There are locally owned bars in the Brookside/Waldo area that have a chummy, neighborhood vibe– similar to the Cheers TV sitcom where “everybody knows your name”. Perhaps you know the bartender or tend to run into a neighbor during the visit. I’m thinking of places like Charlie Hooper’s or The Brooksider; Walsh’s Corner Cocktails. For several months now, Brookside has a wine bar with that same atmosphere…tucked away on Oak St around the corner from the Crestwood Shops.

Vita’s Place is owned by Brookside residents Ryan and Jenny Scaira; and is named after Ryan’s grandmother, an immigrant from Sicily who lived in Columbus Park. Vita was Ryan’s best friend, and as a kid, he practically grew up at her kitchen table, watching her cook and take care of family members and visitors. She inspired him: “If you take care of other people, it gives you a great feeling” says Ryan. So he went into the hospitality business, working at Teller’s in Lawrence; as the opening general manager and sommelier at 40 Sardines; then opened Cellar Rat Wine Merchants in the Crossroads. Eventually he left Cellar Rat to focus on he and Jenny’s young family; then decided to open another wine store, Underdog Wine Company in the Crestwood Shops.

Still, Ryan had the itch to start another business. After visiting several small wine bars in Brooklyn NY, he decided to open his own place. But where? He wanted to be close to his Brookside home and discovered this current spot would be available for rent (formerly Salon Latifa). He hired noted restaurant designer John O’Brian to design and build out the interior, incorporating custom wood paneling, antique furniture pieces, rich textured wall tile and comfortable cushioned booths. It’s the perfect spot to linger over a beverage enjoy a conversation with friends (or the bartender!).

Vita’s has an extensive wine collection, and Ryan changes most of the 40 wines by the glass quarterly. “The wine list is very personal to me”, he explains. “With my 31 years in the business, I have become friends with a lot of great winemakers, importers, winery owners;, distributors. The greatest compliment you can give any of them is to put their wines on your list. I like to showcase small production wines, made in an honest manner that pay tribute to where they are grown. We will let someone sample a small taste of any of our wines by the glass and offer them choices in 3 and 5 oz pours.” Every Monday Vita’s Place hosts wine classes, limited to 12 people and designed for those who want to gain knowledge and confidence in the various types of wine. There is a full cocktail bar (including a huge gin selection!) and non alcoholic hard liquor and beers. Ryan is especially proud of the food he offers too; chef Owen Manning developed a simple menu of selections, most using just 4 or 5 very fresh and high quality ingredients. Items offered change seasonally, and the plates come in various sizes and work well for a nosh or meal.

Naturally, Brookside has welcomed Vita’s with steady business. “I considered other parts of the city when looking for a spot, but it only made sense to do it here. There is really no where else I would have done it. Brookside needed this type of place”. Vita’s is the perfect spot to visit with friends for a pre dinner drink and appetizer; a light meal on Sunday evenings; or stop in to linger at the bar and chat with friends and the staff. Ryan says he has a knack for remembering names and faces so will likely greet you personally!

Vita’s Place is open Wednesday through Sunday at 5514 Oak St. Parking is available on the street. Reservations available via Tock.