Within the wine bar taxonomy,this gorgeously rustic spot falls under “twice a week”:casual enough for a post-work vino yet serious enough for dinner. Slip into its warm glow to nab a bar stool,the prime position for banter with waiters who know their wine.

Victorian drops mingle with Portuguese,French and Italian;all of them make friends with the Iberian and Middle Eastern-inspired menu. Manchego croquettes erupt with bechamel that rocks a jalapeno kick. An ocean trout skewer is grilled to medium-rare then livened up with zippy chermoula.

Whole cauliflower wears an intriguing coat of honey,hazelnut,preserved lemon and feta. With wine by the carafe,weekly specials and street side tables to people watch,this local ticks every box.