History

The Metro Wine Bar and Bistro was a dream that began when a small restaurant across the street from The Coach House went out of business in 1988. Founder Chris Lower knew that the clientele who dined at The Coach House for special occasions deserved a place that they could go two or three nights a week with great but simple food, a relaxed atmosphere and an emphasis on wine.  The Metro opened its doors in December of 1988. Local artists were commissioned to produce wine label art. Chris enlarged B&W copies of wine labels and gave them to the artists who made them into the wonderful artwork that hangs in The Metro today. See Wine Art link. Even before the restaurant opened, locals were anticipating the opening of the new venture.

From opening day, the Metro was a huge hit and has remained popular ever since. The combination of a manageable size (80 seats), the warm, comfortable atmosphere, the great food and wine and the great staff, many of whom have been with the restaurant for years, makes The Metro one of those "institutions" that every town hopes to have. Our General Manager, LaVeryl Lower has been here since opening day and is part of The Metro's consistent level of quality and success. LaVeryl is also responsible for the Spectator Award winning wine list and the ambitious wine program that sets The Metro apart from other local restaurants. The Metro kitchen has the reputation of being one of the most consistent in town.  Our Chef, Chad Willis apprenticed at The Coach House and has worked at various Restaurant Row restaurants over the past few years.

Since The Metro's inception, some of this country's finest winemakers and winery owners have visited and shared their great wines with our patrons and staff. They include: Dan Duckhorn (Duckhorn Vineyards), Randall Graham (Bonny Doon), John Williams (Frog's Leap), Elaine Honig (Honig Vineyard & Winery), Judy Groth (Groth Vineyard & Winery), Violet Grgich (Grgich-Hills Cellars), Koerner Rombauer (Rombauer Vineyards), Brooks Firestone (Firestone Vineyards), Nancy Andruss (Pine Ridge Winery), Elise Arrowood (Arrowood Winery), Justin Baldwin (Justin Vineyards), David Bruce (David Bruce Winery) and many, many more. The chefs at The Metro work very hard to create food that pairs perfectly with the wines at our winemaker events. These events usually sell out within days of being announced.

If you would like information on the ongoing wine events at The Metro, please call 840-9463 and asked to be added to our email or mailing lists.