A new wine and craft cocktail bar is now open in Ramsey. Bar Boutique serves fun, unique drinks and also provides a wine shop as well. Of course, the full bar features top-notch wines and handcrafted cocktails created by their mixologists. Meanwhile, the artisanal retail store inside provides a great selection to take home.
The 1,280-square foot Bar Boutique gives off a “modern chic European” vibe, according to co-owner Sheri Matarese. For instance, the interior features crystal chandeliers and vaulted ceiling. Sheri lives in nearby Franklin Lakes, but has always loved the Ramsey dining scene. She owns the bar along with her son, Andrew; who earned his MBA and advanced wine and spirits certification while working full-time as a wine importer and distributor. During this time, Andrew also visited an array of vineyards across South Africa, France, Italy, South America, and Napa Valley. As a result, Bar Boutique incorporates creative flavors and ideas from even the world’s lesser known distilleries and vineyards.
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Light Bites
The cozy indoor section of Bar Boutique can mix and match sit-down seating and standing tasting tables. “We built it from scratch using high quality finishes,” Sheri says about the tables. They do have a 90-minute limit on seating, however. Meanwhile, there is seasonal outdoor seating available on their sidewalk, complete with heaters and an awning. The limited menu of light bites is available for both indoor and outdoor dining.
In particular, Bar Boutique provides tapas-style fare. So far, popular menu items include the Bar Boutique Spread which features a selection of Murray’s cheeses and meats. (Such as aged goat gouda, delice, prosciutto, cheddar, and more.) The spread is one of Sheri’s favorite items, along with the Maryland lump crab cakes and chicken teriyaki dumplings.
Wine, Spirits, and Cocktails
Of course, drinks are the star attraction at this spot. In particular, a temperature-controlled wine room houses up to 2,000 of their bottles. In addition, their wine motion machines preserve wine for 40 days. Patrons can purchase a card that allows them to serve themselves either one-, three-, or six-ounce glasses. With this approach, Bar Boutique lets guests try more expensive wines at a reasonable price. “This is very popular, giving you an opportunity to try many wines,” Sheri explains. They also offer wines and other artisanal options at the on-site retail shop.
As for their craft cocktails, she suggests their number-one seller, the barrel-aged Boulevardier. This cocktail blends bourbon, bitter, and vermouth, and is ideal for Manhattan lovers who want a bit of a kick. The Thyme Bomb is also a hit, mixing tequila, thyme liqueur, lemon, and salt for an explosion of herbs.
Visit Bar Boutique at 110 East Main St in Ramsey. Look for them online to learn more.
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Bar Boutique FAQs
No, they do not accept reservations.
Yes, they do serve gluten-free options.
Yes, Bar Boutique offers vegetarian options.
They do offer takeout, yes.
No, they don’t offer delivery.
Yes, they serve wines, spirits, and craft cocktails.
No, there is no kids’ menu.
All Photos: © Bar Boutique
