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The 5 Best Wine Bars On The Lower East Side

The once-gritty Lower East Side is known for its rock clubs, dive bars and hipsters, but there's a sophisticated side to the 'hood as well. For a quieter scene, step into one of these Lower East Side wine bars for a relaxing atmosphere and a glass of vino. By Selena Ricks-Good.
The Ten Bells
(credit: The Ten Bells)

The sprawling menu at this 30-seat wine bar is displayed across two wall-sized chalkboards, featuring mostly organic wines. Small plates are designed to pair perfectly with the vino, such as boquerones, salmon tartar and baked mussels with fragola. The casual, intimate atmosphere makes it an ideal date spot.

Wine
Wine (file / credit: clipart.com)

This warm and stylish northern Italian wine bar on the border of Chinatown certainly stands out from its dumpling house neighbors. Featuring a long wooden bar and a vaulted ceiling made from wine barrels, Sorella offers a small-plates menu by chef Emma Hearst with highlights such as tempura broccoli, veal sweetbreads and grilled quail. The wine selection is mostly from Piedmont, and glasses range from $9-$15.

Tre
Credit: Facebook.com/Tre

Pull up a stool at the bar at this trendy Italian restaurant for organic Italian wines, mostly from small producers. Highlights from the food menu include fried ravioli, lamb meatballs and homemade gnocchi.  On weekends from noon to 4 p.m., Tre offers a Champagne brunch for $19.95, getting you 90 minutes of all-you-can drink bubbly, mimosas and bellinis plus a brunch entree.

Jadis
Credit: Jadisnyc.com

This romantic French wine bar hits all the right notes--arching brick ceilings, flickering chandeliers and leather sofas--plus they offer a happy hour on Tuesdays through Saturdays from 5 to 7 p.m. featuring $5 prosecco and $4 select reds, whites and rosés. Pair your wine with small plates such with smoked duck salad, a cheese platter or quiche and head to the back lounge, which can be reserved for private parties.

inoteca
Credit: inotecanyc.com

Located on one of the busiest corners of the Lower East Side, 'inoteca is a bustling trattoria for small plates and wine. Choose from more than 600 bottles to unwind over while you nibble on dishes such as fried rice balls, paninis or lasagnette di melanzane.

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Selena Ricks-Good writes about drinks and produces events as The Dizzy Fizz.

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