Serena's Wine Bar Introduce
For New Yorkers seeking a charming and intimate spot to unwind, Serena's Wine Bar on the Upper East Side offers a perfect blend of a cozy cafe and a sophisticated wine bar. This unique combination makes it a versatile destination, whether you're in the mood for a glass of fine wine, a delicious meal, or a simple coffee. The atmosphere is a key part of its appeal—it's a place that feels genuinely serene, with a romantic and casual ambiance that makes you feel right at home. It's a fantastic spot for a solo evening, a date night, or a gathering with friends. The decor is designed to be comfortable and inviting, with warm lighting and a relaxed vibe that stands out in a city that can often feel overwhelming. Serena's is a true neighborhood gem, known for its friendly, attentive service and a commitment to providing a high-quality experience. The menu is a delightful surprise, featuring a mix of Italian-inspired dishes, from fresh salads to hearty pastas, and delicious paninis. This isn't just a wine bar with a few snacks; it's a full-fledged dining destination that has earned a reputation for its flavorful food and extensive drink selection. It’s a place that locals love and that visitors quickly discover and cherish, a testament to its consistent excellence and welcoming spirit.
Serena's has successfully carved out its niche by offering a complete package: great food, an impressive wine list, and a wonderful atmosphere. The fact that it features "Live performances" adds another layer of charm, creating a dynamic and entertaining environment for guests. The great wine list is a major highlight, curated to please both connoisseurs and those who are simply looking for a great glass of wine. Beyond wine, the bar also offers an array of "Great cocktails" and a selection of beers and hard liquor, ensuring that all beverage preferences are catered to. The food menu, with its focus on fresh and flavorful ingredients, is a pleasant surprise. From the perfectly crispy flatbreads to the standout hummus and warm pita bread, the small plates are ideal for sharing and complementing your drink. The full menu, which includes pasta dishes like the Lobster Ravioli and Spaghetti Bolognese, offers more substantial options for a complete meal. The combination of a cozy setting, a varied menu, and live music makes Serena's Wine Bar a multi-faceted destination. It’s a place where you can easily spend an entire evening, transitioning from happy hour to a full dinner and a nightcap, all in the same comfortable space. It's a genuine community spot, where you'll find a mix of groups and locals enjoying the unique atmosphere and great offerings.
Serena's Wine Bar is located at 1268 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10065, in the heart of the Upper East Side. This address places it in a prime and highly accessible location for both residents and visitors. The neighborhood is well-known for its residential charm, upscale boutiques, and a plethora of dining options. The wine bar is conveniently situated near major subway and bus lines, making it easy to reach from various parts of the city. For those who prefer to drive, paid street parking is available in the area, though as with any part of Manhattan, it's advisable to be prepared for the realities of city parking. One of the most unique and cherished features of Serena's is its "Outdoor seating." In a post-pandemic New York, this is a significant highlight, as many places have lost their outdoor setups. This allows guests to enjoy a glass of wine and people-watch on a charming street, adding to the romantic and casual vibe. The restaurant also has a wheelchair-accessible entrance and restroom, demonstrating its commitment to being an inclusive and welcoming space for all guests. Its location on 2nd Avenue makes it a natural gathering place for locals and a comfortable spot for tourists exploring the Upper East Side. The combination of its central location, its outdoor seating, and its accessibility makes Serena's Wine Bar a standout choice for a delightful outing.
The location on 2nd Avenue is more than just an address; it's a part of the local fabric. It’s a place where neighbors can drop in for a quick drink or a full meal without a lot of fuss. The presence of both indoor and outdoor seating provides flexibility, allowing guests to choose the atmosphere that best suits their mood. The interior is cozy and intimate, while the outdoor space offers a lively and quintessential New York experience. The fact that they "Accepts reservations" is also a valuable service, especially for larger groups or during peak hours, ensuring that guests can plan their visit without worry. The availability of multiple payment options, including credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments, further streamlines the customer experience. This attention to detail, from the location to the services offered, is a clear indication of how Serena's Wine Bar is dedicated to making every guest feel welcome and cared for. It's a place that fits perfectly into the rhythm of the Upper East Side, a reliable and delightful escape that has quickly become a local favorite. This blend of excellent location and thoughtful amenities makes it a smart choice for any occasion.
Serena's Wine Bar provides a complete dining and drinking experience, offering a great selection of wines and cocktails, paired with a menu of delicious Italian and Mediterranean-inspired food. The atmosphere is cozy, romantic, and perfect for various occasions.
Services Offered:
- Dine-in: Enjoy table service in a comfortable indoor or outdoor setting.
- Takeout: Order your favorite food and drinks to enjoy at home.
- Outdoor seating: A highly-praised feature that allows guests to people-watch and enjoy the neighborhood ambiance.
- Reservations: Accepts reservations, making it easy to plan for groups or special occasions.
Features and Highlights:
- An excellent and well-curated "Great wine list" that caters to all tastes.
- Offers a variety of "Great cocktails" and other alcoholic beverages.
- Features a menu with delicious Italian and Mediterranean-inspired food, including paninis, pastas, and flatbreads.
- A cozy, romantic, and trendy atmosphere that is perfect for date nights or a casual evening.
- Known for its "Fast service" and warm, attentive staff.
- Provides "Live performances," adding a unique and entertaining element to the experience.
- Offers happy hour drinks for a great value.
- Accessible for all guests with wheelchair-accessible entrances and restrooms.
Contact Information:
- Address: 1268 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Phone: (212) 988-2646
What is worth choosing?
For New Yorkers looking for a wine bar that truly delivers on all fronts, Serena's is an undeniable choice. The primary reason is the combination of its great wine list and delicious food. Many wine bars focus solely on the beverages, but Serena's offers a menu that is a destination in itself. The hummus, with its fresh ingredients and warm pita, is a standout appetizer, and the variety of paninis and pastas ensures that you can enjoy a full, satisfying meal. This versatility makes it perfect for any occasion. The atmosphere is another major selling point. The cozy and romantic vibe, enhanced by the availability of "Outdoor seating" and "Live performances," creates a unique and memorable experience. It's the kind of place you can go to escape the city's chaos and simply relax. The service is consistently praised as fast, warm, and attentive, with servers like Hassan making a genuine impression on guests. This high level of hospitality makes you feel welcomed and cared for from the moment you arrive. While the food and drink prices are on par with the neighborhood, the quality, ambiance, and service make it a great value. The fact that it's a place that locals frequently recommend speaks volumes about its quality and reputation. Serena's Wine Bar isn't just a place to get a drink; it's a destination that provides an entire experience. It's a place that delivers on its promise of a great evening, solidifying its status as a must-visit spot on the Upper East Side.
In a city with endless options, Serena's Wine Bar stands out by providing a consistently excellent and warm experience. Its combination of a great wine list, a surprisingly delicious food menu, and a truly inviting atmosphere makes it a go-to spot for both a casual visit and a special night out. It’s a true neighborhood treasure that embodies the best of what a New York wine bar can be.
Serena's Wine Bar Food & drink
Main Salads
- Roasted Baby Beets Salad $21.54
Vegetarian. Baby beets, endives, walnuts, goat cheese, olive oil & balsamic.
- Caprese Salad $22.74
Vegetarian. Slices of fresh mozzarella, fresh tomatoes & basil. Add Prosciutto di Parma for an additional charge.
- Greek Village Salad $22.74
Vegetarian. Romaine lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, green peppers, feta cheese, Kalamata olives, red onions, capers & vinegar dressing.
- Cobb Salad $22.74
Vegetarian. Mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, avocado, red blue cheese, hard-boiled egg, lemon juice & olive oil dressing.
- Caesar Salad $21.54
Vegetarian. Hearts of romaine lettuce, shaved Parmigiano & crostini.
- Arugula Salad $21.54
Vegetarian. Arugula, shaved Parmigiano, lemon juice & olive oil dressing.
Panini
- Tomato, Mozzarella & Pesto Panini $19.00
Vegetarian. Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes & pesto sauce.
- Turkey Panini $19.00
Organic Turkey, provolone cheese, tomato, arugula & honey mustard.
- Italian White Tuna Panini $20.34
Italian tuna salad & melted aged cheddar.
- Beef Meatballs Panini $21.54
Beef meatballs with tomato sauce & fresh mozzarella.
- Organic Grilled Chicken Panini $21.54
Fresh mozzarella, avocado, tomatoes, arugula & pesto sauce or chipotle sauce.
- Classic Italian Panini $20.34
Salami, fresh mozzarella, arugula & roasted red peppers.
- Avocado Toast $20.50
Vegetarian. Avocado, sea salt, chia seeds & extra virgin olive oil. Add a boiled egg 2, smoked salmon for an additional charge.
- Prosciutto Di Parma Panini $22.74
18-month aged Prosciutto di Parma, fresh mozzarella & arugula.
Charcuterie & Artisan Cheese
- Three $38.50
- Five $48.00
Pasta
- Spaghetti Marinara $28.74
Vegetarian. Fresh-cut tomato marinara sauce & basil.
- Linguine Aglio E Olio $25.50
Vegetarian. Sautéed garlic, roasted red peppers, cherry tomatoes, crushed red pepper flakes, basil & olive oil. Add shrimp for an additional charge.
- Sautéed Salmon With Lemon Caper Sauce $36.50
Served with broccoli & mashed potatoes.
- Penne Arrabiata $27.50
Vegetarian. Tomato sauce, red onions, capers, black olives, crushed red pepper flakes, basil & olive oil.
- Lobster Ravioli $35.50
Served with pink sauce.
- Porcini Mushroom Ravioli $33.00
Vegetarian. With marsala sauce.
- Spaghetti & Beef Meatballs $31.14
Savory tomato sauce with fresh herbs & basil.
- Spaghetti Bolognese $31.14
Classic Italian meat sauce.
- Grilled Salmon $36.50
Served with spinach.
- Capellini Primavera $28.74
Vegetarian. Angel hair pasta with fresh vegetables & fresh tomato.
- Penne Alla $29.40
Vegetarian. Tomatoes, garlic, olive oil & cream.
Flatbreads
- Vegetarian Flatbread $27.00
Vegetarian. Fresh mozzarella, roasted peppers, tomatoes, mushrooms & onions.
- Smoked Salmon Flatbread $28.20
Smoked salmon, arugula, goat cheese & olive oil.
- Bresaola Flatbread $28.74
10-month aged bresaola, arugula, shaved Parmigiano & olive oil.
- Tomato Mozzarella Flatbread $22.74
Vegetarian. Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil & olive oil.
- Prosciutto Di Parma Flatbread $28.74
18-month aged Prosciutto di Parma, arugula, Parmigiano & olive oil.
- Gluten-Free & Plant-Based Flatbread $26.34
Gluten free, vegetarian. Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil & olive oil.
Starters
- Guacamole $14.00
Gluten free, vegetarian. With pita chips. Add mixed vegetables for an additional charge.
- Mexican Avocado Shrimp Salad $25.50
Gluten free. Chopped tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño & cilantro.
- Hummus $12.50
Vegetarian. With grilled pita. Add mixed vegetables for an additional charge.
- Fresh Burrata $21.50
With a soft creamy center, fresh tomatoes & arugula. Add Prosciutto di Parma for an additional charge.
- Mac & Cheese $17.50
Vegetarian.
- Beef Meatballs $17.50
Fresh cut tomato sauce & shaved Parmigiano.
- Greek Sampler $22.00
Vegetarian. With grilled pita. Pick three: hummus, tzatziki, Kalamata olives or stuffed grape leaves. Add mixed vegetables for an additional charge.
- Bob's Shrimp $24.95
Gluten free.
Sides
- Mashed Potatoes $8.40
- Broccoli $10.80
- Spinach $13.00
Serena's Wine Bar Details
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great cocktails
- Great wine list
- Live performances
Popular for
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Food
- Food at bar
- Happy hour drinks
- Hard liquor
- Wine
Dining options
- Outside food allowed
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Romantic
- Trendy
Crowd
- Groups
- Locals
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Parking
- Paid street parking
Serena's Wine Bar Photos










Serena's Wine Bar Location
Serena's Wine Bar Reviews
atmospherepriceshappy hourflatbreadbrunchglassdinneraverageitalianpanini
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1I had this spot on my list for a while and finally got the chance to check it out since I was in the area. The hummus was a standout—served with fresh cucumbers, a delicious olive, and warm pita bread that was perfect for dipping. They also have a great wine selection, which made the experience even better.The atmosphere is another highlight. They offer both indoor and outdoor seating, and it’s a treat to enjoy a glass of wine while people-watching outside—especially since many places no longer have outdoor setups after the city’s post-Covid regulations. The service was warm and attentive, and the space was very clean.Overall, I’d definitely recommend stopping by and I’ll absolutely be coming back.
September 05 · TaylorHassan was a wonderful server. Food was delicious. We sat in Ellen’s Corner and enjoyed everything we ordered. My kids loved it too!
July 13 · Farhanna B SayeghGreat brunch place with excellent food. The eggs benedict was perfect, served with tasty potatoes and mix greens. The salmon flatbread was also great; definitely recommended. The staff was courteous and attentive. At the moment they have curbside dining and 2nd avenue might be a bit noisy. The food is worth it though.
October 26 · Kristian Singh-NergårdIt's called a wine bar, but it definitely has more cafe vibes. The wine list was just not that extensive. There was a one-page menu for food / lighter bites. For being empty, service was definitely a bit slow and they got my order wrong at first, but they cheerfully corrected it. Great place to come and languish a little bit and have a nice chat with your friend, but definitely avoid if you're in any kind of rush. Seemed family friendly.
April 08 · Crissibeth CooperRight next door to my all-time neighborhood favorite (Mediterraneo) is not an easy place for my book.. bias aside, I finally tried Serena’s and was pleasantly surprised. A very low key yet chic atmosphere, accompanied by a live guitarist and tasty food. Dining alone, I sat at the bar. Was served a delicious martini, and the prosciutto flatbread was fresh, light and very tasty. An incredible pick for anyone looking for a local first date spot!!
September 19 · Christine Hauer
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