Last Saturday I met Christine at Bar Pastoral, a cozy wine bar in Chicago’s East Lakeview neighborhood, and I really had no desire to ever leave.
Bar Pastoral is an offshoot of Pastoral, a Chicago shop with wine, cheese and specialty foods that has a few locations in the city. Though “wine bar” immediately conjures up the image of a somewhat stuffy place, Bar Pastoral felt intimate, homey and casual. The exposed brick walls and mix of bar seating and tables created a down-to-earth, neighborhood environment.
From the moment I walked in, I felt welcomed: the hostess was friendly, the cozy space was warm even in the single digit temperatures and the wine list was both accessible and interesting. The space was small but uncrowded. Christine and I sat down a little after 5:00pm and immediately had the attention of the lovely bartender, who offered recommendations based on our preferences (sparkling rose for Christine, full-bodied reds for me).
We also split the winter cheese plate, with four different cheeses paired with a warm baguette and delightful accompaniments like olive tapenade, pear caramel and even coconut cake. My favorite was a tangy, creamy briette (far right) which was practically melting at warm temperature. Going out for wine and cheese was a reminder that, while you can buy decent imported cheeses at Whole Foods or specialty shops, what you get out of a refrigerated case may not have the same luxurious taste as something made nearby and offered fresh.
The atmosphere made our get-to-know-you blogging date so much fun. Christine and I met through the Bigs & Littles Blogging Network, an opportunity for bloggers to connect and grow through mentorship–online or off. We were lucky enough to be paired locally and get to meet up in person. It was so much fun to sit and chat with someone who knows the ins and outs of blogging, from the joys to the challenges and the responsibilities bloggers often take on. Christine and I talked about everything from managing sponsors to guest posts and how we bore our friends with too much talk of blogging. We also got to talk about our jobs, which are both similar and different: PR and communications, agency and nonprofit, coming at them from very distinct backgrounds.
Bar Pastoral was the perfect spot for us to get together. It had been on Christine’s “to visit” list for awhile, and I was happy to hear about it for the first time. Though it was technically a wine bar, they had a decent beer list as well, and a Half Acre beer flight + burger night advertised on the specials board.
Best of all, they have a raclette special coming up later this month on March 23rd! Raclette is a Swiss dish of melted cheese served with potatoes, cured meats and sides like pearl onions and cornichons. I first had it as an exchange student in northeastern France, and it’s basically the perfect meal for lovers of carbs + dairy + savory tastes. If I were in town, I’d be there in a heartbeat, but it sounds like I might have to wait until next winter.
Until then, I’ll be back at Bar Pastoral, and hopefully exploring some more Chicago spots with Christine soon!
Linking up with #TreatYoSelfThursday- but really, I’d go back any day of the week.
More Than Just Wine: The Food at Bar Pastoral
While the name “wine bar” might lead you to expect only a few snacks to accompany your glass, Bar Pastoral truly shines when it comes to food. The menu features a thoughtful selection of small plates designed to pair beautifully with the wines. Beyond the cheese plate we enjoyed—which, by the way, was generous enough to share but delicious enough to keep to yourself—there are options like charcuterie boards, warm olives, and seasonal flatbreads. I spotted a few tables diving into what looked like a rich, bubbling French onion soup, and the aroma alone was enough to make me reconsider my order.
What impressed me most was how approachable the menu felt. You don’t need to be a sommelier to find something you’ll love; the staff is more than happy to guide you. The bartender we spoke with knew the list inside and out, and she steered me toward a bold, peppery Syrah that I never would have picked on my own. For those who prefer beer, the rotating local drafts—including Half Acre—offer a nice counterpoint to the wine focus. And if you’re hungry on a Tuesday, the burger night special is a must-try; a juicy patty paired with a cold beer flight is a winning combination.
I also appreciated that Bar Pastoral doesn’t rush you. This is a place to linger, to sample slowly, and to let the conversation flow as easily as the wine. Whether you’re catching up with a friend or enjoying a solo date with a book, the pacing feels just right.
The Bigs & Littles Blogging Network: Finding Your Blogging Community
Meeting Christine wasn’t just a random coffee date; it was the result of a program that’s been quietly changing how bloggers connect. The Bigs & Littles Blogging Network pairs experienced bloggers (Bigs) with newer ones (Littles) for mentorship. The concept is simple: whether you’re looking to grow your audience, improve your writing, or simply find someone who understands the weird world of blogging, the network gives you a built-in support system.
Christine and I were lucky enough to be matched in the same city, which allowed us to meet in person rather than just over email. But even if your mentor lives across the country, the program encourages regular check-ins, goal setting, and honest feedback. It’s refreshing to talk shop with someone who gets it—the late nights editing, the endless pursuit of the perfect photo, the occasional frustration with algorithms. Our conversation at Bar Pastoral meandered from blog strategy to life goals, and it was exactly the kind of meandering that sparks new ideas.
If you’re a blogger looking for community, I can’t recommend the network enough. Here are a few things I’ve learned from my experience so far:
- Be open to feedback. Your Big is there to help you grow, not to judge.
- Set a concrete goal. Whether it’s posting more consistently or collaborating with a brand, having a target makes mentorship more productive.
- Take it offline when you can. If you’re geographically close, meet up in person. There’s something special about sharing a cheese plate and a glass of wine while talking shop.
And if you’re looking for more blogger inspiration, check out my previous post on Midwifery + Cocktails + Vintage Swag = Major Blog Crush.
Tips for a Perfect Wine Bar Date or Solo Visit
Whether you’re on a first date, a friend date, or just treating yourself, a wine bar can be an ideal setting. But to make the most of it, a little strategy helps. First, don’t be afraid to ask for recommendations. The staff at Bar Pastoral are knowledgeable and genuinely enthusiastic; they want you to enjoy what you’re drinking. Tell them what you usually like—fruity, dry, bold, light—and let them work their magic.
Second, consider ordering a few small plates to share. Wine bars shine when you can taste a little of everything. A cheese plate, a meat board, and maybe a warm dish or two create a leisurely, communal experience. At Bar Pastoral, the portions are perfect for two people to sample without feeling stuffed. And don’t forget to save room for something sweet—the pear caramel and coconut cake on our cheese plate were an unexpected delight.
Finally, give yourself time. A wine bar is not a place to rush. Bar Pastoral’s cozy atmosphere invites you to slow down, savor each sip, and enjoy the company. I’ve already mentally booked a return visit for a solo afternoon of writing and people-watching. It’s that kind of place.
Raclette: A Melty Swiss Tradition Coming to Chicago
If there’s one thing that will get me back to Bar Pastoral before spring, it’s the raclette special on March 23rd. Raclette is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. Originating in the Swiss Alps, the dish gets its name from the French word racler, meaning “to scrape.” Traditionally, a large wheel of cheese is heated near an open fire, and the melted layer is scraped directly onto plates of boiled potatoes, pickled onions, and cured meats.
The result is pure comfort food: rich, nutty cheese blanketing tender potatoes, with the sharp tang of cornichons cutting through the richness. It’s the kind of meal that makes you want to linger at the table, refilling your plate until the cheese is gone. When I lived in northeastern France as an exchange student, raclette nights were a favorite winter tradition. Families would gather around a special raclette grill, each person melting their own cheese in a small individual pan. It was communal, cozy, and endlessly satisfying.
If you’ve never tried raclette, this special is a fantastic introduction. And if you’re already a fan, you know exactly why I’m sad to miss it. Until next winter, I’ll be dreaming of melty cheese and planning my return to Bar Pastoral.