The inviting space of Hidden Track Wine Bar and Bottle Shop is lined with interesting and colorful art, and bottles and bottles of wine, each with a “hidden track” (submitted photo).
Sharing a bottle of wine and tapas is a favorite way to connect with old friends and make new ones. But when the wine and tapas selections are guided by the friendly expertise of Craig and Danielle, owners, and staff at the Hidden Track Bottle Shop and Wine Bar, the wine and the food are elevated to a new level.
“We’re a small but mighty shop,” said owner Craig Dziadowicz. “We offer as much education about our food, wine and craft beer selections as possible, and that’s one thing that sets us apart.”
Dziadowicz became interested in wine when he was a teen, “People laugh because what teenager doesn’t become interested in alcohol? But my interest was a bit different,” he recalled. “My after-school job was working at a white tablecloth restaurant in my Wisconsin hometown. The owner asked me if I wanted to learn bartending. I wasn’t old enough to drink but I was learning all about wine – he sent me home with books about wine and how it’s made, its history and how to pair it with food. I read everything he gave me.
“That was the beginning of my career in wine and hospitality. I went on to work in the wine industry, and eventually opened my own wine bar downtown, with my partner Danielle Middlebrook, who also has long experience in the industry. Now we have opened our second location, and we really enjoy teaching our team and our customers all about wine and craft beer.”
Where does the name “Hidden Track” come from? Think of the hidden tracks on an album – a concept first introduced by the Beatles. This shop offers “hidden tracks” about the wines they sell – they are different, and all have stories.
The bar and bottle shop is cozy, with couches and comfy chairs nestled in corners, and walls are lined with art and wine bottles from all over the world. Wine selections change weekly, and events like Wednesday wine tastings keep the experience fresh and fun.
Dziadowicz and Middlebrook opened the first Hidden Track downtown in 2015. Their North Central location is tucked into a small development at 4700 N. 12th St.
The food? It’s as interesting and as tasty as the wine and craft beer. The owners call their menu “Iberian Franco inspired, with chef-driven tapas that pair with the many different global expressions of wine we curate.” Ingredients are locally sourced organic products, and the menu varies with availability of ingredients.
Customers from across the Valley drive to Hidden Track to meet friends for happy hour, couples meet for date night and work-at-home professionals meet clients here.
“It’s quiet enough to actually have a conversation, but lively enough to make you feel like you’ve ‘been somewhere,’” said Sal Romans, who walked in from her home in the neighborhood. “I’m meeting my neighbors for happy hour. We like to stay local but we love to go ‘out.’ This place is perfect for us.”
The shop has been named Best Bottle Shop in Phoenix, Best Wine Bar and Best Wine Shop by Phoenix New Times and Phoenix Magazine. The loyal crowd gathered on a chilly pre-holiday Tuesday was testimony to that. More than one customer purchased a bottle of wine to go, after enjoying a table of tapas and wine with friends. The outdoor patio as well as the bar and tables were almost full, and the aromas from the kitchen were spicy and added to the welcoming feel of the space.
The owners understand the business as well as the customers who enjoy it.
“Wine is an agricultural product, and there are variations that come with weather and soil conditions, as well as how the vines are tended, and how the grapes are processed,” Dziadowicz said. “Wine and food are part of the human social scene over the centuries, and we’re continuing that tradition here at our shops downtown and in North Central.”
Learn more at www.hiddentrackbottleshop.com.
