Their new wine bar is fairly decent . Brian who tends the bar is quite knowledge about wines, and offers good advice for a taste glass, or food pairing.

My S/O and I went last evening and had a great time.

Some esoteic wines from around the globe show up on the tasting menu. He also has a retail license, so you can buy and take home.

Is this just the bar inside the restaurant, or is this a different location?

I've been there many times but no more. We were there in the Summer a few years ago and the owner tried to seat us uostairs where it must have been over 80 degrees. I politely refused the table and said we'd wait for a downstairs table. The people up top were all mopping their foreheads. She told me it would be over an hour and I said that we had a reservation. Then, in a snotty tone, she pointed upstairs and said, "Your table's right there." We walked out. We used to go there 4 or 5 times a year and haven't been back since.

I don't need a wine bar. I have all I want and more.

As far back as I can remember, certainly more than a decade, that bar has always been there.

What is this Le Opera place supposed to be like? Old City Tavern allowed BYO.

Supposed to be country French. They did not change the interior very much at all. Left the brick and wood. Claim that the menu will be basic French, i.e. not the over-blown fancy stuff.

Will try to get a handle on corkage when we hit them tonight.

L'Opera has been open for months. I've been there a number of times for lunch (always good) and a couple times for dinner (mixed reviews).

I asked about BYOB one time, and IIRC they said no. Their wine list is not very extensive, but obviously favors French wines.

The food is really good: basic French bistro cuisine. Not heart healthy by any means (unless you believe in the French Paradox), but delicious.

I find an advance phone call often allows BYO when you let them know you don't mind paying a corkage fee and you won't be dining there otherwise. I do it politely and it usually works, though a Saturday night in the winter is not the best time to attempt this. Also, get the name of the person who OKs the BYO and tells you the corkage fee.