Sip wine and restaurant bar is a hit

Susan Schell

of the Gateway

When Lane Scelzi visualized “Sip at the wine bar & restaurant,” he wanted to offer something for everyone. And from the way business has been since it opened March 26 in Uptown Gig Harbor, it looks like he’s hit his mark.

“We’ve been busy until late at night,” he said. “People are coming in waves and we’re getting good crowds.”

Scelzi attributes the crowds to movie-goers who leave Galaxy Theatres at various times and the fact that Sip stays open late — until midnight Sunday through Thursday, and until 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday. Sip is located directly across from the theater.

“It’s been packed every night,” he said. “People want a place where they can just sit in the bar, listen to good music and have good food that is reasonably priced, with good quality service.”

“It’s great having the theater to feed off of,” head manager Adam Graham said. “There’s no place to go after nine o’clock for a nice bottle of wine. Now we have that right here: A place with good wine and a good atmosphere.”

Graham grew up in Gig Harbor and has seen the city change from a fishing village to a town developing into something that has more to offer in the way of nightlife and upscale establishments.

“You don’t have to go to Tacoma anymore,” he said. “We have this right in our backyard. We have business meetings, people gather in groups and people come here on dates. It’s fine dining and casual at the same time. And we have a menu that hits everyone’s pallet.”

“We needed a place in the suburbs geared towards adults, like places in Seattle,” Scelzi said. “A place where people can feel comfortable coming in by themselves or with other people.”

The restaurant is spacious with high ceilings, large windows, a fireplace and floor-to-ceiling racks of wine bottles. The wine area features an expansive circular bar with TV screens.

Scelzi intended Sip to have a summer feel, so he designed the place accordingly. There is plenty of outdoor seating, plus an open fire pit. Large double doors can be swung open during the warmer months for a breezy indoor/outdoor combination. He even made sure the seating was placed to capture the afternoon son.

“I have to have my outdoor seating on the west side of the building, because the sun sets over that way,” Scelzi said. “I wanted to create my own concept. I think about what I like; I wanted a place I’d feel comfortable coming to.”

Sip will begin to offer live entertainment on Thursday nights. It also will be Ladies Night, when glass pours are half price.

Customers will be taken on a walk-in basis — reservations won’t accepted except during special occasions, like the upcoming Easter brunch or Mother’s Day brunch.

On Sunday nights, the restaurant will offer a supper featuring “comfort food,” which will differ from its regular menu. Normally, steak, pork, seafood and chicken are on the menu, along with side dishes, appetizers and desserts.

The restaurant can accommodate large groups, has “to go” orders and also offers catering.

Sip at the wine bar & restaurant

Sip is open seven days a week from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. for lunch, and from 4:30 p.m. to midnight Sunday through Thursday. It is also open from 4:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday.

Sip is located at 4793 Point Fosdick Drive NW, Ste. 400, in Gig Harbor, directly across from Galaxy Theatres.

For more information, call 253-858-3020. Reservations are not accepted except for special occasions.

Reach Lifestyles Coordinator and reporter Susan Schell at 253-853-9240 or by e-mail at susan.schell@gateline.com.