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At Ara Wine Bar, comfort exists in the intimate, earth-toned backspace, where highly-polished loungers chat it up on the cushy, U-shaped banquette piled with brightly-colored, over-stuffed pillows. The bar staff has as laidback an attitude as the patrons, and they are happy to help navigate the long, eclectic list of mid-priced wines offered by the glass or bottle. A modest beer and specialty drink selection complements light, crisp, red-berry and white-peach sangrias potently spiked with Brandy and Triple Sec. Moderately priced “small bites” appease your hunger with mini tamarind lamb pizzas and Mediterranean and cheese sampler plates. — Jennifer Howd