Simplicity Wine Bar & Cafe

Great vibe. Went on, a random Tuesday after work. Ezekiel great bartender. Made me drinks not on, the menu… ask for a lime rickey. I will be back.

Simplicity was a cozy, relaxed lounge to kick back after a long week. They have a happy hour that last until 9 pm. There was a warm and welcoming wait staff. The drinks made by Ezechial (sp) were good and did it’s job of giving me a nice buzz.
There was a D.J. that played r&b tunes that made the atmosphere feel grown and sexy. The music was not all over the place.
It was a quiet Friday evening but that was fine if you want to unwind without a huge crowd of folks.
The chicken empanadas were flaky, tasty and the sauce to compliment it was sweet and had lots if kick.
I will be back.

This place use to be one of my favorite spots in the neighborhood. It’s atmosphere has changed big time. It was once a nice, quiet, chilled atmosphere. I feel that the owners have no idea what direction they want to go in. You can no longer hear yourself. The only plus is the bartender TLO she makes amazing drinks and super friendly besides that this place sucks!!!

This place is the worst of the worst. Don’t know how they went from trying to be a chill wine bar to ratchet night club! The owners have no idea what they are doing and they are soooooooooo inconsiderate to the neighbors. Loud crowd and music all night. It sounds like the party is going on right here in my apartment. They had a party Saturday night and 2 guys was a auguring at 3 something in the morning and then they started shooting. SHOOTING! I have been living on this block for 4 years and have never heard gun shots! This place is a joke! Please don’t waste your time or money in this trash box known as a wine bar!

Forbidden Fruit Saturdays @ Simplicity Lounge 310 Malcolm X Blvd (Decatur & MacDonough)
THIS WEEK Doors Open 6pm –Food –Hookah –Late Happy Hour $ 20 — 10 Well Drinks or $ 40 –10 Well Drinks & Hookah 10−12am
No Cover All Nite

Really, Really wanted this to be a neighborhood spot to meet friends at so I kept trying it but alas it’s not to be ! As others have said the Price Gouging at this place is out of control /​boarder line illegal. A 7 $ well drinks suddenly will go up to 10 $ because they get «busy ». The music is so loud you have to yell to hear the person next to you even at times the place is almost empty. And the policy’s (like the prices) change as the night goes on (really sweet bartenders & waitstaff I will say.). But I would much rather pay more at other local establishments such as Peaches or Therapy where I know I will get a good drink & the price will not change randomly.

DO NOT PATRONIZE THIS ESTABLISHMENT!!! Unless, you like mysterious charges billed to you. Just sad, because I am a local realtor and there is nothing I love more than a solid local business. This was unexpected and just sad!
The waitress said «a glass of D’usse is $ 24. It’s that good» after serving us 3 such drinks With no prior notification. I’m sorry not only is that not listed on your bar menu but I have never paid $ 24 for one mid-​level drink in my almost 20years of drinking in NYC. One of the owners comes over and says «I see your bill here and you were charged $ 24 per drink but it should be $ 12 per drink.» DUH!!! «I’ll take care of it.» Bill comes for $ 15 per drink. So, yeah, you guessed it zero tip. RUN! RUN! RUN like the wind! This place is a ripoff to the enth degree. Atmosphere is unimaginative with a small amount of space considering. Why waste your time and money?
When you are willing to take advantage of your own local patrons in such a casual and callous manner then you deserve to be run out of business. The community should not accept this type of practice in your own neighborhood. STOP PATRONIZING THIS ESTABLISHMENT unless they adjust their predatory practices.
FYI…this same drink I was charged $ 24 for I purchased for $ 10 at NO BAR. SURPRISE! YEP, your staff has no effin clue! WASTE OF SPACE! GENTRIFY THIS BITCH PLEASE!!!

Wow, just wow. How has this place made it so far?
Really bad atmosphere, crazy décor, and overpriced wine. Do I have to move back to California to get a nice wine bar in the city?
Also, I went with 3 friends and we couldn’t hear anyone talking over the crazy loud music.
Won’t be coming back.

This is cute little spot… I came here only once and had a decent time. The crowd was kinda young but I still made the most of my night since the music was pumping. I will definitely return to this establishment.

I was drawn to Simplicity for a Jewelry Event I was hosting and although our turnout was small, I am glad I stumbled upon this little gem. Very accomodating and laid back– definitely part of my Dominican style. Yes, they have their kinks to work out, but what new venue doesnt? I admire owner, Christian’s, drive and support of rising business stars like myself. Drinks were tasty, and only because I love to eat, I wish there was a little more tapas variety — all in time I am sure. I did enjoy my HUGE empanadas and chicken fingers. Will I be back? If I could leave work right now I would head over for an In & Out Lemontini and some hookah! Cheers Paisanos!

I will have to disagree with Josey B. I thought Lea Anderson was beautiful, sophisticated, SUPER talented and shined in this very low key atmosphere.
Everybody on the staff was very friendly and attentive. Drinks were strong and yummy.
I enjoyed all of the artists in the showcase of talent Lea brought to the scene. I wish it had gone on longer!!! Will definitely be back for more

Always a great time. The food is great, the drinks are amazing, and the staff is exceptional.

I’ve attended this venue on Tuesday a few times, for reality tv star, producer, publisher and best selling author Tionna Smalls’ #BossyTuesdays … This venue is awesome. The customer service is impeccable. The food is so good and the drinks are strong and reasonably priced. I truly love attending #BossyTuesdays. If you’re an entrepreneur, freelancer, boss, CEO or someone with a dream of greatness then YOU NEED TO BE HERE! I love this venue! I enjoy this event! You can’t go wrong coming here!
@mssherryblossom on IG/​Twitter

I recently moved to the area and I’ve been looking for a neighborhood bar. I have to say that Simplicity is the BEST!!! The staff is super friendly and you can’t beat the Happy Hour. The Ambience is beautiful, if you’re alone your bound to meet super friendly people.

Went at night for a party. The staff was very unorganized and did not work well together.
We had a large group. We all wanted coat check. They mixed up our coat check tickets.
The bar tenders were pretty good, but the drink sizes were not worth the prices.
I will not be visiting Simplicity again!

What a disappointment.
I am new to the area and have been looking for places in the neighborhood to eat, drink, and be merry. I came across a deal for Simplicity online and thought it’d be perfect for a girls evening out.
The special was for wine flights for two and cheese and charcuterie platters.
Turns out that the wine flights for two really meant a shot glass of wine for each person. The cheese and meat platters wound up being six small pieces of cheese, six small pieces of meat and undercooked/​cold fries with bbq sauce… how you can mess up french fries is beyond me… but I digress.
Aside from the «deal» falling beyond short, the service was just as terrible if not worse. The hostess here is also the bar tender and the waitress. After our two sips of wine, we tried to stay and order to eat/​drink, but she never came to take our orders… The «manager» asked the older gentlemen to the right of us, but failed to ask us how wee were doing despite our empty table and the bleak look across our faces as we stared at the fake flowers at our table. After 15 more minutes, we just walked out.
You would think that small businesses around here would do a better job of trying to make patrons feel welcome or even noticed, but instead, Simplicity just hires a DJ to blast music so loud that you think you’re at a night club. If you’re thinking of having a chill evening here — think again — and go elsewhere.

Hmmp… If I’d written this review based on my first experience at Simplicity it would have been 5 stars. My 2^nd visit was a stark contrast and horrible all around.
Because of my wonderful first visit I’d talked the place up to my husband and was really excited to bring him to a new bar that was in walking distance from our house. I’d deemed it our new spot for the summer. Upon entering I was cheerful and said hello to the young woman who was standing on the side of the bar with her arm under her chin. She completely ignored my greeting, so I thought maybe she doesn’t work here and that was a customer instead. After all she wasn’t behind the bar.
So my husband and I find our own place to sit and after 5 minutes that same woman came over looking like she didn’t really want to, with some menus. I’d had the beef empanadas before and knew they took a while to cook them, so I ordered them right away. She ignored my request and started asking about drinks. I told her we needed a minute on the drinks.
When she returned, the owner Christian was with her and offered suggestions on drinks. My husband wanted a Malbec, but he said they were out. So he wanted to order a Merlot. Christian told him to hold off since he liked Malbec, he would bring him a sample of a drink. He brought back a sample of drink that was flavored Moscatos mixed with a red wine. How bringing a Moscato wine to someone who likes Malbec made no sense to me. Those are no where near in the same category.
When both returned the woman asked me if I wanted to order food despite me asking for the order of empanadas 20 minutes beforehand. She asked if I wanted one order or two. I emphatically said one order because my husband was not really hungry. Then Christian asked us was we sure about the one order and I said yes, just one order.
30 minutes later the empanadas come out. By then I asked my husband if he at least wanted to try them and he said yes. Before the woman could leave, I asked could she bring and extra plate. She gave me a look of death, rolled her eyes, and walked off. Then the silly broad never did even bring the plate. I guess that request was just overload for her.
So I just passed him a few tastes of it on a napkin. By then my husband was annoyed with the woman’s attitude and all the flies in the place and went to ask for the check. When he asked for the check the other owner asked if we would be taking the 2^nd order of empanadas with us. I just rolled my eyes cause I 100% know that we said TWICE that we only wanted one order. Even if we did order two why would they not come out at the same time?
My husband mentioned something about the plate to the woman owner and then the younger woman brought it over with an attitude. We were getting our stuff to leave and now you want to come with the plate? Nope, we are good.
Once we left I kept telling my husband not to go off this experience, but he wasn’t having it. He said he would never come back. I was annoyed cause that girl had absolutely no reason to be so nasty. I walked in with good thoughts and she totally ruined my vibe with her rudeness.
Funny cause the first time I came it was male server who was so polite. When my best friend and I ordered the empanadas he brought them on 2 plate cut evenly. He was very nice and we had a great experience. I would come back but there’s something to be said about how people make you feel. I didn’t feel welcome the second time, so I just can’t. I’m not going to spend money again somewhere where you make me feel like I’m getting on your nerves for asking for basic service.
All my friends live close by and I wanted to plan a girl’s night there, but just forget it.

I finally stepped foot into Simplicity and it was more than I ever imagined. Being a new addition to my neighborhood, I was ready to be a critic. Unfortunately, I have no complaints. I went for their first open mic event. So much fun!
The service, the wine, the open mic host… Not a single complaint. I felt like I was home. The owners made me feel comfortable. The host made us laugh hysterically. I was pleased. Also, it was a packed house with every seat taken and guests standing. I can look around the room and tell everyone else felt comfortable too.
I can’t wait to go back. This is going to be a great spot for a summer night. I can imagine sipping wine with friends on a nice evening and the doors opened to… Malcolm X Blvd. Thank you Simplicity!

I came here for my friend’s birthday with a group of like 15. This place is cozy. When I got there, they had all the window-​walls opened which was nice. They had a DJ spinning a lot of great music!
The sangria was really bad! It tasted a lot like sweet fruit juice and watered down with water all at the same time. It definitely looked like it was homemade but they need to find another recipe for it! I think this is why I deducted ½ a star. I opted for wine for the rest of the night. They also sell beer!
For food, our host ordered several appetizers. We had the empanadas-​made with puff pastry instead of regular empanada dough. I didn’t try it but, everyone seemed to like them. Then we had a cheese platter which was very delicious, except that they only gave us 6 tiny slices of bread which was not enough to eat all the cheese on the cutting board. We asked for more bread and they sent us a mere 5 tiny slices. My fave platter was the cutting board with prosciutto, sausage, another cold cut, and a tiny portion of Parmesan Sweet Potato Fries… it was delicious! I
I did feel like each platter was too small for the size of our party. I would suggest doing bigger appetizer platters for larger groups of people at an extra cost. Each platter took a really long time to come out… and since the wait was too long, people would eat the appetizers within 5 minutes of arrival and we had to wait again for the next platter… which is why I deducted another ½ star.
The owner was really nice and attentive. For a Friday night, it was pretty empty until our party arrived. But I heard they just opened and the neighborhood is changing, so I really wish them well! All in all, with good company, good music, and some booze in your system, you are bound to have a good time!

Went on a Sunday for an early/​light dinner. Love the space. Love the Location. Owners friendly. Food good.
–Way too many menus, too confusing, wine menu was a mess. Like going to fill out application for a mortgage much much too much paperwork.
–From owners recommendation we ordered the empanadas and sweet potato fries, we waited over an hour and half to be served! The orders didn’t come out together. They kept saying selling the freshness and from scratch to justify the long wait. Which i love, but really no excuses. They just werent prepared and disorganized. We were so hungry. This delayed our whole evening, we had to rearrange plans for a meal that should have taken 30 mins tops.
–I ordered a wine I was super excited about, was good but waitress brought over for me to sample and there were bits of cork floating in the glass – no bueno. I let that slide though.
–As consolation were given complimentary cocktail desserts for the super long wait just for an empanadas. Desserts were good, spicy chocolate is yummy on the front end but on the back end is almost unpalatable. I love spice… so trust me it ruined the experience. The peach and lime/​strawberry were tasty, especially the strawberry with lime zest as it reminded me of a mojito. YUM
All-​in-​all I’d say simplicity needs to simplify! Despite the mishaps I am forgiving they have only been open for 3 months, so i understand they are still working out the kinks.
Just one last thing. I am excited for the things they are planning such as open mic, jazz, comedy and rooftop. But was overwhelmed when the owner began to explain future calendar events such as masquerade and fashion shows and yoga etc. Whoa. Instead of being exciting, it was more overwhelming then anything.
Signed
Still A Customer