Our Story - Esters Wine Shop & Bar

Esters is a chic wine bar and shop in downtown Santa Monica that feels like a neighborhood clubhouse for drinking, eating and socializing. In 2023, we were named a James Beard Award semifinalist for “Outstanding Bar.” We’re totally nuts about planet-friendly wines from small producers – both classic wines and “thinking outside the box” wines. Our shelves are stocked with hundreds of bottles from all over the world, and our cellar is deep with Burgundy. But do not fear, Martini lovers, we have a full bar as well! Yes, we love our seasonal cocktails (and mocktails). Of course, along with the millions of drinks, we offer simple, delicious food. Inspired by our favorite bistros and wine bars in Spain and France, we serve an all-day menu of farmers’ market-driven dishes, snacks and cheeses that pair with wine, including a daily happy hour. If you love what you’re drinking and eating, take it home! Our shop is full of wines, artisanal snacks and gift boxes, so that you can share a bit of Esters with the ones you love.

“My hope is that Esters is that kinda-cozy and kinda-fancy, but still chill place to hang out. And of course, drink and eat a lot! When Tug and I were dreaming up Esters, we thought about our favorite times to drink wine, which is when we’re on VACATION! Often, we get up late, have a quick pastry and coffee, walk the new city, and be starved by 3pm. At that time, most full-service restaurants are closed, so we have to pop into a wine bar. Naturally, we open a bottle and have a lunch/happy hour until late afternoon, when we start exploring again. It’s called leisure. So that’s my dream for Esters – come drink at 3pm and enjoy life! Or come have a sandwich during lunch, waffles and a mimosa on the weekend, or share endless bottles of wine, oysters and market platters with friends in the evening. Esters is a place to take a date, a friend, a parent, or a colleague from work. You can stay for 30 minutes or 3 hours. As my dad likes to say, ‘it’s a safe place’ and all are welcome here. You can’t buy happiness, but you can come to Esters.” – Co-Owner & Rustic Canyon Family Wine Director Kathryn Coker

Our History & Team: We opened in July 2015, across the hall from our sister Cassia, in the Telephone Building—a 1937 Art Deco landmark in downtown Santa Monica. Contrary to popular belief, we’re not named after anyone called Ester. Esters are the compounds found in wine that hold its aroma – when you swirl your glass, you release the esters. That was Kathryn’s idea, and she’s the co-owner with her husband Tug, alongside the restaurant group’s co-owners Josh Loeb and Zoe Nathan.

We’d be nothing though without our incredible team who keep this place humming – General Manager Vi Nguyen, Chef de Cuisine Sheyna McCallister, Sommelier Randall Middleton, Bar Manager Jonah Atkins, and so many more awesome people.

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