"If ever there were a bar to impress your most sophisticated globetrotting friend, Monopole would be it. The sexy European-style wine bar goes all in on atmosphere with a gleaming black bar, slivers of gray metal hanging from the high ceilings, and dark, rich woods. And although the cocktails are decent, what you're really here for is the award-winning wine list: that's 500 rare and boutique bottles from around the globe hand-picked by co-owner (and one of Australia's most renowned sommeliers) Nick Hildebrandt. The bites coming out of the kitchen are likewise excellent." - Kris Fordham, Laura Dannen Redman