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This intimate (read: tiny) wine haven is a welcome escape from a neighborhood known for cookie-cutter pubs and overpriced restaurants. The pint-size space is all blond wood and exposed brick, with candle lighting and enough displayed bottles to emulate a cellar. Come early to nab one of the ten spots at the bar, or nestle in at a table to suck down an inexpensive Shiraz or two. The wine list is well-chosen, if a bit heavy on the Pinots, and priced well—procuring a good bottle for under $40 isn’t hard. There’s even a few surprises, including a Greek Moschofilero that’s so smooth even the Turkish bartender will gladly recommend it. For those feeling less oenophilic, the beer list includes nine Belgian ales, all of which are good. Given that the liquor license took forever to arrive, the kitchen had plenty of time to perfect its wares, and the results are impressive: beet greens bruschetta with spicy garlic sausage is near perfect, and a meat and cheese plate features a mouthwatering Edwards of Surry ham. — Melissa Lafsky