Esteemed Chef Francis Hogan of Pleasanton’s award-winning “Sabio on Main” has opened Crush’d Wine Bar + Kitchen in Danville, a convivial gathering spot featuring an impressive 24 wines on tap. The intentionally selected premium varietals from California and Oregon—12 white and 12 red—illustrate the Crush’d mission to challenge traditional perceptions of kegged wine. 

Find seating at the bar, at low slung couches, or traditional and high top tables

Not only sustainable (the wine kegs are reusable or recyclable), the Crush’d temp-controlled taps ensure every pour is served at optimal temperature, maintaining wine quality. Crush’d offers its kegged wines in 3, 6, or 9 oz pours, as well as trio flights of 2 oz pours—a fun way to try a variety. On this visit, Chardonnays from Benevolent Wine and Trefethen, and a Dry Creek Chenin Blanc proved the ideal accompaniments to a selection of meant-to-be-shared menu items prepared by Chef Charlotte De Bleecker, formerly of Saratoga’s Plumed Horse.

Choose your own wine flight from 24 selections at Crush'd. Photo by Fran Endicott Miller

"My partners and I opened Crush’d with a unified passion for hospitality and great food and drinks,” says Hogan, whose interest in the culinary arts began at age fifteen when he convinced the owner of a neighborhood Italian restaurant to take a chance on an inexperienced teenager. “With decades of experience, we’re implementing many opportunities to be better; for our staff, our local economy, our industry, and our planet.”

Under Hogan’s culinary direction, and partnering with local farmers, ranchers, and purveyors, De Bleecker serves up delicious lamb meatballs, Hokkaido scallop crudo, sustainably sourced caviar from The California Caviar Company, locally sourced meat and cheese boards, deviled eggs with smoked salmon and trout roe, stuffed Medjool dates, salads, oysters, and a selection of yummy tartines served on fabulous Firebrand Bakery sourdough. (Tip: between 3 and 6pm every day—“Aperitivo Hour”—the small bites menu is a steal with each item offered at $9/ea and oysters at $1.50/ea) And don't miss dessert. The bread pudding, made with Parker House rolls and topped with vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel, is outstanding. 

The Crush'd culinary menu features a variety of shareable items

Lest it be mistaken only as a wine bar, Crush’d also features creative cocktails and a selection of beers, to be enjoyed at the stool-lined, quartz-top bar, upon low slung couches, or at both traditional and high top tables. A large communal table encourages neighborhood get-togethers. Partnering with Arcsine, an Architecture and Interiors Firm, Hogan’s goal was to create an inviting and comfortable atmosphere. Mission accomplished. 

Not simply a wine bar, Crush'd also offers creatively crafted cocktails and a selection of beers

Crush’d also features a highly curated retail space, offering a selection of gourmet items including local wines, a variety of tinned fish, olive oils, cheeses, and other imported delicacies. 

Open 11am – 10pm daily. Weekend brunch is served 11am-3pm Saturdays and Sundays. 

312 Railroad Ave., Danville, CA

Photos courtesy of Rose Street Co., unless otherwise noted