It was 1982 when John and Nancy Hill opened the Corner Wine Bar on the southeast corner of Guilford Avenue and Westfield Boulevard [G5 on map] (The Hills own the Broad Ripple Brewpub, now in its 21st year). The Corner Wine Bar was the first sidewalk cafe in Indianapolis. The Hills were instrumental in getting the laws changed to allow for dining on the public space of the sidewalk. According to Liza Zapata, current co-owner with Elizabeth Moore, CWB also pioneered wine-by-the-glass in the area. Liza pointed out that there must be something special about the block bordered by Broad Ripple Avenue, Guilford and Winthrop Avenues, and Westfield Boulevard. Two other restaurants in the block have also hit the 30 year mark-Union Jack Pub and Ambrosia.

Zapata and Moore took ownership of CWB in January 2001. Little has changed over the years. The European bistro atmosphere that patrons enjoy has been retained since opening day. The Corner Wine Bar offers a "continental menu" using local items whenever possible, and includes hormone- and antibiotic-free steaks. All items are made from scratch in the kitchen. Most items are in the $13- $30 range. The menu is changed twice a year for Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter selections. CWB is open seven days a week at 4 pm.

There are three distinct area at CWB. The main floor dining room with patio dining, the bar to the south of the dining room called The Wellington Pub, and the lower level dining/music area called The Wine Cellar. All areas of the building have access to the same Corner Wine Bar menu. The Wellington Pub was John Hill's addition in 1983 to bring an English Pub to the Village. Steel-tip darts are a staple at the cozy, neighborhood pub. The pub is kind of a secret place, as it has no sign! The Wine Cellar is a room for private events, weekend dining space, and year-round music. On Thursdays there is a rotating schedule of musicians. On Friday and Saturday nights the house band Touch of Grass performs. Sunday night is the open stage where performers come see Gary Wasson around 5:30 pm to schedule a slot on the stage. Gary has hosted the open stage for several years.

Treat yourself to an evening at the Corner Wine Bar and find out why it has lasted so long.