AYZA Wine & Chocolate Bar

05/17/2008 Posted by danpatten

I always seem to stop by a bit early on weekdays so I haven't seen it super crowded. To me it's a warm, charming, lay back place with a great selection of wine. In summer the outdoor is lovely. It feels like you're having a few drinks in your friend's parents' backyard. In winter they have delicious sangrea.

Pros: Feels comfy

Cons: not for cheap beer drinkers

04/29/2008 Posted by lilyflower326

The person who commented below me is obviously crazy. Azya is right by Herald Square (great location) and is awesome. I have been going to Ayza ever since i came across it on Citysearch and i love it there. The wines are fantastic and the food...have you tried the pulled pork panini nybabe12? Clearly not! The owner has always been there when i was there and if you had a problem i am sure that he would have fixed it if you had bothered to speak to him! Clearly you are just another one of those people who expect red carpet treatment when there is nothing red carpet about you!! Ayza rocks!

Pros: Wine, Food, Location, outdoor cafe

1 out of 2 people found this review helpful

04/26/2008 Posted by nybabe12

The positive reviews on this site were clearly made by the employees of Ayza. This place is completly a rip off...overpriced, terrible service, staff very knows nothing about wine, tiny portions, bad location, and the outside area is located under a vent that exudes hot air and fumes. Save your money and go elsewhere!

Pros: seated promptly

Cons: location, service, price

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful

04/21/2008 Posted by AaronFreeman

This is one of my FAVORITE wine bar in New York City. The wine list is extensive and the food is excellent. The menu is small-plates so it's great for sharing! The chef uses seasonal ingredients so the menu changes from time to time but they always have the hummus dip and hot artichoke hearts, which are a MUST TRY!! They are delicious.

04/13/2008 Posted by donnown

You have to check this place out. Outdoor space is a big advantage. It is a very popular place, you might have to wait for the food little bit longer than you expect but why would you want to rush yourself as long as you enjoy the ambiance.

Pros: Outdoor space

04/09/2008 Posted by donnow

We went to Ayza by a friend recommandation. We didnt know what to expect but I can tell you it is worth it to give a shot. They have a very good ambiance , wine selection, cheese platters and chocolate truffles. Most importantly they have a outdoor space where you can drink and also smoke. Spring is coming and not so many places have the outdoor space in Manhattan. Check it out!!

Pros: outdoor space

04/05/2008 Posted by NJgirl2

I live in NJ but was in Manhattan visiting friends for our annual "Girls" weekend. On the suggestion of one of our local friends we went to Ayza and had a great time. Our server was great - she was well-versed in all the wines and the cheeses and made great suggestions. All my girlfriends and I love wine and cheese so we were very pleased with her suggestions and our choices. The atmosphere is sleek and maybe not the coziest but we had a fun time.

04/03/2008 Posted by RUDTA3HJ

This place was so unexpected as my sis and I strolled in!! I just cannot get enough!! Their cheese platter was sooo perfect and perfectly paired to our libations!! The ambiance is so rad..dim, warm, soft colors. I believe one to be the owner and he was so incredibley helpful!!! Their wine list is as long as the hearts I have broken!! I am so in love with this place!! Great place to go with the girls or a date!!!

04/01/2008 Posted by PollyUSA

We absolutely loved this place! We had their pinot noir, which was excellent, and some cheeses to nibble on. Wonderful place to start off or end an evening with a group of friends.

04/01/2008 Posted by Zidne77NYC

If you like wine, it's a good place. If not, it's small, boring, and snooty. But that seems to be what we call trendy these days. They have a better wine selection than most places and a decent variety of beer as well. I just wasn't impressed. Not to mention that the wine is over priced. However, the cool kids think that by paying more for a bottle it must be better. Stupid kids, some of the best wines cost less than $18 a bottle... but you would never know that if you spend you time at the Ayza. The location is also so amazingly small that if there are more than a dozen people inside you might as well not bother going in.