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Amélie
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Amélie
8.2
French wine bar with a lively room, soft lighting, and shareable bistro plates. Ideal for a relaxed date over flights, charcuterie, and well-priced bottles.
Must-Try Dishes:
Goat cheese croquettes, Charcuterie & fromage board, Truffle flatbread
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Energetic wine-first experience with French small plates and flights.
Who should go: Wine lovers who share plates
When to visit: Late evening when the room settles
What to order: Croquettes; charcuterie board; truffle flatbread
Insider tip: Happy-hour flights are the value move before dinner.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking can be challenging after 7pm; nearby paid garages on Polk Street are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans and nice tops are fine, but many lean slightly dressy for date nights.
Noise level: Lively; conversation is possible but expect a buzzy wine bar atmosphere.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes for walk-ins; reservations recommended for peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable; this is primarily an evening wine bar.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – multiple shareable plates and salads are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Limited – 2–3 options if you combine small plates, but no dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Some options available; ask staff about gluten-free bread and plate substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes – the cozy lighting and wine flights create an easy, low-pressure atmosphere with natural conversation flow.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly – bar seating is often available for walk-ins, but small tables can be scarce on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal – the space is geared toward adults with a wine-forward menu and a lively evening crowd.
Best For
Better for: Amélie excels at casual but stylish wine-focused evenings, with approachable French plates at a lower price point than fine-dining French spots.
Skip if: If you want a quiet, formal dinner with multi-course service or if you need a family-friendly setting, look elsewhere.
Amélie
8.4
Parisian wine bar–bistro with candlelit brick walls, neon moments, and photogenic cheese boards and tartares. Locals come for the lively energy, solid small plates, and a deep by-the-glass list that plays well with the room’s moody lighting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beef tartare, Baked brie with honey, Cheese & charcuterie board
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 9.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Moody, neon-kissed wine bar plating bistro classics built for photos.
Who should go: Wine lovers and date-night diners
When to visit: Weeknights after 8pm for best ambiance
What to order: Beef tartare; baked brie; charcuterie
Insider tip: Ask for bar seats near the brick wall for the best light.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Polk can be tough after 6pm; no valet, so rideshare is most convenient.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans are fine, but most lean dressy with blazers or chic tops.
Noise level: Lively and energetic; conversation is possible but expect background buzz.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation; bar seats sometimes open faster.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable—primarily dinner and late-night service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—cheese plates, baked brie, and a few small plates are solid options.
Vegan options: Limited—salads and select small plates can be modified, but not a focus.
Gluten-free options: Some options available, including certain tartares and salads; no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—the moody lighting, wine focus, and intimate bar seating make it a strong first-date choice.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible, but expect a wait on weekends; bar seats are your best bet for walk-ins.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really—it's a wine-focused bistro best suited for adults; no kids' menu or high chairs.
Best For
Better for: Better for wine lovers seeking ambiance and photogenic bistro plates than most Polk spots.
Skip if: Skip if you need a quiet meal, kid-friendly setup, or a full dinner entrée menu.
Amélie
7.9
Lively French wine bar and bistro on Polk (est. 2006) pairing flights and a deep by-the-glass list with French tapas and shareables. It’s a go-to for casual dates and friends catching up over charcuterie and a DJ-backed weekend vibe.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cheese & Charcuterie Plate, Truffle Fries, Croque-style Hot Sandwich (rotating)
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: French wine flights with bistro staples in a buzzy room.
Who should go: Wine lovers and small-plates grazers
When to visit: Happy hour 4–6pm for flights and seats
What to order: Wine flight; charcuterie board; truffle fries
Insider tip: Bar seats are fastest for walk-ins on weekends.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive on Polk, especially after 6pm; nearby garages are available on California or Bush for a fee.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans are fine but most guests lean a little dressy, especially on weekends.
Noise level: Lively and upbeat, especially with the DJ on weekends; conversation is possible but not hushed.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially after 7pm.
Weekday lunch: Not open for lunch; weekday evenings tend to have a shorter 10–20 minute wait before 7pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several shareable plates like truffle fries, cheese boards, and salads.
Vegan options: Limited – 1–2 options such as certain small plates or modified salads.
Gluten-free options: Yes – wine-friendly charcuterie and some mains can be made gluten-free on request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes – the dim lighting, wine flights, and upbeat energy make it a playful but not overly formal setting for a first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes – the bar seats are first-come, first-served and often easier for walk-ins than the main tables, especially before 7pm.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly – it’s more of an adult-oriented wine bar atmosphere, better suited for 21+ groups and dates than families with kids.
Best For
Better for: Amélie is one of the best spots in Polk Gulch for curated French wine flights and a lively social vibe, ideal for happy hours and date nights.
Skip if: If you’re looking for a quiet, formal French dining experience or a kid-friendly meal, other restaurants nearby will serve you better.
Hours
Monday4pm - 11pm
Tuesday4pm - 11pm
Wednesday4pm - 11pm
Thursday4pm - 11pm
Friday2pm - 12am
Saturday2pm - 12am
Sunday2pm - 12am