Esters Wine Shop & Bar Est. 2015
1314 7th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401, United States
- Street Parking
- Valet Parking
- Wifi
- Dining Chairs
- Dining Tables
- Onsite Restrooms
- The Scene:
- Esters, which derives its name from the chemical compounds that contribute to a wine’s bouquet, is a wine shop, bar and market experience in Santa Monica, CA, appealing to both shoppers on-the-go and guests lingering over intriguing wine and food. Co-Owner & RC Family Wine Director Kathryn Coker, a veteran of Rustic Canyon, and her husband, Tug, join Josh Loeb and Zoe Nathan (the team behind Rustic Canyon, Huckleberry Bakery & Café, Milo & Olive, Sweet Rose Creamery, Cassia and Tallula’s) in this project. The hyper-seasonal menu for lunch, dinner, happy hour and weekend brunch is meant to pair with Kathryn's fun and eclectic selection of 250-plus wines. Esters invites guests to browse the wine collection, while sipping on a glass of Champagne, spend an evening leisurely exploring new vintages to pair with cheese, charcuterie and composed dishes, enjoy a wine tasting class or stock up for a dinner party at home.
- Design:
- Esters is located in the historic Telephone Building in downtown Santa Monica, a 1937 Art Deco landmark, next door to the Rustic Canyon Family's sister spot, Cassia. Designed by L.A.-based Oonagh Ryan Architects (ORA), the intimate and elegant wine bar/retail hybrid integrates both aspects seamlessly, pairing modern motifs with an eclectic mix of new and vintage furnishings. A 20-seat, U-shaped bar anchors the 1,600-square-foot space and features a hand-plastered front with decorative molding and a fluted terrazzo and brass counter, next to a custom wood and steel communal table with a large, beaded crystal chandelier hanging overhead. The wine inventory is displayed on floor-to-ceiling racks crafted from stained white oak and steel, while vintage or custom-designed tables, chairs and accessories contribute to the festive vibe of a Parisian flea market. Steel-framed windows salvaged from the landmark building have been gracefully repurposed into an enclosure for the high-end wine cellar, situated near a cozy nook with a rich green velvet loveseat, linen-clad chairs and a white marble coffee table. The enclosed patio features colorful, tile-topped tables and seats 40.
- Standout Venue Features:
- With over 250 different wines in the shop, the team is able to craft unique, private wine tastings and pairings for your party. We also do off-site events, where we can do wine tastings and bring a selection of cheese, charcuterie and oysters.
- Extra Perks:
- In addition to Esters' own food, we're also able to tap our sister restaurants to further enhance your private event, like pastries and desserts from Huckleberry Bakery & Cafe or fresh ice cream from Sweet Rose Creamery.
Los Angeles Times, "The Woman Behind Esters - The Best Wine Bar in Southern California"
Robb Report, "The Elegant Wine Shop Serving a Boozy Brunch"
Food & Wine, "How to Think Like a Wine Pro"
Angeleno, "The Best Wine Shops in Town"
Decanter, "Top LA Wine Bars as chosen by Ray Isle"
Eater Los Angeles, "Fantastic Wine Bars to Sip, Swirl, and Drink in Los Angeles"
USA Today, "Al Fresco Dining in America's Food Cities"
Wine Enthusiast, "Top 40 Under 40 Tastemakers 2016"
Zagat, "LA's 10 Best New Happy-Hour Bites"
- Food, Restaurants, Cafes:
- Rustic Canyon’s award-winning Chef Jeremy Fox first developed Esters’ hyper-seasonal menu to complement Kathryn’s eclectic wine selections. Executive Chef Jessica Liu He carries on that vision, with a commitment to sourcing local fish, meats from high-quality regional producers and making as much as possible in house, from the corned brisket and fermented sauerkraut to the pickles and mustards in the sandwiches. At 170 square feet, “the little kitchen that could” offers lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch, in addition to a variety of cheeses and cured meats from boutique salumerias across the country.
The shop has become known for its epic Grilled Cheese, made with reading, provolone, reggiano and bechamel, served with a spicy, red pepper jam. Other highlights include a Chicken Liver Tartine, more composed plates like Crispy Chicken Confit, and during weekend brunch, a Cornmeal Waffle with Bavarian cream and seasonal berries. - Bars & Lounges:
- The broad and eclectic wine list at Esters emphasizes small producers and boutique wineries from around the globe, whose stories Kathryn and Tug know and love. Kathryn has judiciously assembled a list of more than 250 selections that includes great Burgundies (her personal soft spot), Grower Champagnes and funky biodynamic wines produced by little-known winemakers from Santa Barbara to Sicily. Most of the bottles displayed throughout the store are priced from $20 to $75, with a high-end wine room showcasing bottles priced above $75. At least 15 wines are poured by the glass at any given time, and Kathryn is never shy about opening a new bottle. Highlights include 2012 Pierre Morey Bourgogne Aligote, NV Domaine Robert Sérol Cote Roannaise “Turbullent” sparkling rosé from the Loire Valley, and 2013 Soliste Narcisse Pinot Noir from the Sonoma Coast. The atmosphere at Esters is about fun without any pretension, and the list accommodates connoisseurs and novices, alongside a wide range of budgets. With its prominent, spacious bar and communal tables, the cozy and stylish vibe encourages a social atmosphere for exploring new flavor profiles with friends and family.
To complement the extensive wine offerings, Esters also offers a thoughtfully curated selection of craft beers and specialty imports from around the world. The cocktail program features classic, stirred drinks like Gibsons, house-bottled Manhattans, and barrel-aged Negronis, alongside more contemporary creations like the Matrimoniowith lemon, mint, tequila and prosecco, and the brunch-friendly Chile Coffee Negroni —all made with premium spirits from craft distilleries.
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Esters, which derives its name from the chemical compounds that contribute to a wine’s bouquet, presents an integrated wine shop, bar, and market experience in Santa Monica, CA.
- Photographer: Emily Hart Roth

Communal table and part of our wine selection
- Photographer: Jakob Layman

Indoor Seating, Bar and Wine Room
- Photographer: Jakob Layman

A serene lounge-like setting
- Photographer: Jakob Layman

- Photographer: Esters Wine Shop & Bar

Charcuterie Platter
- Photographer: Emily Hart Roth

Overhead interior with guests.
- Photographer: Emily Hart Roth

Wine with Charcuterie Board
- Photographer: Emily Hart Roth

Outdoor Patio Day
- Photographer: Emily Hart Roth