Why go out on a rainy Friday evening? To try a newer wine bar of course. We like to try new places around the Capital District of NY. We heard from about Spindles from a local TV story. First don't let the area fool you. Cohoes is an old textile/paper mill town that has fallen on some hard times recently. A one time All-American city award winner due to its full employment. Remsen St is the main thoroughfare and once supported many businesses. Some places on the same block as Spindles are vacant and boarded up. Also a recent fire across the street resulted in the demolition of 100 yards of real estate. Enough background for now. On to the wine. All visitors were acknowledged upon entering by the bartender, Jordan S. We sat at the bar (10 seats) and there are seats around tables for about 25 more people. Almost full during our time here. We had three glasses of wine between us. Good wines at a great value $5.50-6.50 per glass. Pours are offered in 5 or 8 oz, and bottle. Please take this next comment as constructive criticism. We asked the bartender what the numbers and letters on the menu meant. She said she didn't know. As the numbers were 90+ it appeared to be a rating system. A quick Google search found the answer. They are the Wine Spectator and Decanter rating system numbers. We politely showed this to the bartender. Please teach your staff about the wines and the menu. They will feel more confident when interacting with their customers. In all it was a nice visit and we will return in the summer to take advantage of the patio and try their menu al fresco. Hope you can be successful in your new venture. read more

Awful awful experience! Here it goes: I was asking about dairy free and gluten free options and the waitress gave me a few. One of the options was to substitute any of the menu options using a baguette with a gluten free baguette. I was excited about this since I haven't been able to eat bruschetta since I've had to go gluten free for health reasons. I ordered the bruschetta with the gluten free baguette and cheese on the side. She came out of the kitchen a few minutes later saying they'd have to up-charge the $8 bruschetta to $14 because they "had to use a whole baguette to make the bruschetta" since it was a special order. I was totally okay with the up-charge. About 20-25 minutes later, the appetizer came out on two separate plates. One with cheese on the bread and one with no cheese. My boyfriend ordered a different app and was only going to try the bruschetta so I picked off the cheese and ate 3 of the 4 slices from the plate she put in front of him first. Then I bit into one of the four slices they gave to me and it was a completely different type of bread. I stopped eating immediately knowing they did not use the same type of bread and was curious to know what they did use. I asked the waitress who asked the kitchen. It was not gluten free bread. First and foremost, they lied to us. They were going to charge us for something we did not receive and had no intention of serving us. Second, my boyfriend did not order the gluten free baguette, I did, so to assume that he was going to eat 4 pieces was false. Third, they served something I did not order knowing that I was absolutely unable to eat gluten. Finally, their resolution for the issue was not an apology nor taking the $14 upcharged baguette off the bill, but to comp his $8 glass of wine. I was so livid, so disappointed, and honestly very nervous about having just eaten 3 slices of regular bread, that we paid the $31 bill (for which only a glass of wine was comped) and left the establishment. I will absolutely never return to this place and I warn anyone with any allergies and/or dietary restrictions to stay far away. They are dishonest and completely careless with the food they serve to customers. read more

Perfect for a drink and a bite. Selection of wine and tapas were good as was the quality. Cute decor and pleasant staff. The overly familiar hipster clientele made it a little annoying but that won't let me get in the way of coming back to enjoy the patio next time. read more

awesome experience with wonderful service. nice and in a wonderful area. thank you so much to the staff and to the wonderful server who helped us. she went above and beyond. Miriam was amazing to us while we enjoyed the epic food! read more

My wife and I recently relocated to Cohoes , we decided to try a local restaurant and we are a fan of Tapas restaurants, we were very happy with the selection and the food it was delicious we had the spiced olives, the bacon wrapped dates were delicious, the Artisan cheese board had a great selection and to finish we had the sliders that were served with the best truffle fries , we asked the waitress and she told us the regulars can order a portion of the fries, as this was a date night we shared a bottle of Prosecco . The only reason Spindles did not earn 5 stars was the ambiance , while it is a nice place it was relatively empty and it just did not have the buzz we were looking for, we will definitely be back read more

Amazing little local spot with a very cool vibe. Very diverse wine menu and an interesting specials menu. Definitely worth coming out of your way to get the spot a try. Excellent service too! read more

Spindles Wine Bar - Wine Bars Near Me - Cohoes, New York

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One of our favorite places in the Capital District. Cool atmosphere, good beer and wine selection, delicious tapas and appetizers. The duck and salmon dishes are worth the drive from anywhere. But if you are headed to the Cohoes Music Hall and you don't stop here for a drink and the warm brie before a show, you are really missing something. Outside seating in the summer over the back deck, and the occasional duo playing in the front corner, makes this place a must-stop on a summer evening. Friendly staff, good food and drinks, comfortable atmosphere. Do yourself a favor and check out Spindles on Remsen. read more

3 stars on Yelp means A-OK, Spindles in our experience was um OK, but I don't think it would be fair to go down to 2 stars either. We had high hopes and wanted to love this place - Spindles had a lot going for it from our point of view going in. A family member gave it a shining recommendation, its small pleasant space and vibe and their emphasis on good wine and small plates are right up our alley, Even a happy hour that looks as if it good make most anyone happy - we had very high hopes. Cohoes is a few cities up the road and not where we might usually find ourselves. Our first visit was on a Tuesday fresh out of my Albany 9-5 gig and the 30 minute trip up there. Dear Heart and I were greeted by Emily and absolutely no one else. (Emily is quite possibly the best thing Spindles has going for it). Emily warmly greeted us and could not have made us feel happier to be there! Asking if we were ready to have some wine we said we were along with some food. Heartbroken, she informed that they had no kitchen that night. In over half a century of dining out this was the first time i'd encountered a closed kitchen - but Emily's infectious good spirits and promises of taking well care of us if we returned the next day easily carried the day - Emily provided a couple recommendations of local choices; we followed one of them and had pleasant evening at Smith's up the street. We returned the next day to a lively crowd in the (as others have mentioned, rather small space), and I had high hopes; a few tables seemed clearly to be regulars - must be good things ahead. I want to start with the best thing - the wine, we love good wine and have a family full of people who know wine and help us - I asked Emily to select my flight - she gamely asked me questions to understand what I'd like and selected a flight of wines each better than the next - i will pursue getting more of each - they were all that good. I can't emphasize enough how much we enjoyed talking/working with her - a true gem. DH made his own wine selections with consultation and was pleased with 2 of 3. Go there for the wine, if you want a suggestions (or just someone pretty awesome to talk to) ask for Emily. But - obviously a but was coming. The kitchen is a whole other matter. Aside from being totally absent on our first visit, they were at best usually missing in action on our second. Additionally, if there was anyone functioning in a managerial role it was painfully unapparent. Food-wise we started with a happy hour special of Warm Rosemary Cashews, we were surprised at how long they took to arrive (assuming that they are largely prepped before order) and found them pleasant - nothing to write home about and lacking in salt (with none available at the table. We then ordered from the small plates menu (we love small plates) an Onion Bruschetta that sounded fantastic, I wanted Lamb Lollipops and DH Lobster Mac and Cheese - a long - too long, time later the Bartender (operating as runner as well) delivered the latter two items and assured us the bruschetta would soon be out. DH pronounced the Lobster Mac the best he'd ever had. lamb lollipops were cooked as requested and quite delicious, half way through my lollipops server checked in on us - I asked about the bruschetta and she apologized that it would not be coming - the kitchen had no bread ...I did make clear that we were not impressed and that the kitchen needed to up their game ... ok, these things happen but it is now more than 40 minutes after I ordered an item that you don't have and the only way i find that out is by asking where it is ... ... it is at this point that i begin to wonder if there is anyone in charge ... If this were the end of it we would have been good and I probably wouldn't be taking the time to write this. We dine out twice a week and i rarely review on Yelp and this is more than I have ever written in a review. Emily was super about the bruschetta thing and offered a comp.She made it clear she was sorry for our experiences and hoped we'd give them another 2nd shot. But that wasn't all. Unfortunately, we and every other customer are about to find out about another issue. When we arrive we are told to grab a seat we like wherever. shortly thereafter another couple arrives asking for a table stating they have a reservation. There isn't an open table in house and they are offered a spot on the deck - it is chilly and blustery ... ... they end up seated at the bar. Later their complaints are loud enough for all to hear - they had a 6 30 reservation and there was no table - after being seated at the bar (maybe 10-15 minutes later they didn't get their food (app, slider stuff) for more than an hour after their seating time --- 630 res - 7 40 sliders - Not OK Our interactions with the bartender couldn't have been more pleasant, but the whole house saw another side as he got to go containers for the people who had run out of time. not ready 4 prime time read more

Best tapas in Cohoes! (Only tapas in cohoes) Wonderful hangout for the 50 and over crowd to mingle. "Cougar Den" Also, the piano is always playing and the wine is nice and full bodied. read more

Debra is the most outstanding waitress and hostess!!! We enjoyed the service she provided above all. Love the outdoor patio. Food presentation is desirable. We shall return. read more

I wanted to love this place...I really did. First let me say...the food is delicious ... the presentation needs a little work...but that is a small matter. With that being said ... do, check this place out ... make your own judgement. This is merely mine. The place is smaallll...extremely small...Tiny. It cannot handle a party larger than 4 people. You also need to make a reservation, or you may be standing to eat. There are 3 x 2 tops ... 2 x 4 tops....2 x 3 tops, 2 couches that face each other - in front of a gas fire (mmm..so nice) and a bar that seats roughly 7 or 8. The 2 x 3 tops are right on top of the bar...it is close quarters, loud, hot and extremely uncomfortable. A gentleman at the bar, actually nudged me a bit so he could rest his elbow on the top of my chair and lean. (Seriously?) That didn't last long for him . You have been warned. If you have read this review this far...you are in for the long-haul...and may actually go there to make your own determination (do it!) The place wants to be a upscale wine and tapas bar ... it is pretty inside ... the menu is varied and interesting...but no... The waitress gave awful service. Not very personable, not rude, but literally NO personality... and I had to go to the bar 2xs to get a refill on my drink and to get silverware (). The bartender was very friendly and nice. Speaking of silverware...it is in a glass jar on the table...for anyone to touch (bleck). There were only salad forks, no dinner forks, no knives. The waitress had on a t-shirt, a hoodie and sneakers. No white top and black pants ... (we could have been in a bowling alley). We saw the chef walking by ... stopped him and asked him if he made our food...we were all smiling at him ... one person was gushing over the risotto (it WAS amazing) "Yup" ... and kept walking ... WOW... brushed off by the very person's talents we came to experience ... so rude. At least he can cook... The men's bathroom is literally AT the bar. It opens out right next to the bar. Strange... Tiny bathrooms! A large group at the bar was having a lively loud conversation ... it wasnt inappropriate and they seemed to be a friendly decent group of people. The place does give the impression that it attracts a good clientele ... I probably won't go back... I have been in the bar and restaurant business for a long time. I don't hassle the staff nor am I rude and tip well despite poor service. Hopfully the owner will read this and make some changes... It could be great! (The pic is of half my food eaten) read more

Service was terrible. We were still waiting for appetizers 70 minutes after we ordered them, yet there were dinners being picked up for takeout the whole time we were sitting there. One waitress for the entire place, who told us there was one guy cooking in the kitchen. She was apologetic but it didn't help that we had been sitting with no food for over an hour. One appetizer of the two we ordered was served separately which the four of us devoured. Finally we said to forget the dinners we had ordered, that we were leaving. Second appetizer was delivered in a takeout container, with the promise we wouldn't be charged for it. We were, in fact, charged for it. Won't go back. read more

Great happy hour with vast selection of wine and beer. Food offerings were good as well and very friendly knowledgeable staff. We will be back read more

Just visited this place the other night, my husband and I had a great evening. We had the duck as an appetizer, he had osso bucco and I had the salmon with risotto. Great spot! They gave me several samples of wine till I found one I liked best! Had the crème brûlée for dessert. Everything was wonderful. read more

Spindles Wine Bar - The crème brûlée. - Wine Bars Near Me - Cohoes, New York

Went to a show at Cohoes music hall and capped the night off at Spindles. What delicious food and appetizers. The Lobster mac and Cheese was the best I've had, theolove sampler was delicious, and the asparagus flatbread pizza was phenomenal. Highly recommended! read more

Went with a friend for drinks and apps. First off, soooo clean inside and super cute. Wine selection and service great. Apps I wanted to love but was left longing for more. Bacon wrapped dates and chicken just had too much bacon and the sauces needed a little more to round out the flavor. I'll definitely be back again at least for a glass of winE and the good vibes. Catch them when they have live music, makes it that much better. read more

To our loyal customers and to Bryan & Robert, I appologize for the experience you had a week ago! As the owner I try to ensure that every customers experience is excellent. Unfortunatly I suffered a stroke and was completely out of commission for 10 days and this put a major strain on the restaurant. I can only appologize for what was not our best in my absence and hope you give us another shot. We pride ourselves on the great reviews that we have had and hope for continued great success in the future. Cheers, Don R. Owner read more

This is a true hidden gem. The wine selections is always diverse and of good quality. The food is amazing especially the bacon wrapped dates. It's a low key place, great for unwinding after a hard days work. Definitely recommend that you check it out if your in the area. read more

If I could give negative stars, I would. Probably the absolute worst service I have ever encountered. Sat at the table for over ten minutes before we had to ask the bartender standing 10 feet away for a menu. When the waitress finally came into the dining area, she walked by us four times without saying a single word. Wine list is mediocre, nothing to write home about. Food looked somewhat ok, nothing jumps out at you. Probably will never come here again, and most definitely will relay the disappointment to all my friends. read more

Secret treasure. Make the trip from Troy or Albany to have a drink & apps at Spindles. Prices are great and their small plates are amazing. My friends have said good things about their brunch too. It's tiny inside, but perfect for a date night or catching up with a couple friends. read more

We found food was outstanding . Wine selection was very nice. The live music was very entertaining. The only issue we had was seating. Very small place get there early if you want a good seat . We plan to visit again. read more

I don't ever write reviews but felt compelled to because this neighborhood, family owned place is a real gem. It has everything going for it...great food, extensive wine selections, personable staff & the friendliest owner you could ever meet. Give it a try. You'll be hooked! read more

Always a great time at Spindles. The food and the wine can only be beat by your host Don, the owner! Great place, great food in a great city! I highly recommend Spindles to anyone looking for a great time in a local, family-run business. Go! Now! read more

This place is awesome. They exceeded my expectations, the food is fresh and homemade,the flavors are amazing. This is fine dining quality. The service we got from Debra was beyond compare. She made my sister and I feel like we where at her home. The portions of the tapas are very generous. You will not be disappoint at all. Try the bacon wrapped chicken, OMG ,to die for. Met the owner/chef told him that Guy Fieri should come and feature Spindles on Dinners Driveins and Dives. An amazing spot . I recommend it 100%. Bravo read more

Great little place!! Delicious small plates to share (and full size too if appetite dictates) great selection of adult beverages and comfortable atmosphere. Looking forward to our next visit! read more

Nice to see a place like this in Cohoes. Nice wine list, good size pour, like that they suggest wines right on the menu that go with the different plates. Lobster bite sauces were so good it was a shame that the actual lobster portion was so tiny. Maybe add some claws to keep price down but increase portion size, had the scallops, harvest salad & escargot, all good size and delicious. Waitress & bartender lady were very pleasant. Will definitely go back. read more

Truly the gem of this small city! Great tapas that are original and imaginative. However, the portions are small for the price. Though the deck in the back is not peppered with good views, it a great place to sit in the summer. Only downside is that the space is too small; it gets cramped easily when its cold outside, and it can be hard to move around. However, having such a great eatery like this in Cohoes is almost unheard of, and its great to finally have a place I'd want to eat close to home. read more

My friend and I went to Spindles recently and had a lovely time. The wine selection is great and fairly priced, our waitress made some great suggestions for each of our flights. We had the marinated olives, which were completely addicting to eat and it was a generous portion. I got reuben sliders with french fries, the sliders were good, but I wish the fries were normal fries and not matchstick. She got lobster poppers and enjoyed her meal. We both loved the fact that there was a sax and bass player playing jazz. I'll be back for sure! read more

We went to this wine bar for drinks. The place is very cozy and had a great wine list. We had the crab stuffed mushrooms, and they were great. The service was very good. We plan on going back for dinner soon. read more