il Vino Wine Bar, New York

Exposed-brick walls seem to lean in close at Il Vino Wine Bar, hinting at the rustic nature of the shop’s pizzas and the warm regions of Europe, South America, California, and New Zealand that contribute to the wine list. Guests whisper conversations over the cork-topped tables, which bear those red, white, and sparkling wines. To take the edge off of the drinks, the staff also sets out plates of cheese and finger sandwiches that help fuel friendly chatter or heated arguments about which former president would make the best roommate. In plates of charcuterie, smoking and curing allows the earthy flavors of meat to shine more than traditional cooking methods.