Prepare to be charmed by Santos Uy’s (Papilles) intimate Parisian-style wine bar turned bistro. Rich, midnight blue walls, pressed tin ceiling and bookended hardbacks alongside framed portraits on shelves set the homey atmosphere, as a friendly staff pour about 30 palate-friendly bottles of small production, natural wines mostly from France, Italy, Germany and Spain. The tiny DTLA space doubles as a retail shop, so if you really like a wine by the glass, take a bottle home or peruse the selection displayed on shelves in the front of the bar. If you're staying for dinner, there’s also a three-course pre-fixe option , as well as small plates, cheese and charcuterie. Stop by for lunch and you'll be privy to Avner Levi's Cento Pasta Bar, a pop-up serving excellent pasta dishes like uni spaghetti.
Vitals
Good for: A very low-key, unpretentious wine outing. This is the perfect place to unwind after work and to escape the not-so-charming atmosphere of nearby Skid Row. Bring a date or rendezvous for post-work drinks during happy hour (Mon-Sun 6-8pm), when select glasses of wine and food items are just $6 and beers are a dollar off.
The scene: Exemplified by the cool, composed staff who maintain a low-key presence, the general vibe is quite relaxed with a tame atmosphere that lends itself to a good date spot. Couples pair up on comfy bar stools—there are only 18 seats—around the central dark wood bar or at café tables in the front.
Drink this: Whether white or red, the wines by the glass selection rotates constantly. If you’re not feeling the spirit of wine, seven international beers are available by the bottle.
