You know how there are some bars and restaurants you just instantly love? That was the case when we wandered into Out There last year, a wine bar in Sawyer that opened in August.

The first thing to love is the building, a vintage Shell Station. In nice weather, the garage door opens to a lovely patio, which the owners lavish with flowers. Inside, which is light and bright, there’s a long bar and a few small tables.

The wine list is made up primarily of organically grown wines from Europe and the U.S. I don’t love fussing over a wine list so I love that there’s a house red, white and rose available every day for $11 (rotating selection). I figure they’re not going to give me a bad glass, and so far, so good.

In addition to wine, Out There serves a few draft and packaged beers (including Transient from nearby Bridgman, a favorite of my husband’s), cider and alcohol-free spritzes.

Most of the small menu is tasty snacky stuff that pairs well with wine: Marcona almonds, oysters, shrimp cocktail, cheese and charcuterie boards. But on Fridays and Saturdays, vegetarian pot pies from Bang Bang Pot Pies in Chicago are also on offer. Monday, bingo night, brings a vegan stew or soup. Sunday is honey-roasted chicken dinner night (my pal Laura and her husband loved it). The chefs source lots of ingredients locally.

But most of all, the staff is just plain lovely. Out There’s owners are Molly Kobelt (who owned Chicago Field & Florist flower farm and shops) and Penny Duff and Michael Slaboch (former owners of the catering and event firm The Storehouse here in Southwest Michigan.) 

A couple of times Michael has waited on us, chatting amiably and asking how we liked the smoked salmon dip, as he’d recently changed purveyors. 

There’s a small shop with some ceramics and home items, books, and chilled wine to go. (Note  that I refuse to use the overused and overwrought word “curated.” But I’ll say that someone has obviously put some thought into selecting the stuff for sale.)

The groovy music (why do so many places neglect music?) comes from a turntable and custom sound system. I’d say there’s a great vibe here, but that’s another overused word… 

Occasional live music, bingo, wine tastings and other fun happenings are part of the mix. See you out there.

Out There, 12312 Red Arrow Hwy, Sawyer