Long gone are the days when bars in the East Village hinged on binge-drinking, punk music, and barely-21-style debauchery. This soothing, narrow wine bar, for example, has played host to a cross-section of smartly dressed drinkers since 2000, offering excellent panini, bruschetta, meats, and cheeses alongside a stellar, affordable by-the-glass Italian wine menu (sake, grappa, and such are now available).

The blond wood bar is a great place to pull up a chair and catch up with a friend or two (no more) who can appreciate the throwback black-and-white films being projected on the back wall. If you’re straight and in Chelsea looking for a proper drink, head to the larger sister spot on 21st Street and Seventh Avenue.