I absolutely love this little hang out. This is the best place in the area (and among my top pics in the city) for a casual date with friends. The prices are reasonable, the live music is fun, and the dogs are cute.
The atmosphere of the Wine Vault is always nice regardless of what you're looking for. If you're in the mood for a little revelry with whoever may be passing by, grab a table close to the center. If a little more room to breath and a little less volume is what you are after, just grab a table around the outer edges.
I have to admit that this place doesn't come to mind too much during the winter; but every summer the Wine Vault manages to stay on my ever-changing list of places that I want to be.