In an era when "wine bar" can mean almost anything, partners Chase Sinzer and Joshua Pinsky are reclaiming the term with Stars, their new East Village venture that opened in December 2025.
"Every decision we made about this place traces back to what we think the narrative of a wine bar is," says Sinzer. "To me, a wine bar has a rail. It doesn't take reservations. You walk in the door, and we lean over the bar and let you know how long it's going to be for a seat."
Sinzer and Pinsky met while working at Momofuku Ko, where the wine list was celebrated for its depth and relative affordability. That sensibility informs Stars' 1,000-bottle list, which opens with 88 bottles all priced under $88 — a showcase for underdog picks from Spain, Germany, and Italy.
By-the-glass offerings range from $11 to $19, an homage to Sinzer's time at Danny Meyer's Maialino, where the list always had to include something under $9.
The 450-square-foot space is designed to feel welcoming regardless of budget. Matte burgundy marble tile creates a warm amber glow, enhanced by a surprisingly convincing faux skylight. All 12 seats around the U-shaped zinc bar are at counter height to avoid dividing the room into "seated" and "standing" sections.
"I think there's a narrative out there that people aren't buying wine," Sinzer reflects. "I'm just telling you, as someone who's built his career on wine, everybody's drinking in our restaurants. Some people want the coolest $78 bottle with age. Here, we can do both."
Wine director Julia Schwartz curates the list with an eye toward discovery. Small snacks — deviled eggs with pommes soufflées, griddled shrimp toast — serve as punctuation between pours. But the emphasis is unmistakable: at this wine bar, the wine is the point.