Ever walked down India Street in San Diego and felt like you were being watched by a house? Not in a creepy way, but in a "this building has seen things" kind of way. That’s the A.W. Pray House. Most people just walk past the tiny, Gothic Victorian cottage without realizing it’s actually M Winehouse San Diego, one of the most underrated spots in the entire neighborhood.
It’s small. Like, really small. We're talking 825 square feet of history.
While the rest of Little Italy is busy building massive, modern glass-and-steel restaurants with neon signs and "Instagrammable" walls, M Winehouse San Diego is just sitting there. It’s been sitting there since 1888, actually. It’s the oldest house in the area, and honestly, it’s the antidote to the over-polished corporate vibe that’s taking over a lot of downtown lately.
The History You’re Probably Stepping On
When you walk into M Winehouse, you aren't just going to a bar; you’re stepping into a piece of 19th-century San Diego. The owner, Ruth Melero, took over this space in 2014 and basically decided to keep the soul of the building intact. You’ve got the old wood floors that creak just the right amount, tin ceilings that reflect the soft light, and those slow-rotating fans that make you feel like you’re in a French bistro in the 1920s.
Ruth isn’t just a restaurateur; she’s kind of a serial entrepreneur who opened her first business at 19. She grew up in Texas, lived all over the world, and brought back this specific obsession with outdoor cafes and "memory-making" spaces.
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She wanted a place where the ambiance felt like it had been there as long as the building. It does.
Why the Upstairs Is the Secret Weapon
Most people walk in, see the small stand-up bar, and think that’s it. Big mistake. You have to go upstairs.
The second level is where the "Winehouse" vibe really kicks in. It’s cozy, intimate, and feels like a friend’s attic if that friend had a world-class wine cellar. They have board games tucked away, which sounds cheesy until you’re three glasses of sangria deep into a competitive game of Connect Four while watching the chaos of India Street from the balcony.
Speaking of the balcony—it’s the best people-watching spot in the city. Period. You’re perched right above the corner of West Fir and India. You can watch the lines form at Born and Raised across the street while you sip on something curated and way less expensive.
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Let's Talk About the Wine (and the Sangria)
Let’s be real: some wine bars are pretentious. They want to quiz you on soil pH and tannins. M Winehouse San Diego doesn't really do that. They have an international list of about 50 wines—Tuscany, Piedmont, Rioja, the hits—but the staff actually treats you like a human.
If you don't know what you want, they’ll just talk to you until they figure it out.
- The Sangria: People obsess over this for a reason. It’s house-made, not that syrupy stuff from a carton. You can get it by the glass or a pitcher. Get the pitcher.
- The Bubbles: They have a solid selection of sparkling wines if you're celebrating something (or just celebrating being alive on a Tuesday).
- The Cheese: It’s a focused menu. Charcuterie, specialty cheeses, light bites. It’s meant to support the wine, not distract from it.
One thing that’s super cool about this place is their late hours. In a city that weirdly likes to go to bed early sometimes, M Winehouse stays open until 1:00 AM almost every night. It’s the perfect "one last drink" spot where you can actually hear the person sitting across from you.
Beyond the Glass: The Social Impact
Something most visitors don't realize is that Ruth Melero uses the business to support some pretty heavy causes. She’s actively involved in supporting non-profits that focus on healing and education for abused women and children. It gives the place a different energy when you know the person behind it is trying to do more than just move inventory.
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How to Do M Winehouse Right
If you’re planning a visit, don't just show up on a Saturday night at 8:00 PM and expect a front-row seat on the balcony. It’s a tiny house, remember?
- Go for the "Before": Hit it up right when they open (usually 12:00 PM or 3:00 PM depending on the day) for a quiet glass before the dinner rush hits Little Italy.
- Go for the "After": It’s the ultimate nightcap spot. The lighting gets low, the street noise dies down, and it feels like a sanctuary.
- Retail Therapy: They recently started offering retail wine. If you find something you love, you can take a bottle home or to your dinner reservation nearby.
- Check the Calendar: They host a lot of private events—engagement parties, corporate mixers—because you can basically rent out the whole "house." It’s worth calling ahead to make sure a private party hasn't taken over the upstairs.
The Verdict on M Winehouse San Diego
Is it the biggest wine list in San Diego? No. Is it the flashiest? Definitely not. But it’s authentic. In a world of "concepts" and "branding," M Winehouse San Diego feels like a real place owned by a real person. It’s a Gothic Victorian survivor in a sea of modern development.
Whether you’re a local trying to avoid the tourist traps or a visitor looking for the "real" Little Italy, this 1888 cottage is where you want to be. Just look for the smallest house on the block.
To make the most of your visit, head to the corner of India and West Fir. Start with a flight to explore their international rotations, and if the weather is clear (which, let’s be honest, it usually is), snag that balcony spot early. If you're looking to host something unique, reach out about their upstairs private level—it's one of the few places in the city that feels truly private without feeling like a corporate boardroom.
Stay for the sangria, stay for the history, and definitely stay for the games.
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