You’re walking through downtown Naperville, and the Riverwalk is packed. You want a drink. But not just any drink—you want something that doesn't feel like a standard corporate chain. That’s usually when people stumble into SixtyFour Wine Bar and Kitchen. It’s located right in the heart of Water Street. It looks fancy from the outside, but once you’re in, it’s actually pretty chill.
The name isn't just a random number. It refers to the 64 wines they have on tap at any given moment.
Most people think "wine bar" and imagine a stiff waiter judging your pronunciation of Sangiovese. This place isn't that. It uses these SmartCard-automated Enomatic machines. You get a card, you walk up to a machine, and you pick a one-ounce taste, a three-ounce pour, or a full glass. It’s basically an adult vending machine, and honestly, it’s the best way to learn what you actually like without committing $18 to a glass of something that tastes like a damp basement.
What SixtyFour Wine Bar and Kitchen actually gets right about the experience
Most spots in the suburbs try too hard. They either go full "rustic farmhouse" or "ultra-modern cold." SixtyFour hits a middle ground that feels expensive but approachable. You’ve got the choice between the main dining area, the bar, or that massive patio that overlooks the DuPage River.
The patio is the prime real estate. If it's a Thursday night in June, good luck getting a table out there without a wait.
But let’s talk about the wine tech. The Enomatic system is a game-changer for people who have "palate fatigue." You know that feeling where you keep ordering the same Cabernet because you're scared of wasting money on a funky orange wine? Here, you can spend two bucks to try the funky stuff. If it’s gross, you move on. If it’s great, you grab a full pour. It democratizes wine in a way that feels less like a lecture and more like an experiment.
The selection rotates constantly. You’ll find the heavy hitters—your Napa Cabs, your French Chardonnays—but they usually have some weird, small-batch stuff from places like Uruguay or Finger Lakes, New York. It’s curated by people who clearly care, but they aren't hovering over your shoulder while you drink it.
The food isn't just an afterthought
Usually, at a wine bar, the food is a sad plate of three crackers and a slice of sweaty cheddar. SixtyFour Wine Bar and Kitchen actually has a real kitchen. This isn't just "snacks."
Their menu is built around the idea of "Modern American Cuisine," which is a broad term that basically means they can cook whatever they want as long as it pairs well with booze. The cheese and charcuterie boards are the standard starting point. They let you pick and choose your cheeses, which is nice if you're the kind of person who hates blue cheese but loves a sharp Gruyère.
If you're actually hungry, the steaks and the sea bass are legit. They do a lot of small plates too. The Brussels sprouts are crispy—standard, sure—but they do them with a balsamic glaze and bacon that actually works. The flatbreads are also a safe bet if you're sharing with a group.
One thing people often miss is their Reserve Room. It's a separate space, a bit more upscale, meant for the "serious" collectors or people who want to drop some real money on a bottle that isn't in the machines. It has a different vibe—hushed tones, leather chairs, the whole bit.
The Naperville factor and why it stays busy
Naperville is a tough market. People here have high standards and plenty of options. If you're mediocre, you don't last on Water Street. SixtyFour has managed to become a cornerstone of the downtown scene because it scales with your needs.
- Date night? Sit by the window and share a flight.
- Business meeting? Grab a table in the back where it’s quieter.
- Girls' night out? The patio and the self-serve machines make it easy to socialize without waiting for a server every ten minutes.
It’s about control. You control the pour. You control the pace.
There's also a retail component. If you fall in love with a specific Pinot Noir from the machine, you can usually buy a bottle to take home. They have a massive selection of retail wine and even local craft beers if you're "wined out" for the day. It’s kind of a one-stop shop for anyone who appreciates a decent drink.
Common misconceptions about the "Self-Serve" model
Some people think self-serve means "no service." That’s not really true here. You still have servers who bring your food and check on you. The card system is just for the wine. It actually makes the bill easier to manage at the end, though you have to be careful—those one-ounce pours add up fast when you're "just trying" fifteen different things.
Another thing: people think it’s only for wine snobs.
Honestly? It’s probably better for beginners.
There is no pressure to know the difference between tannins and acidity when you can just taste it for yourself. The staff is actually pretty knowledgeable if you bother to ask, but they’ll also leave you alone if you just want to push buttons and drink your wine in peace.
Actionable ways to make the most of your visit
If you're planning on heading over to SixtyFour, don't just wing it. Downtown Naperville parking is a nightmare on weekends. Use the parking garages—the Water Street deck is right there, and it’s usually your best bet unless there’s a major event happening.
- Check the Enomatic list online first. They often update their "on tap" selection. If you have a specific region you're interested in, see if it’s currently featured.
- Go for the 1oz pours early. Treat the first thirty minutes like a tasting room. Find your favorite, then commit to a full 6oz pour for your meal.
- Don't skip the retail shop. Often, the prices for take-home bottles are more competitive than what you’ll find at the big-box liquor stores, plus you’ve actually tasted the product.
- Join the wine club if you're a local. They have a membership program that gives you credits toward the machines and discounts on retail. If you're there more than once a month, it pays for itself.
- Watch the events calendar. They do structured tastings and "meet the winemaker" nights. These are usually held in the Reserve Room and offer a much deeper look into the industry than a standard Friday night visit.
SixtyFour Wine Bar and Kitchen successfully avoids the pretentiousness that kills most wine bars. It’s a place where you can learn something if you want to, or just sit back and watch the river go by with a glass of Rosé. In a world of over-complicated dining experiences, having the power to just walk up to a machine and pour your own drink is a weirdly satisfying bit of freedom.