Reds Cafe Now Urban Wine Bar

Amid the drone of neighboring wineries’ beeping forklifts and across the street from some currently sterile commercial spaces, Reds Urban Wine Bar (211 Helena Ave., 966-5906, redssb.com) steps in where coffee left off. Formerly a funky java shop, known for its artsy off-the-beaten-path vibe and Green Star brewed coffee, Reds has undergone a culinary bar blitz and decorative facelift in the Funk Zone. Cheese plates, tapas, and Bottomless Mimosa Sunday Brunch are among the new menu items, as well as an extended wine and beer menu put together with help from Santa Barbara Winery’s assistant winemaker Ryan Ralston. Owner Dana Walters hopes to host weekly wine tastings in the space, particularly focused on wineries that do not having tasting rooms. Clearing out the coffee table sitting areas made room for an extended wall booth, small tables, and comfortable geometric ottomans. Large parties will have space to socialize in a small dining area that will be home to a communal table. The same menu will be served all day and live music will start with Flamenco Nights on April 25. Red’s is also open till midnight, Monday-Saturday and until 5 p.m. on Sunday.