VIBE

Despite being the humble subterranean sister to elegant upstairs restaurant Peasant, this basement venue offers everything one could want from a solid, authentic, Italian wine bar. In fact, the selection of great Italian wines puts this spot near the top of the wine bar pecking order in New York–the bottle list changes weekly, but all picks remain affordable and true to taste. All week long handfuls of hipsters and oenophiles descend into the rustic space, where wooden beams, brick walls, and worn furnishings are warmed by candlelight and where communal tables encourage meeting and mixing.

WHAT WE WOULD WEAR

Go smart casual in a chic low-cut blouse, flats, and dark denims.

GO HERE WITH

Significant other; a date

CROWD

It’s a neighborhood haunt filled with singles, romantic couples, wine connoisseurs, and after-work imbibers.

WHY WE LIKE IT

Passersby are unlikely to stumble upon this charming below-street-level venue, making it one of the best-kept secrets in this part of town. Apart from its wonderfully extensive wine list, the menu draws from the restaurant upstairs, offering authentic Italian platters of wood-fired pizzas, cheeses, and make-your-own paninis. With food this good and such an intimate space, it almost makes you wonder why people even bother with the pricier restaurant upstairs!

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

Not much, to be honest; maybe a couple more stools at the bar.

GOOD TO KNOW

The menu is actually a shortened and discounted version of the one offered in the main restaurant. Any of the bar’s carefully selected wines will pair well with the salumi bites or imported cheeses. Or, you can simply wait for your bread and olives, which are complimentary with a purchased carafe of wine.

CLOSEST COMPS

’inoteca (New York); Gordon’s Wine Bar (London)

Click here for our full-form mobile travel guide, The Purple Passport to New York City.