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On a quiet West Village block, the wine bar Aria offers a warm, congenial atmosphere and a lengthy drink list. Couples pair up at the double-sided, white-tiled bar, while larger groups gather at the long communal station to sip vino in small glass tumblers. For those looking for punchier libations, there’s a list of vintage cocktails (“vintage” because they all survived prohibition) scribbled in chalk against the wall. Aria’s three mixologists don’t just muddle mint juleps, Singapore slings, and salty dogs; they’ll take requests, too. And in homage to his Italian culinary training, chef Roberto Passon doles out well-portioned, Venetian-inspired small plates including salads, prosciutto, and mini meatballs. — Kate Devine