which add a personal touch that helps guests feel welcomed and relaxed. The venue’s layout encourages both intimate chats and larger conversations without feeling crowded or noisy. Live jazz performances on selected days further enrich the ambiance, providing a subtle soundtrack that elevates the mood without overpowering conversation. This blend of comfortable elegance and lively charm makes Picnic Wine & Provisions an ideal spot whether your gathering is casual or celebratory.
What makes the food and drink offerings at Picnic Wine & Provisions stand out for a group gathering? The emphasis on sustainably sourced, high-quality products means that guests can feel good about what they're eating and drinking, adding a layer of mindfulness to the pleasure. Their rotating specials ensure that the menu feels fresh and exciting, with options like artisanal cheeses, premium charcuterie, and other gourmet provisions that pair perfectly with wine. The wine list itself is curated to appeal broadly, with thoughtful choices that cater to novices and connoisseurs alike. Groups can sample multiple wines by the glass without committing to a bottle, enabling a fun tasting experience. The availability of craft beers on draft is a bonus, especially for mixed groups with varying preferences. The opportunity to combine these fine wines and gourmet foods in a warm, inviting setting transforms any group meetup into a culinary event worth remembering.
How accessible and convenient is Picnic Wine & Provisions for group gatherings? Located at 7301 N. Sheridan Road in Chicago, this boutique is easy to find and nestled in a lively neighborhood that adds to its appeal. The venue encourages reservations, which is ideal for larger groups wanting to guarantee seating and a seamless experience. Their contact information and reservation system are user-friendly, making planning straightforward. The option of heated outdoor seating means groups won’t have to worry about weather disrupting plans, supporting year-round gatherings. Plus, the availability of provisions to-go means if your group prefers a picnic experience in a nearby park or at home, Picnic Wine & Provisions makes that easy, combining convenience with exceptional quality. Whether you want an in-house experience or a curated picnic elsewhere, this business caters effortlessly to your social needs.
Why do people keep returning to Picnic Wine & Provisions for their group meetings? Customer reviews emphasize not only the high quality of food and wine but the genuine warmth and enthusiasm of the staff. The owner is noted to be welcoming and passionate, contributing to a sense of community rather than just a transactional visit. The personalized service helps groups feel like treasured guests rather than just customers. Many visitors appreciate the elegant yet approachable vibe—where one can enjoy a casual lunch, an evening wine tasting, or a special occasion meal all in one place. The presence of local art on the walls adds a cultural dimension that sparks conversation and admiration. With all these elements combined, people return because it offers a well-rounded social experience that feeds the senses and connects people through fine tastes and warm hospitality.
How can Picnic Wine & Provisions elevate your next family gathering? For family groups, the venue’s versatile seating areas mean comfort for all ages, from grandparents to teenagers. The provisions available cater to varied tastes and dietary preferences, so everyone can find something enjoyable. The quiet yet inviting atmosphere encourages bonding time without the distractions typical of louder venues. Celebrations like birthdays, anniversaries, or casual Sunday catch-ups feel special with the boutique’s unique charm and quality offerings. The ability to reserve space and customize food and drink choices ensures that your family gathering goes smoothly, with attentive service supporting the occasion. For families looking to create meaningful shared memories in an elegant yet casual setting, this wine and provisions boutique offers the perfect backdrop.