San Francisco - October 12, 2009

Noe Way Out

Noeteca Wine Bar Opens

Relatively speaking, you could have done worse. Still, too much family time can drive anyone nuts. (See: your stress rash last T’giving.)

The owners of Noeteca, a cozy new Noe Valley wine bar and restaurant, see it differently. Their list of 25 or so affordable Cali and European wines represents only selections from family-owned wineries.

The spot serves twists on French and American fare for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, like challah French toast with fresh berries and ginger-scented pecans, and croque Napoleon (layers of savory bread pudding, Parm, Gruyere, Black Forest ham, chive, and Mornay sauce). If wine isn’t your thing, there’s also fair trade Rodger’s coffee and tea.

Although it’s sparsely decorated, with a few simple, dark wood tables, the space is comfy. Leather armchairs in the back, perfect for lounging, give it a homey vibe.

We’re itching to go.

Noeteca, 1551 Dolores Street, at Valley Street (415-824-5524 or noetecacafe.com).

Photo: Delphaber / Flickr

  Brunch, Cheap Date, First Date, Mom-and-Pop, Wine